Coolest LGBT Actors Of All Time

The entertainment industry has been shaped by the immense talent and bravery of gay and bisexual men who have excelled on both the stage and screen. These actors have delivered iconic performances while navigating the complexities of public life and advocacy. From Hollywood legends of the golden age to contemporary stars of major franchises their contributions have paved the way for greater visibility. This list celebrates the most influential and accomplished male performers who identify as part of the LGBT community.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen has enjoyed a legendary career spanning over six decades on stage and screen. He is globally recognized for his portrayal of Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. The British actor came out publicly in 1988 and has been a prominent activist for LGBT rights ever since. He received a knighthood for his services to the performing arts and continues to inspire generations of performers.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris became a household name for his lead role in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ before finding massive success as Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother.’ He has hosted the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards multiple times throughout his career. Harris is a prolific stage performer who won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ on Broadway. He is known for his versatility across comedy and drama as well as his voice acting work.

George Takei

George Takei is an icon of the science fiction genre for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. Beyond his acting work he has become a massive social media presence and a leading voice for social justice. He has written memoirs and graphic novels detailing his childhood experiences in an internment camp. Takei remains a tireless advocate for the LGBT community and civil liberties in the United States.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer gained widespread recognition for his starring role as Neal Caffrey in the hit series ‘White Collar.’ He received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for his powerful performance in the television film ‘The Normal Heart.’ Bomer has appeared in major film productions including ‘Magic Mike’ and ‘The Nice Guys.’ He is also a regular on the Broadway stage where he has starred in ‘The Boys in the Band.’

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a Welsh actor who has successfully transitioned from musical theater to major Hollywood blockbusters. He is well known for his roles as Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Bard the Bowman in ‘The Hobbit’ film series. Evans has also led the cast of ‘The Alienist’ and played the iconic Dracula in ‘Dracula Untold.’ He continues to be one of the most visible leading men in the action and fantasy genres.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly respected British actor known for his incredible range and soft spoken intensity. He is widely recognized as the voice of the title character in the ‘Paddington’ films and for playing Q in the James Bond series. Whishaw won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his performance in the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal.’ His stage work is equally impressive with numerous lead roles in Shakespearean productions.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is best known for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper on the long running sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ His performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Parsons has also ventured into film and theater including a starring role in ‘The Boys in the Band’ and its film adaptation. He has become a significant producer in the industry through his company That’s Wonderful Productions.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto first rose to fame as the villainous Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes.’ He reached global stardom by taking on the legendary role of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series. Quinto has a strong background in theater and received a Drama Desk Award for his work in ‘The Glass Menagerie.’ He also produced and starred in the acclaimed independent film ‘Margin Call.’

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became an international star for his role as Michael Scofield in the series ‘Prison Break.’ He has also played the character Captain Cold in the television shows ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow.’ Miller is a talented screenwriter who wrote the script for the psychological thriller ‘Stoker.’ He has been very open about his mental health journey and uses his platform to support LGBT youth.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse performer who achieved mainstream success with his role as Pray Tell on the series ‘Pose.’ He is a triple threat who has won an Emmy and a Tony as well as a Grammy Award. Porter is celebrated for his bold fashion choices and his advocacy for black queer representation. His performance in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’ is considered one of the most iconic of the modern era.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained international fame for his chilling portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock.’ He earned further acclaim as the Hot Priest in the second season of the comedy series ‘Fleabag.’ Scott has won multiple Olivier Awards for his exceptional work on the London stage. He recently starred in the psychological thriller series ‘Ripley’ and the romantic drama ‘All of Us Strangers.’

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a versatile actor who originated the role of Melchior Gabor in the Broadway musical ‘Spring Awakening.’ He is known to many as the voice of Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ films and for his role in ‘Hamilton.’ Groff also led the cast of the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’ and starred in the series ‘Looking.’ He has successfully balanced a career in musical theater with prominent television and film roles.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is one of the most celebrated stage and screen actors of his generation. He is known for his roles in ‘The Birdcage’ and for voicing Timon in the original ‘The Lion King.’ Lane has won three Tony Awards for his work in shows like ‘The Producers’ and ‘Angels in America.’ He also has a recurring role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ which earned him a Primetime Emmy.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett became a major film star in the late nineties with his breakout role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding.’ He has appeared in numerous period dramas and comedies including ‘The Importance of Being Earnest.’ Everett is also an accomplished author and director who wrote and starred in the Oscar Wilde biopic ‘The Happy Prince.’ He was one of the first high profile actors in Hollywood to be open about his sexuality.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish actor known for his eccentric and high energy performances. He won a Tony Award for his iconic portrayal of the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’ on Broadway. Cumming had a long running role as Eli Gold on ‘The Good Wife’ which earned him multiple award nominations. He has appeared in major films like ‘X2’ and ‘GoldenEye’ while maintaining a successful career as an author and host.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran of the stage and screen with a career spanning over five decades. He is widely known for his roles in ‘Alias’ and as Professor Martin Stein in ‘Legends of Tomorrow.’ Garber has starred in legendary films such as ‘Titanic’ and ‘Argo’ as well as ‘Legally Blonde.’ He is a six time Emmy nominee and a four time Tony nominee for his varied performances.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has become one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood following his work in ‘Euphoria.’ He received an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the film ‘Rustin.’ Domingo has appeared in significant projects like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead.’ He is also a talented playwright and director who has contributed significantly to American theater.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the long running comedy ‘Modern Family.’ His performance earned him five consecutive Emmy nominations and several Screen Actors Guild Awards. Ferguson is a seasoned stage actor who recently won a Tony Award for his work in the play ‘Take Me Out.’ He is also the co founder of a non profit organization that supports marriage equality.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for his roles in the series ‘Being Human’ and ‘The History Boys.’ He starred in the acclaimed drama ‘Years and Years’ and the HBO series ‘Looking.’ Tovey has a deep passion for contemporary art and hosts a popular podcast on the subject. He has frequently performed on both the West End and Broadway stages throughout his career.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy achieved worldwide fame 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 and writing and directing. Levy has since appeared in films like ‘Happiest Season’ and joined the cast of ‘Sex Education.’ He is recognized for his unique comedic voice and his commitment to authentic queer storytelling.

Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage is a British actor who gained international recognition for his role as Thorin Oakenshield in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He has starred in numerous television dramas including ‘North and South’ and the thriller series ‘The Stranger.’ Armitage is also a prolific voice actor who has narrated many audiobooks and starred in ‘Castlevania.’ He recently shared his journey as a gay man in the entertainment industry with the public.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his starring role in the cult classic series ‘Pushing Daisies’ which earned him an Emmy nomination. He has played major roles in blockbuster franchises including Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ Pace also starred as Joe MacMillan in the series ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit.’ He is celebrated for his commanding screen presence and his work in independent films.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a legendary British comedian and actor who was one half of the duo Fry and Laurie. He is known for his roles in ‘Jeeves and Wooster’ and for playing the title character in ‘Wilde.’ Fry is a prolific author and documentary filmmaker who has explored history and mental health. He served as the host of the quiz show ‘QI’ for many years and is a respected intellectual voice.

BD Wong

BD Wong is a Tony Award winning actor known for his roles in ‘M. Butterfly’ and the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise. He had a long running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit.’ Wong has also appeared in ‘Mr. Robot’ and ‘Gotham’ showing his range across different genres. He has been a consistent presence on television and stage for several decades.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a versatile performer known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood.’ He has a major background in musical theater and has starred in ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard.’ Barrowman has also appeared as Malcolm Merlyn in the series ‘Arrow’ and as a judge on various talent shows. He is known for his vibrant personality and his frequent appearances at fan conventions.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess became a breakout star for his role as Titus Andromedon in the comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.’ He has received five Emmy nominations for his comedic performance and vocal talents. Burgess is an accomplished Broadway actor who has appeared in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls.’ He also released music and appeared in the film ‘Respect.’

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett saw a massive career surge after his starring role in the first season of ‘The White Lotus.’ His performance as Armond earned him an Emmy Award and widespread critical praise. Bartlett has also appeared in ‘Looking’ and the hit series ‘The Last of Us.’ He started his career in Australian television before moving to major American productions.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is best known for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the series ‘What We Do in the Shadows.’ He has been praised for his comedic timing and for bringing depth to the character of a vampire familiar. Guillén has also appeared in ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ and voiced characters in ‘Puss in Boots The Last Wish.’ He is a prominent advocate for Latinx and LGBT representation in media.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith gained international recognition for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix series ‘Sense8.’ He is a Tony nominated actor who received acclaim for his performance in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ on Broadway. Smith has also appeared in the series ‘World on Fire’ and ‘Treadstone.’ He continues to work across television and theater in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three time Tony Award nominee known for his work in ‘In the Heights’ and ‘The Boys in the Band.’ He reached a wider audience with his performance in the film ‘tick tick… BOOM!’ directed by Lin Manuel Miranda. De Jesús has been a strong advocate for queer actors of color throughout his career. He is recognized for his powerful singing voice and expressive acting style.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a highly respected character actor known for his frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy on ‘American Horror Story.’ He won a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out.’ O’Hare has appeared in many films including ‘Milk’ and ‘Dallas Buyers Club.’ He is known for his ability to transform into complex and often unsettling characters.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is best known for his iconic role as Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will and Grace.’ He won an Emmy Award for his performance and became a pioneer for gay representation on network television. Hayes is also a successful producer and a Tony winning actor for his role in ‘Good Night Oscar.’ He co hosts the popular podcast SmartLess with fellow actors.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is globally recognized for his role as Niles Crane on the long running sitcom ‘Frasier.’ He won four Emmy Awards for his work on the show and is celebrated for his physical comedy skills. Pierce is a major star of the Broadway stage and won a Tony Award for ‘Curtains.’ He has also lent his voice to several animated films and appeared in the series ‘Julia.’

Mario Cantone

Mario Cantone is known for his role as Anthony Marentino in ‘Sex and the City’ and its revival ‘And Just Like That.’ He is a stand up comedian and stage actor with a high energy performance style. Cantone has appeared on Broadway in his own one man show and in ‘The Violet Hour.’ He is a frequent guest on talk shows and has appeared in various comedy specials.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is a pioneer of modern musical theater who originated the role of Mark Cohen in the musical ‘Rent.’ He has enjoyed a long career in film with roles in ‘Adventures in Babysitting’ and ‘Dazed and Confused.’ Rapp has starred in the series ‘Star Trek Discovery’ as Paul Stamets who was the first openly gay character in the franchise. He is also a published author and a dedicated advocate for industry safety.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history as the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay teenager on television in ‘My So Called Life.’ He has had a long career in both television and theater including a starring role in ‘Star Trek Discovery.’ Cruz has served as a national spokesperson for GLAAD and is a dedicated activist for LGBT youth. He continues to be a leading voice for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is known for his roles as Jonathan on ’30 Rock’ and Sanjay in ‘Weeds.’ He is also a prominent voice actor who voiced Baljeet in the animated series ‘Phineas and Ferb.’ Pancholy is an author who has written middle grade novels featuring queer protagonists. He has been active in promoting representation for the Asian American and LGBT communities.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran television actor known for his long running role as David Vickers on ‘One Life to Live.’ He also played Bob Hunter on ‘Desperate Housewives’ where he portrayed one half of a gay couple. Watkins has appeared in many stage productions including ‘The Boys in the Band.’ He continues to work regularly in television films and series.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz is best known for his role as Huck in the political thriller series ‘Scandal.’ He has also appeared in ‘Weeds’ and films like ‘Half Baked’ and ‘Stonewall.’ Díaz is recognized for his ability to play tough and gritty characters with deep emotional layers. He has been open about his identity throughout his successful career in Hollywood.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie rose to fame for his role as Marc St. James on the comedy series ‘Ugly Betty.’ He is a highly accomplished stage actor who has starred in ‘Buyer and Cellar’ and ‘Torch Song.’ Urie has also directed films and hosted several television programs. He remains a prominent figure in the New York theater scene and on television.

Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett gained recognition for his role as Peter Mills on the drama ‘Chicago Fire.’ He has since starred in the hit series ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Tales of the City.’ Barnett also appeared in the thriller series ‘You’ and ‘Arrow.’ He is known for his versatility and has become a frequent lead in contemporary television dramas.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder.’ He is also a talented stage actor who appeared in the Broadway revival of ‘The King and I.’ Ricamora starred in the film ‘Fire Island’ which was celebrated for its queer storytelling. He continues to balance roles in television and theater.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese American actor who received critical acclaim for his role in the film ‘The Visitor.’ He has appeared in series like ‘Nurse Jackie’ and played the first gay superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Eternals.’ Sleiman is an advocate for Middle Eastern and LGBT representation in media. He has worked on a variety of international and American projects.

Jai Rodriguez

Jai Rodriguez first became famous as the culture expert on the original ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.’ He is a talented singer and actor who performed as Angel in ‘Rent’ on Broadway. Rodriguez has appeared in numerous television shows including ‘Malibu Country’ and ‘Uncoupled.’ He remains an active performer and a popular media personality.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer who has starred in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story.’ He is a veteran of the Broadway stage with lead roles in ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Xanadu.’ Jackson has also appeared in ’30 Rock’ and the comedy series ‘Call Me Kat.’ He is known for his powerful singing voice and his work as a recording artist.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner is the creator and star of the comedy series ‘Billy on the Street.’ He wrote and starred in the romantic comedy ‘Bros’ which was a major milestone for queer cinema. Eichner has also appeared in ‘Parks and Recreation’ and voiced Timon in the remake of ‘The Lion King.’ He is recognized for his energetic comedic style and his social commentary.

Jim Nabors

Jim Nabors was a legendary television star known for his role as Gomer Pyle on ‘The Andy Griffith Show.’ He starred in his own spin off series ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’ which became a massive hit. Nabors was also a successful singer with a deep baritone voice and many recorded albums. He lived a private life for many years before marrying his long time partner in 2013.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was one of the most popular movie stars of the golden age of Hollywood. He starred in iconic films like ‘Giant’ and a series of popular romantic comedies with Doris Day. Hudson was a major leading man who maintained a private personal life during his career. His public battle with illness in the mid eighties brought massive global attention to the health crisis.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a teen idol and major film star in the nineteen fifties and sixties. He starred in hits like ‘Battle Cry’ and had a successful career as a pop singer. Hunter eventually became a cult film icon after working with director John Waters in ‘Polyester.’ His autobiography and subsequent documentary detailed his life as a gay man during the peak of his fame.

Please share your own favorite actors from this list or others you admire in the comments.