Josh Lucas is an American actor who became famous in the early 2000s for his multifaceted roles in romantic comedies and action films. He was born on June 20, 1971, in Little Rock, Arkansas as Joshua Lucas Easy Dent Maurer to Don and Michele Maurer, who worked as a midwife and doctor respectively. Lucas took to acting from an early age and was an avid participant in school plays.
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Lucas was only 19 years old when he moved to Hollywood to pursue acting full-time. After making a steady line of work through guest appearances and minor roles in television shows, the actor felt that he needed to freshen up his skills. He followed acclaimed actor and director George C. Scott’s advice and moved to New York City so that he could take acting lessons for the stage and screen.
At the start of the new millennium, Lucas’ efforts paid off and he started being cast in bigger roles for films such as “American Psycho”, “When Strangers Appear”, and “You Can Count On Me”. However, his mainstream success didn’t arrive until Lucas starred in “Sweet Home Alabama” with Reese Witherspoon. The film opened up with leading roles like “Glory Road” and “Stealth”.
Considered one of the heartthrobs of the 2000s, Lucas has a long list of high-profile relationships. From dating fellow actors to his unfortunate divorce, the actor’s life surely had its ups and downs. Now that the American Psycho star is rumored to be single, fans can’t help but wonder about his sexual interests. So, is Josh Lucas gay? Read the answer below.
VOTE: What is Josh Lucas’s Sexuality?
Josh Lucas’ Dating History
Before Lucas met his future ex-wife, he had a string of relationships and rumored affairs. Among his most famous pairings include Salma Hayek in 2003. The two were reportedly seen around Hollywood together, which only fueled speculation. However, the relationship would soon fizzle out in under a year.
Not long after being seen with Hayek, the actor was linked to model Liliana Dominguez and actress Connie Nielsen. The latter was known for her roles in “Gladiator” and “Wonder Woman”. Lucas also dated Austin Powers star Heather Graham but called it quits in 2006.
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Later in the same year, Lucas was seen in the arms of another actress, Alexa Davalos. The relationship lasted longer than previous affairs and the pair celebrated their two-year mark before going their separate ways in 2008.
It didn’t take long for the actor to move on though, because the following year he was spotted with The Notebook actress Rachel McAdams. The pair briefly dated and said their goodbyes after a few months.
From Whirlwind Marriage to Messy Divorce
In 2011, Lucas met freelance writer Jessica Ciencin Henriquez at a dog park in New York City. Henriquez later told the Huffington Post about their chance encounter.
It was one of those weird, chance, classic New York meetings. I don’t believe in love at first sight at all, but lightning definitely struck. There was something there between both of us and we were both kind of blown away.”
Jessica Ciencin Henriquez, Huffington Post, 2012
After two months of dating, the couple surprised fans by tying the knot. Shortly after their wedding, Lucas and Henriquez welcomed their only child, Noah. Although the pair did their best to make it work, the relationship wasn’t meant to be. They filed for divorce in 2014 and had an on-and-off relationship until the pandemic.
Since her divorce, Henriquez had been open about her thoughts regarding her ex-husband and co-parenting. When reports of reconciliation resurfaced, the writer was quick to shut it down with a series of tweets.
Exes are exes for a reason… Having a child with someone makes you want to forgive them more than you normally would, it makes you believe they are better than they are. But it takes a really shit human to cheat on their partner (correction: now ex partner) in the middle of a pandemic. Thank you for reminding me why I left you in the first place.”
Jessica Ciencin Henriquez via Twitter, 2020
In a 2018 essay for TIME, Henriquez confessed that co-parenting with Lucas hasn’t always been the easiest.
As a co-parenter and frequent social media over-sharer, I’m guilty of perpetuating the notion that anyone can seamlessly transition from a couple to co-parents with grace, dignity and ease… So, here we go, I’ll say the thing that no one else wants to say: Co-parenting sucks.”
Jessica Ciencin Henriquez in TIME, 2020
It’s unconfirmed whether Lucas and Henriquez are currently on good terms.
Josh Lucas on Sexuality and Gay Roles
Questions regarding Lucas’ sexuality originated after he joined the controversial off-Broadway play, “Corpus Christi”. The play was a modern retelling of the “Passion”, except this time Jesus is called Joshua and all his disciples are gay. Lucas snagged the role of Judas who, in this version, was a gay predator.
As he was on his way to rehearsals, Lucas was robbed and beaten by unknown assailants. It’s unclear whether they protested the play and Lucas’ character or that the actor was simply an unlucky person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lucas suffered injuries on his face and had to wear bandages while performing.
The terrible incident didn’t stop Lucas from supporting the LGBTQ community. He became a YouthAIDS ambassador in 2005 and organized awareness campaigns worldwide. With the actor’s charity work and portrayal of gay characters, many people have assumed that he was also gay. However, to make assumptions based on these speculations would be inaccurate. Lucas has never commented on or confirmed his gender identity.
Is Josh Lucas Gay?
No, Josh Lucas is not gay. People often assume the actor is gay because of his AIDS campaigns and gay roles, but this is untrue. Based on his dating history, Lucas is most likely straight. He shares one son, Noah, with his ex-wife, Jessica Ciencin Henriquez.