Jerrod Carmichael Talks Coming Out Story, Says He's 'Thankful' for 'Inspiration' Ellen DeGeneres

justjared.com:

Jerrod Carmichael is opening up. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Friday (May 13), the 35-year-old Rothaniel comedian discussed his decision to come out in his recent special as well as the impact Ellen had on him as another openly gay comedian. Click inside to read more… Jerrod explained that during his first time as a guest to promote his NBC series The Carmichael Show, he was “closeted” and “really, really afraid.” “It’s one of those things where it’s like I had so much to say to you and you were definitely such an inspiration — in a specific way — and I almost missed that opportunity to come and say it to you, and it’s like really nice to be able to be here again.

I’m very thankful for that,” he shared. He added that he was “specifically thankful for you,” telling Ellen that her decision to come had a huge impact on him and joking that she was “a gay white Desmond Tutu just spreading love.” He said, “We both faced whatever obstacles coming out and everyone has their own personal journey, family things and personal things to overcome.

But you faced coming out at a time when, I mean, it just was impossible. There was no precedent. There was no Ellen DeGeneres to come out to show you what it’s like. “I watched it with my mom.

I watched all of it. I watched your sitcom. I watched you talk to Oprah. I watched the interpretive dance in the special,” he continued. “My mom watched you and she laughed at you and you were welcome in the home.