LGBTQ+ Actors Everyone Loves

From stage legends to streaming headliners, these male LGBTQ+ actors have shaped film, television, and theater with standout performances, barrier-breaking roles, and visible advocacy. Below, you’ll find quick, useful snapshots of their careers—signature projects, awards highlights, and industry milestones—so you can place the name to the face and know exactly where you’ve seen them.

Ian McKellen

A two-time Oscar nominee, Ian McKellen is celebrated for roles like Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in ‘X-Men’. He is a co-founder of Stonewall UK and has long used his platform for LGBTQ+ rights. McKellen earned a Tony Award for ‘Amadeus’ and multiple Olivier Awards across decades of stage work. He publicly came out in 1988 and remains an active presence in both classical theater and blockbuster cinema.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris broke out as the title character in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ and later earned Emmys for ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and for hosting the Tony Awards. He has starred on Broadway in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, winning a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. Harris publicly came out in 2006 and has been a visible figure in family-friendly entertainment and live television events. He’s also appeared in ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ and numerous specials as a host and producer.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Juno’ and appears in ‘The Umbrella Academy’. He publicly came out as transgender in 2020 and has produced and narrated projects focused on LGBTQ+ stories. Page’s filmography includes ‘Inception’ and ‘Whip It’, along with several independent features. He has been involved in documentary and advocacy work addressing trans representation in media.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained international attention as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and later led ‘Fleabag’ Season 2 as the “Hot Priest”. He has an extensive stage career with the National Theatre and the Old Vic. Scott’s film credits include ‘1917’ and multiple European productions. He has spoken publicly about being gay and emphasizes the importance of complex queer characters on screen.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey stars as Anthony Bridgerton in ‘Bridgerton’ and appeared in ‘Fellow Travelers’ and ‘Broadchurch’. He won an Olivier Award for ‘Company’ in London’s West End. Bailey has also performed in ‘Cassandra’ and other stage productions, balancing television and theater work. He publicly discussed being gay and supports LGBTQ+ visibility within mainstream romance storytelling.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer’s breakout came with ‘White Collar’, followed by acclaimed performances in ‘The Normal Heart’—which earned him a Golden Globe—and ‘American Horror Story’. He has also starred in ‘Doom Patrol’ and ‘Fellow Travelers’. Bomer publicly came out in 2012 and frequently supports HIV/AIDS charities and LGBTQ+ causes. His film credits include ‘Magic Mike’ and a range of independent projects.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has starred in large-scale productions like ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He began on the West End in musicals and dramas before moving into action and fantasy films. Evans publicly discussed his sexuality early in his career and continues to take on both leading and supporting roles across genres. He also records music and appears in international television series.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons won four Primetime Emmys for ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and later produced and starred in ‘The Boys in the Band’ on Broadway and Netflix. He publicly came out in 2012 and has developed projects through his production company. Parsons has appeared in ‘Hollywood’ and numerous stage works including ‘An Act of God’. He remains active as an actor-producer in both comedy and drama.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is known for playing Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ films and Sylar in ‘Heroes’. He publicly came out in 2011 and has produced LGBTQ+ themed projects. Quinto’s stage credits include ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’. He continues to alternate between genre franchises, theater, and independent cinema.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw plays Q in the modern ‘James Bond’ films and earned a BAFTA for ‘A Very English Scandal’. He has extensive stage credentials, including ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Cock’. Whishaw has voiced characters in animated features like ‘Paddington’ while working in European art-house cinema. He has spoken publicly about being gay and supports projects that explore nuanced identities.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff originated roles in ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Hamilton’ and voices Kristoff in ‘Frozen’. He received Emmy recognition for ‘Mindhunter’ and Tony nominations for his Broadway work. Groff publicly came out in 2009 and participates in LGBTQ+ theater initiatives. He continues to work across animation, prestige TV, and the stage.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter won a Tony for ‘Kinky Boots’, a Grammy for the cast album, and an Emmy for ‘Pose’, achieving the “EGOT-adjacent” trifecta. He has been a prominent red-carpet figure while advocating for LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS awareness. Porter’s film and television work includes acting, directing, and producing. He publicly discusses his experiences as a gay Black man and uses his platform to expand representation.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo earned widespread acclaim for roles in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’, ‘Euphoria’, and ‘Rustin’. He has written and starred in stage works, including ‘A Boy and His Soul’. Domingo publicly identifies as gay and frequently mentors emerging artists. His career bridges indie films, studio features, and theater, with multiple nominations across major awards bodies.

George Takei

George Takei became a cultural icon as Sulu in ‘Star Trek’ and later as an author and activist. He publicly came out in 2005 and has been a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights and Japanese American civil liberties. Takei created the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, inspired by his family’s history. He remains active with voice work, documentaries, and public speaking.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history with ‘My So-Called Life’ as one of primetime TV’s early openly gay Latino characters. He later starred in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and has worked with GLAAD and other advocacy groups. Cruz publicly came out early in his career and emphasizes intersectional representation. He continues to appear in television dramas and LGBTQ+ themed projects.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp originated the role of Mark in ‘Rent’ on Broadway and later appeared in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. He publicly came out years ago and has authored a memoir about his life and career. Rapp frequently participates in charity performances and educational events connected to theater. His film and TV credits span indie features, network series, and recurring sci-fi roles.

BD Wong

BD Wong won a Tony Award for ‘M. Butterfly’ and is known on TV for ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and ‘Mr. Robot’. He publicly came out and has discussed LGBTQ+ parenting and advocacy. Wong’s filmography includes the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise and voice roles in animation. He continues to work in theater, television, and film as both actor and director.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is known for ‘Being Human’, ‘Looking’, and ‘Years and Years’. He has appeared frequently on the West End and in contemporary British television. Tovey publicly identifies as gay and supports arts education and LGBTQ+ visibility. His work spans comedy, drama, and genre pieces across UK and US markets.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora broke through in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and earned acclaim in the musical ‘Here Lies Love’. He publicly identifies as gay and often discusses Asian American and LGBTQ+ representation. Ricamora appears in film, TV, and theater, including Off-Broadway and Broadway productions. He balances screen roles with new musical and dramatic works.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller rose to fame with ‘Prison Break’ and later wrote the screenplay for ‘Stoker’. He publicly came out in 2013 and has spoken about mental health and representation in casting. Miller has worked on series like ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. He continues to prioritize roles and projects aligned with authentic storytelling.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming won a Tony Award for ‘Cabaret’ and has appeared in projects like ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘X2: X-Men United’. He publicly identifies as bisexual and holds dual US–UK citizenship. Cumming has authored memoirs and produced theater pieces while supporting LGBTQ+ and humanitarian causes. He continues to act across television, film, and stage, including stand-up and cabaret tours.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for ‘Pushing Daisies’, ‘Halt and Catch Fire’, and roles in ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He confirmed he is part of the LGBTQ+ community while discussing his theater work. Pace began on stage with the Juilliard School and has returned frequently to Broadway. His screen career spans indie dramas and major franchises.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy co-created and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’, earning multiple Emmys for acting, writing, and producing. He publicly identifies as gay and has championed inclusive storytelling in mainstream comedy. Levy has hosted and produced reality competition series and appeared in feature films. He launched production partnerships to develop scripted projects centered on character-driven humor.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a three-time Tony Award winner with credits including ‘The Producers’, ‘Angels in America’, and ‘The Birdcage’. He publicly discussed his sexuality in the late 1990s and has since supported LGBTQ+ organizations. Lane’s television work includes ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and dramatic guest roles. He continues to alternate between stage, film, and prestige TV.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber earned Tony nominations for ‘Damn Yankees’, ‘Lend Me a Tenor’, and other Broadway productions, and is widely known for ‘Alias’ and ‘Titanic’. He publicly acknowledged his long-term relationship before marrying his partner in 2015. Garber has appeared in Arrowverse series and numerous Hallmark and network projects. He remains active in musical theater concerts and voiceover work.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge starred in ‘Fellow Travelers’, ‘Pennyworth’, and the feature ‘Knock at the Cabin’. He publicly came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2020. Aldridge trained at the National Youth Theatre and has worked across theater and television in the UK and US. He frequently discusses inclusive casting and visibility for queer characters.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope earned Tony nominations in the same season for ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ and ‘Choir Boy’, and later received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for ‘Hollywood’ and ‘The Inspection’. He publicly identifies as gay and supports arts education initiatives. Pope’s career bridges Broadway, film, and high-fashion collaborations. He continues to develop music and screen projects alongside stage work.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett won an Emmy for ‘The White Lotus’ and is known for ‘Looking’, ‘Physical’, and ‘The Last of Us’. He publicly identifies as gay and began his career in Australian television before moving to US productions. Bartlett’s roles often explore complex adult relationships and social dynamics. He remains active in limited series and ensemble dramas.

T.R. Knight

T.R. Knight gained widespread recognition for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and has continued with stage roles on Broadway. He publicly came out during his tenure on the medical drama. Knight’s later credits include ‘The Flight Attendant’ and historical miniseries appearances. He balances television work with regional and New York theater productions.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson starred in Broadway shows like ‘Xanadu’ and ‘All Shook Up’ and on TV in ‘American Horror Story’ and ’30 Rock’. He publicly identifies as gay and has released solo albums and concert specials. Jackson frequently appears in holiday films and guest roles across network and cable series. He supports LGBTQ+ youth organizations through performances and advocacy.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is known for ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘The Boys in the Band’, and ‘Black Monday’. He publicly came out and later starred with his real-life partner in projects exploring modern family life. Watkins has recurring roles across streaming comedies and dramas. He remains active in theater revivals and television guest arcs.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver’s credits include ‘Teen Wolf’, ‘The Boys in the Band’, and ‘Ratched’. He publicly came out in 2016 and later won a Broadway ensemble recognition for his work. Carver writes and produces short-form projects highlighting identity and family themes. He continues to book roles in genre television and stage revivals.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn rose to prominence in ’13 Reasons Why’ and has since appeared in ‘Ratched’ and independent films. He publicly identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community and participates in mental health campaigns. Flynn works in both English-language and international co-productions. He maintains a balance between streaming series and festival-circuit features.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith starred in ‘The Get Down’, ‘Detective Pikachu’, and ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’. He publicly identifies as queer and discusses intersectional representation in interviews. Smith trained in theater and returns to stage workshops between film shoots. He continues to appear in franchise films and character-driven dramas.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is known for ‘Love, Simon’ and ‘The Flash’, where he played Wally West. He publicly identifies as queer and has released music that complements his acting career. Lonsdale began in Australian film and television before moving to US productions. He combines acting with dance and music video direction.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén plays Guillermo in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and appears in voice roles for animated features. He publicly identifies as queer and advocates for size and cultural diversity in casting. Guillén’s career includes hosting duties and red-carpet coverage for major events. He continues to expand into feature films and genre projects.

Jim Rash

Jim Rash won an Academy Award for co-writing ‘The Descendants’ and is widely known as Dean Pelton in ‘Community’. He publicly identifies as gay and works as an actor, writer, and director. Rash has directed features like ‘The Way Way Back’ and guest-starred across comedy series. He teaches and mentors emerging writers through festival programs.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett broke out with ‘Another Country’ and later starred in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ and ‘An Ideal Husband’. He publicly came out in the 1980s and has written memoirs documenting his career. Everett has directed and starred in biographical features, including ‘The Happy Prince’. He continues to work in European cinema and British television dramas.

Udo Kier

Udo Kier’s career spans decades with roles in ‘Suspiria’ (2018), ‘Bacurau’, and art-house collaborations across Europe and the US. He publicly identifies as gay and frequently works with avant-garde directors. Kier’s filmography includes genre, arthouse, and experimental cinema, often in multilingual productions. He remains active on the festival circuit with lead and supporting roles.

Share your favorite performances from these actors in the comments and tell us who else should be on the list!