Actor Hugh Sheridan Says He Likes Men, Women, but Not Labels

Australian hunk Hugh Sheridan revealed he has slept with both men and women, but eschews labeling himself or his sexuality. The star of Packed to the Rafters made the revelations in an essay he penned for Stellar Magazine. He wrote openly of his personal life, and said he was opening up now because he felt a responsibility to share his experiences in hopes it will help LGBTQ+ youth coming to terms with their own sexuality.

"In many ways, I wish I didn't have to write this, but I feel a responsibility to others who may come after me," Sheridan wrote. "By sharing my story now, and becoming more transparent, maybe I can help to give others who are private a break. We might live and let them live as they wish. I believe labels are for clothes, not for people."

The 35-year-old actor from Adelaide revealed he was bullied as a young teen for being gay, even though he was sexually attracted to the opposite sex at the time. It wasn't until he escaped to Sydney to attend the National Institute for Dramatic Arts, that he found himself falling for another man.

"I finally met a guy who I connected with emotionally, mentally and physically," he wrote, saying he was "over the moon" and told everyone about the relationship because he realized he "could finally be what people always wanted me to be."

Instead of receiving total affirmation from his two gay mentors, though, he instead was cautioned that being gay could be a death sentence for an acting career at the time.

"I was told that if I was anything but straight I'd never find work," Sheridan wrote. "And that I needed to hide my newfound love."

Sheridan acknowledged they were only "trying to protect" him and had his "best interests at heart," but "that was just the reality" of the time.

His relationship eventually ended and he soon found himself involved with a woman, but was "too embarrassed" to talk about it because of his past.

Sheridan is not staying quiet now, though. While he isn't afraid to talk about his sexuality these days, he's adamant he doesn't want to be labeled. Instead, he just wants to help others struggling as they come to terms with themselves.

RELATED | First Gay Wedding on Australian Primetime: Takaya Honda of Neighbours Opens Up