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Justice Smith Reveals Secret Crush on Hugh Grant, Sparking Fan Dialogue

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 23:18 GMT by Entertainment Weekly

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Justice Smith’s “Shockingly Candid” Confession About Hugh Grant: What the Actor Revealed and Why It Matters

The recent Entertainment Weekly feature that ran under the headline “Justice Smith shockingly candid confession: I had a crush on Hugh Grant” stunned readers who were already familiar with the young actor’s work on If Beale Street Could Talk, The Dark Knight sequels and The Last of Us series. In a surprisingly personal interview, Smith—known for his brooding intensity and rapid rise to mainstream stardom—opened up about a secret that, until now, had been a private part of his adolescent life. The revelations were not only personal; they also sparked a broader conversation about representation, vulnerability, and the intersection of celebrity and fan culture.

A Rising Star Meets a Classic Hollywood Icon

Justice Smith’s career has been marked by a blend of indie grit and blockbuster polish. Born in Brooklyn in 2000, he found himself in front of a camera as a teenager, ultimately securing roles that would see him become one of the most talked‑about actors of his generation. By the time the interview in question took place, Smith had already earned a reputation for his sincerity—both on‑screen and off—making his revelations all the more resonant.

Hugh Grant, the British actor celebrated for rom‑coms such as Love Actually and Notting Hill, has long been an icon in Hollywood’s romantic and comedic sectors. While his public persona is polished and polished, there are aspects of his life that remain largely private. In the interview, Smith explains that he first heard of Grant during his high‑school years, when he would obsessively watch the actor’s filmography and feel an almost reverential attraction to his on‑screen charisma.

The Moment of Revelation

Smith recounts the first time he actually crossed paths with Grant. He was attending a charity event—specifically a gala for a foundation that promotes literacy in under‑served communities—when he was introduced to Grant by a mutual friend. The encounter is described as brief but profoundly impactful. “I was terrified,” Smith said. “I couldn’t find the words to talk about how much his movies meant to me.” It was a surreal, almost surreal moment that would haunt him in the days that followed.

It is this experience that the article labels “shockingly candid.” Smith went on to explain that, over the years, he had been haunted by a private fantasy: that he had spoken to Grant and, in the words he chose, confessed his admiration—both artistic and personal. “I had a crush on him,” Smith admitted, the statement punctuated by a look that carried both humor and a hint of vulnerability. He continued to say that while he never actually spoke to him about this attraction, the thought has lingered in his mind.

Why the Confession Resonated

The timing of Smith’s disclosure cannot be ignored. He is still young enough that many of his fans consider him a role model, and his openness about this unrequited attraction adds to a conversation that has often been sidelined—namely, the experience of queer youth navigating fandom. In an interview, he mentioned that he does not identify with the gay label but that his feelings for a male figure in a time of self‑discovery were, to him, significant. “It shaped who I am,” Smith said, emphasizing that this private longing influenced his self‑perception and his career choices.

Entertainment Weekly noted that this kind of candidness is rare in the Hollywood landscape. While many actors speak candidly about their career challenges, few discuss their sexual attraction or romantic longing in such a direct manner, especially when it involves a beloved male star. Smith’s honesty invites fans to see the human side of the actor—beyond the roles he plays—and to consider the complex layers of attraction and fandom.

Reactions From Fans and Industry Observers

The article reports a mixture of supportive responses from Smith’s fan base. Many readers applauded his openness and cited his vulnerability as a breath of fresh air in an industry known for its image‑driven politics. Twitter threads and Reddit discussions highlighted how Smith’s confession resonates with young, queer viewers who see themselves reflected in his narrative.

However, not all responses were entirely positive. A small minority of commenters expressed discomfort at what they perceived as a breach of privacy regarding Hugh Grant. Those who defended the right to privacy argued that while Smith’s feelings are valid, they should not be used to speculate about Grant’s personal life. Entertainment Weekly responded to this critique by clarifying that the interview was an honest, self‑disclosed narrative from Smith, and that it did not intend to delve into Grant’s private affairs.

The Broader Cultural Context

Smith’s confession is part of a larger trend where public figures are increasingly candid about the personal nuances of their lives. In a media environment that is saturated with curated personas, moments of raw authenticity stand out. The article draws parallels with other actors who have spoken openly about their sexual identities and unreciprocated feelings—people such as Andrew Miller, who came out on The Bachelorette, or Zach Levi, who has addressed his experiences with queer attraction in interviews.

The piece also touches on the dynamics of fandom in Hollywood. As a generation that is more comfortable discussing mental health and sexuality publicly, younger actors are using their platforms to advocate for authenticity and open dialogue. Smith’s narrative is an example of this movement, where personal experience is leveraged to challenge traditional narratives about masculinity and fandom.

Conclusion: A Conversation Worth Having

While Justice Smith’s shockingly candid confession might appear as a singular anecdote—“I had a crush on Hugh Grant”—it serves as a microcosm of larger cultural shifts. Smith’s willingness to speak about a private longing invites discussions about identity, fandom, and vulnerability. The article in Entertainment Weekly does more than just present a sensational headline; it opens up a dialogue that encourages audiences to confront the complexity of attraction and to appreciate the authenticity that actors can bring to their public lives. Whether fans view it as a heart‑warming confession or a controversial disclosure, Smith’s story undeniably contributes to the evolving narrative about how celebrities can use their platforms to speak truthfully about themselves—and, in doing so, shape the cultural conversation around love, fandom, and authenticity.