LGBTQ+ Actors Who Always Elevate the Movie They’re In

The presence of talented LGBTQ+ actors has long been a cornerstone of the entertainment industry, contributing to the depth and success of various cinematic projects. From classically trained stage performers to contemporary stars of major film franchises, these individuals bring a high level of expertise to their roles. Their contributions often extend beyond their performances, as they pave the way for greater diversity and representation in Hollywood. This list highlights male and non-binary actors whose inclusion in a production consistently enhances the narrative and technical quality of the work.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is a classically trained actor who has achieved global recognition for his roles in major film franchises. He portrayed Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies, earning an Academy Award nomination for the former. His performance as Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ series helped define the modern superhero film genre for a generation. Beyond blockbusters, he has an extensive history with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has won multiple Laurence Olivier Awards. He was knighted in 1991 for his services to the performing arts.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris transitioned from a successful child actor to a versatile performer across television, film, and theater. He is widely recognized for his long-running role as Barney Stinson in the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’. On the big screen, he delivered a dramatic performance in the thriller ‘Gone Girl’ and appeared in the science fiction film ‘Starship Troopers’. Harris has also hosted the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards multiple times, winning several Emmys for his hosting duties. His career is characterized by his ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic material.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained significant international attention for his portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’. He furthered his reputation with a performance as the Priest in the comedy-drama ‘Fleabag’, which earned him a Critics’ Choice Television Award. In film, he appeared in the 1917 historical drama ‘1917’ and led the cast of ‘All of Us Strangers’. Scott is also a celebrated stage actor, having won two Laurence Olivier Awards for his work in London’s West End. His acting style is frequently noted for its emotional intensity and precision.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is known for his roles in both independent cinema and large-scale studio productions. He took over the iconic role of Q in the James Bond franchise, starting with ‘Skyfall’ and continuing through ‘No Time to Die’. Whishaw provided the voice for the titular character in the ‘Paddington’ films, which were critical and commercial successes. He received a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy for his work in the miniseries ‘A Very English Scandal’. His career includes a diverse range of characters, from the lead in ‘Perfume: The Story of a Murderer’ to Keats in ‘Bright Star’.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans began his career in professional musical theater before moving into major Hollywood action and fantasy films. He played the lead role in ‘Dracula Untold’ and portrayed Bard the Bowman in ‘The Hobbit’ film series. Evans demonstrated his range by playing the antagonist Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He also starred in the period drama series ‘The Alienist’ as John Moore. His filmography includes appearances in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise and the thriller ‘The Girl on the Train’.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer first reached a wide audience as the lead in the television series ‘White Collar’. He earned a Golden Globe Award for his supporting role in the television film ‘The Normal Heart’, which focused on the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City. Bomer has appeared in films such as ‘Magic Mike’, ‘The Nice Guys’, and ‘Maestro’. In 2023, he received critical acclaim for his leading role in the historical drama miniseries ‘Fellow Travelers’. His work often involves complex, character-driven narratives that showcase his dramatic range.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is best known for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’, a role that earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards. After the conclusion of the series, he moved into significant film roles, including ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. He also starred in the miniseries ‘Hollywood’, which explored an alternate history of the film industry. Parsons has been active on Broadway, appearing in revivals of ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Harvey’. His performances are often marked by a distinct vocal delivery and physical presence.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller rose to prominence as Michael Scofield in the television series ‘Prison Break’, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. He later joined the DC Extended Universe on television, playing Captain Cold in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. Beyond acting, Miller wrote the screenplay for the 2013 thriller film ‘Stoker’, starring Nicole Kidman. He has also made appearances in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and the film ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’. He is recognized for his contributions to both television acting and screenwriting.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff is a prolific performer who has found success on Broadway, in television, and in film. He originated the role of King George III in the musical ‘Hamilton’, earning a Tony Award nomination for his performance. On television, he starred as FBI agent Holden Ford in the Netflix series ‘Mindhunter’ and appeared in ‘Glee’. He is also known to younger audiences as the voice of Kristoff in the ‘Frozen’ film franchise. Groff’s career recently included a lead role in the 2024 Broadway revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto first gained notoriety for his role as the antagonist Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes’. He was later cast as Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series, appearing in three installments directed by J.J. Abrams and Justin Lin. Quinto has a strong background in independent film, having produced and starred in the financial thriller ‘Margin Call’. He is a frequent collaborator with Ryan Murphy, appearing in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. His work often explores characters with high intellectual or psychological complexity.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor known for his work in ‘The History Boys’, appearing in both the stage play and the film adaptation. He gained further fame for his role as George Sands in the supernatural series ‘Being Human’. Tovey starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’, which followed a group of gay friends in San Francisco, and the drama ‘Years and Years’. His film credits include ‘The Good Liar’ and ‘Effie Gray’. He is also a co-host of the ‘Talk Art’ podcast, which focuses on contemporary art.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a celebrated performer who has achieved “Triple Crown of Acting” status with an Emmy, a Tony, and a Grammy. He received widespread acclaim for his role as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’, for which he won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor. Porter won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Lola in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’. His film work includes the 2021 live-action ‘Cinderella’ and the comedy ’80 for Brady’. He is also recognized for his impact on fashion and his advocacy for social justice.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has established a reputation as a powerful character actor in film and television. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. In 2023, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bayard Rustin in the film ‘Rustin’. His filmography includes prominent roles in ‘Lincoln’, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and ‘The Color Purple’. Domingo is also a writer and director, contributing significantly to contemporary theater.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a prominent figure in American musical theater and cinema with a career spanning over four decades. He is well-known for his roles in the films ‘The Birdcage’ and ‘The Producers’, the latter of which he also starred in on Broadway. Lane provided the voice for Timon in the animated classic ‘The Lion King’. He has won three Tony Awards and three Primetime Emmy Awards throughout his career. His recent work includes a recurring role in the series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British polymath known for his work as an actor, writer, and presenter. He gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of the titular character in the 1997 film ‘Wilde’. Fry appeared as the Master of Lake-town in ‘The Hobbit’ film series and as Mycroft Holmes in ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’. He spent many years as the host of the panel show ‘QI’ and has narrated all the UK editions of the ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks. His contributions to the arts include numerous books and documentaries.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett became a major international star following his role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ alongside Julia Roberts. He appeared in period dramas such as ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ and ‘The Madness of King George’. Everett wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Happy Prince’, a biographical film about the final years of Oscar Wilde. He also provided the voice of Prince Charming in the ‘Shrek’ film franchise. His career has spanned stage, screen, and literature, including several published memoirs.

George Takei

George Takei is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and subsequent films. He has used his platform to advocate for social justice, particularly regarding the history of Japanese American internment during World War II. Takei has appeared in films such as ‘Larry Crowne’ and lent his voice to animated projects like ‘Mulan’. He starred in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’, which was inspired by his personal life experiences. He remains a significant figure in both pop culture and political activism.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is widely recognized for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the long-running sitcom ‘Modern Family’. His performance on the show earned him five consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Ferguson is a veteran of the stage, having appeared in Broadway productions like ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’. In 2022, he won a Tony Award for his performance in the revival of the play ‘Take Me Out’. He is also the co-founder of a non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ equality.

Titus Burgess

Titus Burgess rose to fame for his role as Titus Andromedon in the Netflix comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’. His performance earned him four consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Burgess is an accomplished Broadway performer, with credits including ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. He appeared in the 2023 musical film ‘Schmigadoon!’ and provided voices for ‘The Angry Birds Movie’. His work is frequently noted for his powerful singing voice and comedic timing.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt achieved stardom for his lead role in the Broadway musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, for which he won a Tony Award. He reprised the role in the 2021 film adaptation of the same name. Platt also starred in the Netflix series ‘The Politician’, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. His film credits include the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise and the 2023 film ‘Theater Camp’. He has released multiple studio albums and has performed sold-out concert tours across North America.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy is a Canadian actor, writer, and director who co-created the sitcom ‘Schitt’s Creek’. He made history by winning Primetime Emmy Awards in all four major disciplines—acting, writing, directing, and producing—in a single year. Following the success of the series, he appeared in the film ‘Happiest Season’ and joined the cast of ‘Sex Education’. In 2024, he wrote, directed, and starred in the film ‘Good Grief’. Levy is also known for his work as a television host and fashion icon.

BD Wong

BD Wong is the only actor to receive a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Clarence Derwent Award, and Theatre World Award for the same role. This achievement was for his performance in ‘M. Butterfly’ on Broadway. He is well-known for his long-running role as Dr. George Huang on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. In film, he appeared as Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Jurassic World’ franchises. He also received an Emmy nomination for his role as Whiterose in the series ‘Mr. Robot’.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a Scottish-American actor known for his transformative roles on stage and screen. He won a Tony Award for his performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the Broadway revival of ‘Cabaret’. His film roles include Nightcrawler in ‘X2’ and Fegan Floop in the ‘Spy Kids’ trilogy. On television, he played Eli Gold in ‘The Good Wife’, a role that earned him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Cumming has also written several books and hosts the reality competition series ‘The Traitors’.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a highly respected actor of stage and screen with six Primetime Emmy Award nominations. He is well-known for his role as Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’. On television, he starred as Jack Bristow in the series ‘Alias’ and as Martin Stein in ‘DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’. Garber has an extensive theater background, having appeared in the original Broadway productions of ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Assassins’. His career spans over five decades and includes a wide range of dramatic and musical roles.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a character actor known for his frequent collaborations with producer Ryan Murphy. He has appeared in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’, earning two Emmy nominations for his work on the series. O’Hare won a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out’ in 2003. His film credits include ‘Dallas Buyers Club’, ‘Milk’, and ‘The Proposal’. He is also recognized for his role as Russell Edgington in the HBO series ‘True Blood’.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells first gained major recognition for his Tony-nominated performance as Elder Price in the Broadway musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He transitioned to television with a lead role in ‘The New Normal’ and a recurring role in ‘Girls’. Rannells starred in the 2020 film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and appeared in the musical film ‘The Prom’. He is a regular performer on Broadway, recently appearing in ‘Gutenberg! The Musical!’. Rannells has also published a memoir titled ‘Too Much Is Not Enough’.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is an actor and singer known for his work on Broadway and in television series such as ’30 Rock’. He has been a frequent cast member of ‘American Horror Story’, appearing in several themed seasons. Jackson has appeared in films such as ‘United 93’ and the musical ‘The 20th Century Fox Hour’. On stage, he has held leading roles in ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Xanadu’, and ‘Finian’s Rainbow’. He has also released several studio albums and performed in concert venues globally.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace is known for his roles in high-profile fantasy and science fiction projects. He portrayed Thranduil the Elvenking in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy and Ronan the Accuser in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Pace received a Golden Globe nomination for his leading role in the series ‘Pushing Daisies’. He starred as Joe MacMillan in the drama series ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and currently leads the cast of ‘Foundation’. His work is often characterized by a commanding physical presence and distinct delivery.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained significant international fame for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. This performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. He later appeared in the critically acclaimed episode “Long, Long Time” of ‘The Last of Us’. Bartlett’s earlier career included roles in the series ‘Looking’ and the long-running Australian soap opera ‘Neighbours’. His recent work has solidified his status as a sought-after dramatic actor in television.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope made history in 2019 as the first person to be nominated for two Tony Awards in separate categories in the same year. These nominations were for his roles in the play ‘Choir Boy’ and the musical ‘Ain’t Too Proud’. He transitioned to television with a leading role in Ryan Murphy’s ‘Hollywood’. In 2022, he starred in the film ‘The Inspection’, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination. Pope’s career is marked by his rapid rise in both the theater and film industries.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén is best known for his role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the FX comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His performance has been widely praised for its comedic timing and character development. Guillén has also appeared in films such as ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ and ‘Blue Beetle’. On television, he has had roles in ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’ and ‘The Magicians’. He is a prominent voice in the industry for body positivity and LGBTQ+ representation.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominee for his work in the musicals ‘In the Heights’, ‘La Cage aux Folles’, and the play ‘The Boys in the Band’. He reprised his role in the 2020 film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’. In 2021, he received significant praise for his supporting role in the musical film ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’. De Jesús began his career in the independent film ‘Camp’, which has since become a cult classic. His work is noted for its emotional depth and high energy.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn is an actor and former White House staff member known for his roles in film and television. He gained fame as Kumar Patel in the ‘Harold & Kumar’ film franchise. Penn also had a major role as Dr. Lawrence Kutner on the medical drama ‘House’. After serving in the Obama administration, he returned to acting with roles in ‘Designated Survivor’ and ‘Clarice’. In 2021, he publicly shared his personal journey and relationship in his memoir, ‘You Can’t Be Serious’.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes transitioned from a career in modeling to acting, gaining fame for his role as Jackson Whittemore in ‘Teen Wolf’. He furthered his career by playing Roy Harper/Arsenal in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. Haynes has also appeared in ‘American Horror Story: Cult’ and the film ‘San Andreas’. He published a memoir in 2022 titled ‘Miss Memory Lane’, detailing his experiences in the entertainment industry. His work has spanned teen dramas, action series, and psychological thrillers.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who gained significant attention for the film ‘Fire Island’. He wrote, produced, and starred in the film, which was a modern queer adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. Booster also stars in the comedy series ‘Loot’ alongside Maya Rudolph. He has released a stand-up special on Netflix titled ‘Psychosexual’ and has appeared in various comedy programs. His work often explores themes of identity, race, and sexuality through a comedic lens.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he became the first Chinese-American actor to be featured. He has received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the sketch comedy series. Yang starred in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’ and appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Bros’. He also co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Las Culturistas’ with Matt Rogers. His comedic style and characters have become a significant part of contemporary pop culture.

T. R. Knight

T.R. Knight reached a large audience through his role as Dr. George O’Malley on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His performance on the series earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Knight has also appeared in series such as ‘The Good Wife’, ‘11.22.63’, and ‘The Flight Attendant’. He is an accomplished stage actor, having performed in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. His career highlights his versatility in both long-running television dramas and theater.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is a pioneer of modern musical theater, having originated the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway musical ‘Rent’. He reprised this role in the 2005 film adaptation. Rapp is also well-known for his role as Commander Paul Stamets in the series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’, one of the franchise’s first openly gay characters. His film credits include ‘Adventures in Babysitting’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind’. He has also written a memoir, ‘Without You’, which was adapted into a one-man stage show.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is best known for his role as Oliver Hampton on the legal drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He began as a recurring guest and was promoted to a series regular due to the character’s popularity. Ricamora has a strong background in theater, notably starring in the musical ‘Here Lies Love’ and the revival of ‘The King and I’. He appeared in the 2022 film ‘Fire Island’ and the television series ‘The Resident’. His work often balances complex emotional arcs with social relevance.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese-American actor who gained critical recognition for his role in the 2007 film ‘The Visitor’. He played Ben, the husband of Phastos, in the Marvel Studios film ‘Eternals’, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in blockbusters. Sleiman has appeared in television series such as ‘Nurse Jackie’, ‘Killing Jesus’, and ‘Little America’. He is a vocal advocate for the inclusion of Middle Eastern and LGBTQ+ perspectives in Hollywood. His performances are frequently cited for their authenticity and emotional resonance.

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