Best Young LGBTQ+ Actors Taking Over Hollywood

The entertainment industry has witnessed a significant shift in representation with the rise of talented queer male performers who are commanding leading roles across television and film. These actors are not only delivering powerful performances but also advocating for authentic storytelling that reflects the diverse experiences of the community. From breakout stars in streaming dramas to established theater veterans transitioning to the screen the impact of these individuals is undeniable. Their visibility continues to inspire new generations of artists while reshaping the cultural landscape of Hollywood.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor gained global recognition for his role as Nick Nelson in the series ‘Heartstopper’. He began his professional career as a child actor with roles in projects like ‘Rocketman’ and ‘His Dark Materials’. His portrayal of a young man exploring his identity resonated with audiences worldwide and earned him a Children and Family Emmy Award. Connor continues to work on diverse projects including voice acting and stage performances. He remains a significant figure in the new wave of talent within the industry.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke made his professional acting debut as Charlie Spring in the popular series ‘Heartstopper’. He was selected for the role out of thousands of applicants who auditioned during an open casting call. Locke has since expanded his portfolio by joining the cast of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Agatha All Along’. His presence in high profile productions highlights the growing demand for authentic queer representation. He is frequently praised for his ability to bring vulnerability and depth to his characters.

Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp is best known for playing Will Byers in the science fiction series ‘Stranger Things’. He has grown up on screen and delivered an emotional performance as his character struggled with internal conflict. In recent years he has branched out into film roles and business ventures. His public coming out journey garnered significant support from fans and fellow actors alike. Schnapp remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world as his breakout series approaches its final season.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan gained widespread fame for his role as Tyler Galpin in the hit series ‘Wednesday’. He also appeared alongside Bryan Cranston in the legal drama ‘Your Honor’. Doohan has been open about his personal life and has expressed the importance of portraying complex queer characters. His career continues to rise with new projects in development within the industry. He is recognized for his versatility and engaging screen presence.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa first captured the attention of audiences with his breakout performance in ‘Sex Education’. He portrayed Eric Effiong with a blend of humor and heart that earned him multiple award nominations. Gatwa made history by being cast as the lead in the long running series ‘Doctor Who’. His transition into this iconic role represents a significant milestone for representation in television. He also appeared in the film ‘Barbie’ as one of the many versions of Ken.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has established himself as a versatile lead in major film franchises and independent projects. He starred in the blockbuster ‘Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom’ and the fantasy adventure ‘Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves’. Smith also delivered a poignant performance in the series ‘Generation’ which explored modern teenage identity. He consistently chooses roles that challenge stereotypes and showcase his range as a performer. His work continues to influence the landscape of contemporary cinema.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has appeared in several high profile television series including ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘Euphoria’. He became a viral sensation after sharing a video of a director making disparaging remarks during a virtual audition. Gage has since landed major roles in the thriller series ‘You’ and the film ‘Road House’. He is known for his candid personality and his willingness to take on bold characters. His career trajectory shows no signs of slowing down as he becomes a household name.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is a multi talented performer who made history as a featured player on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He is the first Chinese American cast member on the show and has earned several Emmy nominations for his work. Yang also co hosts the popular podcast ‘Las Culturistas’ which explores modern pop culture. He starred in the romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’ which featured an all queer lead cast. His comedic timing and writing skills have made him a standout figure in late night television.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is widely recognized for his portrayal of Guillermo de la Cruz in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His character arc from a familiar to a vampire hunter has been a central part of the series success. Guillén has also provided voice work for animated projects like ‘Puss in Boots The Last Wish’. He is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community and body positivity in Hollywood. His diverse career spans across comedy and drama and musical theater.

Matt Rogers

Matt Rogers is a comedian and actor who rose to fame as the co host of the podcast ‘Las Culturistas’. He delivered a standout performance in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the series ‘I Love That For You’. Rogers has also released musical projects including a holiday themed comedy special. He is known for his high energy performances and sharp wit. His contributions to queer comedy have earned him a dedicated following among fans.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn rose to prominence for his role as Justin Foley in the drama series ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’. He also appeared in the psychological thriller ‘Ratched’ and the film ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn has used his platform to speak out on social issues and mental health awareness. His performances often highlight the complexities of modern youth and personal struggles. He continues to take on challenging roles that resonate with a global audience.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is a talented actor and musician known for his work in ‘Love Simon’ and ‘The Flash’. He has played the role of Wally West in the Arrowverse and has been a visible figure in the superhero genre. Lonsdale has also released several singles and an album that reflect his personal experiences. He identifies as queer and often advocates for self expression and authenticity. His career spans across multiple mediums including film and television and music.

Connor Jessup

Connor Jessup is an actor and filmmaker who starred in the fantasy series ‘Locke and Key’. He previously gained attention for his work in the drama series ‘American Crime’ and the film ‘Closet Monster’. Jessup has been open about his experiences as a gay man in the industry and has directed several short films. His performances are often praised for their emotional depth and nuance. He remains a creative force both in front of and behind the camera.

Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett is known for his roles in popular series such as ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Chicago Fire’. He has portrayed a wide range of characters including a firefighter and a man trapped in a time loop. Barnett also appeared in ‘Tales of the City’ and ‘Arrow’ where he continued to showcase his talent. He has been vocal about his identity and the importance of queer representation in mainstream media. His steady body of work has made him a respected figure in television.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso became an international star for his role as Omar Shanaa in the Spanish series ‘Elite’. His character was part of one of the show’s most popular romantic storylines which explored themes of religion and sexuality. Ayuso has since pursued work in film and fashion while maintaining a strong social media presence. He is considered a style icon and a representative of the new generation of European talent. His work on the series has left a lasting impact on young viewers globally.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey achieved widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the series ‘Bridgerton’. He has a long history of performing in theater and won an Olivier Award for his role in the musical ‘Company’. Bailey also starred in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’ which focused on a queer romance during the McCarthy era. He is one of the most prominent out gay actors working in Hollywood today. His career spans television and film and the London stage.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a multi talented performer who has earned Tony nominations for his work on Broadway. He starred in the series ‘Hollywood’ and ‘Pose’ which showcased his acting and vocal abilities. Pope received critical praise for his leading role in the film ‘The Inspection’ where he played a young gay man in the Marines. He is known for his powerful performances and his commitment to telling meaningful stories. His work across different mediums has solidified his status as a rising star.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He has also had a successful career in musical theater including a notable performance in ‘The King and I’. Ricamora starred in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the series ‘The Resident’. He has been a visible representative for the Asian American and LGBTQ communities. His talent as both a singer and actor continues to earn him diverse roles in the industry.

Zane Phillips

Zane Phillips gained popularity for his roles in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the series ‘Legacies’. He also starred in ‘The Glamorous’ where he played a character navigating the beauty industry. Phillips has a background in theater and often brings a charismatic energy to his screen performances. He is open about his identity and frequently shares insights into his life and career with fans. His career is on an upward trajectory with more high profile roles on the horizon.

Michael Cimino

Michael Cimino played the title character in the series ‘Love Victor’ which was a spinoff of the film ‘Love Simon’. His performance as a teenager navigating his sexuality and family dynamics was widely praised. Cimino is also a musician and has released his own songs. He has since appeared in projects like ‘Annabelle Comes Home’ and ‘Never Have I Ever’. He continues to be a prominent young voice for queer representation in media.

George Sear

George Sear starred as Ben in the series ‘Love Victor’ where he played the love interest of the main character. He began his career in the United Kingdom appearing in series like ‘Evermoor’ and ‘Will’. Sear has a background in dance and music which adds to his versatility as a performer. His chemistry with his co stars and his grounded acting style have earned him a loyal fan base. He remains active in both television and film projects.

Anthony Keyvan

Anthony Keyvan is known for his role as Rahim in the series ‘Love Victor’. He also appeared in the Netflix series ‘XO Kitty’ which expanded the world of a popular film franchise. Keyvan has been acting from a young age and has a diverse range of credits in television. He has spoken about his identity and the importance of seeing diverse stories on screen. His talent and screen presence have made him a rising talent to watch.

Brian Jordan Alvarez

Brian Jordan Alvarez is an actor and filmmaker who gained a following for his comedic web series and sketches. He appeared in the revival of ‘Will and Grace’ and created the critically acclaimed series ‘English Teacher’. Alvarez is known for his unique comedic voice and his ability to create relatable characters. He has a strong presence on social media where he continues to share his creative work. His career highlights the power of independent creators in the modern media landscape.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster is a stand up comedian and writer who wrote and starred in the film ‘Fire Island’. He also has a lead role in the series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. Booster has appeared on numerous talk shows and comedy specials where he shares his perspective as a gay Asian American man. His writing is often noted for its wit and its exploration of social dynamics. He is a significant figure in both the comedy world and the broader entertainment industry.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is a global pop star who has also established a successful career as an actor. He made his film debut in ‘X Men Origins Wolverine’ and later starred in the drama ‘Boy Erased’. Sivan appeared in the series ‘The Idol’ and continues to balance his music and acting careers. He has been a prominent figure in queer culture since he first gained fame on the internet. His work in both film and music continues to resonate with a wide audience.

Omar Rudberg

Omar Rudberg is a Swedish singer and actor who starred in the popular series ‘Young Royals’. He played the role of Simon and gained international fame for his portrayal of a student at a prestigious boarding school. Rudberg was a member of a popular boy band before pursuing a solo career in music. He has released several successful singles and continues to perform on stage. His role in ‘Young Royals’ has made him a household name among fans of teen dramas.

Edvin Ryding

Edvin Ryding portrayed Prince Wilhelm in the Swedish series ‘Young Royals’. He began acting at a very young age and has appeared in numerous Swedish television shows and films. His performance in the series earned him critical acclaim and a massive international following. Ryding is known for his ability to convey complex emotions and the pressures of royal life. He continues to be a leading figure in the Swedish entertainment industry.

Malte Gårdinger

Malte Gårdinger played the role of August in the series ‘Young Royals’. His performance as a complex antagonist was a key element of the show’s success. Gårdinger has since appeared in other Swedish productions and is building a diverse acting portfolio. He comes from a background of performers and has a natural talent for dramatic roles. His work in the series has established him as a talented young actor on the rise.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt is an actor and singer who achieved stardom for his role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He won a Tony Award for his performance and later reprised the role in the film adaptation. Platt also starred in the series ‘The Politician’ and appeared in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film series. He has released multiple studio albums and performed in concert tours worldwide. His talent across stage and screen has made him one of the most prominent queer performers today.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes gained fame for his roles in the series ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He has been a visible figure in the industry for many years and has modeled for several major brands. Haynes has been open about his personal life and his journey within the entertainment world. He has appeared in several films and continues to take on new television roles. His career has spanned across modeling and acting and writing.

Tyler Posey

Tyler Posey is best known for his lead role as Scott McCall in the series ‘Teen Wolf’. He has also appeared in films like ‘Maid in Manhattan’ and ‘Truth or Dare’. Posey has been open about his fluid sexuality and his experiences in the industry. He is a musician as well and has performed with several bands over the years. His long career in television has made him a recognizable and influential figure for many fans.

Cooper Koch

Cooper Koch gained significant attention for his leading role in the series ‘Monsters The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’. He delivered a powerful performance that explored the psychological complexities of his character. Koch has also appeared in films such as ‘Swallowed’ and ‘They Them’. He is an out gay actor who has expressed a commitment to playing diverse queer roles. His recent success has made him one of the most talked about young actors in the industry.

James Scully

James Scully starred in the second season of the series ‘You’ as Forty Quinn. He also appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the series ‘Heathers’. Scully is known for his ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles with ease. He has been a vocal supporter of queer stories and has appeared in several projects with LGBTQ themes. His career continues to grow with a variety of interesting roles in film and television.

Fin Argus

Fin Argus is an actor and musician who starred in the series ‘Queer as Folk’. He also delivered a moving performance in the film ‘Clouds’ where he played a young musician facing a terminal illness. Argus has been involved in several projects that highlight the experiences of the LGBTQ community. He is known for his musical talent and his ability to bring authenticity to his roles. His work across different platforms shows a strong commitment to artistic expression.

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young-White is a comedian and actor who served as a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show’. He has provided voice work for several animated projects including ‘Strange World’ and ‘Baymax’. Young-White is also a writer and has contributed to several popular television series. He is known for his sharp humor and his commentary on social and political issues. His career highlights the intersection of comedy and activism in modern media.

Jordan Firstman

Jordan Firstman is a writer and actor who gained fame for his viral social media videos. He has appeared in the series ‘Ms Marvel’ and has written for several television projects. Firstman is known for his unique comedic style and his ability to satirize modern culture. He has been a prominent figure in the queer creative community for several years. His transition from digital content to traditional media has been a successful journey.

Gus Kenworthy

Gus Kenworthy is an Olympic skier who has transitioned into a career in acting. He appeared in the series ‘American Horror Story 1984’ and has had several guest roles in television. Kenworthy has been a visible advocate for the LGBTQ community since coming out as a professional athlete. He has used his platform to promote inclusivity in sports and entertainment. His career continues to evolve as he takes on more acting opportunities.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer rose to international fame for his role as Kurt Hummel in the series ‘Glee’. He won a Golden Globe Award for his performance and became a prominent figure for queer youth. Colfer is also a successful author and has written the popular ‘Land of Stories’ book series. He has continued to work in film and television while focusing on his writing career. His impact on television history remains significant due to his groundbreaking role.

Ryan O’Connell

Ryan O’Connell is an actor and writer who created and starred in the series ‘Special’. The show was based on his personal experiences as a gay man living with cerebral palsy. O’Connell has also written for series like ‘Will and Grace’ and ‘Queer as Folk’. He is a strong advocate for authentic representation of both the disabled and LGBTQ communities. His work has been recognized with several award nominations and critical praise.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli is best known for his role as Dr Levi Schmitt on the long running series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His character’s coming out story was a significant moment in the show’s history. Borelli has also appeared in several television films and series including ‘The Thundermans’. He has been open about his own identity and the importance of visibility in the medical drama genre. His performance continues to resonate with a wide audience.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander is a talented singer and actor who gained critical acclaim for his role in ‘It’s a Sin’. He portrayed Ritchie Tozer in the series which explored the impact of the AIDS crisis in London. Alexander is also the lead singer of the band Years and Years and has represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness. His work across music and acting has made him a celebrated figure.

Lucas Hedges

Lucas Hedges is an Academy Award nominated actor known for his roles in ‘Manchester by the Sea’ and ‘Boy Erased’. He has delivered powerful performances in several acclaimed films including ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Ben Is Back’. Hedges has been open about his fluid sexuality and his approach to choosing meaningful roles. He is considered one of the most talented actors of his generation. His commitment to dramatic storytelling continues to earn him critical praise.

William Gao

William Gao is an actor and musician who made his debut as Tao Xu in the series ‘Heartstopper’. He is also a member of the band Wasia Project which he formed with his sister. Gao has been praised for his performance as a supportive and protective friend in the popular series. He is part of the new wave of talent bringing more diverse stories to the screen. His career is off to a strong start with a growing international fan base.

Sebastian Croft

Sebastian Croft played the role of Ben Hope in the series ‘Heartstopper’. He has been acting since childhood and has appeared in major productions like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Penny Dreadful’. Croft has a background in theater and has performed on the London stage in several plays. He has expressed his support for the LGBTQ community and has been involved in several queer themed projects. His versatility as a performer is evident in his diverse range of credits.

Jack Wolfe

Jack Wolfe is an actor known for his role in the fantasy series ‘Shadow and Bone’. He has also appeared in the film ‘The Magic Flute’ where he showcased his musical abilities. Wolfe has a strong background in theater and has performed in several high profile productions. He is an out gay actor who has spoken about the importance of authentic representation in fantasy media. His talent and screen presence continue to earn him exciting new roles.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is a trailblazing actor known for his role in the series ‘911 Lone Star’. He made history as the first Black transgender man to be cast in a series regular role on television. Smith previously appeared in ‘Queen Sugar’ and ‘The L Word Generation Q’. He is a vocal advocate for transgender visibility and representation in the entertainment industry. His work continues to break barriers and inspire future generations of actors.

Leo Sheng

Leo Sheng is an actor known for his role as Micah Lee in ‘The L Word Generation Q’. He began his career as an activist and shared his transition journey online before moving into acting. Sheng also appeared in the film ‘Adam’ which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He is committed to telling authentic stories that reflect the experiences of transgender individuals. His presence in the industry highlights the importance of diverse voices in modern media.

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