LGBT Actors Who Broke the Hollywood Mold

The landscape of Hollywood has shifted dramatically over the decades regarding the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ talent. For a long time, actors were forced to hide their authentic selves to maintain careers in an industry that favored heteronormative standards. Many courageous individuals eventually broke through these barriers to live openly while achieving significant professional success. These men have paved the way for future generations by proving that sexual orientation does not dictate one’s ability to portray a wide range of characters.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry known for his work in theater and film. He gained massive international recognition for portraying Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ series. McKellen came out publicly in 1988 during a BBC radio broadcast to oppose legislation that discriminated against the gay community. He has since been a tireless activist for LGBTQ+ rights while continuing to deliver critically acclaimed performances. His career demonstrates that an openly gay actor can command leading roles in major blockbuster franchises.

George Takei

George Takei became a pop culture icon for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and subsequent films. He kept his sexuality private for many years due to the restrictive climate of the entertainment industry during the mid-20th century. Takei publicly came out in 2005 and has used his platform to advocate for social justice and human rights. His vast social media presence has introduced him to new generations of fans who appreciate his wit and activism. Takei continues to work in television and theater while championing diversity in storytelling.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris successfully transitioned from a well-known child star in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ to a celebrated adult actor. He achieved widespread fame for playing the womanizing character Barney Stinson in the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Harris publicly confirmed he is gay in 2006 and has maintained a prolific career in television, film, and theater. He is also a celebrated host who has helmed the Tony Awards, the Emmy Awards, and the Oscars. His ability to play diverse roles has challenged stereotypes about what characters openly gay actors can portray.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer captured the attention of audiences with his leading role as a charming con artist in the series ‘White Collar’. He publicly acknowledged his family and sexuality in 2012 while accepting an award for his HIV/AIDS activism. Bomer has since taken on complex roles in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Magic Mike’. He continues to work steadily in both television and film while raising a family with his husband. His status as a heartthrob defied the old Hollywood notion that coming out would ruin a leading man’s career.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto broke through to mainstream audiences with his role as the villainous Sylar in the series ‘Heroes’. He later took on the iconic mantle of Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ film franchise. Quinto came out publicly in 2011 to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ teenage suicide and bullying. He remains active in theater and film and also works as a producer to support diverse independent projects. Quinto has proven that openly gay actors can succeed in high-profile science fiction and action roles.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became one of the highest-paid actors in television history for his role as Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He quietly came out through a New York Times profile in 2012 at the height of the show’s popularity. Parsons has won multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his comedic performance. He has expanded his repertoire to include dramatic roles in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and the Ryan Murphy series ‘Hollywood’. His success showed that visibility does not hinder an actor from anchoring a massive global hit.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s with roles in films such as ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. He was one of the few actors of his generation to be openly gay during the peak of his leading man status. Everett has often spoken candidly about the challenges he faced in the industry after coming out. He has transitioned into directing and writing while continuing to act in various international productions. His career highlights the resilience required to navigate Hollywood during less accepting times.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott garnered a dedicated following for his mesmerizing performance as Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. He reached a new level of fame globally as the “Hot Priest” in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama ‘Fleabag’. Scott has always been open about his sexuality and prefers to keep his personal life relatively private. He continues to secure leading roles in major films like ‘1917’ and ‘All of Us Strangers’. Scott demonstrates that an actor can be openly gay and still generate intense chemistry with co-stars of any gender.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans established himself as an action star with roles in ‘Fast & Furious 6’, ‘The Hobbit’, and ‘Dracula Untold’. He began his career in London theater and was open about his sexuality from the beginning. Evans has successfully played traditionally masculine and romantic lead roles in major studio blockbusters. He also showcased his singing ability as Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. His career trajectory challenges the assumption that action heroes must be heterosexual.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly acclaimed actor known for voicing Paddington Bear and playing Q in the Daniel Craig ‘James Bond’ films. He entered a civil partnership in 2012 and publicly confirmed his sexuality shortly after. Whishaw has won awards for his work in the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal’ and continues to excel in both stage and screen productions. He is known for bringing a unique vulnerability and intensity to his characters. Whishaw has carved out a successful path in both independent cinema and major franchises.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse performer who achieved mainstream television stardom in the series ‘Pose’. He made history as the first openly gay Black man to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Porter has a long and distinguished career in theater and won a Tony Award for his role in ‘Kinky Boots’. He is also a fashion icon known for challenging gender norms on the red carpet. Porter uses his art and public appearances to advocate for inclusivity and authenticity.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff rose to prominence as the original lead in the Broadway musical ‘Spring Awakening’. He transitioned to television with roles in ‘Glee’ and the lead character in the crime drama ‘Mindhunter’. Groff also voices the character Kristoff in the massive Disney franchise ‘Frozen’. He came out publicly in 2009 during the National Equality March in Washington. Groff seamlessly moves between musical theater, voice acting, and serious dramatic television roles.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace gained a cult following for his role in ‘Pushing Daisies’ and played the elf king Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He has also appeared as Ronan the Accuser in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Pace publicly discussed his queer identity in 2018 and has since embraced more open conversations about his life. He currently stars in the science fiction series ‘Foundation’. Pace maintains a strong career playing commanding and powerful figures.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became an international sensation as the star of the prison break drama ‘Prison Break’. He came out in 2013 in a letter declining an invitation to a film festival in Russia to protest its anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Miller has since written screenplays and appeared in the Arrowverse as Captain Cold. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and the pressures of Hollywood. Miller uses his platform to support others and advocate for self-acceptance.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a comedy legend known for his roles in ‘The Birdcage’ and as the voice of Timon in ‘The Lion King’. He came out publicly in 1999 following the murder of Matthew Shepard. Lane has enjoyed a prolific career on Broadway and in film, winning multiple Tony Awards. He continues to take on diverse roles in series like ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and ‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels’. Lane proves that a character actor can achieve household name status while being out.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a versatile Scottish actor known for roles in ‘GoldenEye’, ‘X2’, and the television series ‘The Good Wife’. He has identified as bisexual and has been a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for decades. Cumming is celebrated for his eccentric style and ability to play both villains and comedic characters. He has written memoirs and hosted reality competition shows like ‘The Traitors’. His career is defined by his refusal to be pigeonholed into a single type of role.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created, wrote, and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. The show broke records at the Emmy Awards and was praised for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ relationships. Levy has used his success to sign major development deals and advocate for queer storytelling. He appeared in the film ‘Happiest Season’ and continues to influence the industry as a creator. Levy represents a new wave of talent who are telling their own stories on their own terms.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson became a household name playing Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. His portrayal of a gay father helped normalize same-sex parenting for millions of viewers in mainstream America. Ferguson has a strong background in theater and returned to Broadway in the revival of ‘Take Me Out’. He advocates for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights through his foundation. His work has had a tangible impact on cultural perceptions of gay families.

BD Wong

BD Wong gained early acclaim for his Tony Award-winning performance in ‘M. Butterfly’. He is widely recognized for his long-running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. Wong also plays a key role in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise as Dr. Henry Wu. He is openly gay and has spoken about the challenges of Asian-American representation in Hollywood. Wong remains a steady and respected presence in major television and film projects.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a theater legend who wrote and starred in the groundbreaking play ‘Torch Song Trilogy’. He is known for his distinctive gravelly voice and roles in films like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Independence Day’. Fierstein was one of the first openly gay celebrities to achieve mainstream visibility in the 1980s. He continues to write and perform, influencing generations of playwrights and actors. His work has been instrumental in bringing gay stories to broad audiences.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a distinguished actor known for roles in ‘Titanic’, ‘Legally Blonde’, and the series ‘Alias’. He publicly confirmed his relationship with his partner in 2013. Garber has maintained a consistent career in film, television, and theater for decades. He played Dr. Martin Stein in the DC superhero series ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Garber commands respect in the industry for his professionalism and versatility.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is best known for his role as Niles Crane on the sitcom ‘Frasier’, for which he won four Emmy Awards. He quietly confirmed his sexuality in 2007 through his publicist. Pierce has since focused largely on theater, earning a Tony Award for ‘Curtains’. He returned to television in series such as ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Julia’. Pierce exemplifies how an actor can maintain a private life while achieving immense professional acclaim.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has emerged as a powerful force in Hollywood with roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He received an Academy Award nomination for his lead performance in the biopic ‘Rustin’. Domingo is an openly gay actor, playwright, and director who advocates for diverse storytelling. He brings a commanding presence and deep emotional resonance to his characters. His recent rise to leading man status underscores the changing tides of the industry.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a Scottish-American actor and singer best known for playing Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. He has been openly gay throughout his career and is known for his outgoing public persona. Barrowman has released several albums and appeared in various reality television shows. He played a villainous role in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. His character Jack Harkness was a groundbreaking figure in sci-fi for being openly omnisexual.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson transitioned from Broadway leading man to television actor with roles in ’30 Rock’ and ‘American Horror Story’. He is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ organizations. Jackson has released studio albums and continues to perform in concerts worldwide. He currently stars in the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’. Jackson balances a career that spans musical theater, dramatic acting, and comedy.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British national treasure known for his wit, writing, and acting in projects like ‘Wilde’ and ‘V for Vendetta’. He has been openly gay for most of his career and has spoken extensively about his mental health. Fry has narrated the ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks and hosted the quiz show ‘QI’. He played the Master of Lake-town in ‘The Hobbit’ films. Fry remains a prominent intellectual and cultural figure in the entertainment world.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer became a breakout star for his role as Kurt Hummel in the musical series ‘Glee’. He won a Golden Globe for his performance, which dealt with themes of bullying and acceptance. Colfer is an openly gay actor and has also become a best-selling author of children’s fantasy books. He wrote and starred in the film ‘Struck by Lightning’. Colfer used his massive platform to inspire young LGBTQ+ people around the world.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells received a Tony nomination for his breakout role in ‘The Book of Mormon’. He became known to television audiences through his role as Elijah in the series ‘Girls’. Rannells is openly gay and has published a memoir about his experiences growing up and working in show business. He voices characters in the animated hit ‘Big Mouth’. Rannells consistently delivers sharp comedic performances in both theater and television.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history playing Rickie Vasquez in the 1990s teen drama ‘My So-Called Life’, the first openly gay teenager on network television. He is an openly gay actor and a dedicated activist for GLAAD. Cruz currently plays Dr. Hugh Culber in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. His career has been defined by breaking barriers for LGBTQ+ people of color. Cruz continues to be a vocal advocate for representation in media.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp originated the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical ‘Rent’ and reprised it in the film adaptation. He plays Paul Stamets in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, forming part of the first openly gay couple in the franchise’s history. Rapp has been performing professionally since childhood. He is known for his activism and willingness to speak out on industry issues. Rapp remains a vital presence in both the theater and science fiction communities.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a versatile character actor known for his multiple roles in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. He won a Tony Award for ‘Take Me Out’ and played a vampire king in ‘True Blood’. O’Hare is openly gay and often plays eccentric or menacing characters. He brings a unique intensity to his supporting roles in film and television. His work demonstrates the importance of strong character actors in building compelling narratives.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor who has found success in Hollywood with roles in ‘Looking’ and ‘Quantico’. He originally gained attention in the play and film ‘The History Boys’. Tovey is openly gay and hosts a popular art podcast. He played a superhero in the crossover event ‘Crisis on Earth-X’. Tovey frequently takes on roles that challenge traditional perceptions of masculinity.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained widespread acclaim and an Emmy Award for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He previously starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’, which focused on the lives of gay men in San Francisco. Bartlett also appeared in the hit adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. He has been working in the industry for decades before achieving his recent level of stardom. Bartlett is celebrated for his ability to bring humanity to flawed characters.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is an entertainment legend best known for his Oscar-winning performance as the Master of Ceremonies in ‘Cabaret’. He publicly came out as gay in 2015 at the age of 82. Grey has had a decades-spanning career in theater, film, and television. He is also an accomplished photographer. His late-in-life coming out was a powerful reminder that it is never too late to live authentically.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for playing Oliver Hampton in the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He is openly gay and has received acclaim for his stage work, particularly in ‘Here Lies Love’. Ricamora broke barriers by playing a gay, HIV-positive character in a relationship that was central to a network drama. He appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’ alongside other queer actors. Ricamora brings visibility to the Asian-American LGBTQ+ community.

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 appeared in the film adaptation of ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ alongside Andrew Garfield. De Jesús is openly gay and frequently speaks about the intersection of his Latino heritage and sexuality. He brings energy and heart to his supporting roles. His career highlights the wealth of talent present in the theater community.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has starred in major films such as ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ and ‘Detective Pikachu’. He came out as queer in a social media post in 2020. Smith leads the fantasy adventure film ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’. He represents a younger generation of actors who are open about their identities while fronting blockbuster movies. Smith continues to take on high-profile roles in various genres.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is best known for his role as police officer Will Gorski in the Netflix series ‘Sense8’. He came out as gay in an interview in 2019. Smith won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ on Broadway. He has also appeared in the ‘Matrix Resurrections’ film. Smith is known for his intense dramatic acting and action capabilities.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope made a splash by receiving two Tony nominations in the same year for ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’. He garnered critical acclaim for his screen roles in the series ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘The Inspection’. Pope is openly gay and often chooses projects that explore complex themes of identity. He is considered one of the most promising young talents working today. Pope brings a raw vulnerability to his performances.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is known for playing Jonathan, the devoted assistant in ’30 Rock’, and for voicing Baljeet in ‘Phineas and Ferb’. He came out publicly in 2013 and served on President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Pancholy has written middle-grade books featuring Indian-American gay protagonists. He appeared in the series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Pancholy combines his acting career with dedicated activism.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz is best known for his role as Huck in the political drama ‘Scandal’. He has been openly gay throughout his career, which began in the 1990s with films like ‘Stonewall’. Díaz often plays tough or complex characters that contrast with his real-life persona. He appeared in the comedy ‘Bros’, which featured an all-LGBTQ+ cast. Díaz has been a consistent presence in television for over two decades.

Alec Mapa

Alec Mapa is a comedian and actor known for his roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. He has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his career. Mapa often uses his stand-up comedy to discuss his life as a gay Filipino-American and an adoptive father. He calls himself “America’s Gaysian Sweetheart.” Mapa paved the way for queer Asian representation in comedy.

Leslie Jordan

Leslie Jordan was a beloved character actor known for his Emmy-winning role as Beverley Leslie in ‘Will & Grace’. He gained a massive new following during the pandemic for his humorous social media videos. Jordan was openly gay and frequently shared stories about his life in the South and Hollywood. He appeared in ‘American Horror Story’ and the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’ before his passing. Jordan left a legacy of joy and unapologetic authenticity.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is an actor known for his role in the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’ and the film ‘Barbie’. He is the younger brother of Chris Evans and is openly gay. Evans has appeared in shows like ‘Grace and Frankie’ and ‘Insecure’. He often plays charming comedic roles. Evans continues to build a solid career in both television and film.

Please share which of these actors has inspired you the most in the comments.