LGBTQ+ Actors Who Successfully Played Straight Heartthrobs for Years

The entertainment industry has long relied on leading men to portray romantic interests and action heroes who capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. Many of these talented performers have convincingly played heterosexual characters for decades while keeping their own identities private or separate from their professional personas. This ability to embody the traditional heartthrob role speaks volumes about their acting skills and charisma on screen. The following list highlights actors who achieved widespread fame playing straight romantic leads while identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson stood as the ultimate symbol of American masculinity and romantic appeal during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He starred in a string of romantic comedies alongside Doris Day such as ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘Lover Come Back’ that cemented his status as a ladies’ man. Studios went to great lengths to manufacture a heterosexual public image for him to protect his box office viability. His performances were so convincing that he remained a top romantic lead for nearly three decades.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter rose to fame in the 1950s as the clean-cut boy next door who adorned the covers of countless teen magazines. He topped the music charts and starred in films like ‘Battle Cry’ and ‘Damn Yankees’ as the object of female affection. His carefully cultivated image made him one of the most popular young stars of his era despite the secret reality of his life. Hunter successfully maintained this heartthrob persona throughout the height of his career.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain became the supreme television idol of the 1960s as the handsome and heroic ‘Dr. Kildare’. He later solidified his reputation as the king of miniseries with romantic leading roles in ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shogun’. Millions of viewers swooned over his portrayals of passionate men torn between duty and forbidden love. He kept his private life out of the spotlight for decades to preserve his standing as a premier romantic actor.

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift brought a brooding sensitivity to the screen that redefined the concept of the male movie star in the 1940s and 1950s. He played intense romantic leads in classics like ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘From Here to Eternity’ opposite Hollywood’s biggest actresses. His raw emotional depth made him a heartthrob who appealed to audiences looking for more than just rugged looks. Clift navigated his career as a leading man while privately living as a bisexual man.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins famously played the romantic lead in ‘Friendly Persuasion’ and possessed a boyish charm that appealed to younger audiences. Before his defining role in ‘Psycho’ shifted his career trajectory he was marketed as a teen idol and released pop albums. His early film work often cast him as the shy but lovable suitor chasing the girl. Perkins maintained a public image consistent with the straight leading men of his time.

Tyrone Power

Tyrone Power reigned as the swashbuckling king of 20th Century Fox and one of the most beautiful men in cinema history. He romanced the silver screen’s leading ladies in adventures like ‘The Mark of Zorro’ and ‘Blood and Sand’. His dashing good looks and charisma allowed him to play the ultimate heterosexual hero for his entire career. Power was known privately within the industry as bisexual while publicly upholding his image as a husband and father.

Dirk Bogarde

Dirk Bogarde began his career as the dazzling “Idol of the Odeons” in British cinema with a string of accessible romantic roles. He starred in the ‘Doctor’ series where he played the handsome professional pursued by beautiful women. As his career matured he transitioned into more complex characters but retained his status as a major box office draw. He lived with his partner Anthony Forwood for decades while the public viewed him as a bachelor star.

Jean Marais

Jean Marais was the premier romantic hero of French cinema and the muse of director Jean Cocteau. He starred in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and numerous swashbuckling adventures where he played the gallant savior of damsels in distress. His athletic prowess and striking looks made him a national icon of masculinity in France. Marais remained a beloved leading man even as his relationship with Cocteau was an open secret in artistic circles.

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr became a household name playing the stoic and authoritative lawyer in the long-running series ‘Perry Mason’. While not a traditional romantic lead he embodied a reliable and strong masculine figure that garnered a massive female fanbase. He later continued this success as the titular character in ‘Ironside’ for several more years. Burr lived with his partner Robert Benevides for over thirty years while the press occasionally invented female love interests for him.

Robert Reed

Robert Reed is forever etched in pop culture history as Mike Brady from the quintessential family sitcom ‘The Brady Bunch’. He played the ideal American father and loving husband to Florence Henderson’s Carol Brady for five seasons. His portrayal set the standard for the wholesome straight family man on television. Reed was a gay man who kept his private life strictly guarded to protect his career and the show’s image.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer captured hearts as the charming and suave con artist Neal Caffrey in the hit series ‘White Collar’. His character was a ladies’ man who used his looks and charisma to manipulate situations and seduce women. He continued to play straight romantic leads in films like ‘Magic Mike’ despite coming out publicly during his career. Bomer proved that an out actor could convincingly maintain a status as a sex symbol for all audiences.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris achieved massive success playing the womanizing bachelor Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’. His character was famous for his elaborate schemes to sleep with as many women as possible. Harris played this hyper-heterosexual role for nine seasons with comedic brilliance and conviction. He came out publicly while the show was on the air and continued to play the character without missing a beat.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became an international sensation as the tattooed genius Michael Scofield in the drama ‘Prison Break’. His intense gaze and protective nature over his female love interest made him an instant heartthrob. He played this straight leading role for years before retiring from the character and coming out as gay. Miller later stated he no longer wished to play straight characters after spending so much of his career doing so.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans established himself as a rugged action hero and romantic lead in major blockbusters like ‘Dracula Untold’ and ‘The Hobbit’. He played the deeply devoted husband in ‘The Girl on the Train’ and the macho villain Gaston in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. His on-screen presence is defined by traditional masculinity and strength. Evans has been out since the beginning of his career but seamlessly inhabits straight roles.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto gained fame as the menacing Sylar in ‘Heroes’ but also played romantic connections in various projects. He famously took on the mantle of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot where he portrayed a straight relationship with Uhura. His intense screen presence allows him to play complex male characters with ease. Quinto came out publicly in 2011 but continues to be cast in diverse roles including straight leads.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey skyrocketed to global fame as the romantic lead Anthony Bridgerton in the hit period drama ‘Bridgerton’. His portrayal of a nobleman entangled in a forbidden heterosexual romance was praised for its intense chemistry and passion. He became a certified sex symbol for millions of viewers watching the show. Bailey is an openly gay actor who has vocalized the importance of out actors playing straight roles.

Lee Pace

Lee Pace charmed audiences as the pie-maker Ned in the whimsical series ‘Pushing Daisies’ where he played a longing romantic lead. He later portrayed the Elven King Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ and the rugged Ronan in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. His career is filled with roles where he plays commanding and often straight figures. Pace discussed his queer identity later in his career after years of playing these diverse parts.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff starred as the emotionally distant FBI agent Holden Ford in the psychological thriller ‘Mindhunter’. His character navigates a complex relationship with a girlfriend while hunting serial killers. Before that he played the straight love interest Jesse St. James in the musical series ‘Glee’. Groff has successfully balanced these straight-presenting roles while being one of the most visible out actors in the industry.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott became an unlikely heartthrob as the “Hot Priest” in the critically acclaimed series ‘Fleabag’. His character engaged in a palpable and forbidden sexual tension with the female protagonist that captivated the internet. He also played the villainous Moriarty in ‘Sherlock’ with a flamboyant but dangerous edge. Scott brings a magnetic charisma to his roles that transcends his personal orientation.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin began his career acting in the soap opera ‘General Hospital’ as the bartender Miguel Morez. His character was a romantic lead who had relationships with key female characters on the show. This role helped launch his status as an international sex symbol long before he focused solely on music. He played the straight heartthrob convincingly for years before coming out later in life.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes gained popularity playing the jock Jackson Whittemore in ‘Teen Wolf’ and the superhero Roy Harper in ‘Arrow’. Both roles involved significant romantic storylines with female characters and emphasized his physical appeal. He quickly became a teen idol known for his jawline and athletic build. Haynes came out publicly after establishing himself as a fan favorite in these genre shows.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett is best known as Aaron Samuels in the cult classic comedy ‘Mean Girls’. He played the object of affection for both Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams. His character was the quintessential popular high school heartthrob who drove the plot’s romantic conflict. Bennett was closeted at the time of filming but has since become a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw played the romantic lead in the film ‘Bright Star’ as the poet John Keats opposite Abbie Cornish. He also portrays the gadget master Q in the James Bond franchise with a subtle charm. His roles often involve a gentle masculinity that appeals to a wide audience. Whishaw has been in a civil partnership for years while continuing to play straight and ambiguous characters.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce played the psychiatrist Niles Crane in the sitcom ‘Frasier’ for eleven seasons. His character’s long-standing unrequited love for Daphne Moon was one of the central romantic arcs of the series. Audiences rooted for years for the two characters to finally get together. Pierce was private about his life during the show’s run and confirmed his sexuality after it ended.

Matt Dallas

Matt Dallas starred as the title character in the sci-fi series ‘Kyle XY’ for three seasons. He played a mysterious boy with no belly button who experiences first love with the girl next door. His innocent and attractive portrayal made him a teen magazine staple in the mid-2000s. Dallas came out publicly a few years after the show concluded.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith played the chicago police officer Will Gorski in the global series ‘Sense8’. His character was involved in a primary heterosexual romance with the character Riley Blue throughout the show. He portrayed a protective and masculine figure who resonated with fans. Smith came out as gay after the show aired and spoke about his experiences growing up.

François Arnaud

François Arnaud starred as Cesare Borgia in the historical drama series ‘The Borgias’. He played a ruthless yet charismatic figure who engaged in numerous affairs with women. His intense performance anchored the show and presented him as a brooding sex symbol. Arnaud later came out as bisexual during an awareness campaign.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett played the devastatingly handsome George Downes in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ opposite Julia Roberts. While his character in that film was gay he played straight romantic leads in other films like ‘An Ideal Husband’. He was a major star who challenged industry norms by being out early in his career. His dashing looks allowed him to play the aristocrat and the lover with equal skill.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming played the geeky computer programmer Boris Grishenko in the James Bond film ‘GoldenEye’. He also played the romantic lead in films like ‘Circle of Friends’ alongside Minnie Driver. His versatility allowed him to move between character roles and leading men. Cumming identifies as bisexual and has written extensively about his life and career.

Sal Mineo

Sal Mineo became a teen idol after starring opposite James Dean in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. He often played the troubled young man who elicited sympathy and adoration from female fans. His large puppy-dog eyes and emotional performances made him a unique type of heartthrob in the 1950s. Mineo was open about his bisexuality in an era when it was extremely taboo.

Farley Granger

Farley Granger starred in Alfred Hitchcock thrillers like ‘Strangers on a Train’ and ‘Rope’. He was known for his incredible good looks and played the romantic interest in films like ‘Senso’. Studios marketed him as a bachelor dream for American women. Granger was bisexual and discussed his relationships candidly in his later autobiography.

William Haines

William Haines was the number one male box office star in America in 1930. He specialized in playing the wisecracking romantic lead who eventually wins the girl. His career was cut short when he refused to enter a sham marriage arranged by his studio. Haines chose to live openly with his partner Jimmy Shields and transitioned to a successful career in interior design.

Ramon Novarro

Ramon Novarro was promoted as a “Latin Lover” rival to Rudolph Valentino during the silent film era. He starred in the massive blockbuster ‘Ben-Hur’ which showcased his physique and romantic appeal. His image was carefully controlled to maintain his status as a sex symbol for women. Novarro was gay and struggled with the pressures of his Catholic faith and Hollywood’s expectations.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero was known to many as the Joker but he built a career playing the “Latin Lover” in numerous musicals and comedies. He starred opposite Carmen Miranda and Betty Grable as the tall and dark handsome suitor. His screen presence was defined by his charm and dancing ability. Romero remained a confirmed bachelor throughout his life and was a popular figure in Hollywood social circles.

Van Johnson

Van Johnson was the boyish red-headed heartthrob who stepped in to fill the void when other stars went to fight in WWII. He starred in musicals and war movies where he often played the soldier missing his girl back home. His “boy next door” appeal made him a favorite of teenage girls in the 1940s. Johnson was married to a woman but his homosexuality was a known fact among his close friends.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is best known for his role in ‘Cabaret’ but also had a long career playing various character roles including straight husbands and fathers. He was married to actress Jo Wilder for twenty-four years and raised a family while working in the industry. He maintained a conventional public life for decades. Grey came out publicly as a gay man in his eighties.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman played the villainous Patrick Logan in ‘Desperate Housewives’ who seduced one of the main leads. He is famous for Captain Jack Harkness who is omnisexual but Barrowman has played strictly straight roles in other dramas and stage productions. His classic good looks fit the mold of the American leading man perfectly. Barrowman has been out for his entire television career.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson played the handsome vocal coach Dustin Goolsby in ‘Glee’ and a straight husband in ‘American Horror Story’. He possesses the classic matinée idol looks that allow him to play the dashing romantic lead effortlessly. His stage career also features numerous straight leading roles in classic musicals. Jackson is openly gay and an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn gained fame as the stonier Kumar in the ‘Harold & Kumar’ franchise where his character was famously obsessed with women. He played a straight doctor in the hit series ‘House’ and had a romantic arc. His roles were typically defined by a heterosexual bro-culture dynamic. Penn came out later in his career when announcing his engagement to his male partner.

Nicholas Galitzine

Nicholas Galitzine played the straight Marine Luke Morrow in the romance film ‘Purple Hearts’. The movie became a massive streaming hit and solidified his status as a romantic lead. He also played Prince Robert in the musical ‘Cinderella’ as a traditional fairy tale hero. Galitzine identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to play diverse roles.

Lucas Hedges

Lucas Hedges starred in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ often playing straight teenagers. His breakout roles involved navigating heterosexual high school romances and family dramas. He has received critical acclaim for his naturalistic acting style. Hedges has publicly stated that he exists on a spectrum regarding his sexuality.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith played the romantic lead in ‘Paper Towns’ and the protagonist in ‘Detective Pikachu’. His characters are often involved in sweet heterosexual coming-of-age romances. He brings a relatable vulnerability to his roles that resonates with young audiences. Smith came out as queer via social media in 2020.

Connor Jessup

Connor Jessup played the eldest son Tyler Locke in the fantasy series ‘Locke & Key’. His character navigated a significant romantic subplot with a female character throughout the first season. He played the protective older brother and boyfriend role with conviction. Jessup came out publicly after establishing himself in the industry.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber played the straight ship designer Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster ‘Titanic’. He also starred as the father and spy Jack Bristow in the series ‘Alias’. His career is filled with authoritative straight characters and husbands. Garber confirmed his sexuality publicly in 2012 after years of living quietly with his partner.

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