Clint Eastwood On Gay Marriage: 'Leave Everybody Alone,' Actor Says On 'The Ellen Show' [VIDEO]

By Howard Koplowitz | September 19 2012 10:56 AM

Republicans loved Clint Eastwood after his much-maligned performance at the party’s convention in Tampa, but the “Dirty Harry” actor departs from the GOP when it comes to gay marriage.

Reuters

Clint Eastwood served as mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea in California’s Monterey County. One of his major victories was overturning a law that restricted the sale of ice cream cones, according to a 1987 New York Times report.

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During an appearance on “The Ellen Show” with Ellen DeGeneres, Eastwood explained his views on gay marriage and his libertarian leanings.

“A libertarian means you’re sort of socially liberal – leave everybody alone,” the actor said to cheers. “Part of the libertarian idea is, ‘leave everybody alone.’ The condition of society right now with the high unemployment rates and the tremendous debt we’re increasing and the government spending, you think there’d be a lot to think about except worrying about what gay marriage is about.”

Eastwood also dished on his disdain for “Mrs. Eastwood and Company,” the reality show starring his wife, Dina Eastwood, and two of their children. The acclaimed actor and director said he’s not too fond of appearing on the show but supports his family in the endeavor.

“Everybody, if they want to do a reality show that’s fine. My only request was to please leave me out of it as much as possible and once in a while they’ve stuck me in.”

DeGeneres asked Eastwood if he likes the show.

“Well, I haven’t seen too much of it,” he said.

Eastwood also spoke of his daughter Francesca’s boyfriend, provocative artist Tyler Shields, who made headlines by lighting a $100,000 Birkin bag on fire.

“He’s the kind of guy everyone wants to see their daughter bring home,” Eastwood quipped. “He’s lighting up purses and doing all kinds of stuff like that. She couldn’t just bring home a nice dweeb.”