Gay Actors Who Are the Best On-Screen Criers

Emotional resonance in acting often hinges on the ability of a performer to display vulnerability through tears. Many gay male actors have delivered powerhouse performances that rely on their capacity for deep emotional expression. This list highlights men in the entertainment industry who have mastered the art of crying on screen to move audiences worldwide. These actors use their range to bring authenticity to complex characters facing heartbreak and loss. Their work demonstrates how a well executed emotional breakdown can define a character and leave a lasting impression on the viewer.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey has received critical acclaim for his deeply emotional performances in major television projects. He showcased his ability to convey profound grief and longing in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’. His character struggles with intense emotional stakes that often lead to heartbreaking moments of vulnerability. Many viewers note that his expressive eyes and facial control make his weeping scenes particularly memorable and moving. This actor consistently brings a level of sincerity to his roles that resonates with audiences.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer delivered one of the most poignant performances of his career in the film ‘The Normal Heart’. He portrayed a man suffering through the early years of the medical crisis and the physical toll of disease. His emotional scenes required a raw and stripping back of his usual leading man persona to reveal true pain. This role demonstrated his capacity to use tears as a powerful storytelling tool to convey both physical suffering and emotional despair. He continues to take on roles that challenge his dramatic range in various genres.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is widely recognized for his intense and nuanced portrayal of complex characters. In the film ‘All of Us Strangers’ he anchors the story with a performance that requires constant emotional presence. His ability to switch from quiet reflection to deep sorrow makes his crying scenes feel incredibly authentic and intimate. Critics often praise his range and how he uses his voice and expression to heighten the emotional impact of a scene. He brings a unique vulnerability to every project he joins.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is known for his fragile and sensitive approach to diverse roles across film and stage. In the series ‘A Very English Scandal’ he displayed a range of emotions that included intense moments of distress. His characters often possess a quiet strength that breaks down in pivotal scenes to reveal significant depth. His performance in ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ further highlighted his skill in showing the emotional exhaustion that leads to tears. He has a distinct ability to make the audience feel the weight of his character’s internal struggles.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has transitioned from large action roles to more intimate character studies throughout his career. In the series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ he played a man dealing with a specific and heavy personal loss. His portrayal involved moments of sudden and overwhelming grief that stood out to many viewers. This vulnerability provides a contrast to his more physically demanding roles and showcases his versatility as a dramatic actor. He is capable of delivering a grounded and relatable performance even in heightened fictional settings.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons moved beyond his comedic roots to deliver a stirring performance in the film ‘The Boys in the Band’. He portrayed a character whose external bravado eventually cracks to reveal deep seated insecurities and sadness. The resulting emotional breakdown is a highlight of the film and shows his range as a dramatic performer. His ability to tap into such raw emotion surprised many who knew him primarily for sitcom work. This performance established him as an actor who can handle heavy thematic material with ease.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto often plays characters with a controlled exterior which makes his emotional outbursts even more effective. In the film ‘Star Trek’ he portrayed a version of Spock who must grapple with immense grief and loss. The moments where his logical facade breaks are some of the most moving parts of the film. He also displayed great emotional depth in the Broadway and film versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’. His crying scenes are marked by a sense of internal conflict that is palpable to the audience.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris took on a very serious and emotional role in the acclaimed series ‘It’s a Sin’. He played a mentor figure whose story arc involves significant tragedy and heartbreak. His performance was lauded for its warmth and the genuine sorrow he projected in his final scenes. This role allowed him to showcase a dramatic side that is often hidden behind his high energy comedic persona. He proved that he could anchor a tragic story with grace and emotional honesty.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is celebrated for his work on ‘Modern Family’ where he often balanced comedy with genuine heart. While the show was a sitcom he frequently had to deliver emotional beats regarding fatherhood and family struggles. His ability to well up with tears in a way that feels natural and unforced added depth to the series. Beyond television he has taken on stage roles that require even more intense emotional labor. He remains one of the most recognizable faces in the industry for blending humor with real feeling.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse performer who has won multiple awards for his role in the series ‘Pose’. His character faces countless hardships and his emotional responses are always grand and deeply felt. The scenes where he weeps are often the emotional core of the episode and highlight the struggles of his community. He uses his entire body and voice to project a level of grief that is both theatrical and grounded. His performances are a testament to his immense talent as a dramatic storyteller.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has become one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood due to his incredible dramatic range. In the film ‘Rustin’ he brings a legendary historical figure to life with all the accompanying emotional weight. He is capable of portraying a man who is both a strong leader and someone who can be moved to tears by the gravity of his mission. His crying scenes feel earned and come from a place of deep character understanding. He brings a dignity to sorrow that is rarely seen on screen.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope earned significant praise for his starring role in the film ‘The Inspection’. He played a young man who joins the Marines while facing rejection from his family. The film requires him to go through a grueling emotional journey that culminates in several intense crying scenes. His ability to show the pain of isolation and the hope for acceptance is central to the film’s success. He is an actor who can convey a vast amount of information through a single tearful look.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey has built a career on playing relatable and often sensitive men in both British and American productions. In the series ‘Looking’ he portrayed the complexities of modern relationships with a great deal of heart. His characters are often seen navigating difficult emotional landscapes that lead to moments of genuine distress. He has a naturalistic style of crying that makes the audience feel like they are witnessing a private moment. This authenticity is a hallmark of his work across television and film.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a versatile talent who has excelled in musical theater as well as dramatic television. In the series ‘Mindhunter’ he plays an investigator whose work begins to take a heavy toll on his mental health. While he maintains a professional exterior the cracks eventually show in moments of high stress. He also delivered a highly emotional performance in the television movie ‘The Normal Heart’. His ability to project vulnerability is one of his greatest strengths as a performer.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt rose to fame in the stage and film versions of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ where he delivered a performance defined by emotional intensity. The role requires him to be in a state of near constant anxiety and sadness which often results in weeping. His vocal performance and physical acting combine to create a character that is defined by his tears. Many viewers were struck by the sheer amount of emotional energy he poured into the role. He has a rare ability to sustain a high level of emotion throughout a long production.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora became a fan favorite for his role in the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. His character dealt with numerous health and relationship crises that allowed him to showcase his dramatic talents. He frequently delivered moving scenes where he had to process bad news or personal betrayal. The sincerity in his crying scenes helped to ground the often fast paced and twist filled show. He brings a quiet intensity to his roles that makes his emotional moments stand out.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is known for his powerful work in films like ‘The Visitor’ and the series ‘Little America’. He often plays characters who are caught between different cultures or facing significant life changes. His ability to express the pain of separation and the joy of connection through tears is highly effective. He brings a soulful quality to his acting that makes his characters feel deeply human. His performances are often cited for their warmth and emotional clarity.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has been a pioneer in the industry and has delivered many emotional performances throughout his long career. In ‘Star Trek Discovery’ he portrays a character who experiences significant trauma and professional pressure. His crying scenes in the series are handled with a great deal of sensitivity and grace. He has the ability to make the audience sympathize with his character’s plight almost instantly. His long history in the industry has allowed him to master the art of the dramatic breakdown.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is a seasoned actor of both stage and screen who is perhaps best known for ‘Rent’. In that production and the subsequent film he portrayed the emotional weight of losing friends to a devastating epidemic. His ability to sing through tears and maintain a high level of performance is legendary. In recent years he has continued to showcase his dramatic skills in the science fiction genre. He remains an actor who can easily tap into a well of genuine emotion.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created a cultural phenomenon with ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and also served as one of its primary actors. While the show is a comedy the later seasons are filled with moments of significant growth and sentimentality. His character’s journey toward self acceptance and love resulted in many tearful and heartwarming scenes. The way he portrays joy through tears is particularly effective and helped the show find its large audience. He proved that he can handle the most sensitive dramatic beats with the same skill as his comedic timing.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett became a household name following his breakout performance in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He played a hotel manager whose professional facade slowly crumbles into a frantic and emotional mess. He also delivered an incredibly moving and tearful performance in the acclaimed episode of ‘The Last of Us’. His ability to portray the beauty and tragedy of a long term relationship touched viewers around the world. He excels at showing the messy and unpredictable nature of human emotions.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge has made a name for himself in both intense thrillers and period dramas. In the film ‘Spoiler Alert’ he plays a man facing a terminal illness alongside his partner. The role is a masterclass in controlled and then eventually explosive grief. His chemistry with his co stars helps to make the emotional payoffs and the crying scenes feel deeply earned. He is an actor who is not afraid to show the unglamorous side of sorrow on screen.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan transitioned from a successful music career into acting with roles in films like ‘Boy Erased’. In that film he portrayed a young man in a difficult and oppressive environment. His performance included several moments of quiet and devastating crying that highlighted his character’s internal pain. He brings a naturalism to his roles that makes his emotional responses feel very modern and relatable. His work in the series ‘The Idol’ also allowed him to explore a wider range of dramatic expressions.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale delivered a standout performance in the groundbreaking romantic comedy ‘Love, Simon’. He played a teenager navigating his identity and the pressures of high school. The film features moments of significant emotional release where his character finally gets to express his true feelings. His ability to project both fear and relief through tears was a key part of the film’s emotional success. He continues to take on roles that allow him to showcase his talent for vulnerable and honest acting.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn rose to prominence in the series ’13 Reasons Why’ which dealt with very heavy and tragic subject matter. His character went through an immense amount of guilt and grief over the course of the show. This required him to deliver many intense crying scenes that were central to his character development. He was praised for his ability to maintain a high level of emotional intensity throughout the series. He brings a raw and youthful energy to his dramatic work.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver has appeared in several high profile projects including the revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He often plays characters who are searching for their place in the world or dealing with family secrets. His performance in the series ‘Ratched’ showed his ability to handle dark and emotionally taxing material. He can convey a sense of deep hurt that makes his crying scenes very effective for the audience. He has grown into a versatile actor capable of handling complex dramatic arcs.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three time Tony Award nominee who brought his immense talents to the film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. He played a best friend who is facing his own personal struggles while supporting the main character. His emotional scenes in the film are some of the most memorable and highlight his incredible range. He has a way of crying that feels very theatrical yet entirely grounded in the reality of the scene. His performance was widely considered to be one of the emotional highlights of the movie.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is well known for his comedic timing but he has also proven his worth in dramatic roles. In the stage play and film ‘Torch Song’ he tackled the role of a man looking for love and respect from his family. This role required him to balance humor with moments of deep and painful sorrow. His crying scenes are often a mix of frustration and heartbreak which makes them very relatable. He remains a versatile performer who can shift between genres with ease.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson has a long history on Broadway and has also appeared in many television series like ‘American Horror Story’. He often plays characters with a strong physical presence which makes their emotional moments more striking. In various dramatic roles he has shown an ability to weep in a way that feels masculine and deeply sincere. He uses his voice to great effect to add a layer of sorrow to his performances. He is an actor who can carry a heavy emotional load in any production.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor who has appeared in everything from soap operas to prestige dramas. He reprised his role in ‘The Boys in the Band’ for the film version and delivered a nuanced performance. His character deals with the complexities of a long term relationship and the pain of infidelity. The emotional scenes he shares with his cast members are filled with a sense of history and genuine hurt. He is a reliable dramatic actor who knows exactly how to pitch an emotional scene.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a star through ‘Prison Break’ where he often had to show a character under extreme duress. While that role was more of an action lead he has taken on other parts that require more emotional vulnerability. He has been open about his own life and has brought that sense of honesty to his later work. His crying scenes are often characterized by a sense of exhaustion and relief. He is an actor who can say a lot with just a few words and a very expressive face.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a highly respected actor with a career spanning decades in theater, film, and television. In ‘Alias’ he played a father figure who often had to hide his emotions for the sake of his work. The rare moments where his character finally broke down were incredibly impactful for the audience. He brings a sense of gravitas to every role he takes on including his work in films like ‘Titanic’. His crying scenes are always handled with a professional and moving touch.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a legendary British figure who has delivered many notable dramatic performances. In the film ‘Wilde’ he portrayed the famous writer through his triumphs and his eventual tragic downfall. The scenes depicting his legal battles and imprisonment are filled with a deep and intellectualized sorrow. He is able to convey the pain of a man who is being punished for who he is. His performance is a masterclass in showing how a sharp mind deals with overwhelming emotional pain.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is one of the most celebrated actors in the world with a range that covers everything from Shakespeare to blockbusters. In ‘Gods and Monsters’ he played a director looking back on his life with a sense of regret and longing. The film is filled with quiet emotional moments that highlight his incredible skill as an actor. His ability to weep on screen feels like a natural extension of his deep understanding of the human condition. He remains a titan of the industry who can move any audience to tears.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett became a major star in the nineties and has continued to work in a variety of dramatic and comedic roles. In the film ‘The Happy Prince’ he portrayed the final years of Oscar Wilde with incredible dedication. The role required him to show a man whose body and spirit were failing him. His emotional scenes are raw and unflinching as they depict the end of a great life. He is an actor who is willing to fully inhabit the suffering of his characters.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a versatile performer who is known for his work in science fiction and musical theater. While he often plays high energy characters he has had several emotional storylines in the series ‘Torchwood’. His character faces impossible choices and the loss of loved ones on a regular basis. The scenes where he allows himself to cry are significant because they show the toll of his character’s immortality. He brings a sense of heroic tragedy to his most emotional moments.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett was a central figure in the drama series ‘Empire’ where he played a talented musician in a powerful family. The show was filled with high stakes drama that often resulted in emotional confrontations. His character’s struggles with his father and his own career led to several notable crying scenes. He was able to blend his musical performances with a high level of dramatic acting. Many viewers found his portrayal of a young man seeking approval to be very moving.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes has appeared in popular series like ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’ where he often played troubled young men. He has been very open about his personal journey and has used his platform to speak on mental health. This honesty is reflected in his acting where he is not afraid to show real pain. His crying scenes often capture the feeling of someone who is overwhelmed by their circumstances. He continues to grow as an actor and take on more challenging dramatic roles.

George Takei

George Takei is a cultural icon who has used his long career to highlight important social issues. In the musical ‘Allegiance’ he told the story of his own family’s experience in internment camps during World War Two. The production featured several deeply emotional moments where he had to reflect on the injustices of the past. His ability to convey decades of pain and resilience through his performance is remarkable. He remains a powerful voice in the entertainment industry and a talented dramatic actor.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a legendary performer of stage and screen who can transition from broad comedy to deep drama instantly. In the film ‘The Birdcage’ he balanced hilarity with a genuine fear of being rejected. He also delivered a powerhouse performance in the revival of ‘Angels in America’ on Broadway. His crying scenes are often a mix of high drama and deep personal pain. He has a unique ability to make the audience laugh and cry in the same scene.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is best known for his hilarious role in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ but he has a great deal of dramatic depth. His background in musical theater has given him a powerful voice and a strong sense of stage presence. In more serious moments he is able to use his expressive face to show a world of hurt. He has a way of making his emotional scenes feel both grand and very personal. He is an actor who continues to surprise audiences with his versatility.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner made a name for himself with high energy comedy but he showed a different side in the film ‘Bros’. As a co writer and star he included several scenes that dealt with the difficulties of modern dating and self worth. The emotional breakdown his character experiences is a turning point in the film and feels very authentic. It showcased his ability to move beyond his established persona to deliver a grounded performance. He proved that he can anchor a story with real heart and vulnerability.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is a familiar face from many successful television comedies and animated series. He has also taken on dramatic roles on stage and screen that require a different set of skills. In his theater work he has been praised for his ability to handle sensitive and emotional material. His crying scenes are often marked by a sense of quiet frustration and a search for connection. He is an actor who brings a thoughtful and measured approach to every role he plays.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz is known for his intense roles in dramas like ‘Scandal’ where he played a highly specialized operative. His character often dealt with trauma and a violent past that resulted in moments of deep emotional distress. The way he portrays a tough character who is finally breaking down is very effective and moving. He has a physical style of acting that makes his crying scenes feel very immediate. He is a reliable dramatic performer who can handle even the darkest storylines.

BD Wong

BD Wong is an award winning actor who has had a long and varied career in film, television, and theater. In the series ‘Mr. Robot’ he played a complex character with a hidden emotional life that eventually came to the surface. He also delivered a classic performance in the stage production of ‘M. Butterfly’. His ability to show the internal life of a character through subtle facial movements and tears is exceptional. He remains one of the most respected actors in the industry for his precision and depth.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes became a household name for his comedic work but he has also earned praise for his dramatic turns. In the Broadway play ‘Good Night, Oscar’ he portrayed a famous figure struggling with mental health and addiction. The role required him to be in a state of high emotional agitation that often led to tears. Many critics were impressed by the raw power of his performance and his ability to convey such deep suffering. He proved that he is a formidable dramatic actor with a wide range of talents.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a versatile character actor who is known for his frequent collaborations on ‘American Horror Story’. He often plays characters who are eccentric or dealing with significant physical and emotional pain. His ability to weep on screen is often used to highlight the humanity of even his most unusual characters. He brings a high level of commitment to every role and is not afraid to explore the furthest reaches of grief. He is a master of creating memorable and emotionally resonant characters.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer rose to fame as a teenager on the series ‘Glee’ where he was the heart of many emotional storylines. His character faced bullying and family struggles that required him to deliver frequent and moving crying scenes. He won several awards for his performance and was praised for his maturity as a young actor. Since then he has continued to work as an author and actor who understands the power of a good story. He remains a favorite for his ability to connect with audiences through his vulnerability.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is known for his lead role in the series ‘Sense8’ where his character was emotionally linked to several others. This unique premise required him to experience and project a wide range of feelings including intense grief and joy. His crying scenes were a key part of showing the connection between the characters. He brings a grounded and masculine energy to his roles that makes his emotional moments feel very impactful. He is an actor who is comfortable exploring the complexities of human emotion.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is a major talent in musical theater who has successfully transitioned to dramatic film and television roles. In the film ‘The Boys in the Band’ he played a character whose wit often hides a sense of loneliness and pain. When his character finally breaks down it is a powerful moment that resonates with the viewer. He has a way of showing the cracks in a confident exterior that is very effective for drama. He continues to take on roles that showcase his impressive range as a performer.

Please share your thoughts on these actors and their most emotional performances in the comments.