Actors who Publicly Disclosed their HIV-Positive Status

Public figures who speak openly about living with HIV change how people understand testing, treatment, and everyday life with the virus. When an actor discloses their status, it often sparks conversations about prevention, stigma, access to care, and what “undetectable” means for relationships and work.

This list highlights actors who have publicly shared their HIV status—or, in Rock Hudson’s case, an AIDS diagnosis—along with when and how they disclosed and what they’ve done since. Where relevant, you’ll also see information on treatment, advocacy, and the broader impact their announcements had on public awareness.

Rock Hudson

In July 1985, Rock Hudson confirmed through a public statement that he had AIDS while seeking treatment in France, making him the first major Hollywood star whose diagnosis became public during the early epidemic. The disclosure followed widespread concern after he appeared visibly ill at a press event and was later hospitalized in Paris; his publicists issued confirmation after days of speculation.

Hudson returned to Los Angeles for care and died on October 2, 1985, of AIDS-related complications. News coverage of his illness spurred fundraising and increased attention for AIDS organizations, including high-profile appeals that brought additional resources to groups providing support, education, and medical services.

Charlie Sheen

On November 17, 2015, Charlie Sheen confirmed on the ‘Today’ show that he is HIV-positive, explaining he had received the diagnosis several years earlier. He stated that going public followed attempted exposures of his private medical information and described steps he took to notify partners after learning his status.

During the same appearance, Sheen’s physician said his viral load was undetectable due to consistent antiretroviral therapy. The discussion outlined elements of contemporary HIV care, including viral suppression, medication adherence, and the role of regular monitoring in long-term health.

Danny Pintauro

Danny Pintauro, known from ‘Who’s the Boss?’, publicly shared that he is HIV-positive during an interview for ‘Oprah: Where Are They Now?’ in 2015, noting he had first learned his status in 2003. He described informing family and friends and the personal considerations involved in choosing when to disclose publicly.

Following the announcement, Pintauro discussed routine medical care, stigma, and testing on programs including ‘The View’ and in subsequent profiles. He also spoke about substance-use risks and prevention, emphasizing the value of regular screening and open conversations with healthcare providers.

Jonathan Van Ness

In 2019, Jonathan Van Ness disclosed that he is HIV-positive in a newspaper interview tied to the release of his memoir, later expanding on the story in additional media coverage. He said he first learned his status after visiting a clinic with flu-like symptoms and described beginning treatment soon after diagnosis.

Van Ness has since worked with health organizations to promote testing and access to care. Public discussions of his medical routine, including adherence to antiretroviral therapy and regular lab monitoring, helped center practical information about living with HIV for a broad audience familiar with him from ‘Queer Eye’.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter revealed in May 2021 that he has been living with HIV since 2007, sharing details in a feature interview and follow-up appearances. He explained that he kept the diagnosis private for years due to concerns about professional stigma before deciding to speak publicly.

Since then, Porter has addressed HIV-related topics in interviews and public talks while continuing an active acting and music career. He has discussed regular treatment, lab results, and mental-health support, underscoring how consistent care enables long-term health and work in the entertainment industry.

Michael Jeter

Stage and screen actor Michael Jeter publicly disclosed that he was HIV-positive in a 1997 interview on ‘Entertainment Tonight’. He stated that he had remained healthy for years with medical care and emphasized the importance of accurate information about HIV.

Coverage following his death in 2003 noted that Jeter had been open about his status and took part in AIDS-related outreach and fundraising. His disclosure, made through traditional broadcast media, brought practical details about treatment and wellness to viewers at a time when misinformation remained widespread.

Share your thoughts on other actors who have gone public about living with HIV and how their stories shaped awareness—add your picks in the comments.