Talented television and Broadway star Neil Patrick Harris has decided to tell the world he's gay following widespread reports about his private life this week.
"(I) am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest," Harris tells People magazine's Web site.
The 33-year-old actor, currently starring in the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother," said he decided to reveal his sexuality to end "speculation and interest in my private life and relationships."

That speculation began with an Oct. 23 item on the Web site Canada.com that claimed Harris had helped his "longtime sweetheart," actor David Burtka, land a part on his hit CBS sitcom. That was followed by an unconfirmed report Nov. 1 that a publicist for Harris said the actor is "not of that persuasion."

Here is Harris' complete statement:
"The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life. Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships. So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors 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."

Perez Hilton, Defamer.com and other gossip blogs jumped on the topic, eager to "out" the actor. I wrote about the reports this week in "Out of Hollywood" but it was with mixed feelings. Harris was already widely known to be gay but it really was up to him to come out publicly.

And so he has.

Good for him! He has followed T.R. Knight's example of issuing a statement and leaving it at that. Neither he or Knight need the publicity since both are on hit shows and have a high profile. Of the high-profile coming out stories of recent months, Lance Bass has probably benefited the most. His profile was almost non-existent at that point but coming out on the cover of People magazine and having a high-profile relationship with hunky "Amazing Race" winner Reichen has him on the pages of many magazines and on all the "ET," "Access Hollywood" shows.

With both Harris and Knight playing convincing heterosexuals on their respective shows, they are proving that being openly gay doesn't have to be career suicide. I was at an event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel tonight and was told about yet another high-profile actor thinking of coming out soon. Can't spill just yet, sorry. I hope it's a trend.
As for Harris, HOORAY! I'm a big fan of his professionally and now personally. I am so proud to add him to the Out in Hollywood gallery of out heroes.