By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Angel Star J. August Richards Just Came Out As Gay
The 46-year-old actor, most known for his Angel and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. roles, opened up about his sexuality!
Actor J. August Richards, who is most known as Charles Gunn in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer spinoff Angel and as Mike Peterson in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., has come out as gay at the age of 46.
Richards is currently starring in NBC's new show Council of Dads and plays a married gay man. In an interview clip posted on Instagram, he shares why he chose to come out to the cast and crew.
In his new show, Richards plays Oliver, a "Black gay professional married to a Black gay professional" and the couple has a daughter. The interviewer notes that we have never seen a relationship like this on television before.
Richards says he got into acting to "combat oppression" and the show "required me to show up fully in a way that I don't always when I'm working. I knew that I could not portray this gay man honestly without letting you all know that I am a gay man myself.”
Richards understands the significance his coming out can have on the world. "I knew how important it is to other people out there like me who would need to see that role model."
Thank you for sharing who you are with us, J. August!
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
![[L-R] Froy Gutierrez as “Ryan” and Madelaine Petsch as “Maya” in THE STRANGERS - Chapter 1, a Lionsgate release. Photo Credit: John Armour for Lionsgate.](https://www.pride.com/media-library/l-r-froy-gutierrez-as-ryan-and-madelaine-petsch-as-maya-in-the-strangers-chapter-1-a-lionsgate-release-photo-credit-j.jpg?id=52253229&width=1245&height=700&quality=85&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
