LGBTQ+ Actors Everyone Loves to Hate

From silver screen villains to television characters with biting wit, many actors have built careers playing figures that audiences love to despise. These performers use their immense talent to bring antagonists, snobs, and morally ambiguous characters to life in ways that leave a lasting impact. The following list highlights talented male actors from the LGBTQ+ community who have mastered the art of playing the bad guy or the difficult diva.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott became a global sensation for his electrifying performance as Jim Moriarty in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. His portrayal brought a modern and chaotic energy to the classic literary villain that fascinated viewers. Scott mastered the ability to switch between playful charm and terrifying psychosis within a single scene. This role established him as a master of playing complex antagonists who challenge the hero at every turn. He continues to select roles that showcase his range in delivering dark and compelling performances.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto first terrified audiences as the power-hungry serial killer Sylar in the science fiction series ‘Heroes’. His chilling performance made him one of the most memorable television villains of the late 2000s. Quinto later took on the logical and sometimes cold role of Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ film franchise. He often plays intellectual characters who operate with a distinct lack of empathy or heightened arrogance. His ability to convey menace through subtle expressions makes him a favorite for darker roles.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a legendary figure who brought depth and humanity to the role of Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. His character believes in mutant superiority and acts as a sophisticated adversary to the X-Men team. McKellen also played the conniving Leigh Teabing in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ with memorable villainous flair. Audiences respect his ability to make even the most destructive antagonists feel sympathetic and principled. He remains one of the most celebrated actors to ever play a comic book villain.

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey spent years building a reputation for playing cold and calculating villains in films like ‘Se7en’ and ‘Superman Returns’. His role as Francis Underwood in ‘House of Cards’ showcased a ruthless politician who would stop at nothing to gain power. Spacey captured the audience with his fourth-wall-breaking monologues that revealed his sinister manipulations. His characters often embody absolute corruption and moral bankruptcy. While his career has faced significant real-world controversy, his past performances as antagonists remain well-known.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans brought the arrogant and narcissistic Gaston to life in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He perfectly captured the vanity and cruelty of the character while delivering powerful musical numbers. Evans also played the villainous Owen Shaw in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise with intense physicality. He frequently takes on roles that require a mixture of charm and physical intimidation. His portrayal of Dracula in ‘Dracula Untold’ further cemented his status as a leading man who can embrace darkness.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris transformed into the wicked Count Olaf for the Netflix adaptation of ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’. He wore heavy prosthetics and adopted various disguises to torment the Baudelaire orphans throughout the series. Harris also played the womanizing Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ who was often morally questionable despite being a protagonist. He excels at playing characters who are comically evil or selfishly motivated. His theatrical background allows him to bring a grand sense of performance to his villainous roles.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman captivated audiences as the Dark Archer Malcolm Merlyn in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. His character served as the primary antagonist for the first season and remained a thorn in the side of the heroes for years. Barrowman played the role with a smooth charisma that made his evil deeds even more unsettling. He often portrayed Merlyn as a man who believed his violent methods were necessary for the greater good. Fans loved to hate his character because he always seemed to be one step ahead.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett is well known for voicing the vain and scheming Prince Charming in ‘Shrek 2’. His character was a mama’s boy who plotted to steal the throne and Princess Fiona from the ogre hero. Everett also played the villain in ‘Inspector Gadget’ and often takes on roles that require a posh and snooty demeanor. His distinctive voice and delivery make him perfect for aristocratic antagonists. He brings a biting wit to his characters that makes them entertaining despite their malicious intent.

BD Wong

BD Wong terrified viewers as the corrupt geneticist Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic World’ franchise. His character evolved from a well-meaning scientist into a cold figure who prioritized profit over human safety. Wong also portrayed the sinister Hugo Strange in the series ‘Gotham’ where he conducted unethical experiments. He excels at playing intelligent characters who use their brilliance for nefarious purposes. His calm and collected acting style adds an eerie layer to his villainous portrayals.

Robin Lord Taylor

Robin Lord Taylor delivered a breakout performance as Oswald Cobblepot in the television series ‘Gotham’. His version of the Penguin started as a low-level umbrella boy and rose to become the kingpin of the city. Taylor infused the character with a desperate vulnerability that made his violent outbursts shocking. Audiences rooted for him despite his murderous climb to power in the criminal underworld. He created one of the most complex and sympathetic versions of the Batman villain.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a fan favorite as Leonard Snart known as Captain Cold in ‘The Flash’. His character began as a ruthless bank robber with a freeze gun before evolving into an anti-hero. Miller played the role with a deliberate cadence and a cool demeanor that stole every scene. He eventually joined the spin-off ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ where his moral ambiguity was a central plot point. His calculated delivery made him one of the most distinct antagonists in the Arrowverse.

Guillermo Diaz

Guillermo Diaz played the complex character Huck in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. Huck was a former black ops assassin who struggled with his addiction to torture and violence. While he was loyal to the protagonist he often committed gruesome acts that horrified the audience. Diaz brought an intense emotional weight to the role that made the character terrifying yet tragic. Viewers were constantly torn between fearing him and wanting him to find peace.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff stole the show with his comedic portrayal of King George III in the musical ‘Hamilton’. His character appears intermittently to sing catchy breakup songs to the American colonies. Groff played the monarch as a petulant and slightly unhinged ruler who threatens violence with a smile. He also played a darker role as the new Agent Smith in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. His ability to play both campy villains and serious antagonists demonstrates his versatility.

Richard E. Grant

Richard E. Grant joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as the ruthless Allegiant General Pryde in ‘The Rise of Skywalker’. He channeled the classic icy demeanor of Imperial officers from the original trilogy. Grant also played a villain in ‘Logan’ where he was a scientist responsible for creating clones. He is an expert at playing upper-class characters with a disdain for those beneath them. His sharp features and commanding voice make him a natural fit for authoritarian roles.

Udo Kier

Udo Kier is a legend in the horror genre and has played countless villains over his long career. He famously portrayed the vampire leader Dragonetti in ‘Blade’ and appeared in many cult classic films. Kier often plays characters that are unsettling, foreign, or deeply eccentric. His piercing blue eyes and unique presence make him instantly recognizable as a bad guy. He continues to be a go-to actor for directors needing a menacing or bizarre antagonist.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming played the computer geek villain Boris Grishenko in the James Bond film ‘GoldenEye’. His character was arrogant and obnoxious while causing trouble for Pierce Brosnan. Cumming also played the trickster Nightcrawler in ‘X2’ who had a dark and mysterious past. He is known for his ability to play characters that are flamboyant and morally ambiguous. His performances often include a mix of humor and danger that keeps audiences guessing.

Jaye Davidson

Jaye Davidson made a massive impact as the sun god Ra in the science fiction movie ‘Stargate’. His portrayal was cold and regal as he ruled over his subjects with an iron fist. Davidson brought an androgynous and alien quality to the villain that made the character unforgettable. He also earned an Oscar nomination for his complex role in ‘The Crying Game’. Although his filmography is short his performance as Ra remains a definitive example of a sci-fi tyrant.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a staple of ‘American Horror Story’ where he has played various creepy and villainous roles. His portrayal of the vampire King of Mississippi Russell Edgington in ‘True Blood’ was particularly memorable. O’Hare ripped hearts out literally and figuratively while delivering grandiose speeches on live television. He excels at playing unhinged characters who enjoy the chaos they create. His theatrical energy brings a heightened sense of drama to his villainous turns.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson has played several antagonists in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. He often portrays characters who are manipulative or deceitful within the show’s dark narratives. In ‘Descendants 3’ he played the mythological villain Hades with a rock-star edge. Jackson uses his leading-man looks to mask the sinister intentions of his characters. He effectively plays figures who are charming on the surface but dangerous underneath.

Cody Fern

Cody Fern terrified audiences as the literal Antichrist Michael Langdon in ‘American Horror Story: Apocalypse’. He played the son of Satan with a soft-spoken demeanor that hid his apocalyptic power. Fern brought a seductive quality to the ultimate evil that manipulated everyone around him. His character was a powerful adversary for the witches of the series. Fans were drawn to his aesthetic and his calm delivery of terrifying lines.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace underwent a heavy makeup transformation to play the fanatic Ronan the Accuser in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. His character was a genocidal warlord who sought to destroy entire civilizations. Pace used a deep and booming voice to convey the fanaticism of the Marvel villain. He also played the elven King Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy who was isolationist and cold. His imposing height and intensity allow him to dominate scenes as a powerful antagonist.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became a household name playing the socially difficult Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. While not a villain Sheldon was often an antagonist to his friends due to his arrogance and selfishness. Parsons mastered the art of playing a character who is unintentionally rude and frustratingly stubborn. Audiences loved to be annoyed by his rigid adherence to rules and routine. His performance created one of the most iconic sitcom characters in television history.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce played the snobbish psychiatrist Niles Crane on the sitcom ‘Frasier’. Niles was often elitist and fussy which put him at odds with the more grounded characters. Pierce used physical comedy and dry wit to make the character’s pretentiousness hilarious rather than hateful. He was the perfect foil to his brother Frasier and often created conflict through his neuroses. His ability to play a lovable snob earned him multiple Emmy Awards.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes played the high-maintenance Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will & Grace’. Jack was known for his superficiality and his often selfish behavior toward his friends. Hayes brought a manic energy to the role that made his insults and schemes incredibly funny. The character was unapologetically vain and often served as a chaotic force in the plot. Fans adored his over-the-top personality despite his many character flaws.

Mario Cantone

Mario Cantone is best known for playing the loud and opinionated Anthony Marentino in ‘Sex and the City’. His character was an event planner with a short fuse who frequently yelled at everyone around him. Cantone brought his stand-up comedy background to the role with fast-paced delivery and biting insults. Anthony was often abrasive but provided comic relief through his brutal honesty. He remains a memorable character for his refusal to filter his thoughts.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess played the aspiring actor Titus Andromedon in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. Titus was a narcissist who constantly put his own needs above everyone else’s. Burgess played the role with operatic grandeur and a complete lack of self-awareness. His character would often sabotage situations due to his ego or laziness. Despite his selfish nature the audience loved him for his dramatic reactions and musical outbursts.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy played David Rose in the hit comedy ‘Schitt’s Creek’ who started as a spoiled wealthy heir. In the early seasons David was judgmental and disgusted by his new life in a small town. Levy portrayed the character’s distaste for everything around him with hilarious facial expressions. As the series progressed David grew but retained his signature snark and high standards. Levy made the character’s initial unlikability a key part of his charm.

Matt Lucas

Matt Lucas played the dual roles of Tweedledee and Tweedledum in Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. The characters were portrayed as bizarre and slightly creepy infantile men. Lucas used digital motion capture to bring the odd twins to life. He also played a variety of annoying and grotesque characters in the sketch show ‘Little Britain’. His willingness to look unflattering allows him to play distinctively repulsive or odd characters.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner is known for his intense and shouting persona on ‘Billy on the Street’. He brought this high-energy and sometimes abrasive style to his voice role as Timon in the 2019 ‘The Lion King’. Eichner also played a difficult television writer in the show ‘Difficult People’ who constantly judged others. His comedy often relies on him being the loudest and most critical person in the room. This persona has become his signature in both acting and hosting roles.

Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss played the intelligent but icy Mycroft Holmes in the BBC series ‘Sherlock’. Mycroft was the government official who often treated his brother and others as pawns. Gatiss also played the banker Tycho Nestoris in ‘Game of Thrones’ who calculated debts with zero emotion. He excels at playing bureaucrats who hold immense power and lack human warmth. His characters often serve as obstacles to the heroes through their adherence to protocol.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry played the corrupt Master of Laketown in ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’. His character was a greedy politician who hoarded wealth while his people suffered. Fry also played the foggy antagonist in ‘V for Vendetta’ who hides the truth. He is adept at playing pompous figures who are intellectually superior but morally weak. His commanding voice fits well with authoritarian or aristocratic villains.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw played the murderer Jean-Baptiste Grenouille in the thriller ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’. His character killed women to capture their scent in a chilling display of obsession. Whishaw also voices the polite but sometimes prickly Q in the Craig-era James Bond films. He brings a quiet intensity to his roles that can be deeply unsettling. His ability to play characters who are detached from societal norms is remarkable.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn played the troubled character Justin Foley in the series ’13 Reasons Why’. Justin began the series as a popular jock who allowed terrible things to happen to his friends. Flynn captured the character’s initial cowardice and bullying nature effectively. As the show went on the audience saw the layers of his trauma and redemption. However his early actions made him a character that viewers strongly disliked at the start.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett won an Emmy for his role as the chaotic hotel manager Armond in ‘The White Lotus’. Armond started as a professional but slowly spiraled into drug-fueled revenge against his guests. Bartlett played the character’s descent with a mix of manic humor and spite. He was the antagonist to the wealthy guests but also a victim of their entitlement. Audiences were captivated by his petty feuds and destructive decisions.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey delivered an iconic performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the film ‘Cabaret’. His character was a mysterious and somewhat sinister figure who commented on the rise of Nazism. Grey used heavy makeup and exaggerated movements to create a grotesque caricature. The role won him an Academy Award and remains a disturbing piece of cinema history. He perfectly embodied the decay of society through his haunting stage presence.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer played Kurt Hummel on the musical series ‘Glee’ for six seasons. While Kurt was a protagonist he was often written as judgmental and biphobic which polarized fans. Colfer played the character’s diva tendencies and sharp tongue with conviction. Kurt was involved in many of the show’s most dramatic conflicts and feuds. His high-maintenance personality made him a central figure that viewers loved to debate.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane voiced the scheming meerkat Timon in the original ‘The Lion King’. He also played the dishonest producer Max Bialystock in the musical film ‘The Producers’. Lane is a master of playing loud and manipulative characters who are trying to get rich quick. His high energy and rapid-fire delivery make his schemers incredibly entertaining. He often plays the guy who drags the hero into trouble.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey played the role of The Ray in the Arrowverse crossover event ‘Crisis on Earth-X’. In this alternate reality he appeared as a resistance fighter fighting against Nazi versions of the heroes. Tovey also played a morally complex role in the drama ‘Years and Years’. He often takes on parts that require him to be the bearer of bad news or difficult decisions. His characters are frequently grounded in gritty reality which can be confronting for viewers.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber played the arrogant Professor Callahan in the comedy ‘Legally Blonde’. His character was a strict law teacher who eventually revealed his predatory nature. Garber also played Dr. Martin Stein in ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ who could be condescending to his younger teammates. He excels at playing authority figures who demand respect and do not suffer fools. His stern demeanor makes him convincing as a formidable obstacle.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes played the privileged and aggressive Jackson Whittemore in the series ‘Teen Wolf’. Jackson was a high school bully who sought power at any cost and eventually transformed into a monster. Haynes captured the character’s deep insecurity and outward hostility perfectly. He later played the antagonist Roy Harper in ‘Arrow’ before the character’s redemption arc. Fans initially hated Jackson for his treatment of the main characters.

Tell us which of these actors played the best villain or most annoying character in the comments!