LGBTQ+ Actors Who Are Clearly Better Than the Roles They Keep Getting

Many talented actors in Hollywood find themselves confined to specific archetypes that fail to showcase their full dramatic range. This issue is particularly prevalent for LGBTQ+ performers who are often relegated to playing the comedic sidekick or the flamboyant best friend. While visibility has improved significantly over the last decade, the depth of roles offered to these men often lags behind their actual capabilities. Industry casting directors frequently overlook their potential to lead major blockbusters or carry complex dramatic narratives. These actors have proven time and again that they possess the skill to transcend the limited material they are frequently given.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer possesses the classic leading man looks and charisma that recall the golden age of Hollywood. He demonstrated significant dramatic weight in ‘The Normal Heart’ and showcased his ability to carry a series in ‘White Collar’. Despite these successes he is frequently cast in supporting roles that rely heavily on his physical appearance rather than his acting chops. His talent warrants more complex lead characters in gritty dramas or expansive period pieces.

Andrew Scott

This Irish actor gained massive popularity as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ and the Priest in ‘Fleabag’. Casting directors often pigeonhole him into roles that require eccentricity or villainy due to his ability to play unhinged characters so well. Scott has a profound ability to convey vulnerability and quiet devastation which is rarely utilized in the blockbuster films he appears in. He deserves more opportunities to play grounded human characters rather than just antagonists or magical figures.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has established himself as a reliable action star and a convincing antagonist in franchises like ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’. His background in musical theater and his dramatic work in smaller independent films suggest a range that goes far beyond holding a gun or looking menacing. He often elevates mediocre action scripts with his screen presence but rarely gets the chance to explore emotional depth. A character-driven drama would allow him to break away from the physical heavy roles he usually inhabits.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace transforms entirely into his characters and brings a unique intensity to every project he joins. He is widely recognized for heavy makeup roles like Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ or Ronan in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. These parts mask his expressive face and limit his ability to perform subtle emotional work. His performance in ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ proved he can anchor a serious drama with nuance and complexity.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a BAFTA-winning actor known for voicing ‘Paddington’ and playing Q in the James Bond franchise. While he excels in these beloved supporting parts his stage work reveals a performer of immense power and fragility. Hollywood productions often utilize him for his quirks rather than his ability to command a scene. He carries a rare emotional transparency that is wasted on exposition-heavy roles.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is a vocal powerhouse with impeccable comedic timing famously displayed in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. The industry tends to cast him repeatedly as the flamboyant and loud best friend or assistant. This typecasting ignores his potential to play more subdued or serious characters. His theatrical background proves he has the discipline and range to tackle roles that do not rely on campy stereotypes.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff has earned acclaim for his work on Broadway and his lead role in the prematurely cancelled ‘Mindhunter’. Since that show ended he has often been cast in voice roles or lighter comedic fare. His chilling and controlled performance in ‘Mindhunter’ showed he can play dark and psychological characters effectively. Studios should look past his musical theater persona and offer him darker and more gritty scripts.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey has been a staple of British television for years with standout roles in ‘Being Human’ and ‘Years and Years’. American productions often cast him as a rugged side character or a generic action figure. He possesses a raw vulnerability and a unique ability to play working-class heroes with depth. His talent is frequently underutilized in ensemble casts where he gets little screen time.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto burst onto the scene as the villain Sylar in ‘Heroes’ and Spock in ‘Star Trek’. These iconic roles have unfortunately trapped him in the sci-fi and fantasy genre as an intellectual or emotionless figure. He has demonstrated great range on stage and in smaller indie projects that allow him to be more expressive. Casting him in a romantic drama or a contemporary thriller would help break this cycle.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz broke ground as Rickie Vasquez in ‘My So-Called Life’ and continues to work steadily in television. He is often cast as the empathetic mentor figure or the seasoned professional in shows like ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. While he plays these roles with grace he rarely gets to be the central focus of the narrative. His career longevity and experience merit a vehicle where he is the protagonist rather than the support system.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén stole the show as Guillermo in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ by balancing comedy with genuine heart. Despite this breakout success he is still fighting against conventional casting norms regarding body type and ethnicity. He has the comedic timing and the action skills to lead his own franchise. Relegating him to sidekick roles ignores his clear potential to carry a film.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang has become a standout cast member on ‘SNL’ with his high-energy characters and sharp wit. Hollywood films have started casting him but mostly as the sassy comedic relief or the loud office friend. His performance in ‘Fire Island’ hinted at a capacity for romance and drama that goes unexplored in sketch comedy. He deserves scripts that allow him to be a three-dimensional human being rather than just a punchline delivery system.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a regular in the Ryan Murphy universe often playing villains or campy caricatures. He possesses the looks and the vocal talent of a classic leading man but is rarely given sincere material to work with. His stage roles demonstrate a warmth and charisma that is often stripped away in his television horror roles. A straight dramatic lead role would showcase what he can do without the layers of irony.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster wrote and starred in ‘Fire Island’ which showcased his ability to blend Jane Austen tropes with modern queer culture. Despite this he is often viewed strictly through the lens of stand-up comedy. His writing and acting display a sharp intelligence that could translate well to sophisticated dramedies. He needs more opportunities to act in projects he did not have to write for himself.

Nico Santos

Nico Santos is best known for stealing scenes in ‘Superstore’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. He is frequently typecast as the catty assistant or the fashion-obsessed side character. These roles rely on tired tropes that do not allow him to show emotional range. He is a capable actor who could easily handle more grounded and realistic storylines.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora won hearts as Oliver in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ by playing the moral compass of the show. Since then he has appeared in ‘Fire Island’ and various stage productions. He often plays the supportive partner rather than the driver of the plot. His charm and acting ability suggest he could be a fantastic lead in a romantic comedy or drama.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony nominee who brings electric energy to every screen performance. In films like ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’ he plays the best friend who offers comic relief and tragedy. He is a dynamic performer who steals focus naturally and deserves to be top-billed. Studios are missing out by not building projects around his specific energy.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie became famous as Marc St. James in ‘Ugly Betty’ and has struggled to shake that persona. He is a master of physical comedy and rapid-fire dialogue. Producers tend to cast him in roles that are variations of that same assistant character. He has the theatrical training to handle much more diverse and challenging material.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz played the complex and tortured Huck on ‘Scandal’ for several seasons. Outside of that show he is often typecast as a thug or a criminal due to his intensity and appearance. He has a deep emotional reservoir that allows him to play broken characters beautifully. He should be considered for roles that require sensitivity rather than just intimidation.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman has delivered dignified performances in ‘The Visitor’ and Marvel’s ‘Eternals’. He faces the double challenge of being typecast based on both his sexuality and his Middle Eastern heritage. He brings a soulful gravity to his work that is often wasted on minor supporting parts. He has the presence to lead a political thriller or a family drama.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has appeared in massive blockbusters like ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Detective Pikachu’. He is often cast as the anxious young man who panics while the action happens around him. His work in smaller dramas shows he is capable of much more subtle and confident acting. He needs a role that allows him to mature past the nervous teenager archetype.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is known for his work in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Love, Simon’. He brings a unique energy that blends athleticism with sensitivity. He is often relegated to being the sidekick or the love interest rather than the hero. His charisma is sufficient to carry a young adult franchise or an indie drama.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn delivered a heartbreaking performance as Justin Foley in ’13 Reasons Why’. Since that show ended he has appeared mostly in smaller roles that do not utilize his dramatic ability. He has a brooding intensity that fits well with noir or psychological thrillers. Casting directors should look to him for darker and more complex character studies.

Lukas Gage

Lukas Gage has appeared in high-profile shows like ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘You’ and ‘Euphoria’. He is frequently cast as the chaotic hookup or the disruptive intruder. This pattern risks turning him into a plot device rather than a fully realized character. He has a natural screen presence that would work well in a buddy comedy or a coming-of-age film.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created an icon with David Rose in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and won multiple Emmys. The danger now is that Hollywood only wants him to play variations of David Rose. He has shown he can balance comedy with genuine pathos. He needs to be given the chance to play characters with different mannerisms and motivations.

Noah Galvin

Noah Galvin replaced Ben Platt in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ on Broadway and starred in ‘The Real O’Neals’. He is a incredibly talented singer and comedic actor who is often stuck in the nerdy sidekick role. His timing is impeccable and he can handle heavy emotional shifts. He deserves a project that utilizes his full set of skills.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is a charming actor with a natural ease on camera who appeared in ‘Barbie’. He is often overshadowed by his famous brother or cast in very minor roles. He has the likability of a classic romantic comedy lead. Studios should give him the chance to be the main attraction rather than a background player.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is best known for playing the fawning assistant Jonathan on ’30 Rock’. He is a talented voice actor and comedic performer who is rarely given agency in live-action roles. His characters are often defined by their obsession with a more powerful male figure. He deserves roles where he calls the shots.

Rex Lee

Rex Lee became a fan favorite as Lloyd in ‘Entourage’ where he suffered constant verbal abuse. This role defined his career and led to similar casting in ‘Young & Hungry’. He is a skilled comic actor who can deliver dry wit effectively. It is time for him to play a character who commands respect.

Alec Mapa

Alec Mapa has referred to himself as “America’s Gaysian Sweetheart” and has a long resume of guest spots. He is frequently brought in to deliver a few sassy lines and then disappear. This reduces a talented performer to a caricature. He has the storytelling ability to hold an audience’s attention for much longer than a cameo.

Mario Cantone

Mario Cantone is known for his high-energy persona as Anthony in ‘Sex and the City’. His rapid-fire delivery is his trademark but it also limits the roles he is offered. He is a capable stage actor who can handle Shakespeare and serious drama. Directors should challenge him to lower the volume and explore quieter emotions.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer was the breakout star of ‘Glee’ and won a Golden Globe for his performance. He has since pivoted largely to writing best-selling novels. As an actor he is still heavily associated with the character of Kurt Hummel. He has a unique voice and perspective that would fit well in indie cinema.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson spent over a decade playing Mitchell Pritchett on ‘Modern Family’. He is a brilliant stage actor with impeccable comic instincts. Television casting directors struggle to see him as anyone other than an uptight lawyer. He would excel in a broad farce or a dark comedy film.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is beloved for playing Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Torchwood’. In recent years he has shifted largely to hosting and reality television. He is a charismatic leading man who can handle action and romance. It is a shame to see his acting talents sidelined for presenter roles.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope has exploded onto the scene with Tony nominations and a standout role in ‘The Inspection’. He is an undeniable talent who brings intensity and grace to his work. While he is getting recognition he is still fighting for the volume of offers his peers receive. He has the potential to be a generational talent if studios invest in him.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith was a fan favorite as Will Gorski in the sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. He looks the part of a traditional American action hero but brings a deep sensitivity to his roles. He is often cast in supporting military or police roles. He should be leading a major network drama or an action franchise.

Juan Pablo Di Pace

Juan Pablo Di Pace is often cast as the “Latin Lover” in projects like ‘Fuller House’ and ‘Mamma Mia!’. This stereotype limits the audience’s ability to see his true acting range. He is a talented singer and dancer with great comedic timing. He deserves roles that go beyond his accent and his appearance.

François Arnaud

François Arnaud has played leads in ‘The Borgias’ and ‘Midnight, Texas’ but often flies under the radar. He has a brooding intensity that fits well with gothic romance and horror. He is frequently cast in shows that are cancelled too soon or do not reach a wide audience. He needs a stable hit to showcase his leading man potential.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn is known for the ‘Harold & Kumar’ films and his work on ‘House’. He often plays the smart comedic friend or the doctor. He has a sharp intellect and a background in politics that could inform more serious roles. He is capable of handling complex political dramas.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver often appears alongside his twin brother in shows like ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. His recent solo work in ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘The Batman’ shows individual promise. He is often cast as the handsome jock or the club kid. He needs more opportunities to distinguish himself as a solo dramatic actor.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes was a teen heartthrob in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He is mostly known for his looks and his social media presence. He has faced personal struggles that have given him a maturity his early roles lacked. He could be excellent in a role that deconstructs his own public image.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a global star with ‘Prison Break’ before coming out publicly. He later found a niche as Captain Cold in the DC TV universe. He is a talented screenwriter and actor who brings a quiet intelligence to his parts. He has stepped away from playing straight characters which limits his options but highlights his integrity.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a legendary character actor known for ‘Titanic’ and ‘Alias’. He typically plays the stern father figure or the high-ranking official. He has a warmth and musicality that is rarely tapped into on screen. He deserves a late-career bloom in a leading role similar to other veteran actors.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a chameleon who elevates every season of ‘American Horror Story’ he appears in. He is often used for bizarre or grotesque supporting characters. This masks the fact that he is a classically trained actor capable of subtle naturalism. He should be winning awards for lead performances in prestige dramas.

BD Wong

B.D. Wong is famous for ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise. He almost always plays the intelligent doctor or scientist who explains the plot. His role in ‘Mr. Robot’ showed a flash of his daring and transformative ability. He is far too talented to be stuck delivering exposition in a lab coat.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a Broadway icon and a comedy legend known for ‘The Birdcage’. Hollywood often uses him only for his distinctive voice or his loud comedic persona. He has proven in stage productions like ‘Angels in America’ that he is a dramatic heavyweight. Cinema audiences deserve to see his dramatic range.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett arguably invented the modern “gay best friend” trope in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. His career suffered after he came out early but he has continued to work steadily. He has a regal bearing and a sharp wit that fits period dramas perfectly. He should be playing kings and elder statesmen in major productions.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett had been a working actor for decades before exploding in ‘The White Lotus’. His role as Armond proved he could balance manic comedy with tragedy. Prior to this he was often just the handsome love interest in shows like ‘Looking’. Studios should capitalize on his momentum and give him more complex leads.

Share your thoughts on which of these actors you would like to see in a starring role in the comments.