Nathan Lane: Partner, Robin Williams & The Birdcage Facts

There’s something about Nathan Lane that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret—maybe it’s the way he can crack a joke and break your heart in the same breath. For decades, he’s been a beloved face on Broadway, in movies, and on TV, but the stories behind his career—his long partnership with playwright Devlin Elliott, his close friendship with Robin Williams, and the moment he decided to come out publicly—are the ones people keep searching for.

Full name: Joseph Lane ·
Date of birth: February 3, 1956 ·
Best known for: Timon in The Lion King, The Birdcage ·
Public coming out: 1999 ·
Partner: Devlin Elliott since 1997 ·
Notable award: Three Tony Awards

Seven key facts that define Nathan Lane’s biography, one pattern: a long career built on versatility and emotional honesty.

What Did Nathan Lane Say When Robin Williams Died?

Nathan Lane’s tribute to Robin Williams

• Lane said Williams “was the most brilliant comedian I ever saw” (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news outlet))
• He also stated “The world is emptier without him” (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news outlet))

The friendship behind the tribute

Lane’s public statement reflected not just a colleague’s loss but a deep personal bond. The two had worked together on The Birdcage in 1996 and stayed close.

The implication: Lane’s choice to speak so openly about Williams’ death reinforced the public’s understanding of their bond—and it still drives search traffic from people who want to confirm that the affection was mutual.

Did Robin Williams and Nathan Lane Get Along?

On-screen chemistry in The Birdcage

• Lane played Albert, opposite Robin Williams as Armand, in the 1996 film (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference))
• The film was a remake of La Cage aux Folles (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced reference))

Off-screen friendship details

Lane said Williams protected him from discussing his sexuality during a joint appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news outlet)). That gesture cemented a friendship that lasted until Williams’ death in 2014.

What this means: The question “Did they get along?” persists because audiences sensed real chemistry. The answer is yes—and Lane has provided multiple examples over the years.

Who Is Nathan Lane’s Partner?

Devlin Elliott: partner of 20+ years

• Devlin Elliott is a playwright (E! Online (celebrity news outlet))
• The two were together for 18 years before marrying on November 17, 2015 (TV Guide (celebrity news outlet))

Nathan Lane’s marriage timeline

Lane and Elliott have been together since 1997, according to multiple reports (E! Online (celebrity news outlet)). Their long-term partnership is a source of stability in Lane’s life.

The trade-off: Lane’s public career often overshadows his private life, but the data shows a remarkably consistent personal relationship—rare in Hollywood.

When Did Nathan Lane Come Out Publicly?

The 1999 announcement

• Lane came out in 1999 (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference))
• He had already come out privately to his family at age 21 (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced reference))

Motivation: Matthew Shepard’s murder

Lane has said that the killing of Matthew Shepard in 1998 spurred him to go public (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference)).

The catch: While many assume Lane came out abruptly, he had been privately out for decades. The 1999 announcement was a public alignment with his private life.

What Is Nathan Lane’s Ethnicity?

Irish Catholic heritage

• Lane is of Irish Catholic descent (Hollywood Walk of Fame (official recognition site))
• His parents were Irish-American Catholics (Hollywood Walk of Fame (official recognition site))

Family background

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Lane grew up in an Irish-American household (Hollywood Walk of Fame (official recognition site)).

Why this matters: Fans often ask about ethnicity because Lane’s everyman persona feels distinctly Irish-American—warm, witty, resilient. It’s a cultural marker that aligns with his public image.

What Is the Famous Line From The Birdcage?

“We are not gay! We are not!”

The line is delivered by Nathan Lane’s character Albert during a comedic meltdown (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced reference)). It became one of the most quoted moments from the film.

Cultural impact of the line

The scene’s humor relies on Albert’s frantic denial of his own identity—a moment that resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences and became a touchstone for discussions about representation in the 1990s.

The pattern: The Birdcage grossed over $185 million worldwide and earned Lane his first Golden Globe nomination. The line lives on in memes, interviews, and retrospectives.

Timeline

• 1956 – Nathan Lane born in Jersey City, New Jersey (Hollywood Walk of Fame (official recognition site))
• 1979 – Professional stage debut (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced reference))
• 1994 – Voices Timon in Disney’s The Lion King (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced reference))
• 1996 – Stars in The Birdcage alongside Robin Williams (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference))
• 1999 – Comes out publicly as gay (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference))
• 2001 – Wins Tony Award for The Producers (Wikipedia (crowd-sourced reference))
• 2015 – Marries partner Devlin Elliott (TV Guide (celebrity news outlet))

“He was the most brilliant comedian I ever saw. The world is emptier without him.”

Nathan Lane, in a 2014 interview with Entertainment Tonight (Entertainment Tonight (celebrity news outlet))

Lane has said he came out to his family at age 21, but the murder of Matthew Shepard compelled him to do so publicly (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biographical reference)).

For Nathan Lane’s millions of fans, the choice is clear: continue celebrating a performer who has always been more than the roles he plays. The implication for those searching his story is that the real man—Irish-American, openly gay, devoted partner, loyal friend—lives up to the characters he brings to life.

Related reading: **Steve Martin** · **Rosie O’Donnell**

For a deeper look into his career and bond with the late comedian, read Nathan Lanes biography and friendship with Robin Williams.

Frequently asked questions