Why Russell Tovey Wishes He Told Bullies to 'F**k Off'

Actor Russell Tovey has been collecting art since he was 21, and he has always been an art connoisseur – now hosting the successful podcast "Talk Art" when he isn't starring in TV shows and movies.

But in a recent interview with The Independent, Tovey revealed that he used to be teased over his love of art. According to him, he was told his passion for was "gay."

"I remember feeling shame about loving drama, art and literature. I had a shame about giving a f**k," he said.

Tovey said his art collection began when his parents bought him a Tracey Emin print called "Dog Brains."

"I was told all that was 'gay.' That really affected me. It took me a long time to accept and embrace those enthusiasms. Too long. I wish I could go back in time and tell the people who tried to make me feel small to just f**k off," he said.

Tovey came out to himself at 15 and eventually came out to his parents at 18. Now, he has more than 300 pieces of art, and he revealed that most of his money goes to art.

Having interviewed everyone from Elton John to Pierce Brosnan about their art collections on "Talk Art," Tovey says he has his sights on Madonna as one of his dream guests.

"Madonna's never been given credit for her contribution to the art world," he said. "She's been art. As well as hanging out with Haring she dated Jean Michel Basquiat and she has supported so many female artists who were overlooked."

That would be absolutely epic.

Check out pics from Tovey's IG: