The CNN presenter realized he was gay when he saw Richard Gere half-naked

CNN presenter Anderson Cooper in a recent interview has shown how he realized he was gay.

The 55-year-old speaking to Radio Andy said that when he was 11 years old two friends of his mother, photographer Paul Jasmine and his partner, took him to see a Broadway show 'Bent' a Martin Sherman drama about the persecution of homosexuals by the Nazis.

The CNN presenter recalls:

"I remember saying, 'Oh my God, I'm gay.' "I'm completely gay," he said.

The show begins with a naked man waking up after spending the night with another man, before the protagonist then puts on his SS uniform.

"I mean the opening scene… It's the sexiest thing you can imagine." said the presenter adding:

 "This was Richard Gere in 1977 and he was so beautiful."

Because his mother's friend Jasmine had known the actor after photographing him for the film American Giglio, the trio was able to go behind the scenes to meet the actor.

"We go behind the scenes and Richard Gere is shirtless in his locker room and I could not speak." recalls Cooper.

"I had my picture and I wanted an autograph, but I just couldn't stop looking at his chest."

Although Cooper was unable to sign his photo that night, 10 years later while interviewing the actor, Cooper was finally able to get his autograph.

"I told him the whole story. I asked for his autograph but I could not get it then. He signed it but he seemed to be embarrassed."

Anderson Cooper publicly stated in 2012, in an article posted on The Daily Beast that he was gay.

When he revealed his identity he said:

"The fact is that I am gay, I have always been, I will always be and I am very happy, I feel comfortable with myself and I am proud."

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