Adamo Ruggiero plays Marco Del Rossi on 'Degrassi.'
Adamo Ruggiero appears on the cover of 'fab' and will be available on Jan. 23. eTalk was also at the covershoot.
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Adamo Ruggiero gets personal with eTalk
Updated Fri. Jan. 18 2008 4:41 PM ET
CTV.ca
Despite playing gay teen Marco on "Degrassi," actor Adamo Ruggiero has never publicly addressed his own sexuality.
On Wednesday night, the star sat down with eTalk's Tanya Kim and discussed the parallels between his own life and his on-screen character's life for the first time.
"It was interesting, I was growing up at the exact same time as my character was growing up, and he was questioning things that I was questioning, and I was just a kid," says Ruggiero.
"It was a little overwhelming in the sense that the things I was feeling were being broadcast to the world, and in a way kind of made me revert back almost because I didn't know how to confront it myself."
Ruggiero has decided to go public with his homosexuality, and will be posing for the cover of "fab Magazine," Canada's leading guide to gay culture.
On-screen, Ruggiero's Marco Del Rossi has had a challenging time coming out to his friends and family, even announcing his lifestyle to his entire school at a public assembly.
Feeling that his character's arc is coming to an end on the series, Ruggiero thinks that this is the right time to talk about his own sexuality.
"The thing with 'Degrassi,' is it's not the role we're playing -- we've become these role models and spokespeople for these issues. And I thought, you know, I was learning and I learned, and I thought what better way to share my knowledge than right now."
Ruggiero says that the interesting thing about his own journey to self discovery is how closely his "coming-out" experiences mirrored Marco's.
"The funny thing is, every time Marco did it, I did it. Marco came out to his mom in his room on the bed, and I did the exact same thing, with my mother, in my bedroom. And Marco confronted his dad in the kitchen, and I did the same thing, with my dad in my kitchen. And I didn't even plan it that way," says Ruggiero.
"Maybe it's life imitating art, or maybe that's what 'Degrassi' intended to do. I feel like I'm living proof of what the show wanted to accomplish."
Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, and a first-generation Canadian, Ruggiero isn't concerned about the impact that coming out could have on his career. He hopes that others can follow his example and not be afraid to talk about gay issues.
"Degrassi: The Next Generation" is currently in its seventh season on CTV, and airs Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Comments are now closed for this story
I'm so proud of Adamo. He seems like such an amazing person. Congrats to Adamo!
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I think Adamo should be commended for being open about being gay. h Young gays and lesbians are always looking for positive role models and Adamo's role on Degrassi and now in his own life are both positive examples for any teenager questioning their sexuality.
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i personally love Marco. He is my favourite character because he knows how to deal with things. I just started watching degrassi this summer, when all of the earlier season were on CTV. I couldn't believe how this show related to teens so much.
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Good for you Adamo - there a many young gays who have been are will be inspired by you and your character!!
BRAVO!
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I'm really happy that he had came out! It makes Degrassi seem even more real life!! And I support him 100% whoot go gay people!!! Be proud!!!
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| Degrassi 1# Fan Duhh! (L) Stephh |
I think it is wonderful that we are now living in a progressively more open society where talented actors like Adamo Ruggiero feel they can be open about there sexuality. I certainly dont see why and actors sexuality should have any impact on his career and I hope that it doesnt. Canada is lucky to have had a programe for young adults like Degrassi for two generations that dealt with the true experience of young adults and also challenged status quo. It will be a sad day when they stop filming but maybe we will see a third generation to continue to entertain, enlighten, and challenge the next generation as well. Degrassi is Canadian television at its best.
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i am glad you wre true to yourself i beleave you did the right thing for you and the fans good luck on your sussess in the what ever comes your way . i do beleave the fans will follow you good luck
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Way to go Adamo! I remember seeing you at Buddies a couple years ago & thought... thats cool... he's on TV & he's comfortable about his sexuality too. Ultimately it doesn't matter what the rest of the world thinks - its all about living your life & being happy. And the arc never ends for every step leads to the next door of change.
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Good for Adamo! Although society today is more accepting of homosexuality, it's still a scary thing to have to come out. He shows other young people that it isn't as hard as they might think and that coming out is the right thing to do. No use in hiding such a huge part of yourself.
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go Adamo!
:D
i'm so happy for him, i bet that felt really good to get that out and off his chest!
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Congrats to you Adamo. You make an awsome role model not only for gay folks, but for everyone in general. You are one heck of an actor and I'm pretty sure you're one hell of a guy. You've got my full support all the way!
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I am so proud of Adamo. I can only imagine how hard and scary it must have been for him, practically having his life broadcast for the world to see. He is an amzing actor, and he seems like an amazing guy. This doesn't change how I feel about him at all. In fact, I love him even more for being such a great and inspiring role model. Congratulations, Adamo. You rock!
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Adamo is my Fav actor. He's so INSPIRING. I am SO proud of him!
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