He came out as gay to the world in May this year, but Colton Haynes has opened up for the first time about making the confession to his family and friends at 14. The US actor was left shocked after being told the news resulted in his dad William committing suicide.
The Teen Wolf actor made the revelation in the latest issue of Out magazine and added that he'll never know for sure the reason behind his father's death.
© Photo: Getty ImagesColton Haynes was told his dad committed suicide after finding out he was gay
Colton, 28, said: "I'm the last person in the world who would day, 'Oh, my dad – pity me'. But I was told that my dad killed himself because he found out I was gay. So, of course, I lost it and was like, 'How could you say something like that?' And no one will ever really know the truth."
He continued: "But my brother and mum went to pick up my dad's stuff, and the only picture on his fridge was my eighth-grade graduation picture. So, I was just like, 'F***'."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe actor says he's happier than ever after coming out publicly
Despite being certain of his sexuality from a young age, Colton felt he needed to keep it a secret for the sake of his career – something he now regrets.
"I feel really bad that I had to lie for so long," he continued. "But I was told that was the only way I was going to be successful. When you're young in this industry, people take advantage of you, and they literally tell you that your dreams are going to come true. If you believe that, you'll do anything. And you do believe it, especially if you're from Kansas."
Colton, who relocated to LA when he was 17 to pursue a career as an actor, made the public announcement earlier this year during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. At the time he said: "I'm happier than I've ever been."
