Robert Sheehan, whose full name is Robert Michael Adam Sheehan, is a 35-year-old Irish actor who is best known for his portrayal of Nathan Young in “Misfits” (2019-2013), Darren Treacy in “Love/Hate” (2010-2014), and Klaus Hargreeves in “The Umbrella Academy” (2019-present). Aside from being a part of several TV series, he also did remarkable roles on the big screen. Among his most notable films were “Mortal Engines” (2018) and “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” (2013).
The actor received multiple nominations for the Irish Film and Television Award and British Academy Television Award. He also made it to the 2020 list of Ireland’s greatest film actors by The Irish Times, landing in the 41st spot.
Because of his portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in several TV shows and films, as well as his supportive statements and involvement in LGBTQ+ events, some fans assume that Robert Sheehan is gay in real life. So, is Robert Sheehan gay? Let’s get to know the actor better for the answer.
VOTE: What is Robert Sheehan’s Sexuality?
Robert Sheehan’s Sexuality: What Started the Gay Rumors
Robert Sheehan is best known for being part of the cast of the American TV series “The Umbrella Academy”. In the said Netflix hit series, Robert plays the role of Klaus Hargreeves, one of the seven siblings who each have unique superhuman abilities. The character, who can communicate with the dead, was openly gay. And playing a gay character in the series has sparked rumors about the actor’s sexuality in real life.
It doesn’t help that Robert said that he prefers women’s clothes. In an interview with Attitude magazine back in August 2020, the actor said that Klaus’ wardrobe is close to his own personal taste when it comes to clothing.
I really prefer how ladies’ clothes look on me, to be honest. It’s the great secret of retail: guys, get out there and go to the ladies’ side of things. The cuts are much more European, if you will. And so that quite naturally seemed to match Klaus – low-cut jeans, cleavage, lots of skin, lots of nudity. Which, again, reflects my own tastes.”
Robert Sheehan told the Attitude magazine
Klaus’ journey to embracing his own sexuality has somehow resonated with a lot of “The Umbrella Academy” fans who belong to the LGBTQ+ community. Robert said that he enjoys speaking to them at conventions.
Certainly at the [comic] cons, you get a lot of younger people who identify in the LGBTQ bracket. Lovely, young, queer people coming up and saying lovely, meaningful things. People who are at the formative part of their lives. That’s very nice.”
the actor shared
However, Robert doesn’t want his character to be labeled as just “the gay one”. The actor wanted the viewers to see Klaus’ character beyond his sexuality.
Like it or not, if your character is labelled as a ‘gay character’, then that label becomes defining and it kind of reduces all else about the character. So you’re kind of doing the character a bit of a disservice.”
Robert told Digital Spy
On Admitting He Had Experience With Dudes
I had a couple of experiences… with dudes.”
Robert Sheehan
In an interview with The Irish Examiner, Robert admitted that he had some experiences with men. He confessed that he, at one point, was exploring his sexuality.
I think it would be irresponsible not to question your sexuality. I had a couple of experiences when I was younger with dudes where I tried it, experimented to see if it did anything for me… It didn’t, but I gave it a go!”
Although the actor didn’t shy away from the topic of his sexuality and even admitted that he “experimented” a little, he clarified that it didn’t do anything for him. He realized that he wasn’t really into men. Yes, Robert Sheehan is not gay. He identifies himself as straight.
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Robert Sheehan’s Relationships
The actor was in a relationship with Algerian actress Sofia Boutella for four years. They worked together on the movie “Jet Trash” (2016).
The couple met in 2014 while filming for the movie and started dating right away. They managed to keep their relationship lowkey at first before they made public appearances together.
Robert shared in an interview with the Irish Independent in February 2017 how it was to transition from being on-screen partners to being lovers in real life.
It was a day-dreamy setting; the waves, the sand, and the sunsets. That kind of endears you to love. But then we went back to London and had to learn how to get on and how not to quarrel. Because when two people are in love, they quarrel the most because they’re probably sensitive the most to one another.”
He also shared their struggles and how they eventually overcame them.
We certainly get on now. I think you realize after a while, that what it is, we’re both very married to our work, which after a while becomes this sort of core issue.”
They, however, broke up in 2018. Rumor has it that it was because of Sofia’s Star Wars co-star, Chris Pine. It was, however, not confirmed.
Sofia later posted a video of her kissing Miles McMillan, somehow confirming the rumors that she was no longer together with Robert.
In an interview with Hot Press in October 2018, Robert officially confirmed the breakup.
We loved each other a lot. We had a similar life, which was problematic. Long-distance. A lot of long-distance, which was tough. It put a strain on things. But she’s a magnificent person. She really is. Luckily, we’re still friends. We still love each other a lot. We still acknowledge that, you know.”
Robert Sheehan told Hot Press
Sofia Boutella was Robert Sheehan’s last high-profile relationship. But before he started dating Sofia, the actor was also in a relationship with German actress Leonie Kranzle. The two had dated in 2010, although there weren’t much details about the relationship.
The actor was reportedly single as of writing.
Is Robert Sheehan Gay?
No, Robert Sheehan is not gay. Although he admitted to having “experimented” a little in the past to explore his sexuality, he said it only made him realize that he doesn’t really swing that way. So yes, the actor identifies himself as straight.