![Dominick Dunne called himself a "closeted bisexual celibate"](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/hash/72/b7/72b78d5a362c2e0b5435db9843608056.jpg "Dominick Dunne called himself a "closeted bisexual celibate"")
It was speculated about for years, and the famous author himself hinted about it many times, but on ABC's "Good Morning America" today (Dec. 15), the writer's son Griffin Dunne, confirmed that Dominick Dunne was bisexual.
Not only did the actor/producer talk about his dad's despair after his actress daughter Dominique Dunne was murdered by a former boyfriend, but he discusses the character Gus Bailey in the author's last book "Too Much Money," which was released this week. The semi-autobiographical novel revealed a lot about the real man behind the flamboyant public figure.
He wasn't good at keeping some secrets, but he did keep his bisexuality a secret.
Dunne wrote in his latest book: "I'm nervous about the kids, even though they are middle aged men now, not that they don't already know. I just don't talk about it. It's been a life-long problem."
His son said on the TV news show that it was just like his dad to "finally come out and then leave. It was hardly a big deal either way. He was was closeted about heterosexuality as much as bisexuality as he was about celibacy. He didn't have boyfriends or lovers, they were never part of our lives."
Toward the end of the writer's life—he died this past summer of cancer—Griffin went to a clinic in Germany where Dunne was getting stem cell treatments. He met a man, Norman, who obviously had a "long loving relationship" with his father and was "looking after him."
He was married for 11 years and had five children. He is the brother-in-law of writer Joan Didion and older brother to writer John Gregory Dunne.
In one of his last interviews for The Times of London, Dunne labeled himself "a closeted bisexual celibate" but declined to elaborate. Whatever, he was a great writer and a cool character.
(On a personal note, I had the opportunity to meet Dominick Dunne twice due to some well-known journalism pals who were friends of his. It was during his coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial for Vanity Fair. I, unfortunately, have no bi-dar so didn't even think about it, but wished I had the chance to ask.)
* Click here to see the video on ABC's "Today Show"
Comments
What a stupid headline. Griffin didn't out his dad, his dad outted himself in his last book. Sensationalize much?
Admitting attractions while committed is called emotional infidelity. And loving both genders doesn't equate to happiness. I don't think they have it better.
Thank you Dominick for revealing your sexuality. Too often people don't and you know how heterosexuals are so dismissive of non-heterosexual sexuality. So to them it seems there are less of us than there are in reality.
Well actually he DID have a lover -- Frederick Combs who died of AIDS in 1992. Combs played "Donald" in "The Boys in the Band." And as is well-known by all the "is he or isn't he?" interloper in the play, was based on Dunne. He was a friend of Mart Crowley's and produced the movie version. Dunne also famously took Anais Nin off Gore Vidal's otherwise-occupied hands. He was quite a character and a complete original. R.I.P.
Do seriously think DD is reading this?
Thank goodness I was born from a mother and father! If my parents were not heterosexual, I wouldn't be here. Why whould ppl think homosexuals are normal even if they may be nice ppl? They can't even produce offspring together -- a baby that shares both their DNA. And what is so appealing about a man's rear end? That's love?????????????? NOT TO ME! Seems like they have sexual disorders unrelated to a-sex. What's with the multi-sexual affairs and bathroom/bathhouse flings? YUCK. Yeahhhhhhhhhh....just rub anything. That's the meaning of life. Pleasure. Forget respect, personality, intellect -- life is all about sexxxxxxx.
Many times ppl will be so horny they will RUB anything so they can acheive their sexual goal. Does a REAL attraction exist from a mind-to-mind level? I highly doubt that men getting off at bath houses, threesomes, and other irresponsible flings know what real love is. Go do some research on "what is love?" Life is not all about hedonistic pursuits. And for the ppl who think it is, I feel sorry for them.
SaltNPepper ... you closet-case homophobes always provide the laughs with your ignorance.
Here, take a peanut!
And thanks for the COMIC RELIEF you queen!
yawn.
saltandpepper says that he/she/it could not have been born if his/her/its parents were homosexual. He/she/proceeds to equate love with heterosexual relations. Someone needs an education in relationship diversity and critical thinking. Heterosexual sex is not akin to a committed relationship. The ability to impregnate a woman is not the only qualification needed to become a parent.
i doubt saltandpaper is qualified to be rational human bein much less a parent.
I always thought Dunne was gay - so this news is SO not shocking. He was the most fascinating individual and I looked forward to his Vanity Fair column every month.
P.S. I am a straight, married 54 year old woman who has "gaydar" to the max for celebs yet was shocked when my nephew came out. I can't figure that one out - maybe I can't see "the forest for the trees?"
Umm, and you're a hetero-phobe, bozo. Use some common sense. most people are straight. you're just angry b/c you can't produce a baby together w/ your partner w/ 2 sperm. sorry to disappoint you but despite your criticism i'm still glad I have a mother and father and siblings and extended relatives who love me. SORRY! I had a fantastic holiday. I don't give a hoot what you think. you sound super impressed with yourself. Practice humility for a change.
Dear Lisa K.,
So you always thought Dunne was gay? And now you think you've read something that confirms this to be true?
Well I can answer your question then - the maybe I can't see "the forest for the trees?" one.
Indeed Lisa, you can't.
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