LGBT Actors Who Don’t Believe in God
Many prominent figures in the entertainment industry have openly discussed their lack of religious belief while navigating their careers. This list highlights gay male actors who identify as atheist, agnostic, or non-religious. These individuals have shared their perspectives on faith and how it relates to their lives and identities. From stage legends to screen stars, they represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences regarding spirituality.
Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen is one of the most respected actors in the world and an outspoken atheist. He has famously stated that he sometimes tears pages out of Bibles found in hotel rooms to make a point about religious dogma. The actor believes that religion has often been used to justify discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. McKellen focuses his moral compass on human empathy and equality rather than religious doctrine.
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry is a celebrated British comedian and actor who identifies as a humanist and atheist. He gained significant attention for a viral interview where he questioned the morality of a deity who allows innocent beings to suffer. Fry frequently engages in debates regarding the role of the Catholic Church and other institutions in modern society. He advocates for reason and logic over faith-based belief systems in his writing and public speaking.
Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor who has achieved success on both stage and screen. He has described himself as completely atheist and does not hold any beliefs about God. Cumming has expressed frustration with the way religious institutions have historically treated gay people. He often champions secular values and focuses on artistic expression as a means of connection.
Harvey Fierstein
Harvey Fierstein is a Tony Award-winning actor and playwright known for his distinctive voice and impactful work. He has stated that he does not believe in God, heaven, or hell. While he was raised in a Jewish family and appreciates the cultural aspects of his heritage, he rejects the theological components. Fierstein relies on his own conscience and the tangible world rather than supernatural beliefs.
Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett is a British actor who has been open about his lack of religious faith. He has criticized the influence of the Catholic Church on society and politics. Everett describes himself as an atheist who finds solace in the arts rather than in organized religion. His memoir details his journey through life and fame without the need for spiritual intervention.
Mark Gatiss
Mark Gatiss is a writer and actor known for his work on ‘Sherlock’ and ‘Doctor Who’. He is an atheist who has spoken about his love for ghost stories despite his lack of belief in the supernatural. Gatiss appreciates the aesthetics and history of religion but does not subscribe to its teachings. He approaches the world with a rational and scientific mindset.
Matt Lucas
Matt Lucas is a British comedian and actor best known for his work on sketch shows like ‘Little Britain’. He identifies as an atheist and has discussed his lack of belief in various interviews. Lucas focuses on comedy and human interaction as the driving forces in his life. He lives his life without adherence to any religious structure or dogma.
Derren Brown
Derren Brown is a psychological illusionist and actor who has spent his career debunking supernatural claims. He began his life as an evangelical Christian but became an atheist in his twenties after examining his faith critically. Brown uses his shows to demonstrate how easily the human mind can be manipulated into believing impossible things. He advocates for skepticism and rational thinking in all aspects of life.
Luke Evans
Luke Evans was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness but left the religion and is now an atheist. The Welsh actor has spoken about the difficulties of growing up in a strict religious environment while coming to terms with his sexuality. He does not believe in God or an afterlife and views life as a finite experience to be enjoyed. Evans finds purpose in his career and personal relationships rather than spiritual faith.
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott is an Irish actor who gained fame for his role as the “Hot Priest” in ‘Fleabag’. Despite playing a clergyman, Scott is a lapsed Catholic who does not believe in the idea of a personal God. He has spoken about the damage he feels the Catholic Church has done in Ireland, particularly regarding gay rights. Scott embraces a humanist perspective that prioritizes kindness and human connection.
Derek Jacobi
Sir Derek Jacobi is a legendary stage and screen actor who identifies as agnostic. He has stated that he is a “blank page” when it comes to religion and does not believe in God. Jacobi prefers to focus on the mysteries of the human condition through his acting work. He lives his life without the expectation of a divine plan or afterlife.
Simon Callow
Simon Callow is a renowned actor and writer who has openly declared himself an atheist. He has written extensively about the history of theatre and often critiques the role of religion in society. Callow believes that art and culture provide the transcendence that others seek in faith. He maintains a secular worldview that values history and human achievement.
Denis O’Hare
Denis O’Hare is an American actor known for his diverse roles in television and film. He identifies as an atheist and has explored themes of religion and faith critically in his work. O’Hare co-wrote a play that examines the Bible from a secular and historical perspective. He approaches religious texts as literature rather than divine instruction.
John Waters
John Waters is a filmmaker and actor famous for his countercultural and transgressive cinema. He is an atheist who often satirizes religious conservatism in his work. Waters revels in bad taste and shock value to challenge societal norms, including religious piety. He views organized religion as a source of absurdity and often mocks it with affection and wit.
Graham Chapman
Graham Chapman was a member of the comedy troupe Monty Python and was openly gay and atheist. He frequently mocked religious figures and institutions in his sketches and films. Chapman famously played the lead in ‘Life of Brian’, which satirized blind faith and religious following. He lived his life with a commitment to absurdity and rational skepticism.
Noël Coward
Sir Noël Coward was a playwright, composer, and actor known for his wit and flamboyance. He was a non-believer who viewed religion with skepticism and often dismissed the concept of an afterlife. Coward focused his energy on the theatre and the enjoyment of the present moment. His work often reflected a sophisticated and secular outlook on modern life.
Gore Vidal
Gore Vidal was a prolific writer and occasional actor who was a staunch critic of religion. He described himself as a “born-again atheist” and frequently debated religious leaders. Vidal believed that monotheism was a disaster for the human race and advocated for a secular society. His intellectual legacy is built on a foundation of rationalism and political skepticism.
John Cameron Mitchell
John Cameron Mitchell is the creator and star of the rock musical ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. He was raised in a strict Catholic household but identifies as a “radical atheist” and part of the Radical Faerie movement. Mitchell explores themes of identity and spirituality outside of traditional religious frameworks. He finds community and meaning in queer culture and artistic expression.
Simon Amstell
Simon Amstell is a comedian and filmmaker who frequently discusses his atheism in his stand-up routines. He often jokes about his Jewish upbringing and his subsequent rejection of religious belief. Amstell uses comedy to explore the anxieties of modern life without the comfort of faith. He advocates for veganism and introspection as alternatives to religious morality.
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris is a versatile actor known for his roles in television and musical theater. He was raised Episcopalian but now identifies as agnostic. Harris focuses on his family and career rather than religious practice. He values magic and performance as ways to create wonder in the world.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan is an Australian singer and actor who gained fame on YouTube before transitioning to mainstream media. He was raised in a Jewish family but has stated that he drifted away from religion as he embraced his sexuality. Sivan finds little connection to the religious aspects of his heritage. He focuses on his identity as a queer artist and the support of his community.
Nigel Hawthorne
Sir Nigel Hawthorne was a celebrated British actor known for his role in ‘The Madness of King George’. He was an atheist who kept his personal life relatively private for many years. Hawthorne rejected religious explanations for life’s events and relied on his own resilience. He is remembered for his incredible talent and his secular approach to life.
Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane is a beloved American actor known for his comedic and dramatic stage roles. He was raised Catholic but turned against the church, citing its use of fear and its history of exclusion. Lane has stated there is no heaven and believes in making the most of life on earth. He finds his spiritual fulfillment through the theatre and his creative collaborations.
Joel Kim Booster
Joel Kim Booster is a comedian and actor who was adopted by a white evangelical Christian family. He was homeschooled in a religious environment but left the faith after coming out as gay. Booster now identifies as agnostic or atheist and uses his comedy to unpack his religious trauma. He speaks openly about the challenges of unlearning indoctrination.
Bowen Yang
Bowen Yang is a comedian and cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ who is open about his secular worldview. He underwent conversion therapy as a teenager, an experience arranged by his non-religious father to appease cultural pressures, which Yang later rejected. Yang often satirizes religious figures and concepts in his sketch comedy. He embraces a queer identity that exists outside of traditional religious expectations.
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator is a rapper, producer, and actor known for his provocative style. He has explicitly stated that he is an atheist and has criticized religion in his lyrics and interviews. Tyler values creativity and self-expression above all else. He rejects the concept of a higher power in favor of believing in himself and his artistic vision.
Ben Whishaw
Ben Whishaw is an acclaimed British actor known for playing Q in the James Bond franchise and the voice of Paddington. He has stated that he is not religious and does not practice any faith. Whishaw prefers to keep his personal life private but lives according to his own values. He finds meaning in storytelling and the empathy required for his craft.
Matt Bomer
Matt Bomer is an American actor known for his roles in ‘White Collar’ and ‘The Normal Heart’. He grew up in a conservative Christian environment but is now non-religious. Bomer values religious tolerance but does not subscribe to a specific faith himself. He focuses on his family and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Russell Tovey
Russell Tovey is a British actor who has appeared in numerous television shows and films. He has stated that he does not believe in God, though he remains open to the idea of spirits or energy. Tovey often discusses his art collection and his passion for contemporary culture. He navigates the world with a curiosity that does not rely on religious dogma.
David Hyde Pierce
David Hyde Pierce is an actor best known for his role as Niles Crane on the sitcom ‘Frasier’. He acts in theatre and television and maintains a secular outlook on life. Pierce has participated in holiday gatherings described as being for “Jews and atheists,” highlighting his lack of religious affiliation. He focuses on his craft and his philanthropic efforts within the arts community.
Tell us which of these actors’ perspectives resonated with you the most in the comments.
