James Spader is an American actor best known for his award-winning role on the shows “The Practice and Boston Legal”. He was born on February 7, 1960, in Boston, Massachusetts, to a progressive and liberal family which greatly influenced his upbringing. Spader attended Phillips Academy where he came friends with John F. Kennedy Jr. After turning 17 years old, Spader dropped out to pursue acting professionally.
It turned out that Spader was a natural actor and quickly got cast in supporting roles for films such as “Pretty In Pink” and “Mannequin”. In 1989, the rising actor starred in Steven Soderbergh’s drama film “Sex, Lies, and Videotape”, earning him his first Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor. Fresh off his success from Cannes, Spader went on to star in movies like “True Colors,” “Stargate,” “Crash,” and Spielberg’s 2002 erotic film, “Secretary”. The actor also lent his voice to the character of Ultron in the blockbuster film “Avengers: Age of Ultron”.
Aside from filmmaking, Spader has an illustrious career in television as well. His most notable performance was his portrayal of Alan Shore in “The Practice and Boston Legal”. The role gave him three Primetime Emmy Awards for Oustanding Lead Actor. Plenty of fans also recognize him as Robert California from the cult classic series “The Office”. Spader’s latest project includes NBC’s crime show “The Blacklist” which debuted in 2013.
Despite his numerous accolades, Spader has managed to maintain a low profile in Hollywood. This feat alone is impressive considering the effort needed to avoid the paparazzi and the media. Unfortunately, the actor’s resistance from the spotlight has only drawn more attention to his private life. So, is James Spader gay? Let’s check out the facts below.
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James Spader’s Relationships
Spader is known for being a private person and prefers to keep it that way. In an interview with Playboy in 2014, the actor shared a sneak peek into his mind regarding relationships.
I’ve been very successful keeping a private face on things, even out in public. If you’re recognizable and you want to draw people to you in public, you can do that. I don’t. If people put their lives in the public eye a lot, people feel as if they’ve gotten to know them through the media. I try not to open the door to my private life in a public way.”
James Spader to Playboy, 2014
Spader met his first wife, Victoria Kheel, at a yoga studio while he was still living in New York City. The couple dated for a long time before finally tying the knot in 1987. It’s also worth noting that Kheel worked alongside the actor on his acclaimed film, “Sex, Lies, and Videotape”. Although they share two sons together, Spader and Kheel filed for divorce in 2004. The reason for their separation remains unknown.
In 2002, Spader met fellow actress Leslie Stefanson while working on the set of “Alien Hunter”. At the time, the actor was allegedly still with his first wife. It’s unclear whether there was an overlap between the two relationships. Even though the two never married, they welcomed a son, Nathaneal, in 2008.
Spader remains tight-lipped about his family life and has never addressed his sexuality either.
Is James Spader Gay?
No, James Spader is not gay. The actor has never spoken about his sexuality in public. He was married once to Victoria Kheel with whom he shares two sons. He is currently with his long-term partner, Leslie Stefanson, and they also have a son together. Based on his dating history, Spader is assumed to be straight.