Zachary Quinto, the star of Heroes and 2009’s Star Trek, has revealed he is gay.

The 34-year-old has refused to discuss his sexuality until now, although he joined other celebrities in making an ‘It Gets Better’ video.

He came out in an interview with New York magazine and wrote a blogpost explaining his decision.

On his blog, Quinto wrote that the recent suicide of gay 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer had spurred him to be open.

He wrote: “In light of Jamey’s death – it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it – is simply not enough to make any significant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality.”

He added: “Jamey Rodemeyer’s life changed mine. And while his death only makes me wish that I had done this sooner – I am eternally grateful to him for being the catalyst for change within me. Now I can only hope to serve as the same catalyst for even one other person in this world.”

Speaking to New York magazine, Quinto discussed his stage role as a gay man in Angels in America, calling it “the most challenging thing I’ve ever done as an actor and the most rewarding”.

He added: “And at the same time, as a gay man, it made me feel like there’s still so much work to be done, and there’s still so many things that need to be looked at and addressed.”