David Yost, The Original Blue "Power Ranger" Comes Out

The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers debuted in 1993 and became an instant smash, generating spin-offs, movies, and merchandise. Lots of merchandise. David Yost was one of the original "teenagers with attitude," playing adorkable nerd Billy Cranston, who, when not in his Blue Ranger costume, could usually be seen sporting suspenders and clunky glasses.

Billy left the show before the third season ended, and now David has explained the reason why.

In a new interview with NoPinkSpandex, David (who is now out) says "i walked off set one day, during the middle of lunch, halfway through the day. I had made a decision I had been thinking about for a good week, and the reason I walked off is because I had been called faggot one too many times."

He said he had been called gay slurs numerous times from "writers, directors, creators, producers," and his co-stars had even been called in the producers office and questioned about his sexuality.

The rest of the interview is heartbreaking and uplifting, as David recounts trying to "pray the gay away" before finally accepting himself.

For those of us who always had a crush on nerdy Billy, it's a fascinating look back at the anguish that David went through, and that none of us knew about. (t/y to reader Kevin).