The Best LGBTQ+ Actors In Television History

The television industry has seen remarkable performances from male actors within the LGBTQ+ community who have brought authenticity and depth to their roles. These individuals have earned critical acclaim and many awards while paving the way for greater inclusion in entertainment. From long running sitcoms to intense dramatic limited series, their work spans a wide variety of genres. This list highlights fifty notable men who have made significant contributions to the history of television through their acting careers.

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris began his career as a child actor in the medical drama ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’ before transitioning to adult roles. He is widely celebrated for playing Barney Stinson in the long running sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’. His work on the show earned him several Emmy nominations and established him as a major comedic talent. Harris later starred as Count Olaf in the Netflix adaptation of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. He has also hosted the Tony Awards and the Emmy Awards multiple times.

Jim Parsons

Parsons rose to international fame playing the brilliant but socially challenged Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He won four Primetime Emmy Awards for his lead role in the comedy series. The actor provided his voice as the narrator for the spin-off series ‘Young Sheldon’. He also took on dramatic roles in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Hollywood’. Parsons publicly came out as gay in 2012 and remains an influential figure in the industry.

Matt Bomer

Bomer is best known for his starring role as Neal Caffrey in the police procedural series ‘White Collar’. He received a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the television film ‘The Normal Heart’. His career includes appearances in ‘American Horror Story’ and a leading role in ‘Fellow Travelers’. Bomer has also been recognized for his work in the series ‘The Sinner’ and ‘Doom Patrol’. He has been open about his personal life since 2012.

Wentworth Miller

Miller gained major recognition for playing Michael Scofield in the hit series ‘Prison Break’. He later joined the DC television universe as Leonard Snart in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. The actor also made a notable guest appearance in the procedural drama ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. Miller publicly shared his sexual orientation in 2013 in a letter regarding a film festival. He has since been a vocal advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights.

Billy Porter

Porter is an acclaimed actor who made history with his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’. He became the first openly gay Black man to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. His career spans Broadway and television with appearances in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘The Get Down’. Porter is also known for his distinct fashion and activism within the community. He continues to be a prominent figure in musical and dramatic television projects.

Andrew Scott

Scott is a celebrated Irish actor who gained worldwide fame for playing Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He further captured the attention of audiences as the Priest in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. His television credits also include a starring role in the Netflix series ‘Ripley’ and an episode of ‘Black Mirror’. Scott has received multiple awards and nominations for his versatile acting range. He has spoken openly about being gay throughout his professional career.

Jonathan Bailey

Bailey rose to prominence for his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the popular period drama ‘Bridgerton’. He also starred in the historical limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’ where he played Tim Laughlin. His other television credits include roles in the comedy ‘Crashing’ and the series ‘Broadchurch’. Bailey has received critical acclaim for his performances across both theater and television screens. He has been open about his identity as a gay man for many years.

Dan Levy

Levy is the co creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He played the character David Rose and became the first person to win four major Emmy Awards in a single year for acting, directing, writing, and producing. His work on the show has been praised for its positive and normalized portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. Levy has also hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ and appeared in the series ‘The Idol’. He is a prominent advocate for the community and uses his platform to support various causes.

Zachary Quinto

Quinto is well known for his role as the villainous Sylar in the science fiction series ‘Heroes’. He also appeared as Dr. Oliver Thredson in ‘American Horror Story Asylum’ for which he received an Emmy nomination. The actor has maintained a strong presence in television with roles in ‘The Slap’ and ‘NOS4A2’. He publicly came out as gay in 2011 during a discussion about equality. Quinto has also had a successful career in film playing Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Ferguson is most famous for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the long running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. His performance as one half of a prominent gay couple on television earned him five consecutive Emmy nominations. He has also appeared in shows like ‘The Class’ and has been a guest judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. Ferguson is a dedicated advocate for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights. He has also enjoyed a successful career in theater and Broadway productions.

Alan Cumming

Cumming is a versatile actor known for his role as Eli Gold in the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’. He received three Emmy nominations for his performance in the series and later starred in ‘Instinct’. His television career also includes hosting ‘The Traitors’ and appearing in ‘The L Word Generation Q’. Cumming identifies as bisexual and has been an active supporter of LGBTQ+ causes for decades. He is also a celebrated stage performer and author.

Colman Domingo

Domingo is an award winning actor known for his role as Victor Strand in the series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role as Ali in the HBO drama ‘Euphoria’. His television work also includes the medical drama ‘The Knick’ and the series ‘The Twilight Zone’. Domingo has received significant praise for his powerful performances in both film and television. He is openly gay and has been recognized for his contributions to queer cinema and theater.

Murray Bartlett

Bartlett gained widespread acclaim for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his portrayal of the hotel manager in the limited series. The actor also starred in ‘Looking’ as Dom and appeared in ‘The Last of Us’ as Frank. His television career spans several decades with roles in ‘Tales of the City’ and ‘Physical’. Bartlett is an openly gay actor from Australia who has achieved significant success in American television.

Ben Whishaw

Whishaw is a highly regarded actor who played the lead role in the medical drama ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. He won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his performance in the limited series ‘A Very English Scandal’. His television credits also include ‘London Spy’ and providing the voice for the title character in ‘The Adventures of Paddington’. Whishaw is known for his understated and powerful acting style across various genres. He entered into a civil partnership in 2012 and has spoken about his identity in interviews.

Jonathan Groff

Groff rose to television fame for his recurring role as Jesse St. James in the musical series ‘Glee’. He later starred as Holden Ford in the Netflix crime drama ‘Mindhunter’. The actor also played a lead role in the series ‘Looking’ which focused on a group of gay friends in San Francisco. Groff is a prolific Broadway performer who has earned multiple Tony nominations. He has been out as a gay man since 2009 and continues to lead major television and film projects.

Russell Tovey

Tovey is a British actor known for his roles in series such as ‘Being Human’ and ‘Looking’. He also starred in the acclaimed drama ‘Years and Years’ and appeared in ‘American Horror Story NYC’. His television career includes a variety of roles in shows like ‘The Sister’ and ‘Flesh and Blood’. Tovey has been open about his sexuality since he was a teenager and is a prominent figure in the British acting community. He is also an avid art collector and hosts a popular podcast about the subject.

Tituss Burgess

Burgess is best known for his breakout role as Titus Andromedon in the comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him four consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He has also appeared in ’30 Rock’ and the musical series ‘Schmigadoon’. Burgess is a talented singer who has performed in numerous Broadway productions. He is openly gay and frequently incorporates his personality and humor into his television roles.

Luke Evans

Evans is a Welsh actor who has appeared in several high profile television projects including ‘The Alienist’. He played the role of John Moore in the period drama and later starred in ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. His television credits also include the miniseries ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ and the action series ‘Echo 3’. Evans has maintained a successful career in both film and television while being open about his sexuality. He is recognized for his powerful screen presence and vocal ability in musical roles.

George Takei

Takei is a legendary actor who became an icon for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He has had a long and varied television career with appearances in ‘Heroes’ and ‘Fresh Off the Boat’. Takei came out as gay in 2005 and has since become one of the most prominent activists for LGBTQ+ rights. He uses his platform to discuss social justice and his experiences in Japanese American internment camps. His voice is also well known from various animated series and documentaries.

BD Wong

Wong is a Tony Award winning actor known for his long running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. He also received critical acclaim for his performance as Whiterose in the series ‘Mr. Robot’. His television credits include ‘Oz’ and ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’. Wong has been a trailblazer for Asian American and LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry. He has been open about his life as a gay man and his experiences with fatherhood.

John Barrowman

Barrowman is a Scottish American actor famous for playing Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. He also appeared as Malcolm Merlyn in the Arrowverse series including ‘Arrow’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. His career includes hosting various variety shows and serving as a judge on talent competitions. Barrowman is an openly gay performer who has been a prominent advocate for the community in both the United Kingdom and the United States. He is also a successful musical theater star and author.

Victor Garber

Garber is a veteran actor known for his role as Jack Bristow in the spy thriller series ‘Alias’. He also played Martin Stein in the DC series ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. His television career includes appearances in ‘Glee’ and the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’. Garber has received multiple Emmy nominations for his work across various television genres. He has been in a long term relationship with his partner since 2000 and publicly confirmed his sexuality in 2013.

Nathan Lane

Lane is a highly decorated actor known for his guest roles in ‘Modern Family’ and ‘The Good Wife’. He won an Emmy Award for his guest appearance as Teddy Dimas in the comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. His television credits also include starring roles in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson American Crime Story’ and ‘Penny Dreadful City of Angels’. Lane is a major star of the Broadway stage and has won multiple Tony Awards. He has been open about being gay since the late nineties.

Stephen Fry

Fry is a legendary British actor and comedian known for his work in ‘A Bit of Fry and Laurie’ and ‘Jeeves and Wooster’. He has had a prolific television career including hosting the quiz show ‘QI’ for many years. Fry also appeared in the drama series ‘It’s a Sin’ and the American series ‘Bones’. He is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. Fry has written numerous books and documentaries that explore history and social issues.

Cheyenne Jackson

Jackson is a versatile performer who has appeared in several seasons of the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. He also starred in the comedy series ’30 Rock’ as Danny Baker and in the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’. His television work includes roles in ‘Glee’ and the series ‘Watchmen’. Jackson is a prominent Broadway actor who has transitioned successfully to screen roles. He is openly gay and often shares insights into his life as a parent and artist.

Ncuti Gatwa

Gatwa rose to international stardom for his role as Eric Effiong in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. He received multiple BAFTA nominations for his performance as a queer teenager navigating high school. Gatwa was later cast as the Fifteenth Doctor in the long running science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’. He has been recognized for his charismatic screen presence and impact on modern television representation. The actor has spoken about his identity as a queer man in various media interviews.

Joe Locke

Locke gained massive popularity for his debut role as Charlie Spring in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. The coming of age drama received praise for its heartwarming portrayal of a young gay romance. Locke also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a role in the series ‘Agatha All Along’. He has become a prominent young voice for the LGBTQ+ community since his breakout success. His work continues to inspire a new generation of viewers through authentic storytelling.

Kit Connor

Connor is best known for starring alongside Joe Locke in the popular Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. He plays the role of Nick Nelson who explores his bisexuality throughout the course of the show. Connor has been acting since childhood with roles in ‘Rocketman’ and the series ‘His Dark Materials’. He publicly came out as bisexual in 2022 following discussions regarding his character on television. The actor has received numerous accolades for his performance in the teen drama.

Ben Platt

Platt is a talented actor and singer who starred in the television series ‘The Politician’. He received a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Payton Hobart in the Netflix production. Platt is also famous for his Tony winning performance in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. His television work includes guest appearances in ‘Will and Grace’ and various musical specials. He has been open about his identity as a gay man and often incorporates his experiences into his music.

Bowen Yang

Yang made history as a writer and later a featured cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He is the first Chinese American cast member and one of the few openly gay performers in the history of the show. His hilarious impressions and original characters have earned him multiple Emmy nominations. Yang also appeared in the series ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’ and the film ‘Fire Island’. He continues to be a leading figure in contemporary comedy and television.

Brandon Flynn

Flynn rose to prominence for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix drama series ’13 Reasons Why’. He later appeared in the series ‘Ratched’ as Henry Osgood and in ‘True Detective’. His performance in the teen drama was praised for its emotional depth and complexity. Flynn has been open about his sexuality and has used his platform to support LGBTQ+ youth. He continues to take on challenging roles in television and film projects.

Brian J. Smith

Smith is well known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. The show was celebrated for its diverse cast and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes across the globe. He also appeared in the series ‘Treadstone’ and the revival of ‘Gossip Girl’. Smith came out as gay in 2019 during an interview where he discussed his upbringing. He has since continued to work in high profile television productions and theater.

Charlie Barnett

Barnett is a versatile actor known for his roles in ‘Chicago Fire’ and the Netflix series ‘Russian Doll’. He also starred in ‘Tales of the City’ and the series ‘Ordinary Joe’. His performance in ‘Russian Doll’ as Alan Zaveri received significant critical acclaim. Barnett is an openly gay actor who has spoken about the importance of diverse representation in media. He recently joined the Star Wars universe with a role in the series ‘The Acolyte’.

Nico Tortorella

Tortorella is an actor known for his role as Josh in the comedy drama series ‘Younger’. He also starred in ‘The Walking Dead World Beyond’ as Felix Carlucci. Tortorella identifies as queer and non binary and has been a vocal advocate for gender fluidity. He has written a memoir and a collection of poetry exploring identity and relationships. His work in television often reflects his commitment to authentic and diverse storytelling.

T. R. Knight

Knight is best known for his role as Dr. George O’Malley on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His performance on the show earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor. He later appeared in series such as ‘The Good Wife’, ‘The Catch’, and ‘The Flight Attendant’. Knight came out as gay in 2006 following a high profile incident on the set of his hit show. He remains a respected figure in the industry with a long career in television and theater.

Guillermo Díaz

Díaz is a talented actor known for his role as Huck in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. He also had a recurring role in the series ‘Weeds’ as Guillermo and appeared in ‘Law and Order Organized Crime’. His performance in ‘Scandal’ as a complex and lethal operative was a fan favorite for many seasons. Díaz is an openly gay actor who has played a wide range of characters throughout his career. He has been an active supporter of various LGBTQ+ organizations and events.

Chris Colfer

Colfer rose to international fame for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the musical series ‘Glee’. He won a Golden Globe Award and received two Emmy nominations for his groundbreaking performance. Colfer’s character was one of the most prominent gay teenagers on television during the show’s run. In addition to acting he is a New York Times bestselling author of the ‘The Land of Stories’ series. He has been an influential voice for LGBTQ+ youth since he came out early in his career.

Tuc Watkins

Watkins is a veteran television actor known for his role as David Vickers on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He also gained recognition for playing Bob Hunter in the series ‘Desperate Housewives’ as part of a gay couple. Watkins has appeared in ‘The Mummy’ and more recently in the series ‘Uncoupled’. He came out as gay in 2013 during an interview where he also discussed being a father. He continues to work steadily in both comedy and drama television projects.

David Burtka

Burtka is an actor and professional chef who has appeared in series such as ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘The West Wing’. He also had a role in ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ alongside his husband Neil Patrick Harris. Burtka is a frequent guest on various cooking and lifestyle programs. He has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community alongside his family. His work spans acting on screen and performing in various Broadway productions.

Maulik Pancholy

Pancholy is well known for his role as Jonathan on the hit comedy series ’30 Rock’. He also provided the voice for Baljeet Tjinder in the animated series ‘Phineas and Ferb’. His television credits include a recurring role in ‘Weeds’ and a starring role in the series ‘Whitney’. Pancholy came out as gay in 2013 and has been an advocate for more diverse representation in media. He is also an author who writes stories focusing on the experiences of young people.

Haaz Sleiman

Sleiman is a Lebanese American actor known for his role in the series ‘Nurse Jackie’ and the film ‘The Visitor’. He also appeared in the series ‘Killing Jesus’ and ‘Little America’. Sleiman made headlines for his role as Ben in the Marvel film ‘Eternals’ which featured a prominent gay relationship. He publicly came out as gay in 2017 to promote visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in the Middle East. His work in television continues to challenge stereotypes and offer nuanced portrayals.

Conrad Ricamora

Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton in the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. His character’s relationship with Connor Walsh was a central part of the long running series. He also appeared in the series ‘The Resident’ and the musical film ‘Fire Island’. Ricamora is a talented stage actor who has performed in major productions like ‘The King and I’. He is an openly gay actor who has been recognized for his contributions to Asian American representation.

Wilson Cruz

Cruz is a trailblazing actor who played Rickie Vasquez in the cult classic series ‘My So Called Life’. He was the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay character in a leading role on American television. Cruz later joined the cast of ‘Star Trek Discovery’ as Dr. Hugh Culber. He has also appeared in ‘Noah’s Arc’ and the series ’13 Reasons Why’. Throughout his career he has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and has worked closely with GLAAD.

Harvey Guillén

Guillén is an actor who gained widespread recognition for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance as the vampire familiar has earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations. He has also appeared in the series ‘The Magicians’ and provided voices for various animated projects. Guillén identifies as queer and has spoken about the importance of body positivity and Latinx representation. He continues to be a standout talent in contemporary television comedy.

Sean Hayes

Hayes is best known for his iconic role as Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will and Grace’. His energetic performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple other nominations. He has also appeared in ‘The Millers’ and hosted several awards ceremonies. Hayes came out as gay in 2010 and has since been open about his life and career in the entertainment industry. He is also a successful producer and has a popular podcast with other actors.

Denis O’Hare

O’Hare is a highly versatile actor who has appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He received Emmy nominations for his roles in both the anthology series and the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’. His television career also includes prominent roles in ‘True Blood’ as Russell Edgington and in the series ‘The Nevers’. O’Hare is a celebrated stage performer who has won a Tony Award for his work on Broadway. He has been open about his identity as a gay man for many years.

Robin de Jesús

De Jesús is an actor known for his television work in series such as ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Santiago of the Seas’. He gained significant attention for his role in the Netflix film ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ and the television play ‘The Boys in the Band’. His career began with a breakout role in the independent film ‘Camp’ and has since expanded to major television and stage projects. De Jesús is openly gay and has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. He has received multiple Tony nominations for his versatile acting and singing abilities.

Scott Evans

Evans is an actor known for his role as Oliver Fish on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. His storyline involving a gay relationship was a significant moment in the history of daytime television. He has also appeared in series such as ‘Grace and Frankie’ and ‘White Collar’. Evans is the younger brother of actor Chris Evans and has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his career. He continues to work in various television and film projects while advocating for visibility.

Colton Haynes

Haynes rose to fame for his roles in the teen series ‘Teen Wolf’ and the superhero drama ‘Arrow’. He played Jackson Whittemore and Roy Harper respectively in these popular shows. His television career also includes a role in ‘American Horror Story Cult’. Haynes publicly came out as gay in 2016 and has since shared his personal journey through a memoir. He is a prominent social media figure and continues to act in a variety of television genres.

Jai Rodriguez

Rodriguez first gained fame as the culture expert on the original series ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’. He has since had a successful acting career with roles in ‘Malibu Country’ and ‘The Magicians’. His television work also includes guest appearances in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Grace and Frankie’. Rodriguez is a talented singer and stage performer who appeared in the Broadway musical ‘Rent’. He remains an active figure in the LGBTQ+ community and entertainment industry.

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