The Most Influential Gay Actors of All Time

Across decades and industries, openly gay male actors have expanded what’s possible on stage and screen, pushed for better representation, and used their platforms to advance LGBTQ+ rights around the world. This list highlights forty such performers whose impact spans blockbuster franchises, prestige television, and landmark theater, as well as advocacy that changed conversations off-screen. You’ll find pioneering stars who navigated hostile eras, contemporary icons breaking new ground, and versatile talents whose work earns awards and audiences in equal measure. Their influence shows up in the roles they choose, the stories they tell, and the doors they help open for others.

Ian McKellen

A two-time Oscar nominee, Sir Ian McKellen became globally recognizable through franchises like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X-Men’ while maintaining a celebrated classical theater career. He publicly came out in the late 1980s and co-founded the UK charity Stonewall, which campaigns for LGBTQ+ equality. His advocacy includes high-profile speaking, school outreach, and fundraising for HIV/AIDS causes. Knighted for services to the performing arts, he remains a touchstone for combining mainstream stardom with visible activism.

Rock Hudson

One of Hollywood’s biggest leading men of the studio era, Rock Hudson headlined hits like ‘Giant’ and ‘Pillow Talk’. His 1985 AIDS diagnosis and subsequent death brought unprecedented public attention to the epidemic and shifted media coverage and funding conversations. The revelation of his sexuality, long constrained by the industry’s publicity machinery, became a watershed moment in entertainment culture. His legacy includes the visibility he inadvertently provided at a time of widespread stigma.

George Takei

George Takei’s role as Sulu in ‘Star Trek’ made him a pop-culture staple, and he later leveraged that platform into large-scale advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and civil liberties. He publicly discussed his family’s incarceration during World War II and helped create ‘Allegiance’, a stage musical reflecting that history. Takei came out in the mid-2000s and became one of the most followed voices in social media on equality issues. His media presence, books, and speaking tours connect entertainment, history, and activism for broad audiences.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris transitioned from child stardom in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ to a long-running sitcom success with ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He earned a Tony Award for leading ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ and has hosted the Tonys, Emmys, and the Oscars. Harris publicly came out in the mid-2000s and has been open about his family life, normalizing visibility in mainstream press. His career demonstrates how openly gay actors can anchor network television, lead Broadway, and front major live broadcasts.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became one of television’s most recognizable stars through ‘The Big Bang Theory’, earning multiple Emmys and a Golden Globe. He has produced and starred in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’, helping bring pivotal LGBTQ+ stories to wider audiences. Parsons came out publicly in the 2010s and has spoken about the importance of representation and inclusive storytelling. His behind-the-scenes work extends his influence beyond acting into developing new narratives.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto broke out in ‘Heroes’ and won new generations of fans as Spock in ‘Star Trek’. He came out publicly in 2011 and has consistently connected his career choices with advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth and mental health. Quinto’s stage work includes ‘The Boys in the Band’, both on Broadway and in its ensemble screen adaptation, foregrounding queer history for mainstream audiences. His production and voice work further broaden his cultural footprint.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer’s star turn in ‘White Collar’ showcased his leading-man appeal, followed by acclaimed roles in ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Magic Mike’. He publicly came out in 2012 and has supported LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS organizations through fundraising and visibility. Bomer’s range spans television, film, and stage, often choosing projects that center complex queer characters. His awards recognition for dramatic performances helped spotlight the depth of those stories.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is known for independent cinema and major franchises alike, including playing Q in the James Bond series and voicing the title bear in ‘Paddington’. He received major awards recognition for ‘A Very English Scandal’, elevating a nuanced LGBTQ+ historical narrative. Whishaw has discussed his sexuality openly while maintaining a low-key public profile, allowing the work to speak widely. His choices bridge family entertainment and prestige drama, expanding visibility across audiences.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett’s breakout in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ cemented his screen charisma, and he earned further acclaim in period pieces like ‘An Ideal Husband’. Coming out early in his career, he documented industry challenges in bestselling memoirs that sparked debate about casting and sexuality. Everett has also written, directed, and starred in projects such as ‘The Happy Prince’, about Oscar Wilde. His candid public commentary and creative risks have influenced conversations on authenticity in casting.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain rose to fame with ‘Dr. Kildare’ and later headlined sweeping television epics like ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shōgun’. He came out publicly in the 2000s after decades in the industry, reflecting shifting attitudes toward LGBTQ+ identities in Hollywood. Chamberlain’s long career offers a through-line from the studio system to modern prestige TV. His memoirs and interviews have provided valuable first-person accounts of navigating fame while closeted.

BD Wong

BD Wong won a Tony Award for originating the lead in ‘M. Butterfly’ and has been a consistent presence on television in ‘Law & Order: SVU’, ‘Mr. Robot’, and more. His film credits include recurring roles in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise, bringing visibility to an openly gay Asian American actor in blockbusters. Wong has written about family and identity, adding to public understanding of LGBTQ+ parenting and surrogacy. His cross-medium career underscores both representation and longevity.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber’s résumé spans Broadway, film, and television, with standout turns in ‘Titanic’, ‘Argo’, and ‘Alias’. He has been open about his sexuality for years and married his longtime partner, further normalizing same-sex relationships in entertainment press. Garber’s steady presence in ensemble casts and musicals has influenced performers across genres. His mentorship and frequent stage returns keep him central to theater and screen communities.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey became a global name through ‘Bridgerton’ while maintaining acclaimed stage work, including an Olivier-winning performance in ‘Company’. He has been outspoken about being openly gay in casting and how it intersects with romantic lead roles. Bailey’s projects such as ‘Fellow Travelers’ place queer narratives at the center of prestige television. His visibility among younger audiences has helped recalibrate expectations for leading men.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo earned widespread acclaim for ‘Rustin’, along with a standout Emmy-winning performance in ‘Euphoria’. A writer, director, and producer as well as an actor, he has championed stories about Black and queer histories on stage and screen. Domingo’s theater background, including Tony-nominated work, informs his approach to character and storytelling. His cross-disciplinary achievements have made him a prominent voice for intersectional representation.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans moved from West End musicals to international films like ‘The Hobbit’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and ‘Dracula Untold’. Openly gay since early in his career, he has spoken about authenticity while taking on action, musical, and romantic roles. Evans’ success in mainstream franchises challenged assumptions about casting openly gay actors in leading parts. He also records and performs music, broadening his reach beyond film and theater.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane became a household name with screen hits like ‘The Birdcage’ and stage blockbusters such as ‘The Producers’. He has earned multiple Tony Awards and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in theater and film. Lane’s voice and character work span animation and prestige drama, adding range to a long career. His interviews and philanthropy have helped normalize open discussion of sexuality in mainstream entertainment.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott drew international attention as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and later as the priest in ‘Fleabag’. He has spoken publicly about being gay and about industry changes around casting and queerness. Scott’s acclaimed performances in projects like ‘All of Us Strangers’ and major stage productions strengthened his influence across film, TV, and theater. His choices often center emotionally complex characters that broaden modern LGBTQ+ storytelling.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff broke out on Broadway with ‘Spring Awakening’ and reached global audiences through ‘Glee’ and ‘Frozen’. He led the crime drama ‘Mindhunter’ and returned to Broadway for high-profile revivals and concerts. Groff has been open about his sexuality since early in his career and supports LGBTQ+ charities and arts education. His cross-over success in musical theater, television, and voice acting demonstrates the reach of openly gay performers.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter won a Tony for ‘Kinky Boots’ and an Emmy for ‘Pose’, becoming one of the few performers to hold major awards across mediums. He has used red-carpet fashion and high-profile interviews to champion LGBTQ+ visibility and gender-expression freedom. Porter’s recording and directing work further extend his platform in entertainment and activism. His public advocacy includes support for HIV/AIDS initiatives and LGBTQ+ youth organizations.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett earned widespread acclaim for his turn in ‘The White Lotus’, following earlier visibility in ‘Looking’. He has discussed the significance of playing queer characters with depth and nuance. Bartlett’s later roles in mainstream hits like ‘The Last of Us’ expanded his audience while keeping LGBTQ+ stories central. His awards recognition spotlighted how complex, openly gay characters can anchor prestige television.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce became iconic as Niles Crane in ‘Frasier’ and later won a Tony for ‘Curtains’. He publicly acknowledged his sexuality and has supported Alzheimer’s research and LGBTQ+ causes. Pierce frequently returns to the stage, starring in revivals and new works while directing select productions. His steady presence across comedy, drama, and musical theater has made him a model of longevity and openness.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp originated Mark Cohen in ‘Rent’ on Broadway and starred in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. He has been openly gay for decades and has written and spoken widely about LGBTQ+ issues and workplace safety. Rapp’s memoir and public advocacy contributed to industry conversations on consent and accountability. His work in science-fiction television and musical theater keeps queer visibility prominent in diverse genres.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey rose to prominence in ‘Being Human’ and later joined ensembles in ‘Looking’ and ‘Years and Years’. Openly gay, he frequently engages with the art world and discusses LGBTQ+ representation in British media. Tovey’s stage credits include contemporary plays that examine identity and community. His consistent presence across TV, film, and theater has helped normalize queer characters in mainstream UK and international projects.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller led the global hit ‘Prison Break’ and later appeared in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. He came out publicly in connection with advocacy against anti-LGBTQ+ policies and has since spoken on mental health and representation. Miller has written for television, signaling a shift toward creating as well as performing. His stance on avoiding roles that demean queer people influenced casting conversations in genre TV.

T.R. Knight

T.R. Knight became widely known through ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ before moving into stage and guest roles on shows like ‘The Good Wife’. He publicly came out during his early TV success and has remained active in theater. Knight supports LGBTQ+ organizations and speaks about workplace culture and inclusion. His career traces the evolution of network television’s approach to queer visibility.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson’s career spans Broadway hits like ‘Xanadu’ and television series such as ’30 Rock’ and ‘American Horror Story’. He has been openly gay throughout his mainstream rise and participates in fundraising for HIV/AIDS and equality initiatives. Jackson also records music and performs in concert settings, broadening his audience. His versatility across comedy, horror, and musical performance underscores the scope of openly gay leading men.

John Gielgud

Sir John Gielgud, a titan of stage and screen, appeared in films like ‘Arthur’ while shaping modern Shakespearean performance. Though he worked through eras of significant stigma, his artistry and eventual openness influenced generations of actors. Gielgud directed landmark productions and mentored performers who carried his classical approach forward. His enduring legacy confirms the cultural impact of openly gay elders in the performing arts.

Paul Lynde

Paul Lynde became a television fixture on ‘The Hollywood Squares’ and memorably recurred on ‘Bewitched’. Although industry pressures shaped how he discussed his private life, he remains an influential queer figure in American TV history. Lynde also appeared in ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ on stage and screen, showcasing his distinctive comic style. His career illustrates how coded personas paved the way for later, more open representation.

Charles Nelson Reilly

Charles Nelson Reilly won a Tony for ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ and later became a TV favorite on ‘Match Game’. He brought his theater expertise to directing, including projects like ‘The Belle of Amherst’. Reilly discussed his sexuality and early-life challenges in later autobiographical work and interviews. His decades-spanning career connected Broadway craft with television popularity for queer performers.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a 1950s matinee idol who later revitalized his image in projects like ‘Polyester’ and wrote the memoir ‘Tab Hunter Confidential’. He publicly acknowledged his sexuality later in life, offering insight into studio-era pressures. Hunter’s story became a documentary that reframed his career for new audiences. His journey from closeted stardom to open storytelling provides a key chapter in Hollywood’s queer history.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman became widely known for playing Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’, a character that helped bring pansexual representation into mainstream sci-fi. He has led West End and Broadway productions, released solo albums, and hosted television specials. Barrowman has been openly gay for many years and is active in LGBTQ+ charity events and Pride performances. His cross-Atlantic career links genre television, musical theater, and family entertainment.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz first drew national attention in ‘My So-Called Life’, becoming one of the first openly gay actors to play an openly gay teenager on network television. He later joined the cast of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, portraying a physician in a same-sex relationship that resonated with global viewers. Cruz serves on boards and works with organizations focused on LGBTQ+ youth homelessness and health. His ongoing advocacy pairs on-screen visibility with community engagement.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a Tony-winning stage actor with prominent television work in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘True Blood’. He has written and developed projects that highlight LGBTQ+ narratives and often participates in readings that support queer history. O’Hare has discussed being openly gay in interviews, emphasizing the impact of authenticity in casting and storytelling. His résumé spans classical theater, independent film, and genre television.

Leslie Jordan

Leslie Jordan became a fan favorite through ‘Will & Grace’ and later reached new audiences with ‘American Horror Story’ and viral social-media work. He spoke publicly about sobriety, Southern queer identity, and community support throughout his career. Jordan appeared in numerous stage productions and toured a successful autobiographical show. His legacy includes expanding queer visibility in sitcoms and beyond.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane rose to prominence on ‘Brothers & Sisters’ and has since anchored romantic comedies and action-driven television films. He came out publicly while working steadily in mainstream projects, discussing career choices and representation in interviews. Macfarlane is also a Juilliard-trained cellist who performs in concert settings and special events. His career demonstrates sustained visibility for an openly gay leading man in popular formats.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt earned major recognition in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ on stage before moving into screen roles in ‘The Politician’ and ‘The People We Hate at the Wedding’. He has released successful solo albums and performed nationally, integrating theater and pop audiences. Platt has spoken openly about his sexuality and supports LGBTQ+ organizations through performances and partnerships. His work spans original cast recordings, television, film, and concert tours.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner broke out with ‘Billy on the Street’ and later co-starred in ‘Parks and Recreation’ while writing and producing feature projects like ‘Bros’. He has used talk-show and event platforms to champion LGBTQ+ stories in comedy and film development. Eichner frequently collaborates with queer talent behind the camera, highlighting inclusion in production roles. His career blends on-screen performance with producing and advocacy.

Derek Jacobi

Sir Derek Jacobi is a renowned classical actor who brought Shakespeare and historical drama to wide audiences in ‘I, Claudius’ and numerous stage productions. He has discussed his long-term partnership and marriage, contributing to visibility for older LGBTQ+ artists. Jacobi’s mentorship and company leadership have supported training programs and classical repertory. His international career connects public broadcasting, West End and Broadway work, and film.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope earned acclaim on Broadway with ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ before moving to screen projects like ‘Hollywood’ and ‘The Inspection’. He has been openly gay throughout his rise and regularly spotlights intersectional stories about Black queer experience. Pope’s nominations across theater and film demonstrate cross-medium recognition early in his career. He also participates in industry panels and initiatives that expand opportunities for underrepresented artists.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz is best known for ‘Scandal’, where his portrayal of a complex fixer developed a dedicated following. He has appeared in comedies and dramas, including ‘Half Baked’ and ‘Weeds’, showing range across genres. Díaz has spoken candidly about coming out and about cultural identity in entertainment. His steady presence in ensemble casts helped widen Latino LGBTQ+ visibility on American television.

Share your picks in the comments—who else would you add to this list and why?