Gay Actors Who Played Iconic Straight Roles (You’ll Never Guess #7)
Plenty of openly gay stars have taken on memorable straight characters and delivered performances that stuck with audiences long after the credits rolled. These roles range from sitcom standouts to prestige dramas and classic Hollywood romances, and they often became defining parts of each actor’s career. Below are some of the most recognizable examples across film and television, with quick context on the character and the project they came from. Each entry notes the show or film that made the role widely known and why it mattered in its moment.
Neil Patrick Harris – ‘How I Met Your Mother’
Harris played Barney Stinson across nine seasons as a serial dater whose elaborate schemes and running catchphrases became fixtures of the sitcom. The character’s numerous relationships and eventual growth arc were central to many long-running storylines. Harris publicly came out in 2006 while the series was still airing. The show’s ensemble format kept Barney at the center of plots involving friendship, commitment, and career.
Jonathan Bailey – ‘Bridgerton’
Bailey portrays Anthony Bridgerton, the viscount whose responsibilities and romantic entanglements anchor major arcs in the period drama. His season-leading storyline involved a slow-burn courtship that drove much of the show’s social intrigue. Bailey has spoken openly about being gay while leading this romance plot on a global hit. The character’s family duties and societal pressures are key to his conflicts.
Luke Evans – ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Evans brought Gaston to life as the swaggering village favorite whose pursuit of Belle sets the conflict in motion. The role required extensive singing and choreography alongside large scale musical set pieces. Evans has long been open about being gay in interviews and public appearances. The film combined nostalgia with new songs and effects to reintroduce the character to a wide audience.
Andrew Scott – ‘Fleabag’
Scott appears as the priest whose connection with Fleabag reshapes the second season’s narrative. Their conversations about faith, family, and desire form the backbone of the show’s final run of episodes. Scott has been openly gay for years and balances stage and screen work. The performance hinges on dialogue heavy scenes that rely on timing and restraint.
Zachary Quinto – ‘Star Trek’
Quinto’s Spock navigates duty, identity, and a human relationship that adds a new dimension to the character across the franchise’s reboot films. The role blends cerebral problem solving with action driven set pieces. Quinto publicly came out in 2011 and has continued to lead genre projects. The films placed Spock at the center of plots about loyalty and command.
Matt Bomer – ‘White Collar’
Bomer played Neal Caffrey, a charming con artist who partners with the FBI while maintaining ties to his old life. The series built its cases around Neal’s expertise in art, forgeries, and high society. Bomer came out publicly in 2012 during the show’s run. His character’s romances and mentor relationships drive much of the show’s emotional movement.
Jodie Foster – ‘The Silence of the Lambs’
Foster’s Clarice Starling is an FBI trainee whose interviews with Hannibal Lecter propel the investigation at the film’s core. The character’s focus, training, and persistence shape the procedural structure on screen. Foster later spoke openly about her life and relationships in public speeches and interviews. The film’s awards success cemented Starling as a landmark protagonist.
Kristen Stewart – ‘Twilight’
Stewart starred as Bella Swan, a high school student whose relationship with a vampire and a werewolf creates a blockbuster love triangle. The role required multiple sequels and a blend of romance and fantasy spectacle. Stewart has publicly identified as queer and discussed her relationships openly. The series’ release schedule kept Bella at the center of pop culture for years.
Jim Parsons – ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Parsons played Sheldon Cooper, a physicist whose partnership and eventual marriage to Amy Farrah Fowler became a long-term storyline. The character’s routines and growth were major drivers of the show’s later seasons. Parsons came out publicly in a 2012 interview while the series continued. The ensemble format placed Sheldon in plots about work, friendship, and family.
Wentworth Miller – ‘Prison Break’
Miller led the series as Michael Scofield, an engineer who stages an intricate plan to free his brother from death row. The character’s relationships, including his romance with a prison doctor, are woven through the escape and conspiracy arcs. Miller came out publicly in 2013 and later discussed representation in media. The show’s revival returned Michael to center stage for new chapters.
Victor Garber – ‘Alias’
Garber portrayed Jack Bristow, a senior intelligence officer whose covert work intersects with his daughter’s missions. Family secrets and trust issues form much of his character’s tension. Garber has been openly gay and married his partner after the series ended. The role placed him at the core of espionage plots that stretched across continents.
Lee Pace – ‘Pushing Daisies’
Pace starred as Ned, a pie maker whose ability to revive the dead complicates his romance and detective work. The show blended fantasy elements with case-of-the-week mysteries. Pace has publicly discussed his marriage to a man and his private approach to fame. The character’s rules about touch shaped both the narrative stakes and the love story.
Rock Hudson – ‘Pillow Talk’
Hudson’s turn as a bachelor opposite Doris Day helped define mid-century romantic comedy on screen. The film relied on split-screen gags, misunderstandings, and a New York setting that showcased the era’s style. Hudson’s private life was not public during his studio years, but his legacy later brought attention to his career and health. The role remains a key example of star driven romance from classic Hollywood.
Tab Hunter – ‘Damn Yankees’
Hunter played Joe Hardy, the baseball phenom whose deal with the devil powers the musical’s plot. The performance combined athletic choreography with songs that became standards of the show. Hunter came out later in life and documented his story in a memoir and documentary. The film adaptation introduced his work to audiences beyond the stage.
Kevin McHale – ‘Glee’
McHale portrayed Artie Abrams, a member of the show choir whose storylines covered friendships, performances, and relationships. The character delivered solos and group numbers while navigating high school life. McHale later came out publicly and has remained active in music and hosting. The series used Artie in episodes that mixed comedy with performance driven plots.
Jonathan Groff – ‘Mindhunter’
Groff starred as Holden Ford, an FBI agent developing early criminal profiling interviews. The role required long interrogation scenes and procedural detail. Groff is openly gay and balances television, film, and theater work. The show emphasized research methods, case files, and the formation of a new investigative unit.
Cynthia Nixon – ‘Sex and the City’
Nixon played Miranda Hobbes, a lawyer whose dating life and career challenges formed a major part of the ensemble. Across the original series and films, her relationships were central to many arcs before later developments in follow-ups. Nixon publicly discussed her same-sex relationship and advocacy work after the original run. The role remains tied to New York settings and friendship storylines.
Russell Tovey – ‘Being Human’
Tovey’s George Sands is a werewolf whose attempts to maintain a normal life include relationships, work, and a found family with roommates. The show blended supernatural mythology with modern settings. Tovey is openly gay and has worked across television, stage, and radio. The character’s monthly transformations often collided with romantic and personal plans.
Sarah Paulson – ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’
Paulson portrayed prosecutor Marcia Clark, focusing on trial preparation, media scrutiny, and strategy. The performance tracked professional pressures alongside family responsibilities. Paulson has been open about her same-sex relationships in interviews and appearances. The limited series reconstructed key courtroom moments with an emphasis on procedure.
Ian McKellen – ‘The Da Vinci Code’
McKellen appeared as Sir Leigh Teabing, a wealthy historian whose knowledge of religious history and secret societies drives key revelations. The character’s expertise sets up major plot turns in the investigation. McKellen has been openly gay for decades and is also known for activism and stage work. The film placed scholarly clues and artifact hunts at the center of its mystery.
Share your favorite examples in the comments and tell us which performances you think belong on the list.