The Most Promising Gay Actors Set to Become Huge Stars

The landscape of modern entertainment is increasingly defined by diverse voices and authentic representation, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. This new generation of gay male actors is not only achieving mainstream success in blockbusters and prestige television but is also reshaping how queer stories are told on screen. From breakout stars of streaming hits to established theater performers making the leap to film, these individuals are gaining significant industry momentum. This list highlights fifty performers whose recent work and upcoming projects suggest they are on a trajectory toward major stardom.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey rose to international prominence for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. He transitioned from a theater background to lead roles in major television productions, including the historical thriller series ‘Fellow Travelers’. His performance in the latter earned him a Critics Choice Award and a Primetime Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Tim Laughlin. Bailey is also set to appear as Fiyero in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa gained widespread recognition for his breakout role as Eric Effiong in the series ‘Sex Education’. His performance earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award and multiple nominations for the British Academy Television Award for Best Male Comedy Performance. In 2023, he took over the title role in the long-running science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’, becoming the Fifteenth Doctor. Gatwa also appeared in the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’ as one of the featured Kens.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor became a household name through his starring role as Nick Nelson in the coming-of-age series ‘Heartstopper’. His portrayal of a teenager exploring his identity garnered him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Children’s or Family Viewing program. Connor has a background in film, having appeared in ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Little Joe’ prior to his television success. He is currently involved in high-profile projects, including voice work for the animated film ‘The Wild Robot’.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke made his professional acting debut in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’ playing the lead role of Charlie Spring. His performance led to significant media attention and a nomination at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Locke joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the series ‘Agatha All Along’, marking a major step into mainstream superhero media. He also made his Broadway debut in the 2024 revival of the musical ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has established himself as a versatile actor with roles in popular series such as ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘You’. He appeared in the critically acclaimed drama ‘Euphoria’ and played a recurring role in the series ‘Love, Victor’. Gage’s career expanded with a lead role in the 2024 film ‘Road House’ and a part in the horror sequel ‘Smile 2’. He is known for selecting diverse roles across television and film genres.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge gained international attention for his role as Thomas Wayne in the series ‘Pennyworth’ and as a recurring character in ‘Fleabag’. He played a leading role in the M. Night Shyamalan thriller ‘Knock at the Cabin’, which explored themes of family and survival. Aldridge also starred in the 2022 film ‘Spoiler Alert’, a biographical drama based on the memoir by Michael Ausiello. His career consistently spans both the stage and screen in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan reached a global audience through his role as Tyler Galpin in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Before this breakout role, he appeared alongside Bryan Cranston in the legal drama ‘Your Honor’. Doohan has also worked as a writer and director on several short film projects throughout his early career. His performance in ‘Wednesday’ helped solidify his position as a rising talent in the horror and mystery genres.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a performer who achieved the feat of being nominated for two Tony Awards in separate categories in the same year. He transitioned to television with a lead role in the series ‘Hollywood’, followed by a performance in the drama ‘Pose’. Pope received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for his role in the 2022 film ‘The Inspection’. He continues to balance high-level theater performances with prestigious film and television projects.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has become a prominent figure in Hollywood with an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the film ‘Rustin’. He is widely recognized for his long-running performance as Victor Strand in the series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. Domingo’s extensive career includes notable roles in films such as ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role as Ali in the drama series ‘Euphoria’.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is a writer and performer who became the first Chinese-American cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’. He has received multiple Emmy nominations for his work on the sketch comedy show. Yang starred in the 2022 romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’ and appeared in the feature film ‘Bros’. He also co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Las Culturistas’, which has significantly influenced his public profile in the entertainment industry.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster is an actor, comedian, and writer best known for writing and starring in the film ‘Fire Island’. He also stars in the comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. Booster’s stand-up specials, including ‘Psychosexual’, have received critical praise for their sharp wit and cultural commentary. His work often explores themes of identity and modern relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has led major film franchises including ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the independent film ‘I Saw the TV Glow’. Smith’s television work includes the lead role in the series ‘Generation’ and the musical drama ‘The Get Down’. He continues to take on diverse roles in both big-budget blockbusters and experimental indie films.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is best known for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the FX series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance has been praised for its comedic timing and emotional depth, earning him several award nominations. Guillén has also provided voice work for ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ and appeared in the DC film ‘Blue Beetle’. He is an active advocate for representation in the industry and continues to expand his presence in both animation and live-action.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso rose to international fame through his role as Omar Shanaa in the Spanish Netflix series ‘Elite’. His character’s narrative was a central focus of the show’s early seasons, making him a recognizable face globally. Beyond ‘Elite’, Ayuso has ventured into directing short films and appearing in various fashion campaigns. He remains a significant figure in Spanish media and international queer cinema.

Manu Ríos

Manu Ríos gained widespread popularity after joining the cast of the Netflix series ‘Elite’ in its fourth season. He is also a successful singer and influencer with a massive following on social media platforms. Ríos starred in the Pedro Almodóvar short film ‘Strange Way of Life’ alongside Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal. He continues to pursue roles in high-profile Spanish productions, including the medical drama series ‘Breathless’.

Arón Piper

Arón Piper is a Spanish-German actor who became a breakout star in the Netflix series ‘Elite’. His role as Ander Muñoz brought him significant international attention and established him as a leading young actor in Europe. Piper is also a recording artist, releasing music in the trap and pop genres. He has since appeared in projects like the thriller series ‘The Mess You Leave Behind’ and the film ‘Sayen’.

Michael Cimino

Michael Cimino is best known for playing the lead role of Victor Salazar in the series ‘Love, Victor’. The show served as a spin-off to the film ‘Love, Simon’ and ran for three seasons on Hulu and Disney+. Cimino has also appeared in the horror film ‘Annabelle Comes Home’ and the Netflix movie ‘Senior Year’. In addition to acting, he is a musician and has released several singles.

George Sear

George Sear is a British actor who gained a large following for his role as Benji in the series ‘Love, Victor’. He previously appeared in the Disney Channel series ‘Evermoor’ and the action-drama ‘Alex Rider’. Sear’s career began in the United Kingdom with theater and television roles before transitioning to American productions. He continues to work in both film and television, maintaining a presence in the young adult genre.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn is widely recognized for his portrayal of Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He also appeared in the Ryan Murphy series ‘Ratched’ and the 2022 horror reboot ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn made his film debut in ‘Looks That Kill’ and has since focused on a mix of independent and mainstream projects. His work often highlights complex character studies and dramatic narratives.

Zane Phillips

Zane Phillips gained attention for his roles in the series ‘Legacies’ and the Netflix show ‘Glamorous’. He also appeared in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’, which showcased his comedic and dramatic range. Phillips has a background in musical theater, which has influenced his performances in various screen roles. He is considered a rising talent within the LGBTQ+ entertainment landscape.

James Scully

James Scully is known for his role as Forty Quinn in the second season of the Netflix thriller ‘You’. He also starred in the television adaptation of ‘Heathers’ and the film ‘Fire Island’. Scully’s performances often blend dark humor with intense emotional stakes. He continues to be cast in high-profile streaming series and independent film projects.

Fin Argus

Fin Argus is an actor and musician who played the lead role in the Disney+ film ‘Clouds’. He also starred in the 2022 reimagining of ‘Queer as Folk’ as the character Mingus. Argus began his career as a child model and musician before transitioning into professional acting. He is known for his work in projects that explore identity and resilience within the queer community.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is well known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the ABC legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He is also a prominent stage actor, having starred in the musical ‘Soft Power’ and the Broadway revival of ‘The King and I’. Ricamora played a lead role in the film ‘Fire Island’ and joined the cast of the medical drama ‘The Resident’. His career spans television, film, and acclaimed theater productions.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominee known for his work in ‘In the Heights’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the film adaptation of ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’. De Jesús has been a consistent presence in the New York theater scene while expanding into major film roles. His work is noted for its high energy and emotional resonance.

Cory Michael Smith

Cory Michael Smith is best known for his portrayal of Edward Nygma in the series ‘Gotham’. He also appeared in the Todd Haynes film ‘Carol’ and the drama ‘May December’. Smith received praise for his lead role in the series ‘Transatlantic’, which depicted the rescue of refugees during World War II. He continues to take on challenging roles in both prestige television and independent cinema.

Chris Perfetti

Chris Perfetti stars as Jacob Hill in the award-winning ABC comedy series ‘Abbott Elementary’. Before his success on television, he was a regular performer on the New York stage, appearing in plays like ‘The Low Road’. His performance in ‘Abbott Elementary’ has made him a recognizable face in the world of network sitcoms. Perfetti’s background in theater contributes to his distinct character acting style.

Nik Dodani

Nik Dodani is known for his role as Zahid in the Netflix series ‘Atypical’. He also appeared in the 2018 revival of ‘Murphy Brown’ and the thriller film ‘Escape Room’. Dodani is a stand-up comedian and has used his platform to address social issues and representation in media. He was also cast in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’.

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside rose to fame for his role as Ricky Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. He is also a singer and has performed on Broadway in the musical ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’. Burnside hosted the PBS documentary series ‘Prideland’, exploring LGBTQ+ life in the American South. He continues to balance his work in television with music and advocacy.

Jake Choi

Jake Choi is known for his role as Miggy in the ABC sitcom ‘Single Parents’. He also appeared in the film ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ and the series ‘American Housewife’. Choi has been vocal about his identity and the importance of Asian-American representation in media. He continues to work in both comedic and dramatic roles across television platforms.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor who played the lead role in the acclaimed film ‘The Visitor’. He gained wider recognition for his role as Ben in the Marvel Studios film ‘Eternals’. Sleiman has also appeared in series such as ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Killing Jesus’. He is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community within the Middle Eastern diaspora.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is best known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway revival of ‘The Glass Menagerie’. Smith has also appeared in the series ‘Treadstone’ and the film ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. His career is characterized by a mix of high-concept science fiction and prestigious stage work.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a prolific British actor known for his roles in ‘Being Human’ and the HBO series ‘Looking’. He appeared in the acclaimed drama ‘Years and Years’ and the film ‘The Good Liar’. Tovey is also a dedicated art collector and co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Talk Art’. His work spans a wide range of genres, from supernatural drama to contemporary social commentary.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained international fame for his role as Jim Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and the “Hot Priest” in ‘Fleabag’. He received widespread acclaim for his lead role in the 2023 film ‘All of Us Strangers’. Scott has also starred in the Netflix series ‘Ripley’, an adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novels. He is a highly decorated actor with multiple Laurence Olivier and BAFTA awards to his name.

Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael is a comedian, actor, and filmmaker who created and starred in ‘The Carmichael Show’. He received critical acclaim for his 2022 stand-up special ‘Rothaniel’, in which he publicly discussed his identity. Carmichael also wrote, directed, and starred in the film ‘On the Count of Three’. He continues to push boundaries in comedy and documentary filmmaking with projects like ‘Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show’.

Tom Prior

Tom Prior is a British actor who co-wrote and starred in the romantic drama ‘Firebird’. He also appeared in the Academy Award-winning film ‘The Theory of Everything’ and the action-adventure ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’. Prior’s work in ‘Firebird’ brought him significant attention in the independent film circuit. He is recognized for his commitment to telling historical and queer-themed stories.

Blake Abbie

Blake Abbie is an editor and actor who gained public attention through the reality series ‘Bling Empire’. He made his acting debut in the Chinese television series ‘Meteor Garden’. Abbie has a background in the fashion industry, working as an editor for various high-end publications. He continues to explore roles that bridge the gap between international fashion and mainstream entertainment.

Jordan Firstman

Jordan Firstman is a writer and actor who became a viral sensation for his comedic impressions and short films on social media. He appeared in the 2023 film ‘You People’ and had a role in the television series ‘Ms. Marvel’. Firstman has also written for shows such as ‘Search Party’ and ‘Big Mouth’. He is known for his unique comedic voice and his ability to transition from internet fame to traditional media.

Leo Sheng

Leo Sheng is an actor and activist known for his role as Micah Lee in ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. He made his film debut in the indie drama ‘Adam’, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Sheng uses his platform to advocate for transgender visibility and rights within the entertainment industry. He continues to take on roles that offer complex representations of queer and trans experiences.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a multifaceted performer who achieved significant success with his wins in theater, music, and television. He is best known for his role as Pray Tell in the series ‘Pose’, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. Porter also starred in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’, winning a Tony Award for his performance. He remains a powerful influence in fashion and a prominent advocate for civil rights.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is a celebrated actor and singer best known for his role as Titus Andromedon in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him five consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Burgess has an extensive background in musical theater, having appeared in Broadway productions of ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He recently appeared in the television series ‘Schmigadoon!’ and the movie musical ‘Spellbound’.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett experienced a massive career surge following his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the series. Bartlett also starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’ and the 2023 drama ‘The Last of Us’, where his guest performance received universal acclaim. He continues to be a sought-after actor for high-profile prestige television projects.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor known for his roles on ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. He starred in the Broadway production and the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. Watkins also appeared in the Netflix series ‘Uncoupled’ alongside Neil Patrick Harris. His career has spanned decades, moving from daytime soap operas to mainstream television and film.

Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale is best known for his role as Artie Abrams in the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Since the show’s conclusion, he has worked as a host and released solo music. McHale appeared in the 2021 series ‘American Horror Stories’ and competed on ‘The X Factor: Celebrity’. He co-hosts a podcast dedicated to discussing his experiences on ‘Glee’.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes gained fame for his roles in the series ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He has since appeared in films such as ‘San Andreas’ and the series ‘American Horror Story: Cult’. Haynes is also a published author, having released a memoir titled ‘Miss Memory Lane’ in 2022. He remains a prominent figure in the industry, often sharing his personal journey with mental health.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver is known for his roles in ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘Teen Wolf’, and ‘The Leftovers’. He starred in the film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the Netflix series ‘Ratched’. Carver made his Broadway debut in 2018 and has since focused on roles that allow for dramatic exploration. He often collaborates with his brother, Max Carver, though he has established a strong solo career.

William Gao

William Gao is an actor and musician who rose to prominence as Tao Xu in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. His portrayal of a protective and loyal friend has resonated with fans of the series worldwide. Gao is also a member of the indie-pop duo Wasia Project, which has released several successful singles. He continues to balance his burgeoning acting career with his musical pursuits.

Bradley Riches

Bradley Riches is an actor best known for his role as James McEwan in the series ‘Heartstopper’. He has been open about his experiences as a neurodivergent performer, advocating for more inclusive casting. Riches appeared as a contestant on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in the United Kingdom, further raising his public profile. He is currently involved in theater and television projects that highlight diverse experiences.

Evan Mock

Evan Mock is a model, skateboarder, and actor who broke into the mainstream with his role in the ‘Gossip Girl’ revival. He plays Aki Menzies, a character navigating his identity in a high-stakes social environment. Mock’s unique style and background in skate culture have made him a prominent figure in both fashion and entertainment. He continues to work on various creative projects across different media platforms.

Omar Apollo

Omar Apollo is primarily known as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who has recently transitioned into acting. He made his acting debut in the film ‘Queer’, directed by Luca Guadagnino. Apollo’s music often explores themes of identity and relationships, which he brings to his burgeoning screen career. He is considered a rising multi-hyphenate talent with significant potential in both music and film.

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