Richard Armitage, who is best known for his roles in The Hobbit and Netflix’s Obsession, recently opened up about his sexuality for the first time in an interview with Radio Times. The actor revealed that he came out as LGBTQ+ at the age of 19 to “anybody who mattered.”
Despite his openness about his sexuality, Armitage admitted that he didn’t want discussions or rumors about it to overshadow his career. “I don’t know that I ever wanted to put myself in front of the work I was doing, anything about my family or personal life. I just thought, ‘Let the work speak for itself.'”
Armitage also praised the younger generation’s progressive approach to LGBTQ+ issues and the fluidity of love and identity. “I love the idea that whatever gender, sexuality, the fluidity of who you love, how you identify, is not fixed,” he said.
In a separate conversation with the Evening Standard, Armitage shared that he had a conversation about the various nude and sex scenes in Obsession with his male partner. He reassured him that everything would be fine and that they were being well looked after.
Obsession follows Armitage’s character, William, a surgeon who becomes infatuated with his son’s fiancée, Anna (Charlie Murphy). The four-part miniseries also stars Indira Varma, Rish Shah, Pippa Bennett-Warner, and Sonera Angel.
Overall, Armitage’s decision to open up about his sexuality is a significant step forward in the entertainment industry’s representation of LGBTQ+ individuals. It shows that one’s sexuality should not overshadow their work and that progress is being made towards a more accepting and inclusive society.