LGBT Actors Who Can Play Anything (& Deliver)

Talent in the entertainment industry is measured by the ability to vanish into a character regardless of personal identity. The actors on this list have repeatedly proven that their range knows no bounds by excelling in action and drama and comedy. They have shattered glass ceilings and typecasting to deliver memorable performances in some of the biggest franchises in history. These men bring a unique level of depth and authenticity to every project they touch. Here are the male actors who showcase exceptional versatility on screen and stage.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a titan of the acting world who commands both the stage and the screen with effortless authority. He became a global icon for his wise and powerful portrayal of Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. His ability to switch gears is evident in his menacing performance as Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. He honed his craft through decades of Shakespearean theater which gave him unparalleled vocal control. Few actors can balance such immense blockbusters with intimate character dramas as effectively as he does.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has emerged as a powerhouse performer who brings intense emotional weight to every role he inhabits. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of a recovering addict in the hit series ‘Euphoria’. His commanding presence was further solidified with his Oscar-nominated performance in the biographical drama ‘Rustin’. He possesses a chameleon-like quality that allows him to disappear into period pieces and modern narratives alike. Critics consistently praise his ability to convey strength and vulnerability in the same breath.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is a master of subtlety who can terrify audiences one moment and break their hearts the next. He terrified the world as the erratic and brilliant villain Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. Viewers saw a completely different side of him when he played the charming and complex Hot Priest in ‘Fleabag’. His work in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’ showcased his deep capacity for tender and melancholic storytelling. He consistently chooses diverse roles that challenge the audience’s perception of his range.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris successfully shed his child star image to become one of the most versatile entertainers in Hollywood. He defined the sitcom archetype of the womanizing bro as Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’. His talents extend to the stage where he won a Tony Award for his glam rock performance in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. He can seamlessly transition from hosting award shows to playing sinister villains in films like ‘Gone Girl’. His charisma and comedic timing make him a reliable anchor for any production.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw brings a unique sensitivity and intelligence to his characters that makes him stand out in ensemble casts. He reinvented the role of Q in the modern James Bond films with a youthful and tech-savvy interpretation. His voice work as the titular bear in ‘Paddington’ charmed audiences of all ages with its warmth and innocence. He displayed his dramatic chops in the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal’ alongside Hugh Grant. Directors often seek him out for roles that require a delicate balance of quirkiness and emotional depth.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has established himself as a leading man capable of carrying massive action blockbusters and musicals. He showcased his singing abilities and villainous charm as Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. His physical presence made him a natural fit for the role of Owen Shaw in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. He brought intensity to the fantasy genre as Bard the Bowman in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. His career trajectory proves he can handle high-octane stunts just as well as character-driven drama.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons created one of the most iconic television characters of the twenty-first century with his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper. He played the socially awkward physicist on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ for twelve seasons and won four Emmy Awards. He later demonstrated his dramatic range as a manipulative talent agent in the miniseries ‘Hollywood’. His work in ‘The Normal Heart’ revealed his ability to handle tragic and emotionally demanding material. He continues to surprise audiences by taking on roles that deviate sharply from his sitcom origins.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer combines classic Hollywood looks with a willingness to take on gritty and challenging material. He anchored the slick crime procedural ‘White Collar’ as the charming con artist Neal Caffrey. His physical transformation for the film ‘The Normal Heart’ demonstrated his dedication to authentic storytelling. He recently garnered critical praise for his complex leading role in the historical romance ‘Fellow Travelers’. He consistently delivers nuanced performances that go far beyond his striking appearance.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff has conquered Broadway and television with his clear voice and psychological insight. He originated the role of King George III in ‘Hamilton’ and stole every scene with his comedic timing. He pivoted to serious drama as a calculated FBI agent in the psychological thriller series ‘Mindhunter’. His voice acting as Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ franchise cemented his status as a household name. He moves effortlessly between musical theater whimsy and dark serialized dramas.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace possesses a commanding physical presence and a deep voice that suits powerful figures. He played the elven king Thranduil with icy regality in ‘The Hobbit’ movies. His role as Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ allowed him to embrace total villainy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He showed his softer and more whimsical side in the cult favorite series ‘Pushing Daisies’. He currently dominates the screen as the galactic emperor in the sci-fi epic ‘Foundation’.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is known for his intense gaze and ability to play highly intelligent but emotionally detached characters. He famously took on the mantle of Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ film series. His breakout role as the superpowered serial killer Sylar in ‘Heroes’ remains a highlight of the genre. He proved his versatility by playing various challenging roles in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. He brings a cerebral quality to his work that makes his characters fascinating to watch.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a force of nature who broke barriers with his award-winning performance in ‘Pose’. He played the emcee Pray Tell with a mixture of fierce strength and heartbreaking vulnerability. His background in theater includes a Tony-winning role as Lola in ‘Kinky Boots’. He commands attention in every scene and brings a unique style to all his projects. His work has redefined what it means to be a leading man in television drama.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a dynamic character actor who dissolves completely into his eccentric roles. He became a favorite among ‘X-Men’ fans for his sympathetic portrayal of Nightcrawler in ‘X2’. His performance as the slick political operative Eli Gold in ‘The Good Wife’ earned him widespread acclaim. He is also a celebrated stage actor known for his provocative take on the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’. He brings a mischievous energy and sharp wit to every character he plays.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a comedy legend who can also deliver crushing dramatic performances when called upon. He voiced the sarcastic meerkat Timon in the animated classic ‘The Lion King’. His performance in ‘The Birdcage’ is considered a masterclass in physical comedy and emotional timing. He has conquered Broadway with record-breaking runs in shows like ‘The Producers’. He remains one of the most reliable and beloved actors in the industry.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy captured the hearts of millions as the showrunner and star of ‘Schitt’s Creek’. His portrayal of David Rose balanced sarcasm with genuine growth and romantic vulnerability. He expanded his range by appearing in the spooky comedy ‘Haunted Mansion’. His writing background informs his acting choices and gives his characters distinct and memorable voices. He has quickly become a powerful creative voice in modern comedy.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett made a name for himself as a charming scene-stealer in romantic comedies. His breakout role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ turned him into an international star. He voiced the vain Prince Charming in ‘Shrek 2’ with perfect comedic arrogance. He later wrote and starred in ‘The Happy Prince’ as Oscar Wilde to critical acclaim. He continues to bring sophistication and wit to British and American productions alike.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey has transitioned from a reliable television actor to a star of international thrillers. He played a werewolf with a conscience in the supernatural drama ‘Being Human’. His role in the series ‘Looking’ allowed him to explore complex modern relationships in San Francisco. He took on a darker and more mysterious character in the season of ‘American Horror Story: NYC’. He brings a grounded and relatable energy to high-concept stories.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a global sensation for his role as the genius engineer Michael Scofield in ‘Prison Break’. He wrote the screenplay for the thriller ‘Stoker’ which showcased his dark and atmospheric storytelling sensibilities. He played the villainous Captain Cold in ‘The Flash’ and brought nuance to the comic book rogue. He has spoken openly about his experiences in Hollywood while delivering consistently intense performances. His ability to convey intelligence and calculation is his trademark.

George Takei

George Takei is a pioneer who has remained relevant in pop culture for over five decades. He originated the role of Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and films. His deep baritone voice has led to numerous roles in animation and narration. He starred in the musical ‘Allegiance’ which was inspired by his own childhood experiences in internment camps. He uses his platform and talent to advocate for justice while entertaining millions.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is the ultimate showman who thrives in sci-fi adventure and musical theater. He played the immortal time traveler Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and its spinoff ‘Torchwood’. His character broke ground for representation in mainstream family science fiction. He played a wealthy villain in the superhero series ‘Arrow’ with menacing charm. His energy is infectious regardless of whether he is playing a hero or a antagonist.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British national treasure known for his intellect and masterful command of language. He played the faithful valet Jeeves in the classic comedy series ‘Jeeves and Wooster’. His portrayal of Oscar Wilde in the film ‘Wilde’ was celebrated for its accuracy and empathy. He provided the voice for the Cheshire Cat in the live-action ‘Alice in Wonderland’ films. He brings wit and sophistication to every role from comedy to serious drama.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran actor with an impressive list of credits in film and television and theater. He played the ship architect Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster ‘Titanic’. He showcased his action chops as Jack Bristow in the spy series ‘Alias’. He later joined the superhero genre as one half of Firestorm in ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’. He projects an air of intelligence and authority that anchors any scene he is in.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a chameleon who is often unrecognizable from one role to the next. He has played a vampire king in ‘True Blood’ and a variety of strange characters in ‘American Horror Story’. His role as a transgender woman in ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ was handled with tragic grace. He is a Tony award winner who brings theatrical intensity to his screen work. Directors trust him to handle the most eccentric and demanding parts.

BD Wong

B.D. Wong has had a prolific career playing intelligent professionals and complex villains. He is well known for his long-running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He voiced the character of Shang in the animated Disney film ‘Mulan’. He returned to the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise to evolve his character Dr. Wu into a major antagonist. He consistently delivers sharp and precise performances.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett experienced a major career resurgence with his chaotic role in ‘The White Lotus’. His performance as the unraveling hotel manager Armond won him an Emmy Award. He followed that up with a heartbreaking guest arc in the post-apocalyptic drama ‘The Last of Us’. He also played the founder of Chippendales in the true-crime series ‘Welcome to Chippendales’. He has proven he can navigate tone shifts between comedy and tragedy effortlessly.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey became a romantic lead and global heartthrob through his work in the period drama ‘Bridgerton’. He played the eldest Bridgerton sibling with a mix of arrogance and deep vulnerability. He previously showcased his dramatic range in the crime series ‘Broadchurch’. He starred alongside Matt Bomer in ‘Fellow Travelers’ where he played a deeply conflicted political figure. His stage background serves him well in roles that require high emotion and presence.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is a vocal powerhouse who burst onto the scene in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His character Titus Andromedon became an instant fan favorite for his over-the-top musical numbers and one-liners. He originated the role of Sebastian the Crab in the Broadway version of ‘The Little Mermaid’. He brings a joyful and larger-than-life energy to comedic roles. He consistently steals the show with his impeccable timing and singing voice.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer who moves easily between stage and screen. He played the villainous Hades in the popular Disney Channel movie ‘Descendants 3’. He has appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ in widely varying roles. He starred in the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’ and displayed his comfort with multi-camera comedy. He has the classic looks of a leading man but often chooses quirky character parts.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz broke ground as one of the first openly gay actors to play a gay teen on TV in ‘My So-Called Life’. He later joined the ‘Star Trek’ universe as Dr. Hugh Culber in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. His character is part of the first recurring gay couple in the franchise’s history. He brings a deep sense of empathy and warmth to his dramatic roles. His career is defined by advocacy and authentic representation.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a distinctive voice in theater and film with his signature gravelly tone. He wrote and starred in the landmark play and film ‘Torch Song Trilogy’. He played the heartwarming makeup artist uncle in the comedy ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’. He voiced the comedic character Yao in Disney’s ‘Mulan’. He is a legend who has shaped queer theater and cinema for decades.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer became a voice for a generation with his role as Kurt Hummel on ‘Glee’. He won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the fashionable and bullied high school student. He wrote the episode of the show that dealt with his character’s dad suffering a heart attack. He has since become a successful author of children’s fantasy books. His acting work is marked by a sharp wit and emotional honesty.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt achieved massive acclaim for his Tony-winning performance in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He reprised the role for the film adaptation and brought his powerful vocals to the screen. He starred in the political satire series ‘The Politician’ as an ambitious student. His comedy chops were on display in the film ‘Theater Camp’. He is known for his nervous energy and incredible singing ability.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is a Broadway star who successfully crossed over into television comedy. He originated the role of Elder Price in the smash hit musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He played the expertly snarky ex-boyfriend Elijah in the series ‘Girls’. He voiced characters in the animated hit ‘Big Mouth’. He brings a fast-paced and neurotic energy that is perfect for modern comedy.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a rising star who has already earned nominations for Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards. He played an aspiring screenwriter in the miniseries ‘Hollywood’ alongside Jim Parsons. He garnered critical acclaim for his lead role in the drama ‘The Inspection’. He portrayed the Temptations singer Eddie Kendricks in the Broadway musical ‘Ain’t Too Proud’. He possesses a magnetic intensity that translates well to both stage and film.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa charmed audiences as the vibrant Eric Effiong in the series ‘Sex Education’. His performance earned him multiple BAFTA nominations for its heart and humor. He made history by being cast as the Fifteenth Doctor in the sci-fi institution ‘Doctor Who’. He appeared as one of the Kens in the massive blockbuster ‘Barbie’. His energy and charisma mark him as one of the most exciting young actors working today.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is a legendary performer who created the iconic role of the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film version in 1973. He played a wizard in the hit series ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. He also originated the role of the Wizard in the musical ‘Wicked’. His career has spanned decades and he remains a master of the theatrical arts.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain was the king of the television miniseries in the 1980s. He starred in the epic romance ‘The Thorn Birds’ which was a massive ratings success. He played the lead role in the adventure series ‘Shogun’. He was the first actor to play Jason Bourne in the original ‘The Bourne Identity’ TV movie. He was a leading heartthrob who carried massive productions on his shoulders.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is best known for his role as the loyal police officer Will Gorski in ‘Sense8’. He brought a physical toughness and emotional sensitivity to the sci-fi series. He won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ on Broadway. He starred in the ‘Bourne’ spinoff series ‘Treadstone’. He is a reliable actor who excels in action-heavy and dramatic roles.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman has built a diverse resume with roles in film and television. He played the compassionate nurse Mo-Mo in the series ‘Nurse Jackie’. He appeared as a superhero’s husband in the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. He starred as the lead in the romantic comedy ‘Breaking Fast’. He brings warmth and dignity to characters that often challenge stereotypes.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora gained fans for his role as the tech-savvy Oliver Hampton on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He showcased his singing ability in the off-Broadway musical ‘Here Lies Love’. He played a romantic lead in the film ‘Fire Island’. He brings a grounded intelligence to his performances. He consistently adds depth to the ensembles he joins.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is a charismatic actor who has appeared in daytime and primetime television. He played the police officer Oliver Fish on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He had a supporting role as one of the Kens in the movie ‘Barbie’. He appeared in the comedy ‘Almost Love’. He has a natural comedic presence that lights up the screen.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has quickly become a ubiquitous presence in modern television dramas. He played a memorable role in the first season of the satire ‘The White Lotus’. He appeared in the thriller series ‘You’ as a wealthy antagonist. He also had a role in the chaotic drama ‘Euphoria’. He excels at playing characters who are charming but potentially duplicitous.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang made history as one of the first Asian-American cast members on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He is known for his scene-stealing characters and pop culture impressions. He starred in the romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’ alongside Joel Kim Booster. He brings a unique comedic voice and high energy to his sketches. He has quickly become a breakout star in the world of comedy.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster is a stand-up comedian and actor who writes and stars in his own projects. He wrote and starred in the Jane Austen-inspired comedy ‘Fire Island’. He plays a wealthy assistant in the comedy series ‘Loot’. He has a sharp observational wit that translates well to screen acting. He represents a new wave of multi-talented creatives in Hollywood.

Please leave a comment telling us which of these versatile actors is your absolute favorite to watch.