Gay Actors Who Have Famous Parents

Navigating the entertainment industry is a challenging feat for any aspiring performer, but doing so with a famous last name brings a unique set of expectations. Many children of Hollywood legends have carved their own paths in acting and the arts while living openly as gay or queer men. These individuals have stepped out of their parents’ shadows to build successful careers in film, television, and music. The following list highlights talented male actors and public figures who have celebrated parents and are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy is a celebrated actor and showrunner best known for his work on the hit sitcom ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He co-created the series with his father, comedy legend Eugene Levy. Dan played the character David Rose, who is pansexual, and won multiple Emmy Awards for his writing, directing, and acting. He continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media through his production company.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt rose to superstardom with his Tony Award-winning performance in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He is the son of prolific film and theater producer Marc Platt, who has produced hits like ‘Wicked’ and ‘La La Land’. Ben has also starred in the Netflix series ‘The Politician’ and reprised his role for the film adaptation of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He is openly gay and often incorporates his personal experiences into his music and acting projects.

Jason Gould

Jason Gould is the son of legendary singer Barbra Streisand and actor Elliott Gould. He appeared alongside his mother in the film ‘The Prince of Tides’ and has numerous theater credits. Jason is also a talented singer who has released his own music and performed duets with his mother. He was outed by tabloids in the early 90s but has since lived openly and authentically.

Chaz Bono

Chaz Bono is the son of pop icons Cher and Sonny Bono. He began his career as a child on ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour’ before transitioning to acting and activism. Chaz has appeared in television series such as ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. He is a prominent advocate for transgender rights and has documented his transition in the film ‘Becoming Chaz’.

Ronan Farrow

Ronan Farrow is the son of actress Mia Farrow and filmmaker Woody Allen. While primarily known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalism, he has also done voice acting for films like ‘From Up on Poppy Hill’. He hosted his own television news program and frequently appears as a commentator on various networks. Ronan is openly gay and has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career.

Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright is the son of folk singers Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. He is a critically acclaimed musician who has also acted in films like ‘The Aviator’ and ‘Heights’. Rufus has composed operas and contributed to numerous movie soundtracks. He has been openly gay throughout his career and is considered a musical icon within the community.

Xavier Dolan

Xavier Dolan is a Canadian director and actor who is the son of actor and singer Manuel Tadros. He gained international acclaim for writing, directing, and starring in films like ‘I Killed My Mother’ and ‘Tom at the Farm’. His work often explores themes of complex mother-son relationships and queer identity. Xavier is a prominent figure in independent cinema and has won numerous awards at the Cannes Film Festival.

Freddie Fox

Freddie Fox is the son of actor Edward Fox and actress Joanna David. He has starred in various television series including ‘Cucumber’ and ‘Banana’, creating complex portrayals of queer characters. Freddie has discussed his own fluid sexuality in interviews and refuses to be boxed into rigid labels. His career includes roles in ‘The Crown’ and ‘House of the Dragon’.

Harry Hains

Harry Hains was the son of actress Jane Badler, known for her role in the sci-fi series ‘V’. He was an actor, musician, and model who appeared in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘The OA’. Harry identified as gender fluid and spoke openly about his struggles with mental health and addiction before his tragic passing. His artistic legacy continues through his music released under the name ANTIBOY.

Frankie Grande

Frankie Grande is the older half-brother of pop star Ariana Grande and son of CEO Joan Grande. He is a musical theater actor who has performed on Broadway in ‘Mamma Mia!’ and ‘Rock of Ages’. Frankie also gained popularity as a contestant on ‘Big Brother’ and starred in the Nickelodeon series ‘Henry Danger’. He is known for his energetic personality and distinctive sense of style.

Anderson Cooper

Anderson Cooper is the son of fashion designer and socialite Gloria Vanderbilt and writer Wyatt Cooper. While best known as a broadcast journalist for CNN, he has cameoed as himself in films like ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ and shows like ’30 Rock’. Anderson publicly came out in 2012 and has since become one of the most visible gay men in media. He often speaks about his close relationship with his late mother.

Please let us know in the comments which of these talented individuals you enjoy watching the most.