Millennials’ Favorite Gay Actors

The landscape of television and film has been transformed by the presence of talented gay male actors who have reached iconic status among millennial audiences. These performers have balanced high-profile careers in mainstream media while remaining visible advocates for LGBTQ+ representation. From starring in groundbreaking sitcoms to leading blockbuster film franchises, they have provided essential visibility for a generation that prioritized authenticity and diversity. This list explores fifty of the most celebrated gay male actors whose work continues to resonate with fans across the globe. Their contributions to the arts have paved the way for future generations of queer artists to thrive in the entertainment industry.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is widely recognized for his portrayal of Barney Stinson on the long-running sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He has achieved significant success on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. Harris has also hosted major industry events including the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards on multiple occasions. He publicly came out as gay in 2006 and has been an influential figure in Hollywood since. His career includes roles in films such as ‘Gone Girl’ and the ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ television adaptation.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons rose to fame playing the character Sheldon Cooper on the popular television series ‘The Big Bang Theory’. His performance earned him numerous accolades, including four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. In addition to his television success, he has starred in the Broadway and film versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’. Parsons shared his sexual orientation publicly in a 2012 interview with The New York Times. He remains an active producer and actor in both theater and television projects.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer gained prominence for his starring role as Neal Caffrey in the police procedural series ‘White Collar’. He received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the television film ‘The Normal Heart’. Bomer has also appeared in major film productions such as ‘Magic Mike’ and ‘The Magnificent Seven’. He publicly came out in 2012 during an acceptance speech for a humanitarian award. Recently, he starred in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’, which explores queer history in the United States.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is a celebrated Irish actor known for his captivating performance as Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He gained further international recognition for playing the character known as the Priest in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. Scott has had a prolific career on stage, winning two Olivier Awards for his theatrical performances. He has been open about his sexual orientation for many years, stating that it is simply a fact of his life. His film credits include ‘1917’, ‘Pride’, and the 2023 drama ‘All of Us Strangers’.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a Welsh actor who has starred in several high-profile Hollywood blockbusters, including ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and ‘Fast & Furious 6’. He is also known for playing Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Evans began his career in musical theater in London, appearing in productions like ‘Rent’ and ‘Miss Saigon’. He has been open about his identity as a gay man since the early stages of his career. He continues to take on diverse roles in action films, period dramas, and television series.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto first gained major attention for his role as the villainous Sylar in the science fiction series ‘Heroes’. He reached international stardom portraying Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film franchise. Quinto is also a regular contributor to the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series, appearing in multiple seasons. He publicly came out as gay in 2011 following the tragic death of a young teenager. He has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a multi-talented actor and singer who made history with his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’. He is the first openly gay Black man to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Porter is also a powerhouse on Broadway, having won a Tony Award for his performance in the musical ‘Kinky Boots’. He is known for his barrier-breaking fashion choices on red carpets and his activism within the queer community. His career spans theater, television, film, and the music industry.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a versatile actor known for his roles on Broadway and in major television series. He originated the role of Melchior Gabor in ‘Spring Awakening’ and played King George III in ‘Hamilton’. On television, he starred as Jesse St. James in ‘Glee’ and led the cast of the crime drama ‘Mindhunter’. Groff also voiced the character Kristoff in the hugely popular ‘Frozen’ film franchise. He came out publicly in 2009 and has since been a prominent figure in both the musical theater and television worlds.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller achieved international fame for his leading role as Michael Scofield in the action-drama series ‘Prison Break’. He has also appeared in the ‘Arrowverse’ television franchise as the character Leonard Snart, also known as Captain Cold. Miller publicly came out as gay in 2013 through a letter declining an invitation to a Russian film festival due to the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and has become an advocate for suicide prevention. In addition to acting, he is an accomplished screenwriter, having written the film ‘Stoker’.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy co-created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’, playing the character David Rose. He made history by winning Primetime Emmy Awards in all four major disciplines—acting, directing, writing, and producing—in a single year. Levy has been celebrated for the positive and inclusive representation of queer relationships on his show. He is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has worked with various charitable organizations. Following the success of his show, he has appeared in films like ‘Happiest Season’ and the series ‘Sex Education’.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a legendary figure in British acting, known globally for his roles as Magneto in ‘X-Men’ and Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He has had a prolific career on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. McKellen came out publicly in 1988 during a BBC Radio discussion about proposed anti-gay legislation in the UK. He is a co-founder of Stonewall, one of the most prominent LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the United Kingdom. His work continues to span classic theater, modern cinema, and activism.

George Takei

George Takei is best known for his iconic role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and films. He has become a massive social media personality, using his platform to share humor and political commentary. Takei publicly came out as gay in 2005, which led to a new chapter of activism in his life. He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and Japanese Americans. His life story was the basis for the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, in which he also starred.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is most famous for playing Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. His portrayal of a gay father helped bring LGBTQ+ representation to millions of viewers worldwide. Ferguson is also a seasoned stage actor, having appeared in numerous Broadway productions like ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’. He won a Tony Award in 2022 for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out’. He and his husband founded a non-profit organization dedicated to marriage equality.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly acclaimed English actor known for playing Q in the ‘James Bond’ film series starting with ‘Skyfall’. He provided the voice for the titular character in the ‘Paddington’ films and starred in the series ‘A Very English Scandal’. Whishaw has received multiple awards, including a Golden Globe and several BAFTAs. He entered into a civil partnership in 2012 and has been open about his identity as a gay man. His work is characterized by its emotional depth and range across film, television, and theater.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor who gained fame for his roles in the supernatural series ‘Being Human’ and the drama ‘Looking’. He has been out as gay since the beginning of his career and has often played queer characters. Tovey is also known for his work in ‘The History Boys’ on both stage and film. In addition to acting, he is a passionate art collector and co-hosts a popular podcast titled ‘Talk Art’. He has appeared in major television productions like ‘Years and Years’ and ‘American Horror Story’.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish-American actor who has excelled in film, television, and on the Broadway stage. He is well known for his role as Eli Gold in the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’ and for playing Nightcrawler in ‘X2: X-Men United’. Cumming won a Tony Award for his iconic performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the revival of ‘Cabaret’. He identifies as bisexual and has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights for decades. His career is marked by a diverse array of eccentric and high-energy performances.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a distinguished Canadian actor known for his roles in ‘Titanic’, ‘Alias’, and the ‘Arrowverse’ series. He has an extensive background in musical theater, having originated roles in productions like ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Assassins’. Garber has been nominated for multiple Emmy and Tony Awards throughout his long career. He publicly confirmed his sexual orientation in 2013, though he had been living openly in his private life for years. He remains a beloved figure in the industry, frequently appearing in both prestige dramas and comedies.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer known for his work on Broadway and in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. He has starred in several stage musicals, including ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Xanadu’. Jackson has also had memorable guest roles on television shows like ’30 Rock’ and ‘Glee’. He is an openly gay actor and has been involved in numerous LGBTQ+ charities and causes. His career highlights his ability to transition seamlessly between musical theater, television drama, and film.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess achieved widespread fame for his comedic role as Titus Andromedon in the series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him four consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Before his television success, Burgess was a prominent figure on Broadway, appearing in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He is known for his incredible vocal range and his unapologetic representation of queer identity. Burgess continues to work in television, film, and theater, often bringing a distinct musicality to his roles.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes is an American actor who gained popularity for his roles in the teen series ‘Teen Wolf’ and the superhero show ‘Arrow’. He began his career as a model before transitioning into full-time acting in Hollywood. Haynes publicly came out as gay in 2016 during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. He has been open with his fans about his personal struggles with anxiety and his journey in the entertainment industry. His work includes film appearances in ‘San Andreas’ and a recurring role in ‘American Horror Story: Cult’.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt rose to international stardom for originating the title role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. His performance earned him a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and an Emmy Award, making him one of the youngest to achieve this feat. Platt is also known for his role as Benji Applebaum in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film series and for starring in ‘The Politician’. He has been open about his sexual orientation throughout his career and often includes queer themes in his music. He continues to release solo albums while maintaining a successful acting career on stage and screen.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actor who first gained a massive following through his YouTube channel. As an actor, he appeared in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and received critical praise for his role in the drama ‘Boy Erased’. He also starred in the television series ‘The Idol’ and the film ‘Three Months’. Sivan came out publicly as gay in a 2013 YouTube video, which became a significant moment for his millennial fan base. He is considered a modern queer icon, blending his musical and acting talents to represent the LGBTQ+ experience.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is an Australian actor and dancer known for his role as Wally West, also known as Kid Flash, in the series ‘The Flash’. He gained significant attention for his performance in the teen romantic comedy film ‘Love, Simon’. Lonsdale has also appeared in ‘The Divergent Series: Insurgent’ and the dance film ‘Work It’. He came out as queer on social media in 2017 and has since been a visible representative for the community. In addition to acting, he is a recording artist who often explores themes of identity in his music.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver is an American actor who often worked alongside his twin brother, Max, in shows like ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. He gained further recognition for his role in the ‘HBO’ series ‘The Leftovers’ and the Netflix show ‘Ratched’. Carver came out as gay in a series of Instagram posts in 2016, where he discussed the challenges of being an actor in Hollywood. He starred in the Broadway revival and film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the media.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn is best known for his role as Justin Foley in the popular Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. His performance in the show brought him significant fame among millennial and Gen Z audiences. Flynn has also appeared in the series ‘Ratched’ and the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. He came out publicly as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2017 via an Instagram post. He has used his platform to support various social causes, including queer rights and mental health awareness.

Noah Galvin

Noah Galvin gained prominence for his starring role as Kenny O’Neal in the sitcom ‘The Real O’Neals’. He also took over the lead role in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ on Broadway following Ben Platt’s departure. Galvin currently stars as Dr. Asher Wolke in the medical drama series ‘The Good Doctor’. He has been open about his sexual orientation since early in his career and often speaks about the importance of authentic casting. He is also known for his roles in independent films like ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Theater Camp’.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is an American actor known for his lead role as Will Gorski in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. He has a strong background in theater and received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in ‘The Glass Menagerie’. Smith has appeared in several television shows, including ‘Stargate Universe’ and ‘Treadstone’. He publicly came out as gay in a 2019 interview with Attitude magazine. His work often explores complex emotional landscapes and has earned him a dedicated following in the science fiction community.

T. R. Knight

T.R. Knight is widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. George O’Malley on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His character was a fan favorite during the early seasons of the long-running show. Knight has also had a successful career on stage, appearing in Broadway productions such as ‘Noises Off’ and ‘It’s Only a Play’. He publicly came out as gay in 2006 following a highly publicized incident on the set of his show. Since then, he has continued to work in television and theater, appearing in projects like ‘The Flight Attendant’.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer rose to international fame for his role as Kurt Hummel on the musical television series ‘Glee’. His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award and several Emmy nominations, as well as praise for portraying a gay teenager. Colfer is also a New York Times bestselling author, known for his fantasy book series ‘The Land of Stories’. He was included in the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2011. He has been out as gay throughout his professional career and remains an influential figure for queer youth.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history in the 1990s as Rickie Vasquez on ‘My So-Called Life’, one of the first openly gay characters played by an out actor. He has since appeared in numerous projects, including the musical ‘Rent’ and the series ’13 Reasons Why’. Cruz currently stars as Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, representing one of the franchise’s first prominent gay couples. He has spent decades as an activist, working with organizations like GLAAD to improve LGBTQ+ representation. His career serves as a bridge between early queer representation and the diverse landscape of today.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is a prominent actor and singer who originated the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical ‘Rent’. He has a career spanning several decades in film, including roles in ‘Adventures in Babysitting’ and ‘Dazed and Confused’. Rapp currently stars alongside Wilson Cruz in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ as Lieutenant Commander Paul Stamets. He has been out as queer since the beginning of his career and is a vocal advocate for accountability in the industry. His work in ‘Rent’ remains a touchstone for many queer millennials who grew up with the musical.

BD Wong

BD Wong is well known for his long-running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He earned a Tony Award for his Broadway debut in ‘M. Butterfly’, becoming the only actor to win all five major New York theater awards for a single role. Wong has appeared in several blockbuster films, including ‘Jurassic Park’ and its sequels. He has been out as a gay man for several decades and has written about his experiences with fatherhood. His recent work includes a recurring role on the television series ‘Mr. Robot’.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén has gained widespread acclaim for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance has been praised for its comedic timing and the character’s emotional journey. Guillén has also appeared in projects like ‘The Magicians’ and provided voices for animated films such as ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. He is an openly gay actor and has spoken frequently about the importance of Latinx and queer representation. His career continues to rise as he takes on more prominent roles in film and television.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained widespread acclaim for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. This performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. He also appeared in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Last of Us’ as Frank. Previously, Bartlett starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’, which followed the lives of gay men in San Francisco. He has been open about his sexual orientation throughout his career in the entertainment industry.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an acclaimed actor known for his roles in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and the film ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. He received an Emmy Award for his guest role as Ali in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Domingo is also a prolific stage actor and playwright, having received Tony Award nominations for his work. He identifies as gay and has been a visible representative of the queer Black community for many years. His lead performance in the 2023 film ‘Rustin’ earned him significant awards season recognition.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his starring role as Ned in the cult favorite series ‘Pushing Daisies’. He has also appeared in major film franchises, playing Thranduil the Elvenking in ‘The Hobbit’ and Ronan the Accuser in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. Pace currently stars in the epic science fiction series ‘Foundation’ as Brother Day. He publicly confirmed he is a member of the queer community in 2018 and later spoke about being a gay man. His career is marked by his ability to play both ethereal, otherworldly characters and grounded, dramatic roles.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner first gained fame for his high-energy comedic series ‘Billy on the Street’. He has appeared in several television shows, including ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘American Horror Story’. Eichner made history by co-writing and starring in ‘Bros’, the first gay romantic comedy from a major studio with an entirely LGBTQ+ principal cast. He also provided the voice of Timon in the 2019 live-action remake of ‘The Lion King’. Throughout his career, he has been a prominent and vocal advocate for gay visibility in Hollywood.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster is a stand-up comedian and actor who wrote and starred in the film ‘Fire Island’. The film was praised for its modern queer reimagining of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Booster also stars in the comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. He has been open about his identity as a gay man and often incorporates his personal experiences into his comedy. His work has made him a leading voice among millennial queer entertainers in recent years.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is a writer and performer who became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He is the first Chinese-American cast member and one of the few openly gay performers in the show’s history. Yang has received multiple Emmy nominations for his comedic work on the legendary sketch show. He also co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Las Culturistas’, which has a large following among queer millennials. Beyond ‘SNL’, he has appeared in films such as ‘Fire Island’ and ‘Bros’.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is best known for his role as Marc St. James on the comedy-drama series ‘Ugly Betty’. His performance provided a prominent example of a queer character on mainstream network television during the 2000s. Urie is a prolific stage actor, having appeared in numerous Off-Broadway and Broadway productions, including ‘Torch Song’. He has also directed several projects and hosted the reality competition ‘Clipped’. He has been out as gay for much of his career and continues to work across various entertainment mediums.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor known for his long-running role as David Vickers on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He also gained recognition for playing Bob Hunter, one half of a gay couple, on ‘Desperate Housewives’. Watkins appeared in the Broadway revival and the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He came out publicly as gay in 2013 during an interview where he also announced he was a single father. He has continued to work steadily in television, including roles in ‘The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti’ and ‘Uncoupled’.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award-nominated actor known for his work in musical theater and film. He appeared in the cult classic film ‘Camp’ and the Broadway production of ‘In the Heights’. De Jesús received significant acclaim for his role as Michael in ‘The Boys in the Band’ on both stage and screen. He also starred alongside Andrew Garfield in the musical film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. He is an openly gay actor who has spoken about the intersection of his queer and Latinx identities.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz is a versatile actor known for his roles in the series ‘Weeds’ and as Huck in the political thriller ‘Scandal’. He has appeared in several notable films, including ‘Half Baked’ and ‘Party Girl’. Díaz has been out as gay since the beginning of his career, a decision he has described as a non-issue for him personally. He has frequently played tough, complex characters that subvert traditional stereotypes. His long career in television has made him a familiar face to millennial audiences.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes achieved legendary status for his portrayal of Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will & Grace’. His performance was instrumental in bringing gay characters into the American mainstream and earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. Hayes has also had a successful career on Broadway, recently winning a Tony Award for his role in ‘Good Night, Oscar’. He hosts a popular podcast called ‘SmartLess’ alongside Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. After years of speculation, he publicly came out as gay in 2010.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a Scottish-American actor and singer famous for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. He is also known to superhero fans for playing Malcolm Merlyn in the ‘Arrowverse’ series. Barrowman has a prolific career in musical theater, appearing in ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard’. He has been open about his sexual orientation throughout his career and has been a visible advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His energetic personality has made him a popular figure on talk shows and reality television.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a legendary performer with a career spanning several decades in film, television, and theater. He is iconic for his roles in the film ‘The Birdcage’ and the Broadway musical ‘The Producers’. Lane has won three Tony Awards and three Emmy Awards, showcasing his incredible range in both comedy and drama. He came out publicly in 1999 following the death of Matthew Shepard. Recently, he has appeared in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and ‘The Gilded Age’.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells gained fame for his Tony-nominated performance as Elder Price in the original Broadway cast of ‘The Book of Mormon’. He became a household name for his role as Elijah Krantz in the series ‘Girls’. Rannells has since starred in ‘The New Normal’, ‘Black Monday’, and the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He has been open about his identity as a gay man and has written a memoir titled ‘Too Much Is Not Enough’. He is a frequent guest on television and continues to lead major Broadway productions.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is well known for his role as Jonathan on the acclaimed sitcom ’30 Rock’. He also provided the voice for Baljeet Tjinder in the popular animated series ‘Phineas and Ferb’. Pancholy starred in the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’ and the sitcom ‘Whitney’. He came out publicly as gay in 2013 and has since been active in advocacy for the LGBTQ+ and Asian American communities. In addition to acting, he is an author of middle-grade fiction that often features queer themes.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey achieved international stardom for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. He is a celebrated stage actor who won an Olivier Award for his role in the musical ‘Company’. Bailey also played a prominent role in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’ alongside Matt Bomer. He has spoken openly about being a gay actor in Hollywood and the importance of queer visibility. Upcoming projects for Bailey include a major role in the cinematic adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane gained early recognition for his role as Scotty Wandell on the family drama ‘Brothers & Sisters’. He has since become a staple of television films, particularly in the holiday genre. In 2022, he starred as the romantic lead alongside Billy Eichner in the comedy film ‘Bros’. Macfarlane publicly came out as gay in 2008 during an interview with The Globe and Mail. He continues to balance roles in romantic comedies with dramatic television and theater work.

Please share your favorite performances from these talented actors in the comments.