LGBTQ Elders Portrayed as Wise and Influential Figures

Across film and television, the portrayal of LGBTQ elders has provided audiences with characters who embody wisdom, resilience, and profound influence. These figures often serve as mentors, matriarchs, and patriarchs, guiding younger generations while navigating their own complex lives with dignity and strength. Their stories enrich the tapestry of queer representation by showcasing lives lived fully and authentically over many decades.

‘And Just Like That…’ (2021–PRESENT)

Stanford Blatch evolves from a witty friend into a more settled elder figure within his social circle. He provides a sense of history and continuity for his friends as they navigate life in their fifties. His long-standing presence and established relationship offer a grounded perspective amidst the characters’ various upheavals. Stanford’s journey reflects a man who has found a measure of peace and stability in his later years.

‘Beginners’ (2010)

Hal Fields comes out as a gay man at the age of 75 following the death of his wife. He embraces his new life with vigor and joy, becoming an influential figure for his son Oliver who learns about honesty and love. Hal’s story is a powerful depiction of it never being too late to live truthfully. His wisdom comes from a lifetime of experience and the courage to finally express his authentic self.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

Gustavo Fring is a brilliant and meticulous drug kingpin whose influence is felt throughout the criminal underworld. He operates with a quiet authority and a strategic mind that makes him both feared and respected. His wisdom is of a practical and ruthless nature, built on decades of survival and the pursuit of vengeance. Gus serves as a mentor in his own way, teaching lessons about power, precision, and the consequences of emotion.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Captain Raymond Holt is the stoic and principled leader of the 99th precinct. As an openly gay Black man who rose through the ranks of the NYPD, he serves as a constant source of inspiration and guidance. His wisdom is delivered through deadpan humor and an unwavering commitment to justice and efficiency. Captain Holt consistently pushes his detectives to be their best selves, acting as a true mentor and father figure.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

Zelda Spellman is the formidable and knowledgeable High Priestess of the Church of Night. As an ancient witch and one of Sabrina’s aunts, she provides stern guidance rooted in centuries of tradition and power. Zelda’s influence extends over the entire coven as she makes difficult decisions to protect her family and her faith. Her relationship with Mambo Marie further showcases her capacity for love and her role as a powerful matriarch.

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ (2022)

Albus Dumbledore is presented as one of the most powerful and wise wizards of his time. He acts as a mentor to Newt Scamander, guiding him in the fight against the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Dumbledore’s influence stems from his vast knowledge, strategic brilliance, and deep understanding of human nature. His past relationship with Grindelwald informs his cautious and thoughtful approach to the rising global conflict.

‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ (1991)

An elderly Idgie Threadgoode, living in a nursing home as Ninny Threadgoode, recounts the story of her youth to Evelyn Couch. Through her vivid storytelling, she imparts lessons of courage, loyalty, and living life on one’s own terms. Idgie’s influence transforms Evelyn’s life, inspiring her to find her own strength and independence. The wisdom she shares is a testament to a life filled with love, adventure, and defiance against social norms.

‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015–2022)

Robert Hanson and Sol Bergstein leave their wives in their seventies to marry each other after a decades-long affair. Their journey is one of self-discovery and navigating the complexities of family and aging as openly gay men. They provide a poignant and often humorous look at finding new love and purpose later in life. Their story influences their families and friends to reconsider their own definitions of happiness and commitment.

‘Grandma’ (2015)

Elle Reid is a sharp-tongued lesbian poet and academic still reeling from the recent death of her long-term partner. When her granddaughter shows up needing money for an abortion, Elle takes her on a day-long journey to call in old favors. Throughout the day she dispenses unfiltered, often harsh, but ultimately valuable wisdom about feminism, independence, and personal responsibility. Elle’s influence is a force of nature that reshapes her granddaughter’s perspective.

‘Hollywood’ (2020)

Captain Frank W. Schofield is a casting director at Ace Studios who holds significant sway over who gets a chance at stardom. As a closeted gay man in the 1940s, he uses his position to quietly support and mentor aspiring actors from marginalized communities. He provides crucial opportunities that challenge the discriminatory practices of the studio system. His quiet influence helps to shape a more inclusive vision for the future of the film industry.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022–PRESENT)

Lestat de Lioncourt is an ancient and powerful vampire who serves as a mentor and tormentor to his fledgling Louis de Pointe du Lac. His wisdom is born from centuries of survival, hedonism, and a deep appreciation for art and beauty. Lestat’s influence is all-consuming as he teaches Louis the ways of being a creature of the night. He is a charismatic and dangerous figure whose lessons are unforgettable and inescapable.

‘Looking’ (2014–2016)

Sal is an older gay man who works at the San Francisco Zoo with Dom. He often provides cynical yet insightful commentary on the younger generation’s views on love, community, and relationships. Sal represents a generation of gay men who survived the AIDS crisis and holds a historical perspective the main characters lack. His wisdom comes from a place of experience and world-weariness, offering a sobering influence on his friends.

‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022–PRESENT)

Spanish Jackie is the formidable owner of the Republic of Pirates, a bar that serves as a hub for the pirate community. With her many husbands and a no-nonsense attitude, she is an influential figure whose approval and information are highly sought after. Jackie’s wisdom is practical and ruthless, honed by years of surviving and thriving in a dangerous world. She commands respect and fear in equal measure, making her a key power broker.

‘Pose’ (2018–2021)

Pray Tell is the emcee of the ballroom scene and the patriarch of the House of Abundance. He serves as a mentor, guide, and fierce protector for the young LGBTQ people in his community. With his sharp wit and deep empathy, he dispenses invaluable wisdom about survival, love, and self-acceptance during the height of the AIDS epidemic. Pray Tell’s influence is the emotional and moral core of the entire ballroom community.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Cyrus Beene is a brilliant and ruthless political strategist who serves as the White House Chief of Staff. His immense influence is felt in every corner of Washington D.C. as he manipulates events and people to maintain power. The wisdom he imparts is a masterclass in political survival, though it is often morally compromised. Cyrus is a complex and formidable figure whose actions shape the direction of the country.

‘A Single Man’ (2009)

George Falconer is an English professor in 1960s Los Angeles who is mourning the death of his long-term partner. He moves through his day intending to end his life but finds small moments of beauty and connection that remind him of what is worth living for. He imparts profound intellectual and emotional wisdom to his students and those he encounters. George’s introspective journey provides an influential portrait of love, grief, and the search for meaning.

‘Supernova’ (2020)

Sam and his partner Tusker have been together for decades and are traveling across England to revisit friends and family. Tusker has been diagnosed with early-onset dementia, and Sam cares for him with deep love and patience. Sam’s wisdom is quiet and profound, centered on the meaning of commitment and partnership in the face of immense hardship. His journey is an influential exploration of how to love someone through the most difficult moments of life.

‘Tales of the City’ (2019)

Anna Madrigal is the beloved transgender matriarch of the Barbary Lane apartment complex. She provides a safe haven and unconditional love for her tenants, who she considers her chosen family. Her sage advice and mysterious past make her a revered and influential figure who has guided multiple generations of San Franciscans. Michael “Mouse” Tolliver, one of her original tenants, grows into an elder himself, offering his own hard-won wisdom to a new generation.

‘The Birdcage’ (1996)

Armand Goldman is the owner of a successful drag club and the long-suffering partner of the dramatic performer Albert. He is the pragmatic and stable center of his eccentric family, providing guidance and support for his son Val. Armand’s influence is crucial as he navigates the chaotic meeting between his queer family and his son’s conservative future in-laws. He demonstrates immense wisdom in his efforts to protect his loved ones.

‘The Fosters’ (2013–2018)

Sharon Elkin is the supportive and open-minded mother of Stef Foster. She often visits her daughter’s family, offering grandmotherly wisdom and a listening ear to her many grandchildren. Sharon’s acceptance and love for Stef and her wife Lena provide a model of familial support. Her influence is felt as she helps the family navigate various crises with grace and humor.

‘The L Word: Generation Q’ (2019–2023)

Bette Porter and Tina Kennard return as established figures navigating life, love, and career in their fifties. Now co-parenting a teenager, they serve as mentors and role models for a younger generation of queer women. Their experiences from the original series inform the wisdom they now impart about relationships, identity, and community. Their influence is demonstrated in their professional success and their roles as elder stateswomen within their circle.

‘The Last of Us’ (2023–PRESENT)

Frank is a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world who brings love, art, and beauty into the life of his partner Bill. Over two decades, he transforms Bill’s fortified compound into a home filled with warmth and culture. Frank’s influence teaches the cynical Bill that there is more to survival than just staying alive. The wisdom of the life they build together leaves a lasting and profound impact on the show’s main characters.

‘The Simpsons’ (1989–PRESENT)

Waymond W. Smithers Jr. has served for decades as the devoted executive assistant to Mr. Burns. After coming out, his character has developed further, allowing him to offer a unique perspective within the corporate world of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. His long tenure provides him with an unparalleled institutional knowledge and a quiet influence over his boss’s decisions. Smithers represents a figure who finds his own voice and happiness later in life.

‘Transparent’ (2014–2019)

Maura Pfefferman is a retired college professor who comes out as a transgender woman to her family late in life. Her transition serves as a catalyst that forces her three adult children to confront their own secrets and identities. Maura’s journey for authenticity is influential, prompting a messy but ultimately enlightening period of growth for the entire Pfefferman clan. The wisdom she gains is shared as she navigates her new life and becomes an advocate in the community.

‘Vicious’ (2013–2016)

Freddie Thornhill and Stuart Bixby are a gay couple who have been together for nearly 50 years. They preside over their London flat with a constant stream of witty insults and biting commentary. Beneath the bickering is a deep and abiding love, and their shared history provides a unique form of wisdom. Their apartment is a central hub for their friends, making them influential figures within their chosen family.

‘Victor/Victoria’ (1982)

Carroll “Toddy” Todd is a seasoned gay cabaret performer who befriends a down-on-her-luck soprano named Victoria. He masterminds her transformation into Count Victor Grazinski, a famous female impersonator, which brings them both immense success. Toddy acts as a savvy mentor and loyal friend, using his wisdom of the entertainment world to guide Victoria’s career. His influence is the driving force behind the film’s entire premise.

‘Will & Grace’ (1998–2020)

In the show’s revival, Jack McFarland matures into a slightly more responsible figure, even getting married and teaching acting. He imparts his unique and often questionable wisdom to a younger generation of gay men. Meanwhile, Martin Adler, Will’s father, offers paternal advice after his own late-in-life coming out story. Both men represent different paths to finding stability and influence as older gay men.

Which other influential LGBTQ elders in film and television would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments.