Here Are the Best Gay Actors in the History of Cinema

Queer visibility in film has grown through decades of persistence, talent, and honest storytelling. Many performers worked in eras when being out could end careers, while others have risen in a time when openness is celebrated and still hard won. Across generations, these actors brought depth and range to the screen and helped audiences see lives and experiences that had long been kept out of view.

This list highlights twenty performers whose work in cinema has shaped how stories are told and who gets to tell them. You will find major award winners, box office anchors, and artists who used their platform to support inclusion on and off set. Each entry focuses on measurable contributions like roles, accolades, and industry impact so you can explore their film work with clear context.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen earned Academy Award nominations for ‘Gods and Monsters’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring’. His film credits span franchise tentpoles such as ‘X Men’ and literary adaptations such as ‘Richard III’, reflecting a career that bridges blockbuster reach and classical training.

He has been publicly out for many years and has supported LGBTQ organizations across the UK and beyond. His visibility during the height of his franchise fame helped normalize open representation among leading men in global cinema.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a two time Academy Award winner for Best Actress for ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She began as a child performer in films like ‘Taxi Driver’ and went on to direct and produce while maintaining a consistent onscreen presence.

She spoke openly about her personal life after many years of industry speculation and has since continued to lead major studio and independent films. Her longevity and awards record make her one of the most decorated actors to be publicly out in modern Hollywood.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was an Academy Award nominee for ‘Giant’ and a top box office draw through romances and comedies like ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘Lover Come Back’. His screen image defined a mid century leading man across studio era productions.

His acknowledgment of his AIDS diagnosis in the mid 1980s brought unprecedented public attention to the crisis. That visibility changed media coverage of HIV and reshaped conversations about privacy and health in the film community.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Nashville’ and later headlined acclaimed features such as ‘Grandma’ and appeared in ensemble films like ‘Nine to Five’. Her film career complements a body of work across stand up, stage, and television.

She has long collaborated with writer and director Jane Wagner, crediting that partnership for major creative milestones. Tomlin’s openness and accolades across formats demonstrate how out performers can sustain film careers over multiple decades.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry received a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Oscar Wilde in ‘Wilde’ and has appeared in films such as ‘V for Vendetta’ and ‘Gosford Park’. He also writes, directs, and narrates documentaries that reach international audiences.

Fry has been open about his sexuality and mental health while maintaining a steady film presence. His work as a writer and public figure expanded the kinds of roles and projects available to out British actors in cinema.

Derek Jacobi

Sir Derek Jacobi’s film roles include ‘Gladiator’, ‘The King’s Speech’, and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. A noted Shakespearean actor, he brings stage technique to screen performances in historical drama and contemporary thrillers.

He is openly gay and has discussed the evolution of acceptance in the industry during his lifetime. His continued casting in prestige films underscores how openly out veterans have helped shift hiring practices across British and international productions.

George Takei

George Takei appeared in the ‘Star Trek’ film series beginning with ‘Star Trek The Motion Picture’ and continued through multiple installments as Hikaru Sulu. His filmography also includes voice work and documentary features about civil rights and history.

He came out publicly in the mid 2000s and has advocated for LGBTQ equality and Japanese American redress. Takei’s film and advocacy work connect genre fandom with civic engagement, bringing new audiences to both.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett earned Golden Globe nominations for ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ and ‘An Ideal Husband’. He later wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Happy Prince’, a biographical film about Oscar Wilde.

Everett has spoken candidly about how industry attitudes affected casting during key phases of his career. His shift into writing and directing broadened his cinematic contributions and created roles centered on queer history.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber’s notable films include ‘Titanic’, ‘Argo’, and ‘Milk’. He often anchors ensembles in historical or political dramas with precise supporting turns.

Garber publicly acknowledged his sexuality in the 2010s and has since discussed representation in interviews and panels. His steady film work shows how openly out character actors contribute vital depth across award recognized productions.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw plays Q in the James Bond films ‘Skyfall’, ‘Spectre’, and ‘No Time to Die’ and has led features such as ‘Perfume The Story of a Murderer’. His screen roles range from literary adaptations to large scale action.

He has spoken about privacy and artistic focus while being openly gay. The combination of franchise visibility and auteur projects illustrates how out performers can navigate both commercial and art house cinema.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott’s film credits include ‘All of Us Strangers’, ‘Pride’, and ‘1917’. He received a leading actor nomination at the British Academy Film Awards for ‘All of Us Strangers’.

Scott is openly gay and has emphasized the value of complex roles rather than type based casting. His recent awards recognition in film demonstrates growing demand for nuanced queer led dramas in mainstream release.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto starred as Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films and appeared in financial thriller ‘Margin Call’. His producing work has also brought independent features to wider attention.

Quinto came out publicly in the early 2010s and has supported LGBTQ youth organizations. His presence in science fiction franchises helped normalize out actors in major studio releases.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has appeared in ‘The Hobbit’ films, played Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and joined action entries like ‘Fast and Furious 6’. He moves between musical roles and large scale adventure cinema.

Evans has been open about his sexuality since early in his career and continues to headline international productions. His casting across period pieces and contemporary blockbusters shows consistent demand for out leading men.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer’s film work includes ‘Magic Mike’, ‘The Boys in the Band’, and ‘In Time’. He has balanced independent films with studio projects and voice roles.

Bomer publicly came out in the early 2010s and has discussed family and work with candor. His continued presence in ensemble films reflects durable opportunities for out actors across genres.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff voices Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ films and appears in features such as ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and ‘Knock at the Cabin’. He maintains parallel careers in theater and screen acting.

Groff has been publicly out since the late 2000s and has participated in LGBTQ focused benefits and events. His crossover from stage acclaim to prominent film roles exemplifies how out performers build multi platform careers.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo starred in ‘Rustin’ and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for that film. His other films include ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, and ‘Zola’.

Domingo is openly gay and has spoken about mentorship and inclusion in casting. His rise to leading roles in major biographical drama underscores the expanding space for queer narratives in cinema.

BD Wong

BD Wong appears across the ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Jurassic World’ films and has supporting roles in features like ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘Seven Years in Tibet’. He is known for precise character work that anchors large ensembles.

Wong is openly gay and has written about family and representation. His long running participation in a top grossing franchise illustrates how out actors can sustain multi decade film journeys.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter’s film projects include ‘Our Son’, ‘Anything’s Possible’, and ‘Cinderella’. He also directs and develops screen projects that center queer stories.

Porter is openly gay and an advocate for visibility in casting and costume design fields. His transition from stage leadership to film roles and directing expands pathways for queer talent in feature production.

John Gielgud

Sir John Gielgud won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Arthur’ and appeared in films such as ‘Prospero’s Books’ and ‘Becket’. His screen career complemented a renowned life in classical theater.

Gielgud was gay and experienced a public scandal mid century, later speaking more openly as attitudes shifted. His award recognition in mainstream cinema helped affirm the standing of out British actors in the global film canon.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter starred in studio era hits like ‘Battle Cry’ and ‘Damn Yankees’. He sustained leading man status across dramas and musicals during the height of Hollywood’s star system.

He came out later in life through the memoir ‘Tab Hunter Confidential’, which was adapted into a documentary feature. By sharing his story, he provided historical context for how closeted actors navigated film careers in earlier decades.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart won the Best Actress prize at Cannes for ‘Personal Shopper’ and earned widespread acclaim for ‘Spencer’. Her filmography spans studio hits like ‘Twilight’ and independent standouts such as ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and ‘Certain Women’.

She has been open about her sexuality and continues to choose films that challenge expectations. Stewart’s visibility in global press and at major festivals has helped broaden industry conversations about casting and creative freedom.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Juno’ and appeared in ‘Inception’ along with ‘X Men Days of Future Past’. He has also produced and starred in projects that center intimate character studies like ‘Freeheld’.

Page came out as transgender and queer and has discussed representation and safety for trans people working in film. His continued presence in high profile productions underscores the importance of inclusive casting and creative control.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson’s film work includes ‘Carol’, ’12 Years a Slave’, and ‘Glass’. She has balanced prestige dramas with thrillers and character driven indies while collaborating with notable directors and ensembles.

Paulson is openly gay and frequently supports LGBTQ causes. She has spoken about authenticity in roles which adds weight to her choices across period pieces and contemporary stories.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris appears in films like ‘Gone Girl’, ‘The Smurfs’, and ‘Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle’. He also lends voice performances to animated features and participates in musical projects on screen.

Harris is openly gay and has hosted major award shows while advocating for equality. His crossover between film and live events has helped normalize LGBTQ visibility in mainstream entertainment spaces.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon brings sketch trained precision to films such as ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Bombshell’, and ‘Barbie’. She often blends comedy with grounded character beats and has a strong track record in ensemble casts.

McKinnon is openly gay and has portrayed queer characters in both short form and feature formats. Her presence in big studio comedies offers broad visibility for LGBTQ performers in multiplex releases.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon’s film credits include ‘Amadeus’, ‘A Quiet Passion’, and ‘James White’. She often gravitates toward literary and intimate dramas and has worked with acclaimed directors.

Nixon is openly queer and has long been active in public advocacy. Her public profile supports wider acceptance while she continues to appear in character centered films.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey appears in ‘Wicked’ and the romantic drama ‘All of Us Strangers’. His screen work extends from television acclaim to growing film opportunities in musicals and contemporary romance.

Bailey is openly gay and speaks about the value of honest casting. His move into large scale features reflects rising demand for LGBTQ leading men in theatrical releases.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey’s film work includes ‘The Good Liar’, ‘The Pass’, and ‘Grabbers’. He brings stage experience to screen roles that range from horror comedy to intimate sports drama.

Tovey is openly gay and supports arts institutions that nurture new voices. His continued casting in British and international films demonstrates the audience for queer actors in varied genres.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons appears in ‘The Normal Heart’, ‘Hidden Figures’, and ‘A Kid Like Jake’. He has produced and starred in films that foreground complex family and social themes.

Parsons is openly gay and uses his platform to develop projects with inclusive stories. His move from television success to impactful film roles shows how visibility can open doors for thoughtful productions.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller’s film credits include ‘The Loft’ and ‘Resident Evil Afterlife’, along with screenwriting for ‘Stoker’. His work spans acting and writing with a focus on tense character pieces.

Miller is openly gay and has discussed mental health and representation. His candid public statements encourage healthier production practices and more nuanced roles for queer performers.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes has appeared in ‘San Andreas’ and independent projects such as ‘Love Simon’ in a supporting capacity. He continues to expand his filmography with roles that connect action and teen drama.

Haynes is openly gay and has written about the challenges of early career pressure. His advocacy for honest self presentation adds context to his ongoing work in features.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson’s films include ‘Creed’, ‘Thor Ragnarok’, and ‘Passing’. She shifts between franchise titles and smaller literary dramas and collaborates closely with up and coming directors.

Thompson identifies as queer and speaks about inclusive storytelling. Her choices help bring intersectional perspectives into mainstream cinema without losing audience reach.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe appears in ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘Moonlight’, and ‘Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery’. She balances music and acting with roles that anchor large ensembles and prestige dramas.

Monáe is nonbinary and queer and advocates for representation across the arts. Her film work aligns with projects that center diverse casts and thoughtful narratives.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor’s film roles include ‘The Truman Show’, ‘Legally Blonde’, and ‘Gloria Bell’. She is a dependable presence in both character driven indies and studio comedies.

Taylor is openly gay and supports theater and film programs for emerging artists. Her sustained career offers a model for long term visibility in cinema.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell has appeared in ‘A League of Their Own’, ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, and ‘Harriet the Spy’. She brings comedic timing and grounded warmth to supporting roles.

O’Donnell is openly gay and has used her platform to support LGBTQ families and youth. Her film appearances complement advocacy that reaches wide audiences.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones’s film work includes ‘Signs’, ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’, and ‘Boy Erased’. She often plays authoritative figures with quiet emotional depth.

Jones is openly lesbian and has long championed artists coming up through stage and film. Her steady presence in award recognized features keeps queer representation visible in serious drama.

Nigel Hawthorne

Nigel Hawthorne earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Madness of King George’ and appeared in ‘Amistad’ and ‘Demolition Man’. He brought classical training to a varied slate of roles.

Hawthorne was openly gay later in life and spoke about privacy and media pressure. His achievements in prestige cinema showed that honesty about identity could coexist with critical acclaim.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp’s films include ‘Dazed and Confused’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’, and ‘Rent’. He carries musical and dramatic skills into projects that connect with devoted fan communities.

Rapp is openly gay and has been a longtime advocate for safer workplaces in entertainment. His openness has supported cultural shifts that benefit younger performers.

Leslie Jordan

Leslie Jordan appeared in ‘The Help’ and independent comedies and also contributed memorable voice work. His distinctive presence added color to ensembles across genres.

Jordan was openly gay and supported community organizations through events and appearances. His career demonstrated how character actors can build lasting bonds with audiences.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein’s film credits include ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, ‘Torch Song Trilogy’, and ‘Independence Day’. He is also a noted writer whose stage work has influenced film adaptations.

Fierstein is openly gay and has spent decades advocating for LGBTQ rights through art and public life. His dual role as actor and writer helped carve out space for queer centered stories in cinema.

Share your favorites in the comments and tell us which performers you would add to this list.