Neil Patrick Harris: 'Kiss from Burt Reynolds made me gay'

Harris came out in 2006 but cited a co-starring role with Boogie Nights legend Burt Reynolds as one of the key defining moments of his sexuality.

14:59 16 October 2014

In 2006, How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris confirmed that he is gay. In his brand new memoir, he revealed that he realised he was gay after co-star Burt Reynolds gave him a friendly kiss. 

 

The 41-year-old actor wrote that it was while acting beside Burt Reynolds in late 1980s for a detective drama B.L. Stryker that he became clear on his sexual preference. 

 

“As a joke at the end of one take, Burt leans over and kisses you square on the mouth.

 

“The crew thinks this is very funny, but it makes you uncomfortable. Uncomfortable and, it will ultimately turn out, gay. Burt Reynolds' kiss makes you gay.”

 

He added: “After a long internal journey, you now embrace being gay, recognising it as a wonderful and integrally important component part of the totality that is you.” 

 

In 2006, Gone Girl star Harris came out saying in a statement: “I am happy to dispel any rumours or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love.”