The Absolute Best Gay Actors of the Last Five Years
The landscape of film and television has seen a significant shift toward diverse representation, with gay male actors delivering some of the most compelling performances in recent history. Over the past five years, these performers have headlined major franchises, led critically acclaimed dramas, and earned top industry honors for their work. From Academy Award nominees to rising stars on streaming platforms, their contributions have redefined leading man archetypes across the industry. This list highlights fifty actors who have shaped the entertainment industry between 2020 and 2025 through their professional achievements.
Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott received critical acclaim for his performance in the 2023 film ‘All of Us Strangers’, earning a Golden Globe nomination. He portrayed the lead character in the 2024 Netflix psychological thriller series ‘Ripley’, based on the novels by Patricia Highsmith. Scott also appeared in the filmed stage production of ‘Vanya’ in 2023, where he played every character in the play. His work during this period has been noted for its emotional depth and technical precision in both film and television.
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the 2023 film ‘Rustin’. He also starred as Mister in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ and received praise for his performance in the 2023 film ‘Sing Sing’. In television, he continued his Emmy-winning role as Ali in ‘Euphoria’. Domingo’s recent career has established him as a major force in prestige cinema and television drama.
Jonathan Bailey
Jonathan Bailey gained international prominence for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’ starting in 2020. He followed this success with a leading role in the 2023 limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’, which earned him a Critics Choice Award. Bailey is also set to appear as Fiyero in the two-part film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’ beginning in 2024. His recent work highlights a transition from acclaimed stage actor to a global screen star.
Ben Whishaw
Ben Whishaw starred in the 2023 independent film ‘Passages’, a role that earned him a Gotham Award nomination for Lead Performance. He delivered a highly praised performance in the 2022 BBC limited series ‘This Is Going to Hurt’, portraying a struggling doctor. Whishaw also continued his voice work as the titular bear in ‘Paddington 2’ and its upcoming sequels. His career over the last five years has been defined by a mix of high-profile blockbusters and intimate character studies.
Matt Bomer
Matt Bomer starred in the 2023 limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’, for which he received both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. He also appeared in the 2023 biographical drama ‘Maestro’ as David Oppenheim, the friend and lover of Leonard Bernstein. Bomer led the cast of the Netflix miniseries ‘Echoes’ in 2022 and provided voice work for the animated film ‘Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths’. His recent roles have focused on complex historical figures and dramatic television narratives.
Jonathan Groff
Jonathan Groff starred in the 2021 film ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ as Smith, a reimagining of the franchise’s classic antagonist. He received a Tony Award in 2024 for his lead performance in the Broadway revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’. Groff also voiced the character Kristoff once again in various ‘Frozen’ related media and appeared in the 2023 film ‘Knock at the Cabin’. His professional output continues to balance major film roles with significant achievements in musical theater.
Murray Bartlett
Murray Bartlett achieved a career breakthrough with his performance as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’ in 2021, winning an Emmy Award. He followed this with a guest role in the 2023 series ‘The Last of Us’, which received widespread critical praise for its emotional resonance. Bartlett also starred in the 2022 limited series ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ and the 2022 show ‘Physical’. His recent work has made him one of the most sought-after character actors in television.
Jeremy Pope
Jeremy Pope starred in the 2022 film ‘The Inspection’, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. He also played a lead role in the 2020 Netflix limited series ‘Hollywood’, depicting a gay screenwriter in the post-WWII era. Pope portrayed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in the stage play ‘The Collaboration’ and its subsequent film adaptation. He is recognized for his rapid rise in both the film industry and on Broadway.
Dan Levy
Dan Levy concluded his multi-Emmy-winning run on ‘Schitt’s Creek’ in 2020, where he served as actor, writer, and director. He made his feature film directorial debut with the 2023 Netflix drama ‘Good Grief’, in which he also starred. Levy appeared in the 2023 film ‘Haunted Mansion’ and had a recurring role in the fourth season of ‘Sex Education’. His professional focus has shifted toward producing and directing while maintaining a presence in front of the camera.
Billy Porter
Billy Porter concluded his award-winning role as Pray Tell in the series ‘Pose’ in 2021, a performance that defined his television career. He starred as the Fab G in the 2021 musical film ‘Cinderella’ and appeared in the 2023 comedy ’80 for Brady’. Porter made his directorial debut with the 2022 coming-of-age film ‘Anything’s Possible’. He remains a prominent figure in the industry, often recognized for his contributions to musical theater and social advocacy.
Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons starred in the 2022 biographical drama ‘Spoiler Alert’, based on the memoir by Michael Ausiello. He reprised his role in the 2020 film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’, which featured an entirely openly gay cast. Parsons also narrated the ‘Big Bang Theory’ spin-off ‘Young Sheldon’ throughout its run, which ended in 2024. His recent career has seen him move into producing while taking on more dramatic, personal film projects.
Robin de Jesús
Robin de Jesús received critical acclaim for his role as Michael in the 2021 musical film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’, directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He also starred in the 2020 film ‘The Boys in the Band’, reprising his role from the Broadway revival. In 2022, he appeared in the Hulu limited series ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ as Ray Colon. His work in the past five years has solidified his reputation as a standout performer in movie musicals and ensemble dramas.
Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane earned an Emmy Award in 2022 for his guest role as Teddy Dimas in the comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. He appeared in the 2023 Ari Aster film ‘Beau Is Afraid’ and joined the cast of ‘The Gilded Age’ in 2023. Lane also voiced a character in the 2024 animated film ‘Spellbound’ and continued his prolific work on Broadway. He remains one of the most decorated and consistently active actors in both theater and television.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson
Jesse Tyler Ferguson completed his long-running role on ‘Modern Family’ in 2020 and transitioned back to the stage and film. He won a Tony Award in 2022 for his performance in the Broadway revival of the play ‘Take Me Out’. In 2023, he appeared in the dark comedy film ‘Cocaine Bear’, directed by Elizabeth Banks. Ferguson also hosts the reality competition series ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ and remains a fixture in the New York theater scene.
Zachary Quinto
Zachary Quinto starred in the 2020 film ‘The Boys in the Band’ and took on the lead role in the 2024 medical drama series ‘Brilliant Minds’. He provided the voice for the character Robot in the animated series ‘Invincible’, which began airing in 2021. Quinto also appeared in the 2023 film ‘He Went That Way’ and has been active in various off-Broadway theater productions. His recent work spans diverse genres, from superhero animation to broadcast television dramas.
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris starred in the 2021 Channel 4 drama ‘It’s a Sin’, which received universal praise for its depiction of the AIDS crisis in London. He played the lead role in the 2022 Netflix comedy series ‘Uncoupled’ and appeared as the Toymaker in the 2023 ‘Doctor Who’ 60th-anniversary specials. Harris also had a role in the 2021 film ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. His career continues to span high-concept science fiction, television comedy, and prestige drama.
Lee Pace
Lee Pace has played the central role of Brother Day in the Apple TV+ science fiction series ‘Foundation’ since 2021. He appeared in the 2022 horror-comedy film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ as Greg, a performance that was well-received by critics. Pace also provided voice work for the 2023 film ‘The Boy and the Heron’ in its English dub. His work in the last five years has leaned heavily into the science fiction and genre film spaces.
Luke Evans
Luke Evans starred in the 2021 Hulu miniseries ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and the 2022 Apple TV+ series ‘Echo 3’. He played the Coachman in the 2022 Disney+ live-action ‘Pinocchio’ and appeared in the 2023 drama ‘Good Grief’. Evans also starred in the 2024 film ‘Our Son’, a domestic drama about a divorcing couple. He continues to balance roles in major studio blockbusters with independent dramatic features.
Russell Tovey
Russell Tovey starred in the eleventh season of ‘American Horror Story: NYC’ in 2022, playing a detective. He appeared in the 2023 film ‘Love Again’ and played a role in the 2024 FX series ‘Feud: Capote vs. The Swans’. Tovey is also a co-host of the popular ‘Talk Art’ podcast, which has expanded his influence beyond traditional acting. His recent roles often explore queer themes and historical narratives.
Conrad Ricamora
Conrad Ricamora starred in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’, a modern queer retelling of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. He concluded his role as Oliver Hampton on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ in 2020 and moved into lead roles on stage. In 2024, he starred in the Broadway musical ‘Oh, Mary!’ and has been a regular performer in the New York theater circuit. Ricamora is recognized for his ability to navigate both comedic film roles and intense dramatic stage work.
Harvey Guillén
Harvey Guillén has gained significant recognition for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the FX series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He voiced the character Perrito in the 2022 animated hit ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ and appeared in the 2023 DC film ‘Blue Beetle’. Guillén also had a recurring role in the series ‘Reacher’ and appeared in the 2021 film ‘Werewolves Within’. He has become a prominent figure in both live-action comedy and major voice-acting roles.
Bowen Yang
Bowen Yang became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he has been a repertory cast member since 2019 and earned multiple Emmy nominations. He starred in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’ and will appear in the 2024 film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ as Pfannee. Yang also appeared in the 2023 comedy ‘Dicks: The Musical’ and the film ‘The Lost City’. His work has made him one of the most visible gay comedians and actors in modern American media.
Joel Kim Booster
Joel Kim Booster wrote and starred in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’, which received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. He is a lead cast member in the Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Loot’, which premiered in 2022 and stars Maya Rudolph. Booster has also appeared in the 2023 series ‘Glamorous’ and released a successful stand-up special ‘Psychosexual’ on Netflix. His recent career highlights his transition from stand-up comedy to a leading man in film and television.
Julio Torres
Julio Torres wrote, directed, and starred in the 2023 film ‘Problemista’, which was produced by A24. He created and starred in the surrealist comedy series ‘Los Espookys’, which aired its second season in 2022. In 2024, he released the HBO series ‘Fantasmas’, which he also created and directed. Torres is known for his unique, avant-garde comedic style that has gained a dedicated cult following in recent years.
Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess starred in the musical comedy series ‘Schmigadoon!’ on Apple TV+ beginning in 2021. He appeared in the 2021 Aretha Franklin biopic ‘Respect’ as Reverend James Cleveland and voiced characters in the animated series ‘Central Park’. Burgess also starred in the 2023 film ‘The Magician’s Elephant’ and has appeared in several high-profile television specials. His recent work continues to showcase his distinct comedic timing and vocal abilities.
Noah Galvin
Noah Galvin joined the cast of the ABC medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’ in 2020 as Dr. Asher Wolke. He co-wrote and starred in the 2023 mockumentary film ‘Theater Camp’, which won a Special Jury Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Galvin also appeared in the 2020 film ‘Booksmart’ and has been active in various musical theater workshops and productions. His career has flourished through a combination of network television stability and creative independent projects.
Ben Platt
Ben Platt reprised his Tony-winning role in the 2021 film adaptation of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He co-wrote and starred in the 2023 film ‘Theater Camp’ and appeared in the final season of ‘The Politician’ in 2020. Platt also starred in the 2023 Broadway revival of the musical ‘Parade’, earning another Tony nomination. He has successfully navigated a career that includes major film projects, high-profile theater, and a successful music career.
Brian J. Smith
Brian J. Smith appeared in the 2021 film ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ as Berg, a crew member of the Mnemosyne. He starred in the 2023 series ‘Essex County’ and appeared in the 2023 film ‘Braid’. Smith, who rose to fame in ‘Sense8’, has maintained a steady presence in both science fiction and dramatic television. His recent work often highlights his range in physical action roles and grounded dramatic performances.
Haaz Sleiman
Haaz Sleiman made history in 2021 by playing the husband of the first gay superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’. He also starred in the 2020 film ‘Breaking Fast’, a romantic comedy about a gay Muslim man in Los Angeles. Sleiman appeared in the 2023 series ‘Little America’ and continues to take roles that explore Middle Eastern and queer identities. His professional choices have contributed to increased representation for intersectional characters in mainstream media.
Brandon Flynn
Brandon Flynn concluded his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’ in 2020. He starred in the 2022 reimagining of the horror classic ‘Hellraiser’ as Matt McKendry. Flynn also appeared in the 2020 film ‘Looks That Kill’ and the 2023 independent feature ‘The Parenting’. His career post-’13 Reasons Why’ has focused on expanding his range into the horror and thriller genres.
Lukas Gage
Lukas Gage became widely recognized for his role in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’ in 2021. He followed this with significant roles in the series ‘You’, ‘Euphoria’, and ‘Fargo’. Gage appeared in the 2024 remake of the film ‘Road House’ and the 2023 film ‘Down Low’. He has become one of the most frequently cast young actors in high-profile streaming and cable television series.
Omar Ayuso
Omar Ayuso is best known for his role as Omar Shanaa in the Spanish Netflix series ‘Elite’, which he played from 2018 through 2024. He starred in the 2023 short film ‘Strange Way of Life’, directed by Pedro Almodóvar, alongside Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal. Ayuso has also worked on various independent Spanish film projects and theater productions. His performance in ‘Elite’ made him an international icon for queer youth during the early 2020s.
Manu RÃos
Manu RÃos gained international fame after joining the cast of ‘Elite’ in 2021, playing the character Patrick Blanco. He starred in the 2023 Pedro Almodóvar short film ‘Strange Way of Life’ and the 2023 Netflix series ‘Muted’. RÃos also led the cast of the 2024 medical drama series ‘Breathless’. His rapid rise in the industry has been marked by high-profile fashion collaborations and lead roles in European streaming content.
Victor Garber
Victor Garber starred in the 2020 romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’ as the father of a woman struggling to come out to her family. Since 2021, he has starred in the legal drama series ‘Family Law’ as Harry Svensson. Garber also provided voice work for the 2023 film ‘Wish’ and appeared in the 2021 miniseries ‘The Orville’. He continues to be a prolific and respected figure in both dramatic and comedic television roles.
George Takei
George Takei voiced the character Kaito in the animated series ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’ in 2022. He appeared in the 2022 film ‘Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank’ and the 2021 series ‘Hit-Monkey’. Takei also starred in the UK stage production of his musical ‘Allegiance’ in 2023. His recent career combines his legacy as a science fiction icon with continued work in animation and stage performance.
Andrew Rannells
Andrew Rannells starred in the 2020 film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and provides the voice for William Clockwell in ‘Invincible’. He is a lead cast member in the musical comedy series ‘Girls5eva’, which moved to Netflix for its third season in 2024. Rannells also returned to Broadway in the 2023 production of ‘Gutenberg! The Musical!’ alongside Josh Gad. His work over the last five years has been characterized by high-energy performances in television and theater.
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry appeared as Gilbert in the 2022 Netflix series ‘The Sandman’ and played King James III in the 2023 film ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’. He starred in the 2024 film ‘Treasure’ and appeared in the 2023 television series ‘Everything Now’. Fry also continues to be a prolific voice actor and documentary presenter in the United Kingdom. His recent acting roles often leverage his public persona as an intellectual and elder statesman of British culture.
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen starred in the 2023 period drama ‘The Critic’ as a powerful theater reviewer in 1930s London. He performed a highly publicized stage version of ‘Hamlet’ in 2021 and 2022, playing the titular role at the age of 82. McKellen also appeared in the 2021 film ‘Infinitum: Subject Unknown’ and has remained active in London’s West End. Despite his long career, he continues to take on challenging and physically demanding roles in film and theater.
Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett appeared in the 2022 series ‘The Serpent Queen’ as Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. He also had a role in the 2023 series ‘Funny Woman’ and the film ‘Lead Heads’. Everett published his third volume of memoirs in late 2020 and has focused on writing and directing his own projects. He remains a prominent figure in British and international cinema, often taking on historical and character-driven roles.
Michael Urie
Michael Urie starred in the 2021 Netflix holiday film ‘Single All the Way’, the platform’s first gay-themed Christmas romantic comedy. He joined the cast of the 2023 Apple TV+ series ‘Shrinking’ and appeared in the 2024 Broadway revival of ‘Spamalot’. Urie also had a recurring role in the series ‘Younger’ and ‘The Good Fight’. His career remains focused on comedic performance across film, television, and the New York stage.
Tuc Watkins
Tuc Watkins starred in the 2020 film ‘The Boys in the Band’, playing the character Hank. He appeared in the 2022 Netflix comedy series ‘Uncoupled’ as the partner who leaves Neil Patrick Harris’s character. Watkins also had a recurring role in the series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ and the 2023 film ‘The Comic Shop’. He is known for his consistent work in both comedic and dramatic television projects over the last two decades.
Wilson Cruz
Wilson Cruz continued his role as Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ through its final season in 2024. He served as an executive producer and appeared in the 2020 documentary series ‘Visible: Out on Television’. Cruz also appeared in the 2023 film ‘Mother of the Bride’ and the 2021 series ‘The Casagrandes’. He remains a significant advocate for LGBTQ+ representation while maintaining a steady acting career in major franchises.
BD Wong
BD Wong appeared in the 2022 blockbuster ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’, concluding his role in the long-running film franchise. He starred as Wally in the series ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’ from 2020 through 2023. Wong also provided voice work for the 2023 animated series ‘Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai’ and the film ‘The Monkey King’. His recent work showcases his versatility across blockbuster cinema, independent comedy, and animation.
George Sear
George Sear starred as Benji in the Hulu series ‘Love, Victor’ from 2020 to 2022. He appeared in the 2023 film ‘Firecracker’ and the 2024 series ‘The Marlow Murder Club’. Sear has gained a significant following for his portrayal of a gay teenager in a high-profile streaming series. His career is currently focused on transitioning into more adult roles in film and television drama.
Joe Locke
Joe Locke made his professional debut as Charlie Spring in the 2022 Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’, which became a global phenomenon. He will star in the 2024 Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Agatha All Along’ in a lead role. Locke also made his Broadway debut in 2024 in the revival of ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’. He has quickly become one of the most prominent young gay actors in the industry.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan starred in the 2022 coming-of-age film ‘Three Months’, portraying a teenager waiting for HIV test results. He appeared in the 2023 HBO series ‘The Idol’ as Xander and has balanced his acting work with a highly successful music career. Sivan also appeared in the 2018 film ‘Boy Erased’, which set the stage for his recent dramatic roles. He is recognized for his influence as both a recording artist and a talented screen performer.
Charlie Carver
Charlie Carver starred in the 2020 film ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the 2020 Netflix series ‘Ratched’. He took on a lead role in the 2022 season of ‘American Horror Story: NYC’, where he also served as a writer. Carver appeared in the 2022 film ‘The Batman’ as one of the twin bouncers. His recent career has seen him move increasingly into writing and producing while maintaining his status as a recognizable television actor.
Jim Rash
Jim Rash appeared in the 2022 film ‘Bros’ and provided voice work for the 2023 animated series ‘Velma’. He has continued his role as the voice of various characters in ‘Harley Quinn’ and ‘Star Wars Resistance’. Rash also appeared in the 2022 series ‘The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window’. He remains a prolific character actor and an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the industry.
Cheyenne Jackson
Cheyenne Jackson starred in the Fox comedy series ‘Call Me Kat’ from 2021 to 2023. He appeared in the 2020 Netflix series ‘Julie and the Phantoms’ and the 2021 film ‘Werewolves Within’. Jackson also competed on ‘The Masked Singer’ in 2022 and has continued his work in musical theater and cabaret. His recent professional output highlights his diverse talents in comedy, music, and dramatic television.
Matt Rogers
Matt Rogers starred in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’ as Luke and appeared in the Showtime series ‘I Love That for You’. He released a successful comedy special ‘Have You Heard of Christmas?’ on Showtime in 2022. Rogers also voices characters in the animated series ‘Q-Force’ and co-hosts the influential ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast. He has established himself as a prominent voice in modern queer comedy and a rising star in television ensembles.
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