The question surrounding Michael Johnston’s sexuality has become a topic of significant public interest, particularly following his breakout leading role in the 2026 horror film Obsession. For many fans discovering the actor for the first time, curiosity about his personal life is natural, especially given the intense, heterosexual romantic storyline of the film. However, the answer to this question is not a matter of speculation or rumor; it is a matter of public record, openly discussed by the actor himself.
Michael Johnston is an openly gay man. He publicly came out in early 2023. This wasn’t a secret revealed by tabloids but a personal milestone he chose to share, initially by debuting his relationship with his then-boyfriend on social media. For fans and the LGBTQ+ community, this confirmation has been a source of celebration, with many embracing him as a talented, openly queer actor making waves in Hollywood.
You Might Like: Rex Heuermann: What He Did to His Victims and How He Got Caught
From Teen Wolf to Obsession: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Johnston’s path to publicly embracing his identity is deeply intertwined with his acting career. The 30-year-old North Carolina native first gained recognition for his role as Corey Bryant in the fifth and sixth seasons of MTV’s Teen Wolf. Interestingly, Corey was a gay character in a relationship with another male character, a role Johnston landed when he was just 19 years old. In a recent interview with Anthem Magazine, he described this as a “total coincidence”, noting that he wasn’t out at the time and found the prospect of playing a gay teenager “really scary, especially coming from North Carolina — the Bible Belt”.
I just want to congratulate Michael Johnston, who is openly gay, on all his recent success with smash hit ‘Obsession.’ A huge win for queer talent 🤍 pic.twitter.com/r089OYtAzN
— Male Central (@TheMale_Central) May 31, 2026
However, the role proved to be a pivotal moment in his life. The overwhelming positive response from LGBTQ+ fans who saw themselves in his character had a profound impact on him. He later revealed in a video with Fr Conventions that playing Corey “gave me the confidence to come out“. He explained, “I really didn’t ever think that it could have that kind of impact”. This experience, along with his role in the film Slash where he played a character questioning his sexuality, helped him better understand himself. He emphasizes that while he is “very proud of who I am,” he approaches every role by looking for the humanity in the story, stating, “Love is universal“.
Public Confirmation and Current Relationship Status
Michael Johnston officially came out as gay in early 2023. At that time, he was in a relationship with filmmaker and writer Anthony Sellitti. The couple dated for about two years, from approximately 2022 to 2024. While they have since parted ways and removed photos of each other from their social media profiles, the confirmation of his sexuality remains a clear and established fact.
More Read
Also See: Jude Bellingham: The Family, Heritage, and Sacrifice Behind Football’s Brightest Star
As for his current relationship status, it is unclear if Johnston is dating anyone. In recent years, particularly following the success of Obsession, he has chosen to keep his personal life more private, with his social media presence focusing primarily on his professional work. This decision to maintain privacy regarding his current dating life does not change the clarity of his public identity: Michael Johnston is an openly gay actor.
In conclusion, the question of whether Michael Johnston is gay has a definitive answer. He is a proud, openly gay man whose journey of self-acceptance was significantly aided by the very roles he played. His story serves as a powerful example of the importance of representation, showing how art can not only reflect life but also help individuals discover and embrace their true selves.
