Sasheer Zamata is coming out.
The 38-year-old Saturday Night Live alum and Agatha All Along actress revealed that she is a “late-in-life” lesbian in a new interview with Them.
In the exclusive interview, she came out publicly for the first time, detailing her experience navigating life in the public eye, as well as possibly opening up the MCU to a new fanbase “who maybe didn’t see themselves [represented] before.”
Keep reading to find out more…
On her identity today:
“I guess I’m one of those late-in-life lesbians. I just feel very comfortable and confident in my life.”
On playing queer characters before recognizing her own sexuality:
“I kept getting cast as queer women. I played a lesbian on Home Economics. I played a lesbian on Woke. I played a lesbian on Tuca & Bertie. A lesbian on Last O.G. I kept getting these roles. And this is before I myself was figuring out my identity. I was like, ’Whoa, what are these casting directors seeing that I’m not seeing?’”
On deciding to come out as a lesbian publicly:
“No one asks straight people about their journey of discovery, but I guess it felt like if I didn’t say anything, I’d be ignoring a part of me, and that doesn’t feel very good. But yeah, I’ve definitely had thoughts of, not necessarily keeping it a secret, but [that] there’s no need to say anything about it.”
On taking inspiration from Chappell Roan to keep boundaries with fans:
“As far as what people deserve to know? Nothing. They don’t deserve anything. I feel very fortunate so far. I have fans who are good about respecting my privacy, and I hope that continues. And I hope artists like Chappell Roan who are very clear about boundaries keep going.”
On singing with Patti Lupone in Agatha All Along:
“No one told us there was going to be music when we got cast. It was a surprise to all of us. I think everyone was intimidated to sing in front of [Patti], but she was like, ‘Get it, we’re all doing great.’ [She’s] such a force of energy.”
