Tell Me Lies' Actor Cat Missal Comes Out as Gay

The actress opens up about her relationship with partner Jess Panneton.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:01am

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Cat Missal, who plays Bree on the Hulu series Tell Me Lies, has confirmed that she is gay and in a relationship with Jess Panneton. In a recent interview with Teen Vogue, Missal spoke openly about her personal life, expressing relief that she does not face the same relationship problems as her on-screen character. The couple lives together in Los Angeles with their two cats.

Why it matters

Missal's decision to publicly come out as gay is an important step in LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry, especially for a rising young actress. Her openness about her relationship can help normalize same-sex partnerships and inspire others to live authentically.

The details

In the interview, Missal shared details about how she and Panneton met at a drag show in West Hollywood. The couple has been together since at least early 2020, with Panneton offering Missal comfort and support during the conversation. Missal usually keeps her private life out of the spotlight, but she chose to open up about her relationship and sexuality in this interview.

  • Missal and Panneton have been together since at least early 2020.

The players

Cat Missal

A 26-year-old actress who plays Bree on the Hulu series Tell Me Lies.

Jess Panneton

Missal's partner, who lives with her in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I am gay, so thank God.”

— Cat Missal, Actress (Teen Vogue)

“You're safe with me.”

— Jess Panneton, Missal's partner (Teen Vogue)

The takeaway

Missal's openness about her sexuality and relationship is a powerful example of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, inspiring others to live authentically and helping to normalize same-sex partnerships.