Barrowman hits out at closeted stars

John Barrowman has described stars who refuse to admit they are gay as "sad".

The Torchwood star said being openly homosexual has not had a negative effect on the roles he is offered as an actor.

He told The Stage: "If it has been a problem, no-one ever told me so. I know people who lie about being gay because they think it will affect their work chances. That is just sad."

Sir Ian McKellen has admitted that his career improved when he revealed his sexuality in 1988, although he accused the US film industry of preventing openly gay actors being successful.

He said: "It is very, very, very difficult for an American actor who wants a film career to be open about his sexuality. And even more difficult for a woman if she's lesbian."

Rupert Everett claimed in his autobiography that he was passed over for roles in About A Boy and Basic Instinct 2 because he is gay.