New John Barrowman Interview: Stefanie Powers Offered to Cover for Me

Doctor Who and Torchwood star John Barrowman recently gave one of the more interesting interviews I've seen from him in a while. It's in the British magazine Attitude and thanks to AfterElton.com reader Wayman, I got to read the whole thing. (Thanks, Wayman!)

Here are some of the highlights.

On realizing he was gay:

I knew I was gay when was I eight years old and found some magazine my brother had, like Hustler or something, and I just kept looking at the men and not the women. From then on when I heard the kids say "Faggot" I knew that I was one of those.

His first crush:

My first crush was on my best friend Mike Molina. We used to do everything together. I'd spend the afternoon doing sports with him, then I'd go and play Barbie dolls with my friend Laura. ...I remember copping a peek at him but I would never have dreamed of making a move on him.

His first boyfriend:

I didn't have a boyfriend until I was in London and in the show Matador. His name was Paco Perez-Arevelo and he played the front of the bull. [Laughs] And he was who I lost my virginity to also. ... One day I got call from my dresser John saying that Marilyn, my girlfriend from America, was waiting at the theatre for me and to be aware if Paco was with me. I panicked and didn't know what to do. I went to Stefanie Powers...and I asked her advice, so she was the first person I ever actually came out to. She said, "Honey, if you want I'll cover for you. You can say you're having an affair with me if you have to, but you also have the option of being a man and telling her the truth." So that's what I did.

There is quite a bit more, but to read the rest you'll have to pick up the copy of the magazine. Alas, it doesn't appear to be posted online anywhere or I'd link to the whole thing. Suffice it to say, John continues to be outspoken and frank, treating his sexual orientation no differently than any other celebrity. If only we had someone of his stature on this side of the pond. BTW, can you believe how young he is in that photo!

Editor's Note: Interview isn't quite as new I as I thought and looks like it came out in March. I don't think many folks have seen so I hope you'll still enjoy!