Actors Who Came Out as Queer After Playing the Straightest Characters Ever

Many actors in Hollywood have built their careers playing characters that embody traditional romantic or masculine tropes before choosing to share their true identities with the world. These performers often spent years in the spotlight portraying heteronormative roles in popular television shows and blockbuster films. Their decisions to come out publicly have not only influenced their personal lives but have also changed the way audiences perceive the characters they once played. This shift often highlights the incredible range of these actors and the evolving nature of representation in the entertainment industry. The following list features talented individuals who became famous for playing straight roles before identifying as queer in their personal lives.

Wentworth Miller

He portrayed the stoic and calculated Michael Scofield in the hit drama ‘Prison Break’ for several years. His character was defined by a deep romantic connection to a female doctor while orchestrating a complex escape. Miller publicly came out in 2013 in a letter declining an invitation to a film festival in Russia. He later stated that he no longer wished to play straight characters because their stories have been told repeatedly. This decision marked a significant shift in his career and personal advocacy for the LGBTQ community.

Neil Patrick Harris

This actor spent nine seasons playing the ultimate womanizer Barney Stinson on the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’ starting in 2005. His character was famous for his elaborate schemes to pick up women and his strict adherence to a bro code. Harris officially came out to the public in 2006 during the height of the show popularity. He has since become a prominent figure in Hollywood and a dedicated father of two children. His performance as Barney remained a fan favorite throughout the entire run of the series.

Matt Bomer

He became a household name playing the suave and romantic con artist Neal Caffrey in the procedural series ‘White Collar’ from 2009 to 2014. The character was frequently involved in flirtatious storylines with various female leads throughout the show. Bomer quietly came out during an acceptance speech for a humanitarian award in 2012 by thanking his husband and children. He has since balanced his career with roles that explore different facets of identity in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Fellow Travelers’ which earned him critical acclaim.

Luke Evans

The Welsh actor portrayed the hyper masculine and arrogant Gaston in the live action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in 2017. His character was obsessed with winning the hand of Belle and served as the primary antagonist of the story. Evans had been open about his sexuality early in his career but faced a period of media speculation as he transitioned into major action roles. He has since spoken more freely about his life as a gay man while continuing to lead major film franchises and television dramas. His career continues to thrive across multiple genres including historical epics and modern thrillers.

Jonathan Bennett

He rose to fame as the teenage heartthrob Aaron Samuels in the 2004 cult classic film ‘Mean Girls’ which focused on high school social dynamics. His character was the central romantic interest for the protagonist Cady Heron and her rival Regina George. Bennett came out publicly in 2017 after years of maintaining a private life regarding his personal relationships. He has since become a staple of the Hallmark Channel and hosted various television programs. He often shares updates about his life and marriage on social media with his fans.

Colton Haynes

This performer played the popular athlete Jackson Whittemore in the supernatural series ‘Teen Wolf’ where he pursued various female romantic interests. He later joined the cast of ‘Arrow’ as Roy Harper who was also depicted in a committed relationship with a female character. Haynes came out as gay in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2016 following a period of intense public scrutiny. He discussed the pressure of maintaining a specific image in the industry while struggling with his mental health. The actor has since published a memoir detailing his experiences in Hollywood and his journey toward self acceptance.

Jim Parsons

For over a decade he portrayed the socially awkward yet brilliant Sheldon Cooper on the massive hit sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’ which began in 2007. The character eventually entered a long term relationship and married a woman named Amy Farrah Fowler during the show run. Parsons came out as gay in a 2012 New York Times profile while he was starring in a Broadway production. He has since won multiple awards for his acting and has produced various projects that highlight queer stories. His work continues to influence the landscape of both television comedy and dramatic theater.

Kevin Conroy

He provided the iconic voice for Bruce Wayne and the Dark Knight in ‘Batman The Animated Series’ and many subsequent video games. The character is traditionally depicted as a billionaire playboy with numerous female love interests throughout the DC Universe. Conroy officially shared his experience as a gay man in the comic ‘Finding Batman’ which was published shortly before his passing in 2022. He detailed how his life as a queer man helped him connect with the dual identity of the superhero he voiced for thirty years. Fans around the world celebrated his legacy and his courage in sharing his personal story.

Richard Armitage

The British actor is well known for playing the rugged dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and the brooding Guy of Gisborne in ‘Robin Hood’ for the BBC. His roles often featured intense physical action and traditional masculine tropes that appealed to a wide audience. Armitage came out as gay during an interview in 2023 while discussing his role in the Netflix series ‘Obsession’ and the importance of authenticity. He expressed that he had been out to his inner circle for decades but had not felt the need to make a public declaration until then. He continues to be a highly sought after actor for both screen and stage productions.

Victor Garber

He played the stoic and intimidating CIA officer Jack Bristow on the hit action series ‘Alias’ from 2001 to 2006. The character was a dedicated father and a formidable intelligence operative who rarely showed vulnerability or emotion. Garber confirmed his sexuality publicly in 2013 after being asked about his long term partner by a reporter. He has enjoyed a long and versatile career appearing in major films such as ‘Titanic’ and ‘Argo’ as well as numerous Broadway shows.

Zachary Quinto

This actor gained fame for his role as the menacing villain Sylar in ‘Heroes’ and the logic driven Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films. Both characters were presented with various female romantic interests or had storylines rooted in traditional masculine archetypes. Quinto came out as gay in 2011 after the tragic death of a young teenager sparked a conversation about bullying and LGBTQ youth. He has since used his platform to advocate for civil rights and has appeared in several queer focused projects including ‘The Boys in the Band’ on stage and screen.

David Hyde Pierce

He spent eleven seasons playing the refined and somewhat fussy psychiatrist Niles Crane on the critically acclaimed sitcom ‘Frasier’ which premiered in 1993. The character long standing obsession with Daphne Moon was a central plot point throughout the majority of the series. Pierce came out through his representative in 2007 and later spoke more openly about his long term relationship with his husband. Despite his private nature he has been recognized for his contributions to the theater and for his iconic comedic performances. He remains a beloved figure in the world of television history.

Sarah Paulson

She has played a wide variety of characters across many seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ including wives and mothers in traditional domestic settings. Early in her career she was often cast in roles that did not address her personal identity including her work on the series ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ in 2006. Paulson has been open about her relationships with both men and women and has been in a long term relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015. She frequently discusses the fluidity of her sexuality and her refusal to be pigeonholed by labels in the media. Her acting prowess has earned her numerous accolades including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Jodie Foster

As a legendary actress she played the determined FBI trainee Clarice Starling in the 1991 thriller ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ which became an iconic role in cinema history. She also starred in numerous films where she played a romantic lead opposite famous male actors throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Foster publicly acknowledged her partner during a speech at the Golden Globes in 2013 after decades of maintaining extreme privacy. She has since transitioned into directing and producing while continuing to take on challenging acting roles. She is widely considered one of the most talented and influential women in Hollywood.

Holland Taylor

She is well known for her role as the glamorous and frequently married Evelyn Harper on the long running sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’ starting in 2003. Her character was defined by her vanity and her complicated relationships with her sons and various wealthy men. Taylor came out in 2015 during a radio interview where she mentioned she was in a serious relationship with a woman. She later confirmed her partner was actress Sarah Paulson and the two have been a prominent couple in the industry ever since. Her career spans decades of successful work in theater film and television comedy.

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