LGBTQ+ Actors Who Came Out and Soared

Coming out can change a career’s trajectory—but for many male actors, it has gone hand-in-hand with bigger roles, major awards, and wider influence. Below are performers who publicly embraced their identities and continued to book marquee projects, lead hit films and series, and collect industry honors. Each entry highlights the moment they came out and the concrete milestones that followed, from headline roles to trophies and box-office or streaming successes.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen came out in 1988 while campaigning against the UK’s Section 28 legislation. In the years that followed, he took on Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ films and Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, both global franchises. He earned multiple Oscar nominations and a Tony Award, and was knighted in 1991. McKellen also co-founded the LGBT rights group Stonewall, expanding his impact beyond the screen and stage.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris publicly came out in 2006. He continued to star as Barney Stinson on ‘How I Met Your Mother’, a role that ran until 2014 and brought multiple Emmy nominations. Harris won a Tony Award for ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ on Broadway and later headlined Netflix’s ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. He has also hosted the Tonys and the Emmys, underscoring his durability as a mainstream entertainer.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons’ orientation became public in 2012 through a New York Times profile. He led ‘The Big Bang Theory’ through its 12-season run, collecting four Primetime Emmys and a Golden Globe. Parsons starred in ‘The Normal Heart’ (TV film) and produced ‘Young Sheldon’, extending his reach behind the camera. He has since balanced film, television, and stage work while remaining a visible LGBTQ+ figure in entertainment.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto came out in 2011. He continued as Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ films and took prominent roles in ‘American Horror Story’. Quinto headlined the Broadway revival and Netflix film of ‘The Boys in the Band’, part of a high-profile, all-gay cast. His post-coming-out film and stage choices kept him in franchise sci-fi and prestige drama simultaneously.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott has spoken openly about being gay since the early 2010s. He broke through globally as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and later drew wide attention for his role in ‘Fleabag’. Scott led ‘Ripley’ on Netflix and earned major awards recognition for ‘All of Us Strangers’. His career after coming out spans blockbuster TV, acclaimed indie film, and award-season spotlights.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer came out publicly in 2012 during an awards speech. He then won a Golden Globe for ‘The Normal Heart’ and earned further acclaim in series like ‘The Last Tycoon’ and ‘Fellow Travelers’. Earlier success on ‘White Collar’ transitioned into prestige drama and film work. Bomer’s trajectory shows steady movement from network stardom to award-caliber roles.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw acknowledged his sexuality publicly in 2013. He continued as Q in the James Bond franchise and won major TV awards for ‘A Very English Scandal’. Whishaw earned a BAFTA for ‘This Is Going to Hurt’, confirming his standing as a leading television actor. His mix of franchise roles and prestige projects accelerated after coming out.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans discussed being gay early in his career and has remained open since. He landed leading and supporting roles in studio releases such as ‘Dracula Untold’ and Disney’s live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Evans also took on series work and music projects, maintaining a steady on-screen presence. His post-disclosure résumé includes box-office performers and high-visibility titles.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has long been open about being gay. After acclaimed stage work, he won a Primetime Emmy for ‘Euphoria’ (Guest Actor) and earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Rustin’. Domingo’s film and television slate expanded with roles in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ and other prestige titles. He also writes, directs, and produces, demonstrating broad industry influence.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page came out as gay in 2014 and as a transgender man in 2020. Netflix adapted his ‘The Umbrella Academy’ character to reflect his transition, and the series remained one of the platform’s flagship shows. Page continued to produce and write, including the bestselling memoir ‘Pageboy’. His public journey coincided with sustained leading-role visibility and creative control.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter has been out for decades. He won a Tony and a Grammy for ‘Kinky Boots’ and a Primetime Emmy for ‘Pose’, making awards history for a lead actor in a drama series. Porter continued with film, television, and music projects while serving as a fashion and culture fixture. His honors place him among the most decorated performers of his generation.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace confirmed he is gay in 2018. He led ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ to critical acclaim and later headlined ‘Foundation’ on Apple TV+. Pace also appeared in major films including entries connected to ‘The Hobbit’ universe and the Marvel franchise. His post-disclosure career centers on big-canvas genre storytelling and prestige television.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey has spoken openly about being gay in interviews and public appearances. He became a global lead as Anthony Bridgerton in ‘Bridgerton’ and won an Olivier Award for ‘Company’ in London’s West End. Bailey moved into feature films with a key role in ‘Wicked’. His profile rose sharply across streaming, stage, and cinematic releases after his public openness.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa shared that he identifies as queer in 2023. He first gained recognition in ‘Sex Education’ and then assumed the title role in ‘Doctor Who’. Gatwa’s tenure brought new audiences and high streaming engagement to the long-running franchise. He also appeared in major films, further expanding his international footprint.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller came out in 2013 while declining to attend a Russian film festival in protest of anti-LGBTQ laws. He reprised Michael Scofield in the 2017 ‘Prison Break’ revival and joined the Arrowverse via ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Miller later focused on writing and selective acting, continuing to work in high-visibility television. His public stance became a defining part of his professional narrative.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor came out as bisexual in 2022. He leads the hit Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’, which rapidly built a global audience. Connor’s filmography includes roles in ‘Rocketman’ and voice work in animated features, with additional projects following the show’s success. His career momentum accelerated as the series expanded and renewed.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane publicly acknowledged being gay in the late 1990s. He went on to headline ‘The Producers’ on Broadway, collecting major theater awards and leading a blockbuster film adaptation. Lane has remained a fixture on stage and television, including acclaimed turns in ‘The Good Wife’ universe and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. He continues to appear in high-profile New York productions and recurring TV roles that draw large audiences.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff came out in 2009. He voiced Kristoff in Disney’s ‘Frozen’ franchise and starred in HBO’s ‘Looking’, expanding his screen profile. On stage, he earned multiple Tony nominations and later won for a leading performance in ‘Merrily We Roll Along’. Groff also took key roles in ‘Mindhunter’ and other prestige series, reinforcing his crossover success.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey has been openly gay since early in his career. He broke out with ‘Being Human’ and later co-led HBO’s ‘Looking’ and the film continuation. Tovey anchored major UK dramas such as ‘Years and Years’ while maintaining a consistent West End presence. His post-disclosure career spans sci-fi, contemporary drama, and stage work with steady lead billing.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming has long been open about his bisexual/pansexual identity. After a Tony-winning turn in ‘Cabaret’, he became widely recognized on television through ‘The Good Wife’, earning multiple award nominations. Cumming has headlined and produced projects like ‘Schmigadoon!’ while authoring memoirs and touring solo shows. He remains active across film, TV, theater, and publishing with sustained critical attention.

George Takei

George Takei came out publicly in 2005. He leveraged his ‘Star Trek’ legacy to create and star in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, based on Japanese American internment. Takei’s large social media following amplified his activism and public speaking, leading to frequent media appearances. He continues to appear in documentaries, voice roles, and stage projects tied to history and representation.

BD Wong

BD Wong discussed his personal life publicly in the early 2000s. He expanded his television work with major roles in ‘Law & Order: SVU’, ‘Mr. Robot’, and ‘Gotham’. Wong also returned to blockbuster films with the ‘Jurassic World’ series. His continued presence in franchise titles and prestige TV solidified strong demand for his performances.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy has been openly gay throughout his mainstream career. He co-created and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’, which swept major comedy awards in its final season. Levy moved into hosting and producing with shows like ‘The Big Brunch’ while taking feature roles and launching new series. He remains an in-demand creator-performer across streaming and film.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes came out publicly in 2016. He resumed high-visibility roles in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’, returning for notable arcs that energized fanbases. Haynes published a memoir that led to new interviews and appearances. He continues to act in television projects and genre films with established followings.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane came out in 2008. He transitioned from ‘Brothers & Sisters’ to leading numerous romantic TV features and later co-starred in the studio comedy ‘Bros’. Macfarlane remains a reliable lead for network and cable movies with strong cable and streaming numbers. He also appears in theatrical features and series that broaden his audience.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber quietly confirmed he is gay in 2013. He stayed active in high-profile projects including ‘Argo’ and joined DC’s television universe with ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Garber also returned to stage work and recurring television parts across drama and comedy. His post-confirmation slate reflects steady work in award-winning ensembles and genre hits.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie publicly acknowledged being queer in 2009. He parlayed his ‘Ugly Betty’ recognition into Broadway and Off-Broadway leads, including extended runs that drew strong box office. Urie starred in the holiday film ‘Single All the Way’, a widely streamed seasonal title. He continues to headline New York theater while booking film and TV projects each year.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells has been openly gay since early adulthood. He originated a leading role in ‘The Book of Mormon’ on Broadway, earning major award nominations. Rannells expanded on screen with ‘Girls’, voice work in ‘Big Mouth’, and feature roles. He frequently returns to the stage while developing new television and film projects as a performer and director.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson came out publicly in 2005. He built a steady television résumé with notable parts in ’30 Rock’ and multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. Jackson maintains an active concert schedule and continues to appear on Broadway and in streaming films. His post-coming-out work shows consistent casting in high-impact ensemble shows.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver came out in 2016. He went on to appear in ‘The Boys in the Band’ on Broadway and in its Netflix film adaptation, joining an all-gay principal cast. Carver added screen roles in ‘Ratched’ and other streaming dramas. He also contributes as a writer-producer on select projects, broadening his industry footprint.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge came out publicly in 2020. He led the series ‘Pennyworth’ and then took a key role in M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Knock at the Cabin’. Aldridge’s screen work includes ‘Fleabag’ and multiple British dramas with strong streaming reach. He balances film thrillers and prestige TV with growing international visibility.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp has been openly gay since the late 1990s. He originated Mark Cohen in ‘Rent’ and later joined ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ as a series regular, introducing one of the franchise’s prominent queer couples. Rapp continues to tour with concerts and appears in stage revivals tied to his musical roots. His science-fiction role expanded his global fanbase through streaming.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz has been openly gay in interviews since the early 2010s. He gained a wide audience as Huck in ‘Scandal’, a network drama with strong ratings and social media engagement. Díaz continues to appear in crime dramas and comedies, building on earlier film work like ‘Half Baked’. His television visibility remained high well after coming out.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén identifies as queer and has spoken openly about his identity. He became widely known as Guillermo de la Cruz in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’, a critically acclaimed ensemble series. Guillén expanded to major animation and superhero projects with prominent voice and live-action roles. He also serves as a public advocate at festivals and panels tied to representation.

T.R. Knight

T.R. Knight came out publicly in 2006. After ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, he returned to stage work and later re-emerged in streaming hits such as ‘The Flight Attendant’. Knight also booked limited-series appearances and recurring roles across prestige platforms. His career since coming out includes steady television work and acclaimed theater productions.

Share the names you’d add to this list in the comments and tell us which roles you think best showcase their post-coming-out success.