LGBTQ+ Actors Who Deliver the Absolute Best On-Screen Crying Scenes

The portrayal of raw grief and vulnerability is a hallmark of exceptional acting and many LGBTQ+ male performers have delivered iconic emotional moments. These actors bring a profound level of depth to their characters through their mastery of sorrow and distress. Their performances often bridge the gap between fiction and reality by capturing the universal experience of pain. From quiet sobs to explosive displays of anguish, these artists have redefined how emotion is conveyed on screen.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott delivered a devastating performance in the final episode of the comedy series ‘Fleabag’. His character grapples with the pain of forbidden love and the weight of his religious commitments. The actor uses subtle facial movements to convey a profound sense of loss during the bus stop scene. This moment resonates with audiences because of his ability to portray internal conflict without saying a word. His role in the film ‘All of Us Strangers’ further demonstrated his capacity for deep emotional storytelling through grief.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is known for his fragile and intense portrayals in both film and television. In the series ‘A Very English Scandal’ he captures the desperation and heartbreak of a man caught in a political tragedy. His performance in ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ features multiple scenes of high emotional stakes where his vulnerability is palpable. Whishaw often uses his eyes to communicate a sense of overwhelming sadness that requires no dialogue. This talent makes his crying scenes particularly impactful for viewers.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter showcased his incredible emotional range throughout his time on the drama series ‘Pose’. His character faces numerous personal losses and systemic challenges that lead to several powerful crying scenes. Porter brings a theatrical yet grounded energy to his sorrow which highlights the strength of the character. One specific scene involving a terminal diagnosis displays his ability to channel pure and unfiltered grief. His performances are often cited for their authenticity and emotional resonance.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo provides a masterclass in controlled emotion in the film ‘Rustin’. While portraying the titular civil rights leader he balances political resolve with moments of private heartache. In the series ‘Euphoria’ his character shares a deeply moving conversation that showcases his ability to cry with immense gravitas. Domingo portrays characters who carry the weight of the world which makes their emotional breakthroughs feel earned. His work consistently highlights the intersection of personal pain and public duty.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy transitioned from comedic timing to deep emotional sincerity in the final seasons of ‘Schitt’s Creek’. His character David Rose experiences significant growth through a relationship that leads to several touching crying scenes. Levy captures the specific feeling of being overwhelmed by joy and fear simultaneously. The scene where his character listens to a serenade is often highlighted as one of the most sincere moments in the series. He proves that crying can be just as powerful in a comedic setting as it is in a drama.

Ian McKellen

Ian McKellen has a long history of delivering profound emotional performances across his legendary career. In the film ‘Gods and Monsters’ he portrays a man reflecting on his past with a sense of melancholic regret. His ability to shed tears while maintaining the dignity of his characters is a testament to his skill. Even in large franchises like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ he brings a sense of gravity and sorrow to his role as Gandalf. McKellen remains a standard for how to portray the complexities of aging and memory through emotion.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons moved audiences with his performance in the film ‘The Boys in the Band’. He plays a character dealing with self-loathing and the pressures of a specific historical era. The emotional climax of the film allows Parsons to break down in a way that feels both jarring and deeply human. This performance departed significantly from his most famous comedic role by showing his darker and more vulnerable side. His crying scenes in ‘Spoiler Alert’ also received praise for their realistic portrayal of love and loss.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff delivered a haunting performance in the crime drama series ‘Mindhunter’. His character deals with the psychological toll of investigating dark crimes which eventually leads to an emotional breakdown. Groff captures the physical sensation of a panic attack combined with deep sorrow. In the musical ‘Hamilton’ he used his facial expressions to convey a different kind of comedic yet petulant distress. His ability to switch between stoicism and intense vulnerability is a key feature of his acting.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans demonstrated his dramatic capabilities in the series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. He plays a man grieving a significant loss while attempting to find healing in a mysterious retreat. Evans portrays a specific type of masculine grief that feels raw and unpolished. His crying scenes in ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’ also highlight his ability to convey the emotional weight of a high stakes investigation. He successfully balances physical presence with a delicate internal life.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer gave one of the most acclaimed performances of his career in the series ‘Fellow Travelers’. He portrays a man living a double life over several decades which leads to intense moments of heartbreak. His crying scenes are characterized by a sense of suppressed longing and the eventual release of years of tension. In the film ‘The Normal Heart’ he underwent a physical transformation that added to the tragedy of his emotional scenes. Bomer consistently delivers performances that explore the intersection of love and sacrifice.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is widely celebrated for his ability to blend humor with genuine pathos. In the film ‘The Birdcage’ he uses his expressive face to show the hurt behind his character’s comedic exterior. His guest role in ‘Modern Family’ also allowed him to showcase moments of sincere emotional distress. Lane brings a sense of vulnerability to characters who often use performance as a shield. His crying scenes often feel like a rare and honest glimpse into the character’s soul.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris showed a different side of his acting talent in the series ‘It’s a Sin’. He plays a mentor figure during the early years of the AIDS crisis and delivers a performance full of quiet dignity. His scenes involving health struggles and the loss of friends are deeply moving. This role proved his ability to handle heavy dramatic material with grace and sincerity. Harris uses his dramatic crying scenes to honor the history and pain of the community he represents.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett provided a standout performance in the film ‘The Happy Prince’. He portrays Oscar Wilde during his final years which involves a great deal of physical and emotional suffering. Everett captures the tragedy of a fallen icon through scenes of quiet weeping and public humiliation. His performance is a study in how to portray the lingering effects of trauma and social exile. He brings a sense of historical weight to every tear shed on screen.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is known for his naturalistic acting style in dramas like ‘Years and Years’. His character in the series experiences a tragic separation that leads to some of the most heart-wrenching scenes in modern television. Tovey has a unique ability to make the audience feel the immediate sting of a character’s pain. In the series ‘Looking’ he also explored the complexities of modern relationships through moments of quiet vulnerability. His crying scenes feel spontaneous and deeply relatable to the viewer.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes demonstrated his dramatic range in the play and filmed performance of ‘Good Night, Oscar’. He portrays Oscar Levant who struggled with mental health and addiction throughout his life. Hayes delivers a performance that is both manic and deeply sorrowful as he depicts a man at his breaking point. This role allowed him to move beyond the comedic persona he is best known for in ‘Will and Grace’. His crying scenes in this context are intense and reflect a deep psychological struggle.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry has used his articulate and thoughtful screen presence to deliver several moving performances. In the film ‘Wilde’ he portrays the famous playwright with a sense of mounting tragedy. His crying scenes reflect the heartbreak of a man whose personal life was used against him by the state. Fry brings an intellectual depth to his sorrow which makes the emotional moments feel even more significant. His work often highlights the pain of being misunderstood by society.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a veteran actor who has delivered emotional performances across many genres. In the series ‘Alias’ he played a father whose stoic exterior often cracked during moments involving his daughter’s safety. His ability to convey a father’s love and fear through tears is a recurring theme in his work. In the film ‘Titanic’ he portrayed Thomas Andrews with a sense of quiet resignation and sorrow as the ship sank. Garber excels at portraying characters who find themselves in impossible emotional situations.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller showcased his ability to portray intense emotional distress in the series ‘Prison Break’. His character Michael Scofield often deals with the heavy moral burden of his actions and the loss of loved ones. Miller uses a controlled and focused acting style that makes his eventual emotional breakdowns more powerful. In his guest roles on ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit’ he also delivered sensitive portrayals of trauma survivors. His crying scenes are often marked by a sense of internal struggle and resilience.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto brought a high level of emotional intensity to his role in ‘Star Trek’ as Spock. He explored the conflict between logic and human emotion which resulted in a particularly memorable crying scene. In the series ‘American Horror Story’ he played much darker characters who also experienced moments of profound despair. Quinto has a commanding presence that makes his vulnerable moments feel unexpected and impactful. He is adept at showing the cracks in a character’s armor.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming delivered a powerful and heart-wrenching performance in the film ‘Any Day Now’. He plays a man fighting for the right to adopt a child with Down syndrome in the 1970s. The legal and social obstacles his character faces lead to several scenes of intense frustration and grief. Cumming brings a fierce sense of love and desperation to these moments. His ability to portray a character’s fight for justice through tears is a highlight of the film.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt is known for the raw and breathless quality of his emotional scenes. In the film version of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ he recreates the intense crying and vulnerability that defined his stage performance. His singing often blends with his crying to create a unique and visceral emotional experience. Platt captures the specific anxiety and isolation of modern youth through his performances. His work in the series ‘The Politician’ also features moments where his character’s ambition gives way to genuine sorrow.

BD Wong

BD Wong has a long career of delivering nuanced and emotionally grounded performances. In the series ‘Oz’ he portrayed a prison chaplain who frequently dealt with the trauma and grief of the inmates. His character often served as the emotional anchor of the show which required Wong to display a great deal of empathy. In the series ‘Mr. Robot’ he played a complex character who exhibited a different and more calculated form of distress. Wong uses his subtle acting style to make every emotional beat count.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson showcased his dramatic skills in various seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. He often plays characters who find themselves in horrific situations that lead to moments of pure terror and grief. Jackson brings a classic leading man energy to his roles which makes his vulnerability feel particularly striking. In the film ‘United 93’ he was part of an ensemble that had to portray extreme emotional distress under pressure. His ability to convey fear and sadness simultaneously is a key part of his range.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a versatile actor who often takes on roles that require extreme emotional physicalization. In ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’ he played Liz Taylor and delivered one of the most moving character arcs in the franchise. His crying scenes in this role were filled with a sense of longing for acceptance and the pain of lost time. O’Hare has a way of making his characters’ sorrow feel both unique and deeply empathetic. He is known for leaving everything on the screen during his most dramatic moments.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson showed his dramatic depth in the play ‘Take Me Out’ for which he received significant acclaim. While he is most famous for his comedic work he has a strong background in theater that requires intense emotional work. In ‘Modern Family’ his character had several grounded moments that explored the anxieties of parenthood and marriage. Ferguson uses his expressive features to show the sincerity behind his character’s tears. He successfully balances high energy with quiet and reflective sorrow.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace delivered a striking and emotional performance in the series ‘Halt and Catch Fire’. His character Joe MacMillan undergoes a massive transformation that includes several moments of professional and personal failure. Pace portrays a man whose ambition often leads to isolation and eventual heartbreak. In the film ‘The Fall’ he played a character whose physical pain was matched by his emotional despair. His crying scenes are often visually and emotionally arresting.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett became a household name for his role in the first season of ‘The White Lotus’. His character’s downward spiral is depicted with a mix of humor and tragic desperation. The final moments of his character’s journey involve a breakdown that is both jarring and deeply sad. Bartlett also delivered a highly emotional performance in the series ‘The Last of Us’ playing a man finding love in a post-apocalyptic world. His crying scenes in that episode were praised for their beauty and sincerity.

Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage is known for his brooding and intense portrayals in British drama and international film. In the series ‘North and South’ he captured the internal emotional struggle of a man caught between tradition and change. His performance in ‘The Stranger’ features several scenes where his character’s world is turned upside down by secrets. Armitage has a way of showing the physical toll that grief takes on a person. His tears often feel like the result of immense pressure finally breaking through.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is famous for his comedic genius but he has also shown a capacity for deep emotion. In ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ his character Titus Andromedon had moments of genuine vulnerability regarding his career and identity. Burgess uses his powerful voice to convey a sense of dramatic flair even in his saddest moments. He proved his dramatic worth in the film ‘Central Park’ and various stage roles. His crying scenes often highlight the resilience of the human spirit.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has been a pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation and has delivered many emotional performances. In the classic series ‘My So-Called Life’ he portrayed a teenager dealing with homelessness and rejection with heartbreaking realism. Cruz has continued this trend in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ where his character faces unique sci-fi challenges that lead to deep personal grief. He brings a sense of warmth and sincerity to every crying scene. His work often focuses on the importance of community and self-acceptance.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells showed his dramatic range in the series ‘Girls’ and the film ‘The Boys in the Band’. He often plays characters who use wit as a defense mechanism which makes their eventual tears more impactful. In ‘Black Monday’ he navigates a high energy world that occasionally crashes into moments of personal tragedy. Rannells has a background in musical theater that allows him to project emotion clearly and effectively. His crying scenes often capture the feeling of a person whose confidence has finally crumbled.

Guillermo Díaz

Guillermo Díaz is known for playing tough characters who harbor a great deal of internal pain. In the series ‘Scandal’ his character Huck was a former assassin with a traumatic past that frequently bubbled to the surface. Díaz delivered some of the most intense crying scenes on the show as he portrayed the effects of torture and isolation. His ability to show a lethal character in a state of total emotional collapse was a standout element of the series. He brings a gritty and raw energy to his dramatic work.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman delivered a breakthrough performance in the film ‘The Visitor’ where he played a man facing deportation. The emotional weight of the character’s situation led to scenes of profound sadness and frustration. In the series ‘Little America’ he portrayed a man seeking asylum with a sense of hope and heartbreak. Sleiman uses his performances to highlight the human stories behind global political issues. His crying scenes are marked by an incredible sense of empathy and truth.

Javier Muñoz

Javier Muñoz is a celebrated stage and screen actor who took over the lead role in ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway. He has also appeared in television series where he brought a sense of grounded emotion to his roles. Muñoz has spoken openly about his personal health battles and he channels that resilience into his acting. His crying scenes often feel like an extension of his own strength and vulnerability. He is known for his ability to connect with an audience on a deeply personal level.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes has appeared in popular series like ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow’ where he often played characters in distress. He has been open about his personal struggles with anxiety which adds a layer of authenticity to his emotional scenes. In ‘American Horror Story’ he portrayed a character caught in a web of fear and manipulation. Haynes uses his physical presence to show the weight of a character’s emotional burden. His crying scenes often reflect a sense of being trapped by circumstances.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang is primarily known for his comedic work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ but he has explored dramatic territory in film. In ‘Fire Island’ he played a character dealing with feelings of inadequacy and the desire for romantic connection. His crying scenes in the film were noted for their sincerity and for providing a grounded contrast to the comedy. Yang showed that he could handle a character’s internal life with the same precision as his humor. He is a versatile performer who continues to expand his dramatic repertoire.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster wrote and starred in ‘Fire Island’ which allowed him to showcase his range as an actor. While the film is a comedy it contains several poignant moments regarding friendship and self-worth. Booster’s character experiences a breakthrough that involves a significant emotional release. He captures the specific feeling of a person who uses humor to hide their deeper insecurities. His performance demonstrated that he is capable of delivering high stakes emotional beats.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora became well known for his role in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. His character dealt with health issues and a complex relationship that led to many emotional highs and lows. Ricamora has a background in musical theater which helps him bring a lyrical quality to his dramatic scenes. His crying scenes often felt like the emotional heart of the show for many viewers. He excels at portraying characters who are trying to maintain their dignity while in pain.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith has delivered powerful emotional performances in films like ‘All the Bright Places’. He portrays a young man dealing with mental health challenges and the complexities of first love. Smith has a very natural and raw way of crying on screen that feels unscripted and visceral. In the series ‘Generation’ he played a confident character who also had moments of deep vulnerability. He is one of the most promising young actors working today because of this emotional honesty.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale starred in the film ‘Love, Simon’ which featured several landmark emotional moments for LGBTQ+ cinema. His performance captured the anxiety and eventual relief of coming out to a supportive community. Lonsdale has a gentle screen presence that makes his crying scenes feel particularly touching. In the series ‘The Flash’ he also dealt with various family traumas that required significant emotional work. He consistently brings a sense of hope and sincerity to his dramatic roles.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie gained fame in ‘Ugly Betty’ as a character who often provided comic relief but also had a heart of gold. Since then he has appeared in numerous stage productions and films that required more dramatic depth. In ‘Single All the Way’ he played a character looking for love during the holidays which involved several sweet and emotional moments. Urie has an expressive face that makes his sadness feel immediate to the audience. He continues to balance his comedic timing with a strong emotional core.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn rose to prominence in the series ’13 Reasons Why’ which was centered around themes of grief and trauma. His character underwent a massive emotional journey that involved significant loss and a search for redemption. Flynn delivered several intense crying scenes that highlighted the character’s internal guilt and sorrow. He has a way of portraying a character who is completely overwhelmed by their emotions. His work on the show was often cited for its raw and unflinching nature.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith gave a standout performance in the series ‘Sense8’ as a police officer connected to people around the world. The unique premise of the show required him to share the emotional pain of other characters which led to many crying scenes. Smith brings a physical and emotional intensity to his work that is very effective. He also appeared in ‘The Glass Menagerie’ on Broadway where he showcased his ability to handle classic dramatic material. His performances are often characterized by a sense of deep connection and empathy.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins is a veteran actor known for his work in soaps and prime time dramas. In the film ‘The Boys in the Band’ he played a character struggling with his identity within a committed relationship. Watkins has a refined acting style that makes his moments of emotional breakdown feel very poignant. He has a great deal of experience in portraying the complexities of long term relationships. His crying scenes often reflect a sense of accumulated history and regret.

John Glover

John Glover is a prolific actor who often plays eccentric or villainous characters with a hidden emotional side. In ‘Smallville’ his character Lionel Luthor had a complex relationship with his son that resulted in moments of genuine sorrow. Glover has a very expressive and theatrical way of conveying emotion that is always captivating. He has appeared in many stage plays where his ability to cry on cue is put to great use. His work often explores the darker and more complicated aspects of the human psyche.

John Benjamin Hickey

John Benjamin Hickey is an acclaimed stage actor who has brought his talents to many television roles. In ‘The Big C’ he played a character dealing with his sister’s terminal illness with a mix of humor and deep grief. Hickey has a way of making his emotional scenes feel very private and honest. He won a Tony Award for his work in ‘The Normal Heart’ which is one of the most emotionally demanding plays in modern history. His screen work continues to reflect this high level of dramatic skill.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett is well known for his roles in romantic comedies but he has also delivered sincere emotional performances. In various holiday films he has played characters who experience moments of reflection and sentimental joy. Bennett has a very relatable screen presence that makes his vulnerable moments feel authentic. He has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in the rom-com genre which often involves exploring new emotional territory. His crying scenes usually highlight the importance of family and love.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane has become a staple of romantic dramas and comedies on television. In the series ‘Brothers and Sisters’ he portrayed a character navigating the ups and downs of a high profile relationship. Macfarlane has a grounded and masculine energy that makes his crying scenes feel particularly impactful. He starred in the film ‘Bros’ which allowed him to show a more vulnerable and realistic side of modern dating. His performances are consistently marked by a sense of integrity and emotional truth.

George Takei

George Takei is a legendary actor and activist who has used his platform to share his own history of hardship. In the musical ‘Allegiance’ he portrayed the experience of Japanese American internment with a great deal of emotional weight. While he is often associated with his iconic role in ‘Star Trek’ he has delivered many dramatic performances throughout his career. Takei has a resonant voice and a dignified presence that makes his crying scenes feel very powerful. His work often serves as a bridge between historical trauma and modern resilience.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a titan of the theater who has also made significant contributions to film and television. In ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ he wrote and starred in a story that is filled with moments of intense emotional release. Fierstein has a unique and gravelly voice that adds a layer of character to his crying scenes. He often portrays characters who are fighting for their place in the world which gives their sorrow a sense of purpose. His legacy is built on his ability to be both hilariously funny and deeply moving.

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