Gay Actors Hollywood Pushed—But Audiences Didn’t Bite

Hollywood continuously attempts to manufacture the next generation of leading men through expensive marketing campaigns and high-profile casting. Studios often invest millions of dollars to elevate specific actors into global superstars. These efforts sometimes fail to connect with the general public despite the significant industry backing and talent involved. The following list explores openly gay actors who received major pushes that did not translate into sustained box office dominance or mainstream viewership.

Billy Eichner

Universal Pictures launched a massive marketing campaign for the romantic comedy ‘Bros’ with Eichner as the lead. The studio positioned the film as a historic theatrical release for a major LGBTQ romantic comedy. Box office returns were disappointing despite the heavy promotional rotation and critical praise. Eichner expressed frustration with the lack of audience turnout for the project. The film ultimately failed to recoup its marketing and production budget in theaters.

Rupert Everett

Everett was poised for massive stardom in the late nineties after a breakout role alongside Julia Roberts. Hollywood partnered him with Madonna for the film ‘The Next Best Thing’ to cement his status as a leading man. The movie was a critical and commercial failure that halted his momentum significantly. Viewers did not connect with the chemistry between the leads or the dramatic tone of the script. His career shifted back to character roles and voice work following this disappointment.

Lance Bass

The success of *NSYNC provided Lance Bass with a platform to launch a film career. His romantic comedy vehicle ‘On the Line’ was marketed heavily to the boy band’s massive fanbase. The film was a box office disaster that grossed a fraction of its budget. Critics panned the acting and the formulaic script. This failure effectively ended his brief attempt at becoming a movie star.

Matt Bomer

Bomer built a strong following on television with the series ‘White Collar’. Studios tested his appeal for major film franchises including rumored contention for superhero roles. His appearance in ‘Magic Mike’ was well received but did not lead to solo blockbuster vehicles. He was often passed over for major heterosexual romantic leads in big-budget films. His career has remained successful in television and supporting film roles rather than A-list movie stardom.

Zachary Quinto

Quinto gained immense popularity as Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ franchise. Hollywood attempted to leverage this fame into an action leading man career with ‘Hitman: Agent 47’. The video game adaptation was a critical failure and underperformed at the domestic box office. Audiences did not embrace him as a solo action hero outside of an ensemble cast. He returned to character work and stage performances shortly after.

Ben Platt

Universal Pictures adapted the hit musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ with Platt reprising his Tony-winning role. The studio pushed the film as a major awards contender and crowd-pleaser. Viewers and critics mocked the decision to cast an older actor as a high school student. The film bombed at the box office and received harsh reviews. This backlash stalled his transition from Broadway phenom to movie star.

Colton Haynes

Haynes was marketed as a heartthrob on shows like ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. Studios attempted to transition him into film roles with disaster thrillers like ‘San Andreas’. His momentum cooled significantly after he stepped away from regular television roles. He struggled to find a leading vehicle that could capitalize on his initial teen idol popularity. His presence in mainstream blockbusters diminished over time.

Chris Colfer

The massive success of ‘Glee’ made Colfer a household name and Golden Globe winner. He wrote and starred in the film ‘Struck by Lightning’ to launch a post-TV film career. The movie received a limited release and failed to find a significant audience. Colfer shifted his focus to writing best-selling novels instead of pursuing acting leads. Hollywood struggled to cast him in roles distinct from his iconic television character.

Wentworth Miller

Miller became a global superstar with the television hit ‘Prison Break’. Hollywood cast him as the lead in the blockbuster ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’ to cement his action star status. He eventually took a hiatus from acting and shifted into screenwriting under a pseudonym. His return to acting has been mostly in television rather than the film leads studios once envisioned. He publicly stated he would no longer play heterosexual characters.

Matt Dallas

The mystery series ‘Kyle XY’ made Dallas a recognizable face with a strong teen following. Industry insiders expected him to transition into romantic comedies or action films. He publicly came out and his casting opportunities appeared to dwindle. Major film roles did not materialize despite his initial television success. He later focused on digital content creation and smaller independent projects.

Dan Amboyer

Amboyer was the subject of intense speculation regarding the lead role in ‘Green Lantern Corps’. He had a minor role in ‘Batman v Superman’ that was largely cut from the theatrical release. The anticipated superhero career launch never happened. He publicly came out shortly after and the blockbuster offers ceased. His career has since focused on theater and television guest spots.

Andrew Rannells

Rannells broke out on Broadway and was cast as a lead in the sitcom ‘The New Normal’. The show was backed by Ryan Murphy but was cancelled after one season due to mediocre ratings. He continued to secure supporting roles in films like ‘The Intern’ and ‘The Prom’. A solo vehicle that centers on him as the primary star has remained elusive. Audiences know him best as a scene-stealer rather than a box office draw.

Sean Hayes

Hayes became an icon as Jack McFarland on ‘Will & Grace’. He attempted to translate this fame into film success with ‘The Three Stooges’. The movie received negative reviews and did not ignite a film comedy career. His television vehicle ‘Sean Saves the World’ was also cancelled quickly. He remains a television legend but a film career never materialized.

Nathan Lane

Lane is a theater legend and successful voice actor. The industry tried to build a live-action sitcom around him titled ‘Encore! Encore!’. The show was a ratings disaster and was pulled from the air quickly. He found film success in ‘The Birdcage’ but solo leading man status in Hollywood eluded him. He returned to dominating the Broadway stage where he found his greatest success.

Jonathan Groff

HBO invested in the series ‘Looking’ with Groff as the central protagonist. The show received critical praise but suffered from very low viewership numbers. It was cancelled after two seasons and wrapped up with a television movie. Groff found massive success in voice acting and theater instead. The push for him as a live-action film lead did not resonate with mainstream TV audiences.

Russell Tovey

Tovey was a standout in British television before crossing over to the US market. He was a lead in ‘Looking’ and had a regular role in ‘Quantico’. Neither show turned him into a household name in America. He continues to work steadily but the push for mainstream US stardom settled into cult status. Audiences appreciate his work without him becoming a top-billed star.

Murray Bartlett

Bartlett was another lead in the HBO series ‘Looking’ that failed to find a large audience. He worked in the industry for years without a major breakout hit. His career revitalized later with ‘The White Lotus’ but his initial leading man push stalled. The industry ignored him for major roles until his recent resurgence. He proves that audiences sometimes bite decades later.

Noah Galvin

Galvin was the lead of the sitcom ‘The Real O’Neals’. The show generated controversy and struggled in the ratings before cancellation. He was positioned as a fresh comedic face for the network. Viewers did not stick with the show despite the marketing push. He transitioned to Broadway and supporting roles in films like ‘Booksmart’.

Luke Macfarlane

Macfarlane was a staple of Hallmark movies and the series ‘Brothers & Sisters’. He was cast as the romantic lead in the major studio film ‘Bros’. The film’s box office failure dampened hopes for a transition to feature film stardom. He remains a popular figure in television movies. The leap to silver screen leading man proved difficult.

Scott Evans

Evans garnered attention as a regular on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He is the brother of a major Marvel superstar and has talent of his own. Hollywood has mostly cast him in supporting roles or small independent films. A major breakout vehicle has not been provided by the studios. He often plays the comedic friend rather than the protagonist.

Cheyenne Jackson

Jackson has the looks and talent of a classic leading man. He was cast in several pilots and sitcoms that failed to be picked up or were cancelled early. Shows like ‘American Woman’ did not last long on the air. He found a niche in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology ensemble. Solo stardom has been difficult to sustain in network television.

Michael Urie

Urie was a breakout star on ‘Ugly Betty’ due to his comedic timing. The creators of ‘Will & Grace’ cast him as a lead in the sitcom ‘Partners’. The show was cancelled after only a few episodes aired due to poor ratings. Audiences did not follow him from his previous hit to the new vehicle. He returned to success in theater and directing.

Brandon Flynn

Flynn became famous instantly through the controversy and success of ’13 Reasons Why’. He was featured in the film ‘Looks That Kill’ which made little impact. The momentum from his debut series did not immediately translate into a busy film career. He has taken smaller roles in various projects since. The initial heat around his casting has cooled.

Charlie Carver

Carver appeared in ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Teen Wolf’ with his twin brother. He was pushed as a solo lead in independent films and theater projects. Mainstream Hollywood has struggled to cast him apart from his brother or in lead roles. His visibility remains high in LGBTQ media but less so in blockbusters. He continues to work in ensemble casts.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Lonsdale had a major role in ‘The Flash’ and the film ‘Love, Simon’. He was positioned as a rising young star in both action and drama. He stepped back from full-time acting to focus on music and personal exploration. The industry push for him to lead a franchise faded during his hiatus. He now balances music with occasional acting appearances.

Jordan Gavaris

Gavaris delivered a standout performance in the sci-fi hit ‘Orphan Black’. He attempted to cross over into US television leads with the comedy ‘The Lake’. The show did not generate significant buzz or viewership. His unique character work made it hard for studios to cast him as a traditional lead. He remains a favorite among genre fans.

John Barrowman

Barrowman is a massive star in the UK due to ‘Torchwood’ and ‘Doctor Who’. US networks tried to launch him as a lead in pilots like ‘Gilded Lilys’ that were never picked up. His distinct theatrical style did not mesh with American network executives’ vision for a lead. He found success on US TV only in villainous or supporting roles. The cross-Atlantic leading man transition failed.

Rex Lee

Lee was iconic as Lloyd in the HBO hit ‘Entourage’. He was given a lead role in the sitcom ‘Young & Hungry’. While the show ran for several seasons he remained a supporting character actor in the eyes of the industry. He struggled to break out of the typecast established by his first major role. Film offers for leading roles were non-existent.

Jai Rodriguez

Rodriguez was one of the original ‘Queer Eye’ experts who pursued acting. He appeared in various guest spots and the sitcom ‘Malibu Country’. The show was cancelled after one season and failed to launch his acting career. Audiences associated him too strongly with reality television. He has since worked consistently in theater.

Kevin McHale

McHale was a central cast member of the phenomenon ‘Glee’. He attempted to transition to film and hosting after the series ended. His projects did not garner the same massive audience as his musical debut. He has focused on podcasting and smaller acting roles. The post-Glee bump did not result in film stardom.

Bryan Batt

Batt played a memorable role in the critically acclaimed ‘Mad Men’. He was written out of the show and attempted to find other film work. High-profile roles did not follow his exit from the AMC hit. He returned to theater and design work in New Orleans. Hollywood did not capitalize on his exposure from the prestige drama.

Darryl Stephens

Stephens was the lead of the cult hit ‘Noah’s Arc’. Industry attempts to cast him in mainstream heterosexual or broad comedies were limited. ‘Boy Culture’ was a hit in the indie circuit but didn’t cross over. Mainstream audiences were not given many chances to see him as a lead. He remains an icon in niche LGBTQ cinema.

Wilson Cruz

Cruz broke ground as a gay teen in ‘My So-Called Life’. His career faced long gaps between significant roles as the industry wasn’t ready for him. He eventually found a home on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ decades later. The initial push in the nineties stalled due to systemic barriers. Audiences missed out on his potential leading years.

Lee Pace

Pace starred in the visually stunning ‘Pushing Daisies’. The show had a passionate fanbase but suffered from low Nielsen ratings. He later starred in ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ which also struggled to find a large audience. Critics loved him but general audiences tuned out. He has since found success in supporting roles in major franchises.

Jeremy Pope

Pope received massive acclaim for his theater work and the series ‘Hollywood’. He starred in the film ‘The Inspection’ which was a critical darling. The movie failed to make a significant dent at the box office. His talent is undeniable but has not yet translated to commercial power. He is still waiting for a vehicle that connects with the masses.

Alan Cumming

Cumming was pushed as a major crossover star in the late nineties and early 2000s. He starred in ‘Spy Kids’ and ‘X2’ but solo vehicles like ‘Son of the Mask’ were critical disasters. He eventually found stability on ‘The Good Wife’ in a supporting role. His lead police procedural ‘Instinct’ was cancelled due to low ratings. He remains a star of stage and ensemble TV.

Guillermo Díaz

Díaz was a fan favorite on the hit show ‘Scandal’. He has rarely been given the opportunity to lead a project despite his popularity. Studios have kept him in supporting character roles playing tough guys or eccentrics. His range suggests he could carry a film but the offers haven’t come. Audiences know his face but rarely see him top-billed.

Haaz Sleiman

Sleiman received attention for ‘The Visitor’ and ‘Nurse Jackie’. He was cast as the husband of a superhero in Marvel’s ‘Eternals’. The role was small and the film received mixed reviews. Major offers for leading roles did not materialize from that exposure. He continues to work in independent film and television.

Conrad Ricamora

Ricamora was a breakout on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He was cast in the gay romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’ in a prominent role. The movie was a streaming success but didn’t launch a theatrical career. He has focused heavily on theater productions since the show ended. Hollywood has yet to utilize him as a romantic lead in a major release.

Tuc Watkins

Watkins is a soap opera veteran who starred in ‘Desperate Housewives’. He was given a lead in the sitcom ‘Beggar and Chooser’. The show did not last and failed to make him a primetime staple. He appeared in ‘The Boys in the Band’ but film leads have been scarce. He remains a reliable working actor rather than a movie star.

Gus Kenworthy

Kenworthy was an Olympic skier who was pushed into acting by Ryan Murphy in ‘American Horror Story’. Critics were unkind to his performance in the anthology series. The transition from sports to serious acting did not convince audiences. He has not booked significant scripted roles since that experiment. The attempt to manufacture an acting career stalled quickly.

Brian J. Smith

Smith was a lead in the global Netflix hit ‘Sense8’. He was cast as the lead in the action series ‘Treadstone’ based on the Bourne franchise. The show was cancelled after one season due to low viewership. His momentum from the Netflix series did not carry the cable action drama. He has since returned to theater and supporting parts.

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris is a television icon but his film leading man career never ignited. He starred in films like ‘The Smurfs’ which were hits but did not rely on his star power alone. His variety show ‘Best Time Ever’ was a high-profile failure that was cancelled quickly. Audiences prefer him as a character actor rather than a solo host or film lead.

Jim Parsons

Parsons was the highest-paid actor on TV during ‘The Big Theory’. He attempted to transition to film drama with ‘Spoiler Alert’. The movie underperformed at the box office despite good reviews. Audiences struggled to separate him from his iconic Sheldon Cooper persona. His production company now focuses on other talent.

Share your thoughts on which of these actors deserved a better shot at stardom in the comments.