24 Gay Actors Who Came Out Mid-Franchise and Kept the Role

The landscape of Hollywood has shifted dramatically over the last few decades regarding LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance. There was a time when revealing one’s sexuality meant the immediate end of a career or the loss of a prominent role. Many brave performers chose to live their truth publicly while actively filming major television shows or blockbuster movie series. These actors navigated the complex waters of public scrutiny while maintaining their characters and continuing to work in the franchises that made them famous. Their courage has paved the way for a more inclusive industry where personal identity does not dictate professional capability.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris was at the peak of his television career playing the womanizing Barney Stinson when he decided to come out. He publicly confirmed his sexuality in 2006 while ‘How I Met Your Mother’ was still in its early seasons. The actor continued to play the suit-wearing ladies man for several more years with great success. His ability to separate his personal life from his character helped break stereotypes about what roles gay actors could play.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became a household name playing the eccentric theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He casually confirmed his sexuality in a 2012 interview after starring in the play ‘The Normal Heart’. The sitcom remained a massive ratings hit and Parsons continued to win awards for his portrayal of Sheldon. He stayed with the franchise through its conclusion and even narrated the spinoff series.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer won hearts as the charming con artist Neal Caffrey in the hit series ‘White Collar’. He officially came out in 2012 by thanking his husband and children during an acceptance speech. This announcement occurred right in the middle of the show’s successful six-season run. Viewers continued to tune in to watch his chemistry with co-star Tim DeKay until the series finale.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto took on the iconic role of Spock in the 2009 reboot of ‘Star Trek’ before publicly coming out. He made the announcement in 2011 after being moved by the tragic suicide of a gay teenager. Quinto reprised his role as the logical Vulcan in two subsequent sequels while living openly. His career has continued to thrive in both film and television since his decision to speak his truth.

Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp grew up before the eyes of millions playing Will Byers on the global phenomenon ‘Stranger Things’. He utilized TikTok to share his coming out story with fans in early 2023. This announcement mirrored the journey of his on-screen character who also navigates feelings for his best friend. Schnapp received an outpouring of love from fans and will return for the final season of the show.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor stars as Nick Nelson in the popular Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. He faced intense pressure from social media regarding his sexuality and eventually came out as bisexual in 2022. He noted that he felt forced to define himself publicly but has since received immense support from the cast and crew. Connor continues to lead the series as it moves into future seasons.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw took over the role of the tech genius Q in the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’. He confirmed his civil partnership with his husband in 2013 after the film had already premiered. Whishaw returned to the franchise for ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’ while living openly. He has maintained a steady career in both independent films and major blockbusters without being typecast.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes was a regular on the superhero series ‘Arrow’ playing Roy Harper when he took a break for his mental health. He publicly came out in 2016 and spoke candidly about the anxiety he felt while in the closet. Haynes eventually returned to the ‘Arrow’ franchise for multiple guest arcs and a final season regular role. His honesty about anxiety and sexuality resonated deeply with his younger fanbase.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale played Wally West on ‘The Flash’ and ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’. He came out as bisexual on social media in 2017 while he was an active part of the Arrowverse. The writers and producers supported him fully and he continued to make appearances across the franchise. Lonsdale has since become a vocal advocate for queer representation in media.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane played Scotty Wandell on the family drama ‘Brothers & Sisters’ for several seasons. He bravely came out in 2008 while the show was still airing on prime time television. His character was part of a groundbreaking same-sex marriage storyline that became a central part of the series. Macfarlane has since become a staple leading man in numerous romantic comedies.

Reid Ewing

Reid Ewing was known for his recurring role as the dim-witted but sweet Dylan Marshall on ‘Modern Family’. He casually outed himself in a tweet in 2015 while discussing body dysmorphia. The actor continued to appear on the sitcom through its final season and eventually married his on-screen girlfriend. His revelation was praised for its casual nature and lack of fanfare.

Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn gained international fame as the gentle giant Hodor in ‘Game of Thrones’. He publicly discussed his sexuality in 2014 during an interview with a fan site while the show was at its peak. Nairn mentioned that he had been waiting for someone to ask him about it so he could answer honestly. He remained a beloved part of the cast until his character’s heroic final scene.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli plays Dr. Levi Schmitt on the long-running drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. He came out publicly on Instagram in 2018 at the same time his character shared his first kiss with a male surgeon. This synchronized coming out allowed him to share his authentic self alongside his fictional counterpart’s journey. Borelli has remained a key cast member and represents a new generation of queer doctors on TV.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett starred as the talented musician Jamal Lyon on the hit drama ‘Empire’. He came out during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres in 2015 while the first season was airing. His character also dealt with coming out in the hip-hop industry which paralleled his real life. Smollett continued in the role for several years before legal controversies later impacted his career.

Jordan Gavaris

Jordan Gavaris played the artistic and witty Felix Dawkins on the sci-fi thriller ‘Orphan Black’. He came out in 2017 during the final season of the show after years of dodging questions about his sexuality. Gavaris stated that he never actively hid it but simply chose not to lead with it in interviews. He remained a fan favorite and an integral part of the Clone Club until the end.

Joshua Bassett

Joshua Bassett stars as Ricky Bowen in ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. He issued a statement regarding his sexuality in 2021 describing himself as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The young actor continued to lead the Disney+ show while releasing music that explores his personal experiences. His openness has inspired a younger demographic of Disney viewers.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie stole scenes as the fashion-obsessed assistant Marc St. James on ‘Ugly Betty’. He identified as “queer” in conversations during the show’s run before more formally discussing his identity later. Urie remained a highlight of the series throughout its four seasons and continues to work in television and theater. He proved that playing a flamboyant character did not limit his range or appeal.

Adamo Ruggiero

Adamo Ruggiero played Marco Del Rossi on the Canadian teen drama ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’. He came out publicly in 2008 while hosting a spin-off show after years of playing a gay character. His portrayal of Marco was one of the most significant queer storylines in teen television history. Ruggiero has continued to be involved with the franchise and LGBTQ+ activism.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans played police officer Oliver Fish on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He was outed by his brother Chris Evans in an interview but embraced it publicly in 2009. His character was involved in a prominent romantic storyline that kept him on the show for a significant run. Evans has continued to act in various projects including the blockbuster ‘Barbie’.

Jack Dylan Grazer

Jack Dylan Grazer stars as Freddy Freeman in the DC Extended Universe ‘Shazam!’ films. He came out as bisexual during an Instagram Live session in 2021 between the first and second movies. The young actor returned for ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ with full support from his fans. He often uses his social media platform to advocate for self-expression and identity.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith joined the ‘Jurassic World’ franchise as the anxious systems analyst Franklin Webb. He came out as queer in a heartfelt social media post in 2020 while advocating for black trans lives. Smith returned to the role for ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ two years later. He has successfully balanced blockbuster franchise roles with acclaimed independent films.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén plays the familiar and vampire-hunting Guillermo de la Cruz on ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He discussed his queer identity in a 2022 interview as the show was gaining massive popularity. The writers have slowly incorporated elements of his identity into his character’s journey. Guillén remains a breakout star of the series and a voice for body positivity.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace first played the villain Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ in 2014. He formally opened up about being a member of the queer community in 2018. Following this admission he reprised his role as Ronan in the 2019 blockbuster ‘Captain Marvel’. Pace continues to secure leading roles in major science fiction series while living authentically.

Larry Saperstein

Larry Saperstein played Big Red in ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’ alongside Joshua Bassett. He came out as bisexual on TikTok during Pride Month in 2021 while the show was airing. His casual announcement featured him dancing and was well-received by the show’s fanbase. Saperstein continued to appear in the series as it evolved.

Tell us which of these courageous actors inspired you the most in the comments.