Gen Alpha’s Favorite Gay Actors

The landscape of modern entertainment has been shaped by a new generation of performers who are open about their identities while leading major franchises. For Generation Alpha, seeing openly gay male actors in superhero films, animated blockbusters, and viral streaming series has become a standard part of their media consumption. These actors not only provide representation but also deliver acclaimed performances in some of the most-watched content of the decade. From the magical worlds of Disney to the high-stakes action of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these individuals have cemented their status as household names. This list examines the most prominent openly gay male actors who have captured the attention of younger audiences through their diverse and influential roles.

Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp is best known for his portrayal of Will Byers in the hit Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. His performance as a central figure in the supernatural mystery has earned him widespread recognition among younger viewers. In early 2023, Schnapp publicly came out as gay via a video on social media, noting the similarities between himself and his character. Beyond acting, he has launched a sustainable snack brand called TBH. He remains a prominent figure in youth-oriented media as the final season of his flagship show approaches.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke rose to international fame for his debut role as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. The coming-of-age drama became a viral sensation, particularly within the Gen Alpha and Gen Z demographics. Locke has since expanded his career by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the series ‘Agatha All Along’. He has been vocal about the importance of authentic LGBTQ+ representation in television and film. His rapid ascent in Hollywood has made him one of the most recognizable young gay actors working today.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan gained massive popularity for his role as Tyler Galpin in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. The show broke numerous streaming records and became a staple of current youth culture. Doohan has also appeared in the legal drama ‘Your Honor’ alongside Bryan Cranston. He is openly gay and married his partner in 2022, often sharing glimpses of his life with fans on social media. His involvement in high-profile streaming projects continues to increase his visibility among younger audiences.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey is a celebrated actor known for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. He has also transitioned into major film roles, including portraying Fiyero in the cinematic adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’. Bailey has been open about his identity as a gay man and how it has influenced his approach to both queer and straight roles. His work spans across stage and screen, earning him a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in ‘Company’. He is considered a leading man in the modern entertainment industry.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is widely recognized by younger audiences as the voice of Kristoff in Disney’s ‘Frozen’ franchise. He also gained immense popularity for his role as King George III in the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’, which was filmed for Disney+. Groff’s diverse career includes starring in the psychological thriller series ‘Mindhunter’ and the ‘Matrix Resurrections’. He has been openly gay since 2009 and is often cited as a pioneer for out actors in leading roles. His contributions to both musical theater and mainstream cinema have made him a beloved figure.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is best known for his breakout role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the FX series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He has also become a prolific voice actor, voicing the character Perrito in ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ and Gabo in Disney’s ‘Wish’. Guillén identifies as queer and has been an advocate for body positivity and LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. His comedic timing and presence in major animated films have made him a favorite among Gen Alpha viewers. He continues to champion diverse storytelling through his various television and film projects.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is a prominent cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he has made history as the show’s first Chinese-American star. He has also moved into feature films, appearing in ‘Fire Island’ and the movie adaptation of ‘Wicked’. Yang’s humor and cultural commentary have made him a significant figure in modern comedy. He is openly gay and frequently incorporates his identity into his work and public appearances. His influence extends to podcasting as the co-host of the popular series ‘Las Culturistas’.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt rose to prominence for his titular role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, a performance that earned him a Tony Award. He reprised the role for the 2021 film adaptation and has appeared in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film series. Platt is also a successful recording artist with multiple studio albums. He came out as gay in 2019 through the music video for his song “Ease My Mind.” His work in musical theater and film has resonated deeply with younger fans of the genre.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is a versatile actor known for his roles in ‘White Collar’, ‘Glee’, and the ‘Magic Mike’ franchise. He has also voiced characters in various animated projects, including Superman in ‘Superman: Unbound’. Bomer has received critical acclaim for his work in ‘The Normal Heart’ and the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’. He has been openly gay since 2012 and is married to publicist Simon Halls. His consistent presence in film and television over the last two decades has established him as a major star.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a household name known for his roles in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and as Count Olaf in ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. He has a long history with younger audiences, having started his career as the lead in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ Harris is also a prolific stage performer and has hosted the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards. He has been openly gay since 2006 and is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His multi-faceted career continues to reach new generations through his work in both live-action and voice acting.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is world-renowned for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. His performance earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Parsons has also appeared in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He came out as gay in 2012 and has since produced various projects that focus on LGBTQ+ narratives. His voice work in the animated film ‘Home’ also made him a recognizable figure for younger viewers.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a Welsh actor who has starred in major blockbuster franchises including ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Fast & Furious’. He is particularly well-known to younger audiences for playing Gaston in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Evans has been open about his sexuality throughout much of his career, becoming one of the first openly gay actors to lead action films. He is also an accomplished singer, having released several solo albums. His ability to move between gritty action roles and musical theater has defined his diverse career.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is an actor and singer who gained widespread acclaim for his role as Pray Tell in the series ‘Pose’. He won an Emmy Award for the role, making history as the first openly gay Black man to win in a lead acting category. Porter also played the Fabulous Godmother in the 2021 live-action ‘Cinderella’, a role that resonated with Gen Alpha. He is known for his barrier-breaking fashion and activism within the LGBTQ+ community. His career began on Broadway, where he won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Kinky Boots’.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy became a global star as the co-creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. His portrayal of David Rose earned him multiple Emmy Awards and praise for its depiction of pansexuality. Levy has since appeared in the Disney series ‘The Idol’ and the film ‘Haunted Mansion’. He is openly gay and has used his platform to support various charitable causes. His influence on modern television comedy has made him a significant figure for contemporary audiences.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes gained a dedicated following for his roles in the television series ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He has also appeared in films like ‘San Andreas’ and ‘Rough Night’. Haynes publicly came out as gay in 2016 and has since written a memoir detailing his experiences in Hollywood. He remains active on social media, where he has a large following among Gen Alpha and Gen Z. His work in the superhero genre has made him a recognizable face in popular culture.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn is best known for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix drama ’13 Reasons Why’. The show was a significant cultural touchstone for younger viewers during its run. Flynn has also appeared in the series ‘Ratched’ and the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. He is openly gay and has been active in promoting mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. His career continues to evolve with roles in both television and independent cinema.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan began his career as a child actor, appearing in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ as a young James Howlett. He gained further fame as a YouTuber and a successful pop musician with hits like “Youth” and “Rush”. Sivan returned to acting with a lead role in the film ‘Boy Erased’ and appeared in the series ‘The Idol’. He has been openly gay since 2013 and is considered a major icon for the LGBTQ+ community. His influence spans across music, film, and digital media.

Zane Phillips

Zane Phillips has appeared in several projects popular with younger audiences, including the supernatural series ‘Legacies’. He also starred in the Netflix series ‘Glamorous’ and the film ‘Fire Island’. Phillips is openly gay and has spoken about the importance of playing queer characters who are confident and multifaceted. His rising profile in the streaming era has made him an actor to watch. He continues to take on roles that highlight modern LGBTQ+ experiences.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has become a familiar face through his roles in ‘The White Lotus’, ‘Euphoria’, and ‘You’. He also appeared in the supernatural series ‘Dead Boy Detectives’, which has a significant following among younger viewers. Gage is openly gay and married celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton in 2023. He is known for his versatility and willingness to take on bold, complex roles. His frequent appearances in viral streaming hits have cemented his status in modern pop culture.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer known for his roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Glee’. Younger fans recognize him as Hades in the Disney Channel original movie ‘Descendants 3’. Jackson has also had a successful career on Broadway, starring in productions like ‘All Shook Up’. He is openly gay and a father of two, often advocating for LGBTQ+ families. His work across Disney projects and television dramas has made him a well-known figure for Gen Alpha.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller rose to fame as the star of the action series ‘Prison Break’. He later became a fan favorite in the superhero genre, playing Captain Cold in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Miller came out as gay in 2013 and has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. His work in the DC television universe has made him a staple of modern geek culture. He continues to be respected for both his acting talent and his social activism.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is widely known for his role as Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series. He also gained acclaim for playing the villainous Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes’. Quinto has been a regular presence in ‘American Horror Story’, showcasing his range across different genres. He came out as gay in 2011 and has since been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community. His work in major sci-fi franchises has ensured his popularity across multiple generations.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his roles in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy as Thranduil and as Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He also starred in the cult favorite series ‘Pushing Daisies’ and the sci-fi epic ‘Foundation’. Pace publicly discussed his identity as a member of the queer community in 2018. His commanding screen presence has made him a favorite in the fantasy and science fiction genres. He continues to lead major projects on both television and the big screen.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. The show’s depiction of a gay couple raising a child was a significant milestone for television representation. Ferguson is also a dedicated stage actor and has won a Tony Award for his work in ‘Take Me Out’. He is openly gay and co-founded the charity Tie The Knot to support marriage equality. His work on ‘Modern Family’ remains popular through streaming, reaching new Gen Alpha fans daily.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is an actor known for his roles in the daytime drama ‘One Life to Live’ and the series ‘Grace and Frankie’. He gained significant attention in 2023 for playing one of the Kens in the global blockbuster ‘Barbie’. Evans is the younger brother of actor Chris Evans and has been openly gay since the start of his career. His involvement in ‘Barbie’ has made him a recognizable figure to the youngest generation of moviegoers. He continues to work in both film and television.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman made history by playing Ben, the husband of Phastos, in the Marvel Studios film ‘Eternals’. This role included the first portrayal of a same-sex kiss in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sleiman is an openly gay actor of Lebanese descent who has appeared in projects like ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Killing Jesus’. He has been a vocal proponent for Middle Eastern and LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. His role in a major superhero franchise has made him an important figure for Gen Alpha viewers.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran actor with a career spanning decades, including roles in ‘Titanic’ and ‘Alias’. Younger audiences know him best as Professor Martin Stein, one half of Firestorm, in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Garber has also lent his voice to various animated projects and appeared in the musical film ‘Annie’. He has been openly gay for many years and is married to artist Rainer Andreesen. His presence in the DC superhero universe has made him a beloved figure for young fans of the genre.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a legendary actor famous for playing Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. He also portrayed Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ film series, two of the largest franchises in cinema history. McKellen came out as gay in 1988 and has been a tireless campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights globally. His work in fantasy and superhero films has made him an icon for generations of viewers. He continues to perform on stage and in film, maintaining his status as one of the world’s most respected actors.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British actor, comedian, and author known for his work in ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’. He has also voiced characters in various children’s media and narrated the ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks in the UK. Fry is openly gay and has written extensively about his life and experiences. He is a prominent public intellectual and an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. His distinctive voice and roles in major film adaptations have made him a familiar figure to Gen Alpha.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer rose to fame playing Kurt Hummel on the musical television series ‘Glee’. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award and praise for its impact on LGBTQ+ youth. Following his success on television, Colfer became a New York Times bestselling author with his ‘The Land of Stories’ book series. He has remained an influential figure for younger audiences through his writing and occasional acting roles. He is openly gay and continues to create content that resonates with children and teenagers.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is best known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and its spin-off ‘Torchwood’. He also played the villainous Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowverse series, including ‘Arrow’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Barrowman is an accomplished musical theater performer and has released several albums. He has been openly gay throughout his career and is a well-known advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility. His roles in long-running sci-fi and superhero shows have earned him a dedicated young fan base.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli is known for his role as Dr. Levi Schmitt on the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His character’s coming-out storyline mirrored Borelli’s own public coming out in 2018. He has also appeared in the Nickelodeon series ‘The Thundermans’, which is popular with Gen Alpha. Borelli has been active in promoting LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. His work on one of television’s most famous dramas continues to bring him international recognition.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso gained international fame for his role as Omar Shanaa in the Netflix Spanish-language series ‘Elite’. The show became a global phenomenon, particularly among younger audiences on streaming platforms. Ayuso is openly gay and has used his platform to advocate for queer visibility in the media. He is also known for his work in short films and his interest in directing. His performance in ‘Elite’ made him one of the most prominent young gay actors in Europe.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton in the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He also appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’ and provided voice work for the animated series ‘Over the Moon’. Ricamora is an accomplished stage actor, having starred in ‘The King and I’ and ‘Soft Power’. He is openly gay and has been recognized for his contributions to Asian-American and LGBTQ+ representation. His work in popular television dramas has established him as a respected performer.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is widely known for his role as Titus Andromedon in the Netflix comedy ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him four consecutive Emmy nominations and made him a viral sensation. Burgess has also voiced characters in ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ and appeared in the musical film ‘Central Park’. He is openly gay and began his career on Broadway in productions like ‘The Little Mermaid’. His comedic talent and distinctive voice have made him a favorite in modern streaming media.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a history-making actor who received Tony nominations for two different roles in the same year. He gained mainstream recognition for his roles in the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘The Inspection’. Pope is openly gay and often chooses projects that highlight the Black queer experience. He has also appeared in the television series ‘Pose’, further cementing his status in LGBTQ+ media. His rapid rise in both theater and film has made him a significant talent of his generation.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz first gained fame for his role as Rickie Vasquez in the 1990s series ‘My So-Called Life’. More recently, he has reached a new generation of fans as Dr. Hugh Culber in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Cruz is openly gay and has spent much of his career advocating for LGBTQ+ youth. He has also held leadership roles in organizations like GLAAD. His work in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise continues his legacy of providing groundbreaking representation on television.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is a celebrated actor who originated the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical ‘Rent’. He is well-known to modern sci-fi fans for playing Commander Paul Stamets in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Rapp was one of the first openly gay actors to lead a major Broadway production and has been out since the early 1990s. He has also appeared in films like ‘Dazed and Confused’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. His long-standing career in theater and television has made him a respected figure in the industry.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained widespread acclaim for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He further expanded his popularity among Gen Alpha and Gen Z with his performance as Frank in the hit series ‘The Last of Us’. Bartlett is originally from Australia and has been openly gay for the duration of his career. He has also appeared in the series ‘Looking’ and ‘Physical’. His recent roles in major HBO productions have brought him newfound global stardom.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is a Broadway star known for his role in ‘The Book of Mormon’. On television, he is recognized for his roles in ‘Girls’, ‘The New Normal’, and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He has also lent his voice to various animated series, including ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Invincible’. Rannells is openly gay and has written a memoir about his experiences in the entertainment industry. His work across animation, television, and theater makes him a versatile and well-known actor.

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 gained significant film recognition for his role in ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ alongside Andrew Garfield. De Jesús is openly gay and of Puerto Rican descent, often speaking about the intersection of his identities. He has also appeared in the series ‘Welcome to Chippendales’. His high-energy performances and vocal talent have made him a standout in musical adaptations.

George Takei

George Takei is an icon of the science fiction genre, best known for playing Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He has remained relevant to younger generations through his social media presence and voice work in animated series like ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’. Takei came out as gay in 2005 and has since become one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ activists in the world. He has also starred in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, which details his childhood experience in an internment camp. His legacy continues to influence fans of all ages.

T. R. Knight

T.R. Knight is best known for his role as Dr. George O’Malley on the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He has also appeared in the thriller series ‘The Flight Attendant’ and various stage productions. Knight publicly came out as gay in 2006 and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights ever since. He has voiced characters in animated series and continues to work across different genres. His early work on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ remains a staple for fans who discover the show on streaming services.

Jordan Gavaris

Jordan Gavaris is a Canadian actor who gained international fame for his role as Felix Dawkins in the series ‘Orphan Black’. His performance as the witty and loyal foster brother was a fan favorite throughout the show’s run. Gavaris is openly gay and has spoken about the importance of authentic queer representation in television. He has also starred in the series ‘The Lake’ on Amazon Prime Video. His ability to bring humor and depth to his characters has made him a popular figure with younger viewers.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. The show developed a passionate cult following among younger audiences for its diverse cast and global scope. Smith has also appeared in the ‘Stargate Universe’ series and ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. He publicly came out as gay in 2019 during an interview with Empire magazine. His work in science fiction and action-oriented roles has established him as a prominent figure in the genre.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for his roles in ‘Being Human’, ‘Looking’, and ‘Quantico’. He has also appeared in ‘American Horror Story’ and the superhero crossover event ‘Crisis on Earth-X’. Tovey is openly gay and is also a noted art collector and host of the podcast ‘Talk Art’. He has been active in the industry since he was a teenager and has worked extensively in theater. His presence in both British and American television has made him a widely recognized actor.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly acclaimed actor known for playing Q in the James Bond franchise beginning with ‘Skyfall’. He is also the beloved voice of Paddington Bear in the ‘Paddington’ film series, which is immensely popular with Gen Alpha. Whishaw has won multiple awards for his work in ‘A Very English Scandal’ and ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. He is openly gay and entered into a civil partnership in 2012. His range from action blockbusters to heartwarming family films makes him a significant figure in modern cinema.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained international fame for his role as Jim Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. He further cemented his status in pop culture as the “Hot Priest” in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. Scott is openly gay and has spoken about how his identity has not limited the types of roles he is offered. He has starred in major films like ‘1917’ and ‘All of Us Strangers’. His intense and charismatic performances have made him a favorite among fans of high-quality drama.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a legendary actor of stage and screen, known for his roles in ‘The Birdcage’ and ‘The Producers’. Younger audiences recognize him as the voice of Timon in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ and for his recurring role in ‘Modern Family’. Lane has won multiple Tony and Emmy Awards throughout his illustrious career. He has been openly gay for many years and is a prominent figure in the Broadway community. His comedic legacy and voice work have ensured his popularity remains high with the youngest generation.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is a versatile actor known for his roles in ’30 Rock’ and ‘Weeds’. He is especially popular with Gen Alpha for voicing Baljeet Tjinder in the animated series ‘Phineas and Ferb’. Pancholy also provided the voice for Sanjay in ‘Sanjay and Craig’. He came out as gay in 2013 and has since authored children’s books that feature LGBTQ+ characters. His extensive work in animation and his advocacy for diverse children’s literature make him a significant figure for younger audiences.

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