LGBTQ+ Celebs Tired of Playing Only “Sassy Sidekick” Parts

The landscape of television and film has historically relied on specific archetypes when representing the LGBTQ+ community. Many actors have found themselves stuck in the role of the sassy sidekick who offers witty one liners but lacks a personal storyline. This trend has led to a growing vocal movement among performers who seek more nuanced and leading roles. These celebrities are challenging the status quo by pursuing projects that showcase their full range as artists. The following individuals have navigated these challenges while pushing for better representation in Hollywood.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter worked for years in the theater and television worlds before finding a role that truly showcased his range. He has spoken out about the frustration of being cast as the flamboyant best friend who exists only to support the main character. His performance in ‘Pose’ broke that mold by giving him a lead narrative filled with joy and sorrow. Porter now uses his platform to demand more substantial opportunities for queer actors of color. He believes the industry must stop relying on tired cliches that limit creative potential.

Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang rose to fame on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he often portrays high energy and satirical characters. While he has found success in comedy he has also expressed interest in exploring roles that move beyond typical queer tropes. In the film ‘Fire Island’ he was able to explore more grounded and vulnerable emotional beats. Yang continues to advocate for Asian American and queer performers to be seen as leading men. He remains a vocal critic of industry standards that box performers into narrow categories based on their identity.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén became a fan favorite for his role as Guillermo in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. He has frequently mentioned the struggle of being seen only as the comedic relief or the helpful assistant. Guillén strives to take on projects that allow him to be an action hero or a romantic lead. He is passionate about breaking down barriers for plus size queer actors in the entertainment industry. His work continues to prove that he is capable of carrying a production as the central figure.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess gained massive popularity for his role in ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ which leaned heavily into his comedic timing. Despite the success of that character he has sought out more dramatic and varied work in recent years. Burgess has spoken about the desire to play characters where his sexuality is not the only defining trait. He wants to ensure that future generations of queer actors do not feel restricted to one type of performance. His goal is to find scripts that offer the same complexity found in traditional leading roles.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson spent a decade playing Mitchell Pritchett on the hit sitcom ‘Modern Family’. While the role was groundbreaking for its time it also adhered to certain domestic and comedic expectations. Ferguson has since returned to his theatrical roots to explore more diverse and challenging stage roles. He has expressed a desire to move away from the polite and polished image often associated with his most famous character. The actor remains dedicated to finding new ways to surprise audiences with his versatility.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes became an icon for his portrayal of Jack McFarland in the long running series ‘Will and Grace’. The character was known for being the quintessential high energy sidekick to the main protagonists. Hayes has reflected on how that iconic role made it difficult for casting directors to see him in any other light. He has recently taken on more serious work in theater and television to demonstrate his dramatic capabilities. He continues to push for a broader understanding of what queer men can portray on screen.

Chris Colfer

Chris Colfer found early success playing Kurt Hummel in the musical series ‘Glee’. The character often faced bullying and heavy emotional arcs but still fit into the high school sidekick mold. Colfer has since turned his attention to writing and producing his own stories to gain more creative control. He has been open about the difficulty of finding roles that do not feel like a repeat of his teenage character. By creating his own content he ensures that his voice and talent are used in original ways.

Nico Santos

Nico Santos is best known for playing Mateo in the workplace comedy ‘Superstore’. While the character was sharp and funny he often functioned as the resident source of sass for the ensemble cast. Santos has discussed the importance of seeing queer characters in roles that are not just defined by their humor. He is interested in playing characters with more complex motivations and serious backstories. He hopes the industry will continue to evolve toward more inclusive and less stereotypical storytelling.

Joel Kim Booster

Joel Kim Booster is a comedian and writer who has often played the witty best friend in various projects. He took a major step forward by writing and starring in ‘Fire Island’ which centered queer joy and friendship. Booster has spoken about the need for queer creators to tell their own stories to avoid being marginalized in scripts. He wants to play characters that have a full internal life and romantic agency. His work highlights the necessity of moving past the secondary character status.

Matt Rogers

Matt Rogers has built a career in comedy and hosting but seeks more substantial acting opportunities. He often plays characters that are heightened and comedic which can sometimes lead to typecasting. Rogers is vocal about the desire for queer actors to be considered for roles that are traditionally reserved for straight performers. He believes that the industry is slowly becoming more open to different types of queer representation. He continues to seek out projects that allow him to showcase his skills beyond the world of satire.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has been a pioneer for LGBTQ representation since his early days on ‘My So Called Life’. He has seen the industry change over the decades but still sees room for significant improvement. Cruz has voiced his frustration with how queer characters are often sidelined in major franchises. He advocates for roles that place queer people at the center of the action and the heart of the story. His work on ‘Star Trek Discovery’ has allowed him to portray a more fully realized and professional character.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is a veteran of the stage and screen who has often played the supportive or intellectual friend. He has been a visible member of the community for a long time and understands the patterns of industry casting. Rapp has pushed for roles that explore the complexities of queer adulthood and professional life. He is less interested in roles that rely on outdated cliches about queer behavior. His career reflects a commitment to playing characters with dignity and depth.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has become one of the most respected actors in the industry for his powerful and varied performances. He has avoided being pigeonholed by taking on roles in ‘Rustin’ and ‘Euphoria’ that demand immense skill. Domingo has spoken about the importance of queer actors being able to play any role regardless of sexuality. He refuses to be limited to the sidekick position and consistently delivers award worthy lead performances. His success is a testament to the power of demanding more from the industry.

Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey gained international fame for his lead role in the period drama ‘Bridgerton’. Before this breakout he often found himself in supporting roles that did not fully utilize his leading man potential. Bailey has been vocal about the need for gay actors to be cast in romantic lead roles without their sexuality being a barrier. He wants to see more stories where queer characters are the primary focus of the romance and drama. His career serves as a prominent example of a queer actor successfully playing a traditional leading man.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt rose to stardom in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ where he played a central and deeply emotional character. He has expressed a desire to continue finding roles that are as layered and significant as his theater work. Platt is wary of being cast in projects where the queer character is simply a plot device for others. He looks for scripts that offer a unique perspective and a chance to perform complex musical or dramatic pieces. He remains focused on maintaining a career built on substantial and meaningful roles.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became a household name playing Sheldon Cooper in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ for over a decade. While the character was a lead he was also defined by his eccentricities and lack of social grace. Since the show ended Parsons has moved toward producing and starring in projects like ‘The Boys in the Band’. He has been deliberate in choosing roles that offer a more nuanced look at queer life and history. He is committed to using his influence to bring diverse stories to the screen.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created and starred in ‘Schitt’s Creek’ which famously avoided using homophobia as a plot point. He has spoken about his exhaustion with the way queer characters are often portrayed as tragic or secondary. By making himself the lead he was able to craft a character that was both funny and deeply romantic. Levy continues to develop projects that place LGBTQ individuals in positions of power and narrative importance. He is a strong advocate for authentic storytelling that bypasses tired industry tropes.

Zane Phillips

Zane Phillips has appeared in series like ‘Fire Island’ and ‘Glamorous’ where he often plays physically attractive and confident characters. He has discussed the challenge of moving beyond roles that are purely based on his appearance or his charm. Phillips is eager to take on more dramatic and gritty roles that allow him to show his range as an actor. He wants to prove that queer actors can be just as versatile as their straight counterparts. He remains focused on building a filmography that is diverse and challenging.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora played Oliver Hampton on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ for several seasons. While his character was a fan favorite he often functioned as a support system for the main cast. Ricamora has since sought out lead roles in theater and television that offer him more agency. He is interested in exploring the intersection of identity and professional ambition in his characters. He continues to advocate for more visibility for Asian American queer men in lead roles.

Jerrie Johnson

Jerrie Johnson stars in the series ‘Harlem’ and has been vocal about the representation of queer Black women. She avoids roles that rely on the sassy best friend stereotype that has plagued Black actresses for years. Johnson looks for characters that are ambitious and career driven with complex romantic lives. She believes that the industry is finally starting to see the value in diverse lead narratives. Her performance is a clear indication that she is ready for even larger platforms.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co created and starred in ‘Broad City’ where she played a heightened version of herself. She has since moved into more dramatic territory with the series ‘A League of Their Own’. Jacobson has spoken about the importance of telling queer stories that are grounded in history and reality. She prefers to play characters that have clear goals and internal struggles. Her work as a writer and actress allows her to bypass the typical sidekick roles offered to queer women.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is known for her deadpan delivery and unique comedic style in both stand up and acting. She has often played the dry and witty friend in various films and television shows. Notaro has expressed an interest in taking on more varied roles that challenge her as a performer. She has found success in the ‘Star Trek’ universe playing a competent and professional engineer. She continues to look for projects that allow her to expand her horizons beyond simple comedy.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster is a popular comedian who has frequently played the boisterous and funny sidekick. While she enjoys comedy she has also expressed a desire to be seen as more than just the comic relief. Feimster is interested in roles that explore the everyday lives of queer people in a more realistic way. She has used her stand up specials to tell her own stories on her own terms. She remains an influential voice in the call for more authentic queer representation.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a legendary comedian who has been a staple in Hollywood for decades. She has often been cast in the role of the sharp tongued friend or neighbor in various sitcoms. Sykes has recently taken on more creative control by producing and starring in her own projects like ‘The Upshaws’. She is vocal about the need for Black queer women to have a seat at the table in Hollywood. Her career shows a transition from supporting roles to becoming a leading voice in the industry.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch became a star for her role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’ which was a highly stylized performance. While she has had an incredibly successful career she has often been typecast as the intimidating or witty authority figure. Lynch has expressed appreciation for roles that allow her to show a softer and more vulnerable side. She continues to work across comedy and drama to maintain a diverse portfolio of work. She remains one of the most recognizable and hardworking actors in the business.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is famous for her role as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ which was a defining lead role. However she has seen how the industry can still limit actresses of a certain age and identity. Nixon has used her platform to advocate for more political and social depth in the roles she takes. She is interested in playing characters that reflect the real world experiences of queer women today. Her transition into activism and directing shows her commitment to changing the industry from the inside.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become a mainstay of prestige television and film by taking on incredibly difficult roles. She has largely avoided the sidekick trap by working with creators who value her immense dramatic talent. Paulson has spoken about the importance of not being defined by her personal life when it comes to casting. She continues to lead major projects like ‘Ratched’ and ‘American Horror Story’ with great success. Her career is a prime example of a queer actor maintaining status as a top tier leading lady.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley gained fame as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange is the New Black’ and later starred in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She has consistently chosen roles that are integral to the plot and have significant emotional weight. Wiley is vocal about wanting to see more Black queer women in lead roles that are not defined by trauma. She looks for characters that have agency and a clear sense of self. Her work continues to set a high bar for representation in modern television.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria broke barriers as one of the first openly gay stand up comedians to appear on late night television. In her acting career she has often played the tough and witty character in ensemble casts. DeLaria has expressed a desire for more roles that allow her to show her range as a singer and dramatic actor. She is a firm believer in the power of visibility and the need for queer actors to be loud and proud. She continues to push for roles that are as bold and unique as she is.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore rose to prominence in ‘Pose’ and has since become a major figure in fashion and film. They have been vocal about the need for the industry to move past tokenism and stereotypes. Moore seeks roles that are complex and reflect the intersectional experiences of their life. They are less interested in roles that exist only to educate a straight audience about queer issues. Their focus remains on artistic projects that challenge traditional narratives.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is known for her commanding presence and legendary performance as Elektra in ‘Pose’. She has spoken about the difficulty of being seen as more than just a specific type of archetype. Jackson wants to take on roles that showcase her elegance and dramatic power in different settings. She is a strong advocate for trans women being given the same opportunities as any other actress. Her goal is to continue playing powerful women who command respect on screen.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer became a breakout star for her role in ‘Euphoria’ where she plays a central and complex character. She has avoided the sidekick trap by choosing projects that allow her to be a lead protagonist. Schafer is interested in exploring a wide range of genres including sci fi and horror. She wants to ensure that her identity is just one part of the multifaceted characters she portrays. Her rising career shows the potential for trans actors to become global stars.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who has appeared in projects like ‘Barbie’ and ‘Transparent’. She has discussed the importance of queer actors being part of major mainstream productions. Nef is interested in playing roles where her trans identity is not the primary focus of the story. She looks for scripts that are witty and intellectually stimulating. Her presence in major films is helping to normalize diverse casting in Hollywood.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page has had a long and successful career as a lead actor in both independent and blockbuster films. Since coming out as trans he has continued to lead the cast of ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Page has been a vocal advocate for the rights of trans people and the need for authentic casting. He is interested in producing and starring in stories that reflect his own experiences and those of his community. His career remains a powerful example of a lead actor thriving while being true to themselves.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has moved from blockbuster fame to becoming one of the most respected indie film stars. She has been open about the pressure to conform to certain standards early in her career. Stewart now chooses roles that allow her to explore her own identity and artistic interests. She often plays central characters that are complex and unconventional. Her success has allowed her to bypass the limitations often placed on queer actresses in the mainstream.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has been a prominent voice for her generation while taking on lead roles in films like ‘The Hate U Give’. She is careful to choose projects that offer a nuanced look at identity and social issues. Stenberg has spoken about the need for queer actors of color to be the heroes of their own stories. She refuses to be relegated to the position of the supportive friend in someone else’s journey. Her work continues to highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in film.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein gained recognition for her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’ where she played a lead protagonist. She has been vocal about her identity and the importance of queer visibility in comedy and drama. Feldstein looks for roles that are joyful and allow for a full range of human emotion. She has successfully moved between film and Broadway to showcase her various talents. She remains a popular choice for lead roles that require both wit and heart.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a highly acclaimed British actor known for his work in the ‘Bond’ franchise and ‘Paddington’. He has often played intellectual or supporting roles but has also led major television dramas. Whishaw has expressed a desire to keep his personal life private while playing a wide variety of characters. He is interested in roles that are emotionally demanding and intellectually curious. His career demonstrates that a queer actor can be a versatile and sought after performer in any genre.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey has had a steady career in British and American television playing both lead and supporting roles. He has been open about the challenges of being an out actor in an industry that still has biases. Tovey often plays characters that are grounded and relatable which helps to break down stereotypes. He is passionate about art and has used his platform to highlight queer artists and stories. He continues to seek out work that challenges the audience’s perception of queer life.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a major action and musical theater star who has led several high profile films. He has been open about his sexuality for most of his career while playing traditionally masculine lead roles. Evans has avoided being pigeonholed by taking on a diverse range of characters in various genres. He remains a prominent example of a queer man who can lead a blockbuster franchise or a romantic film. His success helps to broaden the industry’s view of who can be a leading man.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer has been a leading man in television and film for years with a career spanning from ‘White Collar’ to ‘Fellow Travelers’. He has spoken about the initial fears of coming out and how it might affect his ability to get lead roles. Bomer has proven that his talent allows him to play any character with conviction and charm. He is dedicated to telling queer stories that have historical significance and emotional depth. He continues to be one of the most respected and versatile actors working today.

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott gained massive fame for his roles in ‘Sherlock’ and ‘Fleabag’ where he played iconic characters. He has moved into leading roles in major films like ‘All of Us Strangers’ which explore queer themes with great sensitivity. Scott has expressed a desire to be seen simply as an actor who can take on any challenge. He is known for his intense and charismatic performances that captivate audiences. His career is a testament to the power of a performer who refuses to be limited by tropes.

Brian J. Smith

Brian J. Smith starred in the series ‘Sense8’ which was celebrated for its inclusive and diverse cast. He has spoken about the liberation he felt after coming out and how it affected his work as an actor. Smith is interested in playing characters that are physically and emotionally demanding. He wants to see more queer characters in action and sci fi settings where they are the primary heroes. He continues to push for more adventurous and high stakes roles.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is a Lebanese American actor who has been vocal about the intersection of his queer and Arab identities. He often plays characters that are compassionate and professional in various television series. Sleiman made headlines for his role in the film ‘Eternals’ as part of the first queer family in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is passionate about breaking down stereotypes for Middle Eastern performers in Hollywood. He remains committed to finding lead roles that offer a positive and complex representation.

Jake Borelli

Jake Borelli stars as Dr. Levi Schmitt on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and his coming out coincided with his character’s journey. He has expressed the importance of young queer people seeing themselves reflected in professional and lead roles. Borelli is interested in expanding his career into film and more diverse television projects. He wants to move beyond the newcomer or trainee archetype to play more established and powerful characters. He continues to use his platform to advocate for LGBTQ visibility in the media.

Alex Newell

Alex Newell rose to fame on ‘Glee’ and has since become a Tony winning star on Broadway. They are known for their incredible vocal talent and high energy performances in musical projects. Newell has been vocal about the need for more lead roles for gender non conforming performers. They want to play characters that are not just defined by their singing ability but also by their dramatic depth. Their success on stage is helping to change the landscape of musical theater.

Jinkx Monsoon

Jinkx Monsoon is a drag icon who has successfully transitioned into major acting roles on stage and screen. She has spoken about the desire to be seen as a versatile actor who can play both male and female roles. Her recent appearance in ‘Doctor Who’ as a major villain showcased her ability to command the screen. Jinkx wants to see more drag performers given the chance to play substantial scripted roles. She continues to break barriers for the drag community in the mainstream entertainment industry.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett became a global star after his incredible performance in ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He has spent years in the industry taking on various roles before this major resurgence. Bartlett has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play characters that are complex and flawed. He is interested in exploring the lives of older queer men in a way that is honest and authentic. His recent success proves that there is a large audience for sophisticated queer lead narratives.

Nick Adams

Nick Adams is a powerhouse performer on Broadway and in television who is known for his athletic and charismatic roles. He has often been cast in parts that emphasize his physical presence and comedic timing. Adams is eager to take on more leading dramatic roles that allow him to show his range as a storyteller. He is a strong advocate for fitness and wellness within the queer community. He remains a dedicated performer who is always looking for the next big challenge.

Share which of these performers you would love to see in a major leading role next in the comments.