Jake Borelli, the 27-year-old actor who plays Levi Schmitt on the ABC TV medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, came out as gay Thursday night on Instagram. His coming out post followed an episode of the show in which Schmitt also came out as gay, entering the show’s first-ever male same-sex romance with Dr. Nico Kim (played by Alex Landi).
In his coming-out Instagram post, Borelli wears a rainbow bandana and writes, “As a gay guy myself, tonight’s episode was so special to me. 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.”
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Borelli continues, “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…”
In the episode, Schmitt shared a kiss with Dr. Kim after some flirtation and near-missed moments of intimacy. Landi is slotted to appear in at least four episodes, leaving us to wonder how long the on-screen romance will last. (It is a drama, after all.)
Borelli told Entertainment Weekly that he has been out to his close circle of family and friends for a decade. He reportedly worked with the show’s writers to ensure that his character’s coming out would be handed well.
To celebrate, here’s some pics of Borelli from his Instagram:
justgeo
Keep your tongue in your mouth unless you are eating my A&(. Just too damn cute.
Johndoes
Yeah, he’s really cute from the neck up.
dean089
I found the specific scene, as well as the characters’ in general, to be refreshingly real. Straight people tend to write gay characters as either Disney cartoons or 1980s stereotypes. Had the kiss in the elevator turned into the two of them moving in together and getting a puppy by next week’s episode I think I would have to puke. That may be real for some but it’s not typical. “Oh, you’re a virgin? Too bad, you’re cute.” Yep, guys can be assholes. That’s reality.
Brian
Looking at those Instagram pictures, I find it hard to believe anyone would ever think he was straight.
dcbanks
Sometimes you don’t have to leave a comment.
bowlingbutch
Okay I am a slut! I am in love with both men. haha. How wonderful there are characters in shows that actually can help a youth who is feeling out of place in the world. No positive role models for years and so many young people thought suicide was the answer. Thank you to shows that make it okay to be gay and help young people.
surreal33
It is 2018 I cannot understand how the never ending, ad nauseam, declarations of gayness by “celebrities” is beneficial my (or anyone else’s) journey as a gay man? They only fuel the insatiable, infantile, gossip regarding other people personal lives. Not to mention the transparent self-promotion of “celebrities” under the guise of “helping” the gay community.
Dude Shut Up
Just because his coming out fails to benefit your life in any impactful way, doesn’t mean that some dorky, closeted kid who aspires to become a doctor one day won’t find some validation in his character’s story. After all, this is public VISIBILITY of someone in your community! Try and be less bitter.
Toofie
Exactly Dude!
Brian
I agree. If you want to help people in 2018, just live your life as a normal, out gay person. It doesn’t require the big “ta da!” anymore. Make it as normal as heterosexuality, and generations will grow up thinking it’s as normal as heterosexuality.
GayEGO
Congratulations! I came out years ago and continued to have good jobs etc. Of course, I live in Massachusetts!
richardNobbs
If you looked up from your navel you might realize that the more actors, particularly those who play romantic leads, the more it will be no big deal and more of those actors will work and live openly. Their prescence has an impact on folks much younger than you gay and straight so that they grow up in a world where things like this happen as a matter of course and honey we are not there yet.
Thomas Loom
Even this cute couple can’t make me watch Grey’s Anatomy. I never watch the show ever. Just couldn’t get into it.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
He seems like a lovable total goofball!