Gay Actors Who Are Broadway Stars

Broadway has long served as a prestigious platform for talented performers to showcase their vocal and acting abilities. Many influential leading men in the theater world identify as gay and have significantly impacted the industry through their work. These actors have garnered numerous accolades including Tony Awards and critical praise for their diverse roles in musicals and plays. Their presence on stage continues to foster inclusivity and representation within the performing arts community.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a celebrated performer who has hosted the Tony Awards several times and won for his work on stage. He earned a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for playing the lead in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. His other Broadway appearances include the musicals ‘Assassins’ and ‘Cabaret’ and ‘Proof’. Harris is known for his showmanship and ability to lead major theatrical productions throughout his long career.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff became a breakout star after originating the role of Melchior Gabor in the musical ‘Spring Awakening’. He received significant acclaim for his portrayal of King George III in the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’. More recently he starred in the revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ which earned him a Tony Award. Groff is recognized for his ability to handle both contemporary pop scores and traditional musical theater compositions.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells gained widespread recognition for originating the role of Elder Price in the hit musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He has appeared in several major revivals including ‘Falsettos’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. Rannells also stepped into the title role of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ during its successful Broadway run. His performances often combine sharp comedic timing with a powerful vocal range.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt rose to fame for originating the title character in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ for which he won a Tony Award. He began his professional career in a national tour of ‘Caroline, or Change’ and later appeared in ‘The Book of Mormon’. Platt returned to the stage in the revival of ‘Parade’ where he played the role of Leo Frank. He is widely recognized for his emotional depth and his distinctive tenor voice.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse performer who won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Lola in the musical ‘Kinky Boots’. He has a long history on the stage with credits in productions like ‘Grease’ and ‘Miss Saigon’. Porter also appeared in ‘Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed’. He is celebrated for his vocal prowess and his influential presence in the arts.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is one of the most prolific actors in theater with a career that spans several decades. He is best known for his Tony winning roles in ‘The Producers’ and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’. Lane also received acclaim for his dramatic turn in the massive revival of ‘Angels in America’. He has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame for his extensive contributions to the craft.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons made his Broadway debut in the 2011 revival of ‘The Normal Heart’ as the character Tommy Boatwright. He returned to the stage to star in the play ‘An Act of God’ where he played the title role. Parsons also participated in the high profile revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’ alongside an all gay cast. His theater work complements his extensive and successful career in television and film.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is a classically trained actor who made his Broadway debut in the 2018 revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He reprised his role as Donald in the subsequent film adaptation produced for a global audience. Bomer also appeared in the staged reading of ‘8’ which focused on the legal battle over marriage equality. His stage presence is frequently noted for its intensity and emotional honesty.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an accomplished actor and playwright who has appeared in numerous Broadway productions over the years. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the musical ‘The Scottsboro Boys’. Domingo also starred in ‘Passing Strange’ and the long running musical ‘Chicago’. His work spans across directing and writing in addition to his prominent acting roles on the stage.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is known for his remarkable vocal range and has appeared in several major Broadway musicals. He made his debut in ‘Good Vibrations’ and later played the role of Sebastian in ‘The Little Mermaid’. Burgess also appeared in the original cast of ‘Jersey Boys’ and the revival of ‘Guys and Dolls’. He remains a frequent performer in concert settings and major theatrical events.

Gideon Glick

Gideon Glick originated the role of Ernst in the groundbreaking musical ‘Spring Awakening’ during its original run. He received a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of Dill Harris in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Glick also starred as Seymour in the revival of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and appeared in ‘Significant Other’. He is recognized for bringing sensitivity and nuance to his various stage characters.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope made history by receiving two Tony Award nominations in the same year for separate performances. He starred in the play ‘Choir Boy’ and the musical ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ which showcased his versatility. Pope also earned acclaim for his role in the play ‘The Collaboration’ where he portrayed Jean Michel Basquiat. He is considered one of the most exciting young talents working on Broadway today.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús earned his first Tony nomination for his role in the musical ‘In the Heights’. He received further nominations for his performances in ‘La Cage aux Folles’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. De Jesús is known for his expressive acting and has been a vocal advocate for Latinx representation in the theater. He continues to take on challenging roles that highlight his range as a performer.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is a versatile actor who has appeared in numerous plays and musicals on and off Broadway. He gained acclaim for his performance in ‘Buyer and Cellar’ and the revival of ‘Torch Song’. Urie also starred in the musical ‘Spamalot’ and the play ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’. He is often praised for his comedic energy and his commitment to the New York theater scene.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is well known for originating the role of Ninoy Aquino in the musical ‘Here Lies Love’. He also starred as Lun Tha in the Broadway revival of ‘The King and I’ alongside Kelli O’Hara. Ricamora returned to ‘Here Lies Love’ when it moved to Broadway and also appeared in ‘Soft Power’. He effectively balances a career in television with a steady presence in major theatrical works.

Rory O’Malley

Rory O’Malley received a Tony Award nomination for his standout performance as Elder McKinley in ‘The Book of Mormon’. He later took over the role of King George III in ‘Hamilton’ during its record breaking run. O’Malley is also a co founder of the organization Broadway Impact which advocates for marriage equality. His work on stage is characterized by his strong singing voice and comedic timing.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson has starred in a wide variety of Broadway productions including ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Xanadu’. He earned a Drama Desk nomination for his role in ‘Finian’s Rainbow’ and appeared in the play ‘The Performers’. Jackson is known for his leading man presence and his powerful baritone voice. He has also released several albums and performs frequently in cabaret venues.

John Benjamin Hickey

John Benjamin Hickey is a veteran stage actor who won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘The Normal Heart’. He has appeared in many other productions including ‘Cabaret’ and ‘The Crucible’ and ‘Mary Stuart’. Hickey also starred in the epic play ‘The Inheritance’ which explored the lives of gay men across generations. He is highly respected for his technical skill and his dedication to dramatic theater.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson originated the role of Leaf Coneybear in ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’. He has returned to Broadway for several productions including ‘Fully Committed’ and ‘Take Me Out’. Ferguson won a Tony Award for his performance in the revival of ‘Take Me Out’ as a business manager. He is recognized for his comedic talent and his long standing support of the Broadway community.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto made his Broadway debut in the 2013 revival of ‘The Glass Menagerie’ playing Tom Wingfield. He later starred in the fiftieth anniversary revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’ as the character Harold. Quinto is known for his intense dramatic performances and has become a staple of the New York stage. His theater work often highlights complex and emotionally driven characters.

Brian Hutchison

Brian Hutchison has appeared in several Broadway plays including ‘The Invention of Love’ and ‘Proof’ and ‘Exit the King’. He was a member of the celebrated cast of ‘The Boys in the Band’ which won a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Hutchison also appeared in the play ‘Man and Boy’ alongside Frank Langella. He is recognized as a dependable and talented ensemble player in the theater world.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver made his Broadway debut in the 2018 revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’. He played the role of the Cowboy and reprised this performance in the film version of the play. Carver has expressed a strong interest in continuing his work on stage following his successful debut. He is part of a new generation of gay actors who are open about their identity from the start of their careers.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is a Tony Award winner for his role in the musical ‘Curtains’. He has appeared in several other notable productions including ‘Spamalot’ and ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’. Pierce also starred in the hit revival of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ alongside Bette Midler. He is beloved by theater audiences for his precision and his mastery of character acting.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare won a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out’ as Mason Marzac. He has appeared in many other Broadway shows including ‘Assassins’ and ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘Elling’. O’Hare is known for his ability to transform into eccentric and memorable characters. He frequently works in both plays and musicals and demonstrates a wide artistic range.

BD Wong

BD Wong is the only actor to win a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award and several other honors for the same role. He achieved this feat for his performance as Song Liling in ‘M. Butterfly’. Wong has also appeared in the revivals of ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ and ‘Pacific Overtures’. He is a prominent figure in the theater community and an advocate for Asian American performers.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is best known for his iconic portrayal of the Emcee in the revival of the musical ‘Cabaret’. He won a Tony Award for this performance and later returned to the role for a second successful run. Cumming has also appeared in ‘The Threepenny Opera’ and ‘Design for Living’. He is recognized for his bold performance style and his commitment to diverse artistic projects.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman has had a successful career in both London and on Broadway. He made his Broadway debut in ‘Putting It Together’ and later appeared in the musical ‘Sunset Boulevard’. Barrowman is known for his leading man qualities and his versatile singing voice. He remains a popular figure in the international musical theater scene.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is famous for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the landmark musical ‘Rent’. He has appeared in several other Broadway shows including ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ and ‘If/Then’. Rapp is also an author and has written about his experiences in the theater industry. He has been a trailblazer for gay performers since he first began his career.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has appeared on Broadway in ‘Rent’ as Angel and later in the musical ‘Seven Seconds’. He is widely recognized for his work as a pioneer for LGBTQ representation in media. Cruz has also been involved in many theatrical benefit performances and advocacy events. He continues to support the theater community while maintaining a career in television.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a legendary figure in American theater as both an actor and a playwright. He won Tony Awards for writing and starring in ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ and for playing Edna Turnblad in ‘Hairspray’. Fierstein also wrote the books for ‘La Cage aux Folles’ and ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘Newsies’. He is a powerful voice for the gay community and a master of both comedy and drama.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is a theater icon who won a Tony Award for originating the role of the Emcee in ‘Cabaret’. He also starred in ‘George M!’ and ‘Goodtime Charley’ and the original production of ‘Wicked’ as the Wizard. Grey later directed the acclaimed Yiddish language revival of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. His career spans over six decades and he remains a respected elder in the Broadway community.

Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken made his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in the musical ‘Spamalot’ after rising to fame on television. He later returned to the stage to star in ‘Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Show’. Aiken has also performed in various regional theater productions of classic musicals. He has used his platform to support various charitable causes and remains active in the arts.

Levi Kreis

Levi Kreis won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Jerry Lee Lewis in the musical ‘Million Dollar Quartet’. He has appeared in several other theatrical projects and is also a successful singer and songwriter. Kreis is known for his high energy performances and his soulful vocal style. He continues to perform in both theater and concert venues across the country.

Telly Leung

Telly Leung has starred in several Broadway productions including ‘Aladdin’ and ‘In Transit’. He also appeared in the revival of ‘Flower Drum Song’ and the musical ‘Godspell’. Leung is recognized for his smooth tenor voice and his versatile acting skills. He has also been involved in educational programs to help aspiring theater performers.

Nick Adams

Nick Adams is known for his roles in the musicals ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ and ‘Falsettos’. He has also appeared in ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘La Cage aux Folles’ and ‘A Chorus Line’. Adams is often noted for his physical fitness and his strong dance background. He remains an active performer in the New York theater scene and in regional productions.

Gavin Creel

Gavin Creel was a beloved Broadway star who won a Tony Award for his role in ‘Hello, Dolly!’. He also received nominations for his performances in ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and ‘Hair’. Creel was a co founder of Broadway Impact and a dedicated advocate for civil rights. His legacy in the theater community is marked by his immense talent and his kind spirit.

Christopher J. Hanke

Christopher J. Hanke has appeared in Broadway shows such as ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ and ‘Cry Baby’. He also starred in the musical ‘Rent’ and the play ‘The Full Monty’. Hanke is known for his comedic timing and his ability to play a variety of character types. He continues to work in both theater and television.

Kyle Dean Massey

Kyle Dean Massey is known for his roles in ‘Next to Normal’ and ‘Wicked’ and ‘Pippin’. He has performed as a leading man in several major productions and is recognized for his strong vocals. Massey has also appeared on television in shows that highlight his musical background. He remains a popular figure in the Broadway community.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger

Andrew Keenan-Bolger originated the role of Crutchie in the musical ‘Newsies’ on Broadway. He has also appeared in ‘Tuck Everlasting’ and ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘Seussical’. Keenan-Bolger is also a filmmaker and author who has created content for the theater community. He is recognized for his youthful energy and his diverse creative talents.

Taylor Trensch

Taylor Trensch has starred in several major Broadway productions including ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’. He also appeared in ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ and ‘Wicked’. Trensch is known for his unique acting style and his ability to handle complex roles. He continues to be a sought after performer for both plays and musicals.

Grey Henson

Grey Henson received a Tony Award nomination for originating the role of Damian in the musical ‘Mean Girls’. He also appeared in ‘The Book of Mormon’ as Elder McKinley during its Broadway run. Henson is recognized for his comedic talent and his strong stage presence. He most recently starred in the musical ‘Shucked’ where he continued to showcase his humor.

Bobby Steggert

Bobby Steggert has appeared in Broadway productions such as ‘Ragtime’ and ‘Big Fish’ and ‘Mothers and Sons’. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the revival of ‘Ragtime’. Steggert is known for his emotional performances and his work in new plays. He has transitioned into work as a therapist while remaining connected to the arts.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin originated the role of Kristoff in the Broadway musical ‘Frozen’. He also starred in the Public Theater production of ‘Hercules’ and appeared in various off Broadway plays. Alladin is recognized for his powerful voice and his athletic performance style. He continues to work on projects that challenge traditional casting and promote diversity.

Ari’el Stachel

Ari’el Stachel won a Tony Award for his performance as Haled in the musical ‘The Band’s Visit’. He has also appeared in several television shows and is an advocate for Middle Eastern representation. Stachel recently performed in his own solo show which explored his identity and career. He is known for his soulful singing and his grounded acting.

George Salazar

George Salazar is best known for his role as Michael Mell in the musical ‘Be More Chill’. He has also appeared in ‘Godspell’ and the off Broadway production of ‘The Lightning Thief’. Salazar is recognized for his passionate performances and his connection with younger theater audiences. He remains a popular figure in the contemporary musical theater world.

Brandon Uranowitz

Brandon Uranowitz is a Tony Award winner who has appeared in ‘An American in Paris’ and ‘Falsettos’ and ‘Burn This’. He won his Tony for his performance in the play ‘Leopoldstadt’ where he played multiple roles. Uranowitz is known for his versatility and his ability to move between musicals and dramas. He is one of the most consistently praised actors working on Broadway today.

Brooks Ashmanskas

Brooks Ashmanskas is a veteran Broadway performer known for his comedic brilliance in shows like ‘The Prom’ and ‘Something Rotten!’. He has also appeared in ‘Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me’ and ‘The Ritz’. Ashmanskas has received multiple Tony Award nominations for his work in musical theater. He is highly regarded by his peers for his timing and his stagecraft.

Michael Arden

Michael Arden is a performer and director who has appeared in Broadway productions such as ‘Big River’ and ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’. He is perhaps best known now as a Tony winning director for the revival of ‘Parade’ and ‘Once on This Island’. Arden also directed the groundbreaking revival of ‘Spring Awakening’ with Deaf West Theatre. He continues to be a major creative force in the New York theater community.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is a talented actor who won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Good Night, Oscar’. He also starred in the Broadway revival of ‘Promises, Promises’ and the play ‘An Act of God’. Hayes is widely known for his comedic roles on television but has established himself as a serious stage actor. He remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry and a supporter of the arts.

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