Is Jonathan Taylor Thomas Gay? All We Know about the Private Life of the Former Teen Heartthrob
Since his teenage years, former child star Jonathan Taylor Thomas has been quiet about his dating life. His secretive nature has since sparked rumors about his sexuality, with many assuming he is gay. The speculation was further amplified as he took on queer roles in film and television.
At a young age, Jonathan Taylor Thomas had already found fame in the entertainment industry as an on-screen and voice actor.
He famously voiced young Simba in Disney's 1994 classic animation "The Lion King" and brought to life the character Randy Taylor on "Home Improvement."
Jonathan Taylor Thomas spotted on August 14, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
His career in the '90s became a whirlwind of success, with starring roles in "Man of the House," "Tom and Huck," "The Adventures of Pinocchio," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
Although he embraced his life as a public figure, Thomas valued privacy when it came to his personal life. When it came to Thomas's behind-the-scenes life, the actor kept mum, sparking fans' curiosity.
His secretive nature, coupled with the queer roles he played on "Common Ground" and "Speedway Junky," eventually led to rumors about Thomas' sexuality, with many assuming he is gay.
There Were Many Rumors about Jonathan Taylor Thomas' Sexuality
Although the actor was linked to Jessica Bowman, Thomas never publicly revealed his romantic relationships and refused to answer questions relating to his dating experiences.
In 1998, speculation about Thomas' sexuality emerged on the website CyberSleaze. The rumors immediately spread until they reached the actor's 95-year-old grandmother in Pennsylvania.
He also welcomed queer roles that other heterosexual actors would usually dodge. Thomas, who played a bisexual hustler in the movie "Speedway Junky" saw the opportunity as a chance to grow in his field. He said:
"I thought, 'If I am going to grow as an actor, I need to challenge myself.' I didn't do these pieces to change my image. I did them for me."
Jonathan Taylor Thomas from "The Great Race," circa 1993. | Source: Getty Images
Thomas also accepted a queer role in "Common Ground" to portray the difficult reality gays and lesbians faced in the '50s until the '90s. In a previous interview, Thomas acknowledged how time had changed society's perspective of homosexuality, growing more accepting of it.
However, LGBTQ+ community members continue to face challenges, and the rest of the population should not believe everything has been going well.
When "Home Improvement" went on a filming break, Thomas pursued his studies as a straight-A student. He also allowed time for other activities, such as fishing and collecting sports cards.
In 1998, speculation about Thomas' sexuality emerged on the website CyberSleaze. The rumors immediately spread until they reached the actor's 95-year-old grandmother in Pennsylvania. Still, Thomas was unbothered by what other people thought.
He focused on his career, filming Disney's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and not bothering to read the rumors about him. Finally, in 1998, Thomas addressed the rumors during an interview with Jay Leno. He said:
"Pretty much in Hollywood, you're not anyone until it's rumored that you're gay, so I wasn't upset about it. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but they're rumors [...]."
Leno then finally asked Thomas the question many had been dying to know the answer to. The actor confirmed, "No, I'm not [gay]. I'm not."
Jonathan Taylor Thomas Didn't Want His Fame to Define Him
While Thomas' sexuality was questioned, his talent as an actor was never doubted. Amassing fame did not come easy for Thomas, who had a demanding and busy schedule. Still, he never neglected his personal priorities.
When "Home Improvement" went on a filming break, Thomas pursued his studies as a straight-A student. He also allowed time for other activities, such as fishing and collecting sports cards.
He was also elected into the SAG-AFTRA National Board, a labor union representing over 100,000 employees from show business.
Being a famous child actor had advantages and disadvantages; for Jonathan Taylor Thomas, it was too taxing on his body. The actor suffered from migraines due to stress and was in pain when he worked at the studio.
Thomas later admitted that staying on "Home Improvement" would have brought him to the grave sooner, so at one point, Thomas needed to step back and focus on himself. "I'd been going non-stop since I was eight years old. I never took the fame too seriously. It was a great period in my life, but it doesn't define me," he said.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas from "Home Improvement," circa 1993. | Source: Getty Images
Thomas left his acting career in the early 2000s. Around that time, he studied history and philosophy at Harvard University and went abroad for further education. Although he left the prestigious school after two years, he later enrolled and graduated from Columbia University.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas Recently Reentered the Spotlight after a Long Hiatus
Thomas has since reentered the entertainment scene, mostly working behind the screens. His last on-screen appearance was in the series "Last Man Standing" in 2013, which he also directed.
He had already enjoyed fame and glory during his days as a teen heartthrob, and now he is watching from a more peaceful yet exciting view.
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