Chris Colfer Talks Releasing 20th Book, Coming Out While Starring in 'Glee' | The View

The bestselling author of the new book “Roswell Johnson Saves the World” discusses why he his stories have been subject to book bans and shares his coming out story.
Subscribe to our KZbin channel: bit.ly/2Ybi4tM
MORE FROM 'THE VIEW':
Full episodes: abcn.ws/2tl10qh
Twitter: / theview
Facebook: / theview
Instagram: / theviewabc

[@aggy5372]

My mom is a librarian and says his books are really popular.

[@au_barb]

I work as a library circulation clerk, and his books are in constant circulation. And kids are always asking for them. I love it. 😊

[@jenniedaniels3958]

I love this SO SO SO much!

[@diescobarmdq]

I didn't know he had written so many books until one of my students showed me one of his books and then I started reading it and I loved it! I'm reading his Land of Stories series now. They are really good! 😅

[@normielovesalot3538]

Chris’ character on Glee was one of my inspirations to come out to my dad when I was a teenager because of the relationship Kurt and his father had on the show. It makes me so happy to see Chris thriving after all these years! ❤

[@crystalriedel1011]

LOVE THIS!!!

[@Bored_Barbarian]

*hugs* I hope you got the same kind of acceptance that Kurt got in the show.

[@normielovesalot3538]

@@Bored_Barbarian it took some time, but now my dad and I are best friends! 💕

[@seppyq3672]

​@@normielovesalot3538 that is great! I love that. ❤

[@MelodyMaker151]

He looks great and seems very happy. Good for him.

[@donDiago]

Polanski was not guilty of 'rape-rape', says Whoopi Goldberg 'We're a different kind of society, we see things differently, in Hollywood' actor says in defence of Roman Polanski Hollywood has rallied behind Roman Polanski after his arrest in Switzerland over the weekend for the rape of a 14 year old, with the actor Whoopi Goldberg suggesting that whatever he was guilty of it wasn't "rape-rape". As a speaker on The View chatshow on US television, she said: "I know it wasn't rape-rape. It was something else but I don't believe it was rape-rape. He went to jail and when they let him out he was like, 'You know what, this guy's going to give me a hundred years in jail. I'm not staying.' So that's why he left." Later in the programme, she added: "We're a different kind of society in Hollywood, we see things differently ... would I want my 14-year-old having sex with somebody? Not necessarily, no." This was the response from many female and some male bloggers was swift and furious. On the Jezebel celebrity website , Lindsay wrote: "We learned about Whoopi's strange and fascinating moral universe, which includes the concept of "rape-rape." This is not the first time she has gone into bat for a Pedophile and she is still allowed to work. On The Frisky Amelia McDonnell-Parry wrote: "Whoopi Goldberg, who I never expected to be a rape apologist, coins a term I've never heard before - 'rape-rape' ." Robert DeNiro himself has been accused of pedophilia as well no wonder they get along

[@Shea2432]

The way Chris, & Whoopi looked at each other as they described each other, AWW. MY HEART!! The Beautiful, Unconditional Love between not just two stars, but two Friends, two human beings, that was so Beautiful!! 🥹🥰 Give them both their well deserved Flowers!! 🌹🌹💜

[@donDiago]

Polanski was not guilty of 'rape-rape', says Whoopi Goldberg 'We're a different kind of society, we see things differently, in Hollywood' actor says in defence of Roman Polanski Hollywood has rallied behind Roman Polanski after his arrest in Switzerland over the weekend for the rape of a 14 year old, with the actor Whoopi Goldberg suggesting that whatever he was guilty of it wasn't "rape-rape". As a speaker on The View chatshow on US television, she said: "I know it wasn't rape-rape. It was something else but I don't believe it was rape-rape. He went to jail and when they let him out he was like, 'You know what, this guy's going to give me a hundred years in jail. I'm not staying.' So that's why he left." Later in the programme, she added: "We're a different kind of society in Hollywood, we see things differently ... would I want my 14-year-old having sex with somebody? Not necessarily, no." This was the response from many female and some male bloggers was swift and furious. On the Jezebel celebrity website , Lindsay wrote: "We learned about Whoopi's strange and fascinating moral universe, which includes the concept of "rape-rape." This is not the first time she has gone into bat for a Pedophile and she is still allowed to work. On The Frisky Amelia McDonnell-Parry wrote: "Whoopi Goldberg, who I never expected to be a rape apologist, coins a term I've never heard before - 'rape-rape' ." Robert DeNiro himself has been accused of pedophilia as well no wonder they get along.

[@ijm1261]

Yeah! 5:42? That was so sweet! Tears in my eyes.

[@Shea2432]

@@ijm1261, Agree wholeheartedly!! 🥹💜

[@ermertieplug]

Yes. She should take his advice.

[@annemacleod1421]

I watched Glee with my daughter back in the day…and I admired Chris’s character and how he navigated coming out to his father and friends. He always felt authentic. He did set a standard. So pleased he continues to thrive. 🇳🇿🇳🇿🐑🐑NZ

[@therealbomiangel]

It's Great to see Chris all this years... I was a Glee Fan

[@javiruiz8365]

Same! I bought all the Blu-ray’s and stopped watching after Corey passed! I still have not finished the series! I was so invested when Naya passed. Then mark! It’s a show I can’t watch again

[@therealbomiangel]

@@javiruiz8365 Me Too... Corey's death caused a lot of heart breaks

[@javiruiz8365]

@@therealbomiangelYes!!! I cried when I found out! When naya passed it broke my heart. I was extremely invested with Naya! I still have the Blu-rays and I think it’s on Hulu or one of the ten platforms that I pay for. Maybe one day I will watch the show again

[@julioagua]

@@javiruiz8365 Season 6 is great!

[@debbiedefiestheoddsdebm9604]

I'm never going to see my toilet the same way again😂😂

[@au_barb]

That was so funny 😁

[@Bored_Barbarian]

I mean…I write on there too haha

[@debbiedefiestheoddsdebm9604]

@@Bored_Barbarian 😆😆

[@cocoaorange1]

Same here.

[@AaronNickolas7]

I LOVE what Whoopie says! “If it’s not your cup of tea… DONT READ IT! But let other people enjoy it! And think and feel for themselves!” Our world is going backwards and it’s terrifying!

[@jameseddy7485]

We love you, Chris. Keep being you..

[@lindakelling6647]

Glad to see Chris again. He looks 👍 he was one of my characters on Glee. Loved the show Gee. ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕 💘 love you Chris

[@BroadwayGuy]

Chris impresses me, as a human being, on SO MANY LEVELS!!! "His soul", definitely!, "IS THERE!!!"

[@MattJr4793]

Chris has become a handsome man & his chemistry with Darren Criss was just beautiful to watch 🥹🎊👏💚

[@jamiemcdowell1109]

Love Chris! He’s amazing! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Kaice88]

wow I did not know he was making that many books. I remember when his first book came out and it got decent press and media attention so I didn't know about the others. thats so awesome!

[@siobhanm717]

Whoopi said, "if its not your cup of tea, dont read the book". I think that you should read as many books from as many authors as you can even if those words make you feel uncomfortable. Absorb as much information and as many opinions as you can. Then , you can make an informed decision. At 9 years old, my teacher took over my library choices, not because they wanted to influence my reading. He did it beacause he recognised how intelligent i was and how i did not have the self esteem to challenge myself. So while i was the only person in my class who did not get to choose "recreational" reading for myself, i was pushed far beyond the limits that i might ever have pushed myself, which i recognise now, 30 years later.

[@Ceares]

Yeah, but if the option is encouraging people to just not read the book, not let their kids read it as opposed to banning and burning them, then yeah, just leave it alone and let the people who are willing to open their minds enjoy them. Books are an amazing and wonderful thing and I wish everyone in the world had access to all of them, but I'd rather some have access than none have access.

[@DavidMiller-kf1ss]

My late mom loved you and all.❤ thanks!

[@Shea2432]

I'm still GLEE obsessed!! 😍💜

[@cloudwatcher608]

I love the way Whoopi edifies and brings people up. When you've been in the business as long as she has her words carry weight, and she knows it.

[@sherylwill3309]

I love Chris’ books.Just finished listening to Roswell Johnson saves the world yesterday.He’s one of my all time favorite narrators.He’s amazing!

[@isabelle8836]

I LOVE Chris's books!!

[@cocoaorange1]

I work in a library, and have seen his books. I hope to read one someday.

[@swiftiecat176]

Love love Glee!! He’s just so amazing!

[@Kzzzaaa]

His voice sounds so normal

[@divainloveforever]

❤God Bless Him!!!💎💎💎💎

[@camara1194]

Love Glee always have and always will. I love that cast.

[@javiruiz8365]

I just can’t watch it after everyone died! And I was huge fan. All the drama behind the scenes ruined the show for me. That’s just me. It took me years to see a Robin Williams movie or a Britney Murphy movie.

[@camara1194]

@@javiruiz8365 I understand that. I freaking LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED them. I miss them.

[@edgardelcampo496]

Loved interview. Absolutely amazing young man.😊

[@BottleConcreteBlond]

So good to see him!

[@pridan94]

Omg Chris is all grown up. Even his voice has changed. He used to sound very hyper feminine.

[@KajiVocals]

His voice hasn't changed. The voice habits have simply changed. The voice is very clearly still sitting in the same place.

[@au_barb]

He purposely used a higher pitched and breathier voice for Kurt, it was part of the character.

[@pridan94]

@@au_barb oh really?! I didn't know that.

[@javiruiz8365]

@@pridan94it’s not true! In all his interviews for years he had that stereotypical voice. Now that he is older and matured he doesn’t have to act like a prop. He can be himself. I’m gay and so is my brother and my brother used to act very feminine until he grew out of it. Glad I was always myself

[@au_barb]

@javiruiz8365 it is true, but also he was 18 when Glee started. He's 34 now, so naturally his voice has deepened as he's gotten older. But he's said several times that he changed his voice slightly for Kurt. In person, his voice was never quite as high or breathy.

[@Pipiglande]

Funny. As a teenager I got cast on a show as a gay character. I didn't know it at first but realized along the way. I knew I was but wasn't out to my parents. My mom knew and she made my life miserable so she suspected that's where the show was going and pulled me out. I was heartbroken. I think it would have allowed me to also like him be an inspiración to others.

[@jathomas0910]

I just love him

[@dualnon6643]

Chris is a wonderful person

[@leahmoore6820]

Chris! Trailblazer on Glee. So glad he's doing well.

[@ericryanyawl9401]

beautiful human

[@Cocolocohermoso]

20 books that’s impressive

[@donnaleach8119]

Love this talented young man!

[@user-xw9mq7ci3r]

OMG I love him so much!

[@Ginger18420]

Some fan’s favorite lol we loved Kurt on Glee, but don’t think he was a fan favorite lol

[@user-xw9mq7ci3r]

@@Ginger18420 ...no one cares what you think ginger, take several seats rn

[@user-xw9mq7ci3r]

@@Ginger18420 stop speaking rn

[@bos200409]

I remember a day when the school library had sections where there were books you couldn't sign out because of your age

[@morganmeadowes6861]

Why did I not know about him releasing another book? I wanna read it immediately! :D

[@bcb7443]

We enjoy your work Chris!

[@paolacalva1409]

Forever iconic

[@korribier-lo3nm]

Love him

[@CharlieHepp]

another character on TV. Life wow I did not know he was making that many books. I remember when his first book came out and it got decent press and media attention so I didn't know about the others. That is so awesome! OMG, I love him so much! Love Glee always has and always will. I love that cast. I love the way Whoopi edifies and brings people up. When you've been in the business as long as she has her words carry weight, and she knows it. Gay books are the wrong books you read Love love Glee!! He’s just so amazing! (edited) Some people still not happy don’t need to come out! Some of us have to come out all the time and it’s tiring. 8-17-24 my old teacher my birthday 35 minutes ago Whoopi said, "If it's not your cup of tea, don't read the book". I think that you should read as many books from as many authors as you can even if those words make you feel uncomfortable. Absorb as much information and as many opinions as you can. Then, you can make an informed decision. At 9 years old, my teacher took over my library choices, not because they wanted to influence my reading. He did it because he recognized how intelligent I was and how I did not have the self-esteem to challenge myself. So while I was the only person in my class who did not get to choose "recreational" reading for myself, I was pushed far beyond the limits that I might ever have pushed myself, which I recognize now, 30 years later. I thought he won an Emmy? 1 Why can’t these ladies minus Whoopi & Joy stop looking at their cards & give proper eye contact and memorize their questions like reporters & journalists do & interview guests properly & professionally. I mean they get paid a lot. Why can’t they speak well-always fumbling their words? It’s a mess. Very distracting and disrespectful to the guest. Never heard of him or Glee probably too busy working Anyone can tell from a mile away lol. Coming out haha. Coming out... Everyone knew except him. He just wanted attention. Typical played an openly my own high school character on "My So-Called Life" fifteen years before Love Love Glee!! He’s just so amazing! Some people don’t need to come out! Some of us have to come out all the time and it’s tiring. My own mom is a close librarian and says my own books are really popular. Sydnie Christmas Cover 'Over The Rainbow' Like Loren Allred Did | The Final BGT 2024 World Best Talent Especially Sunny. It’s so uncomfortable. It's Pride Month Never heard of him or Glee is probably too busy working my own head chief was talking here live-action only I am not kidding this is not a joke be nice to me my feelings are hurt my own family's backstory okay to fix it this not a joke is not funny to shut up non-stopping talking to me in DC NFL Network’s I was a fan of Glee okay I was singing myself at home in school too last man is a bully at me 2 guys I know someone in Glee you miss okay took a look is to test someone on set at 10:05 pm to check it out live-action my new role my own show okay.

[@ropasidi5154]

He is so Adam Lambert! even in the voice!

[@iitsabe90]

💕 love glee

[@3x3mm]

ty sir i knew the john had more than one use.😁

[@unapolgeticlikeri]

I love you ❤

[@terrymiles746]

Sounds like a movie or TV series deal should be offered. Dude has written 20 friggin books 📚 😲👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@EvelynSaungikar]

Before COVID, Land of Stories was in development.

[@lobaggins3328]

He looks so handsome!

[@donotdeleteit]

So happy to see Kurt/Chris and Whoopi :)

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

I never really watched Glee, but as a teen I thought he was cute, and now that we’re both grown, he can get it.

[@rhettmitchell]

TWENTIETH? A had no idea he’s done so many, that’s awesome!!

[@repboy1]

Now he is getting older he is getting really handsome ❤

[@ChristopherDavisphotography]

Not my favorite show "Glee", But I did love the characters. And some of the songs were amazing. I don't understand how human beings hate Or have open prejudice Against People for who they are For being themselves ,Behind the scenes or on stage. The order I become, the more I accept the beautiful tapestry of humanity and all it's colors and I accept the beautiful tapestry of humanity in all its colors and diversity.

[@AVintageNerd]

And his character was not the first openly gay character on tv. It was Wilson Cruz as Enrique "Rickie" Vasquez in the show My So-Called Life 👍🏻

[@mistercool3859]

I just posted that.

[@au_barb]

They said "one of the first" but go off I guess.

[@javiruiz8365]

@@au_barbdamn girl! Don’t get so upset, but also Will and Grace came out in 1998 and glee came out in 2009. Get more upset 😂😂😂

[@patrickTHEceliac]

There were openly gay characters before my so called life 😂😂😂

[@au_barb]

@javiruiz8365 I literally didn't say anything to imply I'm upset. They were specifically talking about out teenage characters. The characters on Will & Grace were ADULTS. Y'all just want to discredit what was said because a) queerness and b) you weren't even paying attention to the phrasing that was used. They stated "out teenagers" and "one of the first." Not THE first, not the ONLY. One. Of. That means one of...a few, several, more, others, multiple. Use your listening ears.

[@clnne]

chris colfer ate and never stops

[@rmilang2370]

I hope Chris Amber Riley & Alex Newell will be casted in if there is another Sister Act movieeee!!! ❤❤❤

[@javiruiz8365]

Some people don’t need to come out! Some of us have to come out all the time and it’s tiring.

[@KarenSpearsZacharias2014]

He who controls what you read, controls what you think...or if you think.

[@JordiLA]

long time no see Chris!! wow is barely and adult now!!!

[@hunterjr666]

Gay books are the best books

[@deanbarnette1602]

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

[@amarkray01]

The shade from Joy Behar at 2:45. “Oh, is that why?” Girl, bye!

[@bcb7443]

🌈 Happy Pride Month ya’ll ! 🌈

[@alexrodriguez5370]

I thought he won an Emmy?

[@pridan94]

Golden globe Sag award 2x emmy nominee

[@sonyawillenbrecht8920]

The lunacy of this show

[@tbam73]

Thank God for Whoopie in this interview

[@AVintageNerd]

Why can’t these ladies minus Whoopi & Joy stop looking at their cards & give proper eye contact and memorize their questions like reporters & journalists do & interview guests properly & professionally. I mean they get paid a lot. Why can’t they speak well-always fumbling their words. It’s a mess. Very distracting and disrespectful to the guest.

[@rmelani1965]

Wow! 😮

[@nieshamccoy9419]

Wow! It's a talk show and it is slightly casual. You just have to be a Debbie Downer, even when people are trying to have fun.

[@yuyutubee8435]

They themselves (except maybe Sunny) acknowledge that they aren't really journalists.

[@javiruiz8365]

@@nieshamccoy9419he is correct! Look at the Sherri show and she is not reading out of a card and also Kelly clarkson. I noticed that years ago and I’m glad someone else saw it also

[@Uhg-hk8ss]

Um . . . they do a new show five days a week and often get assigned questions they don’t write themselves and hear about it as they are meeting just before the show. Guaranteed, YOU couldn’t do it. Lighten up! By the way, how sad is your life?!

[@ashleybarloweNC]

I’m soooooo sick of their fake laughter. Especially Sunny. It’s so uncomfortable. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@AaronNickolas7]

He has gained weight! He actually looks fantastic! Finally grew into himself.

[@mnlpj]

He doesnt need to comeout back then. Everyone knows 😅

[@JacobSolbux]

20th book? wow. well i guess some people are still buying his books.

[@tbam73]

Joy once again not doing her research and loudly inappropriate

[@lisabaugus8360]

wonder why we can't use the laws associated with "Larry Flint" to cover the books the MAGA are so afraid of....?...Sunny ??

[@justincastillogayray]

Where's the evidence, Chris and Sunny?

[@shippendales8543]

There are too many weird incidents In the 90s a incident happened in Zimbabwe in Africa at a school And the bbc went to interview the kids there whose story was pretty consistent and they were clearly traumatized There are lots of disconnected stories like that

[@javiruiz8365]

@@shippendales8543I saw that documentary! If people think we are the only people here it’s bizarre. How come all politicians never pass away even during a pandemic 😷! Those people are not human

[@SkorMT]

Evidence would require work on your park, and really comes down to the law of averages. If you have ever done any type of real astronomy and ever looked through a telescope pointed toward the sky, you would quickly get the idea that we are a microscopic DOT in an expansive galaxy and it would be hubris to think that we are the only planet in said galexy to produce life. Then swing that telescopy off to the Andromeda galaxy and let it sink in the brain that you are actually LOOKING at not a stare but an entire grouping of stars bundled together. It's hard to think that there isn't multitudes of wonders that we have not even gotten an understanding of yet, verses being the only planet in a universe with life.

[@mistercool3859]

Wilson Cruz played an openly gay high school character on "My So-Called Life" fifteen years before Colfer did.

[@javiruiz8365]

In 1998 Will and Grace came out and glee came out in 2009. See how people just lie and people believe it’s a fact 😂😂😂

[@annatimberlake7]

Only if you understand English. They said "one of the " Meaning he's not the very first. Yet one of the very few. Hope you listen more

[@mistercool3859]

@@annatimberlake7 You don't say "one of the first" when another actor did it fifteen years earlier.

[@davidthaler7018]

⁠@@mistercool3859You do if there weren’t any others in the intervening years.

[@davidthaler7018]

@@javiruiz8365The claim was openly gay high school character. Will and Jack are well past high school age.

[@lilblackfish2009]

his voice is less feminty now with age

[@HC-qv7ng]

Is this the guy who paid for a top selling spot in the NY Times?

[@topdogkk]

Never heard of him or glee 🤷‍♀️ probably to busy working 😂

[@americangirl4410]

Yeah, cause we all had NO CLUE HE WAS GAY, right? 🤦🏼‍♀

[@JoseHernandez-yj7zm]

Is he..... ?

[@javiruiz8365]

Wasn’t it Will and Grace! It was definitely not him on Glee! Will and Grace started in 1998 and and Glee in 2009. Hmmm 🤔

[@lovepanic2738]

Played first openly gay high school student on a prime time show not first gay character on a prime time show.

[@javiruiz8365]

@@lovepanic2738same thing! Will and Grace opened the doors with a show all about being gay and had how many seasons? It’s not like it matters, but they are just not well informed and say anything. Jodie Dallas was the first prime time gay character! Let’s give props to the people that opened the doors first. 🫃

[@javiruiz8365]

@@lovepanic2738I gathered you and ate! No Lace fronts left behind

[@au_barb]

@lovepanic2738 and they said "one of the first" out teenagers. Not the very first or the only one. We all know there were other gay characters before him.

[@annatimberlake7]

Only if you understand English dude. They said "one of the". You can show off your knowledge somewhere else

[@paulkruger491]

Anyone can tell from a mile away lol. Coming out haha.

[@lookhowshegobbledthat]

Found the incel

[@javiruiz8365]

I said the same thing!! I’m gay and I actually still come out! He came out dancing 💃

[@sheldoncole1151]

It's Pride Month 🙄

[@pridan94]

Yeah. Why?

[@jamiemcdowell1109]

Good observation, Sherlock!😌👏🏼🙄🤦🏻‍♂️🏳️‍🌈

[@twitch3942]

Cope

[@javiruiz8365]

Okay and? I’m gay and an adult! I don’t need people celebrating me like a child with a flag. I represent myself. One day you will get there and learn to love yourself and your own skin

[@fangzntalonz]

@@javiruiz8365cool bro! It’s not about you though, hope that helps!

[@sheldoncole1151]

Nothing against them but it's freaking Pride Month🙄

[@lookhowshegobbledthat]

Cope

[@au_barb]

Yes it is! Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

[@PrincessMichaelJ]

Whats wrong with them and Pride month?

[@au_barb]

@@PrincessMichaelJ absolutely nothing

[@javiruiz8365]

What are you even talking about? You know what they should be celebrating and actually talking about is the first woman president of Mexico and first woman president in the Americas! And of Jewish descent

[@GypsyIrishNewfieNomad]

More delusional people

[@bos200409]

FYI...it's also National Indigenous History Month...but who cares

[@energizerbunny99]

This guy is cringe lol

[@ZEREEUSLY]

Coming out... 🤣 🤣 🤣. Everyone knew except him. He just wanted attention. Typical

[@javiruiz8365]

I agree! I’m gay and I’m still coming out 20 years later. My younger brother is gay also and he never had to come out it was just obvious and now he acts I hate saying this, but normal. I think the media has a stereotype on how gay people should act and be and that’s not the reality and some people fall into it.

[@quirkypurple3]

i mean, that’s literally what he said? that higher ups telling him not to come out or act straight were ridiculous, because he couldn’t hide it. also, actors who love attention typically stay in the business of acting, and don’t quit after their first big role

[@anthonygriffin1958]

It looks like Chris Colfer has become quite the comic book enthusiast over the years. 📰 🗞