Jane Lynch Says Ellen DeGeneres ‘Blazed A Trail For Me’ To Come Out

“Glee” star Jane Lynch says she was able to come out thanks in part to Ellen DeGeneres.

“I was more closeted in my life when I was younger. By the time I started to do work where people knew who I was, I just never made the choice to hide that I was gay,” Jane told Ellen on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” airing on Wednesday. “You know, by the time you get to be our age Ellen, there are no big deals anymore. I used to lay in bed and go, how will I come out or will I come out?”

The Emmy winner went on to explain that Ellen was part of her coming out story.

“Not just because you’re sitting with me, but [going public was] because of people like you,” Jane continued. “You were at the height of your fame and you came out. And that just blazed a trail for me. It really did. It made it so much easier for me what you did.”

The actress, who plays Sue Sylvester on her hit FOX series, said the type of parts she gets was also involved.

“It’s because I’m a character actor, I think. If Julia Roberts we’re gay, I think it would be harder. She’s an ingenue. You want to project your hopes and dreams for love… like Brad Pitt,” Jane told Ellen.

“So you’re saying Julia Roberts is gay?” Ellen asked.

“That’s what I’m saying. Right here on this show… She won’t admit it. I’m here to tell you she’s gay. You’re welcome Julia… It’s a push she needed and now she can join us,” Jane joked.

“That’s great that you helped her come out. I hope it doesn’t hurt her career,” Ellen said with a laugh.