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Rosie O'Donnell Clarifies 100% Gay Identity
11 Aug
Summary
- O'Donnell stated she's always been 100% gay since 1970.
- Her 1990s Tom Cruise obsession was not sexual interest.
- She felt unable to be an openly gay performer early career.

Rosie O'Donnell recently reaffirmed her identity as "100% gay," stating this has been true since 1970. During a recent conversation, O'Donnell addressed past public perceptions, particularly her well-known obsession with actor Tom Cruise in the 1990s. She clarified that this admiration never translated into a desire for sexual intimacy, explaining it was more akin to a schoolgirl crush.
O'Donnell also shared her early career apprehensions about being an openly lesbian performer in show business. She recalled believing that success as an out gay individual was not feasible, especially before prominent figures like Ellen DeGeneres were publicly out and shows like "Will & Grace" aired. Despite societal shifts, O'Donnell remains a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.