Best Gay African American Actors of All Time
There are many trailblazing gay African American actors who have shaped film, television, and theater through craft, visibility, and leadership. Their performances span Broadway stages, prestige dramas, sitcoms, independent films, and reality and unscripted series, with work that reaches audiences across generations.
This list highlights performers whose credits include major awards, acclaimed roles, and steady contributions in front of the camera and on stage. You will find stars known for powerhouse vocals, groundbreaking TV characters, festival favorites, and longtime theater veterans who mentor the next wave while continuing to deliver standout work.
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo’s screen work includes ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, ‘Selma’, and the title role in ‘Rustin’. He earned widespread recognition for playing Victor Strand on ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and has appeared in limited series and anthology projects that focus on civil rights, music history, and contemporary drama.
On stage he has written and starred in plays such as ‘A Boy and His Soul’ and performed in Broadway productions like ‘The Scottsboro Boys’. His career includes producing and directing credits, as well as consistent support for emerging playwrights and actors through workshops and festivals.
Billy Porter
Billy Porter broke through to mainstream TV audiences with Pray Tell on ‘Pose’, earning top honors for lead performance in a drama series. His filmography includes musical features and voice roles, and he has hosted and performed on network specials and live televised events.
On Broadway he won acclaim for ‘Kinky Boots’ and has a recording career that includes solo albums and cast recordings. He speaks regularly about LGBTQ representation in entertainment and supports arts education initiatives that bring training and mentorship to young performers.
Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess became widely known for Titus Andromedon on ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’, where his comedic timing and vocals turned original songs into viral moments. His screen credits include guest arcs on network sitcoms and voice roles in animated series and films.
On stage he has starred in Broadway productions such as ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He also records and performs original music, leads benefit concerts for arts organizations, and participates in workshops that develop new musical theater works.
RuPaul
RuPaul’s acting credits include appearances in ‘AJ and the Queen’, guest roles on scripted comedies, and cameos in major studio films. He has hosted and executive produced long-running reality competition franchises that have expanded to multiple countries and formats.
As a recording artist he has released numerous studio albums and soundtracks tied to television projects. He founded production ventures that create opportunities for LGBTQ talent across unscripted and scripted programming while supporting philanthropic campaigns focused on youth and community health.
André De Shields
André De Shields has a decades-long career that includes standout roles in ‘Hadestown’, ‘The Wiz’, and ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ on Broadway, along with television work in dramas and comedies. His film credits include period pieces and contemporary stories where he often brings musical expertise to character work.
He teaches master classes, mentors early-career performers, and serves as an advocate for arts programs that preserve theater history. His concert appearances and regional theater roles demonstrate range across classical texts, new plays, and musical revivals.
Jussie Smollett
Jussie Smollett became widely known for playing Jamal Lyon in ‘Empire’, where he portrayed a singer navigating family and industry pressures. His earlier work includes child and teen roles in films and series that gave him experience across comedy and drama.
He has released music as a solo artist and directed a feature film with a focus on independent storytelling. He has participated in community initiatives and charitable performances that raise funds for education and social services.
Darryl Stephens
Darryl Stephens led the groundbreaking series ‘Noah’s Arc’ and starred in the feature ‘Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom’. His film work includes independent dramas and festival projects that center queer Black experiences.
He has written about representation in entertainment and has developed web series and short films as a creator and producer. His theater credits include regional productions that focus on contemporary relationships and ensemble storytelling.
Wentworth Miller
Wentworth Miller earned international recognition as Michael Scofield in ‘Prison Break’ and later contributed scripts to psychological thrillers and genre television. His on-screen credits include network procedurals and limited series with complex character arcs.
He is also a writer whose screenplays have been produced into features that premiered at major festivals. He speaks about mental health and inclusion in writing rooms and supports programs that develop underrepresented screenwriters.
Kevin Daniels
Kevin Daniels is known for the comedy series ‘Sirens’ and for recurring roles in network dramas and sports-themed projects. His film work spans studio comedies and indie features where he brings both dramatic and comedic range.
He has extensive stage experience, including performances with respected regional theaters and national tours. He mentors students through workshops and partners with organizations that expand access to professional training for young actors.
J. August Richards
J. August Richards built a loyal following with Charles Gunn on ‘Angel’ and later starred in ensemble dramas such as ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and ‘Council of Dads’. His television credits include legal and medical series where he often portrays professionals with strong moral centers.
He directs short projects and pilots that spotlight diverse casts and writers. He also participates in panels and programs focused on career development, providing guidance on audition technique, set etiquette, and sustaining long-term careers.
Nicco Annan
Nico Annan is known for Uncle Clifford on ‘P-Valley’, a role that blends authority, humor, and vulnerability in a community-centered narrative. His earlier work includes guest roles on crime and family dramas and a steady presence in short films.
He has a strong theater background with choreography and movement direction credits that inform his character work. He collaborates with playwrights on new pieces and supports performing arts organizations that nurture Southern and Midwestern talent.
Doug Spearman
Doug Spearman starred as Chance on ‘Noah’s Arc’ and appeared in the follow-up film that expanded the show’s community. He has acted in television procedurals and independent features while building a parallel career behind the camera.
As a filmmaker he has written and directed narrative features that premiered at festivals and received distribution on digital platforms. He participates in panels on independent production, funding strategies, and distribution paths for LGBTQ stories.
Rodney Chester
Rodney Chester portrayed Alex on ‘Noah’s Arc’, contributing dance and choreography expertise to the ensemble. His screen work extends to guest appearances on sitcoms and dramatic series that highlight friendship and creative careers.
He founded a dance and performance studio that trains young artists in technique, audition prep, and stage presence. He continues to collaborate with producers on projects that merge movement, music, and narrative storytelling.
Miss Lawrence
Miss Lawrence brought presence and style to the series ‘Star’ and has appeared in films by major directors where fashion and music intersect with character. Television credits include recurring roles in dramas that explore celebrity and family dynamics.
Beyond acting, Miss Lawrence works in fashion and beauty as a creative consultant and on-camera expert. They use public platforms to discuss workplace inclusion and to promote opportunities for LGBTQ professionals across entertainment and style industries.
Lee Daniels
Lee Daniels is widely known as a producer and director, and he has acting credits that include early career appearances and cameos in projects he oversees. His body of work covers prestige films and hit television series that spotlight music, family, and social history.
He established production companies that incubate writers and create roles for actors across age ranges. He supports initiatives that provide scholarships and apprenticeships in producing, editing, and set design for underrepresented talent.
Jeremy O. Harris
Jeremy O. Harris is a playwright and actor who has appeared on screen in dramas and limited series while continuing to originate work for the stage. His plays have transferred from Off-Broadway to major houses and international venues with strong ensemble parts.
He produces and funds residencies and commissions for early-career writers and collaborates with streaming platforms on adaptation projects. His film and television development slate includes roles that align with his interest in fashion, art, and contemporary culture.
Todrick Hall
Todrick Hall’s on-screen acting includes guest roles on scripted series, TV films, and voice parts in animated projects. He has toured widely as a performer and has appeared in Broadway productions where dance, pop, and musical theater intersect.
He develops and stars in music video narratives that employ cinematic techniques and ensemble casts. He partners with charities for benefit concerts and creates opportunities for dancers and designers through large-scale stage productions.
Karamo Brown
Karamo Brown began on reality television and has since appeared in scripted roles, talk formats, and hosting gigs across network and streaming. His credits include guest parts where he brings counseling and communication expertise to character work.
He publishes books and leads workshops focused on family communication and mental wellness. He collaborates with nonprofits to deliver resources for youth and supports media literacy programs that help teens navigate social platforms.
Alex Newell
Alex Newell’s breakout came with ‘Glee’ followed by a celebrated run in the Broadway musical ‘Shucked’. On television they have appeared in ensemble comedies and dramas with roles that feature powerhouse vocals.
They release solo music and contribute to cast albums that chart on digital platforms. They advocate for inclusive casting in musical theater and support programs that provide vocal training and audition coaching to students from underserved communities.
Justice Smith
Justice Smith’s film credits include ‘Paper Towns’, ‘Every Day’, ‘All the Bright Places’, and ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’. On television he starred in ‘The Get Down’ and later joined the ensemble of ‘Generation’, adding recurring roles across streaming dramas and limited series.
He appears in stage readings and festival productions while collaborating with indie directors on character-driven features. His work includes audiobook narration and participation in roundtables that highlight access programs for young artists pursuing on-camera training.
Jeremy Pope
Jeremy Pope earned major stage recognition with ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ before taking lead roles in the series ‘Hollywood’ and the film ‘The Inspection’. He has appeared in music-centered television projects and awards broadcasts that spotlight Broadway-to-screen performers.
He develops new work with playwrights and composers and participates in workshops that bridge theater and television. His recordings include cast albums and singles tied to stage roles alongside appearances in fashion and arts campaigns connected to his projects.
Dyllón Burnside
Dyllón Burnside is known for ‘Pose’ and for guest roles across network procedurals and anthology series. His film credits include festival features and documentaries that explore music, identity, and community organizing.
He tours as a vocalist and produces concerts that feature musical collaborators from theater and television. His outreach includes youth mentorship and conversations with arts nonprofits focused on safe performance spaces and leadership training.
Ryan Jamaal Swain
Ryan Jamaal Swain’s breakout came with ‘Pose’, followed by guest appearances in prestige dramas and a slate of short films on the festival circuit. He trained in theater and movement, which informs choreography and staging contributions on select projects.
He collaborates on new plays and workshops that center contemporary family narratives. His credits include literary essays and public talks for arts organizations that support mental wellness resources for performers.
Nathan Lee Graham
Nathan Lee Graham’s screen work spans ‘Zoolander’, ‘Hitch’, ‘Zoolander 2’, and television comedies such as ‘The Other Two’. He has appeared on Broadway and in national tours with productions that emphasize vocal performance and comedic timing.
He frequently records for animated series and games, lending character voices to ensemble casts. His concert appearances support music-education charities, and he participates in industry panels addressing crossovers between fashion, film, and theater.
Brandon Kyle Goodman
Brandon Kyle Goodman has acted in features and streaming comedies while writing and performing for animated series including ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Human Resources’. Their live-action credits include guest turns in workplace and family sitcoms.
They publish essays and host conversations on storytelling craft, with workshops aimed at writers transitioning from digital sketches to half-hour pilots. They consult on inclusive writers’ rooms and produce short projects that showcase emerging performers.
Brandon Black
Brandon Black’s film roles include ‘Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming’ and supporting turns in independent comedies. His television work features guest appearances across sitcoms and streaming series focused on friends navigating adulthood.
He participates in table reads for new pilots and supports actor training programs that emphasize on-camera technique. His publicity campaigns often involve partnerships with digital creators to expand outreach for studio and indie releases.
Devere Rogers
Devere Rogers has appeared in ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’ and television comedies including ‘Chicago Party Aunt’. His short-form projects screen at festivals where he frequently serves as both actor and writer.
He develops commercial campaigns and branded shorts that blend narrative storytelling with humor. He teaches sketch writing and collaborates with improv theaters to build pipelines for performers moving into film and television.
Tarell Alvin McCraney
Tarell Alvin McCraney acts on stage and screen while writing plays such as ‘The Brother/Sister Plays’ cycle and serving as a creator on film and television projects. He has collaborated with repertory companies and training programs that stage his work internationally.
He supports arts education through residencies that connect playwrights and actors with local schools. His producing partnerships focus on bringing theater-developed stories to television and expanding apprenticeship opportunities behind the camera.
Terrell Carter
Terrell Carter’s acting includes roles in ‘Empire’, Tyler Perry stage productions, and television films. He has guest-starred in dramas and family series while maintaining a recording career with multiple albums and live performances.
He contributes to acting and vocal master classes that prepare students for musical television and touring productions. His work with regional theaters includes concerts and readings that develop new music-driven scripts.
Marlon Riggs
Marlon Riggs appeared on screen in his own nonfiction projects including ‘Tongues Untied’ and ‘Black Is… Black Ain’t’, combining performance elements with documentary. He collaborated with poets, musicians, and community historians to produce film essays that aired on public television.
His campus screenings and seminars created dialogue between filmmakers and students about archives and cultural memory. His films are preserved by institutions that provide access for educators and researchers focusing on media history.
Kalen Allen
Kalen Allen has acted in features such as ‘An American Pickle’ and made guest appearances on talk and variety programs tied to his digital content. He develops short-form series that transition from social platforms to studio-backed pilots.
He works with brands on campaign storytelling and produces music videos featuring choreographed ensembles. He speaks at media conferences about digital-to-film career paths and supports scholarships for students in broadcast arts.
Carl Clemons-Hopkins
Carl Clemons-Hopkins is known for ‘Hacks’ and for stage roles with regional theaters and national tours. Their screen credits include guest arcs in dramas and appearances in independent features.
They participate in actor training initiatives that focus on sustainable career planning and financial literacy for performers. They also support prop and costume departments through advocacy that highlights the collaborative nature of production.
Larry Owens
Larry Owens won acclaim for the musical ‘A Strange Loop’ and has appeared in television comedies and sketch series. His film credits include indie features and festival shorts where he frequently records original songs.
He develops concerts that feature contemporary composers and collaborates on cast albums and studio sessions. He teaches master classes on vocal interpretation and comedic structure for musical-theater performers.
Jaboukie Young-White
Jaboukie Young-White acts in films and television comedies, adding voice roles in animated features and series including projects at major studios. His credits include writer-performer work on late-night television and sketch formats.
He tours with stand-up sets that inform character development for scripted pilots. He collaborates with directors on teen and young-adult stories and releases short films that premiere online and at regional festivals.
Rickey Thompson
Rickey Thompson appears in television comedies and fashion-centered series while producing digital sketch content. He acts in music videos and branded shorts that rely on quick character beats and strong physical performance.
He hosts live events and interview programs at fashion weeks and arts festivals. His partnerships with design houses include social campaigns and short-form narratives that spotlight emerging stylists and models.
D.J. ‘Shangela’ Pierce
Shangela has acted in ‘A Star Is Born’, scripted television comedies, and music-driven specials. He tours internationally with live shows that combine comedy, dance, and guest appearances from local performers.
He collaborates with film and TV costume teams and consults on performance sequences for music videos. His community work includes workshops on stagecraft and mentorship for artists building touring productions.
Bob The Drag Queen
Bob The Drag Queen’s acting includes the series ‘We’re Here’, guest spots in scripted comedies, and roles in independent films. He produces and stars in digital series that expand into live tours and televised specials.
He records stand-up albums and hosts podcasts that feature writers and actors discussing craft and production. His outreach includes fundraising performances and training sessions on blocking, lighting, and mic technique for emerging stage artists.
Share the names you would add to this list in the comments so other readers can discover more standout performers.