LGBTQ+ Celebs Who Are Never Positioned As The Main Focus

The entertainment industry is filled with talented performers who consistently deliver memorable work without always occupying the center of the spotlight. Many of these actors identify as LGBTQ+ and have built impressive careers as character actors or ensemble stars. They often steal scenes in supporting roles while providing essential depth to films and television series. Their contributions are vital to the success of the stories they help tell across various genres.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber has maintained a steady and respected presence in Hollywood for several decades through his versatile acting work. He reached a massive global audience portraying the ship designer Thomas Andrews in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’. His television career includes a long tenure as Jack Bristow in the spy thriller series ‘Alias’. Garber publicly confirmed his sexuality later in his career and continues to work constantly in both film and theater. He brings a sense of authority and intelligence to every character he inhabits.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a commanding stage and screen actress known for her intense performance style. She became a household name playing the strict aunt Petunia Dursley in the fantasy film series ‘Harry Potter’. Her recent work includes a critically acclaimed role as the head of the Russian desk in the thriller series ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw has been open about her personal life while maintaining a focus on her diverse acting portfolio. She consistently adds a layer of gravitas to the productions she joins.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is best known for his iconic role as Niles Crane in the long-running sitcom ‘Frasier’. He earned multiple Emmy Awards for his portrayal of the snobbish but lovable psychiatrist. Pierce has also enjoyed a successful career on Broadway in productions like ‘Curtains’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’. He married his longtime partner Brian Hargrove and remains a prominent figure in the theatrical community. His comedic timing and physical acting skills are widely regarded as exceptional.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected character actress with a prolific career in theater and television. She gained significant attention for her role as President Allison Taylor in the action series ’24’. Jones also delivered a memorable performance as the matriarch of a wealthy media family in the drama ‘Succession’. She has been open about her sexuality throughout her career and serves as a role model for many in the industry. Her performances are often marked by a quiet strength and emotional complexity.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a chameleon-like actor who disappears into his eccentric and often villainous roles. He became a fan favorite for his various characters in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. His film credits include a supporting role in the biographical drama ‘Milk’. O’Hare is an openly gay actor who frequently works on stage and screen with equal success. He consistently delivers unnerving and captivating performances that leave a lasting impression.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has delighted audiences for years with her sharp wit and sophisticated screen presence. She reached a wide television audience playing the mother in the sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Her film work includes a memorable turn as a law professor in the comedy ‘Legally Blonde’. Taylor is in a high-profile relationship with actress Sarah Paulson and speaks openly about their connection. She continues to act in major projects and remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.

BD Wong

BD Wong is a Tony Award-winning actor who has played significant roles in several major franchises. He originated the role of Dr. Henry Wu in ‘Jurassic Park’ and reprised the character in the modern sequels. Television audiences know him well as Dr. George Huang from the long-running procedural ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. Wong is an out gay man who also advocates for diversity within the entertainment industry. His career spans voice acting, stage performance, and dramatic television roles.

Russell Tovey

Russell Tovey is a British actor who has successfully transitioned between television, film, and theater. He gained popularity for his role as a werewolf in the supernatural drama ‘Being Human’. Tovey also starred in the LGBTQ+ centric series ‘Looking’ which explored the lives of gay men in San Francisco. He frequently takes on supporting roles that require emotional vulnerability and physical intensity. Tovey serves as an advocate for contemporary art and queer culture.

John Benjamin Hickey

John Benjamin Hickey is a familiar face to television audiences thanks to his work in various dramas and comedies. He played a significant recurring role in the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’. His stage work includes a Tony Award-winning performance in the play ‘The Normal Heart’. Hickey often plays intellectual or professional characters who provide support to the leads. He remains a consistent working actor with a reputation for reliability and skill.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett is widely recognized for his breakout role as Aaron Samuels in the teen comedy ‘Mean Girls’. He has since carved out a niche as a television host and a star of various holiday movies. Bennett is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and often discusses his journey with the public. He frequently appears in ensemble casts and reality television competitions. His career has evolved from teen heartthrob to a versatile television personality.

Maulik Pancholy

Maulik Pancholy is known for his comedic timing and distinct voice work in animated projects. He played the devoted assistant Jonathan in the acclaimed comedy series ’30 Rock’. Pancholy also voiced the character Baljeet in the popular animated show ‘Phineas and Ferb’. He is an openly gay actor and author who writes books featuring diverse characters. His work often highlights the experiences of Asian Americans in the entertainment landscape.

Robin Lord Taylor

Robin Lord Taylor captivated audiences with his portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot in the crime series ‘Gotham’. His interpretation of the Penguin brought depth and sympathy to a classic comic book villain. Taylor has also appeared in the psychological thriller series ‘You’ in a supporting capacity. He publicly identifies as gay and has spoken about the importance of representation in genre television. His performances are often characterized by a mix of menace and vulnerability.

Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn achieved global fame playing the gentle giant Hodor in the fantasy phenomenon ‘Game of Thrones’. Before his acting career took off he was a successful DJ and music producer. Nairn is an out gay man who has discussed his experiences within the heavy metal and electronic music scenes. He continues to act in various genre projects while touring as a musician. His physical presence and expressive acting made his signature role unforgettable.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a veteran character actress known for her blunt personality and comedic skills. She played Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series and won a BAFTA for ‘The Age of Innocence’. Margolyes has been open about her lesbian identity for decades and is a frequent guest on talk shows. She often steals scenes with her eccentricity and sharp delivery. Her extensive voice work contributes to her status as a beloved industry figure.

Dot-Marie Jones

Dot-Marie Jones is a retired athlete turned actress who brings a unique physicality to her roles. She is best known for playing Coach Beiste in the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Her performance earned her multiple Emmy nominations for guest acting. Jones is a married lesbian who advocates for inclusion and anti-bullying initiatives. She frequently plays tough characters with hidden hearts of gold.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén has garnered praise for his breakout role as Guillermo de la Cruz in the comedy series ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His character serves as the human familiar to a group of vampires and provides the emotional anchor for the show. Guillén identifies as queer and advocates for body positivity in Hollywood. He has also voiced characters for major animated films like ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. His comedic timing and relatable charm have made him a rising star.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a staple of independent cinema and television for over two decades. She starred in the cult classic satire ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ which tackled the topic of conversion therapy. Her recent work includes directing the holiday rom-com ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall is an out lesbian who often creates and stars in projects centered on LGBTQ+ narratives. She transitions seamlessly between acting, writing, and directing duties.

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert is best known for her role as Darlene Conner in the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ and its spin-off ‘The Conners’. She also helped create and host the daytime talk show ‘The Talk’. Gilbert came out publicly in 2010 and has been a visible figure in the community since then. She often plays sarcastic and intelligent characters that resonate with audiences. Her work behind the scenes as a producer is equally significant to her acting career.

Dan Bucatinsky

Dan Bucatinsky is a writer, producer, and actor who won an Emmy for his guest role in the drama ‘Scandal’. He played the journalist partner of a White House staffer in the hit series. Bucatinsky is also the co-creator of the improv comedy show ‘Web Therapy’. He is an out gay father who has written a book about his parenting experiences. His acting roles often involve fast-talking professionals or neurotic comedic characters.

Mario Cantone

Mario Cantone is a comedian and actor with a high-energy persona that is instantly recognizable. He played the sharp-tongued wedding planner Anthony Marentino in ‘Sex and the City’. Cantone has also appeared on Broadway in various productions including his own one-man shows. He is an out gay man who frequently incorporates his personal life into his stand-up routines. His quick wit and distinct voice make him a memorable supporting player.

Alec Mapa

Alec Mapa is a comedian and actor who refers to himself as America’s Gaysian Sweetheart. He played the fashion-obsessed Suzuki St. Pierre in the dramedy ‘Ugly Betty’. Mapa also had a recurring role as a caterer in the desperate housewives drama ‘Desperate Housewives’. He uses his platform to discuss adoption and family life within the LGBTQ+ community. His performances inject humor and flamboyance into the ensembles he joins.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane is a Canadian actor known for his roles in television dramas and holiday movies. He played Scotty Wandell in the family drama series ‘Brothers & Sisters’. Macfarlane recently starred in the theatrical romantic comedy ‘Bros’ alongside Billy Eichner. He has been out for many years and often plays romantic leads or reliable partners. His career balances Hallmark channel movies with more edgy dramatic work.

Scott Evans

Scott Evans is an actor who gained initial attention for his role as Oliver Fish on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. He appeared in the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’ as one of the many Kens. Evans is the younger brother of actor Chris Evans and maintains a solid acting career of his own. He is openly gay and frequently engages with fans on social media. His charm allows him to fit into both comedic and dramatic ensembles.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo broke onto the scene with her acclaimed performance in the independent film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. She played the best friend character Lilly Moscovitz in ‘The Princess Diaries’ films. Matarazzo is an out lesbian who speaks candidly about her experiences in the industry. She continues to work in independent films and television guest spots. Her unique screen presence makes her memorable even in smaller roles.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz made history as the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay teenager on television in ‘My So-Called Life’. He later took on the role of Dr. Hugh Culber in the sci-fi series ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. Cruz acts as a prominent activist for LGBTQ+ youth and works with organization GLAAD. He brings a deep sense of empathy and resilience to his characters. His career has paved the way for better representation on network television.

Ben Whishaw

Ben Whishaw is a critically acclaimed British actor known for his quiet intensity. He plays the gadget master Q in the modern James Bond film franchise. Whishaw also voices the titular character in the beloved ‘Paddington’ movies. He entered a civil partnership in 2012 and keeps his private life largely out of the tabloids. His performances are often marked by a nervous energy and profound emotional depth.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver is known for starring alongside his twin brother in the supernatural series ‘Teen Wolf’. He later appeared in the film ‘The Batman’ and the drama ‘The Boys in the Band’. Carver publicly came out via Instagram to encourage authenticity among his fans. He often takes on physical roles that utilize his background in action and drama. His career continues to grow with roles in major studio productions.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes gained fame for his role as Jackson Whittemore in the series ‘Teen Wolf’. He also played the character Roy Harper in the superhero show ‘Arrow’. Haynes came out publicly in 2016 and has been open about his struggles with anxiety. He often plays handsome rivals or troubled young men in teen dramas. His modeling background initially helped launch his transition into acting.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn is known for the ‘Harold & Kumar’ film series and his role on the medical drama ‘House’. He took a sabbatical from acting to work in the White House administration under President Obama. Penn came out later in his career when announcing his engagement to his partner. He balances comedic roles with serious dramatic work and political activism. His career path is unique due to his success in both Hollywood and Washington.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett experienced a major career surge with his role as Armond in the satire ‘The White Lotus’. He also starred in the post-apocalyptic drama series ‘The Last of Us’. Bartlett is an Australian actor who has been out since the early days of his career. He brings a chaotic and charismatic energy to complex characters. His recent work has earned him critical acclaim and industry awards.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a legendary figure in theater and film known for his boisterous comedic energy. He voiced the meerkat Timon in the animated classic ‘The Lion King’. Lane also starred alongside Robin Williams in the comedy ‘The Birdcage’. He is an openly gay man who has won multiple Tony Awards for his stage performances. His ability to switch between high comedy and genuine pathos is unmatched.

George Takei

George Takei is a cultural icon best known for playing Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He has become a massive social media presence and activist for human rights. Takei publicly came out later in life and has since championed LGBTQ+ causes globally. He often lends his distinct baritone voice to animated series and guest appearances. His legacy extends far beyond his original role on the bridge of the Enterprise.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a celebrated comedic actress known for her deadpan delivery and improvisational skills. She became a superstar playing the ruthless cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. Lynch is a regular in the mockumentary films of Christopher Guest such as ‘Best in Show’. She has been open about her sexuality for most of her career and hosts the game show ‘Weakest Link’. Her commanding height and confidence allow her to dominate the screen.

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