The Most Promising LGBTQ+ Actors Set to Become Huge Stars

The landscape of modern entertainment is undergoing a significant transformation as more queer performers step into the spotlight with authentic stories. These actors are not only delivering powerful performances but are also redefining the types of roles available to LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood. From streaming sensations to critical darlings on the silver screen, their influence is growing across all genres. The following list highlights talented male and non binary actors who are currently building impressive careers and are poised for long term success in the industry. These individuals represent a new era of visibility and artistic excellence in global media.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage became a household name following his role as Dillon in the first season of the HBO anthology ‘The White Lotus’. He has since secured significant roles in popular series such as ‘You’ and ‘Fargo’. The actor is known for his willingness to take on bold and unconventional characters that challenge audience expectations. He recently appeared in the reimagined action film ‘Road House’ alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. His consistent presence in high profile projects suggests he is on the path to becoming a leading man in the industry.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor earned international acclaim for his leading role as Nick Nelson in the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. He successfully transitioned to the stage with a starring role in the Broadway production of ‘Romeo + Juliet’. The actor has been recognized for his ability to convey complex emotions with a sense of vulnerability and charm. He also provided his voice for the character Pantalaimon in the fantasy series ‘His Dark Materials’. His growing filmography indicates a bright future as both a dramatic and commercial star.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke rose to fame after a worldwide talent search led to his casting in the hit drama ‘Heartstopper’. He recently expanded his repertoire by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the series ‘Agatha All Along’. The actor made his professional stage debut in ‘The Trials’ at the Donmar Warehouse in London. He is frequently praised for his dedication to representing queer youth on a global platform. With multiple high budget projects underway he is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces of his generation.

Cooper Koch

Cooper Koch gained widespread critical attention for his portrayal of Erik Menendez in the Netflix series ‘Monsters The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’. He has been open about his identity as a gay actor and the importance of queer representation in dramatic roles. His performance in the project was noted for its raw emotional intensity and historical accuracy. He previously appeared in the queer slasher film ‘They/Them’ and the drama ‘Swallowed’. His recent success positions him as a significant new talent in the world of television and film.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a multi talented performer who has earned nominations for both Tony and Emmy Awards early in his career. He delivered a powerful performance as the lead in the film ‘The Inspection’ which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. The actor also starred in the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ and the FX drama ‘Pose’. He is known for his ability to blend theatrical power with nuanced screen acting. His future projects continue to emphasize his status as a prestigious talent in Hollywood.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa captured the hearts of audiences as Eric Effiong in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. He made television history by being cast as the Fifteenth Doctor in the long running series ‘Doctor Who’. The actor also appeared in the global blockbuster ‘Barbie’ as one of the Kens. He is celebrated for his vibrant energy and his ability to bring depth to comedic and dramatic roles alike. His leading role in such a massive franchise ensures his place as a major global star.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has successfully navigated both independent films and major blockbuster franchises throughout his career. He starred in the action packed ‘Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom’ and the fantasy film ‘Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves’. His work in the surreal drama ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ was met with high praise from critics and audiences. He came out publicly in 2020 while advocating for social justice and visibility. His versatility allows him to move seamlessly between different genres and scales of production.

Omar Rudberg

Omar Rudberg is a Venezuelan Swedish actor and singer who became a global star through the Netflix series ‘Young Royals’. He portrays the character Simon in the acclaimed drama which focuses on a royal romance. In addition to his acting career he is a successful recording artist with a large international following. He recently made his film debut in the Swedish horror movie ‘Carousel’. His dual success in music and acting makes him a unique and multifaceted talent in the entertainment world.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge has transitioned from British television roles to major Hollywood productions with ease. He gained significant attention for his role as Thomas Wayne in the series ‘Pennyworth’ and later starred in the horror film ‘Knock at the Cabin’. The actor also delivered a moving performance in the romantic drama ‘Spoiler Alert’ where he played a lead role. He has been open about his identity as a gay man and how it influences his choice of projects. His recent work in both suspenseful and emotional films highlights his growing range and star quality.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan reached a massive audience through his role as Tyler Galpin in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. He has also appeared in the legal drama ‘Your Honor’ alongside Bryan Cranston. The actor has been open about his life as a gay man and often shares glimpses of his personal life with fans. His ability to portray complex and sometimes deceptive characters has made him a standout in recent thriller projects. As ‘Wednesday’ prepares for its second season his visibility in the industry continues to rise.

Zane Phillips

Zane Phillips first caught the attention of viewers with his role in the Netflix film ‘Fire Island’. He followed this success with a starring role in the series ‘Glamorous’ where he played a competitive and stylish professional. The actor is known for his comedic timing and his ability to play confident characters with underlying depth. He also appeared in the fantasy series ‘Legacies’ during its later seasons. His presence in queer centric media has established him as a fan favorite with significant star potential.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is best known for his scene stealing performance as Guillermo in the FX comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He has also become a prolific voice actor with roles in ‘Puss in Boots The Last Wish’ and ‘Wish’. The actor has been a vocal proponent for body positivity and LGBTQ+ visibility in the industry. He recently appeared in the DC film ‘Blue Beetle’ and the series ‘Reacher’. His career continues to grow as he takes on more diverse roles across different media formats.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan transitioned from a successful career as a YouTube personality and pop star to a respected actor. He received acclaim for his role in the film ‘Boy Erased’ and more recently starred in the series ‘The Idol’. He also played the lead in the coming of age film ‘Three Months’ which showcased his dramatic range. As a recording artist he has released multiple hit albums and continues to tour globally. His ability to balance a high profile music career with significant acting roles makes him a prominent figure in pop culture.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn rose to prominence with his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He has since appeared in the horror film ‘Hellraiser’ and the psychological thriller series ‘Ratched’. The actor is known for his intense performances and his commitment to bringing awareness to mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. He also starred in the film ‘Looks That Kill’ as a lead character. His selection of diverse and challenging roles indicates a serious dedication to his craft as an actor.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander is a singer and actor who gained widespread recognition for his performance in the miniseries ‘It’s a Sin’. His portrayal of Ritchie Tozer earned him a BAFTA nomination and critical praise for its emotional resonance. He has also had a successful music career as the lead singer of Years and Years and as a solo artist. He represented the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2024. His talent for storytelling through both song and screen makes him a formidable force in the arts.

Mason Alexander Park

Mason Alexander Park is a non binary actor who has made a significant impact with roles in ‘The Sandman’ and ‘Cowboy Bebop’. They portray the character Desire in the Netflix adaptation of the Neil Gaiman comics to great acclaim. The actor also starred in the revival of the science fiction series ‘Quantum Leap’ as a series regular. They have an extensive background in musical theater including a starring role in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. Their unique screen presence and theatrical range have made them a standout performer in recent years.

Brian Jordan Alvarez

Brian Jordan Alvarez became a viral sensation through his comedic sketches and characters on social media platforms. He translated this success into television by creating and starring in the series ‘English Teacher’ on FX. The actor also had a recurring role in the sitcom ‘Will and Grace’ and appeared in the film ‘M3GAN’. He is known for his sharp wit and his ability to create relatable queer characters. His transition into a television creator and lead actor marks a significant milestone in his rising career.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli is widely recognized for his role as Dr Levi Schmitt on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His character was part of the first major gay romance between two male doctors on the show. The actor came out publicly at the same time his character did on television in 2018. He also starred in the romantic comedy film ‘The Thing About Harry’. His work on such a major network series has made him a visible and important figure for LGBTQ+ audiences.

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside is best known for his portrayal of Ricky Evangelista in the groundbreaking FX series ‘Pose’. He is a multi talented artist who has also appeared on Broadway in the musical ‘Holler If Ya Hear Me’. The actor hosted the documentary series ‘Prideland’ which explored LGBTQ+ life in the American South. He continues to release music and perform in theatrical productions while expanding his television work. His commitment to authentic storytelling and activism has established him as a respected voice in the industry.

Manu Ríos

Manu Ríos is a Spanish actor and model who gained international fame for his role in the Netflix series ‘Elite’. He played the character Patrick Blanco and became a breakout star of the popular teen drama. He recently starred in the short film ‘Strange Way of Life’ directed by Pedro Almodóvar alongside Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal. The actor also leads the cast of the medical drama series ‘Breathless’ on Netflix. His large social media following and growing filmography make him a major international talent.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso rose to prominence as one of the original cast members of the Spanish Netflix series ‘Elite’. He played Omar Shanaa a character whose journey resonated with many viewers around the world. In addition to his work in television he has directed short films and pursued interests in fashion and art. He recently returned to ‘Elite’ for its final seasons while exploring new projects in Spanish cinema. His artistic versatility and early success in a global hit series have laid a strong foundation for his future.

Arón Piper

Arón Piper is a German Spanish actor who became a household name through his role as Ander Muñoz in ‘Elite’. He has since diversified his career by starring in the thriller series ‘The Mess You Leave Behind’ and the film ‘Sayen’. The actor is also a successful musician who releases music under the name Aron. He continues to take on roles that challenge his acting abilities in both domestic and international productions. His dual career in acting and music has earned him a large and dedicated global fanbase.

George Sear

George Sear gained a significant following for his role as Ben in the Hulu series ‘Love Victor’. He began his career as a child actor in the United Kingdom and appeared in the series ‘Evermoor’. The actor has been praised for the chemistry he shared with his co stars and his sensitive portrayal of a queer teenager. He recently appeared in the television series ‘Fire Country’ as he continues to build his career in the United States. His steady work in popular dramas suggests he will remain a prominent figure in the industry.

Carl Clemons-Hopkins

Carl Clemons Hopkins is a non binary actor who earned an Emmy nomination for their role in the HBO Max series ‘Hacks’. They play Marcus the dedicated and sometimes stressed business manager for a legendary comedian. The actor has also appeared in the film ‘Candyman’ and the series ‘The Chi’. They have an extensive background in theater and have performed in numerous stage productions across the country. Their ability to bring depth and humor to their roles has made them a standout in the world of television.

Fin Argus

Fin Argus is an actor and musician who played a leading role in the Peacock reboot of ‘Queer as Folk’. They also starred in the emotional drama film ‘Clouds’ on Disney Plus which showcased their musical and acting talents. The actor is known for their gender fluid fashion and their advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation in media. They have appeared in several short films and independent projects that focus on queer experiences. Their creative range and unique public persona contribute to their status as a rising star.

Alex Landi

Alex Landi became well known for his role as Dr Nico Kim on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He made history by playing the first male surgeon of Asian descent on the show who was also openly gay. The actor has also appeared in the series ‘Insatiable’ and ‘Walker’ in recurring roles. He is often recognized for his work as a model and his appearances in music videos for popular artists. His consistent work on major television shows has helped him build a solid reputation in the entertainment industry.

Joshua Colley

Joshua Colley is a young performer who transitioned from a successful career on Broadway to roles in film and television. He appeared in the Netflix film ‘Senior Year’ and the series ‘Dead Boy Detectives’. The actor has been praised for his vocal talents and his comedic timing in various projects. He played a significant role in the Disney Plus movie ‘Descendants The Rise of Red’. His background in musical theater and his recent screen roles demonstrate a high level of versatility.

Angel Bismark Curiel

Angel Bismark Curiel gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of Lil Papi in the FX series ‘Pose’. His performance was celebrated for its warmth and its exploration of masculinity within the ballroom community. The actor has since appeared in the film ‘Critical Thinking’ and continues to pursue roles in both independent and mainstream media. He is known for his charismatic screen presence and his dedication to telling underrepresented stories. His work on such a culturally significant show has established him as a talent to watch.

Ryan Jamaal Swain

Ryan Jamaal Swain is best known for his role as Damon Richards in the hit series ‘Pose’. He moved from Birmingham Alabama to New York City to pursue a career in the arts and eventually landed his breakout role. The actor has since written a children’s book and continues to be an advocate for youth in the foster care system. He has performed in various theatrical productions and remains active in the creative community. His early success on television has provided a strong platform for his future artistic endeavors.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora became a fan favorite for his role as Oliver Hampton in the series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He starred in the queer romantic comedy film ‘Fire Island’ which received significant critical praise. The actor is also a prominent figure in musical theater having starred in the Broadway production of ‘The King and I’ and ‘Here Lies Love’. He recently appeared in the series ‘The Resident’ in a recurring capacity. His ability to balance high stakes drama with comedic and musical roles makes him a versatile performer.

Please share which of these rising talents you are most excited to see in future projects in the comments.