LGBTQ+ Actors Who Completely Broke the “You Can’t Play Straight” Myth

The entertainment industry has long debated whether openly gay actors can convincingly portray straight characters in major productions. For decades many performers felt the need to remain in the closet to secure leading man roles and maintain their professional viability in Hollywood. However a growing number of talented men have dismantled these outdated myths by delivering powerful performances across various genres. These actors prove that talent and craft far outweigh personal identity when it comes to inhabiting a role on screen or stage.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris played Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ for nine seasons. He portrayed a legendary womanizer who spent his life chasing women and avoiding commitment. The performance earned him multiple award nominations and praise for his comedic timing and range. He has also played straight characters in films like ‘Gone Girl’ where he portrayed a wealthy obsessed ex boyfriend.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer gained fame playing Neal Caffrey in ‘White Collar’ where he used his charm and wit to help the FBI solve white collar crimes. He portrayed a romantic lead in the ‘Magic Mike’ franchise and showed his range in various film and television roles. His portrayal of a father and husband in ‘The Sinner’ demonstrated his ability to lead dramatic thrillers. He continues to take on diverse roles that challenge industry stereotypes about gay actors in leading roles.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a global star for his role as Michael Scofield in the hit series ‘Prison Break’. He played a structural engineer who executes an elaborate plan to break his brother out of prison while navigating dangerous inmates. Miller also played the romantic lead in various music videos and guest roles throughout the early part of his career. His work on ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ further showcased his ability to play complex action characters.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has played numerous masculine and romantic lead roles in major Hollywood blockbusters including ‘Fast and Furious 6’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He portrayed the narcissistic Gaston in the live action remake of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ who is obsessed with winning the heart of Belle. In the series ‘The Alienist’ he plays a newspaper illustrator helping to track a serial killer in nineteenth century New York. His career demonstrates a consistent ability to lead major action and period pieces across various genres.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons portrayed the socially awkward but brilliant Sheldon Cooper for twelve seasons on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. While the character was eventually married to a woman his focus was often on science and personal routine rather than romantic pursuits. Parsons also appeared in ‘Hidden Figures’ as a head engineer during the space race of the nineteen sixties. His stage work and voice acting further prove his versatility beyond the role that made him famous.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto took over the iconic role of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series starting in two thousand nine. He portrayed the half Vulcan character who maintains a romantic relationship with Uhura throughout the trilogy. Quinto also played the antagonist Sylar in ‘Heroes’ which required a high level of intensity and physical performance. His work in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series has allowed him to play a wide variety of straight and gay characters.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained international recognition for his chilling performance as Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He later played a charismatic priest in ‘Fleabag’ who becomes a complicated love interest for the main character. Scott has also appeared in major films such as ‘1917’ and the James Bond movie ‘Spectre’ as a high ranking intelligence officer. His ability to convey deep emotion and psychological complexity makes him a sought after talent in the industry.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is well known for playing the tech genius Q in the James Bond films ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. He starred as the obsessive protagonist in ‘Perfume’ which required a haunting and atmospheric performance. Whishaw also voiced the title character in the ‘Paddington’ films and played a father in the series ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. His resume includes a vast array of straight roles in both contemporary and historical settings.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace portrayed the protagonist Ned in ‘Pushing Daisies’ who has a romantic relationship with a girl he brought back to life. He also played the Elven King Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and the villainous Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Pace took on the lead role of Joe MacMillan in ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ where he played a driven and visionary businessman. His tall stature and deep voice have allowed him to take on many commanding and traditionally masculine roles.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey has appeared in numerous television series including ‘Being Human’ where he played a werewolf trying to live a normal life. He took on the role of a straight pilot in the movie ‘The Pass’ after having played the character on stage. Tovey also appeared in ‘Years and Years’ and ‘Quantico’ showing his range in both drama and action genres. His naturalistic acting style allows him to disappear into a variety of characters regardless of their sexual orientation.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett is perhaps best known for playing the heartthrob Aaron Samuels in the cult classic film ‘Mean Girls’. He served as the romantic interest for Lindsay Lohan and became a staple of early two thousands pop culture. Bennett has continued to act in various holiday movies and television shows where he often plays the lead romantic male. He has also hosted several competition shows including ‘Cake Wars’ and ‘Halloween Wars’.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber has had a long and storied career in film and television including his role as Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster ‘Titanic’. He played the father of the main character in ‘Alias’ and appeared as a professor in the movie ‘Legally Blonde’. Garber is also known for his work in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ where he played one half of the character Firestorm. His authoritative presence often leads to him being cast in roles of power and leadership.

Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage gained fame for his roles in ‘North and South’ and playing the dwarf king Thorin Oakenshield in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. He has played several leading straight characters in thrillers like ‘The Stranger’ and ‘Stay Close’ on Netflix. Armitage is known for his brooding screen presence and deep voice which often sees him cast as a romantic or action lead. His career spans across theatre and television where he consistently plays diverse roles.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff played the recurring role of Jesse St. James in ‘Glee’ who was a romantic interest for the main character Rachel Berry. He took on the lead role of Holden Ford in the psychological thriller series ‘Mindhunter’ where he investigates serial killers. Groff also voiced Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ franchise who is a traditional hero and romantic partner. His work on Broadway and in television shows a high level of versatility in both musical and dramatic settings.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin rose to fame as a global pop star before expanding his career into acting with roles in ‘General Hospital’. He played a straight love interest in the soap opera during the early nineteen nineties. Martin received critical acclaim for his performance in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace American Crime Story’ although he played a gay character there. His long history as a sex symbol in the music industry challenged many preconceived notions about male performers.

Chad Allen

Chad Allen gained fame as a teen idol playing Matthew Cooper on the long running series ‘Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman’. In this role he portrayed a young man navigating life in the American West and pursuing various romantic interests. Allen also appeared in numerous television films and guest roles where he played traditional leading men. His career demonstrated that an openly gay actor could maintain a successful career as a television heartthrob.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett was a major leading man in the nineteen eighties and nineteen nineties appearing in films like ‘Another Country’. He played the romantic lead in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ alongside Julia Roberts though his character was gay in that specific instance. Everett has played many straight historical figures and aristocrats in films like ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. He was one of the first high profile actors to be open about his sexuality while pursuing leading roles.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt gained massive recognition for his Tony winning performance in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ on Broadway. He moved into television with a leading role in ‘The Politician’ where he plays a high school student with presidential ambitions. Platt has played straight characters in films like ‘Pitch Perfect’ where he was a member of the a cappella group. His career continues to grow with roles in both musicals and scripted television series.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy is best known for creating and starring in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ where he played the character David Rose. Before his breakout success he worked as a television host and appeared in various film projects. He played a straight character in the film ‘Happiest Season’ while his character in ‘Modern Family’ was also memorable. Levy has become a significant figure in entertainment as a writer and producer as well as an actor.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is well known for his role as David Vickers on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He played a straight man with a complex romantic history that spanned hundreds of episodes over several decades. Watkins also appeared in ‘Desperate Housewives’ where he played one half of a gay couple living on Wisteria Lane. His career includes a wide variety of roles in both comedic and dramatic television series.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is famous for his role as Jack McFarland on the long running sitcom ‘Will and Grace’. Despite his iconic gay character he has played straight roles in movies like ‘The Three Stooges’ where he portrayed Larry. Hayes has also done extensive voice work and appeared in several Broadway productions. His comedic timing remains one of his strongest assets in the entertainment industry.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a legendary British actor and comedian known for his partnership with Hugh Laurie. He has played numerous straight historical figures including Oscar Wilde in the film ‘Wilde’. Fry appeared in ‘The Hobbit’ films and the series ‘Bones’ as a recurring character. His extensive career in comedy and drama has made him a respected figure in global entertainment.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming has had a diverse career ranging from his role as Nightcrawler in ‘X2’ to his work on ‘The Good Wife’. He played a straight political operative in ‘The Good Wife’ which earned him several award nominations. Cumming is also known for his stage work including a celebrated turn in ‘Cabaret’. His ability to transform into vastly different characters has been a hallmark of his long career.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess became a breakout star for his role in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ on Netflix. He has appeared in several films and television shows often bringing a unique comedic energy to his parts. Burgess played a straight character in the movie ‘Set It Up’ where he was a coworker to the lead characters. His powerful singing voice has also led him to many successful roles on Broadway.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope received critical acclaim for his roles in the series ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘The Inspection’. He has played straight characters on stage including his Tony nominated performance in ‘Choir Boy’. Pope is known for his ability to bring deep empathy and strength to his characters regardless of the setting. His rising career is marked by a selection of roles that highlight complex human experiences.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese American actor known for his role in the film ‘The Visitor’ where he played a straight musician. He appeared in the series ‘Nurse Jackie’ and played the lead in the miniseries ‘Killing Jesus’. Sleiman has also appeared in ‘Eternals’ as part of the first same sex couple in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His work often bridges cultural gaps and addresses important social themes through storytelling.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the hit legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He has also played straight characters in various theater productions and television guest spots. Ricamora appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’ and the series ‘The Resident’. His performances are often praised for their emotional depth and relatability.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett gained fame for his role as Jamal Lyon on the musical drama series ‘Empire’. Before his breakout role he appeared as a child actor in films like ‘The Mighty Ducks’ and ‘North’. Smollett has played several straight characters in independent films and television projects over his career. He is also a singer and songwriter who has released several musical projects.

Nico Tortorella

Nico Tortorella is known for playing Josh in the series ‘Younger’ where he was the primary straight love interest for Sutton Foster. He also starred in ‘The Walking Dead World Beyond’ as a lead character surviving a zombie apocalypse. Tortorella is open about their fluid identity but has consistently been cast in traditionally masculine roles. Their career reflects a modern approach to identity and performance in Hollywood.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli plays Dr. Levi Schmitt on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Before his character came out on the show he was portrayed in several potential straight pairings with other interns. Borelli has also appeared in various television movies and series geared toward younger audiences. He continues to be a prominent voice for representation in the medical drama genre.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver appeared alongside his twin brother in ‘Desperate Housewives’ where they played the sons of Lynette Scavo. He later starred in ‘Teen Wolf’ as a werewolf character and appeared in the series ‘The Leftovers’. Carver has played many straight characters in films like ‘Fist Fight’ and ‘The Ratched’. His career has transitioned from teen idol roles to more complex dramatic performances.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn is known for his breakout role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ’13 Reasons Why’. He played a popular high school athlete who struggles with addiction and family issues throughout the show. Flynn has also appeared in ‘Ratched’ and the horror film ‘Hellraiser’. His ability to portray troubled and intense characters has made him a standout young actor.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has starred in major films like ‘Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom’ and ‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu’. He played the lead role in the series ‘The Get Down’ where he portrayed a young poet and musician in the Bronx. Smith also appeared in ‘Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves’ as a powerful sorcerer. His career includes a wide variety of lead roles in large scale studio productions.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is famous for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He has played many straight characters in shows like ‘The Magicians’ and ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’. Guillén also voiced a character in ‘Puss in Boots The Last Wish’ which became a massive hit. His comedic timing and physical acting have made him a favorite among fans and critics.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained widespread acclaim for his role in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. He has played straight characters in series like ‘Looking’ and ‘The Last of Us’ though he is often cast in gay roles. Bartlett appeared in ‘Physical’ as a fitness guru and in the series ‘Welcome to Chippendales’. His career has seen a significant resurgence with many high profile projects in recent years.

George Takei

George Takei is a legendary actor known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He portrayed the helmsman of the USS Enterprise in both the television show and several feature films. Takei has been a prominent activist and has appeared in many guest roles on television over the decades. His legacy as a pioneer in science fiction remains incredibly influential today.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was one of the most famous leading men of the Golden Age of Hollywood known for his romantic comedies. He starred alongside Doris Day in films like ‘Pillow Talk’ and appeared in epic dramas like ‘Giant’. Hudson was the epitome of the masculine screen hero for decades while keeping his private life hidden. His career and subsequent public health battle changed the conversation around LGBTQ individuals in the industry.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a major film star and heartthrob in the nineteen fifties starring in movies like ‘Battle Cry’. He was a top box office draw and a popular recording artist during the height of his fame. Hunter played the lead in many romantic films where he was the object of affection for female characters. His life story was later documented in a book and film that detailed his experiences as a closeted star.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells is known for his breakout role in the Broadway musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He has appeared in television series like ‘Girls’ and ‘The New Normal’ where he played prominent roles. Rannells played a straight character in the film ‘The Intern’ as a high level executive working with Anne Hathaway. His career continues to span across musical theater and television comedy.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie became famous for his role as Marc St. James on the comedy series ‘Ugly Betty’. He has played straight characters in several stage productions and independent films throughout his career. Urie starred in the holiday film ‘Single All the Way’ and appeared in the series ‘Shrinking’. His expressive acting style and comedic talent have led to a successful career in multiple mediums.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for playing Mitchell Pritchett on the long running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. Before his television success he had a productive career on Broadway in various musical and dramatic roles. He has played straight characters in regional theater and guest spots on television shows. Ferguson is also an author and has hosted several television specials and awards ceremonies.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a versatile character actor known for his roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘True Blood’. He has played a wide variety of straight characters in films like ‘Milk’ and ‘Dallas Buyers Club’. O’Hare is a Tony Award winner with a long history of performing on Broadway in diverse roles. His ability to disappear into eccentric or authoritative characters makes him a staple of modern television.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a celebrated actor of stage and screen known for his roles in ‘The Birdcage’ and ‘The Producers’. He voiced Timon in ‘The Lion King’ and has played many straight characters in films like ‘Mouse Hunt’. Lane has appeared in dramatic television roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Penny Dreadful City of Angels’. His career is marked by a unique blend of high energy comedy and serious dramatic work.

Jim Nabors

Jim Nabors was a popular actor and singer known for his role as Gomer Pyle on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’. He starred in his own spin off series ‘Gomer Pyle USMC’ which was a major television hit. Nabors was known for his baritone singing voice and appeared in several variety shows and films. He maintained a very private personal life for most of his legendary career.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins is most famous for his role as Norman Bates in the classic thriller ‘Psycho’. He played many straight romantic leads in the nineteen fifties before his career defining turn in the Alfred Hitchcock film. Perkins appeared in numerous European and American films throughout his long career. He remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the horror genre.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce portrayed the fussy but straight Dr. Niles Crane on the legendary sitcom ‘Frasier’ for eleven seasons. His performance earned him multiple Emmy Awards and made the character a fan favorite. Pierce has also appeared in films like ‘A Bug’s Life’ and ‘The Perfect Host’ where he played a wide range of parts. He remains a highly respected actor on Broadway and in the television industry.

John Benjamin Hickey

John Benjamin Hickey has had a long career in film and television including roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘In Treatment’. He has played many straight characters in films like ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ and ‘Flags of Our Fathers’. Hickey is also a Tony Award winner for his work on stage in ‘The Normal Heart’. His performances are often noted for their intelligence and understated strength.

BD Wong

BD Wong is known for his long running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. He played the straight scientist Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Jurassic World’ film franchises. Wong won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘M. Butterfly’ and has appeared in series like ‘Mr. Robot’. His diverse career covers everything from animation voice work to high stakes drama.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson has appeared in several seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ playing a variety of different characters. He has had a successful career on Broadway and in television shows like ’30 Rock’ and ‘Glee’. Jackson often plays traditionally masculine or romantic lead roles in both contemporary and period settings. His physical presence and singing ability make him a versatile performer in the industry.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes gained popularity for his roles in the series ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’. He played Jackson Whittemore in ‘Teen Wolf’ who was a popular athlete and romantic interest for female characters. Haynes also portrayed Roy Harper in ‘Arrow’ where he was a central action hero and love interest. His career highlights his ability to lead popular genre television shows with physical intensity.

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