Grey's Anatomy Star Comes Out

Welcome out of the professional closet T.R. Knight, one of the stars of "Grey's Anatomy."

What a classy guy. There has been all kinds of speculation in recent weeks about his sexuality so instead of making a big deal out of it, he released the following statement to PEOPLE today: "I guess there have been a few questions about my sexuality, and I'd like to quiet any unnecessary rumors that may be out there. While I prefer to keep my personal life private, I hope the fact that I'm gay isn't the most interesting part of me."

Knight, 33, plays the unassuming Dr. George O'Malley on the hit ABC drama who has had unrequited love for Meredith Grey on the show which is a ratings blockbuster on Thursday nights. But it has been in the headlines in recent days because of a brawl that erupted last week between Isaiah Washington and Patrick Dempsey on the set. Washington allegedly referred to T.R. Knight with several derogatory slurs.

Knight is a Minneapolis native, he began his career in that city's famed Guthrie Theater. I think he is going to find that he is coming out to a big warm hug. My hunch is that Grey's Anatomy is going to have record ratings tonight.

In honor of T.J.'s very welcome disclosure, he has been added to the Out in Hollywood Photo Gallery of Out Heroes.