Chris Colfer says he was warned not to come out as gay while on "Glee" -- even though he played an openly gay character -- because it'd ruin his career ...
but he didn't listen. The actor went on "The View" Tuesday where he reflected on his time on the hit show from the 2010s -- on which he played Kurt, who was gay ..
. obviously mirroring CC's real-life sexual identity. At the time, however, Colfer says he wasn't out just yet .
.. and goes on to say people around were encouraging him to keep his orientation a secret -- warning he could torpedo his career.
According to him ...
the thinking from these folks at the time was something along the lines of -- don't come out, it'll only hurt you, and you have to stay closeted, it'll pay off professionally down the line. As backward as this seems ..
. he says that was kinda the mindset then. Interestingly, Colfer says he actually didn't come out for a while at first -- but when he got a sweet letter from a fan thanking him for the representation his character was offering on TV .
.. he realized that being a beacon of inspiration for others was more important.
Now, he lives out loud ...
and has been with his partner Will Sherrod for about a decade. Of course, it's Pride Month right now -- so this story couldn't have come at a better time. Things sure have changed since when "Glee" was on the air .
.. that much is certain.
.