Is Ashton Sanders Gay? The 'Moonlight' Actor Is Straight but Rarely Discusses His Sexuality

Ashton Sanders' sexuality has been a topic of interest among fans since his role in the 2016 movie "Moonlight." Many have speculated whether the actor is gay or not, as his on-screen portrayal of a young black man coming to terms with his homosexuality was both powerful and moving.

Ashton Sanders is an actor born in California on October 24, 1995. He started his career in 2012 and attended The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago.

For his first role on screen, he was credited as Ashton Sanders-Rodney for starring as Donnie in the short comedy romance "Making Possibilities," alongside Mandy Aceves-Lopez and Karina Maddox.

Since entering the industry, Sanders has acted in two movies that have received Oscar nominations for Best Picture. The movies are the 2016 "Moonlight" and the 2021 "Judas and the Black Messiah."

In "Judas and the Black Messiah," he acted alongside Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Algee Smith, and more. His role in the movie differed significantly from when he starred as a gay character in "Moonlight."

However, despite his willingness to assume such roles, he has rarely spoken publicly about his sexuality. The actor is straight but prefers to keep his personal life private.

Ashton Played a Gay Teen in the Oscar Award-Winning 'Moonlight'

In 2016, Sanders acted in "Moonlight," a movie that became his breakout role. In the film, he played teen Chiron alongside Naomie Harris, who played his mother, and Mahershala Ali, a father figure to him. The movie also starred Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, Jharrel Jerome, and more.

While reading the script, the actor became emotional about the role, and even before he booked the part, he had already highlighted his lines because he knew no one could play the role better and was interested in playing it right.

Even though he was nervous while meeting with the director, things panned out in his favor, and he got the role. After the movie's release, his life moved on a fast lane, landing him at the Oscars as the film received eight nominations.

Of the eight nominations at the 2017 Oscars, "Moonlight" won three, "Best Motion Picture of the Year," Ali winning "Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role," and the movie won "Best Adapted Screenplay."

Ashton Was Born Artistic, Not Athletic

Sanders could relate to his "Moonlight" character because he was not like the average black male when he was younger. He said:

"For me, I wasn't raised playing sports. I was artistic, so that was looked down upon by people in my church and I was teased for that growing up in school, so it goes both ways."

His father, who always supported his creative endeavors, was an artistic fashion designer who loved sketching. That was how the actor built his confidence from home, knowing he wanted to be a performer.

By ages 12 and 13, he had started an acting program in Central Los Angeles. He went to an all-black school that focused on teaching its students how to act, sing, and dance.

While there, Sanders revealed that he found himself and his artistic integrity as he was surrounded by like-minded kids who did not judge him. His training sparked a fire that made him know he was in the right industry.

Ashton Relates to His 'Moonlight' Character Even Though He Is Straight

In an interview, it was clarified that Sanders is straight, but based on his Instagram page, he keeps his personal life private and has not posted any picture suggesting he is in a relationship.

However, the actor hardly ever discusses his sexuality and believes that "Moonlight" was not focused solely on the issues of sexuality but also on race.