The Most Famous Gay and Bisexual Actors

Hollywood has undergone a significant transformation regarding the visibility of LGBTQ+ performers. For decades, many actors were forced to conceal their sexual orientation to protect their careers, while others lived openly within their private circles but remained closeted to the public. Today, a diverse range of talent lives openly, contributing to a more inclusive entertainment landscape across film, television, and theater. This list highlights fifty prominent gay and bisexual male actors who have made their mark on the industry through their work and visibility.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a titan of stage and screen, widely recognized for his roles in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and the ‘X-Men’ franchise. He publicly came out as gay during a BBC radio broadcast in 1988 to protest Section 28, a legislative clause that prohibited the promotion of homosexuality. McKellen is a co-founder of Stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ rights charity in the United Kingdom. His career spans decades, earning him multiple Olivier Awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Award nominations.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris successfully transitioned from a child star in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ to a celebrated adult actor known for his role as Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He publicly confirmed he is gay in a 2006 statement to People magazine, expressing pride in his identity. Harris has hosted both the Tony Awards and the Academy Awards, showcasing his versatility as a performer and presenter. He continues to work in film and television, including roles in ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was one of the biggest movie stars of the 1950s and 1960s, known for romantic comedies like ‘Pillow Talk’ and the drama ‘Giant’. Throughout his career, he maintained a carefully crafted heterosexual public image orchestrated by his agents and studios. His sexual orientation became widely discussed only after he announced he had AIDS in 1985, shortly before his death. Hudson’s diagnosis and subsequent passing were pivotal moments in changing public perception and funding for HIV/AIDS research.

Elton John

While primarily a music legend, Sir Elton John has appeared as an actor in films such as ‘Tommy’ and ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’. His biographical film ‘Rocketman’ details his rise to fame and his journey toward accepting his sexuality. He came out as bisexual in 1976 and later identified as gay, becoming a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The Elton John AIDS Foundation remains one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world supporting HIV prevention and treatment.

George Takei

George Takei gained worldwide fame for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and subsequent films. He publicly came out in 2005, inspired by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s veto of same-sex marriage legislation in California. Takei has since become a prominent activist and social media personality, using his platform to advocate for human rights. He also starred in the musical ‘Allegiance’, which was inspired by his childhood experience in Japanese American internment camps.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons achieved global recognition for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the hit sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’, for which he won four Primetime Emmy Awards. A 2012 profile in The New York Times casually mentioned his long-term relationship with Todd Spiewak, effectively serving as his public coming out. Parsons has since taken on diverse roles in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He continues to produce and act in both television and theater productions.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is known for his leading role in the television series ‘White Collar’ and his performance in the ‘Magic Mike’ films. He publicly acknowledged his family and husband, publicist Simon Halls, during an acceptance speech at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards in 2012. Bomer earned a Golden Globe Award for his supporting role in ‘The Normal Heart’, a film centering on the HIV/AIDS crisis. His career includes work in Ryan Murphy productions such as ‘American Horror Story’.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto rose to prominence with his role as Sylar in the series ‘Heroes’ and later as Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ film franchise. He publicly came out as gay in a 2011 interview with New York Magazine, citing the suicide of teenager Jamey Rodemeyer as a catalyst for his decision. Quinto is an active producer and actor, often choosing projects that highlight social issues. He notably starred in the 2018 Broadway revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett is a British actor and writer who garnered acclaim for his breakout role in ‘Another Country’ and later in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. He has been openly gay for the majority of his career, often speaking candidly about his experiences in Hollywood during less tolerant eras. Everett wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Happy Prince’, a biographical film about Oscar Wilde. His memoirs have provided a sharp and witty insight into the entertainment industry.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a celebrated comedic and dramatic actor known for his voice work in ‘The Lion King’ and his role in ‘The Birdcage’. He came out publicly following the death of Matthew Shepard in 1998, though he had been out to friends and colleagues for years prior. Lane has won three Tony Awards and is a stalwart of the American theater community. He currently stars in the Hulu series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish character actor recognized for his work in ‘GoldenEye’, the ‘Spy Kids’ trilogy, and the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’. He identifies as bisexual and has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights throughout his career. Cumming’s memoir, ‘Not My Father’s Son’, explores his difficult childhood and journey toward self-acceptance. He is also a Tony Award winner for his performance as the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter gained massive acclaim for his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’, becoming the first openly gay Black man to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Before his television success, he won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Lola in the musical ‘Kinky Boots’. Porter is also known for his distinct fashion and red carpet appearances that challenge gender norms. He released a memoir titled ‘Unprotected’ in 2021 detailing his life and career.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy is the co-creator and star of the hit sitcom ‘Schitt’s Creek’, where he played the character David Rose. The show broke records by sweeping the comedy categories at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards. Levy has been open about his sexuality and consciously chose to portray a queer romance on his show without the element of homophobia. He continues to sign development deals to create inclusive content for streaming platforms.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is an Irish actor who achieved international fame as Jim Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. He garnered further acclaim and the nickname “Hot Priest” for his role in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. Scott has always been open about his sexuality, viewing it as a fact of life rather than a defining characteristic of his acting ability. He recently received critical praise for his lead performance in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a distinguished British actor known for playing Q in the Daniel Craig era ‘James Bond’ films and voicing the titular character in ‘Paddington’. He entered a civil partnership with composer Mark Bradshaw in 2012, publicly confirming his sexuality at that time. Whishaw has won accolades for his roles in ‘A Very English Scandal’ and ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. He is known for keeping his private life relatively guarded while taking on complex roles.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has established himself as a leading man in action and fantasy films, including roles in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and as Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He was open about his sexuality at the beginning of his career in London’s West End before transitioning to Hollywood blockbusters. Evans has released music albums in addition to his acting work. He continues to take on high-profile roles in both film and television series like ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his roles in ‘Pushing Daisies’, ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, and as Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He opened up about being a member of the queer community in interviews in 2018, confirming he has dated both men and women. Pace currently stars as the galactic emperor Brother Day in the sci-fi series ‘Foundation’. He combines a background in theater with a strong presence in major franchise films.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff originated the role of King George III in the Broadway phenomenon ‘Hamilton’ and voiced Kristoff in Disney’s ‘Frozen’ franchise. He starred as the lead in the Netflix crime drama ‘Mindhunter’ and the HBO series ‘Looking’. Groff came out publicly during the National Equality March in 2009. He is a celebrated performer on both stage and screen, earning a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Merrily We Roll Along’.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is best known for his role as Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will & Grace’, a character that brought gay visibility to mainstream network television. He officially came out in 2010, years after the show’s initial success, and has since discussed the pressure he felt during that era. Hayes is a successful producer and co-host of the popular podcast ‘SmartLess’. He won a Tony Award for his lead role in the play ‘Good Night, Oscar’.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson played Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running sitcom ‘Modern Family’, earning five Primetime Emmy nominations. He is a staunch advocate for marriage equality and co-founded the non-profit organization Tie The Knot. Ferguson has a strong background in theater and won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Take Me Out’. He continues to work in television and return to the stage regularly.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a gravel-voiced icon of theater and film, known for writing and starring in ‘Torch Song Trilogy’. He also wrote the book for the musical ‘La Cage aux Folles’ and played Edna Turnblad in ‘Hairspray’. Fierstein was one of the few openly gay celebrities in the 1980s and has been a lifelong activist. His contributions to theater have earned him multiple Tony Awards in various categories.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain was a leading heartthrob of the 1960s thanks to the show ‘Dr. Kildare’ and the miniseries ‘The Thorn Birds’. He lived in the closet for the majority of his career to maintain his status as a romantic lead. Chamberlain came out in his 2003 memoir ‘Shattered Love’, discussing the burden of hiding his identity. He has continued to act in guest roles on television well into his eighties.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a versatile actor with credits ranging from ‘Titanic’ and ‘Argo’ to the television series ‘Alias’. He confirmed his sexuality publicly in 2012 when noting he would be attending the SAG Awards with his partner of many years. Garber is a six-time Emmy nominee and a renowned stage actor. He has also been a regular in the Arrowverse superhero shows as Martin Stein.

BD Wong

BD Wong gained fame for his role in ‘M. Butterfly’ on Broadway and as Dr. George Huang in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He also appeared as Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise. Wong has been openly gay throughout his career and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ and Asian American representation. He has also directed for television and theater.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British national treasure, known for his comedy partnership with Hugh Laurie and roles in ‘Wilde’ and ‘V for Vendetta’. He is openly gay and has spoken extensively about his struggles with bipolar disorder and mental health. Fry is a prolific writer, presenter, and activist. He married his husband Elliott Spencer in 2015.

Derek Jacobi

Sir Derek Jacobi is a highly respected classical actor and a founding member of the Royal National Theatre. He is known for ‘I, Claudius’, ‘Gladiator’, and ‘The King’s Speech’. Jacobi was one of the first actors to enter a civil partnership in the UK in 2006. He continues to work alongside his close friend Ian McKellen in the series ‘Vicious’.

John Gielgud

Sir John Gielgud was one of the 20th century’s greatest stage actors, known for his beautiful speaking voice. He won an Academy Award for his role in ‘Arthur’ (1981). Gielgud lived relatively openly in his private circles but suffered a humiliating arrest in 1953 due to anti-homosexuality laws. Despite the scandal, he maintained a distinguished career until his death in 2000.

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift was a four-time Oscar nominee known for ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘From Here to Eternity’. He was one of the first method actors in Hollywood and a contemporary of Marlon Brando. Clift struggled with his sexuality and substance abuse, living a discreet life regarding his relationships with men. He remains an icon of classic Hollywood cinema.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins is immortalized as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’. He had relationships with men, including Tab Hunter and Grover Dale, but later married Berry Berenson. Perkins kept his private life away from the press during the height of his fame. He passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1992.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a quintessential Hollywood heartthrob in the 1950s, starring in films like ‘Battle Cry’ and ‘Damn Yankees’. He was the product of the studio system, which actively suppressed rumors about his homosexuality. Hunter came out publicly in his 2005 autobiography, which was later adapted into the documentary ‘Tab Hunter Confidential’. He enjoyed a career resurgence in John Waters’ film ‘Polyester’.

Dirk Bogarde

Dirk Bogarde was a matinee idol in Britain who transitioned into arthouse cinema with films like ‘The Servant’ and ‘Death in Venice’. He famously starred in ‘Victim’ (1961), the first British film to use the word “homosexual” and address the blackmailing of gay men. Bogarde lived with his partner Anthony Forwood for decades but never publicly confirmed he was gay. His memoirs are celebrated for their literary quality.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a dynamic actor known for his work in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and the film ‘Zola’. He received an Academy Award nomination for his lead performance in the biopic ‘Rustin’. Domingo is also a playwright and stage director. He has been openly gay throughout his career and advocates for diversity in storytelling.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a global star as Michael Scofield in the series ‘Prison Break’. He came out in 2013 in a letter declining an invitation to a film festival in Russia, citing the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws. Miller has since written screenplays, including ‘Stoker’. He has been open about his mental health struggles and diagnosis of autism.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for ‘Being Human’, ‘Looking’, and ‘Quantico’. He has been openly gay since the start of his career and often takes on gay roles. Tovey is also a passionate art collector and co-hosts the ‘Talk Art’ podcast. He starred in the acclaimed drama ‘The Pass’, based on a play he also performed in.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer rose to fame as Kurt Hummel on ‘Glee’, a role written specifically for him. He won a Golden Globe for the performance and was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people. Colfer is also a best-selling author of the ‘The Land of Stories’ fantasy book series. He has remained a visible role model for LGBTQ+ youth.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a star of Broadway and television, appearing in ’30 Rock’, ‘Glee’, and several seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He started his career in musicals such as ‘Xanadu’ and ‘All Shook Up’. Jackson is openly gay and an advocate for human rights organizations. He frequently performs in concert venues across the United States.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a Tony Award-winning actor known for his character work in ‘True Blood’ and ‘American Horror Story’. He has been openly gay since high school and has been married to his husband Hugo Redwood since 2011. O’Hare is a versatile performer who moves easily between stage and screen. He co-wrote and starred in the solo play ‘An Iliad’.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained widespread recognition for his Emmy-winning role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He previously starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’ and the revival of ‘Tales of the City’. Bartlett is an Australian actor who has been out throughout his career. His recent success includes a widely praised episode of ‘The Last of Us’.

Matt Lucas

Matt Lucas is a British comedian and actor best known for the sketch show ‘Little Britain’ and for playing Nardole in ‘Doctor Who’. He has appeared in films like ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Lucas is openly gay and wrote extensively about his life in his autobiography ‘Little Me’. He also hosted ‘The Great British Bake Off’.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz broke ground playing Rickie Vasquez on the 90s teen drama ‘My So-Called Life’, the first openly gay teenager on network television. He later played a medical officer in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Cruz serves on the board of GLAAD and is a dedicated activist. He continues to champion representation for LGBTQ+ people of color.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp originated the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical ‘Rent’, later reprising the role in the 2005 film adaptation. He stars as Commander Paul Stamets in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, forming part of the first gay couple in the franchise’s TV history. Rapp has been open about his sexuality since the early 90s. He is also the author of the memoir ‘Without You’.

T. R. Knight

T.R. Knight is best known for his role as Dr. George O’Malley on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He came out in 2006 following a highly publicized on-set incident involving a co-star. Knight has since focused largely on theater work but returned to television in ‘The Flight Attendant’. He remains a respected figure in the acting community.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz is recognized for his role as Huck in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. He also played a major role in the series ‘Weeds’ and appeared in the cult film ‘Half Baked’. Díaz has been openly gay throughout his Hollywood career. He has spoken about how growing up in the Bronx shaped his identity and career path.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn is known for the ‘Harold & Kumar’ film series and his role on the medical drama ‘House’. He took a sabbatical from acting to serve in the Obama administration as an Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement. Penn came out publicly in his 2021 memoir, announcing his engagement to his partner Josh. He continues to balance acting, producing, and political advocacy.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane is known for his role on ‘Brothers & Sisters’ and as a lead in numerous Hallmark Channel movies. He starred in the major studio rom-com ‘Bros’ in 2022. Macfarlane came out in a 2008 interview with The Globe and Mail. He plays a wide variety of roles and is a cellist in addition to his acting.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora gained fame as Oliver Hampton on the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He is also a celebrated stage actor, known for his role in ‘Here Lies Love’ and the revival of ‘The King and I’. Ricamora is openly gay and has been honored by the Human Rights Campaign. He recently appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor who played Mohammed in ‘Nurse Jackie’ and appeared in the film ‘The Visitor’. He came out as gay in 2017 via a Facebook video to push back against violence toward LGBTQ+ people in the Middle East. Sleiman played the husband of a superhero in the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. He advocates for queer representation in Arab communities.

Robin Lord Taylor

Robin Lord Taylor is best known for his portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin) in the series ‘Gotham’. He publicly discussed his sexuality and his marriage in 2014. Taylor has also appeared in ‘You’ and the ‘John Wick’ franchise. He is a character actor known for bringing intensity and depth to villains and complex figures.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor gained international attention for his lead role as Nick Nelson in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. He won a Children’s and Family Emmy Award for his performance. Connor came out as bisexual on social media in 2022. He has also appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’ playing a young Elton John.

Leslie Jordan

Leslie Jordan was a beloved character actor known for his role as Beverley Leslie on ‘Will & Grace’ and his appearances in ‘American Horror Story’. During the 2020 pandemic, he became a social media sensation for his humorous Instagram videos. Jordan was openly gay and wrote several autobiographical one-man shows. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and kindness.

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