Glee star Chord Overstreet recently made headlines after revealing a surprising piece of his past—his provocative Playgirl magazine photoshoot, which never saw the light of day.
During a candid interview, the actor and musician shared the story behind the shoot, the reaction it received, and why the publication ultimately decided to pull it from shelves.
Overstreet, best known for his role as Sam Evans on the hit musical comedy-drama Glee, has long been admired for his charm, good looks, and talent.
Chord Overstreet: From Glee Heartthrob to Unlikely Cover Star
Chord Overstreet rose to fame in 2010 when he joined the cast of Glee during its second season.
Playing the role of Sam Evans, the charming and musically gifted transfer student, Overstreet quickly won over fans with his endearing personality, comedic timing, and impressive vocal chops.
His good looks didn’t go unnoticed either—earning him a dedicated following and a reputation as one of the show’s standout heartthrobs.
But like many young actors navigating the pressures of Hollywood, Overstreet explored a variety of career opportunities early on.
One such opportunity came in the form of a Playgirl magazine photoshoot, a decision that, while bold, didn’t go as planned.
The Playgirl Photoshoot: A Risky Career Move
In a recent podcast interview, Chord Overstreet opened up about the time he posed for Playgirl, the adult magazine that gained popularity in the 1970s and ’80s for featuring nude or semi-nude male celebrities and models, often targeted at a female and LGBTQ+ readership.
According to Overstreet, the shoot took place early in his career, before Glee had made him a household name.
“I was young, just trying to figure out my path,” he said. “When the opportunity came up, it seemed edgy and cool—something that could get people talking.”
And it certainly did. The photoshoot was intended to be a major feature, showcasing Overstreet in a way fans had never seen him before.
He posed shirtless—and possibly more, though the full extent of the shoot remains under wraps to this day.
The buzz surrounding the upcoming issue was immediate, with teaser images and insider rumors sparking curiosity among fans and media outlets alike.
Why Was the Playgirl Issue Pulled?
Despite the build-up and anticipation, the Playgirl issue featuring Chord Overstreet was never released to the public.
In the interview, Overstreet revealed that the decision to pull the issue came at the last minute, leaving even him surprised and disappointed.
So what happened?
“There was a lot of back and forth between my team, the magazine, and people behind the scenes at the network,” Overstreet explained. “Ultimately, it came down to image and brand control.”
According to sources close to the situation, 20th Century Fox, the studio behind Glee, was reportedly not thrilled about the actor’s decision to pose for an adult magazine.
At the time, Glee was one of the most popular shows on television, marketed heavily to teens and families. A provocative Playgirl shoot featuring one of its stars could have complicated that image.
“There were concerns about how it would reflect on the show, especially given the audience,” Overstreet said. “I totally get it now. But at the time, it was frustrating.”
Public Image and Hollywood’s Double Standards
The Chord Overstreet Playgirl incident highlights a long-standing tension in Hollywood—the battle between personal freedom and public persona. Celebrities often face intense scrutiny over how they present themselves, especially when tied to major franchises or family-friendly brands.
Interestingly, the entertainment industry has a history of double standards when it comes to sexuality and self-expression.
Female celebrities have long posed for magazines like Playboy or Maxim, often receiving both criticism and acclaim. Male stars, however, face a different set of expectations.
“People weren’t ready to see a male TV star from a network show doing something like that,” Overstreet said. “It made some people uncomfortable.”
A Missed Opportunity—or a Smart Move?
In hindsight, Overstreet sees the situation with more clarity. While disappointed that the photoshoot was never published, he admits it may have been a blessing in disguise.
“Looking back, I’m kind of glad it didn’t come out,” he laughed. “Not because I’m ashamed, but because I’ve grown a lot since then. I think I would’ve handled it differently today.”
The actor also noted how much the industry has evolved since those early years. “We’re in a different era now. People are more accepting of different forms of self-expression. If I did something like that today, it might be received totally differently.”
The Internet Reacts: Fans Want the Photos
As word spread about the unreleased Playgirl shoot, fans naturally had one question: Where are the photos now?
Social media erupted with speculation and humor, with some users joking about launching a campaign to “#FreeTheChordShoot.” Others expressed curiosity, with many saying they would’ve supported Overstreet’s bold career move.
“I would’ve bought that magazine in a heartbeat,” one user tweeted. “Chord was my favorite Glee character!”
So far, the actual photos have never been leaked or released, and it’s unclear whether they still exist in the Playgirl archives.
Overstreet hasn’t shared any images either, choosing instead to reflect on the experience with a sense of humor and humility.
Chord Overstreet Today: Actor, Musician, and More
Today, Chord Overstreet has carved out a successful career beyond Glee. He’s continued acting, with roles in shows like Acapulco and Netflix’s Falling for Christmas alongside Lindsay Lohan.
In addition to acting, Overstreet is also a singer-songwriter, fronting the band Overstreet and releasing several singles and EPs.
His music showcases a different side of his artistry—emotional, soulful, and deeply personal. In many ways, it’s another form of vulnerability—just like the photoshoot was.
“I’m all about authenticity now,” Overstreet said. “Whether that’s through music, acting, or whatever else I do, I want to be real with people.”
Industry Lessons: Branding, Freedom, and Timing
The story of Chord Overstreet’s Playgirl shoot offers a fascinating glimpse into the pressures of early fame and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Hollywood branding.
It also serves as a reminder that public image is carefully curated—and sometimes controlled by forces beyond a celebrity’s personal preferences.
For young stars navigating the spotlight, timing and context can make or break a bold decision. In 2025, with changing attitudes toward body positivity, gender expression, and celebrity vulnerability, Overstreet’s shoot might have been celebrated rather than suppressed.
Could the Photos Ever Be Released?
With renewed interest in the story, some fans are wondering: Could Chord Overstreet’s Playgirl photoshoot ever be released today?
Technically, it’s possible. If Playgirl still holds the rights to the shoot, and Overstreet is open to it, a special release—digital or print—could attract a lot of attention.
In an age where nostalgia and previously unreleased celebrity content often go viral, a limited edition release would likely be a major success.
However, Overstreet hasn’t indicated any plans to pursue that. “I think I’ve moved on from that moment,” he said with a smile. “But you never know.”
Frequently Asked Question
When did Chord Overstreet do the Playgirl photoshoot?
Chord Overstreet did the Playgirl photoshoot early in his career, before his breakout role on Glee. While the exact year hasn’t been confirmed, it was likely in the late 2000s or very early 2010s, around the time he was still establishing himself in Hollywood.
Why was Chord Overstreet’s Playgirl shoot pulled from shelves?
The shoot was pulled due to concerns over Chord’s image and how it would reflect on Glee, which was a family-oriented, teen-focused TV show. Reportedly, executives and representatives from the network and his team felt the adult-themed photoshoot conflicted with his brand and the show’s audience.
Were any of Chord Overstreet’s Playgirl photos ever released?
No, the full Playgirl spread featuring Chord Overstreet was never released to the public. No official photos or scans have surfaced online, and the issue was pulled before it hit newsstands.
Did Chord Overstreet pose nude for the shoot?
Chord Overstreet has not publicly confirmed whether the shoot included full nudity. However, given the nature of Playgirl, it’s likely the shoot was risqué or semi-nude, which contributed to the controversy and eventual cancellation of the issue.
What has Chord Overstreet said about the incident?
In a recent interview, Chord described the experience as a youthful decision made during a time when he was still finding his way in the industry. He admitted being frustrated at the time but now sees the situation with more perspective and even humor.
Could the Playgirl photos ever be released in the future?
While it’s technically possible, there are currently no plans to release the photos. It would require agreement between Chord Overstreet, Playgirl, and any rights holders involved. Chord has also said he’s moved on from that chapter, though fans remain curious.
How did fans react to the news about the pulled Playgirl shoot?
Many fans expressed shock, amusement, and support. Social media buzzed with humorous takes and some even called for the photos to be released using hashtags like #FreeTheChordShoot. Overall, the reaction was mostly positive and nostalgic.
Conclusion
Chord Overstreet’s Playgirl story is more than just a tale of a scrapped photoshoot—it’s a reflection of a young actor testing his boundaries, a studio protecting its brand, and a culture still learning to embrace male vulnerability and expression.
While the images may never surface, the conversation they’ve sparked—about celebrity, control, image, and authenticity—is more valuable than a magazine spread ever could be.
And for fans who still want to catch a glimpse of Chord Overstreet’s charm and charisma, his work on-screen and in music continues to show exactly why he remains a beloved figure in entertainment.
