Actor DJ Qualls Comes Out as Gay at 41

Kicking the new year off with a spurt of honesty, actor DJ Qualls just came out at the age of 41.

The actor best known for his roles in the early 2000s comedies Road Trip and The New Guy shared the news on Twitter Friday night.

“It is 11:20pm. I just came out on stage at a @jimjefferies show in San Diego,” he wrote. “Yep, I’m gay. Been gay this whole time. Tired of worrying about what people would think of me. Tired of worrying about what it would do to my career.”

It is 11:20pm. I just came out on stage at a @jimjefferies show in San Diego. Yep, I’m gay. Been gay this whole time. Tired of worrying about what people would think of me. Tired of worrying about what it would do to my career. — DJ Qualls (@TheOnlyDJQualls) January 11, 2020

While Qualls first gained recognition for his work in the 2000s, he’s maintained a healthy career, most recently starring in Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle (where he played a gay man) and Syfy’s Z Nation. He has also popped up multiple times over the year’s on the long-running CW series Supernatural.

According to E! News, Qualls has never spoken publicly about his love life or sexuality before now.

And his revelation has been met with encouragement from both friends and fans across Twitter.

Thank you for sharing you’re true self with us. May the burden you’ve lifted from your shoulders bring you clarity. Proud of you brother. Behind you 100%, and sending virtual hugs — Sam Kernoghan (@Socialllama81) January 11, 2020

— Julie McNiven (@Juliemcniven) January 11, 2020

You're in good company. Thank you for opening up, and we've all got you. — Wayward Daughters (@WaywardDaughtrs) January 11, 2020

Way to go, my darling boy. I bet it feels fabulous. Congratulations! — Samantha Ferris (@samanthajferris) January 11, 2020

I waited until I’d left home and moved to LA to come out, but when I did, one of my new friends immediately called me on the phone and said, “hey man, I just want you to know, I really believe this is going to be one of the best years of your life.” He was 100% right — DB (@dennisbhooper) January 11, 2020

You’re the best and we all love you. — Scott Zabielski (@scottzabielski) January 11, 2020

— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) January 11, 2020