A salvo of applause is due today to Sean Maher (who currently plays a closeted character by the same first name on NBC's new period-piece, Playboy Club.) The actor says the industry resisted his sexuality early on and admits witnessing homophobia regularly, but has ultimately decided to make a hero move by coming out publicly as gay. We couldn't be more ready to welcome the brave (and hot!) actor with open arms. (Details follow.)