American actor Colton Haynes has confirmed he is gay in a new interview released this week. The 27-year-old has seen his profile grow significantly in recent years, thanks to his role in Teen Wolf, and as hooded vigilante Arsenal in Arrow, but as his fame increased, so too did his "anxiety" as he tried to hide his sexuality. Now Colton is ready to speak out. "People want you to be that GQ image that you put out, but people don’t realize what it’s like to act 24 hours a day. I’d go home and I was still acting," the actor told Entertainment Weekly. "People who are so judgmental about those who are gay or different don’t realise that acting 24 hours a day is the most exhausting thing in the world."
© Photo: Getty ImagesColton Haynes has revealed he is gay in a new interview
Colton found his sexuality the subject of speculation earlier this year, when a fan commented on the actor's "secret gay past", to which he coyly replied: "Was it a secret?" His response was taken as confirmation that he was gay – but that wasn't Colton's intention. "It was a complete shock. I wasn't ready to be back in the headlines. I should have made a comment or a statement, but I just wasn't ready," he said.
© Photo: RexThe star previously starred as Arsenal in hit TV series Arrow
"I didn't feel like I owed anyone anything. I think in due time, everyone has to make those decisions when they're ready, and I wasn't yet. But I felt like I was letting people down by not coming forward with the rest of what I should have said. "Following the incident, Colton checked himself into rehab to deal with mental health issues, and ended up making the decision to leave Arrow. "I've had terminal anxiety my entire life. Physically ill, fainting. I'm 27 years old, and I have an ulcer. I had to step back," he said.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe 27-year-old star is now "happier than ever"
Thankfully, everything has worked out well for the star, who is now "happier than ever"."It took me so long to get to this point, but I'm doing so good," he added. "I'm happier than I've ever been and healthier than I've ever been and that's what I care about."
