Actors You Probably Didn’t Know Were LGBTQ+

Plenty of famous performers have shared their identities openly, yet it can still surprise people to learn who in Hollywood is part of the LGBTQ+ community. The actors below have spoken publicly about their orientation or gender identity in interviews, essays, or social posts. You will also find the projects that helped bring them into the spotlight.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey is openly gay and has talked about coming out early in his career. He broke out globally playing Anthony Bridgerton in ‘Bridgerton’ and later starred in ‘Fellow Travelers’. Bailey has also appeared on the West End and won an Olivier Award for musical theatre. He frequently supports LGBTQ+ causes and representation through interviews and public appearances.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is openly gay and has discussed his marriage to composer Mark Bradshaw in interviews. He is known for voicing Paddington in ‘Paddington’ and for playing Q in ‘Skyfall’ and its sequels. Whishaw earned acclaim for ‘A Very English Scandal’ and ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. He often chooses roles that explore complex identity and relationships.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott is openly gay and has spoken about visibility for queer actors. He became widely known as the Hot Priest in ‘Fleabag’ and as Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’. Scott has led films like ‘All of Us Strangers’ and earned major stage accolades. He regularly appears at festivals and panels discussing storytelling and authenticity.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is openly bisexual and has shared her experiences in interviews and essays. She played Detective Rosa Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, where her character also came out as bisexual. Beatriz voiced Mirabel in ‘Encanto’ and has numerous stage credits. She supports LGBTQ+ youth organizations and mental health initiatives.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza has described herself as bisexual in multiple interviews. She gained prominence on ‘Parks and Recreation’ and later earned awards attention for ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza has starred in indie hits and genre projects such as ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Legion’. She often highlights queer creatives and stories in her producing work.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is openly gay and confirmed his orientation publicly after years of privacy. He is known for ‘Alias’, ‘Titanic’, and ‘Argo’. Garber has a long Broadway history and continues to perform on stage and screen. He attends industry events with his husband and supports LGBTQ+ arts organizations.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is openly gay and discussed being out since early in his career. He starred in ‘The Hobbit’ films and played Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Evans also releases music and appears in international action projects. He frequently uses interviews to encourage inclusion in casting.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller came out as gay in a public letter while declining a film festival invitation. He is best known for Michael Scofield in ‘Prison Break’ and returned for revival seasons. Miller has written for television and spoken about mental health and representation. He has also discussed stepping away from certain roles to prioritize authentic storytelling.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello publicly shared her relationship with a woman in a widely read personal essay. She has starred in ‘A History of Violence’, ‘ER’, and ‘NCIS’. Bello co-founded a humanitarian organization focused on women and families. She speaks at conferences about identity, family, and equality.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has identified as queer and shared his views on activism and visibility. He starred in ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and appeared in ‘Jurassic World’ entries. Smith earned praise for roles in ‘The Get Down’ and ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’. He often uses social platforms to highlight LGBTQ+ rights.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver came out as gay through a series of posts about authenticity in the industry. He is known for ‘Teen Wolf’ and for ‘The Boys in the Band’ on stage and screen. Carver has produced projects that feature queer ensembles. He collaborates with advocacy groups focused on youth and acceptance.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes publicly came out as gay and later discussed his path to sobriety and wellness. He appeared in ‘Arrow’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. Haynes released a memoir that details his career and personal life. He supports LGBTQ+ charities and often attends Pride events.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné has spoken openly about being part of the LGBTQ+ community and married her partner in a small ceremony. She became a household name through ‘That’s So Raven’ and has continued with ‘Raven’s Home’. Raven also co-hosted on ‘The View’ and works as a producer and director. She mentors young performers and supports inclusive programming.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is openly lesbian and has discussed her long-term relationship with Sarah Paulson. She is known for ‘Two and a Half Men’ and award-winning stage work. Taylor wrote and performed a celebrated one-woman play about Ann Richards. She remains active in theatre while guest starring on television.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe has identified as pansexual and non-binary and uses they or she pronouns in different contexts. Monáe has acted in ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘Moonlight’, and ‘Glass Onion’. Their albums and videos often center on queer futurism and liberation. They support voter engagement and LGBTQ+ organizations through tours and campaigns.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale has identified as bisexual and gender fluid in interviews and social posts. He played Wally West in ‘The Flash’ and starred in ‘Love, Simon’. Lonsdale is also a musician and dancer with a global fanbase. He appears at Pride events and speaks about self-acceptance.

Nico Tortorella

Nico Tortorella is non-binary and has discussed polyamory and fluid identity in books and podcasts. They starred in ‘Younger’ and led ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’. Tortorella hosts conversations about gender, love, and community. They work with organizations that provide LGBTQ+ health and support services.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is openly gay and married writer Lauren Morelli after meeting on a series. She earned acclaim for Poussey in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and for ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley narrates audiobooks and participates in theatre projects. She supports prison reform and LGBTQ+ youth initiatives.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon is openly lesbian and has long portrayed queer characters with care and wit. She became a standout on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and appeared in films like ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Barbie’. McKinnon has won major television awards for her work. She contributes to fundraisers that benefit LGBTQ+ causes.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is openly gay and has been married to chef David Burtka for years. He became widely known as Barney Stinson on ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Harris has also led Broadway productions and hosted major award shows. He supports LGBTQ+ charities and appears at events that raise funds for health and youth services.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto is openly gay and has discussed visibility for queer performers. He played Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ films and earned acclaim for ‘Heroes’. Quinto produces independent projects that feature diverse stories. He participates in campaigns that promote equality and mental health support.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is openly gay and has welcomed children through surrogacy with his husband. He broke out on ‘White Collar’ and earned praise for ‘The Normal Heart’. Bomer works across film, TV, and stage with roles in drama and action. He speaks at industry panels about inclusion and representation.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is openly gay and married art director Todd Spiewak. He starred as Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and won multiple awards. Parsons produces projects that highlight LGBTQ+ narratives. He supports arts education and health organizations through public fundraising.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is openly queer and has discussed her relationships in interviews. She is known for multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ and for leading ‘Ratched’. Paulson has appeared in prestige films and acclaimed limited series. She donates to LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and amplifies community initiatives.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is openly queer and married education activist Christine Marinoni. She is best known as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ and its follow-ups. Nixon has campaigned for public education and marriage equality. She continues to act on stage and in independent film while supporting voter engagement.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster publicly acknowledged her orientation in a well known speech and later interviews. She is an Oscar-winning actor and director known for ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Contact’. Foster directs television episodes and feature films with strong character focus. She backs organizations that support young filmmakers and LGBTQ+ storytellers.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has spoken openly about being queer and encourages authenticity in media. She rose to global fame with the ‘Twilight’ series and later earned major awards attention for dramatic roles. Stewart directs short films and music videos while developing features. She collaborates with brands and festivals that promote inclusive hiring.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page is a trans man who shared his journey publicly and advocates for trans rights. He earned recognition for ‘Juno’ and stars in ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Page produces documentaries and narrative features that center social issues. He works with nonprofits that provide resources to trans youth.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is openly gay and has discussed his long partnership and marriage in interviews. He earned acclaim for roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. Domingo writes and directs for stage and screen with a focus on community and history. He mentors emerging artists through workshops and residencies.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is openly gay and often portrays complex queer characters. He is known for ‘Looking’, ‘Being Human’, and numerous stage productions. Tovey curates art projects and hosts a podcast that features contemporary artists. He supports arts education and LGBTQ+ mental health organizations.

BD Wong

BD Wong is openly gay and has a long career across stage and television. He won major theatre awards for ‘M. Butterfly’ and is known on TV for ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and ‘Mr. Robot’. Wong advocates for Asian American and LGBTQ+ representation in casting. He participates in fundraisers for HIV and youth services.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is openly gay and a longtime advocate for equality. He is celebrated for roles in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X-Men’. McKellen co-founded organizations that support LGBTQ+ students and educators. He tours with stage productions and visits schools to discuss inclusion.

T. R. Knight

T. R. Knight is openly gay and discussed workplace experiences after coming out. He became widely known on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Knight continues to work in television, film, and theatre with a focus on ensemble storytelling. He supports nonprofits that provide crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is openly gay and has spoken publicly about safety and advocacy in the industry. He originated a lead role in ‘Rent’ on Broadway and stars on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Rapp appears at conventions and charity concerts that benefit health services. He co-authored projects that document theatre history and community.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a trans woman who advocates for trans rights and media literacy. She gained recognition for Sophia on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Cox produces documentaries and hosts conversations about access to healthcare and employment. She partners with organizations that provide legal support and education.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer is a trans woman and model turned actor who has discussed queer identity and activism. She stars in ‘Euphoria’ and contributes to the show’s creative process. Schafer collaborates with fashion houses that support inclusive initiatives. She speaks about trans youth protections and artistic freedom.

Asia Kate Dillon

Asia Kate Dillon is non-binary and uses they pronouns. They are known for ‘Billions’ and for roles that explore gender identity. Dillon consults on set practices that respect pronouns and inclusive casting. They participate in industry forums that develop standards for non-binary representation.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has identified as gay and non-binary and uses she or they pronouns. They starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and appears in major franchises. Stenberg creates short films and music projects that explore identity and community. They work with youth programs focused on media literacy and civic engagement.

Sara Ramírez

Sara Ramírez is non-binary and uses they pronouns and has discussed being bisexual and queer. They are known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘And Just Like That’. Ramírez supports organizations that provide mental health care and housing resources. They produce and perform music that centers empowerment and visibility.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson shared her relationship with fashion designer Ramona Agruma and has spoken about joining the LGBTQ+ community. She became widely known through the ‘Pitch Perfect’ films and numerous comedies. Wilson produces and hosts television projects alongside acting. She uses her platform to promote inclusive events and charities.

If we missed someone you think belongs here, share your picks in the comments and tell us who else readers should know about.