LGBTQ+ Actors Who Consistently Outperform Their Co-Stars

The landscape of modern entertainment features a diverse array of talented performers who have broken barriers and achieved significant critical success. LGBTQ+ male actors have increasingly taken center stage in major film and television projects where they often deliver performances that define the entire production. These individuals are frequently recognized by major awarding bodies for their ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide variety of roles. From historical dramas to blockbuster franchises, their contributions continue to influence the direction of the industry and set high standards for acting excellence.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained international recognition for his portrayal of Jim Moriarty in the series ‘Sherlock’ where he presented a unique version of the villain. He delivered a performance as the Priest in ‘Fleabag’ that earned him a Critics Choice Television Award and a Golden Globe nomination. Scott also led the cast of ‘Ripley’ as the title character who navigates a web of lies and deceit. His ability to convey complex emotions through subtle facial expressions often makes him a standout performer in any ensemble.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the film ‘Rustin’ which highlighted his leading man capabilities. He played the role of Victor Strand in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ for eight seasons and became a central figure in the post apocalyptic narrative. Domingo earned an Emmy Award for his guest role as Ali in ‘Euphoria’ where he delivered powerful monologues that anchored the emotional weight of the series. His extensive background in theater allows him to command the screen with a significant physical presence and vocal range.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is widely known for his role as Q in the ‘James Bond’ franchise where he brought a fresh and intellectual energy to the character. He provided the voice for the beloved bear in ‘Paddington’ and its sequel which turned the films into massive critical successes. Whishaw won a Golden Globe for his role in ‘A Very English Scandal’ where he portrayed Norman Scott opposite Hugh Grant. His performance in the medical drama ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ was praised for its raw and honest depiction of life in the healthcare system.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey rose to global fame as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the second season of ‘Bridgerton’ where he led the romantic narrative. He starred alongside Matt Bomer in the limited series ‘Fellow Travelers’ which explored a decades long romance between two men working in the government. Bailey received an Olivier Award for his role in the musical ‘Company’ proving his versatility across different performance mediums. He is also set to play Fiyero in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ which further establishes him as a major talent in Hollywood.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons won four Primetime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’ which made him one of the highest paid actors on television. He transitioned into more dramatic roles with his performance in the film ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’ where he played a ruthless talent agent. Parsons received critical acclaim for his lead role in the biographical drama ‘Spoiler Alert’ which showcased his ability to handle sensitive subject matter. His comedic timing and distinctive delivery often define the projects he participates in.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Pray Tell in ‘Pose’ which made him the first openly gay Black man to win in that category. He has a long history on Broadway where he won a Tony Award for his performance as Lola in the musical ‘Kinky Boots’ which featured his impressive vocal range. Porter played the Fab G in the musical version of ‘Cinderella’ where he reimagined the classic fairy godmother role with modern flair. He is known for his ability to blend high fashion and theatrical performance into a singular and impactful presence on screen.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris became a household name for his role as Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’ where he earned multiple Emmy nominations. He displayed his range as an actor by playing the sinister Count Olaf in the Netflix series ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ which required numerous character transformations. Harris has also hosted the Academy Awards and the Tony Awards multiple times where he showcased his musical and comedic talents. He recently starred in the series ‘Uncoupled’ as a man navigating the dating world in his late forties after a sudden breakup.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer led the cast of ‘White Collar’ as the charming con artist Neal Caffrey who works with the FBI to solve crimes. He won a Golden Globe Award for his role as Felix Turner in the television film ‘The Normal Heart’ which focused on the early days of the AIDS crisis in New York City. Bomer received further acclaim for his role in ‘Fellow Travelers’ where he portrayed a man hiding his identity while working in the State Department. He also appeared as Negative Man in ‘Doom Patrol’ where he provided a voice performance and emotional depth to a physically constrained character.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto gained fame for his role as the villainous Sylar in the television series ‘Heroes’ where he became the primary antagonist. He took over the iconic role of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot film series and received praise from the original actor Leonard Nimoy for his performance. Quinto starred in the second season of ‘American Horror Story’ and received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Dr. Oliver Thredson. He often plays characters with intense psychological depth and complex motivations that drive the central plot of his projects.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen is a legendary actor who gained worldwide fame for his role as Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. He portrayed the powerful mutant Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ film series where he brought a sense of gravity and tragic depth to the character. McKellen has received two Academy Award nominations and numerous other accolades throughout his career that spans over six decades. He is equally famous for his Shakespearean roles on stage where he has played nearly every major character in the canon.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett became a major star following his breakout performance in the film ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ where he played George Downes. He portrayed the famous writer Oscar Wilde in ‘The Happy Prince’ which he also wrote and directed to critical acclaim. Everett has appeared in numerous period dramas such as ‘An Ideal Husband’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ where he utilized his comedic timing. He continues to work in both film and television while maintaining a strong presence in the British theater scene.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a three time Tony Award winner who is widely recognized for his comedic roles in films like ‘The Birdcage’ where he played Albert Goldman. He provided the voice for Timon in ‘The Lion King’ which became one of the most recognizable voices in animation history. Lane won an Emmy Award for his guest role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ where he played a complex character with a hidden past. His ability to transition between broad physical comedy and serious dramatic moments makes him a versatile performer in any medium.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming won a Tony Award for his performance as the Master of Ceremonies in the revival of the musical ‘Cabaret’ which remains one of his most famous roles. He played the character Eli Gold in ‘The Good Wife’ for several seasons and earned multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Cumming appeared as Nightcrawler in ‘X2’ where he utilized his physical acting skills to portray the teleporter. He has also written several books and hosts various television programs while continuing to act in independent and mainstream films.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace starred as the lead character Ned in the cult favorite series ‘Pushing Daisies’ which earned him an Emmy nomination for his performance. He played the Elven King Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy where he portrayed a commanding and ethereal presence. Pace took on the role of Joe MacMillan in ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ where he navigated the evolving world of the personal computer revolution. He currently stars as Brother Day in the series ‘Foundation’ where he plays a clone emperor with a cold and calculating demeanor.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is known for his role as Jack Bristow in the series ‘Alias’ where he earned three consecutive Emmy nominations for his performance. He portrayed Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’ which showcased his ability to play historical figures with dignity. Garber also played Professor Martin Stein in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ where he became a mentor figure to other superheroes. His long career includes numerous Broadway credits and guest appearances in popular shows like ‘Modern Family’ and ‘The Orville’ where he often plays authoritative characters.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a global star for his role as Michael Scofield in the series ‘Prison Break’ which ran for five seasons. He played the villainous Captain Cold in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’ where he brought a deadpan wit to the character. Miller also wrote the screenplay for the psychological thriller film ‘Stoker’ under a pseudonym which received positive reviews from critics. He has been vocal about his experiences in the industry and has focused on roles that challenge traditional archetypes.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett in the sitcom ‘Modern Family’ which earned him five Emmy nominations. He has a significant background in theater and won a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘Take Me Out’ in 2022. Ferguson has appeared in various television shows as a guest star and hosted the reality series ‘Extreme Makeover Home Edition’ during its revival. He often brings a sense of frantic comedic energy and relatable vulnerability to his various acting roles.

Tituss Burgess

Titus Burgess became famous for his role as Titus Andromedon in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ where he earned four consecutive Emmy nominations. He is a trained Broadway singer who has appeared in productions like ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’ where he showcased his powerful voice. Burgess provided the voice for several characters in animated films like ‘The Angry Birds Movie’ and ‘Central Park’ where his comedic timing shone. He recently appeared in the film ‘Respect’ as Reverend Dr. James Cleveland who was a mentor to Aretha Franklin.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett gained widespread acclaim for his role as Armond in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’ which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. He delivered a memorable performance as Frank in the third episode of ‘The Last of Us’ which was hailed by critics as a career best. Bartlett appeared in the series ‘Looking’ which explored the lives of gay men in San Francisco and helped establish his career in the United States. He also starred in ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ as the choreographer Nick De Noia where he portrayed a competitive and ambitious professional.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells rose to fame for his role as Elder Price in the original Broadway cast of ‘The Book of Mormon’ which earned him a Tony nomination. He played the character Elijah Krantz in the series ‘Girls’ where he delivered a performance that made him a fan favorite. Rannells starred in the Netflix film ‘The Boys in the Band’ and the series ‘Black Monday’ where he played a young trader on Wall Street. He also voices several characters in the animated series ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Invincible’ which showcases his vocal range.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy co created and starred in the series ‘Schitt’s Creek’ where he played the character David Rose to critical and commercial acclaim. He made history by winning four Emmy Awards in a single year for acting, writing, directing, and producing the final season of the show. Levy appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’ where he played the supportive best friend with a dry sense of humor. He also hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ and launched his own production company to create more inclusive content for television and film.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is famous for his portrayal of Jack McFarland in the sitcom ‘Will & Grace’ which earned him an Emmy Award and multiple nominations. He has appeared in films like ‘The Bucket List’ and provided voices for characters in animated movies such as ‘Monsters University’ where he played Art. Hayes won a Tony Award for his performance as Oscar Levant in the play ‘Good Night, Oscar’ which required him to play the piano live on stage. He also co hosts a popular podcast and continues to produce content for television through his production company.

BD Wong

BD Wong won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘M. Butterfly’ making him the only actor to win all five major theater awards for the same role. He is well known for playing Dr. George Huang in ‘Law & Order Special Victims Unit’ where he provided psychological insight into criminal minds. Wong portrayed the character Whiterose in ‘Mr. Robot’ which earned him critical acclaim for his complex and nuanced performance. He also voiced Captain Li Shang in ‘Mulan’ and appeared as Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Jurassic World’ film franchises.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is best known for his role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and its related series ‘Torchwood’ where he played a charismatic time traveler. He portrayed the villainous Malcolm Merlyn in the series ‘Arrow’ and appeared in several other shows within the DC television universe. Barrowman has a successful career in musical theater and has released several albums as a singer over the years. He has also been a judge on various British reality television shows focused on musical performance and dance.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey gained recognition for his role as the werewolf George Sands in the British series ‘Being Human’ where he portrayed the struggles of a supernatural being. He appeared in the series ‘Looking’ and ‘Years and Years’ which explored modern societal issues and human relationships. Tovey starred in the film ‘The Pass’ where he played a professional soccer player struggling with his identity in the public eye. He is also a prominent figure in the art world and hosts a podcast where he interviews various artists and curators.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a legendary figure in both theater and film who won Tony Awards for both writing and acting in ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ which he also adapted for the screen. He played the brother of Robin Williams’ character in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ where his distinctive gravelly voice became a memorable part of the film. Fierstein wrote the book for the musical ‘Kinky Boots’ and starred as Edna Turnblad in the musical ‘Hairspray’ for which he won another Tony Award. He has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry for over four decades.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a versatile actor and writer who gained fame as one half of a comedy duo alongside Hugh Laurie. He portrayed the title character in the film ‘Wilde’ where he received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as the famous playwright. Fry has appeared in major film franchises like ‘Sherlock Holmes A Game of Shadows’ where he played Mycroft Holmes and ‘The Hobbit’ series. He is also a renowned narrator and has provided the voice for all the ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks in the United Kingdom.

George Takei

George Takei became a cultural icon for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and the subsequent film franchise. He has appeared in numerous television shows as a guest star and provided voices for animated series like ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Futurama’ where he often parodies himself. Takei starred in the Broadway musical ‘Allegiance’ which was based on his personal childhood experiences in an internment camp during World War II. He is a prominent social activist and has used his platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans has starred in several major film franchises including ‘Fast & Furious’ where he played the villain Owen Shaw. He portrayed Gaston in the live action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ where he showcased his musical theater background. Evans played the lead role in ‘Dracula Untold’ and appeared as Bard the Bowman in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy where he led the defense of Lake town. He recently starred in the series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ and ‘Echo 3’ which highlighted his ability to transition between action and drama.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith is best known for his role as Will Gorski in the Netflix series ‘Sense8’ where he played a police officer with a psychic connection to seven other people. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance as The Gentleman Caller in the revival of ‘The Glass Menagerie’ which showcased his stage presence. Smith appeared in the series ‘Treadstone’ which was a related series to the Bourne film franchise and featured high intensity action sequences. He also starred in the film ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ where he played the character Berg as part of the new crew.

Please share your favorite performances from these talented LGBTQ+ actors in the comments.