The Most Influential Gay Actors of the Past 10 Years

Over the past decade, openly gay actors have shaped film and television through hit series, awards attention, and visible leadership on and off set. Their work spans prestige dramas, blockbuster franchises, and boundary pushing indies, along with producing and writing that brought more LGBTQ stories to screens worldwide. Many of these stars also used their platforms to support charities, mentor younger artists, and speak openly about their lives, which helped audiences see themselves reflected with more accuracy.

This list looks at actors whose influence is strongly documented through leading roles, major accolades, consistent cultural reach, and sustained industry impact since the mid 2010s. It highlights concrete career milestones and widely reported achievements, from franchise breakthroughs to historic awards wins, without weighing in on personal opinions.

Ian McKellen

In the past ten years Ian McKellen continued to anchor major stage and screen projects while remaining a global advocate for LGBTQ rights. His film work included titles like ‘Mr. Holmes’ and ‘The Good Liar’, and he returned to large scale fantasy with appearances connected to the worlds audiences know him for. He also toured significant theatrical productions across the United Kingdom and beyond, keeping classical work in the mainstream conversation.

McKellen co founded the UK charity Stonewall earlier in his career and remained active in public education and fundraising through the decade. He delivered widely viewed talks at schools and institutions, supported campaigns for inclusive education, and kept consistent visibility at Pride related events and charity benefits.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris led the Netflix series ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ and appeared in franchise films like ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. On television he took prominent turns in ‘It’s a Sin’ and ‘Doctor Who’, and he headlined the comedy ‘Uncoupled’ which later moved to a premium cable home to continue the story. His presence across streaming and broadcast kept him in front of broad international audiences.

Beyond acting he hosted high profile awards telecasts and produced projects for stage and screen. Harris published best selling books, launched entertainment ventures, and continued philanthropic work with LGBTQ and youth focused organizations, maintaining a sustained influence that extended beyond any single role.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons closed out ‘The Big Bang Theory’ at the top of network ratings and then pivoted to producing and narrating the successful spinoff ‘Young Sheldon’. He led film projects such as ‘Spoiler Alert’ and brought ‘The Boys in the Band’ from Broadway to Netflix with the full openly gay ensemble, preserving a landmark work for a new generation of viewers.

Parsons expanded his behind the scenes footprint through his company That’s Wonderful Productions, which developed scripted projects with LGBTQ leads and creators. He also returned to theater in acclaimed runs and participated in benefit performances for health and education causes that serve the community.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto remained a recognizable face from the ‘Star Trek’ films while building a steady slate of television and stage roles. He starred in ‘The Boys in the Band’ on Broadway and on Netflix, led the series ‘NOS4A2’, and continued collaborations with prestige theater companies in New York and Chicago.

Quinto produced independent films and documentaries that screened at major festivals and supported emerging talent. He frequently appeared at campus and festival conversations on representation in casting and storytelling, offering practical guidance for inclusive hiring and development practices.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans balanced franchise and prestige work with leading roles in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, entries in the ‘Fast and Furious’ universe, and the Apple TV series ‘Echo 3’. He also took on period pieces and thrillers that reached viewers across streaming platforms, keeping his international profile high.

Evans released music projects that charted in Europe while continuing film and television work, and he participated in campaigns supporting LGBTQ youth and anti bullying programs. He gave interviews about career longevity and visibility that were widely shared across entertainment trade outlets.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott broke through globally with ‘Fleabag’, then headlined films such as ‘All of Us Strangers’ and delivered a widely discussed turn in ‘Ripley’. He continued to work across theater and audio drama, including sold out stage productions in London and New York that drew strong critical attention.

Scott’s performances have been recognized by major awards bodies in both film and television. He supported arts education initiatives in Ireland and the UK, appeared in public service announcements about mental health, and frequently discussed craft and access in interviews that reached young actors.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff starred in the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’, appeared in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’, and continued as the voice of Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ franchise that plays to global family audiences. He returned to Broadway in the revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ and earned top honors for his performance.

Groff’s theater work included cast recordings and filmed performances that expanded access to stage productions. He engaged in fundraising concerts for LGBTQ youth shelters and arts programs, and he served as a mentor through workshops connected to major New York theaters.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw reprised Q in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ and voiced Paddington in the hit ‘Paddington’ films that became beloved worldwide. On television he earned major awards for ‘A Very English Scandal’ and led ‘This Is Going to Hurt’, which centered a queer character in a healthcare narrative that reached international audiences.

Whishaw continued to choose independent films that premiered at Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, supporting filmmakers with distinctive voices. He contributed interviews about working conditions for actors and crew and advocated for fair practices around intimacy scenes and consent guidelines.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter led ‘Pose’ and made awards history as a lead actor in a drama series. He followed with film roles, a memoir, and a music career that included national tours and televised performances. He appeared on major talk shows and news programs where he discussed the realities of Black and LGBTQ representation in entertainment.

Porter co created projects with LGBTQ leads and collaborated with fashion houses on red carpet looks that were covered widely. He worked with national organizations on voter engagement and HIV awareness, and he raised funds for trans and queer youth services through concerts and partnerships.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo delivered standout work in ‘Euphoria’, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, and ‘Zola’. He portrayed Bayard Rustin in ‘Rustin’ and received top tier nominations for the role, and he appeared in ‘The Color Purple’ which reached global audiences through its holiday release window.

Domingo wrote and directed for stage and television and taught master classes for actors and writers. He partnered with film festivals and nonprofits to develop fellowships for artists of color and LGBTQ creators, and he served on juries and panels that decided awards and grants.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey became a household name with ‘Bridgerton’, then took a lead role in ‘Fellow Travelers’ and won major television awards for his performance. He joined the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’, expanding his reach to a global moviegoing audience.

Bailey spoke in interviews about navigating intimacy on set and advocated for clear protocols that protect performers. He supported youth theater programs in the UK and appeared at charity performances that raised funds for mental health and LGBTQ services.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett won an Emmy for ‘The White Lotus’ and followed with acclaimed roles in ‘The Last of Us’, ‘Welcome to Chippendales’, and ‘Physical’. His episodes earned significant viewership and sustained social media discussion, and his projects streamed in multiple regions worldwide.

Bartlett participated in industry roundtables on LGBTQ storytelling and worked with Australian arts organizations to fund early career actors. He supported AIDS research and community health programs through recurring benefit appearances.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang became the first Chinese American cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and earned multiple Emmy nominations for his work. He expanded into film with ‘Fire Island’ and voice roles in family animation such as ‘The Tiger’s Apprentice’, building a career that spans sketch, film, and hosting.

Yang wrote and produced digital shorts that drew high streams and shares, and he collaborated on podcasts and live shows that toured major cities. He used his platform to support Asian American and LGBTQ community groups with fundraisers and public service messages.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy co created and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’, which swept the major comedy categories at the Emmys in its final year. He later wrote, directed, and starred in the feature ‘Good Grief’ and continued to act in television and film projects that reached global streaming audiences.

Levy signed overall deals that prioritized stories with LGBTQ leads and writers. He launched a food competition series that highlighted small business owners and worked with Canadian and US charities on youth homelessness and mental health initiatives.

BD Wong

BD Wong returned to the ‘Jurassic World’ franchise and delivered a pivotal performance across ‘Mr. Robot’, which earned awards recognition for the ensemble. He appeared in ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’ and continued voice work in animation and games that reached broad audiences.

Wong directed stage productions in New York and San Francisco and advocated for representation of Asian American and LGBTQ artists. He participated in educational programming with museums and cultural centers and supported scholarship funds for theater students.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge led the thriller ‘Knock at the Cabin’ and starred in ‘Pennyworth’, building a profile across both film and television. He discussed his coming out publicly and connected that decision to a desire for authenticity in his roles.

Aldridge published essays and gave talks about faith, identity, and mental health that were widely shared. He collaborated with UK charities that support LGBTQ youth and took part in Pride events and community fundraisers.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey reached international audiences with ‘Looking’ and then ‘Years and Years’, which aired on both sides of the Atlantic. He later joined ‘American Horror Story’ and continued to work across stage and screen in contemporary dramas.

Tovey co hosts a popular art podcast and produced live events that bring visual artists and performers together. He supported museum education programs and auctions that raised funds for LGBTQ and HIV service organizations.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells worked steadily in television with ‘Black Monday’ and ‘Girls5eva’, appeared in films like ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘Our Son’, and maintained a significant stage presence in New York. He released a memoir and adapted stories for stage readings that benefited charities.

Rannells contributed to workshops for young musical theater performers and recorded cast albums that keep productions accessible to wider audiences. He supported fundraising for LGBTQ youth centers through concerts and special appearances.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz portrayed Dr Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek Discovery’, helping establish the franchise’s first ongoing gay couple on a flagship series. He participated in conventions and global promotional tours that introduced newer audiences to inclusive storytelling within the ‘Star Trek’ universe.

Cruz previously served in leadership roles with GLAAD and continued advocacy with national organizations. He spoke at universities and corporate forums about workplace inclusion and representation, and he supported scholarships that help LGBTQ students enter the arts.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer starred in ‘The Sinner’ and led ‘Fellow Travelers’, earning major nominations for the latter. He continued film work with projects connected to the ‘Magic Mike’ series and appeared in prestige television that traveled widely through streaming.

Bomer produced stage and screen projects with LGBTQ narratives and supported AIDS and cancer research foundations through recurring fundraisers. He participated in industry discussions about casting and authenticity and mentored younger performers through workshops and residencies.

Share the names you would add to this list in the comments and tell us which recent role made the biggest impact for you.