‘Baby Reindeer’ Star Jessica Gunning Reflects on Liberating Experience of Coming Out at 36

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In a candid conversation on the “Reign With Josh Smith” podcast, “Baby Reindeer” star Jessica Gunning shared her powerful journey of coming out at the age of 36. The English actress, known for her role as Martha in the Netflix hit series, described the experience as a transformative and liberating moment.

Gunning, who has been celebrated for her performance opposite Richard Gadd, opened up about how she finally made sense of her true self. “That was a massive moment where everything kind of clicked,” she said. “I realized I was a big old gay. I was like, that’s what it’s been. That’s what it is.”

Reflecting on her journey, Gunning recalled how she had felt out of place for many years, attributing it to her size. “For so long — I’m a bigger woman, and I thought maybe it was to do with my size — I felt a little bit almost alien or like I was tagging along. But as soon as I realized, I was like, it’s that. That was the most liberating thing.”

In a humorous reflection, Gunning mentioned her teenage years, hinting that the signs were always there. “I used to like go downstairs and watch The L Word,” she quipped. “And I used to wear dungarees, have a bum bag, wear a No Fear backwards cap when I was a teenager, so everyone around me probably was like, ‘When is she gonna come out?’ And it took me 36 years.” She described her coming out experience as “very freeing and very grounding.”

Jessica Gunning’s story is a testament to the importance of self-acceptance and the liberating power of embracing one’s true identity. Her journey continues to inspire many, showing that it’s never too late to be true to oneself.