20 Best LGBTQ Asian Actors of All Time

From trailblazing legends to rising stars, LGBTQ Asian men have shaped film and television across Hollywood and international screens. Their work spans blockbuster franchises, prestige dramas, groundbreaking comedies, and boundary-pushing indie projects, while many also champion representation and community causes. Here are twenty performers whose roles, awards, and activism have left a lasting mark on entertainment.

George Takei

George Takei became a global icon with ‘Star Trek’ as Hikaru Sulu and later expanded his career on stage with ‘Allegiance’. He has written bestselling memoirs and lends his voice to animation and documentaries. Takei frequently speaks about Japanese American incarceration during World War II and LGBTQ civil rights. He remains a fixture at conventions, on Broadway stages, and in high profile guest roles.

Leslie Cheung

Leslie Cheung starred in acclaimed Hong Kong films including ‘Farewell My Concubine’ and ‘Happy Together’. He was one of Cantopop’s biggest stars and successfully crossed between music and acting. Cheung’s performances are studied for their vulnerability and range. His legacy continues through retrospectives and restored releases across international festivals.

BD Wong

BD Wong won a Tony Award for ‘M. Butterfly’ and became widely known on screen in ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Law and Order SVU’, and ‘Mr. Robot’. He has directed theater productions and narrated documentaries. Wong often supports LGBTQ youth organizations and Asian American arts groups. His voice work includes audiobooks and animated series that reach broad audiences.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ and quickly became known for sharp impressions and original characters. He cohosts the podcast ‘Las Culturistas’ and appears in films such as ‘Fire Island’. Yang was nominated for major television awards for his sketch work. He also writes and produces, helping bring more underrepresented stories to mainstream comedy.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster wrote and starred in the ensemble comedy ‘Fire Island’. He built his career through stand-up specials, late night sets, and acclaimed festival appearances. Booster frequently guest stars on television comedies and contributes as a writer. He advocates for queer Asian visibility through interviews and live tours.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora gained attention in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and originated a key role in the Broadway revival of ‘The King and I’. He has starred Off Broadway in new plays by leading contemporary writers. Ricamora records cast albums and participates in benefit concerts for arts education. He often mentors emerging Filipino and Asian American performers.

Nico Santos

Nico Santos broke out on television with ‘Superstore’ and reached international audiences in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. He has hosted award ceremonies and presented at major industry events. Santos supports relief and advocacy efforts for immigrant and LGBTQ communities. He continues to book roles in comedies and dramas across film and streaming.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is known for roles in ‘30 Rock’, ‘Weeds’, and ‘Phineas and Ferb’. He is also an author of award-winning middle grade novels that promote inclusion. Pancholy served on a presidential advisory commission focused on Asian American and Pacific Islander issues. He frequently visits schools and book festivals to discuss anti-bullying initiatives.

Ian Alexander

Ian Alexander made his screen debut in ‘The OA’ and later appeared in ‘Star Trek Discovery’. He engages fans through gaming and digital media communities. Alexander participates in panels on trans representation and mental health. He has worked with nonprofit groups to amplify resources for LGBTQ youth.

Chella Man

Chella Man acted in ‘Titans’ and is known for visual art, writing, and public speaking. He designs accessible jewelry and collaborates with fashion and tech brands on inclusion. Man creates educational content about deafness, gender identity, and body autonomy. His gallery shows and short films are featured at museums and festivals.

Vincent Rodriguez III

Vincent Rodriguez III led the musical series ‘Crazy Ex Girlfriend’ and performs regularly in regional and national theater. He teaches masterclasses in stage performance and audition technique. Rodriguez appears in streaming dramas and holiday films. He often participates in concerts that raise funds for arts organizations and LGBTQ causes.

Jake Choi

Jake Choi earned attention in ‘Single Parents’ and independent features such as ‘Front Cover’. He openly discusses fluid sexuality and representation in interviews and panels. Choi appears in sports dramas and guest roles that spotlight immigrant and working class stories. He supports community screenings and Q and A events for Asian American cinema.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn became widely recognized with ‘Harold and Kumar’ and later appeared in ‘Designated Survivor’ and ‘House’. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and worked in public service at the White House. Penn writes nonfiction about culture and politics and hosts documentary series. He continues to produce projects highlighting diverse voices.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman acted in ‘The Visitor’, ‘Jack Ryan’, and a groundbreaking superhero film appearance in ‘Eternals’. He often portrays characters that explore diaspora and identity. Sleiman speaks about LGBTQ visibility in Middle Eastern communities. He collaborates with international filmmakers across television and independent cinema.

Omar Sharif Jr.

Omar Sharif Jr. has appeared in international films and television projects and serves as an advocate with global human rights organizations. He writes opinion pieces on LGBTQ equality and cultural freedom. Sharif Jr. speaks multiple languages and participates in panels at universities and festivals. He uses his platform to support refugees and artists at risk.

Hong Seok-cheon

Hong Seok cheon is one of South Korea’s first openly gay entertainers and has acted in television dramas and films. He owns restaurants that often serve as community spaces for artists and fans. Hong appears on variety shows and mentors younger performers. He discusses workplace inclusion and media responsibility in Korean entertainment.

Paolo Ballesteros

Paolo Ballesteros is a Philippine actor and TV host known for transformative makeup work and the film ‘Die Beautiful’. He has starred in comedies, dramas, and reality shows across major networks. Ballesteros hosts live events and engages large social media followings with creative tutorials. He supports charitable programs tied to disaster relief and health services.

Mark Bautista

Mark Bautista is a Filipino singer and actor who has performed in films, television dramas, and theater musicals. He has released multiple albums and toured extensively in the Philippines and abroad. Bautista has spoken publicly about bisexuality and acceptance. He continues to appear in stage productions and televised concerts.

Hossan Leong

Hossan Leong is a Singaporean actor and comedian with credits in film, television, and long-running stage shows. He hosts national events and works in radio and corporate entertainment. Leong produces and directs comedy revues that spotlight local talent. He supports arts education and community theater programs.

Ivan Heng

Ivan Heng is a Singaporean stage and screen actor and the founding artistic director of Wild Rice. He has headlined major productions of Shakespeare, contemporary plays, and original Singaporean works. Heng directs large scale festivals and commissions new writing. He is a visible supporter of LGBTQ initiatives and arts funding in Southeast Asia.

Share which performances or roles you think deserve a spotlight in the comments.