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Sara Gilbert discovered she was gay while dating Johnny Galecki

Long before Sara Gilbert joined "The Talk" and Johnny Galecki landed the role of Leonard Hofstadter on "The Big Bang Theory," the two starred side-by-side on the classic TV sitcom "Roseanne." On screen, Gilbert and Galecki's characters dated and eventually married (well, before the series-ender switcheroo that changed all of that). Off screen? The duo dated, but it didn't go any further than that.
Image: Sara Gilbert and Johnny Galecki
Sara Gilbert and Johnny Galecki have remained friends long after their attempt at a teen romance just didn't work out.Today

Long before Sara Gilbert joined "The Talk" and Johnny Galecki landed the role of Leonard Hofstadter on "The Big Bang Theory," the two starred side-by-side on the classic TV sitcom "Roseanne." On screen, Gilbert and Galecki's characters dated and eventually married (well, before the series-ender switcheroo that changed all of that). Off screen? The duo dated, but it didn't go any further than that.

That's because, as Gilbert revealed on "The Talk" Thursday morning, it was during her dating days with Galecki when she first discovered she was gay.

"I thought he was super cute and had a crush on him," she said of her feelings at the time. "We started dating, and he would come over and we would, like, make out, and then I would start to get depressed."

Galecki noticed and took her reaction personally — until she explained it.

"I eventually told him I thought it was about my sexuality, and he was super sweet about it," Gilbert recalled.

In fact, that was just the beginning of the actor's supportive response. While Gilbert feared Hollywood backlash about her sexuality, he kept her secret. And his support has continued, which he proved when she contacted him about her plan to discuss their relationship and her personal struggles since coming out in 2010 on "The Talk."

"I called him and I just said, 'Is it okay — I'm thinking of talking about this," Gilbert said, adding, "The story sort of starts with you. And I've got to say I made out with you and got depressed, which is kind of a bummer."

His response?

"He was like, 'Of course. I love you, and I think it's really important and I'm so proud of you. If you want, I will be there, and I will hold your hand,'" Gilbert shared. "It was so sweet, and you know, this story really makes Johnny look good."

"The Talk" airs weekdays at 2 p.m. on CBS.