LGBTQ+ Celebs Whose Versatility Gets Ignored

Many entertainers within the LGBTQ+ community possess an impressive range of talents that extend far beyond a single genre or medium. These artists often juggle careers in acting, singing, directing, and writing while seamlessly moving between stage and screen. While some are celebrated for specific iconic roles, their broader artistic capabilities frequently fly under the radar. This list highlights the multifaceted careers of stars who refuse to be defined by just one creative outlet.

Lady Gaga

Stefani Germanotta began her career dominating the pop music landscape with avant-garde fashion and chart-topping hits. She later surprised critics with her stripped-back jazz performances alongside Tony Bennett. Her transition to acting was marked by a Golden Globe win for her work in ‘American Horror Story’ and an Academy Award nomination for ‘A Star Is Born’. This ability to pivot from stadium tours to method acting demonstrates a depth that goes beyond her pop persona.

Janelle Monáe

This artist started as a conceptual musician known for blending R&B with science fiction narratives. Monáe quickly proved her acting chops with pivotal roles in best picture contenders like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She continues to release critically acclaimed music while taking on complex characters in films such as ‘Glass Onion’. Her work consistently challenges genre boundaries in both the sonic and visual arts.

Billy Porter

Porter is often recognized for his fashion and his Emmy-winning role in ‘Pose’. His career actually began on Broadway where he won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Kinky Boots’. He is an accomplished singer with several albums and a director who has helmed feature films. This vast experience in theater and music provides the foundation for his commanding screen presence.

Tilda Swinton

Swinton is known for her ethereal appearance and roles in arthouse films like ‘Orlando’. She seamlessly transitions between indie projects and massive blockbusters such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Her work extends into performance art pieces that have been displayed in major museums. She constantly reshapes her physical appearance and acting style to suit widely different characters.

Neil Patrick Harris

Many know Harris for his comedic work on ‘How I Met Your Mother’ or his childhood role as ‘Doogie Howser’. He is also a celebrated stage actor with a Tony Award for ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. His versatility extends to hosting major awards shows and performing professional-grade magic. He balances family-friendly content with edgy theater roles effortlessly.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson has become a household name through her various roles in Ryan Murphy productions. She dominates the horror and drama genres but also showcases impeccable comedic timing in films like ‘Ocean’s 8’. Her stage work remains a critical part of her career and earned her a Tony win for ‘Appropriate’. She disappears into every character she plays regardless of the medium.

Cynthia Erivo

Erivo burst onto the scene with a Tony-winning performance in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She transitioned to film with a powerful portrayal of Harriet Tubman in ‘Harriet’ which earned her two Oscar nominations. Her vocal ability allows her to perform concerts worldwide while she continues to secure major film roles. She is one of the few artists close to achieving EGOT status.

Jodie Foster

Foster started her career as a child prodigy in films like ‘Taxi Driver’ before transitioning to adult roles. She won two Academy Awards for acting but has also built a significant career as a director for both film and television. Her directing credits include episodes of ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She moves between psychological thrillers and heartfelt dramas with ease.

RuPaul

Most audiences know RuPaul as the host of the global franchise ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. He originally found fame as a musician and a club personality in the New York underground scene. His acting credits span decades and include roles in ‘The Brady Bunch Movie’ and the Netflix series ‘AJ and the Queen’. He has successfully built an empire that encompasses music, publishing, and television production.

Ian McKellen

McKellen is a titan of the stage who is revered for his interpretation of Shakespearean roles. He achieved massive mainstream fame later in life as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in ‘X-Men’. His career balances high-brow theater with pop culture blockbusters. He remains active in both mediums and often tours with stage productions.

Queen Latifah

Dana Owens began as a trailblazing figure in hip-hop who helped define the genre for women. She successfully pivoted to acting with an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Chicago’ and starring roles in sitcoms like ‘Living Single’. She is also a jazz vocalist who has released standards albums. Her production company creates content for both television and film.

Alan Cumming

Cumming is a Scottish actor who gained fame for his electrifying stage performance in ‘Cabaret’. He is well known to television audiences for his role in ‘The Good Wife’. His career also includes writing best-selling memoirs and operating his own cabaret bar in New York. He frequently performs one-man shows that combine storytelling and song.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart became a global superstar through the ‘Twilight’ franchise but quickly pivoted to independent cinema. She became the first American actress to win a César Award for her work in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Her recent work includes portraying Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ and directing short films. She consistently chooses challenging projects that distance her from her blockbuster beginnings.

Colman Domingo

Domingo spent years as a respected character actor and playwright before gaining wider recognition. He won an Emmy for his guest role in ‘Euphoria’ and received an Oscar nomination for ‘Rustin’. His background in theater directing informs his commanding presence on screen. He writes for the stage and screen while maintaining a busy acting schedule.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin began her career making audiences laugh on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’. She is a celebrated stage actress who won a Tony for her one-woman show. Her dramatic chops were proven in films like ‘Nashville’ and she later starred in the hit series ‘Grace and Frankie’. She continues to tour with live comedy shows well into her eighties.

Andrew Scott

Scott gained a massive following for his portrayal of Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’. He demonstrated his range as the “Hot Priest” in the comedy-drama ‘Fleabag’. He is a highly decorated stage actor who has led productions of ‘Hamlet’ and ‘Present Laughter’. His filmography moves between terrifying villains and romantic leads.

Raven-Symoné

She began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before leading her own Disney Channel series. She has released successful music albums and starred on Broadway in ‘Sister Act’. Her versatility expanded to hosting daytime television on ‘The View’. She now directs episodes of television comedies while continuing to act.

Dan Levy

Levy started as a television host for MTV Canada before co-creating ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He served as a writer, director, and actor on the show which swept the comedy categories at the Emmys. His work has since expanded to directing feature films and producing unscripted content. He balances heartfelt storytelling with sharp satirical wit.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon was the breakout star of ‘Saturday Night Live’ for a decade. She is a talented voice actor who contributes to numerous animated films and series. Her film roles range from the comedy ‘Ghostbusters’ to the drama ‘Bombshell’. She plays multiple musical instruments and often incorporates this skill into her comedy.

Ben Platt

Platt achieved instant fame for his Tony-winning performance in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He transferred that success to television with the series ‘The Politician’. His music career includes solo pop albums and sold-out concert tours. He navigates the space between musical theater and contemporary pop with ease.

Jonathan Groff

Groff originated roles in ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway. He voiced a lead character in the massive Disney hit ‘Frozen’. His television work includes serious drama in ‘Mindhunter’ and comedy in ‘Looking’. He moves seamlessly between singing for children and acting in psychological thrillers.

Luke Evans

Evans is primarily known as an action star in films like ‘Fast & Furious 6’ and ‘The Hobbit’. He started his career in London’s West End performing in musicals. He showcased his vocal talents as Gaston in the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He has released studio albums that highlight his background in singing.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza became famous for her deadpan comedy in ‘Parks and Recreation’. She expanded her range with dramatic performances in ‘Black Bear’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Her role in ‘The White Lotus’ showcased a more grounded and vulnerable side. She produces many of her own projects to ensure she tackles diverse material.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson captures attention in blockbusters like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and the ‘Creed’ franchise. She is equally at home in independent satires such as ‘Sorry to Bother You’. Her work includes performing music for soundtracks as part of a fictional band. She also produces films and podcasts that focus on underrepresented voices.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne rose to prominence as a high-profile fashion model before transitioning to acting. She took on lead roles in fantasy films like ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. Her television work includes the fantasy noir ‘Carnival Row’. She also sings and plays the drums.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She has since starred in dramas like ‘The Hate U Give’ and action series like ‘The Acolyte’. She is a talented violinist and singer who contributes to film soundtracks. Her work often involves advocacy and exploring complex social themes.

Ricky Martin

Martin is a global music icon credited with bringing Latin pop to the forefront of US culture. He has a strong acting background that includes a role in ‘General Hospital’ and ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’. He has also performed on Broadway in ‘Evita’ and ‘Les Misérables’. His career spans languages and mediums with equal success.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes is a stand-up comedy legend known for her sharp wit and delivery. She is an accomplished writer who won an Emmy for her work on ‘The Chris Rock Show’. Her voice acting is a staple in animated films like ‘Ice Age’. She acts in both sitcoms and dramas while continuing to tour.

Troye Sivan

Sivan started as a child actor in films like ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and a YouTuber. He evolved into a global pop star with multiple successful albums. He returned to acting with roles in ‘Boy Erased’ and the series ‘The Idol’. His visual artistry defines his music videos and film choices.

Keke Palmer

Palmer has been a working actor since childhood with a breakout role in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She is a successful R&B singer and a charismatic television host. Her performance in ‘Nope’ displayed her ability to anchor a major science fiction film. She runs her own digital network and directs content.

Lee Pace

Pace is known for his ability to transform for roles in ‘Soldier’s Girl’ and ‘The Fall’. He played the elf king Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and the villain Ronan in the MCU. His Broadway work includes intense dramas like ‘Angels in America’. He brings a unique physicality to every character he inhabits.

Zachary Quinto

Quinto terrified audiences as the villain Sylar in the series ‘Heroes’. He successfully took on the iconic mantle of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films. He is a stage veteran who has starred in plays such as ‘The Boys in the Band’. His production company supports independent films with diverse narratives.

Tituss Burgess

Burgess became a fan favorite for his role in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. He is a Broadway veteran with a voice known for its incredible range. His work includes voice acting for animation and hosting karaoke competition shows. He brings theatrical energy to every screen project.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose started as an ensemble member in ‘Hamilton’ before winning an Oscar for ‘West Side Story’. She is a triple threat who excels in dancing, singing, and acting. Her career includes action films like ‘Argylle’ and hosting the Tony Awards. She constantly moves between stage musicals and Hollywood films.

Nathan Lane

Lane is a giant of the American theater with multiple Tony Awards to his name. He voiced the iconic character Timon in ‘The Lion King’. His film roles range from the comedy ‘The Birdcage’ to character work in ‘Beau Is Afraid’. He deftly balances slapstick comedy with serious dramatic acting.

Jane Lynch

Lynch is a master of improvisational comedy known for her work with Christopher Guest. She became a superstar playing Sue Sylvester on ‘Glee’. Her career includes hosting ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and performing on Broadway in ‘Funny Girl’. She brings authority and humor to every role.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw is a legendary theater actress who has directed operas and plays. Mainstream audiences know her as Aunt Petunia in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. She gained a new legion of fans for her role in ‘Killing Eve’. Her career is defined by her ability to play severe and complex women.

Matt Bomer

Bomer charmed audiences in the series ‘White Collar’ and the ‘Magic Mike’ films. He earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for his role in ‘The Normal Heart’. His stage work includes lead roles in ‘The Boys in the Band’. He consistently proves he is more than just a leading man with pretty looks.

Jim Parsons

Parsons created an iconic television character with Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He has since produced and starred in films like ‘Spoiler Alert’. His stage work includes ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He actively seeks roles that break away from his sitcom persona.

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus grew up in the public eye as the star of ‘Hannah Montana’. She has reinvented her musical style numerous times to cover country, rock, and pop. Her acting credits include dramatic turns in ‘Black Mirror’. She is a distinct voice in music who writes and produces her own material.

Please share your thoughts on these versatile stars in the comments.