Jim Parsons, Emmy Winning Star of 'The Big Bang Theory' Comes Out as Gay

Jim Parsons, who plays lovable, clueless geek Sheldon Cooper on the hit CBS TV series "The Big Bang Theory," has been revealed to be gay in a recent newspaper profile.

The New York Times profile on Parsons, 39, who is currently starring as Elwood P. Dowd in a Broadway revival of "Harvey," the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy that was also a hit 1950 film starring Jimmy Stewart, casually mentions that "Mr. Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship."

Parsons never discusses his sexuality in the Times profile. His representative had no additional comment when reached, according to People magazine.

Parsons, who took home the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2010 and 2011, spent last summer on Broadway as well, portraying Tommy Boatwright, a young gay activist in Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart." He is slated to reprise the role in an upcoming film adaptation of the award winning play.