Gen Z’s Favorite Gay Actors

Gen Z has championed a new era of visibility and authenticity in Hollywood, celebrating performers who live openly while excelling in their craft. From rising stars in hit teen dramas to seasoned veterans of the stage and screen, these actors have significantly impacted the cultural landscape. Their contributions range from groundbreaking television roles to major cinematic achievements, often providing vital representation for LGBTQ+ audiences. The following list highlights talented individuals who have captured the attention and admiration of the younger generation through their work and advocacy.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey achieved massive global recognition for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. He later starred in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’, a performance that earned him significant critical acclaim and award nominations. Bailey has also maintained a prolific career on stage, winning an Olivier Award for his role in the revival of ‘Company’. His presence as an out gay leading man in major romantic roles has resonated deeply with Gen Z audiences.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor rose to fame playing Nick Nelson in the widely popular Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. His performance as a teenager navigating his identity earned him an Emmy Award and established him as a youth icon. Beyond television, he appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’ and provides voice work for the series ‘His Dark Materials’. Connor’s public journey regarding his personal life has sparked important conversations about privacy and queer representation in the modern media landscape.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke made his professional acting debut as Charlie Spring in the hit series ‘Heartstopper’. His portrayal of a shy, openly gay student earned him international praise and a loyal following among younger viewers. Locke transitioned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a significant role in the series ‘Agatha All Along’. He has also performed on the West End, showcasing his range in the play ‘The Trials’.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan gained significant attention for his role as Tyler Galpin in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Before his breakout role in the supernatural comedy, he appeared in the legal thriller series ‘Your Honor’ alongside Bryan Cranston. Doohan has spoken openly about his marriage and his experiences as a gay man working in the industry. His active presence on social media has cemented his status as a favorite among Gen Z fans.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is well-regarded for his roles in series such as ‘White Collar’ and the recent historical drama ‘Fellow Travelers’. He won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film ‘The Normal Heart’, which explored the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Bomer has consistently played both queer and straight characters in projects like ‘Magic Mike’ and ‘American Horror Story’. His advocacy and career longevity make him a respected figure across multiple generations.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott earned widespread acclaim for his role as the “Hot Priest” in the comedy-drama ‘Fleabag’. He is also famous for his chilling portrayal of Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. Recently, his lead performance in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’ received significant awards buzz and praise for its emotional depth. Scott continues to be a prominent figure in both film and theater, known for his intense and versatile acting style.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his powerful performances in ‘Rustin’ and ‘The Color Purple’. He has become a staple of the ‘Euphoria’ cast, playing the character Ali, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. Domingo’s career spans decades, including significant work on Broadway and in the series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He is frequently celebrated for his sophisticated red-carpet style and his commitment to storytelling that highlights Black queer history.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a multi-talented performer who achieved legendary status for his role as Pray Tell in the series ‘Pose’. He is a member of the elite group of EGOT winners, having secured Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards. Porter is also known for his groundbreaking fashion choices that challenge traditional gender norms on the red carpet. His work in the film ‘Cinderella’ and on Broadway in ‘Kinky Boots’ has made him a symbol of bold self-expression.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly respected British actor known for his role as Q in the ‘James Bond’ franchise. He reached a wide audience as the voice of the titular bear in the ‘Paddington’ films. Whishaw received critical praise for his leading role in the medical drama ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ and the film ‘Passages’. He is known for his understated yet deeply emotional performances across independent and mainstream cinema.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has starred in numerous high-profile films, including ‘Beauty and the Beast’ where he played Gaston. He is also recognized for his roles in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. Evans has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his career, navigating Hollywood as an out gay action star. In addition to film, he is an accomplished singer who has released solo albums and performed in West End musicals.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became a household name for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the long-running sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. His performance earned him multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, making him one of the most successful comedic actors of his time. Parsons has also taken on dramatic queer roles in ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He continues to produce and act in projects that focus on LGBTQ+ narratives, such as the film ‘Spoiler Alert’.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is widely recognized for his portrayal of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series. He also gained fame as the villainous Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes’. Quinto has been a frequent collaborator with Ryan Murphy, appearing in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He is an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has performed in several high-profile Broadway productions.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for playing Mitchell Pritchett on the hit mockumentary series ‘Modern Family’. His work on the show earned him five consecutive Emmy nominations and helped bring gay parenthood into the mainstream. Beyond television, Ferguson is a Tony Award-winning theater actor, recently starring in the revival of ‘Take Me Out’. He also co-founded a non-profit organization that advocates for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ civil rights.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes rose to prominence with starring roles in the popular teen series ‘Teen Wolf’ and the superhero show ‘Arrow’. He has been open about his personal struggles and his journey coming out in the entertainment industry. Haynes has since authored a memoir titled ‘Miss Memory Lane’, which details his experiences with fame and identity. He remains a popular figure on social media, where he shares glimpses of his life and career with fans.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn became a breakout star for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He has since appeared in the psychological thriller series ‘Ratched’ and the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn is known for using his platform to support LGBTQ+ causes and has been vocal about the importance of authentic representation. His fashion-forward public appearances have also caught the attention of the younger generation.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is an actor, singer, and dancer known for his role as Wally West in the series ‘The Flash’. He gained further recognition for his performance in the landmark queer teen film ‘Love, Simon’. Lonsdale identifies as queer and often incorporates themes of identity and fluid expression into his music and public persona. He has also appeared in the film ‘Work It’ and continues to release original pop music.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is a history-making cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he became the show’s first Chinese-American featured player. He is also a co-host of the popular podcast ‘Las Culturistas’, which has a massive following among Gen Z. Yang starred in the queer romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’ and appeared in the film ‘Wicked’. His comedic timing and cultural commentary have made him one of the most influential queer figures in modern comedy.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is best known for his scene-stealing role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance has been praised for bringing heart and complexity to the supernatural comedy. Guillén has also appeared in ‘Blue Beetle’ and provided voice work for ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. He is a vocal advocate for Latinx and LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa rose to international fame playing Eric Effiong in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. His vibrant and moving performance earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award and multiple nominations. Gatwa has since taken on the iconic role of the Fifteenth Doctor in the long-running series ‘Doctor Who’. He also appeared in the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’ as one of the Kens.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has led major films such as ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’. He also starred in the acclaimed but short-lived HBO Max series ‘Generation’, which focused on queer youth. Smith came out publicly in 2020 and has since been an advocate for Black queer visibility. His recent work includes the fantasy film ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ and the horror-mystery ‘I Saw the TV Glow’.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his roles in the cult favorite series ‘Pushing Daisies’ and the ‘Thranduil’ in ‘The Hobbit’ films. He has also starred in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ronan the Accuser and in the series ‘Halt and Catch Fire’. Pace has received praise for his lead role in the sci-fi epic series ‘Foundation’. He has been open about his marriage to executive Matthew Foley and his life as a gay man in the industry.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora gained widespread recognition for playing Oliver Hampton on the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. His character’s relationship was notable for its realistic depiction of a couple living with HIV. Ricamora is also a talented stage actor, known for his work in the musical ‘Here Lies Love’ and the revival of ‘The King and I’. He recently starred in the film ‘Fire Island’, a modern queer retelling of Jane Austen’s work.

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 broader audience with his role in the film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. His performances are often noted for their energy and emotional vulnerability. De Jesús continues to be a prominent voice for Puerto Rican and gay representation in the arts.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is beloved for his role as Titus Andromedon in the comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him five Emmy nominations and produced several viral musical moments. Burgess is a veteran of the Broadway stage, having appeared in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He recently starred in the season of ‘Schmigadoon!’ and continues to be a favorite in the musical theater community.

Alex Newell

Alex Newell first gained fame as Unique Adams on the musical series ‘Glee’. They later starred as Mo in the series ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’, delivering powerful vocal performances. Newell made history by winning a Tony Award for their role in the musical ‘Shucked’, becoming one of the first non-binary performers to do so. Their career continues to bridge the worlds of television, music, and theater.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett experienced a major career surge after starring as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. His performance won him an Emmy Award and led to a high-profile role in the series ‘The Last of Us’. Bartlett also starred in the queer-themed series ‘Looking’ and the revival of ‘Tales of the City’. He is frequently cited as a favorite for his ability to bring nuance to complex queer characters.

Brian Jordan Alvarez

Brian Jordan Alvarez is an actor and creator known for his popular web series ‘The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo’. He gained mainstream attention for his role as Estefan in the revival of ‘Will & Grace’. Recently, he created and starred in the FX series ‘English Teacher’, which has been a hit with Gen Z audiences. He is also recognized for his comedic character videos that frequently go viral on social media platforms.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has appeared in several high-profile Gen Z favorites, including ‘Euphoria’, ‘The White Lotus’, and ‘You’. He is known for taking on daring roles and has become a frequent fixture in modern prestige television. Gage has been open about his experiences in the industry and his marriage to celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. His career continues to expand with roles in films like ‘Road House’ and ‘Smile 2’.

Rick Cosnett

Rick Cosnett is recognized for his roles in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and as Eddie Thawne in ‘The Flash’. He has also appeared in the series ‘Quantico’ and various independent film projects. Cosnett came out publicly as gay in 2020 via a heartfelt social media post. Since then, he has continued to work steadily in television and has been embraced by the fan communities of his major shows.

Nico Tortorella

Nico Tortorella is best known for starring as Josh in the long-running series ‘Younger’. He also played a lead role in the spin-off series ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’. Tortorella identifies as queer and polyamorous and has written a book about fluid identities titled ‘Space Between’. His public discourse on gender and sexuality has made him a prominent figure in the conversation surrounding modern identity.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver rose to fame alongside his twin brother in the series ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. He has since carved out a solo career with significant roles in ‘Ratched’ and the film ‘The Boys in the Band’. Carver was a lead in the eleventh season of ‘American Horror Story’, which focused on the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s. He is known for his advocacy work and his commitment to telling queer stories.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history in the 1990s as the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay teenager on television in ‘My So-Called Life’. He currently stars as Dr. Hugh Culber in the series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, representing one of the franchise’s first queer relationships. Cruz has spent decades as an activist, working closely with organizations like GLAAD. His enduring career serves as an inspiration for younger queer actors entering the industry.

BD Wong

BD Wong is a Tony Award-winning actor known for his roles in ‘M. Butterfly’ and the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise. He gained a new generation of fans through his role as Whiterose in the series ‘Mr. Robot’, for which he received an Emmy nomination. Wong has also appeared in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and the film ‘Bird Box’. He has been an out and proud performer for much of his career, advocating for Asian-American and LGBTQ+ visibility.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer known for his work on Broadway and in the series ‘American Horror Story’. He has had recurring roles in ’30 Rock’, ‘Glee’, and the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’. Jackson is an accomplished singer who has performed in concert halls across the world. He frequently shares aspects of his life as a father and husband, providing positive representation for gay families.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a history-making performer who earned two Tony nominations in the same year for different roles. He starred in the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ and received a Golden Globe nomination for his lead role in the film ‘The Inspection’. Pope also appeared in the final season of the acclaimed series ‘Pose’. His work often explores the intersection of Black identity and queer experiences.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso became an international sensation for his role as Omar Shanaa in the Spanish Netflix series ‘Elite’. His character’s relationship was a focal point of the show’s early seasons and garnered a massive global following. Ayuso is known for his artistic social media presence and his work in independent film and fashion. He remains a significant icon for queer youth, particularly within the Spanish-speaking community.

Manu Ríos

Manu Ríos joined the cast of ‘Elite’ in its fourth season and quickly became one of the show’s most popular stars. Before his acting breakout, he was already a well-known influencer and singer with a large following on YouTube. Ríos has since starred in the series ‘Muted’ and the queer Western short film ‘Strange Way of Life’ directed by Pedro Almodóvar. His impact on fashion and youth culture has made him a prominent figure for Gen Z.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a celebrated actor known for his lead role in the series ‘Mindhunter’ and for voicing Kristoff in ‘Frozen’. He originated the role of Melchior in ‘Spring Awakening’ and played King George III in the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. Groff recently won a Tony Award for his performance in the revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’. He has been out publicly since 2009 and is considered one of the most successful out actors in both theater and film.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for his roles in ‘Being Human’, ‘Looking’, and ‘The Sister’. He has appeared in major films such as ‘The History Boys’ and ‘The Good Liar’. Tovey is also a passionate art collector and co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Talk Art’. He has been a consistent presence in queer media, often playing relatable and grounded gay characters.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is an actor known for his roles in ‘The Visitor’ and the series ‘Nurse Jackie’. He gained significant attention for playing Ben, the husband of Phastos, in the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. This role represented the first depiction of a same-sex family in a major superhero blockbuster. Sleiman has been vocal about his identity as a gay Muslim man and the importance of diverse representation.

Daniel Franzese

Daniel Franzese is best known for his iconic role as Damian in the cult classic film ‘Mean Girls’. He later starred in the series ‘Looking’, playing an HIV-positive character in a groundbreaking storyline. Franzese is also a comedian and a prominent voice in the body-positive movement. He continues to work in television and advocates for the fair treatment of LGBTQ+ performers.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer rose to international stardom as Kurt Hummel on the musical series ‘Glee’. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award and several Emmy nominations for his depiction of a bullied queer teen. Since the show ended, Colfer has become a New York Times bestselling author of the ‘The Land of Stories’ series. He remains a beloved figure for Gen Z, many of whom grew up watching his journey on television.

George Takei

George Takei is a legendary actor famous for his role as Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. In his later years, he has become a massive social media personality and a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights. He authored the graphic memoir ‘They Called Us Enemy’, detailing his childhood in a Japanese-American internment camp. Takei’s humor and activism have made him a cross-generational icon.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is one of the most respected actors in the world, known for playing Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in ‘X-Men’. He came out publicly in 1988 and has been a leading figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality ever since. McKellen has a legendary career in Shakespearean theater and has won numerous awards including a Tony and several Oliviers. He continues to work in film and stage, remaining a source of inspiration for younger generations.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a renowned British actor, writer, and comedian known for ‘A Bit of Fry & Laurie’ and ‘Jeeves and Wooster’. He has appeared in films such as ‘Wilde’ and the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ franchise. Fry is also a celebrated narrator of audiobooks and a frequent television host. He has been open about his life as a gay man and his struggles with mental health, contributing to important public discussions.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is a singer and actor who first gained a following on YouTube before transitioning to a successful music career. He appeared in the films ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and ‘Boy Erased’, the latter of which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for his original song. Recently, he starred in the series ‘The Idol’ and the film ‘Three Months’. Sivan’s open queer identity is a central theme in both his acting and his chart-topping pop music.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winning performer who originated the title role in the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He starred in the Netflix series ‘The Politician’, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. Platt is also a successful recording artist with several solo albums. He has been open about his relationship with fellow actor Noah Galvin and their life together.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a versatile entertainer known for his roles in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He has hosted the Tony Awards and the Oscars, showcasing his talent as a singer and presenter. Harris has starred in queer-themed projects like the series ‘It’s a Sin’ and ‘Uncoupled’. He is often celebrated for his public visibility as a father and husband in a same-sex marriage.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller gained fame for his lead role as Michael Scofield in the series ‘Prison Break’. He later joined the DC television universe as Leonard Snart, also known as Captain Cold. Miller came out as gay in 2013 and has since become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. His openness about his experiences in Hollywood has resonated with many fans.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is best known for his role as Jack McFarland on the legendary sitcom ‘Will & Grace’. His performance was instrumental in bringing gay characters to the forefront of network television and earned him an Emmy Award. Recently, Hayes won a Tony Award for his leading role in the play ‘Good Night, Oscar’. He also co-hosts the popular podcast ‘SmartLess’ alongside Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.

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