LGBTQ+ Actors Everyone Knows, but Rarely Talks About Enough

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift in representation over the last several decades, with more performers living and working openly. While many LGBTQ+ actors have become household names, the breadth of their contributions to cinema, television, and theater often deserves more focused discussion. These men have portrayed iconic villains, romantic leads, and complex historical figures, often breaking barriers in the process. This list highlights talented actors whose work continues to shape the cultural landscape through their diverse and powerful performances.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained international fame for his portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. He later received critical acclaim for his role as the “Hot Priest” in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. Scott’s career includes a wide range of theater work, winning multiple Laurence Olivier Awards for his stage performances. He recently starred in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’ and the Netflix series ‘Ripley’. His ability to navigate between intense villainy and vulnerable romantic leads has made him a versatile force in modern acting.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his powerful presence in both film and television. He portrayed Victor Strand on ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ for eight seasons and won an Emmy for his guest role in ‘Euphoria’. Domingo received significant praise for his lead performance in the 2023 biographical drama ‘Rustin’. Beyond acting, he is a prolific playwright and director who has contributed extensively to the American theater scene. His career spans decades of character work and recent transitions into leading man status.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is perhaps best recognized for his role as Q in the James Bond film franchise, beginning with ‘Skyfall’. He provides the voice for the titular character in the ‘Paddington’ movies, bringing a gentle charm to the beloved bear. Whishaw won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his performance in the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal’. He has also maintained a steady career on the stage, appearing in numerous Shakespearean productions and contemporary dramas. His performances are often noted for their sensitivity and quiet intensity.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has built a career as a versatile leading man in major Hollywood blockbusters and independent films. He is well-known for playing Gaston in the live-action remake of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Bard the Bowman in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. Evans has also taken on darker roles, such as the lead in ‘Dracula Untold’ and the villainous Owen Shaw in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. On television, he starred in the period drama ‘The Alienist’ as John Moore. His background in musical theater allows him to bring a distinct theatricality to his diverse screen roles.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer first reached widespread prominence starring as Neal Caffrey in the police procedural series ‘White Collar’. He earned a Golden Globe Award for his supporting role in the television film ‘The Normal Heart’, which focused on the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Bomer has appeared in high-profile projects like the ‘Magic Mike’ films and the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. Most recently, he starred in and executive produced the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’. His work often explores complex historical and social themes within the LGBTQ+ community.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey became a global star following his performance as Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix period drama ‘Bridgerton’. Before his breakout success on television, he was a prolific stage actor, winning an Olivier Award for his role in the revival of the musical ‘Company’. Bailey has appeared in a variety of British television programs, including ‘Broadchurch’ and ‘Crashing’. He is set to play Fiyero in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’. His career continues to expand across major film, television, and theater productions.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for his roles in popular series such as ‘Being Human’ and ‘Looking’. He has a long history of working with playwright Alan Bennett, notably starring in both the stage and film versions of ‘The History Boys’. Tovey appeared in the science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’ and the American thriller series ‘Quantico’. He is also an avid art collector and hosts a popular podcast titled ‘Talk Art’. His performances are frequently praised for their naturalism and emotional accessibility.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is recognized for his commanding screen presence across fantasy, science fiction, and dramatic genres. He starred as the protagonist in the cult classic series ‘Pushing Daisies’ and the AMC period drama ‘Halt and Catch Fire’. Pace’s film work includes playing Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and Ronan the Accuser in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He currently portrays Brother Day in the Apple TV+ series ‘Foundation’. His ability to inhabit larger-than-life characters has made him a fan favorite in genre storytelling.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He began his career in musical theater, originating the role of Ninoy Aquino in the off-Broadway production of ‘Here Lies Love’. Ricamora also appeared in the film ‘Fire Island’, a modern queer reimagining of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’. On television, he joined the cast of ‘The Resident’ as Dr. Jake Wong. His work consistently bridges the gap between contemporary television drama and classical stage performance.

BD Wong

BD Wong is a Tony Award-winning actor with a career spanning four decades in film, television, and theater. He is widely recognized for his roles as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise. Wong received critical acclaim for his performance as Whiterose in the series ‘Mr. Robot’, earning several award nominations. He also provided the voice for Captain Li Shang in the Disney animated film ‘Mulan’. His longevity in the industry has established him as a respected and consistent presence on screen.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made television history in the 1990s by playing Rickie Vasquez on ‘My So-Called Life’, the first openly gay teenager on American network TV. He has continued to be a prominent figure in the industry, starring as Dr. Hugh Culber on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Cruz has appeared in various stage productions, including the original Broadway run of ‘Rent’ as Angel. He also starred in the series ’13 Reasons Why’ and ‘Noah’s Arc’. Throughout his career, he has combined his acting work with significant advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation in media.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is best known for his breakout role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the FX comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance as the long-suffering familiar has earned him multiple nominations and critical praise for his comedic timing. Guillén has also appeared in series such as ‘The Magicians’ and ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’. He provided the voice for Perrito in the animated film ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. His work often highlights his versatility in both physical comedy and heartfelt character development.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett experienced a major career surge for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’, for which he won an Emmy. He previously starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’ as Dom and appeared in the revival of ‘Tales of the City’. Bartlett received further acclaim for his heartbreaking performance in the “Long, Long Time” episode of ‘The Last of Us’. He also portrayed Nick De Noia in the miniseries ‘Welcome to Chippendales’. His recent work has cemented his status as a sought-after talent in high-profile television dramas.

Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage gained international recognition for playing Thorin Oakenshield in ‘The Hobbit’ film trilogy. He first rose to prominence in the BBC miniseries ‘North & South’ and later starred in the spy drama ‘Spooks’. Armitage has become a staple of Netflix thriller series, appearing in ‘The Stranger’, ‘Stay Close’, and ‘Fool Me Once’. He is also a celebrated voice actor, narrating numerous audiobooks and voicing Trevor Belmont in the ‘Castlevania’ animated series. His career is characterized by a steady output of leading roles in both period and contemporary settings.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor who gained attention for his role in the 2007 film ‘The Visitor’. He played the lead role in the miniseries ‘Killing Jesus’ and appeared as Tarek in the medical drama ‘Nurse Jackie’. Sleiman made headlines for portraying Ben, the husband of Phastos, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Eternals’. He also starred in the acclaimed independent film ‘Breaking Fast’. His work often explores the intersection of his Middle Eastern heritage and his identity as a gay man.

Raúl Castillo

Raúl Castillo is widely recognized for his role as Richie Donado Ventura in the HBO series ‘Looking’. He has appeared in various films, including ‘We the Animals’, for which he received an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Castillo’s television credits include roles in ‘Gotham’, ‘Seven Seconds’, and the Netflix film ‘Army of the Dead’. He is also an accomplished playwright and a member of the LAByrinth Theater Company. His performances are often noted for their grounded, authentic, and emotionally resonant qualities.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran of stage and screen with six Emmy Award nominations and four Tony Award nominations. He is well-known for his role as Jack Bristow in the spy series ‘Alias’ and as Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster ‘Titanic’. Garber also played Professor Martin Stein across various series in the Arrowverse, including ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. His extensive theater career includes originating roles in musicals like ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Assassins’. He remains one of the most respected character actors in the entertainment industry.

George Takei

George Takei is an icon of science fiction, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and films. Beyond his acting career, he is a prominent social activist and has used his platform to speak about his experiences in a Japanese-American internment camp. Takei starred in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, which was inspired by his personal history during World War II. He has also made numerous guest appearances on shows like ‘Heroes’ and ‘The Big Bang Theory’. His voice work and social media presence have kept him relevant to new generations of fans.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a titan of the acting world, renowned for his work in Shakespearean theater and major film franchises. He is globally recognized as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies, as well as Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ series. McKellen has received two Academy Award nominations and numerous stage accolades, including a Tony and multiple Oliviers. He was knighted in 1991 for his services to the performing arts. Throughout his long career, he has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a multi-talented performer who has achieved “Triple Crown of Acting” status with an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony. He is widely celebrated for his role as Pray Tell in the FX series ‘Pose’, which earned him an Emmy for Lead Actor. Porter also won a Tony Award for his performance as Lola in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’. He is known for his barrier-breaking fashion choices on red carpets and his work as a director and singer. His career has been defined by a commitment to bold self-expression and social justice.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy rose to international stardom as the co-creator, writer, and star of the hit comedy series ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He played David Rose, a role that earned him widespread praise for its nuanced and humorous depiction of pansexuality. Levy made history by winning four Primetime Emmy Awards in a single year for his work on the show’s final season. He has since appeared in films like ‘Happiest Season’ and created the Netflix film ‘Good Grief’. Before his acting success, he was a popular television host on MTV Canada.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for his long-running role as Mitchell Pritchett on the ABC sitcom ‘Modern Family’. His performance earned him five consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Ferguson is also a highly accomplished stage actor, winning a Tony Award in 2022 for the revival of ‘Take Me Out’. He has appeared in various theater productions ranging from ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ to ‘Fully Committed’. His work has significantly contributed to the visibility of gay characters in mainstream American media.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess became a household name for his role as Titus Andromedon in the Netflix series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him five Emmy nominations and praise for his exceptional comedic and vocal abilities. Burgess began his career on Broadway, appearing in productions like ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He has since voiced characters in animated films such as ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ and ‘Central Park’. He is also an accomplished singer, often performing in concerts and recording original music.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells gained prominence as a Broadway star, originating the role of Elder Price in the musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He transitioned to television with roles in ‘Girls’, ‘The New Normal’, and ‘Black Monday’. Rannells starred in the film and stage versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and appeared in the Netflix musical ‘The Prom’. He is also a voice actor, known for his work in ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Invincible’. His career seamlessly blends high-energy musical theater with grounded comedic and dramatic screen performances.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer known for his work in musical theater, film, and television. He has been a regular cast member in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series and starred in the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’. Jackson’s Broadway credits include leading roles in ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Xanadu’, and ‘Finian’s Rainbow’. He has appeared in films such as ‘United 93’ and ‘Behind the Candelabra’. His career is marked by a strong vocal range and the ability to transition between various genres of entertainment.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish-American actor whose career spans film, television, and theater on both sides of the Atlantic. He won a Tony Award for his iconic performance as the Emcee in the revival of ‘Cabaret’. On television, he is well-known for playing Eli Gold in ‘The Good Wife’, a role that earned him multiple award nominations. Cumming has appeared in films such as ‘GoldenEye’, ‘X2: X-Men United’, and ‘Spy Kids’. He is also an author, activist, and host of the reality competition series ‘The Traitors’.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett became a major star in the 1980s and 1990s with roles in films like ‘Another Country’ and ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’. His performance in the latter earned him a Golden Globe nomination and critical acclaim for his comedic timing. Everett has appeared in numerous period dramas and voiced the character of Prince Charming in the ‘Shrek’ sequels. He wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Happy Prince’, a biographical film about Oscar Wilde. Throughout his career, he has been known for his wit and his outspoken nature regarding the industry.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt is a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winning performer who rose to fame in the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He reprised his role for the film adaptation and gained further recognition starring in the Netflix series ‘The Politician’. Platt’s early film work includes the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise, where he played Benji Applebaum. He has released multiple studio albums and performed in sold-out concert tours. His work often focuses on emotional vulnerability and the complexities of young adulthood.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn is best known for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix drama series ’13 Reasons Why’. His performance across four seasons was praised for its depiction of trauma and redemption. Flynn also appeared in the series ‘Ratched’ and starred in the 2022 reboot of ‘Hellraiser’. He has been active in independent film and theater, continuing to build a diverse resume. His career is characterized by intense dramatic roles that resonate with a younger demographic.

Noah Galvin

Noah Galvin first gained attention for his starring role in the sitcom ‘The Real O’Neals’. He later took over the lead role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, succeeding Ben Platt. Galvin is also known for his role as Dr. Asher Wolke on the medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’. He co-wrote and starred in the mockumentary film ‘Theater Camp’, which premiered to critical acclaim. His work often incorporates his background in musical theater and his sharp comedic sensibilities.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award-nominated actor known for his work in musical theater. He received widespread praise for his role as Michael in the film adaptation of ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’. De Jesús has appeared in several Broadway productions, including ‘In the Heights’, ‘La Cage aux Folles’, and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He also starred in the film version of ‘The Boys in the Band’ produced by Ryan Murphy. His performances are often highlighted for their high energy and deep emotional resonance.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor best known for his long-running role as David Vickers on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He also gained recognition for playing Bob Hunter on the series ‘Desperate Housewives’. Watkins starred in the Broadway and film versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and had a recurring role in ‘The Unstoppable Yellow Yeti’. Recently, he appeared in the Netflix series ‘Uncoupled’ alongside Neil Patrick Harris. His career has spanned decades of consistent work in both daytime and primetime television.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is most famous for his portrayal of Jack McFarland on the NBC sitcom ‘Will & Grace’. The role earned him an Emmy Award and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards for his comedic performance. Hayes has also had a successful career on Broadway, winning a Tony Award in 2023 for his role in ‘Good Night, Oscar’. He is a co-founder of Hazy Mills Productions and co-hosts the popular podcast ‘SmartLess’. His work has been instrumental in the mainstream success of LGBTQ+ characters on television.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is well-known for his comedic roles as Jonathan on ’30 Rock’ and Sanjay Patel on ‘Weeds’. He provided the voice for the title character in the animated series ‘Sanjay and Craig’ and appeared in ‘Phineas and Ferb’. Pancholy has also performed on Broadway, notably in the play ‘It’s Only a Play’ and ‘Grand Horizons’. He is an author, having written the award-winning middle-grade novel ‘The Best at It’. His career includes a wide variety of roles in television, voice acting, and literature.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller rose to global fame as Michael Scofield in the hit series ‘Prison Break’, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. He is also recognized for his role as Leonard Snart, also known as Captain Cold, in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Miller is an accomplished screenwriter, having penned the script for the psychological thriller film ‘Stoker’. He has been open about his experiences with mental health, using his platform to advocate for awareness and support. His career has transitioned from action lead to acclaimed writer and advocate.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto first gained prominence for his role as the villainous Sylar in the series ‘Heroes’. He achieved international stardom playing Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film franchise. Quinto has also been a regular presence in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series, earning an Emmy nomination for ‘Asylum’. On stage, he appeared in the 2018 Broadway revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the 2010 production of ‘Angels in America’. He runs his own production company, Before the Door Pictures, which has produced films like ‘Margin Call’.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a highly versatile actor who starred as Melchior Gabor in the original Broadway production of ‘Spring Awakening’. He is well-known for his role as King George III in ‘Hamilton’ and for voicing Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ franchise. On television, Groff led the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’ as Holden Ford and starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’. He recently won a Tony Award for his performance in the revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’. His career spans major voice work, intense dramatic television, and award-winning theater.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is best recognized for his role as Marc St. James on the comedy-drama series ‘Ugly Betty’. He has a prolific stage career, having starred in the Broadway production of ‘Torch Song’ and the solo show ‘Buyer & Cellar’. Urie appeared in the Netflix holiday film ‘Single All the Way’ and has a recurring role in the series ‘Shrinking’. He is also a director and producer, often championing independent queer stories. His work is frequently praised for its comedic timing and theatrical flair.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope made history by becoming the first person to be nominated for two Tony Awards in different categories in the same year. He received these nominations for his work in the play ‘Choir Boy’ and the musical ‘Ain’t Too Proud’. Pope starred in the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ and the third season of ‘Pose’. He earned significant critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for his lead role in the 2022 film ‘The Inspection’. His career is noted for its rapid rise and his commitment to portraying complex Black queer experiences.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a character actor known for his transformative performances across various film and television genres. He is a frequent collaborator of Ryan Murphy, appearing in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. O’Hare won a Tony Award for his role in the play ‘Take Me Out’ and has appeared in films like ‘Milk’ and ‘Dallas Buyers Club’. He played the vampire king Russell Edgington on the series ‘True Blood’. His ability to inhabit eccentric and dark characters has made him a standout talent in modern drama.

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