LGBT Actors Who Pursued Careers in Other Fields

Many talented performers in the entertainment industry eventually discover that their true passions lie beyond the soundstage. Several prominent actors have leveraged their platforms to launch successful businesses or have pivoted to entirely new professions in law and design. These men demonstrate that professional fulfillment often takes many forms outside of the traditional Hollywood career path. The individuals on this list prove that a second act in a different field can be just as rewarding as stardom. Their diverse achievements highlight a versatile range of skills that extends far beyond acting.

William Haines

William Haines was the top male box office star of 1930 who starred in hits like ‘Show People’. He effectively quit the film industry after refusing to deny his sexuality or enter a sham marriage. The former actor pivoted to interior design and became one of the most sought-after decorators in Hollywood. His clients included close friends like Joan Crawford and Betsy Bloomingdale. He established a legendary design career that lasted far longer than his time on screen.

Chad Allen

Chad Allen rose to fame as a teen idol in the series ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’. He decided to retire from acting in 2015 to focus entirely on his education and mental health advocacy. Allen earned a doctorate in clinical psychology and began working with patients. He often focuses his efforts on helping the LGBT community and addressing mental health challenges. His transition from television star to psychologist demonstrates his commitment to service.

Mitchell Anderson

Mitchell Anderson is well known for his role as a teacher in the drama ‘Party of Five’. He stepped away from the glitz of Hollywood to pursue a passion for the culinary arts. The actor became a professional chef and opened a popular restaurant in Atlanta called MetroFresh. He focuses on serving fresh and sustainable food to his local community. Anderson found a new stage in the kitchen where he directs a different kind of production.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn starred in the ‘Harold & Kumar’ film franchise and the medical drama ‘House’. He took a surprising sabbatical from his acting career to join the Obama administration in 2009. Penn served as an Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement where he connected with Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. He later returned to acting but maintained a strong presence in political activism and education. He successfully balanced life in the White House with life on the set.

George Takei

George Takei is a sci-fi icon known for playing Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. His career expanded significantly into activism and writing after he publicly came out. Takei has authored graphic novels and books about his childhood experience in Japanese American internment camps. He also became a massive social media influencer with millions of followers. His work as a human rights activist often overshadows his extensive filmography.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer gained international fame playing Kurt Hummel on the musical series ‘Glee’. He used his platform to launch a massively successful career as an author of children’s literature. His series ‘The Land of Stories’ became a number one New York Times bestseller. Colfer writes fantasy novels that encourage young readers to explore their imaginations. He is now as respected in the publishing world as he is in television.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British acting treasure known for roles in ‘V for Vendetta’ and ‘The Hobbit’ films. He has an equally prominent career as a writer and intellectual. Fry has written several best-selling novels and non-fiction books about history and mythology. He also hosted the quiz show ‘QI’ for many years and serves as a technology expert. His multifaceted career spans almost every medium of entertainment and literature.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey starred in the drama ‘Looking’ and the supernatural show ‘Being Human’. He has established himself as a serious figure in the contemporary art world. Tovey co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Talk Art’ where he interviews leading artists and curators. He frequently curates exhibitions and serves as a judge for prestigious art prizes. His passion for collecting has made him a key influencer in the visual arts community.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey won an Academy Award for his legendary performance in ‘Cabaret’. He is also an accomplished photographer with work featured in several books and gallery exhibitions. His photography often captures urban landscapes and abstract details that others might miss. Grey has published books such as ‘The Billboard Papers’ that showcase his unique visual perspective. He proves that his artistic eye extends well beyond the theater stage.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris starred in the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and the film ‘Gone Girl’. He has a professional background in magic and served as the President of the Academy of Magical Arts. Harris also found success as an author of fiction for young adults. His ‘The Magic Misfits’ series combines his love for illusion with storytelling. He seamlessly blends his skills as a showman with his hobbies.

Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss appeared as an actor in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Favourite’. He is arguably more influential as a screenwriter and novelist. Gatiss wrote several episodes for ‘Doctor Who’ and co-created the hit series ‘Sherlock’. He has also written macabre non-fiction and horror stories. His deep knowledge of film history informs his work behind the camera.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a global star as the lead in the action series ‘Prison Break’. He later transitioned into screenwriting under the pseudonym Ted Foulke. Miller wrote the script for the critically acclaimed thriller ‘Stoker’ starring Nicole Kidman. He has spoken about finding a new creative outlet through writing rather than performing. This shift allowed him to control the narrative in a way acting did not.

Bryan Batt

Bryan Batt played Salvatore Romano on the hit period drama ‘Mad Men’. He is also a successful entrepreneur and interior designer in his native New Orleans. Batt owns a popular home decor and gift shop called Hazelnut. He has written books on design and style that celebrate his southern heritage. His design eye is as sharp as his acting skills.

Robert Gant

Robert Gant is best known for his role as Professor Ben Bruckner in ‘Queer as Folk’. He holds a law degree from Georgetown University and worked as an attorney before finding fame. Gant practiced law at a prestigious firm in Los Angeles while starting his acting career. He remains active in political and philanthropic causes that utilize his legal background. His intelligence shines both in the courtroom and on screen.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming delivered memorable performances in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘X2’. He is also a successful bar owner who operates Club Cumming in New York City. The venue features cabaret performances and reflects his eclectic personality. Cumming has also launched a fragrance line and written multiple memoirs. His business ventures are as theatrical and bold as his acting roles.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett became a pop culture fixture after starring in ‘Mean Girls’. He pivoted to hosting and the culinary world as the face of shows like ‘Halloween Wars’. Bennett released a cookbook that combines his love for food with pop culture references. He is a regular fixture on the Food Network. His charm works just as well for hosting competitions as it does for acting.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson starred as Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. He launched a business called Tie The Knot that sells bow ties to support marriage equality. He also co-authored a cookbook and runs a food blog. Ferguson combines his love for fashion and food with his advocacy work. He has built a lifestyle brand that extends far beyond his television roles.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created and starred in the comedy sensation ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He established his own eyewear company called DL Eyewear which has become quite successful. Levy designs frames that reflect his personal style and fashion sense. He also signed major deals to write and produce content for streaming services. His business acumen rivals his comedic timing.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy played the devoted assistant in ’30 Rock’ and voiced characters in ‘Phineas and Ferb’. He served on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders during the Obama era. Pancholy is also an author who writes middle-grade novels about diversity and bullying. His book ‘The Best at It’ received critical praise. He uses his writing to empower young people.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein acted in films like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Independence Day’. He is a titan of the theater world as a playwright and book writer. Fierstein wrote the book for the smash musical ‘Kinky Boots’ and the play ‘Torch Song Trilogy’. His writing has earned him multiple Tony Awards. He is one of the few people who can write a hit show and star in it.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo delivered an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Rustin’. He has a prolific career as a playwright and theater director. Domingo has written acclaimed plays like ‘Dot’ and ‘Wild with Happy’. He frequently directs stage productions for major regional theaters. His voice as a writer is just as powerful as his presence on camera.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett is known for his scene-stealing role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. He has established himself as a respected writer of memoirs and history. His books detail his life in Hollywood and his observations on fame. Everett also wrote and directed the film ‘The Happy Prince’ about Oscar Wilde. He is a storyteller who works across multiple mediums.

Lance Bass

Lance Bass acted in the film ‘On the Line’ after rising to fame with NSYNC. He has built a diverse career as a radio host and film producer. Bass has produced documentaries and feature films through his production company. He also ventured into reality television hosting and invested in hospitality businesses. His career has evolved significantly since his boy band days.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan appeared as a child actor in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’. He transformed into a global pop music sensation with multiple hit albums. Sivan also gained massive popularity as a content creator on YouTube before his music career took off. He continues to act occasionally but is primarily known now as a musician. His artistic output defines a new generation of queer stardom.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander starred in the acclaimed drama ‘It’s a Sin’. He is the lead singer of the successful music project Years & Years. Alexander has released chart-topping albums and performed at major festivals worldwide. He represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. His acting and music careers have both reached the highest levels of success.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter starred in the drama series ‘Pose’ and the film ‘Cinderella’. He is a Grammy-winning recording artist and a Tony-winning Broadway performer. Porter has also directed feature films and written a memoir. He is a major figure in the fashion world known for his red carpet looks. His artistry knows no boundaries between fashion and performance.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson appeared in ‘American Horror Story’ and ’30 Rock’. He has a robust career as a recording artist and concert performer. Jackson has released studio albums and frequently tours with symphony orchestras. He creates music that blends pop, jazz, and theatrical styles. His vocal talents are as in demand as his acting abilities.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt reprised his Broadway role for the film ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He has released multiple studio albums as a pop singer and songwriter. Platt tours the country performing his original music to sold-out crowds. He writes songs that explore his personal experiences and relationships. His transition from actor to pop star has been seamless.

John Cameron Mitchell

John Cameron Mitchell acted in ‘Girls’ and ‘The Good Fight’. He is best known as the creator and director of the musical ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. Mitchell has directed acclaimed films like ‘Shortbus’ and ‘Rabbit Hole’. He also tours as a musical performer. His work often explores the fringes of queer identity.

Peter Paige

Peter Paige played Emmett in the original US version of ‘Queer as Folk’. He transitioned to working behind the camera as a showrunner and creator. Paige co-created the hit family drama ‘The Fosters’ and its spinoff ‘Good Trouble’. He directs many episodes of the shows he produces. He found a powerful voice in shaping stories for television.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is beloved for his role in the comedy ‘Ugly Betty’. He works extensively as a theater director and producer. Urie has directed Off-Broadway plays and solo shows for other artists. He helped produce the documentary ‘Thank You for Judging’. His work preserves and celebrates live theater.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz broke barriers as Rickie in ‘My So-Called Life’. He dedicates much of his time to activism as a Director of Entertainment Media for GLAAD. Cruz works tirelessly to ensure fair representation of LGBT people in media. He is a leading voice in the fight for equality. His advocacy work is an integral part of his professional life.

Karamo Brown

Karamo Brown started in reality TV on ‘The Real World’ before acting in various projects. He worked as a licensed social worker for a decade before returning to the spotlight. Brown utilizes his background in social work as the culture expert on ‘Queer Eye’. He also hosts his own talk show. His career is built on helping others improve their lives.

Antoni Porowski

Antoni Porowski acted in films like ‘Elliot Loves’ before finding fame. He is now a culinary expert and restaurateur. Porowski has published multiple bestselling cookbooks. He partners with brands to promote home cooking and accessible recipes. His love for food has become his primary professional focus.

Tan France

Tan France has appeared in various television shows but is a fashion designer by trade. He founded the women’s clothing line Kingdom & State. France serves as the fashion expert on ‘Queer Eye’ where he applies his industry knowledge. He has also authored a memoir about his upbringing. His design skills were established long before his television fame.

Jonathan Van Ness

Jonathan Van Ness acted in the web series ‘Gay of Thrones’. He is a professional hairdresser who owns a salon. Van Ness has written books on grooming and personal essays. He also hosts a very popular podcast called ‘Getting Curious’. His career blends comedy with his expertise in grooming and self-care.

Trixie Mattel

Trixie Mattel acted in ‘American Horror Story’ and voice roles. She is a business mogul who founded Trixie Cosmetics. Mattel also owns a motel in Palm Springs and records folk music. She tours the world as a comedian and musician. Her brand has expanded into a massive business empire.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane starred in the romantic comedy ‘Bros’ and the series ‘Brothers & Sisters’. He is a skilled woodworker who spends much of his time building furniture. Macfarlane has spoken about his love for craftsmanship and working with his hands. He balances the solitary work of carpentry with the public nature of acting. It serves as a grounding second career.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is a screen legend known for ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He owns a historic pub in London called The Grapes. McKellen often visits the establishment and even hosts quiz nights there. He saved the pub from closure to preserve its history. His role as a landlord is a cherished part of his life in London.

Simon Callow

Simon Callow appeared in ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and ‘Amadeus’. He is a highly respected biographer and writer. Callow has written exhaustive biographies of Orson Welles and Charles Dickens. He also directs plays and operas. His literary contributions are as significant as his performances.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is famous for playing Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He has become a prolific producer through his company That’s Wonderful Productions. Parsons produced the hit series ‘Young Sheldon’ and films like ‘Spoiler Alert’. He champions stories that might not otherwise get made. His work behind the scenes is shaping the industry.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto played Spock in the modern ‘Star Trek’ films. He runs a production company that has produced films like ‘Margin Call’. Quinto also published a series of graphic novels. He seeks out complex projects to develop for the screen. His producer credits are as impressive as his acting resume.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells starred in ‘The Prom’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He is a talented writer who has published a memoir and a collection of essays. Rannells writes candidly about his experiences on Broadway and in Hollywood. He contributes pieces to major publications like The New York Times. His voice on the page is distinct and witty.

Do you have a favorite actor on this list or know someone else who should be included? Share your thoughts in the comments.