LGBTQ+ Celebs Who Quietly Stole the Spotlight in Blockbuster Movies

Hollywood has long been home to incredible talent from the LGBTQ+ community who have delivered unforgettable performances in some of the biggest box office hits of all time. These actors often elevate the material with their unique charisma and leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Their contributions range from scene-stealing supporting roles to leading characters that carry entire franchises. This list highlights the stars who brought their immense skill and presence to major cinema releases.

Ian McKellen

This legendary actor brought the wizard Gandalf to life in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. His performance anchored the massive fantasy franchise with a perfect blend of wisdom and authority. McKellen earned an Academy Award nomination for his work in the first installment of the series. He later returned to the role for ‘The Hobbit’ films and delighted fans once again.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie has dominated the box office for decades with action-packed roles and dramatic performances. She commanded the screen as the title character in Disney’s live-action ‘Maleficent’ movies. Her portrayal added deep emotional layers to one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history. She also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the warrior Thena in ‘Eternals’.

Kristen Stewart

She became a global superstar leading the ‘Twilight’ saga as Bella Swan. The franchise broke box office records and established her as a household name. Stewart later transitioned into acclaimed independent films before returning to mainstream hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Her career choices continue to showcase her versatility and dedication to her craft.

Elliot Page

Page played the brilliant architect Ariadne in Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending hit ‘Inception’. His character served as the audience surrogate who learned the complex rules of the dream world. The film was a massive critical and commercial success that solidified his status as a top talent. He also portrayed Kitty Pryde in the blockbuster ‘X-Men’ franchise.

Jodie Foster

Foster delivered one of the most chilling performances in history as Clarice Starling in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Her portrayal of the rookie FBI agent earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film became a massive cultural phenomenon and remains a classic of the thriller genre. She has continued to star in and direct major motion pictures throughout her career.

Luke Evans

This Welsh actor showcased his singing voice and villainous charm as Gaston in the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. He effortlessly captured the arrogance and charisma of the classic antagonist. The film was a massive financial success for Disney and introduced him to a wider family audience. Evans also played the heroic Bard the Bowman in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson burst into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the hard-drinking warrior Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. Her character instantly became a fan favorite for her toughness and dry wit. She brought a fresh dynamic to the franchise that helped revitalize the Thor series. She reprised the role in subsequent Avengers films and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’.

Zachary Quinto

Quinto took on the daunting task of playing Spock in J.J. Abrams’ reboot of ‘Star Trek’. He successfully honored the legacy of Leonard Nimoy while making the logical Vulcan character his own. The film reignited interest in the franchise and spawned two successful sequels. His chemistry with the cast was a key element of the trilogy’s success.

Neil Patrick Harris

He played a pivotal and unsettling role in the psychological thriller ‘Gone Girl’. His performance demonstrated his ability to handle dark and dramatic material outside of comedy. The film was a box office hit and received critical acclaim for its twisting narrative. Harris previously delighted audiences with his comedic work in the ‘Harold & Kumar’ series.

Matt Bomer

Bomer charmed audiences as Ken in the stripper comedy hits ‘Magic Mike’ and ‘Magic Mike XXL’. His performances highlighted his physical comedy skills and vocal talents. The franchise became a surprising blockbuster phenomenon with a dedicated following. He has since appeared in various high-profile film and television projects.

Ben Whishaw

Whishaw reinvented the role of Q in the James Bond blockbuster ‘Skyfall’. He brought a youthful intelligence and modern technical wizardry to the character. His dynamic with Daniel Craig added a new layer of wit to the legendary spy franchise. He continued to support Bond in ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’.

Lee Pace

Pace played the menacing villain Ronan the Accuser in the massive hit ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. He was unrecognizable under heavy makeup and delivered a terrifying performance. The film became a surprise smash for Marvel and launched a new sub-franchise. He also portrayed the elven king Thranduil in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy.

Victor Garber

Garber played the ship’s designer Thomas Andrews in James Cameron’s epic ‘Titanic’. His character provided a sympathetic and tragic figure amidst the disaster. The film shattered box office records to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. He brought a quiet dignity to the role that resonated with millions of viewers.

Jonathan Groff

Groff voiced the lovable Kristoff in Disney’s animated juggernaut ‘Frozen’. His character provided the romantic lead and comedic relief alongside the magical snowman Olaf. The movie became a global sensation and sparked a massive merchandise empire. He reprised the role in the equally successful sequel ‘Frozen II’.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe delivered a breakout performance as NASA engineer Mary Jackson in ‘Hidden Figures’. The film celebrated the contributions of Black women to the space race and became a major hit. Her portrayal was praised for its strength and determination. She later starred in the murder mystery hit ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’.

Cara Delevingne

She played the dual role of June Moone and Enchantress in the DC blockbuster ‘Suicide Squad’. The film was a financial success that introduced a team of anti-heroes to the big screen. Her character served as the primary antagonist with impressive visual effects. Delevingne has since taken on lead roles in other sci-fi and fantasy projects.

Ruby Rose

Rose joined the action-packed world of Keanu Reeves in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’. She played Ares, a mute security enforcer who communicates through sign language. Her intense physical presence made her a formidable opponent for the title character. The sequel expanded the franchise’s lore and cemented its status as a modern action classic.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon brought her unique comedic energy to the role of Weird Barbie in the massive hit ‘Barbie’. Her character provided crucial guidance to the protagonist in a distinctively eccentric way. The film broke numerous records and became a cultural milestone. She previously starred in the 2016 reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’.

BD Wong

Wong played the geneticist Dr. Henry Wu in the original ‘Jurassic Park’. He was the only cast member from the first film to return for the ‘Jurassic World’ trilogy. His character evolved from a well-meaning scientist to a more morally ambiguous figure. The franchise remains one of the most profitable in cinema history.

Nathan Lane

Lane provided the voice for the wisecracking meerkat Timon in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’. His vocal performance alongside Ernie Sabella is considered one of the best in animation history. The film is a beloved classic that dominated the box office upon release. He has continued to work extensively in film and theater.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson joined an all-star cast for the heist movie spinoff ‘Ocean’s 8’. She played a suburban mother who returns to a life of crime for one big job. The film was a commercial success that showcased the chemistry of its female ensemble. She is also widely known for her varied roles in television anthologies.

Michelle Rodriguez

Rodriguez is a core member of the ‘Fast & Furious’ family as Letty Ortiz. Her character is known for her exceptional driving skills and tough demeanor. The franchise has grossed billions worldwide and defies the laws of physics with every installment. She has also appeared in massive hits like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Resident Evil’.

Justice Smith

Smith played the tech-savvy Franklin Webb in ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’. His character provided comedic relief and technical support as the dinosaurs escaped the island. The film was a massive global hit that set the stage for the trilogy’s conclusion. He also starred as the lead in the live-action ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’.

Keke Palmer

Palmer starred as Emerald Haywood in Jordan Peele’s sci-fi horror hit ‘Nope’. Her energetic and charismatic performance anchored the film alongside Daniel Kaluuya. The movie received critical acclaim for its unique take on the alien invasion genre. She has been a fixture in the entertainment industry since childhood.

Josh Gad

Gad voiced the warm-hearted snowman Olaf in ‘Frozen’ and its sequel. His character provided the emotional heart and biggest laughs of the franchise. He also played LeFou in the live-action adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. His work in family films has made his voice recognizable to children everywhere.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. Her performance was praised for its dynamic dancing and powerful singing. The film received critical acclaim for revitalizing the classic musical. She has also voiced characters in Disney animated features like ‘Wish’.

Stephanie Hsu

Hsu received an Oscar nomination for her dual role in ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. She played both the protagonist’s daughter Joy and the multiverse-threatening villain Jobu Tupaki. The independent film became a surprise blockbuster and swept the awards season. Her performance was a highlight of the movie’s chaotic energy.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw is best known for playing the cruel Aunt Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She appeared in multiple films throughout the franchise as Harry’s non-magical guardian. Her performance perfectly captured the disdainful nature of the character from the books. The series is one of the most successful film sagas in history.

Miriam Margolyes

Margolyes played the eccentric Herbology professor Pomona Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. Her character was beloved for her practical attitude and expertise with magical plants. She brought a delightful warmth to the Hogwarts faculty. She remains a popular figure in British entertainment for her candid personality.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained major attention as Rue in the first ‘The Hunger Games’ movie. Her emotional performance and tragic scene left a lasting impact on the franchise’s fans. The film launched a massive dystopian series that dominated the box office for years. She has since taken on lead roles in various dramas and thrillers.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer made her film debut in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. She played Tigris Snow in the prequel to the popular franchise. Her character provided a sympathetic look at the future villain’s family life. The film was a financial success that expanded the world of Panem.

Andrew Scott

Scott played a key role in the World War I epic ‘1917’ as Lieutenant Leslie. His brief but memorable appearance added weariness and cynicism to the harrowing journey. The film was a technical marvel that appeared to be shot in a single take. He is also widely recognized for his villainous role in the James Bond film ‘Spectre’.

Rebel Wilson

Wilson stole the show as Fat Amy in the musical comedy hit ‘Pitch Perfect’. Her comedic timing and physical humor made her the breakout star of the trilogy. The films were massive commercial successes that spawned a loyal fanbase. She has since starred in various comedies and musicals.

Lady Gaga

Gaga made a seamless transition to acting with her lead role in ‘A Star Is Born’. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and won for Best Original Song. The film was a massive box office hit that showcased her raw vocal power. She recently starred as Harley Quinn in the high-profile sequel ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’.

Alexandra Shipp

Shipp took on the role of the weather-controlling mutant Storm in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’. She followed in the footsteps of Halle Berry to bring a younger version of the hero to life. She reprised the character in the sequel ‘Dark Phoenix’. She also appeared as one of the Kens in the ‘Barbie’ movie.

Hari Nef

Nef played Dr. Barbie in the record-breaking film ‘Barbie’. Her character was part of the government within the plastic world of the movie. The film celebrated diversity and inclusion through its casting choices. It became the highest-grossing film of 2023.

Scott Evans

Evans played one of the many Kens in Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’. He participated in the large dance numbers and comedic ensemble scenes. The actor is the brother of Chris Evans and has built his own career in film and TV. His inclusion added to the fun and chaotic energy of the Ken-dom.

Troye Sivan

Before his music career exploded, Sivan played a young James Howlett in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’. He portrayed the child version of the character who would become Wolverine. The film was a financial success despite mixed critical reception. Sivan has recently returned to acting with roles in other films and series.

Raven-Symoné

She played the daughter of the title character in the hit comedy ‘Dr. Dolittle’. Her character had the ability to hide her father’s secret about talking to animals. The film was a commercial success that spawned a sequel. She has remained a prominent figure in Disney entertainment for decades.

Jonathan Bennett

Bennett played the heartthrob Aaron Samuels in the cult classic ‘Mean Girls’. His character was the object of affection for the lead characters and drove the plot. The film became a massive cultural touchstone that is still quoted today. He has continued to work steadily in film and television hosting.

Lily Gladstone

Gladstone delivered a powerful performance in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She held her own against screen legends Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. The film was a major prestige release that earned her historic award nominations. Her work brought essential humanity to the tragic true story.

Ayo Edebiri

Edebiri voiced the character Envy in the animated blockbuster ‘Inside Out 2’. Her performance captured the relatable feeling of jealousy in a humorous way. The sequel shattered box office records for animated films worldwide. She has quickly become one of the most in-demand talents in Hollywood.

Colman Domingo

Domingo played the villainous Mister in the musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. His commanding presence anchored the emotional weight of the story. The film was a high-profile holiday release produced by Oprah Winfrey. He has received widespread acclaim for his work in both film and television.

Jim Parsons

Parsons voiced the alien Oh in the animated hit ‘Home’. His character was an outcast who befriended a human girl during an invasion. The film was a box office success for DreamWorks Animation. He is best known for his iconic role on television but has successfully transitioned to film.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes voiced the spirited Granny in the ‘Ice Age’ sequels. Her character provided sharp wit and unexpected action skills to the herd. The franchise is one of the most successful animated series globally. Her distinctive voice made the character an instant favorite among audiences.

Tell us which of these performances surprised you the most in the comments.