LGBTQ+ Actors Who Completely Rebounded from Flops

The entertainment industry is notoriously volatile and even the most talented performers face periods of stagnation or critical failure. LGBTQ+ actors often face additional hurdles regarding typecasting and limited opportunities which can make recovering from a box office bomb even more challenging. The actors on this list demonstrated resilience by overcoming significant career setbacks to achieve massive success in film and television. Their stories highlight how a single role can revitalize a career and erase the memory of past disappointments. These rebounds prove that talent eventually finds its way to the spotlight regardless of previous missteps.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris struggled to find his footing in Hollywood after his child star days ended and he appeared in the critical and commercial disappointment ‘The Next Best Thing’. He spent several years working in theater and taking minor television roles while the industry seemed unsure of how to cast him. The turning point came when he landed the role of Barney Stinson in the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’. His portrayal of the womanizing executive became iconic and completely revitalized his career for a new generation. Harris transformed from a former child actor into one of the most bankable stars in television and theater.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans headlined the high-budget action film ‘Dracula Untold’ which was intended to launch a cinematic universe but failed to meet studio expectations. The movie received negative reviews and stalled the planned franchise before it could truly begin. Evans quickly pivoted to ensemble pieces and villainous roles that better showcased his theatrical range. He achieved massive global success playing Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. This role allowed him to display his singing ability and charismatic screen presence to a worldwide audience.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott appeared in the big-budget adaptation ‘Victor Frankenstein’ which bombed at the box office and failed to impress critics. The film struggled to find an audience and largely disappeared from the cultural conversation shortly after its release. Scott found his massive rebound by playing the Priest in the second season of the acclaimed series ‘Fleabag’. His chemistry with the lead actress created a viral sensation and earned him prestigious awards and nominations. This role effectively launched him into Hollywood stardom and led to major roles in films like ‘1917’.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer starred in ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning’ which was panned by critics and is often considered a low point in the horror franchise. The film relied heavily on gore and offered little in the way of character development for the talented actor. Bomer found his true calling on television when he secured the lead role of Neal Caffrey in ‘White Collar’. The sleek and sophisticated crime drama ran for six seasons and established him as a leading man. He successfully transitioned from slasher fodder to a respected dramatic actor in both film and television.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming starred in ‘Son of the Mask’ which is frequently cited as one of the worst sequels ever made. The family comedy failed to capture the magic of the original and was a critical disaster that could have damaged his career permanently. Cumming rebounded by returning to dramatic television with the role of Eli Gold in ‘The Good Wife’. His performance as the sharp political consultant earned him multiple award nominations and critical acclaim. He proved his versatility by moving from a slapstick failure to a complex dramatic role.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett starred alongside Madonna in ‘The Next Best Thing’ which was a critical and commercial failure that halted his momentum. The film was criticized for its uneven tone and the lack of chemistry between the leads. Everett revitalized his career by lending his voice to Prince Charming in the animated blockbuster ‘Shrek 2’. The film was a global phenomenon and his vocal performance was a highlight that introduced him to younger audiences. He continued to rebuild his standing with acclaimed work in theater and independent cinema.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw played the lead in ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ which received mixed reviews and failed to make a significant splash in the American market. The film was a difficult sell for general audiences due to its dark subject matter and unconventional protagonist. Whishaw achieved mainstream recognition when he took over the role of Q in the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’. The movie became one of the highest-grossing entries in the franchise and cemented his place in pop culture. He further solidified his rebound by voicing the beloved title character in ‘Paddington’.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane voiced a lead character in the animated film ‘Titan A.E.’ which was a notorious financial flop for the studio. The science fiction movie failed to connect with audiences and resulted in significant losses for the production company. Lane returned to his roots and achieved monumental success with the Broadway musical and subsequent film adaptation of ‘The Producers’. His performance as Max Bialystock earned him widespread acclaim and reaffirmed his status as a comedy legend. The success of the musical completely overshadowed the earlier cinematic disappointment.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace starred in the family comedy ‘Marmaduke’ which was critically panned and struggled to find a positive reception. The film featured a talking dog and was viewed by many as a low-effort entry in the genre. Pace rebounded spectacularly by starring in the critically period drama ‘Halt and Catch Fire’. His portrayal of the visionary Joe MacMillan ran for four seasons and is considered one of the best performances of the era. This role allowed him to shed the stigma of the family comedy flop and return to serious acting.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman appeared in the low-budget horror movie ‘Shark Attack 3: Megalodon’ which is famous largely for its poor special effects and campy dialogue. The film is often ridiculed online and could have relegated him to B-movie obscurity forever. Barrowman found global fame shortly after by securing the role of Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’. The character became so popular that he led his own successful spin-off series titled ‘Torchwood’. He successfully turned a career that included a monster movie flop into a sci-fi legacy.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes returned to television with the sitcom ‘Sean Saves the World’ which was cancelled quickly due to low ratings. The show struggled to find an audience and received lukewarm reviews from critics who felt it wasted his talent. Hayes rebounded by returning to his most iconic role in the revival of ‘Will & Grace’. The revival was a ratings hit and proved that audiences still adored his comedic timing and chemistry with the cast. He also found massive success as a podcaster with ‘SmartLess’ which further expanded his entertainment footprint.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller had a supporting role in ‘The Human Stain’ which failed to recoup its budget despite having a star-studded cast. The film received mixed reviews and did not provide the breakout moment he needed at that stage in his career. Miller became a household name shortly after when he starred as Michael Scofield in the hit series ‘Prison Break’. The show was a global phenomenon that ran for multiple seasons and spawned a television movie and a revival. His performance in the series made him an international action star.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’ which developed a cult following but was cancelled after two seasons due to low viewership. The show struggled to break into the mainstream conversation despite its critical praise. Bartlett achieved a massive career breakthrough years later with his role in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. His chaotic and hilarious performance as the hotel manager earned him an Emmy Award and universal acclaim. The role propelled him onto the A-list and led to high-profile parts in other major series.

George Takei

George Takei faced decades of typecasting and difficulty finding substantial roles after the original ‘Star Trek’ series ended. He often found himself relegated to voice work or minor guest appearances that did not utilize his full range. Takei rebounded by embracing social media and becoming a cultural icon for a new generation. This resurgence led to a significant role in the television series ‘Heroes’ and a successful Broadway musical inspired by his life. He transformed his career from a nostalgic sci-fi actor into a powerful activist and modern celebrity.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry appeared in the film ‘Thunderpants’ which is a comedy about a boy with uncontrollable flatulence that was critically savaged. The movie is often cited as a bizarre misstep in an otherwise distinguished career. Fry rebounded by continuing his successful television hosting duties and taking a dramatic role in ‘V for Vendetta’. He also gained a massive following as the narrator of the ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks and through his role in the series ‘Bones’. His intellectual persona and wit allowed him to easily overcome the embarrassment of the children’s comedy.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson starred in the pilot ‘Mockingbird Lane’ which was a reboot of ‘The Munsters’ that failed to get picked up as a series. The high-profile rejection was a setback for the actor who was looking to transition from Broadway to television stardom. Jackson found his footing in the medium by becoming a recurring player in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology. He appeared in multiple seasons of the hit show and showcased his versatility in horror and drama. This collaboration with Ryan Murphy solidified his status as a reliable television actor.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz was a regular on the medical comedy-drama ‘Red Band Society’ which was cancelled after just one season due to poor ratings. The show failed to capture a wide audience despite its unique premise and talented young cast. Cruz made a triumphant return to the spotlight with his role as Dr. Hugh Culber in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. This historic role allowed him to play one half of the first married gay couple in the franchise’s history. The series ran for five seasons and revitalized his career on a global scale.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’ alongside Murray Bartlett and the show failed to secure a long-term run. The cancellation left him looking for his next major project while he continued to work in theater. Groff rebounded by voicing Kristoff in the animated phenomenon ‘Frozen’ which became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. He followed this success with the lead role in the critically acclaimed Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’. These projects established him as a versatile talent capable of leading both dramatic series and animated blockbusters.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie starred in the sitcom ‘Partners’ from the creators of ‘Will & Grace’ but the show was cancelled after only six episodes aired. The swift cancellation was a blow to the actor who had just come off a successful run on ‘Ugly Betty’. Urie rebounded by returning to the stage and eventually landing a role in the hit Apple TV+ series ‘Shrinking’. In the show he plays the best friend of the protagonist and delivers a hilarious and heartfelt performance. The series was renewed and brought him back into the mainstream television conversation.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt starred in the film adaptation of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ which was a critical failure and disappointed at the box office. Critics felt he was too old for the role he originated on stage and the film was mocked on social media. Platt rebounded by co-writing and starring in the comedy ‘Theater Camp’ which was praised for its humor and heart. The independent film was acquired at Sundance and received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It allowed him to pivot back to comedy and showcase his talents in a project that felt more authentic.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster starred in the NBC comedy ‘Sunnyside’ which was pulled from the schedule and cancelled during its first season. The show failed to find an audience on network television despite receiving some positive notices. Booster took creative control of his career by writing and starring in the film ‘Fire Island’. The movie was released on Hulu to critical acclaim and was praised for its modern adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. The project established him as a major new voice in Hollywood comedy and screenwriting.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans spent years on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’ before the show was eventually cancelled and removed from the airwaves. Soap actors often struggle to transition to primetime or film roles after such a long tenure in daytime television. Evans achieved his biggest film success by appearing in the massive blockbuster ‘Barbie’. He played one of the Kens in the movie that became the highest-grossing film of the year. The role introduced him to a global audience and placed him in the center of a cultural phenomenon.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith starred in ‘Stargate Universe’ which was cancelled after two seasons and left the franchise in a state of limbo. The cancellation was a disappointment for the actor who had taken on a lead role in a major sci-fi property. Smith rebounded by joining the main cast of the Wachowski sisters’ series ‘Sense8’. The show developed a passionate global fanbase and allowed him to play a complex action-heavy role. He continued his collaboration with the directors in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ which further solidified his sci-fi credentials.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo had a small role in ‘Miracle at St. Anna’ which was a box office bomb and received mixed reviews from critics. For many years he worked as a journeyman actor appearing in various television shows without a breakout vehicle. Domingo found massive acclaim playing Ali in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. His performance earned him an Emmy Award and elevated his profile significantly in the industry. He followed this with an Oscar-nominated performance in the film ‘Rustin’ which completed his rise to the A-list.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein starred in the fantasy film ‘Kull the Conqueror’ which was a critical and commercial disaster. The movie is often remembered as a generic action flop that failed to utilize Fierstein’s unique voice and presence. He rebounded spectacularly by returning to Broadway and starring in the musical ‘Hairspray’. His performance as Edna Turnblad won him a Tony Award and is considered one of the greatest stage performances of the modern era. He successfully reminded the world that his talents were best utilized in projects that embraced his larger-than-life persona.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain saw his film career stall in the late 1970s after starring in disaster movies like ‘The Swarm’ which flopped critically. The film was ridiculed for its plot and special effects and signaled a downturn in his cinematic prospects. Chamberlain pivoted to television and became the undisputed king of the miniseries with ‘The Thorn Birds’. The romantic drama was a massive ratings hit and remains one of the most-watched television events in history. He reinvented himself as a romantic lead for the small screen and sustained his career for decades.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp reprised his Broadway role in the film version of ‘Rent’ which underperformed at the box office compared to industry expectations. The movie received mixed reviews and failed to capture the raw energy of the stage production for many critics. Rapp found a new legion of fans when he was cast as Paul Stamets in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. He played the first openly gay character in a ‘Star Trek’ television series and remained a central figure for the show’s entire run. The role secured his place in sci-fi history and provided him with steady work for years.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells starred in the sitcom ‘The New Normal’ which was cancelled after one season despite having a high-profile creator. The show attempted to tackle modern family dynamics but failed to generate strong enough ratings to survive. Rannells rebounded by joining the cast of the hit HBO series ‘Girls’ as the character Elijah. His performance was a fan favorite and he was promoted to a series regular in later seasons. He leveraged this success to secure major roles in Broadway revivals and other television projects.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey starred in the comedy ‘Mindhorn’ which received positive reviews but remained a niche independent film with limited viewership. While not a disaster it failed to propel him into mainstream movie stardom internationally. Tovey achieved greater visibility by starring in the dystopian drama series ‘Years and Years’. The show was critically acclaimed for its terrifyingly realistic depiction of the future and showcased his dramatic range. He followed this with a role in the American spy thriller ‘Quantico’ which introduced him to US network audiences.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare appeared in ‘The Anniversary Party’ which received mixed reviews and was seen by few people outside the independent film circuit. He spent years working steadily in theater and film without a defining mainstream role. O’Hare became a household face when he joined the cast of ‘True Blood’ as the vampire King of Mississippi. He followed this with multiple memorable roles in ‘American Horror Story’ where he often stole the show. These horror roles allowed him to demonstrate his ability to play eccentrics and villains with depth.

Please share your favorite performance from these resilient actors in the comments.