Most Famous Queer Hollywood Actors

Queer men have shaped Hollywood on-screen and off, bringing standout performances, box-office power, and visible advocacy that helped change industry norms. Many came out publicly during major career peaks, broke casting barriers in blockbuster franchises and prestige TV, and used their platforms to support LGBTQ+ rights, HIV/AIDS charities, and trans visibility. Their resumes span superhero sagas, beloved sitcoms, Broadway-to-screen crossovers, and Oscar-caliber dramas. Here are some of the most widely recognized male actors who are openly queer and active in Hollywood.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is an openly gay English actor known globally for Magneto in ‘X-Men’ and Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. He came out publicly in the late 1980s and co-founded the LGBTQ+ rights group Stonewall in the UK. His screen work spans franchise films, Shakespeare adaptations, and prestige television, alongside an acclaimed stage career. McKellen frequently appears at charity events and campaigns focused on equality and arts education.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is an openly gay actor who rose to fame with ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ and later headlined ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He has hosted major televised award shows and starred on Broadway in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’, earning top theater honors. Harris has authored books, performed in variety specials, and appeared in films and streaming series across genres. He is also known for philanthropic work supporting LGBTQ+ youth and healthcare initiatives.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page is a transgender male actor and producer recognized for lead roles in ‘Juno’, ensemble work in ‘Inception’, and the series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. He publicly came out as trans, has discussed industry experiences, and advocates for trans rights and inclusive storytelling. Beyond acting, Page has produced documentaries, including projects spotlighting environmental and social justice issues. His screen career includes independent films and major studio releases.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is an openly gay actor known for Spock in ‘Star Trek’ and Sylar in ‘Heroes’. He has appeared in theater productions and ensemble films such as ‘The Boys in the Band’, both on stage and in its screen adaptation. Quinto supports LGBTQ+ organizations and has produced independent projects through his company. His work spans sci-fi franchises, thrillers, and character-driven dramas in film and television.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is an openly gay actor best known for Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for that role and later starred in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ on television and in Broadway productions. Parsons co-founded a production company that develops film and TV content across genres. He is active in charitable efforts, including fundraising for healthcare and LGBTQ+ causes.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is an openly gay actor recognized for ‘White Collar’, ‘The Normal Heart’, and appearances in ‘American Horror Story’. He won major awards for his television work and has performed in both independent films and studio features. Bomer has spoken publicly about family and visibility, helping normalize LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment. He also lends support to arts education and health-related charities.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is an openly gay actor known to TV audiences from ‘Glee’ and ‘Mindhunter’ and to filmgoers as a voice star in ‘Frozen’. He has an extensive Broadway resume and has received top theater honors for leading roles. Groff frequently participates in concerts and benefits that support arts programs and LGBTQ+ organizations. His screen work includes animated features, crime dramas, and musical projects.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is an openly gay Irish actor whose breakout television roles include Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and the Hot Priest in ‘Fleabag’. His film work ranges from romantic dramas to thrillers such as ‘All of Us Strangers’. Scott has performed widely on stage, including leading roles in classic and contemporary plays. He supports creative-industry access programs and participates in campaigns for LGBTQ+ equality.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is an openly gay Welsh actor featured in major franchises and musicals, including ‘The Hobbit’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and ‘Dracula Untold’. He began in West End theater before moving to international film roles. Evans also records and tours as a singer alongside his screen work. He uses his platform to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and charitable initiatives.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is an openly gay actor and singer celebrated for his lead role in ‘Pose’. He earned major television awards for that performance and previously won top theater honors for ‘Kinky Boots’. Porter releases music, directs projects, and appears in films and streaming features, including a modern ‘Cinderella’. He speaks publicly about HIV awareness and champions LGBTQ+ youth and ballroom culture.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an openly gay actor acclaimed for ‘Rustin’, appearances in ‘Euphoria’, and long-running work on ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He has earned nominations and wins across major award bodies for film and stage performances. Domingo writes and directs in addition to acting, with credits that highlight underrepresented histories. He mentors emerging artists and supports programs focused on diversity in the screen arts.

George Takei

George Takei is an openly gay actor best known as Sulu from ‘Star Trek’. He became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken about Japanese American incarceration, which he experienced as a child. Takei appears in documentaries, voice roles, and stage projects while maintaining a significant public presence. He collaborates with museums and nonprofits to promote civil rights education and representation.

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