The Most Universally Liked LGBTQ+ Actors

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift toward visibility and inclusion, allowing many talented performers to share their authentic selves with the world. These actors have garnered widespread respect not only for their exceptional craft on stage and screen but also for their contributions to LGBTQ+ representation. From seasoned veterans of Hollywood to the newest breakout stars of streaming platforms, their work spans every conceivable genre. This list highlights fifty male actors who are celebrated for their professional achievements and their standing as beloved figures in the global cultural landscape.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is a distinguished British actor renowned for his iconic portrayals of Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. He has received numerous awards, including a Tony Award and multiple Laurence Olivier Awards for his work on stage. McKellen came out publicly in 1988 and has since become a leading voice for LGBTQ+ equality worldwide. His career is marked by a seamless transition between classical Shakespearean roles and massive cinematic blockbusters.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris rose to fame as a child star in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ before achieving massive success as Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He is a multi-talented performer who has hosted the Academy Awards, the Tony Awards, and the Emmy Awards. Harris has won several Emmy and Tony Awards for his diverse work across television and Broadway. He has been an open member of the LGBTQ+ community since 2006 and is frequently cited as a pioneer for gay actors in leading roles.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer gained international recognition for his starring role as Neal Caffrey in the television series ‘White Collar’. He received a Golden Globe Award for his powerful performance in the film ‘The Normal Heart’, which chronicles the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Bomer has also appeared in major productions such as ‘Magic Mike’ and ‘Fellow Travelers’. He publicly came out in 2012 and has been an active supporter of various humanitarian and LGBTQ+ causes.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is best known for his four-time Emmy-winning portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Beyond his television success, he has received critical acclaim for his work on Broadway in plays such as ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. Parsons also starred in the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’. He has been open about his personal life since 2012 and remains one of the most recognizable figures in modern television history.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is an Irish actor who achieved widespread fame for his role as Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He further captured public attention as the Priest in the second season of ‘Fleabag’, earning a Critics’ Choice Television Award. Scott has also received high praise for his leading role in the 2023 film ‘All of Us Strangers’. His stage career is equally impressive, including an Olivier Award-winning performance in ‘Present Laughter’.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey is a British actor who became a household name for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. He has also starred in ‘Fellow Travelers’ and was cast in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’. Bailey is a seasoned stage performer who won a Laurence Olivier Award for his role in the 2018 revival of ‘Company’. He has been open about his identity throughout his rising career in the spotlight.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is highly regarded for his role as Q in the ‘James Bond’ franchise, starting with ‘Skyfall’. He is also the voice of the title character in the ‘Paddington’ film series. Whishaw won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his performance in the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal’. His career includes a wide variety of roles in independent cinema and classical theater productions.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has starred in several major film franchises, including ‘The Fast and the Furious’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He portrayed Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and lead roles in ‘The Alienist’. Evans has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his career in London’s West End. He continues to be a prominent leading man in both action films and period dramas.

George Takei

George Takei is an actor and activist best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and to share his personal history regarding Japanese-American internment during World War II. Takei has appeared in numerous television shows and films, as well as the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’. He is one of the most followed and influential figures on social media within the entertainment industry.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse performer who achieved “Triple Crown” status by winning an Emmy, a Tony, and a Grammy. He is widely recognized for his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’ and for his Tony-winning performance in ‘Kinky Boots’. Porter is also known for his groundbreaking fashion choices on the red carpet that challenge gender norms. He has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV for decades.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an acclaimed actor who received an Academy Award nomination for his title role in the 2023 film ‘Rustin’. He is well known for his roles in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’, ‘Euphoria’, and the musical film ‘The Color Purple’. Domingo has a prolific career in theater as both an actor and a playwright. He has been consistently praised for his versatility and commanding screen presence.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a versatile Scottish-American actor known for his roles in ‘The Good Wife’, ‘Spy Kids’, and ‘X2: X-Men United’. He won a Tony Award for his legendary performance as the Emcee in the Broadway revival of ‘Cabaret’. Cumming is also a successful author and has hosted several television programs, including ‘The Traitors’. He has been an outspoken activist for LGBTQ+ rights for many years.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller rose to stardom as Michael Scofield in the hit television series ‘Prison Break’. He later became a fan favorite in the Arrowverse as Leonard Snart, also known as Captain Cold, in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Miller came out in 2013 in a letter declining an invitation to a film festival in Russia to protest the country’s anti-gay laws. He has been praised for his openness regarding his mental health and his journey as a gay man.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a comedy legend with a career spanning decades on stage and screen. He is famous for his roles in ‘The Birdcage’, ‘The Producers’, and as the voice of Timon in ‘The Lion King’. Lane has won three Tony Awards and an Emmy Award for his guest role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. He has been a prominent and respected figure in the LGBTQ+ community since coming out in 1999.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto gained fame for his role as Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes’ before portraying Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films. He has also appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ and starred in the Broadway production of ‘The Boys in the Band’. Quinto came out publicly in 2011 and has since been active in various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. He is also a producer through his company, Before the Door Pictures.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a highly respected actor known for his roles in ‘Titanic’, ‘Alias’, and ‘Argo’. He has also made a significant impact in the superhero genre as Professor Martin Stein in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Garber is a six-time Emmy nominee and has a substantial career on Broadway with four Tony nominations. He has been in a long-term relationship with his partner since 1999 and confirmed his sexuality publicly in 2013.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for his portrayal of Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. The role earned him five consecutive Emmy Award nominations and helped increase the visibility of gay couples on television. Ferguson is also an accomplished stage actor who won a Tony Award in 2022 for the play ‘Take Me Out’. He founded the non-profit organization Tie The Knot to support LGBTQ+ equality.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy achieved international acclaim 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 the show’s final season. Levy has also appeared in films like ‘Happiest Season’ and ‘Good Grief’. He is celebrated for his commitment to telling inclusive and heartwarming LGBTQ+ stories.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his roles in ‘Juno’, ‘Inception’, and ‘The Umbrella Academy’. He came out as transgender in 2020 and has since become one of the most prominent advocates for trans rights. Page published a bestselling memoir titled ‘Pageboy’ in 2023, detailing his experiences in Hollywood. He continues to lead major productions while using his platform to support the LGBTQ+ community.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a beloved British actor, comedian, and writer known for his collaborations with Hugh Laurie and his role in ‘Wilde’. He served as the long-time host of the panel show ‘QI’ and has narrated all seven ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks. Fry is also an activist for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. He has been a prominent public figure in the UK for decades, known for his wit and intellect.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff originated the role of Melchior Gabor in ‘Spring Awakening’ and King George III in ‘Hamilton’, for which he received Tony nominations. He is well known for his leading role in the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’ and for voicing 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 won a Tony Award in 2024 for his performance in the revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his starring role in ‘Pushing Daisies’ and for playing Thranduil the Elvenking in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He has also portrayed the character Joe MacMillan in ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and Brother Day in ‘Foundation’. Pace has maintained a steady presence in both blockbuster films and critically acclaimed television series. He spoke openly about his identity and his marriage in 2018.

Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage gained international fame for his role as Thorin Oakenshield in ‘The Hobbit’ film trilogy. He is also recognized for his work in series such as ‘North & South’, ‘Hannibal’, and several Netflix thrillers like ‘The Stranger’. Armitage has a deep background in classical theater and voice work for audiobooks. He recently discussed his long-term relationship and identity in public interviews.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett saw a major career resurgence with his Emmy-winning role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He also delivered a memorable performance in ‘The Last of Us’ and starred in the series ‘Looking’ and ‘Physical’. Bartlett has been a working actor for decades, appearing in various Australian and American productions. He is frequently praised for his range and ability to bring depth to complex characters.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells rose to prominence as Elder Price in the original Broadway cast of ‘The Book of Mormon’, earning a Tony nomination. He has since appeared in television shows such as ‘Girls’, ‘The New Normal’, and ‘Black Monday’. Rannells also starred in the film and stage versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He is an accomplished voice actor and has published a memoir about his life and career.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is best known for his role as Titus Andromedon in the Netflix comedy ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him four consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Burgess is also a celebrated Broadway performer with roles in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He is known for his incredible vocal range and comedic timing.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes became an icon of television comedy for his portrayal of Jack McFarland on ‘Will & Grace’. He won an Emmy Award for the role and has received multiple other nominations throughout the show’s original run and its revival. Hayes is also a successful Broadway actor who won a Tony Award in 2023 for ‘Good Night, Oscar’. He co-hosts the popular podcast ‘SmartLess’ alongside Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.

BD Wong

B.D. Wong is a Tony Award-winning actor known for his role in ‘M. Butterfly’ on Broadway. He has had a long and successful career in television and film, including roles in ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’, and ‘Mr. Robot’. Wong is also the only actor to have won a Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Clarence Derwent, and Theatre World Award for the same performance. He has been a visible member of the LGBTQ+ community for decades.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history as the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay teenager on series television in ‘My So-Called Life’. He has since had a prolific career, including roles in ‘Noah’s Arc’, ’13 Reasons Why’, and ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Cruz has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ youth and has served on the board of GLAAD. His role as Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek’ represents one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ characters in science fiction.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical ‘Rent’, a role he also played in the film version. He currently stars as Paul Stamets in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, where his character is part of a groundbreaking gay marriage. Rapp has been an active performer in theater and film since he was a child. He is also an author and a vocal advocate within the LGBTQ+ community.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor gained global fame for his role as Nick Nelson in the Netflix coming-of-age series ‘Heartstopper’. His performance as a teenager exploring his sexuality was widely praised for its authenticity and sensitivity. Connor has also appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’ and provided voices for ‘His Dark Materials’. He came out as bisexual in 2022 and continues to be a rising star in the industry.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke made his professional acting debut as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. The show’s success has turned him into a prominent figure for LGBTQ+ representation among younger audiences. Locke has since been cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Agatha All Along’. He recently made his Broadway debut in the revival of ‘Sweeney Todd’.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner best known for his role in the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He starred in the film adaptation of the musical and the Netflix series ‘The Politician’. Platt has also released several successful albums as a recording artist. He has been open about his identity and often incorporates LGBTQ+ themes into his music and performances.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a legend of the stage and screen who has won four Tony Awards in different categories. He wrote and starred in ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ and provided the voice for several iconic animated characters. Fierstein is also famous for his roles in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and the Broadway musical ‘Hairspray’. He has been a fearless advocate and a visible gay man in Hollywood since the early 1980s.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is best known for his role as Dr. Niles Crane on the hit sitcom ‘Frasier’, for which he won four Emmy Awards. He is also a celebrated stage actor with a Tony Award for ‘Curtains’ and a nomination for ‘Hello, Dolly!’. Pierce has appeared in films such as ‘The Fisher King’ and ‘Wet Hot American Summer’. He has been open about his personal life and his marriage since 2007.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a versatile character actor known for his roles in ‘American Horror Story’, ‘True Blood’, and ‘The Good Wife’. He won a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out’ and has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards. O’Hare has appeared in a wide range of films, including ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and ‘Milk’. He is known for his ability to transform into vastly different and often eccentric characters.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a star of both Broadway and television, with roles in ‘American Horror Story’, ‘Glee’, and ’30 Rock’. He has led several major stage productions, including ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Finian’s Rainbow’. Jackson is also a singer who has performed at Carnegie Hall and released multiple albums. He is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been open about his journey in the industry.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He has also starred in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the Broadway musical ‘The King and I’. Ricamora is a talented singer and stage performer who has appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions. He has been recognized for his contributions to Asian-American and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominee known for his roles in ‘In the Heights’, ‘La Cage aux Folles’, and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the film adaptation of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. De Jesús has worked extensively in both theater and independent film. He is an outspoken advocate for the Afro-Latino and LGBTQ+ communities.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor who has appeared in ‘Being Human’, ‘Looking’, and ‘The History Boys’. He is also known for his roles in ‘Years and Years’ and ‘American Horror Story: NYC’. Tovey is a passionate art collector and co-hosts the ‘Talk Art’ podcast. He has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his career and remains a popular figure in both the UK and US.

T. R. Knight

T.R. Knight rose to fame for his role as Dr. George O’Malley on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He has since appeared in series such as ‘The Good Wife’, ‘The Flight Attendant’, and ‘Genius’. Knight is also an accomplished stage actor with numerous credits on and off Broadway. He came out publicly in 2006 and has been a steady presence in the industry for years.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a multi-talented actor and singer known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. He has also starred as Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowverse and has a prolific career in musical theater. Barrowman has released several albums and appeared as a judge on various British talent shows. He has been a high-profile member of the LGBTQ+ community in the UK for decades.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is well known for his long-running role as David Vickers on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He also portrayed Bob Hunter on ‘Desperate Housewives’ and starred in both the stage and film versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’. Watkins has appeared in many television comedies and dramas over his long career. He came out in 2013 and is often seen working alongside his partner, fellow actor Andrew Rannells.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is best known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. He has also starred in ‘SGU Stargate Universe’ and the series ‘Treadstone’. Smith is a Tony-nominated actor for his performance in the Broadway revival of ‘The Glass Menagerie’. He came out as gay in 2019 and has been praised for his honest reflections on his experience growing up.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor who starred in the film ‘The Visitor’ and the series ‘Nurse Jackie’. He gained significant attention for playing Ben, the husband of Phastos, in the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. Sleiman has also appeared in the series ‘Killing Jesus’ and ‘Little America’. He came out as gay in 2017 and has spoken frequently about being an LGBTQ+ person of Middle Eastern descent.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is an actor, dancer, and singer known for his role as Wally West, or Kid Flash, in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. He also starred in the hit film ‘Love, Simon’, which was praised for its representation of a gay teenage romance. Lonsdale is a recording artist who often incorporates themes of identity and fluid sexuality into his music. He has been celebrated for his expressive and authentic public persona.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn became widely known for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He has also appeared in ‘Ratched’ and the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn is a graduate of the Mason Gross School of the Arts and has a strong background in theater. He has been open about his sexuality and is a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ organizations and mental health awareness.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has starred in several major films, including ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’, ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’, and ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’. He also played a lead role in the series ‘The Get Down’ and ‘Genera+ion’. Smith came out as queer in 2020 during a protest for racial justice. He is recognized as one of the most talented young leading men in Hollywood today.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is best known for his comedic role as Marc St. James on the series ‘Ugly Betty’. He has a prolific career in theater, both as an actor and a director, and won a Drama Desk Award for ‘Buyer & Cellar’. Urie has also appeared in the series ‘Younger’, ‘Shrinking’, and the holiday film ‘Single All the Way’. He has been a visible and active member of the LGBTQ+ community throughout his professional life.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane rose to fame as Scotty Wandell on the drama series ‘Brothers & Sisters’. He has since become a staple of Hallmark Channel films and starred in the major studio romantic comedy ‘Bros’. Macfarlane is also a trained musician and has appeared in several stage productions. He came out publicly in 2008 and has maintained a successful and steady career in the years following.

Please share which of these actors has had the most significant impact on your favorite films and television shows in the comments.