Nathan Lane Says Robin Williams Protected Him From Being Outed by Oprah: ‘He Was a Saint’
Meta Description: Nathan Lane reveals how Robin Williams protected him from being outed as gay on national TV during an interview with Oprah, calling him a ‘saint’.
Actor Nathan Lane has revealed that the late Robin Williams acted as his protector during a joint television appearance, diverting Oprah Winfrey from questioning Lane about his sexuality before he was ready to discuss it publicly. In a recent interview on Sunday Sitdown, Lane shared the deeply personal story, highlighting Williams’ profound act of friendship and support.
A Terrifying Prospect
Lane explained the immense fear he felt ahead of the high-profile interview with Winfrey. He recounted a private conversation with Williams, expressing his profound anxiety about the topic of his sexuality potentially coming up on national television.
“I don’t think Oprah was trying to out me, but I said to Robin beforehand: ‘I’m not prepared. I’m so scared of going out there and talking to Oprah,'” Lane stated. “‘I’m not prepared to discuss that I’m gay on national television, I’m not ready.'”
According to Lane, Williams immediately offered his assurance and support. “And [Robin] said: ‘Oh, it’s alright, don’t worry about it, we don’t have to talk about it, we won’t talk about it.'”
‘He Was a Saint’
True to his word, Williams shielded Lane during the interview. When the conversation appeared to be heading toward the sensitive subject, Williams skillfully intervened, preventing a moment Lane was not prepared for.
Lane recalled how Williams “sort of swoops in and diverts Oprah and goes off on a tangent and protects [him] because he was a saint.” The gesture was a testament to Williams’ character and his commitment to protecting his friend’s privacy and emotional well-being. This act of allyship by Robin Williams ensured Lane could maintain control over his own narrative.
The Pressure of a Public Life
The incident underscores the unique and often intense pressures public figures face regarding their personal lives. Lane elaborated on his hesitation, noting the difficult transition from a private individual to a celebrity whose life is subject to public discussion and declaration.
“‘Oh, now you’re a public figure, and you have to make some sort of public statement about it.’ I was terrified,” Lane added, reflecting on the challenges of publicly coming out. “I just wasn’t ready to do that, to make this whole thing…the public side of it, the celebrity side.” His story offers a poignant look at the personal courage it takes to navigate fame, especially when facing monumental interviews with figures like Oprah Winfrey.
