The Absolute Best Gay Actors of the Last 10 Years

The landscape of television and cinema has been significantly shaped by the contributions of openly gay male actors over the last decade. These performers have moved beyond typecasting to lead major franchises, win prestigious awards, and portray a diverse array of characters. Their visibility has not only influenced the industry’s approach to storytelling but has also provided representation for audiences globally. From veteran stage actors to rising stars on streaming platforms, these individuals continue to redefine the boundaries of modern entertainment.

Manu Ríos

Manu Ríos gained international fame for his role as Patrick Blanco in the Netflix series ‘Elite’. The Spanish actor and singer has become a significant figure in both the television and fashion industries. He frequently appears in high-profile campaigns and has a massive social media following that amplifies his influence. Beyond acting, he has pursued musical interests, showcasing his talents across multiple artistic platforms.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso is best known for his portrayal of Omar Shanaa in the popular Spanish teen drama ‘Elite’. His character’s journey provided significant representation for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Muslim community. Ayuso has used his platform to advocate for social issues and queer rights in Spain and beyond. In addition to his acting career, he has explored directing and photography.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan rose to prominence with his role as Tyler Galpin in the hit Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. He previously appeared in the legal thriller ‘Your Honor’ alongside Bryan Cranston. Doohan has been open about his personal life and his marriage to producer Fielder Jewett. His performances have been noted for their emotional depth and ability to handle complex narrative twists.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén has earned widespread critical acclaim for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance as the loyal familiar turned vampire hunter has become a cornerstone of the comedy series. Guillén also appeared in the DC film ‘Blue Beetle’ and voiced characters in ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. He is recognized as a pioneer for queer, Latino representation in Hollywood.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang made history as the first Chinese-American cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He has received multiple Emmy Award nominations for his work on the sketch comedy series. Yang also starred in the romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’, which featured an almost entirely LGBTQ+ cast. His humor often blends pop culture commentary with personal perspective, making him a distinct voice in modern comedy.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster wrote and starred in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’, a modern queer retelling of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. He currently stars in the Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. Booster began his career in stand-up comedy, gaining recognition for his sharp wit and observational humor. He has also appeared in various television shows like ‘Search Party’ and ‘Sunnyside’.

Nicholas L. Ashe

Nicholas L. Ashe is best known for his role as Micah West on the critically acclaimed drama series ‘Queen Sugar’. His performance explored the intersection of Black identity and queer sexuality over several seasons. Ashe has also been active in theater, appearing in the off-Broadway production of ‘Kill Floor’. He has spoken publicly about his journey as a gay man in the entertainment industry to inspire younger actors.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman played a historic role as the husband of the first gay superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’. He has also appeared in ‘Little America’ and the film ‘The Visitor’. Sleiman has been a vocal advocate for the visibility of LGBTQ+ people within the Middle Eastern community. His work often highlights the human experience across different cultures and sexual orientations.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation since his role in ‘My So-Called Life’ during the 1990s. In the past decade, he has played Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, marking one of the franchise’s most prominent gay characters. He also appeared in ’13 Reasons Why’ and serves on the board of directors for GLAAD. Cruz continues to be a leading voice for queer people of color in media.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes is well known for his roles in the television series ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He came out publicly in 2016 and has since published a memoir titled ‘Miss Memory Lane’ detailing his experiences in Hollywood. Haynes has worked extensively in both television and fashion, appearing in major magazine editorials. He remains an active figure in the industry, sharing his personal journey with mental health and sobriety.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer rose to fame as Kurt Hummel on ‘Glee’, a role that earned him a Golden Globe Award. While his most famous role concluded in 2015, he has since focused on his career as a New York Times bestselling author. He wrote, produced, and starred in the film ‘Struck by Lightning’ earlier in his career. Colfer’s literary series, ‘The Land of Stories’, has become a massive success in children’s fiction.

Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale portrayed Artie Abrams on the long-running musical series ‘Glee’. Following the show, he has appeared in ‘American Horror Stories’ and ‘When We Rise’. McHale has also ventured into the music industry, releasing solo work and hosting podcasts. He publicly came out in 2018 and has since been an active participant in LGBTQ+ advocacy.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller is recognized for his leading role as Michael Scofield in ‘Prison Break’. In recent years, he played Leonard Snart, also known as Captain Cold, in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Miller came out in 2013 in response to the Russian government’s treatment of LGBTQ+ citizens. He has been a powerful advocate for mental health awareness and neurodiversity.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor known for his long-running role on ‘One Life to Live’. In the past decade, he has appeared in ‘The Boys in the Band’ both on Broadway and in the Netflix film adaptation. He also starred in the Netflix series ‘Uncoupled’ as the former partner of Neil Patrick Harris’s character. Watkins has often played sophisticated and complex gay characters in various television guest spots.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith gained international recognition for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix series ‘Sense8’. He also starred in the drama series ‘World on Fire’ and the sci-fi thriller ‘Class of ’09’. Smith came out as gay in 2019, discussing how his experiences in Texas influenced his acting. He has since continued to work in major television productions and theater.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for playing Oliver Hampton on the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He also starred in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the musical ‘Soft Power’. Ricamora has been a prominent figure in musical theater, appearing in ‘The King and I’ on Broadway. His work often explores themes of identity and the Asian-American experience.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie first gained fame on ‘Ugly Betty’ and has since become a staple of the stage and screen. Recently, he starred in the Netflix holiday film ‘Single All the Way’ and the Apple TV+ series ‘Shrinking’. Urie is highly respected in the theater community, winning several awards for his off-Broadway performances. He continues to champion queer stories through his acting and producing choices.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is a Tony-nominated actor who starred in the original Broadway cast of ‘The Book of Mormon’. In the last ten years, he has appeared in ‘Girls’, ‘The New Normal’, and ‘Girls5eva’. He also participated in the Broadway revival and film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. Rannells has published two memoirs, ‘Too Much Is Not Enough’ and ‘Uncle of the Year’.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominee for his work on the Broadway stage. He received significant praise for his performance in the 2021 film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He also starred in the 2020 film ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the series ‘Welcome to Chippendales’. De Jesús is known for bringing vulnerability and charisma to his varied roles.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt achieved superstardom with his Tony-winning performance in the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He reprised the role for the 2021 film adaptation and has starred in ‘The Politician’ on Netflix. Platt is also a successful recording artist with multiple studio albums and concert specials. He appeared in the 2023 film ‘Theater Camp’, which he also co-wrote and produced.

Noah Galvin

Noah Galvin rose to prominence as the lead in the sitcom ‘The Real O’Neals’. He later took over the title role in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ on Broadway and joined the cast of ‘The Good Doctor’. Galvin co-wrote and starred in the mockumentary film ‘Theater Camp’, showcasing his comedic range. He has been vocal about the importance of authentic queer representation in the arts.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn became widely known for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He has since appeared in the television series ‘Ratched’ and the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn is active in social causes and has used his platform to support LGBTQ+ youth organizations. His acting is often praised for its intensity and emotional resonance.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver began his career alongside his twin brother in ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. In recent years, he has appeared in ‘Ratched’ and the 2020 film version of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He also made a notable appearance in the eleventh season of ‘American Horror Story’. Carver has been open about his coming out journey, writing an influential essay on the subject in 2016.

T. R. Knight

TR Knight is well remembered for his role as George O’Malley on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. In the last decade, he has appeared in ‘The Flight Attendant’, ‘Genius: Picasso’, and ‘11.22.63’. Knight has maintained a strong presence in theater, performing in various classic and contemporary plays. He remains an influential figure for his decision to come out during the height of his television fame.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran of stage and screen with multiple Emmy and Tony nominations. Over the last ten years, he has starred in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’, ‘The Flash’, and ‘Family Law’. He also appeared in the 2020 film ‘Happiest Season’, playing the father of a queer woman. Garber is respected for his longevity in the industry and his work across diverse genres.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett has been a major figure in British and international cinema for decades. In the past ten years, he starred in ‘The Happy Prince’, a film about Oscar Wilde that he also wrote and directed. He appeared in ‘My Policeman’ and the television series ‘The Name of the Rose’. Everett’s career has seen a resurgence as he takes on more complex, mature roles in historical dramas.

George Takei

George Takei is an icon known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise. In the last decade, he has remained highly active as an actor, activist, and social media personality. He starred in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, which focused on the Japanese-American internment during World War II. Takei continues to voice characters in various animated series and advocate for civil rights.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes returned to his most famous role as Jack McFarland in the ‘Will & Grace’ revival from 2017 to 2020. He recently won a Tony Award for his lead performance in the play ‘Good Night, Oscar’. Hayes is also the co-host of the popular podcast ‘SmartLess’, where he interviews various celebrities. His career continues to span successful ventures in television, theater, and digital media.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson completed an eleven-season run as Mitchell Pritchett on the hit sitcom ‘Modern Family’. Following the show’s conclusion, he won a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway revival of ‘Take Me Out’. He also appeared in the film ‘Cocaine Bear’ and hosts various reality television programs. Ferguson is a dedicated advocate for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ civil rights.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer known for his work on Broadway and in television. He has been a regular cast member in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ and starred in the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’. Jackson has also maintained a successful career as a concert singer and recording artist. His ability to move between musical theater and dark television dramas has defined his recent career.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess became a household name for his portrayal of Titus Andromedon in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He has received several Emmy Award nominations for his comedic performance in the series. Burgess has also appeared in ‘Schmigadoon!’ and voiced characters in ‘Central Park’. Before his television success, he was a prominent performer in Broadway musicals like ‘The Little Mermaid’.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a prolific British actor known for his roles in ‘Being Human’ and ‘Looking’. In the last decade, he has starred in the acclaimed miniseries ‘Years and Years’ and ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans’. He also appeared on Broadway in ‘The History Boys’ and ‘A View from the Bridge’. Tovey is a well-known art enthusiast and co-hosts the podcast ‘Talk Art’.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a legendary British actor, writer, and comedian with a career spanning over four decades. Recently, he appeared in ‘The Dropout’, ‘The Sandman’, and the film ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’. Fry is known for his intellect and has authored numerous books and hosted various documentary series. He remains a prominent advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights globally.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is one of the most respected actors in the world, renowned for his Shakespearean work and film franchises. In the past ten years, he has starred in ‘The Good Liar’, ‘Mr. Holmes’, and a filmed stage production of ‘Hamlet’. He continues to be a tireless activist for the LGBTQ+ community, specifically through his work with Stonewall. McKellen’s contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous honorary awards and accolades.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Tony-winning actor known for his eclectic range of roles in film and television. He recently concluded his run on ‘The Good Wife’ and starred in ‘Schmigadoon!’ and ‘Instinct’. Cumming is also a successful author and host of the reality competition series ‘The Traitors’. He continues to perform his solo cabaret shows to sold-out audiences worldwide.

BD Wong

BD Wong is an Emmy-nominated actor known for his roles in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Jurassic Park’. In the last decade, he gained critical acclaim for his performance as Whiterose in the series ‘Mr. Robot’. He also starred in ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’ and provided voice work for various animated projects. Wong is a prominent advocate for diversity in the casting of Asian-American actors.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a multi-talented performer who has hosted the Oscars, Tonys, and Emmys. Recently, he starred in the Netflix series ‘Uncoupled’ and the impactful British drama ‘It’s a Sin’. He also appeared in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and played a villain in the ‘Doctor Who’ 60th-anniversary specials. Harris is recognized for his ability to lead both comedic sitcoms and serious dramatic projects.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace has enjoyed a diverse career with roles in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and ‘Halt and Catch Fire’. In the last decade, he has starred as Brother Day in the epic sci-fi series ‘Foundation’ on Apple TV+. He also appeared in the horror-comedy film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the Broadway revival of ‘Angels in America’. Pace is frequently praised for his commanding screen presence and range.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became one of the highest-paid actors on television for his role as Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Following the show’s end, he produced and starred in ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘Spoiler Alert’. He also appeared in the Broadway revival and film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. Parsons has successfully transitioned into a producer role while continuing to take on challenging acting projects.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is best known for his portrayal of Spock in the modern ‘Star Trek’ films and Sylar in ‘Heroes’. Over the last ten years, he has been a regular in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. He also starred in the AMC series ‘NOS4A2’ and the film ‘The Boys in the Band’. Quinto’s production company, Before the Door Pictures, has produced several acclaimed independent films.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a versatile actor who has starred in major blockbusters like ‘Fast & Furious 6’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He has also taken on dramatic television roles in ‘The Alienist’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. In 2022, he starred in the action series ‘Echo 3’ and the musical film ‘Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’. Evans has balanced his career between high-octane action films and character-driven dramas.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy achieved worldwide fame as the co-creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He made history by winning four Emmy Awards in a single year for acting, writing, directing, and producing. Since the show concluded, he has appeared in ‘Sex Education’ and wrote, directed, and starred in the film ‘Good Grief’. Levy is recognized as a major creative force in the television industry.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope made history as the first person to be nominated for two Tony Awards in separate categories in the same year. He received critical acclaim for his lead role in the 2022 film ‘The Inspection’, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Pope also starred in the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ and the Broadway play ‘The Collaboration’. His work is noted for its vulnerability and powerful depictions of Black queer life.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett saw a significant career surge after his Emmy-winning role as Armond in ‘The White Lotus’. He followed this success with praised performances in ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Welcome to Chippendales’. Bartlett has been active in the industry for years, with past roles in ‘Looking’ and ‘Tales of the City’. He is currently regarded as one of the most compelling character actors in television.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is a Golden Globe winner known for his roles in ‘White Collar’ and the ‘Magic Mike’ franchise. He recently received high praise and award nominations for his performance in the miniseries ‘Fellow Travelers’. Bomer also appeared in ‘Maestro’, ‘The Sinner’, and the 2020 film ‘The Boys in the Band’. He is consistently recognized for his dramatic range and his work in LGBTQ-themed narratives.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse performer who achieved “Triple Crown” of acting status with his Emmy win for ‘Pose’. He has become a fashion icon and a leading voice for gender-neutral expression on the red carpet. Porter has also starred in ‘Cinderella’, ’80 for Brady’, and directed the film ‘Anything’s Possible’. His career began in musical theater, where he won a Tony Award for ‘Kinky Boots’.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey gained massive popularity as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. He recently starred opposite Matt Bomer in the historical drama ‘Fellow Travelers’, earning an Emmy nomination. Bailey is also a celebrated stage actor, winning an Olivier Award for his role in the West End revival of ‘Company’. He is set to star as Fiyero in the upcoming ‘Wicked’ film adaptations.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly decorated British actor known for his roles in the ‘James Bond’ franchise and as the voice of ‘Paddington’. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the 2023 film ‘Passages’ and the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal’. Whishaw has won multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Awards throughout his career. He is widely considered one of the finest actors of his generation.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott became a global sensation for his role as the “Hot Priest” in ‘Fleabag’. In the last decade, he has starred in ‘All of Us Strangers’, for which he received numerous award nominations, and the series ‘Ripley’. He is also famous for his portrayal of Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and his extensive work on the London stage. Scott’s performances are frequently described as masterful and deeply emotional.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo earned an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the biographical drama ‘Rustin’. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Victor Strand in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and his Emmy-winning performance in ‘Euphoria’. In 2023, he also starred in the musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ as Mister. Domingo’s career spans decades of theater, film, and television, establishing him as a versatile and respected performer.

Tell us which of these incredible actors’ performances has moved you the most in the comments.