Will Geer was an American actor, singer, and social activist born on March 9, 1902. People know him best for his role as Grandpa Zeb Walton on The Waltons.
His work in the 1930s and 1940s was in the labor groups in New York and Southern California. This piece looks at the different points of view and observations that have led people to talk about whether Will Geer was gay.
Was Will Geer Gay?
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It was known that William had relationships with both men and women. One of his relationships led to his marriage to actress Herta Ware in 1934. They had three wonderful children together. No matter what, he had an affair with Harry Hay.
It is very important to know that the words used to talk about sexuality and gender identity change over time and between countries. Respecting how people choose to identify themselves physically or in other ways is always important, though.
Did His Sexual Orientation Cause Him Any Problem?
The fact that William was gay did cause him some problems. Geer was blacklisted during the McCarthy era because of his political views and ties, such as being a member of the Communist Party and backing gay rights, even though he was a famous actor.
His work and personal life were both affected by being put on a blacklist. During the hard times, he had to move his family to an empty canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains.
It’s possible that how society views homosexuality made things harder for Geer, especially since he was dating Harry Hay and his daughter called him a “gay communist.”
These things show that Will Geer had problems and faced abuse because he was gay throughout his life.
Facts About Will Geer
| Full Name | William Aughe Ghere |
| Known As | Will Geer |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1902 |
| Place of Birth | Frankfort, Indiana, U.S. |
| Date of Death | April 22, 1978 |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, Musician, Social Activist |
| Years Active | 1927–1978 |
| Spouse | Herta Ware (m. 1934; div. 1954) |
| Children | 3, including Ellen Geer |
| Grandchildren | Willow Geer |
| Notable Roles | Grandpa Zebulon “Zeb” Walton in The Waltons |
| Education | Master’s degree in Botany, University of Chicago |
| Activism | In the 1950s Hollywood after refusing, in testimony before Congress, to name persons who had joined the Communist Party |
| Blacklisted | In the 1950s Hollywood after refusing, in testimony before Congress, to name persons who had joined the Communist Party |
What Leads to Speculation Regarding Gender of Will Geer?
People think William Geer was gay because he was friends with Harry Hay, who was an important person in the history of gay rights. People say that Geer and Hay were both gay and that Hay’s membership in the Communist Party made him act this way.
Another thing is that his daughter says she heard her father was a homosexual communist, and he has been involved with gay groups and other pro-gay activities. It looks like these make Will Geer look like someone who must be gay.
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