Welsh actor Luke Evans has shared his personal struggles around coming out as gay, including painful family challenges, in a recent interview with The Guardian ahead of his memoir, Boy from the Valleys: An Unexpected Journey. Evans, 45, known for roles in Clash of the Titans and Beauty and the Beast, grew up with parents who were devout Jehovah’s Witnesses, a denomination that strictly opposes homosexuality. Evans came out to his family in early adulthood, resulting in his excommunication from the church. Reflecting on that experience, Evans said, "The only thing that mattered to me was my mam and dad...I had to make this decision: either you keep lying...or you take the risk and hope they don’t cut you off."

He described the aftermath as painful. Despite these challenges, Evans expressed understanding of his parents' faith, adding, "I see two people who have found a life that works for them." His memoir, detailing his life journey, will be released on November 7.