After openly discussing his sexuality on Instagram, the Angel and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
alum talked to EW about how the new NBC drama encouraged him to share his truth.
We may still be in quarantine, butJ.
Credit: Jeff Lipsky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
August Richardsis feeling free.
On Monday, theAngelandAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D.alum came out as gay during anInstagramlive video with currentCouncil of DadscostarSarah Wayne Callies.
I wanted that image to be honest and I wanted it to be correct.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: It’s been a huge week for you!
Why did now feel like the right time to come out publicly?
J. AUGUST RICHARDS:The timing felt perfect.
It was so divine.
But then there was that still that last bastion of going out publicly.
Youshouldbe proud of yourself.
Were there times before in your career when you considered coming out at work or publicly?
I had to parse that from being public about it.
I went through a very serious process with myself and then considered telling anyone else.
Some people do it simultaneously.
Everybody’s got their own way of doing it.
I drew a wall between my personal life and work and public stuff.
I only told him after we were done working together.
She was also part of your Instagram Story where you shared your sexuality publicly.
Was her support integral to doing it?
Yes and that was absolutely how I knew that it was the perfect time.
I didnt want there to be any secrets between us because our relationship is so tight.
I knew that I had to tell her.
Her response could not have been more wonderful and perfect and awesome.
So that made sense there.
I didnt discuss it with anyone.
I didnt tell anyone.
I didn’t want anyones influence.
I just thought it was the perfect time in my life, with her.
So, yeah, it was perfect.
This show has clearly had a huge impact on your life.
When I got on the show I was like, “This is perfect”.
So everything surrounding this show for me has been really kismet.
How is working with Joan Rater and Tony Phelan as showrunners?
It’s had ramifications in my personal life thats how nurturing and safe an environment they created.
Its collaborative, creative, and inclusive.
You feel like you’re part of the process.
I can never thank them enough for that.
How would you describe Oliver as a dad compared to the others on the Council?
Is he the strict dad?
Hes about presence and building a fence of protection around you.
That’s his role on the Council.
Do you have a favorite episode coming up?
I love every episode for different reasons.
They never got it without me crying, so I dont know what theyre going to do.
Council of Dads returns for episode 2 on Thursday, April 30 at 10 p.m. on NBC.
An encore of the pilot will air an hour earlier at 9 p.m.
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