Grey’s Anatomy star Jake Borelli comes out as gay
Actor Jake Borelli attends the 300th “Grey’s Anatomy” Episode Celebration on November 4, 2017, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACON (Photo credit should read VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images)
Actor Jake Borelli, who plays Levi Schmitt on Grey’s Anatomy, has publicly come out as gay after being inspired by a same-sex storyline on the show.
Borelli posted about his experience of growing up as a gay kid in Ohio on Instagram, after his character Schmitt shared a kiss with male surgeon Nico Kim (Alex Landi) in a recent episode titled “Flowers Grow Out of My Grave”—making it the medical drama’s first male same-sex storyline.
Borelli publicly came out as gay to his fans on Thursday night. (jake.borelli/Instagram)
“As a gay guy myself, tonight’s episode was so special to me,” Borelli posted on Thursday.
“This is exactly the kind of story I craved as a young gay kid growing up in Ohio, and it blows my mind that I’m able to bring life to Dr. Levi Schmitt as he begins to grapple with his own sexuality this season on Grey’s Anatomy.
“His vulnerability and courage inspire me every day, and I hope he can do the same for you.”
Borelli also uploaded a photo of himself wearing a Pride-themed bandana.
Grey’s Anatomy, which has featured several lesbian relationships over the years, is currently in its 15th season.
Borelli added: “To all of you who feel like little Levis out there, know that I do too, that you are seen, and that we’re all in this together. And to everyone who has supported me over the years, I can’t thank you enough, and I love you more than all the stars…”
The 27-year-old actor also spoke to Entertainment Weekly about going public about his sexuality, explaining that he has been out to his social circle for nearly a decade.
“I’ve been out to my friends and family for almost 10 years now, but within the last couple of months of shooting the show and really getting to know this character and seeing the response, I’ve realised that this is becoming bigger than just me,” he told the publication.
Dr Nico Kim, Grey’s Anatomy’s first gay male surgeon, was introduced this season. (ABC)
“Within the last year or so, I’ve been given the opportunity to speak on a much larger platform. With that opportunity, I am able to come out to a much larger group of people.
Instagram users praised Borelli for coming out publicly.
“You’re such a great role model,” one person wrote.
Another said: “We are proud of you, and we all love you ❤️❤️❤️ .”
In September, it was revealed that Dr Nico Kim, played Landi, would become the first openly gay surgeon to appear on the show and would be part of the series’ first male same-sex romance.
