Despite his publicist
s best attempt at denial last week, Neil Patrick Harris has confirmed to People what those familiar with the Broadway scene have known for years -- he is gay. The actor, who shot to fame as Doogie Houser, a teen genius working as a doctor in a busy hospital, has been privately out for years. Let
s just say he had quite a good time with the chorus boys while performing on the Broadway stage, okay? So last week, when his publicist issued a statement saying he is �"not of that persuasion,” many of us were left scratching our heads -- we
ve seen him with his boyfriend! Neil finally realized that it isn
t actually 1952 and that gay in Hollywood is hot, not career-ending. He told People:

"The public eye has always been kind to me, and until recently I have been able to live a pretty normal life. Now it seems there is speculation and interest in my private life and relationships. So, rather than ignore those who choose to publish their opinions without actually talking to me, I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love."

Indeed.