The Most Beautiful Gay Actors

The entertainment industry has seen a significant increase in the visibility of openly gay male actors who have successfully balanced their professional careers with their personal identities. These performers have garnered acclaim in blockbuster films, prestige television dramas, and major theatrical productions worldwide. By living authentically, they have influenced the landscape of modern media and provided representation for audiences across generations. This list highlights many of the most talented and recognized gay actors working in the industry today, showcasing their diverse contributions to the arts.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer rose to international prominence for his role as Neal Caffrey in the television series ‘White Collar’. He received a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film ‘The Normal Heart’, which explored the early days of the HIV-AIDS crisis. Bomer has appeared in high-profile projects such as ‘Magic Mike’ and ‘American Horror Story’. He is frequently cited as one of the most handsome actors in Hollywood and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights since 2012.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey gained widespread fame for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the popular period drama ‘Bridgerton’. He has also received critical acclaim for his stage work, winning a Laurence Olivier Award for his role in the revival of ‘Company’. In 2023, he starred alongside Matt Bomer in the historical miniseries ‘Fellow Travelers’. Bailey has been open about his experiences as a gay man in the acting industry and the importance of visibility.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a Welsh actor known for his versatile roles in major film franchises like ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘The Hobbit’. He portrayed the villainous Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Evans has also led television projects such as ‘The Alienist’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. Throughout his career, he has maintained a presence as a leading man in action and drama genres.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott became a household name following his portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He further cemented his star status as the Priest in the second season of the comedy-drama ‘Fleabag’. Scott received high praise for his leading performance in the 2023 film ‘All of Us Strangers’. He is a recipient of multiple awards, including a BAFTA and two Laurence Olivier Awards.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is recognized globally for playing Q in the James Bond films starting with ‘Skyfall’. He provided the voice for the title character in the ‘Paddington’ movie series. Whishaw won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his role as Norman Scott in ‘A Very English Scandal’. He has also had a prolific career on the London stage, appearing in numerous Shakespearean productions.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey rose to fame in the supernatural series ‘Being Human’ and the historical drama ‘The History Boys’. He has starred in several queer-centric projects, including the television series ‘Looking’ and ‘Years and Years’. Tovey is also a dedicated art collector and hosts a popular podcast titled ‘Talk Art’. He has consistently advocated for LGBTQ+ representation in both the visual and performing arts.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became famous for his role as Michael Scofield in the long-running series ‘Prison Break’. He is also an accomplished screenwriter, having written the psychological thriller film ‘Stoker’. Miller joined the DC television universe as Leonard Snart, also known as Captain Cold. He publicly came out as gay in 2013 while protesting anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes is best known for his roles as Jackson Whittemore in ‘Teen Wolf’ and Roy Harper in ‘Arrow’. He began his career as a fashion model before transitioning into full-time acting. Haynes has been open about his personal journey and mental health struggles in his memoir, ‘Miss Memory Lane’. He continues to appear in various television and film projects while maintaining a large social media following.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto gained recognition for his role as the antagonist Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes’. He was later cast as Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film franchise directed by J.J. Abrams. Quinto has also been a regular performer in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. He is an active producer and has appeared in acclaimed stage productions such as ‘The Boys in the Band’.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a multi-talented performer who gained early fame as the star of ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’. He spent nine seasons playing Barney Stinson on the hit sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Harris has won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ on Broadway. He has also hosted major award shows, including the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a prominent stage and screen actor who starred as Holden Ford in the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’. He originated the role of King George III in the Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’ and voiced Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ films. Groff also starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’, which focused on the lives of gay men in San Francisco. He has received multiple Tony and Emmy Award nominations for his diverse body of work.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is a Tony-nominated actor who rose to fame in the original Broadway production of ‘The Book of Mormon’. He is well known for his role as Elijah Krantz in the HBO series ‘Girls’. Rannells has appeared in numerous films, including ‘The Intern’ and the screen adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He is also a voice actor and has published a memoir titled ‘Too Much Is Not Enough’.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his powerful performance in the biographical film ‘Rustin’. He has received critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for his role as Ali in the series ‘Euphoria’. Domingo is also a staple of the ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ cast and has appeared in films like ‘The Color Purple’. In addition to acting, he is an accomplished playwright and director.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope made history by receiving two Tony Award nominations in the same year for ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’. He starred in the Ryan Murphy Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ and the acclaimed drama ‘Pose’. Pope received a Golden Globe nomination for his leading role in the 2022 film ‘The Inspection’. He is also a musician and has released several singles throughout his career.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is a versatile actor known for his roles in the ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and the television series ‘Pushing Daisies’. He portrayed the villainous Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Captain Marvel’. Pace has received critical praise for his work in the historical drama series ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and the sci-fi epic ‘Foundation’. He publicly confirmed his identity in 2018 during a Broadway run of ‘Angels in America’.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy is the co-creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’, where he played David Rose. He became the first person to win Emmy Awards in all four major disciplines for a single show in one year. Levy has appeared in films like ‘Happiest Season’ and joined the cast of ‘Sex Education’ for its fourth season. He is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ storytelling and authentic representation in media.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse of stage and screen, best known for his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’. He won a Tony Award for his performance as Lola in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’. Porter made history as the first openly gay Black man to win a Primetime Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He is also recognized for his boundary-pushing fashion choices and activism in the queer community.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a frequent collaborator of Ryan Murphy, appearing in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He has enjoyed a successful career on Broadway with leading roles in ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Finian’s Rainbow’. Jackson has appeared in various television sitcoms, including ’30 Rock’ and ‘Call Me Kat’. He is also an accomplished concert performer and has released several studio albums.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained significant attention for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Bartlett also delivered a memorable guest performance in the acclaimed episode of ‘The Last of Us’ titled ‘Long, Long Time’. He was previously a regular on the HBO series ‘Looking’ and the revival of ‘Tales of the City’.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for playing Oliver Hampton on the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He starred in the romantic comedy film ‘Fire Island’, which featured an entirely LGBTQ+ lead cast. Ricamora is a prolific stage performer and has appeared in the Broadway revival of ‘The King and I’. He has been recognized for his work in both television dramas and musical theater.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn rose to fame portraying Justin Foley in the Netflix teen drama ’13 Reasons Why’. He has appeared in the suspenseful series ‘Ratched’ and the horror film ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn has used his platform to speak on LGBTQ+ issues and social justice causes. He continues to work in television and film, building a diverse portfolio of complex characters.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan gained international recognition for his role as Tyler Galpin in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Before his breakout role, he appeared in the television series ‘Your Honor’ alongside Bryan Cranston. Doohan has also worked as a writer and director on various short film projects. He often shares glimpses of his life with his husband on social media, fostering visibility for his fans.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke became an overnight sensation for his portrayal of Charlie Spring in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. The show is based on the popular graphic novel series and focuses on a queer teenage romance. Locke made his professional acting debut with the role and has since been cast in the Marvel series ‘Agatha All Along’. He has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ youth rights in the United Kingdom.

Nicholas L. Ashe

Nicholas L. Ashe is best known for his portrayal of Micah West in the acclaimed drama series ‘Queen Sugar’. He began his career in theater, appearing in productions like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Kill Move Paradise’. Ashe has been open about his identity and his relationship with fellow actor Justice Smith. He continues to advocate for Black queer representation and visibility in the television industry.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is an American actor recognized for his role as Oliver Fish on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He has also appeared in various films and television series, including ‘Grace and Frankie’ and the 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie. Evans is the younger brother of actor Chris Evans and has been out as gay since early in his career. He frequently uses his social media presence to share his life and professional updates with his fans.

Rafael Silva

Rafael Silva gained prominence for his role as Carlos Reyes on the procedural drama ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’. His character’s relationship with a police officer became a central and popular part of the series. Silva was born in Brazil and moved to the United States as a teenager, eventually pursuing acting in New York. He has been praised for providing positive representation for queer Latinx individuals on primetime television.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver is known for his roles in television series such as ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘Teen Wolf’, and ‘The Leftovers’. He frequently works alongside his twin brother, Max, though Charlie has charted a distinct path as an openly gay actor. He starred in the Broadway and film versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’ as well as the series ‘Ratched’. Carver is also a writer and has contributed to projects exploring queer identity.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt gained immense fame for originating the title role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, winning a Tony Award. He starred in the Netflix series ‘The Politician’ and appeared in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film franchise. Platt is also a successful recording artist with several studio albums to his credit. He has been open about his relationship with fellow actor Noah Galvin, whom he met through theater.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor known for his long-running role as David Vickers on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He gained further recognition playing Bob Hunter in the hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’. Watkins appeared in the Broadway revival and subsequent film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He is often cast in roles that showcase his comedic timing and dramatic range.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is best known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance as The Gentleman Caller in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ on Broadway. Smith has also starred in the television series ‘Treadstone’ and ‘World on Fire’. He publicly came out as gay in 2019, discussing the challenges of his upbringing in rural Texas.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history in the 1990s as the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay character on network television in ‘My So-Called Life’. He later starred as Dr. Hugh Culber in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, featuring the franchise’s first gay marriage. Cruz has worked extensively with GLAAD to promote fair and inclusive representation of the LGBTQ+ community. He is considered a pioneer for queer people of color in the entertainment industry.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominee for his roles in ‘In the Heights’, ‘La Cage aux Folles’, and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He gained wider cinematic recognition for his performance in the musical film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. De Jesús has appeared in a variety of television projects and independent films. He often advocates for more diverse casting in theater and the importance of Latinx representation.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is widely recognized for his five-time Emmy-nominated role as Mitchell Pritchett on ‘Modern Family’. He is also a highly accomplished stage actor, winning a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out’. Ferguson has hosted the competition series ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and is a published cookbook author. He co-founded an organization dedicated to marriage equality and LGBTQ+ civil rights.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is best known for his portrayal of Jack McFarland on the iconic sitcom ‘Will & Grace’, for which he won an Emmy Award. He has also had a successful career on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for his role in ‘Good Night, Oscar’. Hayes is a co-founder of Hazy Mills Productions and co-hosts the popular podcast ‘SmartLess’. He has been a visible figure in the LGBTQ+ community for several decades.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became a global star for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. His performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Parsons has transitioned into dramatic roles in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He has also worked as a producer on the series ‘Young Sheldon’ and the film ‘Spoiler Alert’.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a highly respected actor with a career spanning over five decades in film, television, and theater. He is well known for his roles in the film ‘Titanic’ and the television series ‘Alias’. Garber played Martin Stein, one half of the character Firestorm, in the DC series ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. He is a six-time Emmy Award nominee and has received multiple Tony Award nominations for his stage work.

George Takei

George Takei is an icon known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and films. Beyond acting, he has become a prominent social justice activist and a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights. Takei’s experiences during the Japanese American internment were chronicled in his graphic memoir ‘They Called Us Enemy’ and the musical ‘Allegiance’. He is also a popular social media figure with millions of followers.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a legendary British actor renowned for his roles as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in ‘X-Men’. He is a recipient of every major theatrical award in the UK and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. McKellen has been an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ rights since coming out in 1988. He was knighted for his services to the performing arts in 1991.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a renowned British actor, comedian, and writer who has been a prominent figure in the arts for decades. He is well known for his collaboration with Hugh Laurie in ‘A Bit of Fry & Laurie’ and ‘Jeeves and Wooster’. Fry has appeared in numerous films, including ‘Wilde’ and the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ sequel ‘A Game of Shadows’. He is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness globally.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett first gained international fame with his role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ opposite Julia Roberts. He has starred in films like ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘An Ideal Husband’. Everett wrote, directed, and starred in the Oscar Wilde biopic ‘The Happy Prince’. He is also a successful author, having published several novels and memoirs throughout his career.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor who gained recognition for his role in the acclaimed independent film ‘The Visitor’. He made history by portraying Ben, one half of the first gay couple in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in ‘Eternals’. Sleiman has appeared in various television series, including ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Killing Jesus’. He is an advocate for the visibility of queer Arab and Middle Eastern individuals.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is best known for his breakout role as Titus Andromedon in the comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him five consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Burgess has an extensive background in musical theater, having appeared in Broadway productions of ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He is also a recording artist and has released his own line of wine.

Javier Muñoz

Javier Muñoz is an American actor best known for his roles in the Broadway musicals ‘In the Heights’ and ‘Hamilton’. He took over the title role of Alexander Hamilton from Lin-Manuel Miranda on Broadway. Muñoz has appeared in television series such as ‘Shadowhunters’ and ‘Blindspot’. He is a vocal advocate for people living with HIV and cancer, sharing his personal health journeys to raise awareness.

BD Wong

BD Wong is a Tony Award-winning actor for his role in ‘M. Butterfly’ and is known for his role as Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise. He appeared as Whiterose in the television series ‘Mr. Robot’, a performance that earned him an Emmy nomination. Wong has a long history in television, including roles in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Oz’. He has been a prominent advocate for the Asian American and LGBTQ+ communities.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is widely known for his portrayal of Guillermo de la Cruz in the comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He has also voiced the character Perrito in the animated film ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. Guillén has appeared in a variety of projects, including ‘Blue Beetle’ and ‘The Magicians’. He is celebrated for his comedic timing and his advocacy for body positivity and Latinx representation.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli is known for his role as Dr. Levi Schmitt on the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He came out publicly as gay in 2018 at the same time his character’s first romantic storyline with another man aired. Borelli has starred in the romantic comedy film ‘The Thing About Harry’. He continues to be an active voice for the LGBTQ+ community within the entertainment industry.

John Benjamin Hickey

John Benjamin Hickey is a Tony Award winner for his role in the revival of ‘The Normal Heart’. He has a prolific career in television, with recurring roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and its spin-off ‘The Good Fight’. Hickey also appeared in the Broadway production of ‘The Inheritance’, which explored the lives of gay men across generations. He has both acted in and directed numerous theatrical productions throughout his career.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a versatile actor known for his multiple roles in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. He won a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out’ and has been nominated for several Emmy Awards. O’Hare has appeared in notable films such as ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and ‘Milk’. He is recognized for his ability to transform into vastly different characters across theater and screen.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is best known for his role as Jonathan on the sitcom ’30 Rock’ and for voicing Baljeet in ‘Phineas and Ferb’. He has had recurring roles in ‘Weeds’ and ‘Whitney’. Pancholy is also an award-winning author of middle-grade fiction, including the book ‘The Best at It’. He is a co-founder of an organization that combats bullying and hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie rose to fame playing Marc St. James on the comedy-drama series ‘Ugly Betty’. He has a significant presence in theater, starring in the solo show ‘Buyer & Cellar’ and the Broadway revival of ‘Torch Song’. Urie has appeared in television series like ‘Shrinking’ and ‘Younger’. He is also a director and producer, frequently championing new and diverse works in the arts.

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