The Most Stunning LGBTQ+ Actors

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift toward visibility and authentic representation for queer performers over the last several decades. Many actors have used their platforms to share their personal identities while maintaining successful careers in film and television. These talented individuals have achieved critical acclaim and won major awards for their work across various genres. Their presence in Hollywood continues to inspire new generations of performers and audiences around the world.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer gained prominence for his portrayal of a charming con artist in the television series ‘White Collar’. The actor publicly shared his identity in 2012 while accepting an award for his humanitarian work. He received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for his performance in the film ‘The Normal Heart’. Bomer has since appeared in major projects such as ‘Magic Mike’ and the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a Welsh actor who has successfully balanced roles in massive blockbusters and intimate stage productions. He played significant characters in ‘The Hobbit’ film series and the live action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Evans has been open about his sexuality since the beginning of his professional career in London theater. His versatile talent allows him to portray both action heroes and complex dramatic leads with ease.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey achieved worldwide recognition for his portrayal of Anthony Bridgerton in the hit series ‘Bridgerton’. He is an accomplished stage performer who won an Olivier Award for his work in the musical ‘Company’. Bailey often speaks about the importance of authentic representation for queer actors in the entertainment industry. He recently took on a leading role in the historical drama ‘Fellow Travelers’ and will appear in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his commanding screen presence and his work in various cult classic projects. He starred in the whimsical series ‘Pushing Daisies’ and played the Elven King Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. The actor confirmed he is a member of the queer community in 2018 during a media interview. Pace currently stars in the epic science fiction series ‘Foundation’ on Apple TV Plus.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a highly respected actor and playwright who has earned numerous accolades for his work on stage and screen. He received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the film ‘Rustin’. Domingo has also appeared in popular series like ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He is widely recognized for his sophisticated style and powerful dramatic performances in modern cinema.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is an Irish actor who became a household name for his role as Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He gained further fame as the Priest in the comedy drama ‘Fleabag’ and starred in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’. Scott has been open about being gay throughout his adult life and career in the arts. He continues to receive praise for his ability to bring depth and nuance to every character he portrays.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa rose to stardom with his infectious performance as Eric Effiong in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’. The Rwandan Scottish actor made history when he was cast as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor in ‘Doctor Who’. Gatwa also appeared in the global blockbuster film ‘Barbie’ as one of the many Kens. He is celebrated for his vibrant personality and his impact on modern television representation.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope is a rare talent who earned Tony Award nominations for two different performances in the same year. He transitioned to television with a leading role in the Ryan Murphy series ‘Hollywood’ and starred in the film ‘The Inspection’. Pope uses his work to explore themes of Black queer identity and historical resilience. He has also made a significant impact in the fashion world with his bold and artistic red carpet appearances.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor became an international sensation for his role as Nick Nelson in the coming of age series ‘Heartstopper’. He began his career as a child actor appearing in films such as ‘Rocketman’ where he played a young Elton John. Connor came out as bisexual in 2022 following public discussions about his private life. He continues to be a prominent advocate for the privacy and rights of young queer performers.

Joe Locke

Joe Locke made his professional acting debut in the popular series ‘Heartstopper’ after being selected from thousands of applicants. His performance as Charlie Spring has resonated with audiences for its sincerity and emotional honesty. Locke has since joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a significant role in ‘Agatha All Along’. The young actor is an open member of the LGBTQ+ community and frequently supports various charitable causes.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller is best known for his leading role as Michael Scofield in the long running series ‘Prison Break’. He came out as gay in 2013 while declining an invitation to an international film festival to protest anti queer legislation. Miller has since become an advocate for mental health awareness and has written several scripts for film. He also appeared as Captain Cold in the superhero television series ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes is an American actor and model who gained a massive following for his roles in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He publicly came out as gay in 2016 during a candid interview and has since written a memoir about his life. Haynes is known for his striking appearance and has worked with some of the most famous photographers in the fashion industry. He continues to engage with his fans through social media and various entertainment projects.

Hunter Doohan

Hunter Doohan gained widespread fame for his role as Tyler Galpin in the hit television series ‘Wednesday’. He previously appeared alongside Bryan Cranston in the legal drama ‘Your Honor’ and has worked on several short films. Doohan married his partner in 2022 and has been open about his life as a gay man in Hollywood. He is often praised for his versatility and his ability to play complex characters with mysterious backgrounds.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a multifaceted performer who has achieved great success on Broadway and in television. He won an Emmy Award for his role as Pray Tell in the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. Porter is also a Tony Award winner for his performance in the musical ‘Kinky Boots’. He is famous for his legendary fashion choices which often challenge traditional gender norms on the red carpet.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto first achieved fame for his portrayal of the villainous Sylar in the series ‘Heroes’. He later took on the iconic role of Spock in the modern ‘Star Trek’ film franchise. Quinto came out as gay in 2011 and has been an active supporter of queer rights organizations ever since. He also produced and starred in the film ‘The Boys in the Band’ which features an entirely queer cast.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is best known for his four time Emmy winning performance as Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He has also showcased his dramatic range in projects like the film ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Spoiler Alert’. Parsons has been in a long term relationship with his husband Todd Spiewak for over two decades. He remains one of the most recognizable and successful openly gay actors in the world today.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a veteran of the entertainment industry who started his career as a child star in ‘Doogie Howser M.D.’. He spent nine seasons playing the character Barney Stinson on the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Harris is an accomplished magician and has hosted the Tony Awards and the Academy Awards multiple times. He lives in New York with his husband and their two children.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained significant critical acclaim for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He also delivered a memorable performance in the acclaimed episode Long Long Time of the series ‘The Last of Us’. Bartlett has been a working actor for years with notable appearances in ‘Looking’ and ‘Tales of the City’. He is appreciated for his charisma and his ability to bring humanity to flawed characters.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has quickly become a recognizable face in television with roles in ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘You’. He has also appeared in films like ‘Smile’ and the remake of ‘Road House’. Gage has spoken about his identity and the fluidity of modern sexuality in various interviews. He is known for his bold personality and his willingness to take on daring and unconventional roles.

Zane Phillips

Zane Phillips is an American actor known for his roles in contemporary television dramas and comedies. He gained significant attention for his performance in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the series ‘Partner Track’. The actor also appeared in the fantasy series ‘Legacies’ as a recurring character. Phillips is open about his life as a gay man and often shares his experiences with his followers.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly acclaimed English actor known for his roles in both independent films and major franchises. He provides the voice for the beloved bear in ‘Paddington’ and plays the character Q in the James Bond films. Whishaw has won multiple awards for his work in television series like ‘A Very English Scandal’ and ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. He entered a civil partnership in 2012 and has always maintained a low profile regarding his private life.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy co created and starred in the critically acclaimed comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He won multiple Emmy Awards for writing directing and acting in the final season of the show. Levy has become a prominent voice for queer representation and often includes inclusive themes in his work. He recently wrote and directed the film ‘Good Grief’ which explores themes of friendship and loss.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is a talented singer and actor who rose to fame in the original Broadway cast of ‘The Book of Mormon’. He has starred in several television series including ‘Girls’ and ‘The New Normal’. Rannells also appeared in the film adaptations of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘The Prom’. He is known for his sharp comedic timing and his powerful vocal abilities in musical theater.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the long running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. He is an accomplished stage actor who has won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Take Me Out’. Ferguson is an active advocate for marriage equality and co founded an organization to support queer rights. He continues to work in television and theater while raising his family.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor who has appeared in numerous successful television shows such as ‘Being Human’ and ‘Looking’. He is also a passionate art collector and co hosts a popular podcast about the contemporary art world. Tovey has been open about his sexuality since he was a teenager and often plays queer characters on screen. He has also appeared in major films like ‘The History Boys’ and ‘The Good Liar’.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer who has starred in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He began his career on Broadway with leading roles in musicals like ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Xanadu’. Jackson has also released several albums as a singer and songwriter. He is married with two children and frequently shares insights into his life as a queer parent.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran actor of stage and screen with a career spanning several decades. He is well known for his roles in the series ‘Alias’ and the film ‘Titanic’ where he played Thomas Andrews. Garber came out publicly in 2013 and has been with his partner for many years. He continues to work steadily in projects like ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ and various theater productions.

George Takei

George Takei is an iconic figure in the entertainment industry best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in ‘Star Trek’. He has become a major activist for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights since coming out in 2005. Takei also uses his platform to share his personal history as a survivor of Japanese American internment camps during World War Two. He remains a beloved public figure with a massive following on social media.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is one of the most respected actors in the world and has been a leading figure in the queer rights movement for decades. He is internationally famous for playing Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in ‘X Men’. McKellen was knighted for his services to the performing arts and continues to work in prestigious theater and film projects. He co founded an organization that campaigns for equality for lesbian gay bi and trans people.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn rose to fame for his role as Justin Foley in the popular Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He has since appeared in the television series ‘Ratched’ and the film ‘Hellraiser’. Flynn is an open member of the queer community and has spoken out against discrimination in the industry. He is known for his emotional acting style and his dedication to authentic storytelling.

Rafael L. Silva

Rafael L. Silva is a Brazilian American actor who stars as Carlos Reyes in the series ‘911 Lone Star’. His portrayal of an openly gay police officer has earned him praise for its positive representation. Silva is open about his own identity and the importance of visibility for Latinx queer people. He continues to be a rising star in the television industry with a growing fan base.

Ronen Rubinstein

Ronen Rubinstein plays T.K. Strand in the popular drama ‘911 Lone Star’ alongside Rafael L. Silva. He came out as bisexual in 2021 during an interview with Variety magazine. Rubinstein is an advocate for environmental causes and often promotes sustainable living through his platforms. He is widely recognized for his role in one of television most popular queer on screen couples.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is a groundbreaking actor who has appeared in ‘Queen Sugar’ and ‘911 Lone Star’. He made history as the first Black transgender man to be cast as a series regular on broadcast television. Smith uses his career to advocate for better representation of transgender people in media and storytelling. He is also a motivational speaker who works with youth organizations across the country.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith is a talented young actor known for his leading roles in ‘Detective Pikachu’ and ‘Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom’. He publicly came out as queer in 2020 while protesting for social justice and racial equality. Smith has also starred in the acclaimed series ‘Generation’ which explored the lives of modern high school students. He is praised for his range and his choice of diverse and challenging roles.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is an Australian actor singer and dancer who played Wally West in ‘The Flash’. He starred in the romantic comedy film ‘Love Simon’ which was a milestone for queer representation in mainstream cinema. Lonsdale identifies as queer and often expresses his identity through his unique fashion and music. He continues to release original songs and perform in various film projects globally.

Javier Muñoz

Javier Muñoz is a distinguished stage actor who took over the title role in ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway from Lin Manuel Miranda. He is an openly gay man who has lived with HIV since 2002 and works to reduce the stigma surrounding the virus. Muñoz has also appeared in television series like ‘Shadowhunters’ and ‘Station 19’. He is a powerful voice for health advocacy and queer visibility in the performing arts.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton in the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He is also a successful stage actor who received a Grammy nomination for his work in ‘The King and I’. Ricamora starred in the film ‘Fire Island’ which featured a predominantly queer cast and crew. He remains an active performer in both television and professional theater productions.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran television actor known for his long running role on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He also played a memorable character on the series ‘Desperate Housewives’ for several seasons. Watkins came out as gay in 2013 and has since been open about his life as a single father. He appeared in the Broadway production and film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes achieved international stardom for his portrayal of Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will and Grace’. He has won an Emmy Award and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards for his comedic work. Hayes is also a successful producer and has appeared in films like ‘The Three Stooges’. He won a Tony Award in 2023 for his leading role in the play ‘Good Night Oscar’.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is an American actor who has won hearts for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He has also provided voices for characters in animated projects like ‘Puss in Boots The Last Wish’. Guillén is a proud member of the queer community and often discusses the importance of body positivity in the industry. He continues to be a sought after talent for both comedic and dramatic roles.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is a celebrated actor and singer who became a breakout star in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He received five Emmy nominations for his performance as Titus Andromedon. Burgess is an accomplished Broadway performer who has appeared in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He is known for his incredible vocal range and his distinct comedic style.

BD Wong

BD Wong is a Tony Award winning actor who has had a long and distinguished career in Hollywood. He is well known for his roles in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise and the series ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. Wong has been an advocate for the queer community and Asian American performers for many years. He also delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the series ‘Mr. Robot’.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history in the 1990s as the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay teenager on television in ‘My So Called Life’. He currently stars as Dr. Hugh Culber in the series ‘Star Trek Discovery’. Cruz has spent his career working with organizations like GLAAD to improve queer representation in media. He remains a pioneer and a mentor for many young LGBTQ+ performers today.

Charlie Barnett

Charlie Barnett is an American actor known for his roles in ‘Chicago Fire’ and the Netflix series ‘Russian Doll’. He also starred in the second season of the thriller series ‘You’ and the drama ‘Tales of the City’. Barnett is an open member of the queer community and has spoken about his journey in the entertainment industry. He continues to take on diverse roles that highlight his range as a performer.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three time Tony Award nominated actor who has had a successful career on Broadway. He gained mainstream attention for his role in the film ‘Tick Tick Boom’ directed by Lin Manuel Miranda. De Jesús is proud of his queer and Puerto Rican heritage and often incorporates his identity into his work. He continues to be a prominent figure in the New York theater scene and in film.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese American actor who has appeared in numerous high profile television shows. He is known for his role in the film ‘The Visitor’ and the series ‘Nurse Jackie’. Sleiman made history by playing one of the first openly gay characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’. He continues to advocate for queer representation in the Middle Eastern community.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli is best known for his role as Dr. Levi Schmitt on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He came out as gay publicly the same night his character came out on the show in 2018. Borelli has also starred in the romantic comedy film ‘The Thing About Harry’. He is an active supporter of queer youth and frequently participates in charity events.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is an Emmy and Tony Award winning actor who became famous for playing Niles Crane on ‘Frasier’. He has had an extensive career on Broadway in productions like ‘Curtains’ and ‘Hello Dolly’. Pierce came out as gay in 2007 and has been married to his husband since 2008. He continues to work in television and theater including the series ‘Julia’.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a legendary British actor writer and comedian who has been a public figure for decades. He is known for his roles in ‘Wilde’ and the television series ‘Jeeves and Wooster’. Fry is an outspoken advocate for queer rights and mental health awareness. He has written numerous books and hosted the BAFTA Awards multiple times throughout his career.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page is a prominent Canadian actor and producer who began his career as a child star. He received an Academy Award nomination for his leading role in the film ‘Juno’. Page came out as a transgender man in 2020 and has since become a major advocate for queer rights. He currently stars as Viktor Hargreeves in the popular series ‘The Umbrella Academy’.

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