Jussie Smollett has impressed audiences as of late for his portrayal of Jamal Lyon in the Fox musical soap opera 'Empire,' and as his character recently came out as gay, the 31-year-old actor has also revealed details about his own sexuality.

Jussie Smollett
Smollett publically came out as gay on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Smollett came out publically as a gay man but he chose to make the revelation in a rather private way. The former child star didn't speak about his personal life in the main interview, but he asked Ellen to film a special one-to-one chat with him backstage after the show.

Smollett then opened up to the daytime talk show host about being a homosexual, saying "It was really important to me to make sure that it got across that there is no closet. There's never been a closet that I've been in. I don't own a closet, I got a dressed, but I don't have a closet...I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home."

More: 'Empire': Can a Hip-Hop Soap Opera Really Work?

He continued, "So that's why I choose not to talk about my personal life. But there is without a doubt, no closet that I've ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear. But it was most important for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world. And that's where I'm at."

The 'Mighty Ducks' actor further elaborated, "Let's not read into it the wrong way when I say that I don't talk about my personal life. I'm saying that, but there is no way to hide or deny who God made me, you know?"

More: Fox Orders Second Season Of 'Empire' After Two Episodes, 'Gotham' & 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' Renewed

"My mama knows, my mama likes me a lot. And yes, I take her to The Sound of Music sing-along every single year. So, any questions? But you know, honestly, we're humans and we love and we do all that good stuff. So I'm honored for this opportunity and I'm honored to be here with you," he concluded.