5 Surprising Facts About Garrett Clayton's Life After Coming Out: Marriage, Hollywood Pressure, And New Roles

In December 2025, the life and career of actor Garrett Clayton continue to be a powerful testament to authenticity in Hollywood, especially following his public coming-out and subsequent marriage to longtime partner, screenwriter Blake Knight. While the question "Is Garrett Clayton gay?" was answered definitively years ago, the deeper story—his journey from Disney Channel heartthrob to an openly gay man navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry—remains a compelling and inspiring narrative that continues to evolve with his latest projects. This article delves into the most recent updates and lesser-known facts about the star, focusing on his enduring relationship, the pivotal moments that led to his coming out, and the exciting new roles that define his career today, offering a fresh perspective on one of the industry's most candid voices.

Garrett Clayton: A Complete Profile and Filmography

Garrett Clayton, born Gary Michael Clayton, is an American actor and singer best known for his roles in family-friendly Disney projects and later for taking on more challenging, dramatic roles that reflect his personal journey. His decision to live openly has not only reshaped his public image but has also influenced his artistic choices, making him a significant figure in the modern LGBTQ+ representation landscape.

• Full Name: Gary Michael "Garrett" Clayton
• Date of Birth: March 19, 1991
• Place of Birth: Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Singer, Dancer
• Spouse: Blake Knight (m. 2021)
• Relationship Status: Married (Celebrated over 12 years together in 2025)
• Known For: Tanner in the *Teen Beach Movie* franchise, Link Larkin in *Hairspray Live!*, and Sean Paul Lockhart in *King Cobra*.

Selected Film and Television Career Highlights

Garrett Clayton's filmography demonstrates a versatile range, moving from teen idol roles to intense, dramatic performances, including a recent focus on LGBTQ+ themed projects.

• *Teen Beach Movie* (2013) & *Teen Beach 2* (2015): Role as Tanner, a surfer heartthrob in the Disney Channel Original Movie series.
• *The Fosters* (2013-2014): Recurring role as Chase.
• *King Cobra* (2016): Portrayed real-life gay pornographic actor Sean Paul Lockhart (Brent Corrigan) in a crime drama, a pivotal, risk-taking role.
• *Hairspray Live!* (2016): Starred as Link Larkin in the live television musical.
• *Reach* (2018): Played Steven, a bullied teen, a role whose themes inspired his public coming-out.
• *The Fairly Oddparents: Fairly Odder* (2022): Role as Dustin Lumberlake.
• *Our Family Pride* (In Production): Set to star in this feature film described as a coming-out story.
• *The Mattachine Family* (2023): Starred as Jake in this film about a gay man navigating life after a breakup.

The Emotional Truth: Why Garrett Clayton Came Out

Garrett Clayton's decision to come out as gay in 2018 was not a casual announcement, but a deeply emotional and strategic choice tied to his career and personal life. The timing was directly linked to the release of his film *Reach*, a drama about bullying and suicide.

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The Catalyst: In a heartfelt Instagram post, Clayton explained that the film's message about the importance of being true to oneself resonated so deeply that he felt compelled to share his own truth. He revealed that he had been in a long-term relationship with screenwriter Blake Knight for years, a fact he had kept private due to the pressures of Hollywood.

Pressure in Hollywood: Clayton has since spoken openly about the industry pressure to keep his sexuality a secret, especially after his success in the Disney Channel sphere. The fear of being typecast or losing roles often forces young actors to hide their true selves. His coming out was a deliberate act of defiance against this restrictive culture, prioritizing mental health and authenticity over a manufactured public image.

A Public Relationship: By confirming his relationship with Blake Knight, Clayton not only came out but immediately presented himself as a committed partner, shifting the narrative from a simple statement of sexuality to a celebration of a long-standing, loving relationship.

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Inside Garrett Clayton's Fairytale Wedding to Blake Knight

One of the most significant and recent milestones in Garrett Clayton's life is his marriage to Blake Knight. Their journey to the altar was a decade in the making, marked by a beautiful proposal and frustrating delays due to the global pandemic.

The Engagement and Delay: The couple got engaged in January 2018 during a romantic trip to Iceland, a moment that came after dating since 2011. They originally planned to marry much sooner, but like many during that time, they were forced to postpone their wedding twice amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ceremony: Garrett Clayton and Blake Knight finally tied the knot on Saturday, September 4, 2021, in a stunning, intimate ceremony. The wedding was a fairytale garden party theme held on the Disney estate in Los Angeles, a nod to the place where Clayton’s career first took off.

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Intimate Details: The couple chose to keep the wedding party small, opting out of having bridesmaids or groomsmen to keep the focus on their commitment to each other. Their mothers played a significant role in the ceremony. The event was a testament to their enduring love, a relationship that had weathered the storms of Hollywood secrecy and a global crisis.

A Decade of Love: As of late 2025, Garrett and Blake have celebrated over 12 years of love, with Clayton often sharing heartfelt messages for his husband on social media, cementing their status as a prominent and stable couple in the entertainment world.

Embracing LGBTQ+ Roles: Post-Coming Out Career Choices

Since coming out, Garrett Clayton has actively pursued roles that align with his identity and champion LGBTQ+ stories, demonstrating a commitment to using his platform for positive representation.

• The Shift in Focus: His roles in films like *King Cobra*, where he played Brent Corrigan, and the subsequent coming-out film *Reach*, marked a clear transition from his family-friendly image. These roles allowed him to explore complex characters and mature themes.
• The Mattachine Family: In 2023, he starred in *The Mattachine Family*, a film that explores the life of a gay man dealing with a breakup and the complexities of modern gay relationships. The film's title itself is a reference to the Mattachine Society, one of the earliest gay rights organizations in the U.S., adding a layer of historical significance to the project.
• Our Family Pride: His upcoming feature film, *Our Family Pride*, where he is set to play the character Mike, is explicitly described as a coming-out story. This choice shows his continued dedication to narratives that can help others on their own journeys to self-acceptance.

By taking on these projects, Clayton is not just acting; he is contributing to a growing body of work that normalizes and celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience, solidifying his role as a vital voice in the community.