Actor Colin Firth says that Hollywood is full of secretly gay actors because the movie industry forces stars to keep their true sexuality"hidden".

Firth, who plays a homosexual college professor in his new movie, 'A Single Man', insists that it's easy for a "straight" man to take on a gay part in a film. But Hollywood is a much more difficult place for a gay actor, because they are forced to stay 'in the closet' to survive in the film business, Parade magazine online reported.

"If you're a straight actor who takes on the role of a gay man, it's obviously not the same as being one in this business. I think there are still some constraints against being openly gay. It is to do with whatever sexual taboos are in place. In Hollywood, I know that some actors are far more circumspect about keeping that secret hidden. There are not a lot of openly gay leading men," the actor told the magazine. Firth is not the only star speaking out about the subject of gay stars in Hollywood, fellow British actor Rupert Everett recently revealed he has been shut out of the movie business since he 'came out.'

Everett also claims there are many high profile gay actors who are forced to keep their true sexuality a secret in order to protect their careers.