Most Famous Black Queer Actors

From breakthrough TV leads to history-making award winners, Black queer male actors have changed what audiences see and expect on screen. Their work spans prestige dramas, blockbuster franchises, Broadway stages, and genre-defining comedies, often opening doors by simply being visible in roles that hadn’t existed before. Below is a friendly, fact-packed tour of some of the most widely recognized names, highlighting signature performances, landmark achievements, and the projects that made them household names.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter became a pop-culture fixture with his star turn on ‘Pose’, earning multiple major awards and becoming the first openly Black gay man to win a lead acting Emmy. He previously won a Tony and a Grammy for the Broadway phenomenon ‘Kinky Boots’, cementing his cross-platform stature. Porter has also directed and produced, expanding his influence behind the camera. His activism around LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness often intersects with his screen work and public appearances.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo’s commanding performances range from ‘Rustin’ to ‘Euphoria’, showcasing a rare blend of theatrical precision and mainstream reach. He earned top-tier nominations for portraying civil-rights leader Bayard Rustin, bringing wider attention to Rustin’s legacy. Domingo has written, directed, and produced for stage and screen, reflecting deep roots in theater. His filmography also includes ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’, underlining his versatility across genres.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope broke out on Broadway with ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’, earning back-to-back Tony nominations before headlining Ryan Murphy’s ‘Hollywood’. He drew critical acclaim in the Marine Corps drama ‘The Inspection’, which led to major awards attention. Pope’s work often explores identity, ambition, and representation, both on stage and on screen. He has also recorded music, rounding out a multi-hyphenate profile.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith first drew wide attention with ‘The Get Down’ and quickly moved into tentpoles like ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’. He publicly identified as queer, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ communities and racial justice. Smith continues to balance franchise work with intimate, character-driven projects. His resume also features acclaimed turns in ‘All the Bright Places’ and ‘Sharper’.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess became a breakout star on ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’, earning multiple Emmy nominations for his scene-stealing role. Before TV fame, he built a strong Broadway reputation with credits that include ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. Burgess has released solo albums and frequently performs in concert settings. He is also known for voice acting, adding animated projects to a diverse career.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made television history on ‘My So-Called Life’ as one of the earliest openly gay actors playing an openly gay teen on network TV. He later joined ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, portraying Dr. Hugh Culber and bringing LGBTQ+ representation to a major sci-fi franchise. Cruz is a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and Latinx communities. His screen work spans drama and documentary projects, linking entertainment and activism.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is widely recognized as the first out Black trans man to become a series regular on network television with ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’. He previously earned notice with roles on ‘Queen Sugar’ and ‘Blue Bloods’, where he came out publicly as trans through his character. Smith’s visibility has been pivotal for trans masculinity in mainstream media. He frequently speaks about inclusive casting and authentic storytelling.

RuPaul

RuPaul is a global entertainment brand whose on-screen work includes hosting and executive-producing ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ while acting in projects like ‘AJ and the Queen’ and ‘Broad City’. He helped bring drag culture into the mainstream and built a media empire spanning television, music, and publishing. RuPaul’s film appearances include ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and other cult favorites. His production companies have launched numerous international spin-offs and companion series.

DeObia Oparei

DeObia Oparei is a British-Nigerian actor known to global audiences for roles in ‘Loki’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. His career also features standout performances in films like ‘Dredd’ and ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’. Oparei has an extensive stage background, writing and performing original work. He has discussed queer identity in interviews, adding valuable perspective to conversations about representation in genre storytelling.

Darryl Stephens

Darryl Stephens became a landmark figure with ‘Noah’s Arc’, the first television series centered on the lives of Black gay men. He reprised the role in ‘Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom’, helping the franchise reach a wider audience. Stephens has appeared in independent features such as ‘Boy Culture’ and continued to work across TV and film. He also writes and produces, contributing to stories that reflect underrepresented experiences.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale drew international attention as Wally West on ‘The Flash’ and won new fans with the teen romance ‘Love, Simon’. He has spoken openly about being queer, using public platforms to champion self-expression and acceptance. Lonsdale works across acting, music, and dance, releasing original tracks alongside screen roles. Additional credits include ‘Dance Academy’ and appearances that blend performance and fashion.

Share your favorite performances or additions to the list in the comments!