The Most Stunning Gay Actors

The entertainment industry has seen a significant increase in visibility for gay actors who lead major film and television projects. These performers often balance high-profile careers with public advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. Their presence on screen helps to challenge traditional stereotypes and provides essential representation for audiences worldwide. This list highlights fifty talented men who have publicly shared their sexual orientation while achieving remarkable success in Hollywood.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer rose to prominence with his suave portrayal of Neal Caffrey in the hit series ‘White Collar’. He earned a Golden Globe Award for his supporting role as Felix Turner in the television film ‘The Normal Heart’. His career also includes notable performances in the ‘Magic Mike’ franchise and the drama series ‘Fellow Travelers’. Bomer is widely recognized for his striking appearance and his consistent work in both independent and mainstream cinema. He has been married to publicist Simon Halls since 2011 and they have three children together.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a Welsh actor who has successfully transitioned from musical theater to major Hollywood blockbusters. He is well known for his roles in ‘Fast & Furious 6’ and the ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy where he played Bard the Bowman. Evans portrayed the villainous Gaston in the live action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He has been open about his sexuality since the early stages of his career and continues to land leading roles in diverse genres. His talent and physical presence have made him a mainstay in the action and drama sectors of the film industry.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey gained international stardom for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the popular Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’. He has a long history in British theater and won an Olivier Award for his role in the musical ‘Company’. Bailey also starred alongside Matt Bomer in the historical drama ‘Fellow Travelers’ which explored queer life in the mid twentieth century. He is slated to appear in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ as Fiyero. His rise to fame has solidified his status as one of the most prominent leading men in modern television.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is an Irish actor celebrated for his intense and versatile performances on stage and screen. He achieved widespread recognition for playing the villainous Jim Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. Scott garnered further acclaim for his role as the Priest in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. More recently he delivered a critically praised performance in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’. He has been open about being gay for many years and often speaks about the importance of authenticity in the acting profession.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is an American actor known for his work in the ‘The Hobbit’ films and the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ronan the Accuser. He received an Emmy nomination for his lead role in the whimsical series ‘Pushing Daisies’. Pace has also been a regular in the science fiction genre starring in the Apple TV+ series ‘Foundation’. He publicly came out in 2018 and has since been vocal about his experiences as a queer man in Hollywood. His career spans Broadway and film and showcases his ability to inhabit complex characters.

Cooper Koch

Cooper Koch became a breakout star for his portrayal of Erik Menendez in the Netflix series ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’. Before this major role he appeared in the queer horror films ‘They/Them’ and ‘Swallowed’. Koch has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his professional journey. He has discussed the challenges of being a gay actor while pursuing a wide range of roles in the industry. His performance in ‘Monsters’ earned him significant critical attention and established him as a rising talent to watch.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn is best known for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix drama ’13 Reasons Why’. He also appeared in the series ‘Ratched’ and the slasher film ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn has been an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and frequently uses his platform to support the community. He has been open about his identity as a gay man since early in his career. His work often highlights his range in dramatic roles and his commitment to authentic storytelling.

Zane Phillips

Zane Phillips gained attention for his roles in the romantic comedy ‘Fire Island’ and the Netflix series ‘Glamorous’. He also appeared in the fantasy series ‘Legacies’ as the character Ben. Phillips is known for his athletic build and charismatic screen presence which has led to a growing fan base. He is openly gay and often shares insights into his life and career through social media. His recent projects have positioned him as a notable figure in modern queer cinema and television.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan is an American actor who reached a global audience with his role as Tyler Galpin in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. He previously appeared in the legal drama ‘Your Honor’ alongside Bryan Cranston. Doohan is openly gay and married his partner Fielder Jewett in 2022. He has spoken about the positive reception he has received from the public since coming out. His career continues to grow as he takes on more prominent roles in high profile streaming productions.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa became a household name for his vibrant portrayal of Eric Effiong in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. He has since taken over the iconic role of the Doctor in the long running science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’. Gatwa also appeared in the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’ as one of the Kens. He publicly discussed his queer identity in 2023 after years of rising fame. His energetic performances and unique style have made him one of the most influential actors of his generation.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a multi talented actor who has made history with simultaneous Tony Award nominations for two different roles. He starred in the Ryan Murphy series ‘Hollywood’ and the drama film ‘The Inspection’. Pope also appeared in the final season of the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. He is openly gay and often explores themes of identity and resilience in his creative work. His career is marked by a blend of Broadway success and compelling performances in television and film.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an acclaimed actor and playwright who received an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in ‘Rustin’. He is well known for his recurring role as Victor Strand in the series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. Domingo also appeared in the musical film ‘The Color Purple’ and the drama ‘Euphoria’. He has been open about his sexuality for decades and has been married to his husband Raul Domingo since 2014. His sophisticated presence and immense talent have earned him numerous accolades across the industry.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a Broadway veteran who achieved mainstream fame through his roles in ‘Glee’ and the series ‘Mindhunter’. He provided the voice for Kristoff in the global hit ‘Frozen’ and its sequel. Groff received a Tony nomination for his performance as King George III in the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. He has been out as gay since 2009 and has become a prominent representative for the LGBTQ+ community in musical theater. His recent work includes a lead role in the film ‘Knock at the Cabin’.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for his roles in the supernatural series ‘Being Human’ and the drama ‘Looking’. He has a prolific career in theater including a notable performance in ‘The History Boys’. Tovey often plays both gay and straight characters and has been open about his sexuality throughout his professional life. He is also an avid art collector and co hosts a popular podcast about the contemporary art world. His consistent work in both the UK and the US has made him a recognizable figure in international television.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a major star following his lead role as Michael Scofield in the series ‘Prison Break’. He later appeared as Captain Cold in the superhero shows ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Miller publicly came out as gay in 2013 in a letter declining an invitation to a film festival in Russia. Since then he has been vocal about his struggles with mental health and the importance of queer visibility. His career continues to be defined by his distinct screen presence and his advocacy for social justice.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is best known for his role as Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series. He also played the chilling villain Sylar in the television show ‘Heroes’. Quinto has been a regular presence on Broadway and in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. He came out as gay in 2011 and has since worked on numerous projects that center queer narratives. His intellectual approach to acting and his commitment to the stage have made him a respected figure in the industry.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett experienced a career resurgence after his Emmy winning performance in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He also delivered a powerful performance in ‘The Last of Us’ as the character Frank. Bartlett began his career in Australian television before moving to the US where he starred in the series ‘Looking’. He has been out as gay for many years and frequently portrays complex queer characters. His recent success has established him as a prominent character actor in prestige television.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes is an American actor and model known for his roles in the series ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He began his career as a fashion model before transitioning to full time acting. Haynes publicly came out as gay in 2016 and later detailed his experiences in a candid memoir. He has appeared in several comedy films and continues to work in television productions. His openness about his personal life has made him a significant figure for young fans in the LGBTQ+ community.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin is a global superstar who has successfully expanded his career from music to professional acting. He received critical praise for his role as Antonio D’Amico in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’. Martin also appeared in the television series ‘Glee’ and ‘General Hospital’. He came out as gay in 2010 and has since become a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ families. His transition into dramatic acting has demonstrated his versatility and enduring appeal in the entertainment world.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is an American actor known for his long running role as Oliver Fish on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He is the younger brother of actor Chris Evans and has appeared in several films including the 2023 hit ‘Barbie’. Evans has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his career and often advocates for better representation in daytime television. He has appeared in various comedy and drama series as a guest star. His work continues to showcase his talent for both comedic and heartfelt performances.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is best known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix original series ‘Sense8’. He also starred in the action series ‘Treadstone’ and the drama ‘World on Fire’. Smith came out as gay in a 2019 interview where he discussed the isolation he felt growing up. He has a strong background in theater and received a Tony nomination for his role in ‘The Glass Menagerie’. His career is characterized by his ability to lead complex ensemble casts in high concept productions.

Rick Cosnett

Rick Cosnett is an Australian Zimbabwean actor who gained fame for his role as Eddie Thawne on ‘The Flash’. He also appeared in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ as Dr. Wes Maxfield and in the series ‘Quantico’. Cosnett publicly came out as gay in 2020 through a video shared with his followers. Since coming out he has been an active voice for the community and continues to work in film and television. His charming screen presence and consistent work in popular genres have earned him a loyal following.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly regarded British actor known for his role as Q in the James Bond film series. He provided the voice for the beloved character in the ‘Paddington’ movies. Whishaw received several awards for his performance in the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal’ and ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. He entered into a civil partnership with composer Mark Bradshaw in 2012 and has been open about his life since then. His career is distinguished by his delicate and thoughtful approach to a wide range of characters.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer known for his work on Broadway and in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He had a recurring role in the comedy series ’30 Rock’ and appeared in ‘Glee’. Jackson has a successful career as a singer and has released several studio albums. He is openly gay and has been married to Jason Landau since 2014 with whom he has two children. His ability to move between musical theater and dramatic television has made him a prominent figure in entertainment.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells rose to fame for his role in the original Broadway cast of ‘The Book of Mormon’. He became a television mainstay with his role as Elijah Krantz in the series ‘Girls’. Rannells also starred in ‘The New Normal’ and the Netflix film ‘The Boys in the Band’. He has been out as gay throughout his professional career and often writes about his experiences in the industry. His comedic timing and vocal talent have made him a frequent collaborator with major creators like Ryan Murphy.

Omar Ayuso

Omar Ayuso gained international recognition for his portrayal of Omar Shanaa in the Spanish Netflix series ‘Elite’. His character was part of a central gay romance that became a significant part of the show’s popularity. Ayuso has used his fame to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in Spain and beyond. He is openly gay and often shares artistic and personal content on social media that challenges traditional gender norms. His work on ‘Elite’ helped to normalize queer representation in teen dramas for a global audience.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver is an American actor known for his roles in ‘Teen Wolf’, ‘Desperate Housewives’, and ‘The Leftovers’. He often works alongside his twin brother Max Carver but has established a solo career in projects like ‘Ratched’. Carver publicly came out as gay in 2016 through a series of social media posts. He also starred in the Broadway revival and film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. His career is marked by his transition from teen roles to more mature and challenging characters in prestige dramas.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett is well known for his role as Aaron Samuels in the classic comedy film ‘Mean Girls’. He has since become a frequent star of holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel and has hosted several television competitions. Bennett is openly gay and married television host Jaymes Vaughan in 2022. He made history by starring in Hallmark’s first holiday movie centered on a gay couple. His enduring popularity and positive public persona have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett achieved major fame for his role as Jamal Lyon in the musical drama series ‘Empire’. His character was a groundbreaking portrayal of a gay black man in a hip hop environment. Smollett also appeared in films like ‘Alien: Covenant’ and directed the feature film ‘B-Boy Blues’. He has been open about his sexuality since 2015 and has been an advocate for various social causes. Despite legal controversies his performance on ‘Empire’ remains a significant moment for representation on network television.

Kyle Dean Massey

Kyle Dean Massey is a Broadway actor who became known to television audiences for his role as Kevin Bicks in ‘Nashville’. He has starred in major theater productions including ‘Next to Normal’, ‘Pippin’, and ‘Wicked’. Massey is openly gay and married fellow actor Taylor Frey in 2016. The couple has been vocal about their journey through surrogacy to start a family. His career successfully bridges the worlds of musical theater and television drama.

Darryl Stephens

Darryl Stephens is best known for his lead role as Noah Nicholson in the groundbreaking series ‘Noah’s Arc’. The show was one of the first to center on a group of black gay friends and was a significant cultural milestone. Stephens has also appeared in various independent films and television series like ‘Boy Culture’. He has been an open and consistent voice for queer people of color in Hollywood. His work continues to be celebrated for its authenticity and its impact on niche audiences.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor known for his roles on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’ and in the series ‘Desperate Housewives’. He portrayed one half of a gay couple in ‘Desperate Housewives’ which was a notable role for primetime television. Watkins also appeared in ‘The Boys in the Band’ on both Broadway and in the film version. He came out as gay in 2013 and is in a relationship with his former co star Andrew Rannells. His career spans decades and includes a wide variety of roles in both comedy and drama.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin made his Broadway debut as Kristoff in the musical ‘Frozen’ before moving into television. He received critical praise for his role as Marcus Hooks in the historical drama series ‘Fellow Travelers’. Alladin also appeared in the legal drama series ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’. He is openly gay and often speaks about the intersection of race and sexuality in his professional life. His performances are noted for their emotional depth and his ability to tackle complex social themes.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the hit series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He also has a successful career in theater and starred in the Broadway musical ‘The King and I’. Ricamora appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the series ‘The Resident’. He has been out as gay for his entire professional career and has been an advocate for Asian American representation. His work often highlights his talent for both musical performance and dramatic acting.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese American actor who received praise for his role in the film ‘The Visitor’. He made history by playing the husband of Phastos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’. Sleiman has appeared in numerous television shows including ‘Nurse Jackie’ and ‘Killing Jesus’. He publicly came out as gay in 2017 to bring more visibility to queer people from the Middle East. His career is marked by his commitment to diverse and challenging roles that push social boundaries.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a multi talented performer who gained early fame as the title character in ‘Doogie Howser, M.D.’. He later became an icon for his role as Barney Stinson in the long running sitcom ‘How to Get Away with Mother’. Harris has hosted the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards multiple times. He has been open about his sexuality since 2006 and is married to David Burtka with whom he has twins. His career is one of the most successful for an openly gay actor in Hollywood history.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy achieved international acclaim as the co creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his work as an actor, writer, and director on the show. Levy has since appeared in films like ‘Happiest Season’ and the series ‘The Idol’. He has been out as gay throughout his career and often uses his humor to address social issues. His success has made him a major power player in the entertainment industry and a fashion icon.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a fashion and acting powerhouse who won an Emmy for his lead role in the series ‘Pose’. He is also a Tony Award winner for his performance in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’. Porter is known for his barrier breaking red carpet appearances that challenge traditional gender norms. He has been open about his sexuality and his HIV status for many years. His work in both theater and television has made him one of the most visible and influential queer stars today.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess became a fan favorite for his role as Titus Andromedon in the series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He is a seasoned Broadway performer with roles in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. Burgess has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards for his comedic work. He is openly gay and often infuses his performances with his distinct personality and vocal talent. His career continues to thrive as he takes on more roles in both television and film.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is well known for his portrayal of Mitchell Pritchett on the long running comedy ‘Modern Family’. He has a prolific career on Broadway and won a Tony Award for his role in ‘Take Me Out’. Ferguson is a vocal advocate for marriage equality and co founded an organization to support the cause. He has been married to Justin Mikita since 2013 and they have two children. His work on ‘Modern Family’ was instrumental in bringing gay domestic life into mainstream households.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons reached immense fame for his role as Sheldon Cooper in the sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He won four Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance on the show. Parsons has also appeared in several films including ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He publicly came out as gay in 2012 and married his longtime partner Todd Spiewak in 2017. His career transition into dramatic roles on stage and screen has showcased his significant range as an actor.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a highly respected actor with a career spanning over five decades in film, television, and theater. He is well known for his roles in ‘Alias’, ‘Titanic’, and the superhero series ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Garber has received multiple Emmy and Tony nominations throughout his illustrious career. He has been open about his sexuality for many years and has been in a relationship with Rainer Andreesen since 2000. His consistent work and dignified presence have made him a staple of the entertainment industry.

BD Wong

BD Wong is an acclaimed actor known for his long running role on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway play ‘M. Butterfly’. Wong has also appeared in major film franchises like ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Mr. Robot’. He has been openly gay for much of his career and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ and Asian American representation. His versatile career includes voice work for animated films and a wide variety of stage roles.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish American actor known for his roles in ‘The Good Wife’, ‘X-Men 2’, and the ‘Spy Kids’ trilogy. He won a Tony Award for his iconic performance as the Emcee in the revival of ‘Cabaret’. Cumming is also an author and has written several memoirs detailing his life and career. He has been open about his bisexuality and later his identity as a gay man for many years. His eclectic career and bold personality have made him a unique and beloved figure in the arts.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett became a major star in the 1990s following his performance in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. He has appeared in numerous films including ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and provided the voice for Prince Charming in ‘Shrek 2’. Everett has been open about his sexuality since the early 1980s when it was much less common for actors to do so. He is also an accomplished author of both fiction and non fiction works. His long career has seen him move between leading roles and character parts in international cinema.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a legendary actor of the stage and screen known for his roles as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in ‘X-Men’. He is widely considered one of the greatest actors of his generation and has received numerous awards including a Tony and several Olivier Awards. McKellen publicly came out as gay in 1988 to protest against anti gay legislation in the United Kingdom. Since then he has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. His career continues to inspire generations of actors and activists worldwide.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a versatile performer who gained fame for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. He is a regular on the West End and Broadway starring in numerous musical theater productions. Barrowman also appeared as the villainous Malcolm Merlyn in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. He has been out as gay for his entire professional life and frequently promotes LGBTQ+ visibility in the media. His high energy performances and public advocacy have earned him a dedicated global fan base.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt achieved stardom for his lead role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ for which he won a Tony Award. He also starred in the musical comedy films ‘Pitch Perfect’ and the Netflix series ‘The Politician’. Platt has released several studio albums and is a successful recording artist. He publicly came out as gay in 2019 through the music video for his song ‘Ease My Mind’. His talent for both singing and acting has made him one of the most prominent young stars in the industry.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesus is a three time Tony Award nominated actor known for his roles in ‘In the Heights’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ directed by Lin Manuel Miranda. de Jesus has been out as gay throughout his career and often advocates for better representation of queer Latinos in theater. He also appeared in the comedy series ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. His career is marked by his ability to bring emotional authenticity and energy to every role.

Gideon Glick

Gideon Glick is an American actor who gained recognition for his roles in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ and the Broadway play ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. He made his Broadway debut in the original cast of ‘Spring Awakening’. Glick appeared in the series ‘Devious Maids’ and the film ‘Marriage Story’. He is openly gay and married his husband Perry Dubin in 2019. His performances on both stage and screen are noted for their sensitivity and comedic timing.

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