14 Black Gay Actors Cast as Straight Heartthrobs in the 2000s

The 2000s marked a complex era for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood, where many Black gay actors rose to fame by portraying straight leading men or masculine heartthrobs. While the industry was less open about sexuality at the time, these talented performers delivered convincing performances in roles ranging from superheroes to romantic leads. Their ability to embody heteronormative heartthrobs while navigating their own private truths speaks to their immense skill and professionalism. This list highlights the Black gay actors who captured audiences’ hearts in straight-coded roles during that transformative decade.

Wentworth Miller

Best known for his breakout role in ‘Prison Break’ (2005), Wentworth Miller became an international sex symbol playing the genius structural engineer Michael Scofield. His character was the ultimate straight heartthrob, driving the series with his stoic masculinity and intense romantic storyline with the prison doctor. Miller also played straight roles in films like ‘The Human Stain’ (2003) and ‘Underworld’ (2003) before the series launched him to superstardom. He eventually came out publicly in 2013 and has since discussed the challenges of playing straight roles while being a closeted man in Hollywood.

J. August Richards

J. August Richards gained widespread recognition as Charles Gunn in the hit series ‘Angel’ (2000–2004). Gunn was a street-smart vampire hunter who became a core member of the team and had a significant heterosexual romance with the character Fred. His portrayal of the tough, protective warrior solidified his status as a heartthrob within the Buffyverse fandom. Richards officially came out in 2020, revealing that he felt pressure to protect his career by maintaining a straight public image during his years on the show.

Kevin Daniels

In the 2004 drama ‘Ladder 49’, Kevin Daniels played Don Miller, a brave firefighter and dedicated family man alongside Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta. The role required him to embody the traditional masculine archetype of a hero in a dangerous profession. Throughout the 2000s, he took on various roles in film and television that often cast him as police officers or authority figures. Daniels later became known for playing gay characters in projects like ‘Modern Family’, but his early career was defined by these straight-acting performances.

Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman

Before he became a judge on ‘Canada’s Drag Race’, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman began his acting career with roles that often utilized his model-like looks. In the late 2000s, he was cast in ‘Stargate Universe’ (2009) as Darren Becker, a mess officer in a military sci-fi setting. His character was part of a straight-laced military crew, a role that contrasted with the more flamboyant characters he would play later in his career. His work during this period showcased his ability to fit into the conventional heartthrob mold demanded by network television.

Colman Domingo

While Colman Domingo is now an Oscar-nominated powerhouse known for diverse roles, his early career in the 2000s involved appearing in procedurals like ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Nash Bridges’. In these guest spots, he often played criminals, lawyers, or everyday men who were presumed straight by the audience. His commanding screen presence and deep voice allowed him to easily slot into the masculine roles typical of gritty 2000s dramas. Domingo has since become one of the most visible open gay Black actors in the industry.

Wilson Cruz

Although Wilson Cruz broke ground playing a gay teen in the 90s, the 2000s saw him taking on more professional and sometimes straight-coded roles to sustain his career. He appeared in ‘The West Wing’ (2004) as Jack Sosa, a White House aide who operated within the high-stakes political world. He also had a role in the ensemble film ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ (2009), navigating the mainstream romantic comedy landscape. Cruz demonstrated significant range by stepping outside the specific typecasting he faced early on.

Darryl Stephens

Darryl Stephens is an icon of Black queer cinema, but he also took on roles in the mainstream sphere during the 2000s. He appeared in the MTV anthology series ‘Undressed’ (2000), which explored the sexual relationships of young adults in a soap opera format. While best known for playing the title character in ‘Noah’s Arc’, Stephens possesses a classic leading man look that allowed him to cross over into ambiguous or straight-passing roles in various shorts and guest spots. His physical appeal made him a heartthrob regardless of the sexual orientation of the character he played.

Reece Noi

British actor Reece Noi became a teen heartthrob in the UK during the late 2000s with his role in the drama series ‘Waterloo Road’. He played Earl Kelly, a troubled bad boy with a tragic storyline that included a heterosexual relationship. His portrayal of the gritty, masculine teen villain garnered him significant attention and a strong fan following. Noi has since been open about his sexuality, but his breakout 2000s role was firmly rooted in straight, tough-guy tropes.

Cyril Nri

Cyril Nri was a staple on British television in the 2000s, most notably as Superintendent Adam Okaro in the long-running police procedural ‘The Bill’. His character was a high-ranking police officer, a husband, and a father, representing a pillar of straight, authoritative masculinity. Nri played the role with a gravity that made Okaro one of the show’s most respected figures. Despite living as an openly gay man, his convincing performance as a straight family man anchored the show for several years.

Gary LeRoi Gray

Gary LeRoi Gray was a familiar face to younger audiences in the 2000s, appearing in various teen movies and shows. In ‘Bring It On: All or Nothing’ (2006), he played Tyson, a male cheerleader who served as a key figure in the squad’s dynamic. While the role was within the cheerleading world, he was cast as a desirable male lead in a teen franchise that heavily targeted young female audiences. Gray has since come out and married, but his 2000s work often placed him in the role of the cute, approachable guy next door.

Christian Vincent

Christian Vincent capitalized on his incredible dance background and striking looks to land roles in major 2000s productions. He appeared in the cult classic film ‘Center Stage’ (2000) and later in the ‘Sex and the City’ movie, often cast as the handsome, desirable male dancer. These roles capitalized on his physical appeal as a heartthrob to the female demographics of these franchises. While the characters were often background or supporting, his presence was undeniably that of a straight-coded object of desire.

Doug Spearman

Doug Spearman is widely recognized for his work in Black gay media, but he also worked as a character actor in mainstream 2000s television. He had guest roles in shows like ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ and ‘The Drew Carey Show’, where he played professionals or aliens without explicit sexuality. In these roles, Spearman presented a neutral, masculine image that fit the standard casting requirements for male actors of the era. His ability to blend into these heteronormative worlds paved the way for his later, more personal work.

Tituss Burgess

Before he became a household name with ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’, Tituss Burgess was working hard in theater and small TV roles in the late 2000s. He appeared in ‘The Battery’s Down’ and made a guest appearance on ‘Blue Bloods’, often playing smaller character parts. While not a traditional romantic lead, his early career required him to mute the flamboyance he is now famous for to fit into standard male roles. Burgess has since redefined what a heartthrob can look and act like in modern media.

Nathan Lee Graham

Nathan Lee Graham is a unique entry who played roles that walked the line between straight and ambiguous in the 2000s. In the romantic comedy ‘Hitch’ (2005), he played Geoff, a professional in the high-fashion world alongside Will Smith. While the role had flair, it was a professional portrayal in a mainstream straight rom-com that did not explicitly label the character. Graham’s charisma allowed him to steal scenes in major blockbusters while maintaining a persona that appealed to broad audiences.

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