Actor Sean Maher, well-loved in geek circles as Firefly‘s Dr. Simon Tam, opened up in Entertainment Weekly about his sexuality for the first time, describing the interview as his “coming out ball”, something that he’s been dying to do for a long time. Though he has two children with his partner of nearly nine years, he was never publicly out as a gay man out of concern for his career.

He spoke fondly of his role on Firefly, and says that he wished he’d been able to be more open with his castmates about his personal life at the time:

“Looking back, on Firefly for instance, I do wish on day one I had told them because these are some of the most amazing people who are still like family to me. I am so grateful for that show because they saved me. I was so unhappy and lonely and to come to work everyday with that group was wonderful. It really was all I had at that point in my life.”

What prompted the interview is Sean’s role on the new show The Playboy Club, in which he plays a closeted gay man. (Having seen the show his presence is probably the best recommendation for it, if you can handle a 60-minute Don Draper impression from the lead.)

Good for you, Sean! Simon was my favorite character on the show, and I’m in favor of anything that makes him smile more.