While theTVaddict.com generally prides itself on focusing 99.99% of our energy and coverage on the lives of actors on screen rather than off, every once in a while serendipity — or in the case of a recent set visit — Statie happens.
Which is our way of saying that during last week’s visit to the set of CTV’s upcoming new series HIGHLAND GARDENS* that afforded us the fantastic opportunity for a lengthy one-on-one with FIREFLY alum Jewel Staite, the chances were slim-to-none that we’d be able to refrain from asking the actress about her thoughts on former co-star and current close friend Sean Maher, who just days earlier opened up to Entertainment Weekly about being gay.
“Definitely wasn’t a surprise,” laughed the affable actress after we finished talking about her latest role that will soon see her stepping out of her science fiction comfort zone to play a former child actress desperate for another shot at stardom. “Sean has been one of my closest friends for the last 10 years, he lives 2 blocks away from my house, we’re very very tight.”
“He had gotten the role on [NBC’s] THE PLAYBOY CLUB and he knew that it would be a great opportunity, if any to finally come out and speak about who he was. I think he always had a feared that he would lose leading man roles because of his sexuality,” admitted Staite. “But I don’t know any better leading man than that guy. Than someone who can be honest about who they are and be that courageous. I just totally completely adore him and wish him the best.”
A sentiment — which judging from the outpouring of support from the blogosphere, twitterati, not to mention the 128 comments and counting over at the definitive source for all things Joss Whedon, whedonesque.com — is shared by pretty much everyone following Maher’s big announcement.
“He’s an amazing amazing actor, regardless of what he does in his personal life, he’s a fabulous actor and I’m so happy that people are recognizing that and supporting him. He just deserves nothing but the best, he’s the sweetest guy in the world.”
“Plus, I can’t even begin to tell you how good he smells.” 
* HIGHLAND GARDENS is a working title.
Stay tuned to theTVaddict.com for more great interviews from the set as we get closer to the premiere. FIREFLY starred Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Summer Glau, Adam Baldwin, Sean Maher, Jewel Staite and Ron Glass. Episodes can be accessed online over at clicktowatch.tv