LGBTQ Actors Who Played Against Their Identity and Nailed It

Actors possess the unique ability to transform into characters that differ vastly from their own lives. This talent allows them to portray diverse experiences and personalities that resonate with audiences worldwide. Many LGBTQ performers have stepped into heteronormative roles and delivered convincing and memorable performances. These actors showcased their incredible range by embodying characters whose identities did not align with their own.

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris starred as the womanizing Barney Stinson in the sitcom ‘How I Met Your Mother’ for nine seasons. The character was famous for his elaborate schemes to seduce women and his obsession with suits. He convinced audiences worldwide that he was the ultimate straight playboy despite being openly gay in real life. His performance earned him multiple Emmy nominations and cemented his status as a comedic icon.

Jodie Foster

This acclaimed actress played the role of Clarice Starling in the thriller ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Her character navigates a complex dynamic with Dr. Hannibal Lecter while hunting a serial killer. Foster brought a steely determination and vulnerability to the role that defined her career. She kept her personal life private for many years before publicly acknowledging her identity.

Ian McKellen

McKellen portrayed the powerful mutant Magneto in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise. The character is a father and has a history of tragic relationships with women in the source material. He brought a commanding presence to the villainous yet sympathetic role. McKellen has also played various other straight characters throughout his legendary stage and screen career.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson captivated audiences as prosecutor Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’. The role required her to portray a straight woman navigating a high-profile legal battle and a custody fight. She captured the nuances of Clark’s public and private struggles with immense empathy. Paulson consistently disappears into diverse roles that differ from her own reality.

Matt Bomer

Bomer played the suave con artist Neal Caffrey in the police procedural ‘White Collar’. His character was known for his romantic entanglements with various female characters throughout the series. He balanced the character’s criminal expertise with a charming heteronormative appeal. Bomer successfully separated his personal life from his on-screen persona to lead a hit network show.

Zachary Quinto

Quinto took on the iconic role of Spock in the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ film series. The Vulcan officer engages in a romantic relationship with Uhura which became a central plot point. He honored the legacy of the character while adding his own emotional depth to the performance. Quinto came out publicly during the height of the franchise’s popularity.

Jim Parsons

Parsons starred as the eccentric physicist Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’. His character eventually developed a deep romantic relationship with Amy Farrah Fowler and married her. He played the role for twelve seasons and won four Primetime Emmy Awards. Parsons created one of the most recognizable straight characters in television history.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon portrayed the career-driven lawyer Miranda Hobbes in the series ‘Sex and the City’. Her character navigated the dating scene of New York City and eventually married Steve Brady. She perfectly embodied the cynical yet loving nature of the straight character. Nixon later came out and became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights.

Luke Evans

Evans played the villainous Gaston in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Gaston is defined by his vanity and his aggressive pursuit of Belle. He captured the arrogance and physical dominance of the character with ease. Evans has also played straight action heroes in films like ‘Dracula Untold’ and the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise.

Jonathan Groff

Groff starred as FBI Agent Holden Ford in the psychological thriller series ‘Mindhunter’. His character engages in a complex relationship with a female graduate student while studying serial killers. He brought a quiet intensity and curiosity to the straight leading role. Groff successfully shed his musical theater persona to embody the rigid law enforcement officer.

Wentworth Miller

Miller rose to fame as Michael Scofield in the intense drama ‘Prison Break’. His character was driven by brotherly love and had a significant romance with prison doctor Sara Tancredi. He became a heartthrob for audiences around the world due to his convincing performance. Miller later revealed his identity and spoke about his struggles in the industry.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart gained global fame as Bella Swan in the ‘Twilight’ saga. Her character is the central figure in a supernatural love triangle with a vampire and a werewolf. She portrayed the intense romantic longing of a teenage girl with great conviction. Stewart has since taken on a wide variety of roles that explore different facets of identity.

Andrew Scott

Scott gained widespread attention as the “Hot Priest” in the second season of ‘Fleabag’. His character serves as the primary love interest for the female protagonist. The chemistry he shared with Phoebe Waller-Bridge was electric and drove the emotional arc of the season. He played the forbidden romance with a charm that captivated viewers.

Ben Whishaw

Whishaw played the journalist Freddie Lyon in the drama series ‘The Hour’. His character harbors a deep and unrequited love for his female best friend and colleague. He conveyed the pain and longing of the straight character with subtle emotional work. Whishaw continues to be a versatile actor across stage and film.

Victor Garber

Garber played the ship designer Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’. The character is a dignified gentleman who cares deeply for the passengers and his creation. He brought a sense of warmth and tragedy to the historical figure. Garber has maintained a prolific career playing authority figures and fathers.

Jane Lynch

Lynch portrayed the intimidating cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. Although the character had a hard exterior she had romantic storylines with men and even had a child. Lynch delivered the sharp dialogue and physical comedy with expert timing. She made the antagonist one of the most beloved characters on the show.

Portia de Rossi

De Rossi played the self-absorbed Lindsay Bluth Fünke in the sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. Her character is stuck in a loveless marriage with her husband Tobias. She perfectly captured the superficiality and comedic dysfunction of the straight socialite. De Rossi delivered some of the show’s funniest moments through her deadpan performance.

David Hyde Pierce

Pierce starred as the psychiatrist Niles Crane in the sitcom ‘Frasier’. His character spent many seasons pining after his father’s physical therapist Daphne Moon. He won four Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the fastidious and lovesick brother. The romantic arc remains one of the most celebrated in sitcom history.

John Barrowman

Barrowman played the dark archer Malcolm Merlyn in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. The character was a wealthy businessman with a wife and children before turning to villainy. He played the antagonist with a menacing charm and physical imposition. Barrowman effectively separated his exuberant real-life personality from the grim character.

Lee Pace

Pace starred as the pie-maker Ned in the whimsical series ‘Pushing Daisies’. His character engages in a touching romance with his childhood sweetheart whom he brought back to life. He embodied the gentle and romantic lead with effortless charisma. Pace has also played commanding straight figures in fantasy franchises like ‘The Hobbit’.

Richard Chamberlain

Chamberlain became the king of miniseries with roles like Father Ralph in ‘The Thorn Birds’. He played the romantic lead who struggles between his faith and his love for a woman. His performances made him a massive star and a symbol of masculine romance in the eighties. He kept his identity private for decades to protect his career as a leading man.

Rock Hudson

Hudson was the quintessential Hollywood heartthrob of the fifties and sixties. He starred in romantic comedies like ‘Pillow Talk’ where he played charming ladies’ men. His on-screen chemistry with actresses like Doris Day was legendary and convincing. Hudson lived a double life in an era that was not accepting of his true identity.

Anthony Perkins

Perkins is best known for his role as Norman Bates in the horror classic ‘Psycho’. While the character has complex psychological issues he is presented as a straight man attracted to the female protagonist. Perkins delivered a chilling performance that became a benchmark for horror acting. He worked consistently in the industry while keeping his personal life out of the headlines.

Ricky Martin

Martin played the role of Miguel Morez in the soap opera ‘General Hospital’. His character was a singer and a romantic interest for one of the main female characters. He used his natural charisma to become a popular figure on the daytime show. Martin focused on his music and acting career for years before coming out publicly.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin starred as Violet Newstead in the workplace comedy ‘9 to 5’. Her character is a widowed mother who seeks revenge on her sexist male boss. She brought a grounded strength and wit to the straight working mother role. Tomlin has continued to play diverse characters throughout her acclaimed career.

Holland Taylor

Taylor played the vanity-obsessed mother Evelyn Harper in ‘Two and a Half Men’. Her character was known for her numerous marriages to wealthy men and her active dating life. She delivered biting insults and portrayed the wealthy matriarch with comedic brilliance. Taylor later found love with Sarah Paulson and opened up about her life.

Sara Gilbert

Gilbert played Darlene Conner in the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ and its spin-offs. Her character had a prominent relationship with David Healy that resulted in marriage and children. She captured the sarcastic and rebellious nature of the teenage girl perfectly. Gilbert helped shape the show’s dynamic before exploring her own identity.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw played the strict and non-magical Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Her character is a wife and mother who deeply fears the wizarding world. She portrayed the bitterness and normalcy of the character with great skill. Shaw has since gained new fans with her role in ‘Killing Eve’.

Nathan Lane

Lane voiced the meerkat Timon in the animated classic ‘The Lion King’. While not a romantic lead the character acts as a father figure alongside Pumbaa. He also played the scheming producer Max Bialystock in the film adaptation of ‘The Producers’. Lane brings a high energy to every role regardless of the character’s orientation.

Jonathan Bennett

Bennett played the high school heartthrob Aaron Samuels in the comedy ‘Mean Girls’. His character is the object of affection for both Cady Heron and Regina George. He perfectly embodied the nice guy jock that everyone wanted to date. The film became a cultural phenomenon and cemented his place in pop culture.

Colton Haynes

Haynes played the character Roy Harper in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. His character was a street-smart youth who dated Thea Queen and eventually became a vigilante. He handled the physical demands and the romantic subplots of the role convincingly. Haynes stepped away from the spotlight for a time to focus on his mental health.

George Takei

Takei originated the role of Hikaru Sulu in the ‘Star Trek’ television series and films. The character was a dedicated helmsman who later became a captain and had a daughter. He became a sci-fi icon through his stoic and capable performance. Takei later became a massive influential activist for LGBTQ rights.

BD Wong

Wong played Dr. Henry Wu in ‘Jurassic Park’ and the ‘Jurassic World’ films. His character is a geneticist focused on his work and the creation of dinosaurs. He also played a straight psychiatrist in ‘Law & Order: SVU’ for many years. Wong consistently delivers sharp and intelligent performances in high-stakes environments.

Erin Doherty

Doherty portrayed the young Princess Anne in the drama series ‘The Crown’. Her character navigates royal duties and a marriage to Mark Phillips. She captured the stoic determination and dry wit of the real-life figure. Doherty received critical acclaim for her ability to stand out in a strong ensemble.

Cherry Jones

Jones played President Allison Taylor in the action series ’24’. Her character was a strong female leader with a husband and a daughter involved in political scandals. She commanded the screen with the authority required for the role of the Commander in Chief. Jones is a revered theater actress who brings gravitas to every part.

Alia Shawkat

Shawkat played Maeby Fünke in the sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. Her character was a rebellious teenager who constantly sought attention and scammed the film industry. She played the role with a unique blend of apathy and cunning. Shawkat has since taken on more personal projects that explore different narratives.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson played the singer Bianca Taylor in the sports drama ‘Creed’ and its sequels. Her character is the supportive partner to the protagonist Adonis Creed and the mother of his child. She brought warmth and strength to the role of the aspiring musician. Thompson balances blockbuster roles with intimate character studies.

Anna Paquin

Paquin starred as Sookie Stackhouse in the supernatural drama ‘True Blood’. Her character is a waitress who falls in love with a vampire and navigates a world of creatures. She carried the show for seven seasons as the romantic lead. Paquin has been open about her identity while playing various straight roles.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood played the android host Dolores Abernathy in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. Her character begins with a programmed romantic loop with the character Teddy Flood. She evolved from a damsel into a revolutionary leader with immense power. Wood delivered a chilling and physically demanding performance.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne played the dual role of June Moone and Enchantress in ‘Suicide Squad’. The character June Moone is an archaeologist in a relationship with special forces soldier Rick Flag. She balanced the vulnerability of the human side with the menace of the ancient entity. Delevingne transitioned from modeling to acting with high-profile roles.

Amber Heard

Heard played the Atlantean queen Mera in the superhero film ‘Aquaman’. Her character is the love interest of the title character and a powerful warrior in her own right. She handled the action sequences and the underwater romance with confidence. The film was a massive financial success at the global box office.

Kelly McGillis

McGillis starred as the astrophysicist Charlie Blackwood in the action film ‘Top Gun’. Her character serves as the instructor and romantic interest for Tom Cruise’s Maverick. She created iconic chemistry in one of the biggest films of the eighties. McGillis later stepped back from Hollywood and lived a more private life.

Meredith Baxter

Baxter played the matriarch Elyse Keaton in the sitcom ‘Family Ties’. Her character was a loving mother and former flower child raising a conservative son. She embodied the warmth and understanding of the perfect television mother. Baxter came out later in life after a long career playing straight characters.

Alan Cumming

Cumming played the eccentric villain Fegan Floop in the family film ‘Spy Kids’. While the character is flamboyant he is not explicitly defined by his orientation in the film. Cumming brought a theatrical and bizarre energy that fit the tone of the movie perfectly. He is known for his chameleon-like ability to play any type of character.

Russell Tovey

Tovey played the werewolf George Sands in the supernatural drama ‘Being Human’. His character struggles with his condition while trying to live a normal life and date women. He portrayed the anxiety and kindness of the cursed character with great appeal. Tovey often plays tough or complex characters that defy stereotypes.

Joel Grey

Grey is famous for his role as the Master of Ceremonies in the film ‘Cabaret’. The character is ambiguous and decadent but represents the atmosphere of pre-war Berlin. He won an Academy Award for his mesmerizing and unsettling performance. Grey publicly discussed his identity many years after establishing his legend.

Kevin McHale

McHale played the wheelchair-using student Artie Abrams in ‘Glee’. His character had several relationships with female members of the glee club including Tina and Brittany. He showcased his singing and acting talents as a core member of the ensemble. McHale brought heart and resilience to the straight character.

Raven-Symoné

She starred as the psychic teenager Raven Baxter in the Disney Channel hit ‘That’s So Raven’. Her character was obsessed with fashion and boys while navigating high school life. She displayed impeccable physical comedy skills that carried the show to success. Raven later returned to the role as a divorced mother in a sequel series.

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