Does David Yost Have a Partner? The 'Power Rangers' Star Keeps His Love Life Private

David Yost identified himself as gay and was harassed for it in the '90s. Thinking his true nature was his own doing, Yost went to great lengths to change his sexuality. He has since kept his love life private and away from prying eyes.

It has been three decades since the original "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" cast graced the screens of television viewers. This year, they are reuniting for a scripted Netflix special.

Hollywood stars who played the famous Power Rangers in the beloved series will once again be seen together, including Catherine Sutherland, Steve Cardenas, Karan Ashley, Johnny Yong Bosch, and the original Blue Ranger Billy, David Yost.

The reunion is even more special with the longest-running Ranger, Yost, in attendance. "It was such a surreal experience to be on the set of 'Power Rangers' again after 28 years," Yost revealed. The actor appeared in over 200 "Power Rangers" episodes until his exit in 1996.

He is most recognized for his appearances in "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" and "Power Rangers Zeo." Yost's time as a Ranger ended when he was harassed for being gay, leaving him no choice but to make his exit.

David Yost Left "Power Rangers" after Being Harassed for His Sexuality

Unlike today's more accepting society, Yost's generation considered it taboo to be gay. Notably, the entertainment industry preferred leading actors to be straight or hide their identity if they weren't.

Yost knew who he was, but because of his passion for acting and dedication to his career, he decided to suppress it. "All I wanted to do was be a working actor. So I had to struggle with not being my true self," Yost recalled.

Although focused on his job, Yost experienced the challenges of being gay. He would hear harsh comments at the workplace attacking his sexuality, with derogatory names thrown at him. The situation worsened with time until it reached a point where Yost was pushed to his limits. He said:

“[...] I couldn't keep going on like that because it was really affecting my psyche and my ability to do my job."

Unfortunately, Yost did not have the privilege of complaining to a Human Resource department at that time. Going to his producers to discuss such matters was only an option if he was ready to end his career.

The best decision he could make for himself was to leave. Otherwise, he would have lost his sanity. However, following his exit, "Mighty Porphin Power Rangers" producers have denied the reason for Yost's exit.

One of the show's co-producers alleged that Yost left because of financial reasons. Another thing he claimed was that the actor was a "pain in the [expletive]."

David Yost Tried to "Pray the Gay Away" and Even Went through the Conversion Therapy

Even after Yost's exit, his life was not set straight. Admittedly, he was in a dark place and wanted to change his sexual orientation. He sought help from his religion and began meeting with spiritual leaders, hoping to "pray the gay away." Yost recalled:

"I was doing any and everything I could to get rid of being gay."

He welcomed the idea of conversion therapy and tried to rid himself of being gay. During that time, Yost felt that he was going against his true identity. It was an internal struggle that led to a nervous breakdown and a trip to the hospital.

Soon, Yost started to accept himself and realized that he couldn't live that way. His status as a public figure heavily contributed to his refusal to be gay, but eventually, he learned to love his identity.

David Yost Publicly Came Out in 2010 but Was Almost Outed by Bryan Cranston a Year Before

It wasn't until 2010 that Yost publicly came out and shared his story. However, "Breaking Bad's" Bryan Cranston took a jab at the actor the year before when he joked about Yost's sexuality. In an interview with IGN, Cranston revealed that the blue power ranger was named after him.

"He's the fey one. That's the problem," Cranston said about the actor, Yost, who played the character. Admittedly, Cranston's use of the term "fey" was not a funny joke about Yost's sexuality, especially since he claimed it was a problem.

Cranston later apologized for using the term and said he did not even remember making the remark in the interview. Regardless of his apology, Yost was already hurt.

David Yost Is Very Private about His Love Life

Yost has never been romantically linked to anyone and kept his love life private. Although it is unknown if he is single, Yost remains at peace with his sexuality.

He is also happy that more on-screen LGBTQ+ characters have made their way into television. The progress in society's acceptance has helped people understand that members of the LGBTQ+ community are still human and should be treated with respect.

In recent years, more gay celebrities have been comfortable showing their true selves to the public, including Joel Grey, who was once married to a woman, and Matt Bomer, who became estranged from his parents after coming out.

Meanwhile, rumors surrounding some celebrities' sexuality continue to swirl around the media. "Saturday Night Live" alum, Leslie Jones, is among those who were rumored to be gay but confirmed that she was straight.