Millennials’ Favorite LGBTQ+ Actors

The landscape of Hollywood has shifted dramatically over the past two decades, with a growing number of actors living authentically while fronting major franchises and critically acclaimed series. Millennials have witnessed this evolution firsthand, supporting performers who paved the way for queer visibility in mainstream media. From television icons who defined the 2000s to the rising stars of modern streaming platforms, these actors have made a lasting impact on pop culture. The following list celebrates the most influential and beloved LGBTQ+ male actors who have become favorites of the millennial generation.

Maulik Pancholy

Pancholy is widely recognized for his role as Jonathan in the hit comedy ’30 Rock’. He also voiced the character Baljeet Tjinder in the popular animated series ‘Phineas and Ferb’. His career includes a significant stint on the show ‘Weeds’ as the character Sanjay. In 2014, he publicly shared his identity and has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in children’s media.

BD Wong

Wong is an acclaimed actor known for his long-running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He gained early recognition for his Tony Award-winning performance in the play ‘M. Butterfly’. Millennials also recognize him as Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Jurassic World’ film franchises. Additionally, his work as Whiterose in ‘Mr. Robot’ earned him critical praise for its complexity.

Denis O’Hare

O’Hare is a versatile performer who has become a staple of the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. He played the unforgettable vampire Russell Edgington in the supernatural drama ‘True Blood’. His extensive career spans Broadway, television, and film, including a role in the movie ‘Dallas Buyers Club’. He has been open about his life as a gay man for several decades and frequently advocates for queer artists.

Haaz Sleiman

Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor who made history by playing Phastos’ husband in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’. He received critical acclaim for his leading role in the independent film ‘The Visitor’ early in his career. He has also appeared in television series such as ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘The Chosen’. Sleiman came out in 2017 to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in the Middle East.

Robin de Jesús

De Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominee known for his vibrant performances on stage and screen. He starred as Michael in the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and played a key role in ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. His career began with a breakout role in the cult favorite movie ‘Camp’. He is a prominent voice for Latino and queer representation in the entertainment industry.

Jake Borelli

Borelli is best known for his role as Dr. Levi Schmitt on the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His character’s coming-out arc coincided with the actor’s own public announcement in 2018. He has also starred in the romantic comedy film ‘The Thing About Harry’. His work has been celebrated for bringing a modern queer perspective to mainstream television.

Dyllón Burnside

Burnside rose to prominence playing Ricky Evangelista in the groundbreaking FX series ‘Pose’. The show explored the ballroom culture of New York City and provided significant visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. He is also a talented stage actor who has appeared on Broadway in ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’ and ‘Thoughts of a Colored Man’. Burnside continues to advocate for intersectional representation through his artistic projects.

Brian J. Smith

Smith gained a massive following for his role as Will Gorski in the ambitious Netflix series ‘Sense8’. He later appeared in the ‘Bourne’ spin-off series ‘Treadstone’ as the lead character Doug Majeski. His career includes notable stage work, such as an Olivier-nominated performance in ‘The Glass Menagerie’. He publicly came out as gay in 2019 during an interview with ‘Attitude’ magazine.

Victor Garber

Garber is a veteran of stage and screen who millennials fondly remember as Jack Bristow in the action series ‘Alias’. He played Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’ and later starred as Martin Stein in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. His career spans over five decades, including four Tony nominations and six Emmy nominations. He has been in a long-term relationship with artist Rainer Andreesen since 2000.

Sebastian Croft

Croft is a rising star who gained international recognition for his role as Ben Hope in the ‘Heartstopper’ series. He also appeared as a young Ned Stark in the fantasy epic ‘Game of Thrones’. His voice work includes the role of Peter van Daan in the animated film ‘Where Is Anne Frank’. He is known for using his platform to support various queer charities and initiatives.

Cooper Koch

Koch recently achieved significant fame for his portrayal of Erik Menendez in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’. He previously starred in the body-horror film ‘Swallowed’ and the slasher ‘They/Them’. His performances have been praised for their emotional depth and raw intensity. He has spoken openly about his experiences as a gay actor navigating the modern horror genre.

Omar Apollo

Apollo is a Grammy-nominated musician who made his film debut in the romantic drama ‘Queer’. Known for his soulful voice and genre-blending music, he has become a significant figure in contemporary pop culture. His visual work often incorporates themes of identity and queer desire. He identifies as gay and has been praised for his authentic representation of the Mexican-American experience.

Joshua Bassett

Bassett became a household name for his starring role as Ricky Bowen in ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. In addition to acting, he is a successful singer-songwriter with several popular EPs. He publicly identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community in 2021 after a series of viral interviews. His career continues to grow with a focus on both his musical endeavors and dramatic roles.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Lonsdale is best known for playing Wally West, also known as Kid Flash, in the superhero series ‘The Flash’. He starred as Bram in the landmark teen romantic comedy ‘Love, Simon’. His music career is equally active, featuring songs that celebrate queer identity and self-acceptance. He identifies as queer and is a vocal advocate for breaking down traditional gender norms.

Justice Smith

Smith has led major film productions including ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the television series ‘Generation’. He came out as queer in 2020 while showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement. His career includes a wide range of roles from big-budget blockbusters to intimate independent dramas.

Brandon Flynn

Flynn is widely recognized for his portrayal of Justin Foley in the popular Netflix drama ’13 Reasons Why’. He also appeared in the psychological thriller series ‘Ratched’ as Henry Osgood. He has been active in film projects such as ‘Looks That Kill’ and the 2022 reimagining of ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn has been open about his gay identity since early in his career and often shares his perspective on queer visibility.

Noah Schnapp

Schnapp rose to international stardom as Will Byers in the global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’. His character’s journey of self-discovery resonated with many fans, leading to the actor’s own public coming-out in 2023. He has also provided the voice for Charlie Brown in ‘The Peanuts Movie’. As a prominent figure for younger millennials, his openness has had a significant cultural impact.

Kit Connor

Connor is a British actor who gained massive popularity for his role as Nick Nelson in ‘Heartstopper’. He previously appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’ as a young Elton John. His career includes work in major productions like ‘His Dark Materials’ and ‘Ready Player One’. He came out as bisexual in 2022 and has since become a major representative for the community in film.

Joe Locke

Locke made his professional acting debut as Charlie Spring in the acclaimed Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. He followed this success with a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Agatha All Along’. His performance as a queer teenager has been lauded for its authenticity and charm. Locke is openly gay and frequently participates in discussions regarding queer representation in the media.

Harvey Guillén

Guillén is a standout performer known for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He provided the voice for Perrito in the animated hit ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. His career includes appearances in ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ and the DC film ‘Blue Beetle’. He is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and body positivity in Hollywood.

Conrad Ricamora

Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He starred in the romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’, which was praised for its focus on queer Asian-American experiences. He is also a successful stage actor, having starred in ‘The King and I’ and ‘Soft Power’. He has been open about his life as a gay man and his journey in the industry.

Jordan Gavaris

Gavaris earned critical acclaim for his role as Felix Dawkins in the science fiction series ‘Orphan Black’. His character was celebrated as a nuanced and well-developed representation of a gay man. He has also appeared in series such as ‘The Lake’ and ‘Take Two’. Gavaris came out publicly in 2017 and has spoken about the importance of authentic queer storytelling.

Charlie Carver

Carver is known for his roles in ‘Teen Wolf’, ‘Desperate Housewives’, and ‘American Horror Story: NYC’. He starred in the Broadway revival and subsequent film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He often works alongside his twin brother, Max, though he has carved out a distinct path as an LGBTQ+ advocate. He came out in a series of thoughtful Instagram posts in 2016.

Hunter Doohan

Doohan gained widespread recognition for his role as Tyler Galpin in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. He previously appeared alongside Bryan Cranston in the legal drama ‘Your Honor’. His career includes roles in ‘Truth Be Told’ and several short films. He is openly gay and married his husband, producer Fielder Jewett, in 2022.

Zane Phillips

Phillips became a breakout star for his role in the queer romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’. He followed this with a lead role in the Netflix series ‘Glamorous’ as Chad. His early career included appearances in ‘Legacies’ and ‘The Carrie Diaries’. He is known for his presence on social media and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility in major productions.

Colton Haynes

Haynes is a model and actor who gained fame for his roles in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He has appeared in films such as ‘San Andreas’ and ‘Rough Night’. His public coming-out in 2016 was a major moment in entertainment news. He has since been open about his personal struggles and his life as a gay man in Hollywood.

T. R. Knight

Knight is best known for his portrayal of George O’Malley on the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He has had a successful career on Broadway, appearing in productions such as ‘It’s Only a Play’. His television work includes roles in ‘The Flight Attendant’ and ‘Genius: Picasso’. He has been an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community since coming out in 2006.

Lee Pace

Pace is an Emmy-nominated actor known for his lead role in the whimsical series ‘Pushing Daisies’. He played Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. His work in the series ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and ‘Foundation’ has also garnered critical acclaim. He publicly discussed his queer identity in 2018 and has since been open about his personal life.

Russell Tovey

Tovey is a British actor who starred in the influential HBO series ‘Looking’. He is also known for his roles in ‘The History Boys’, ‘Being Human’, and ‘Years and Years’. His work spans across film, television, and the West End stage. He has been out since the start of his career and hosts a popular art podcast called ‘Talk Art’.

Andrew Rannells

Rannells is a Tony-nominated actor who rose to fame starring in the Broadway musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He played Elijah in the HBO series ‘Girls’ and has appeared in ‘The New Normal’ and ‘Black Monday’. He starred in the film adaptations of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘The Prom’. He is also an author, having released the memoir ‘Too Much Is Not Enough’.

Ben Platt

Platt is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner who originated the title role in the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He starred in the Netflix series ‘The Politician’ and appeared in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ film franchise. His music career includes several successful studio albums and sold-out concert tours. He is openly gay and has frequently incorporated his identity into his artistic work.

John Barrowman

Barrowman is a multifaceted entertainer known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. He played Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowverse series on The CW. His career includes extensive work in musical theater and as a television presenter. He has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community for decades and entered a civil partnership in 2006.

George Takei

Takei is an icon of science fiction for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He has used his fame to advocate for human rights and LGBTQ+ equality throughout his long career. Millennials know him for his social media presence and his work in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’. He came out publicly in 2005 and remains a beloved figure in the community.

Sean Hayes

Hayes is best known for his role as Jack McFarland on the groundbreaking sitcom ‘Will & Grace’. He has won an Emmy and been nominated for six Golden Globes for his work on the show. His career includes voice work in films like ‘Monsters University’ and a successful stage career. He publicly came out in 2010 and continues to be a major force in comedy.

Nathan Lane

Lane is a legendary actor of stage and screen, famous for his role as Albert in ‘The Birdcage’. He voiced Timon in ‘The Lion King’ and starred in the hit musical ‘The Producers’. Millennials also recognize him for his recurring role in ‘Modern Family’ and his work in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. He has been open about his sexuality since the late 1990s.

Alan Cumming

Cumming is a Scottish-American actor known for his roles in ‘The Good Wife’, ‘Spy Kids’, and ‘X2: X-Men United’. He won a Tony Award for his performance as the Emcee in the revival of ‘Cabaret’. His work spans film, television, books, and activism for LGBTQ+ rights. He identifies as bisexual and has been a prominent voice for the community for many years.

Stephen Fry

Fry is a renowned British actor, comedian, and writer who appeared in ‘V for Vendetta’ and ‘The Hobbit’ series. He is celebrated for his wit and his long-running stint as the host of the quiz show ‘QI’. His documentary work often explores themes of identity and mental health. He has been an influential gay icon for decades and is widely respected in the entertainment industry.

Cheyenne Jackson

Jackson is a veteran of both Broadway and television, known for his roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ’30 Rock’. He has starred in musicals like ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Finian’s Rainbow’. His film work includes ‘United 93’ and ‘Behind the Candelabra’. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has been open about his life as a gay man throughout his career.

Wentworth Miller

Miller achieved massive fame as Michael Scofield in the drama series ‘Prison Break’. He also played Leonard Snart, or Captain Cold, in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. He came out as gay in 2013 and has since been open about his experiences with mental health. His advocacy and career choices have made him a significant figure for many fans.

Luke Evans

Evans has starred in major blockbusters such as ‘Fast & Furious 6’, ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy, and ‘Dracula Untold’. He played Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. His television work includes the period drama ‘The Alienist’ and the miniseries ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. He has been open about his sexuality throughout his career, often being cited as a leading man who happens to be gay.

Zachary Quinto

Quinto rose to prominence as the villainous Sylar in ‘Heroes’ before taking on the role of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films. He has been a recurring cast member in ‘American Horror Story’ and starred in ‘The Boys in the Band’. He came out in 2011 and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. His career continues to span high-profile film roles and experimental stage work.

Ben Whishaw

Whishaw is a critically acclaimed British actor known for playing Q in the James Bond films ‘Skyfall’, ‘Spectre’, and ‘No Time to Die’. He is the voice of the titular character in the ‘Paddington’ movie series. His performance in ‘A Very English Scandal’ earned him an Emmy and a Golden Globe. He entered a civil partnership in 2012 and has been open about his preference for privacy regarding his personal life.

Billy Porter

Porter is a trailblazing performer who won an Emmy for his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’. He is also a Tony and Grammy winner for his lead role in the musical ‘Kinky Boots’. His red-carpet fashion and advocacy have made him a modern icon of the LGBTQ+ community. He has been a significant force in promoting the visibility of black queer men in mainstream media.

Elliot Page

Page gained international fame with the breakout title role in the film ‘Juno’, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He has starred in major blockbusters including ‘Inception’ and the ‘X-Men’ series as Kitty Pryde. Currently, he plays Viktor Hargreeves in the popular Netflix series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Since coming out as a trans man in 2020, he has become a leading advocate for transgender rights and visibility.

Jim Parsons

Parsons is best known for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper on the long-running sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He has won four Emmy Awards for the role and starred in the film ‘The Normal Heart’. He also appeared in the Broadway and film versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He came out in 2012 and has since produced various queer-themed projects.

Andrew Scott

Scott gained international recognition for his role as Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He later became a fan favorite as the “Hot Priest” in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. His recent work in ‘All of Us Strangers’ and ‘Ripley’ has received widespread critical acclaim. He has been open about his identity as a gay man since early in his career and emphasizes the importance of authenticity.

Dan Levy

Levy co-created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’, which became a global phenomenon. His character David Rose was celebrated for its positive and normalized portrayal of pansexuality. He has also appeared in the film ‘Happiest Season’ and hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’. His work has had a significant impact on how LGBTQ+ stories are told in the mainstream comedy landscape.

Matt Bomer

Bomer is a Golden Globe winner known for his lead role as Neal Caffrey in the series ‘White Collar’. He has starred in films like ‘Magic Mike’ and received critical praise for ‘The Normal Heart’. His recent work in ‘Fellow Travelers’ explores the history of queer life in Washington, D.C. He came out in 2012 and has since become one of the most prominent leading men in Hollywood.

Ian McKellen

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 has received two Oscar nominations and numerous theater awards over his storied career. He came out as gay in 1988 and has been a leading activist for LGBTQ+ rights ever since. His influence on the millennial generation as a mentor and icon remains immeasurable.

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris is a prolific actor who first gained fame as the title character in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’. He is widely recognized for his role as Barney Stinson on ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and for hosting numerous awards shows. His career includes starring roles on Broadway in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ and in the series ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. He came out in 2006 and has been a leading figure for LGBTQ+ representation ever since.

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