Cate Blanchett Says She’s Been Intimate With Women ‘Many Times’

Cate Blanchett's upcoming film role in Carol -- based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith  -- sees the actress playing the titular role of Carol, a character who becomes romantically involved with a woman played by Rooney Mara. And it looks like she was able to draw inspiration from some of her real-life experiences while filming.

According to an interview the actress did with Variety, Blanchett admitted to having intimate relations with women in the past. When asked if her role as Carol was her "first turn as a lesbian" Blanchett said, "On film -- or in real life?" When asked further as to whether she has had relationships with other women in the past she said, "Yes. Many times." She didn't elaborate or label herself, but she did briefly comment on the sexuality of the character in the film. The actress said, "I never thought about it. I don't think Carol thought about it." To her credit, Blanchett does not exploit this, a headline-worthy quote. She simply addresses the question and moves on, in a similar fashion to Miley Cyrus' recent admission.

Blanchett's remarks don't seem to be consciously made in some attempt to lessen the taboos surrounding female sexuality and bisexuality -- and that's just fine, as any statement that normalizes sexual fluidity can only be a good thing.

Carol is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17.