Rupert Everett Weds Partner Despite Past Criticism of Gay Marriage

Rupert Everett, the renowned British actor, has recently announced his marriage to his long-term partner, Henrique, in a modest London ceremony. This news comes as a surprise to many, given Everett's previous outspoken criticism of gay marriage.

The 65-year-old actor, known for his roles in films such as "Another Country" and voicing Prince Charming in the "Shrek" series, has undergone a significant shift in his views on matrimony. In 2012, Everett described gay marriage as "tragic" and "grotesque," questioning why same-sex couples would want to emulate heterosexual wedding traditions.

However, Everett's perspective has evolved over time. In a recent interview with Tatler magazine, he explained his change of heart: "When you get older... I have seen so many problems that gay couples face, so it's really more about forward-thinking, as we have been together for a long time now."

The actor's decision to marry seems to be rooted in practical considerations rather than a sudden embrace of traditional values. Everett candidly shared his thoughts on mortality, stating, "I don't know how long I'm going to last. Well, being tall, I've never seen a 95-year-old 6ft 5in person. You just never know what's going to happen."

The wedding ceremony took place at Camden Town Hall, followed by a meal at the couple's favorite local restaurant. This low-key celebration aligns with Everett's 2020 prediction that his wedding would not be a grand affair like "George Clooney on a motorski going down the Grand Canal in Venice."

Rupert Everett's journey to marriage has been a complex one. Coming out as gay in 1989, he was one of the first actors to do so openly, paving the way for greater visibility in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, Everett has been a vocal advocate for LGBT rights, while also challenging societal norms.

In recent years, Rupert Everett has experienced a career resurgence. In 2018, he directed and starred in "The Happy Prince," a critically acclaimed historical drama about Oscar Wilde's final days. This project showcased Everett's multifaceted talents and reignited interest in his work. More recently, he appeared as the Duke of Wellington in Ridley Scott's historical epic "Napoleon."

Reflecting on his past, Everett has expressed some regrets about his earlier focus on a more libertine lifestyle. In a 2023 interview, he admitted, "I had a lot of individuality... but I never learnt how to focus and, looking back, for me, everything was just about sex. Everything."

As Rupert Everett enters this new chapter of his life, his marriage to Henrique represents not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the evolving perspectives that come with age and experience. The actor's journey from critic to participant in the institution of marriage offers a nuanced view of how personal beliefs can change over time.

"For me, being gay was about wanting to do the opposite of the straight world, so I think that's where my problems in this particular area come from."