LGBTQ+ Celebs Who Surprised Everyone with Career Pivots

The entertainment industry is often seen as a linear path, but many high-profile LGBTQ+ figures have defied expectations by successfully transitioning into entirely different professional spheres. From Olympic athletes entering the fashion world to beloved actors moving into high-stakes politics or bestselling literature, these pivots demonstrate a versatile range of talents beyond their initial fame. This list explores the stars who managed to redefine their public identities and build secondary careers that are just as impactful as their first.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon transitioned from her long-standing role in ‘Sex and the City’ to a serious career in American politics. In 2018, she challenged the political establishment by running for Governor of New York, focusing her platform on education reform and economic equality. This shift surprised fans who primarily associated her with the character of Miranda Hobbes. Her campaign successfully pushed progressive issues into the mainstream political conversation within the state.

Tom Daley

The Olympic gold medalist diver shocked the sporting world by launching a dedicated knitting and crochet business. After being photographed knitting in the stands during the Tokyo Olympics, he founded the brand Made With Love by Tom Daley. He now balances his rigorous athletic training with the design and sale of knitting patterns and apparel kits. This pivot has transformed him into a prominent figure within the global DIY and crafting community.

Wanda Sykes

Long before becoming a household name in comedy, Sykes worked as a contracting specialist for the National Security Agency. She spent five years with the NSA before deciding to pursue a full-time career in stand-up comedy during the late 1980s. Her transition from government intelligence to starring in shows like ‘Curb Your Enthusiams’ is one of the most drastic in the industry. She eventually parlayed her government background into sharp, politically savvy comedic writing and acting.

Chris Colfer

Initially gaining fame for his musical performances in ‘Glee,’ Colfer made a significant pivot into the world of children’s literature. He authored the best-selling middle-grade fantasy series ‘The Land of Stories,’ which became a massive international success. Instead of pursuing more musical theater roles, he focused on building a career as a novelist and screenwriter. His literary achievements have earned him a dedicated following that exists independently of his television work.

Trixie Mattel

After competing on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ Mattel expanded her career far beyond the traditional boundaries of drag performance. She launched Trixie Cosmetics, a beauty brand that achieved significant commercial success in the mainstream market. Furthermore, she ventured into the hospitality industry by purchasing and renovating a motel in Palm Springs, which was documented on television. Her career now encompasses music, cosmetics mogul status, and real estate development.

George Takei

Best known for his iconic role in ‘Star Trek,’ Takei pivoted to become a social media powerhouse and a leading human rights activist. He uses his platforms to educate the public about the history of Japanese-American internment camps and LGBTQ+ rights. His memoir, ‘They Called Us Enemy,’ reached a broad audience through its unique graphic novel format. This transition helped him cultivate a massive online following that spans several generations.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne began her career as one of the most sought-after fashion models in the world before shifting her focus toward acting. She landed major roles in high-budget films such as ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘Paper Towns.’ Beyond the screen, she also ventured into the literary world by publishing a young adult novel. Her move away from the runway marked a permanent shift in her professional trajectory and public persona.

Antoni Porowski

Initially an aspiring actor and model, Porowski found global fame as the food and wine expert on the reboot of ‘Queer Eye.’ He leveraged this visibility to become a New York Times bestselling cookbook author and a respected culinary figure. He also entered the restaurant industry by opening a health-focused eatery in Manhattan. His current career focuses more on culinary expertise and brand partnerships than his original acting ambitions.

Dan Levy

After years of working as a VJ on MTV Canada, Levy pivoted to writing and producing his own scripted content. He co-created the hit series ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ where he served as the showrunner, lead writer, and primary star. This move resulted in a historic sweep at the Primetime Emmy Awards and established him as a major creative force. Since the show concluded, he has expanded into film direction and high-end fashion design.

Colton Haynes

Widely recognized for his roles in ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow,’ Haynes surprised his fan base with a pivot to professional writing and memoir. He released ‘Miss Memory Lane,’ a raw account of his life that received critical attention for its honesty. He also explored professional photography and high-fashion modeling during his hiatus from television. This transition allowed him to redefine his narrative as a public figure and artist.

Abbi Jacobson

One of the creators and stars of ‘Broad City,’ Jacobson is also a classically trained illustrator. She pivoted from television comedy to publishing several books featuring her original artwork and personal essays. Her published works include titles like ‘Carry This Book,’ which showcase her visual talents to a wide audience. She also balances her illustration career with voice acting in major animated projects like ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines.’

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Following a long and successful tenure on ‘Modern Family,’ Ferguson shifted his focus toward the professional culinary arts. He co-authored a cookbook titled ‘Food Between Friends,’ which highlights his passion for recipe development. He also maintains a popular food and lifestyle blog where he shares culinary tips and entertaining advice. Despite his continued theater work, he has become a recognized name in the lifestyle and food industry.

Karamo Brown

Brown first appeared on television as a cast member on ‘The Real World: Philadelphia’ before pivoting to a career in social work. He spent years working as a licensed social worker and activist before returning to the media as a culture expert on ‘Queer Eye.’ He has since launched a syndicated daytime talk show and authored children’s literature. His career path uniquely combines media personality roles with his background in psychology and social services.

RuPaul

While he began as an underground club performer and singer, RuPaul pivoted to become a global media mogul and executive producer. He built an extensive empire around the ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ franchise, which now includes dozens of international iterations. He also ventured into the podcasting world and has written several books on philosophy and self-improvement. His move from performer to industry executive fundamentally changed the landscape of reality television.

Troye Sivan

Sivan gained his initial following as a YouTuber, posting vlogs and independent song covers from his home in Australia. He successfully pivoted into a mainstream music career, releasing multiple hit albums and performing on global tours. He also transitioned into professional acting with significant roles in ‘Boy Erased’ and ‘The Idol.’ This multi-faceted career path moved him from digital content creator to a traditional Hollywood and music star.

Jane Lynch

A prolific character actor, Lynch found a new professional niche as a successful host for unscripted television. She won an Emmy for her work on ‘Hollywood Game Night,’ demonstrating her skills in improvisational hosting. She also expanded her career into voice acting for major animated films such as ‘Wreck-It Ralph.’ Her ability to pivot between scripted comedy and unscripted hosting has greatly extended her longevity in the entertainment business.

Anderson Cooper

A highly respected journalist and news anchor, Cooper pivoted into the world of historical literature and non-fiction. He co-authored the book ‘Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty,’ which examined his own family’s complex history. He also ventured into daytime television for a period with his own syndicated talk show. This expansion into long-form writing and lifestyle hosting added new dimensions to his established media career.

Ricky Martin

The King of Latin Pop pivoted from a massive music career to focus on critically acclaimed dramatic acting. He received significant praise and an Emmy nomination for his performance in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.’ He also authored a memoir and a children’s book, expanding his reach into the publishing world. These moves demonstrated a creative range that extends far beyond the concert stage.

Billy Porter

After decades of working in musical theater, Porter pivoted to become a mainstream television star and a global fashion icon. His role in the series ‘Pose’ brought him international fame and several prestigious awards. He also moved into the director’s chair with the film ‘Anything’s Possible’ and became a staple of high-fashion red carpets. This shift allowed him to use his creative platform for broader cultural and political influence.

Elliot Page

An Academy Award-nominated actor, Page has increasingly pivoted toward production and documentary filmmaking. He co-directed and produced the documentary ‘There’s Something in the Water,’ which examines the impact of environmental racism. He also became a bestselling author with the release of the memoir ‘Pageboy.’ These career moves highlight his commitment to storytelling and advocacy from behind the scenes.

Ruby Rose

Rose began her career as a VJ for MTV Australia and a prominent professional model. She eventually pivoted into action-heavy acting roles, appearing in major films like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2.’ She also stepped behind the camera to direct music videos and short films for various artists. Her transition from a media personality to an international action star represented a significant shift in her career goals.

Jonathan Van Ness

Originally a high-end hair stylist in Los Angeles, Van Ness pivoted to become a major television host and live performer. He gained international fame on ‘Queer Eye’ and through the parody series ‘Gay of Thrones.’ Beyond his television work, he became a professional gymnast and a best-selling author of several books. He also successfully launched a line of sustainable hair care products called JVN Hair.

Samira Wiley

Known for her iconic roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ Wiley has moved into executive production. She focuses on projects that highlight marginalized voices and diverse LGBTQ+ narratives. She also expanded her professional portfolio by providing voice acting for high-profile video games. This pivot allows her to influence the entertainment industry’s output beyond her individual performance roles.

Bobby Berk

While he gained fame as the design expert on ‘Queer Eye,’ Berk’s professional background is rooted in corporate retail and design management. He pivoted from running a private design firm to becoming a media personality and lifestyle author. He recently stepped away from his long-running television role to focus on his independent design business and tech ventures. His career continues to evolve as he explores different facets of the global interior design industry.

Laverne Cox

A trailblazing actor, Cox pivoted into the realms of documentary production and red-carpet journalism. She produced the documentaries ‘The T Word’ and ‘Disclosure,’ which provide critical analysis of transgender representation in media. She also took on the role of a lead red-carpet host for major award shows, bringing a new perspective to entertainment news. These moves have solidified her status as an important cultural critic and producer.

Rupert Everett

A major film star in the 1990s, Everett pivoted to writing highly acclaimed biographies and directing period dramas. He authored several memoirs, including ‘Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins,’ which received widespread critical praise for its literary quality. He also wrote, directed, and starred in the film ‘The Happy Prince.’ This shift allowed him to take total creative control over his artistic output in his later career.

Neil Patrick Harris

Known for his child-acting roles and ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ Harris pivoted to become a producer and a children’s book author. He wrote the series ‘The Magic Misfits,’ which became a bestseller and focused on themes of inclusion and magic. He also produces live variety shows and immersive theater experiences through his production company. His career now encompasses magic, literature, and executive leadership in the arts.

Jim Parsons

After a decade-long run on ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ Parsons pivoted heavily into executive producing and theater. He founded That’s Wonderful Productions, which developed the series ‘Special’ and ‘Young Sheldon.’ He also chose to return to his roots in Broadway theater, starring in the revival of ‘The Boys in the Band.’ These choices represent a conscious move away from sitcom acting toward creative leadership.

Ellen DeGeneres

Transitioning from a career in stand-up comedy and scripted sitcoms, DeGeneres became a powerhouse in the talk show industry. For nineteen seasons, she hosted ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show,’ which significantly changed the landscape of daytime television. She also launched a successful lifestyle brand, ED Ellen DeGeneres, which features home goods and apparel. Since the conclusion of her talk show, she has returned to performing large-scale stand-up comedy specials.

Tan France

Before becoming a media personality on ‘Queer Eye,’ France was a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry. He founded and eventually sold multiple clothing brands, including the successful label Kingdom & State. He pivoted from the business and manufacturing side of fashion to becoming a celebrity stylist and television host. He has since authored a memoir and hosted the global design competition series ‘Next in Fashion.’

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