Full Breakdown
Michael Johnston on Coming Out While Portraying a Queer Teen Wolf Character
8/21/2026, 8:06:53 PM
Core Event
Actor Michael Johnston, known for his breakout role as Corey Bryant—a gay high-schooler with invisibility powers—in the MTV series *Teen Wolf* (2015-2017), discussed how playing the part coincided with his own process of coming out. In a recent video interview with *Cosmopolitan*, Johnston described the experience as “terrifying” and recounted the personal conflict of portraying a queer teen while still grappling with his sexuality.
Personal Journey and Family Reactions
Johnston, who grew up in North Carolina, said he was initially in “complete and utter denial” about his orientation. He also mentioned an aunt who warned that being gay would “poison” him, only to later accept his identity. Despite the internal struggle, Johnston highlighted the positive impact of fan messages, noting that LGBTQ+ viewers told him his character’s bravery “meant so much to me.”
Transition to *Obsession*
After *Teen Wolf*, Johnston returned to the spotlight starring as Bear, a straight male who wishes his crush would fall in love with him, in the horror film *Obsession*.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Back then, it was terrifying because I sort of came out to myself and then others around me during that time,” — Michael Johnston, star of Obsession
- “I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m gonna come out to L.A., and then all of a sudden I have [‘Teen Wolf’],” — Michael Johnston, star of Obsession
- “I’m like, ‘No, no way! I would never!’” — Michael Johnston, star of Obsession
These statements capture Johnston’s candid reflections on his coming-out journey, the challenges of representing LGBTQ+ characters, and his outlook on future roles.
