Richest LGBTQ+ Actors of All Time, Ranked

The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift in visibility and representation over the last few decades, with LGBTQ+ actors commanding some of the highest paychecks in Hollywood. These talented performers have built massive empires through blockbuster films, long-running television syndication, and lucrative brand endorsements. Their financial success stands as a testament to their enduring popularity and business acumen in a competitive global market. This list explores the wealthiest LGBTQ+ actors who have leveraged their artistic skills into substantial personal fortunes.

Tessa Thompson

Best known for her commanding presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tessa Thompson has quickly become a Hollywood staple. She gained significant recognition and wealth through her role as Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and its subsequent sequels. Her career includes critically acclaimed performances in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ and the drama ‘Creed’. Thompson identifies as bisexual and openly discusses her attraction to both men and women in interviews. Her consistent work in high-budget franchises ensures her place among the industry’s financially successful talents.

John Barrowman

This Scottish-American actor, singer, and presenter has cultivated a diverse career spanning stage and screen. John Barrowman became a household name and a wealthy figure through his iconic role as Captain Jack Harkness in ‘Doctor Who’ and its spin-off ‘Torchwood’. His work extends to hosting prime-time television shows and releasing musical albums that perform well in the United Kingdom. Barrowman has been openly gay throughout his professional life and remains a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His multifaceted career in the British and American markets has secured him a comfortable fortune.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a celebrated Scottish character actor who has achieved success in theatre, television, and film. He earned a significant portion of his wealth playing Eli Gold on the long-running legal drama ‘The Good Wife’. His filmography includes major commercial hits like ‘X2’ and the ‘Spy Kids’ franchise which bolstered his earnings early in his career. Cumming describes his sexuality as bisexual and has written extensively about his personal life in his memoirs. His ability to move seamlessly between Broadway acclaim and Hollywood blockbusters keeps his income steady.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter achieved mainstream stardom and financial success relatively late in his career but made a massive impact. He rose to prominence and wealth as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’ which earned him an Emmy Award. His work on Broadway in ‘Kinky Boots’ established him as a major talent and opened doors to film roles and fashion endorsements. Porter is known for his gender-fluid fashion and has become a style icon on red carpets globally. His recent ventures into directing and music continue to expand his professional portfolio.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt skyrocketed to fame and fortune as the original star of the Broadway smash hit ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. His performance earned him a Tony Award and led to a lucrative film adaptation and a record deal. He also starred in the Netflix series ‘The Politician’ which reportedly came with a substantial paycheck per episode. Platt is openly gay and frequently incorporates his identity into his music and acting projects. His wealthy background and own rapid success have positioned him well within the entertainment elite.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox made history and built her wealth as a breakout star on the Netflix hit ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Her career has expanded to include major film roles and hosting gigs that have increased her net worth. Cox is a prominent activist whose public speaking engagements and brand partnerships add to her income. Her influence extends beyond acting as she produces documentaries highlighting transgender history.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza developed a cult following and a solid financial foundation playing April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She leveraged that television fame into a successful film career with movies like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘The White Lotus’ season two. Plaza identifies as bisexual and has spoken casually about her sexuality in various media outlets. Her production company allows her to create and profit from independent film projects. She continues to be a sought-after talent for both dark comedies and dramatic roles.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page gained international fame and financial stability early in his career with the title role in ‘Juno’. He continued to earn major paydays appearing in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and the mind-bending blockbuster ‘Inception’. Currently, he stars in the popular series ‘The Umbrella Academy’ which serves as a significant source of his income. Page came out as transgender in 2020 and has since become one of the most visible trans men in Hollywood. His memoir also became a bestseller and added to his overall net worth.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox burst onto the scene as a global superstar in the massive blockbuster ‘Transformers’. Her involvement in that franchise and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ generated millions in box office revenue and personal income. She has been open about her bisexuality for years and remains a fixture in pop culture news. Fox continues to secure roles in action films and thrillers that maintain her earning power. Her brand endorsements and modeling work further supplement her acting revenue.

Luke Evans

Welsh actor Luke Evans has built a fortune through his involvement in some of the biggest film franchises in history. He played the villain Owen Shaw in the ‘Fast & Furious’ series and Bard the Bowman in ‘The Hobbit’ trilogy. These global hits provided him with substantial paychecks and international recognition. Evans is openly gay and has released musical albums that showcase his vocal talents. His ability to lead action movies and perform in musical theatre makes him a versatile and wealthy performer.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a comedy heavyweight during her tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where she was a key cast member for a decade. Her work on the show earned her multiple Emmy Awards and paved the way for high-paying film roles. She starred in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and played a memorable role in the billion-dollar hit ‘Barbie’. McKinnon is the first openly lesbian cast member of ‘SNL’ and has become a comedy icon. Her consistent work in film and television voice acting keeps her finances robust.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes established herself as a top-tier comedian and actress with a career spanning over three decades. Her wealth comes from extensive stand-up tours, writing for award shows, and acting in sitcoms like ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’. She serves as a creator and writer for various projects which provides her with backend profits. Sykes came out as a lesbian in 2008 and has been a vocal advocate for marriage equality. Her voice work in animated films like ‘Ice Age’ also contributes significantly to her net worth.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer charmed audiences and secured his financial future as the lead of the hit series ‘White Collar’. His television success translated into film roles in ‘Magic Mike’ and its sequels which were box office successes. Bomer came out publicly in 2012 and has been a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ family rights. He continues to work steadily in prestigious limited series and film projects. His classic leading man looks and acting range ensure he remains in high demand.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career that has generated consistent wealth for decades. She is perhaps best known for her role as Evelyn Harper on the incredibly lucrative sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’. Her participation in that long-running series resulted in significant residuals and salary earnings. Taylor is in a high-profile relationship with actress Sarah Paulson and identifies as gay. Her work in film and theatre continues to garner critical acclaim and steady paychecks.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has become one of the most acclaimed actresses in television thanks to her collaboration with Ryan Murphy. Her multiple roles in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series have made her a wealthy and recognizable figure. She also starred in and produced the hit series ‘Ratched’ for Netflix. Paulson openly discusses her fluid sexuality and her long-term partnership with Holland Taylor. Her status as a lead actress allows her to command top-tier salaries for television projects.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne began her career as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She successfully transitioned into a media mogul who utilizes social media platforms to generate massive revenue streams alongside her acting. Thorne identifies as pansexual and frequently advocates for sexual freedom and expression. Her business ventures include a record label and a production company that add to her wealth. She remains one of the most financially savvy young talents in the industry.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a dynamic performer who has conquered both the music and film industries. She earned critical praise and good paydays for her roles in the Oscar-nominated films ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. Monáe identifies as non-binary and pansexual and uses her platform to challenge gender norms. Her starring role in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ solidified her status as a bankable Hollywood actress. Music tours and album sales further bolster her impressive net worth.

George Takei

George Takei is a sci-fi legend who amassed his initial fortune playing Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and movies. His enduring popularity at conventions and his massive social media following have kept his income high for decades. Takei came out later in life and has since become a tireless activist for LGBTQ+ rights. He continues to work as a voice actor and author. His legacy as a pioneering Asian-American actor ensures his place in history and financial security.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created, wrote, directed, and starred in the cultural phenomenon ‘Schitt’s Creek’. The show’s massive success on streaming platforms and its historic Emmy sweep generated significant wealth for him. He has since signed lucrative development deals with major streaming services to create new content. Levy is openly gay and the show was praised for its positive representation of queer romance. His move from Canadian television host to global creative force has been incredibly profitable.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch became a comedy icon and a wealthy woman through her role as Sue Sylvester on ‘Glee’. The show’s immense popularity led to high per-episode salaries and syndication royalties. She also hosts the popular game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ which adds another steady stream of income. Lynch is openly lesbian and has been a visible figure in Hollywood for many years. Her distinct comedic voice makes her a favorite for commercials and animated films.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary comedian and actress whose career has remained lucrative since the 1960s. She recently enjoyed a massive financial and critical resurgence starring opposite Jane Fonda in the Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin married her partner Jane Wagner after decades together and has always lived authentically. Her classic film roles in ‘9 to 5’ and extensive one-woman shows built the foundation of her wealth. She remains one of the hardest-working octogenarians in the business.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes became one of the highest-paid actors on television during the original run of ‘Will & Grace’. playing Jack McFarland. The show’s recent revival and continued syndication ensure he receives substantial residual checks. He also co-hosts the incredibly popular podcast ‘SmartLess’ which was acquired in a multimillion-dollar deal. Hayes is openly gay and has produced successful television shows like ‘Grimm’. His business ventures in audio and television production have significantly expanded his net worth.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto gained fame as the villain Sylar on ‘Heroes’ before stepping into the iconic role of Spock in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films. These blockbuster movies provided him with his largest paydays and global recognition. He is openly gay and uses his production company to finance independent films like ‘Margin Call’. Quinto returns to the stage frequently and maintains a diverse portfolio of work. His role in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise remains the cornerstone of his financial success.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a giant of the American theatre and a successful film actor known for ‘The Birdcage’ and voicing Timon in ‘The Lion King’. His voice work in the Disney classic continues to generate royalties from the franchise’s endless spinoffs and merchandise. Lane came out publicly after the death of Matthew Shepard and has been a staunch advocate ever since. He commands top dollar for his Broadway appearances and recurring television roles. His career balances artistic prestige with commercial viability.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain was the king of the television miniseries in the 1980s starring in ‘The Thorn Birds’ and ‘Shogun’. These massive global hits made him one of the most famous and wealthy actors of his era. He came out as gay in his memoir later in life after years of keeping his private life shielded. Chamberlain continued to work in television and theatre well into his senior years. His early investments and peak career earnings secured a lasting fortune.

Rebel Wilson

Australian actress Rebel Wilson broke through internationally as Fat Amy in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ musical franchise. The trilogy’s massive box office success resulted in large performance bonuses and increased her quote for future films. Wilson recently came out and introduced her female partner to the world. She has expanded her career into producing and directing projects in both the US and Australia. Her comedic brand remains highly profitable in the entertainment marketplace.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon earned her place among the wealthy elite as Miranda Hobbes in the groundbreaking HBO series ‘Sex and the City’. The show’s two films and the recent sequel series ‘And Just Like That…’ have provided her with massive paychecks. She identifies as queer and has been a prominent political activist in New York City. Nixon also boasts a successful Broadway career with multiple Tony Awards. The enduring popularity of the ‘Sex and the City’ franchise keeps her income flowing.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is best known for his role as Mitchell Pritchett on the smash-hit sitcom ‘Modern Family’. Starring in one of the most successful comedies of the modern era earned him a high salary and lucrative residuals. He is openly gay and advocates for marriage equality through his own foundation. Ferguson has returned to Broadway and won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Take Me Out’. His television success provides a financial safety net that allows him to pursue passion projects.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ and built a massive empire with Disney Channel’s ‘That’s So Raven’. She produces the spin-off series ‘Raven’s Home’ which keeps her franchise alive and profitable for a new generation. She came out in a tweet celebrating the legalization of gay marriage and has since married her wife Miranda Pearman-Maday. Her longevity in the industry and ownership stakes in her projects have preserved her wealth. She remains a rare example of a child star who maintained success into adulthood.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is best known for his role as Niles Crane on the sitcom ‘Frasier’ for which he won four Emmy Awards. At the peak of the show’s popularity, he earned a staggering per-episode salary that built the bulk of his fortune. Pierce came out publicly in 2007 and married his longtime partner Brian Hargrove. He has since focused largely on Broadway theatre and directed various productions. The residuals from ‘Frasier’ continue to be a significant source of wealth.

Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is a British national treasure known for his comedy partnership with Hugh Laurie and his roles in films like ‘Wilde’ and ‘Gosford Park’. His wealth is derived from acting, hosting ‘QI’, narrating the ‘Harry Potter’ audiobooks, and his best-selling books. Fry is openly gay and has spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health and his marriage. His voice work and writing have proven just as lucrative as his on-screen appearances. He remains one of the most intellectual and versatile figures in entertainment.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne successfully transitioned from a supermodel to a high-earning actress with roles in ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. Her modeling contracts with brands like Burberry and Chanel laid the foundation for her immense wealth. She identifies as pansexual and genderfluid and is a vocal advocate for the queer community. Delevingne continues to star in television series like ‘Carnival Row’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Her dual income streams from fashion and film make her incredibly wealthy.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi gained fame on shows like ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’ which became cult hits. Her acting work provided a solid fortune before she retired from the screen to focus on business and philanthropy. She is married to Ellen DeGeneres and the couple has built a massive real estate portfolio together. De Rossi founded an art curation company which serves as her primary business venture today. Her combined household wealth with De Rossi is astronomical.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris successfully shed his child star image to become the breakout character Barney Stinson on ‘How I Met Your Mother’. The show’s nine-season run earned him a massive salary and endless syndication royalties. He is openly gay and has become a go-to host for major award shows like the Oscars and Tonys. Harris also stars in major film franchises like ‘The Smurfs’ and ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. His likeability and versatility have made him a wealthy and beloved figure.

RuPaul

RuPaul Andre Charles created a global empire with the reality competition franchise ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. As the host, executive producer, and face of the brand, he earns money from the show and its many international spinoffs. He began his career as an underground movie star and singer with the hit ‘Supermodel (You Better Work)’. RuPaul is the most commercially successful drag queen in history. His real estate investments and merchandise lines add millions to his net worth annually.

Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is a titan of acting who achieved massive mainstream wealth through two iconic roles: Gandalf in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and Magneto in ‘X-Men’. These franchises generated billions at the box office and paid him handsomely for his participation. He has been out since 1988 and is a co-founder of the rights group Stonewall. McKellen continues to work in theatre and film well into his eighties. His legacy as one of the world’s greatest actors is matched by his financial success.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became the highest-paid actress in the world during the peak of the ‘Twilight’ saga. The five-film franchise earned her tens of millions of dollars in base salary and backend points. She identifies as bisexual and has since focused on critically acclaimed independent films and directing. Stewart also commands huge fees as the face of Chanel. Her early blockbuster success provided her with financial freedom for life.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah successfully transitioned from a rap pioneer to a box office draw with hits like ‘Chicago’ and ‘Bringing Down the House’. She currently stars in and produces the hit CBS drama ‘The Equalizer’ which provides a substantial salary. While she prefers to keep her private life quiet, she has acknowledged her partner publicly and is celebrated as an LGBTQ+ icon. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, produces films and television shows. She remains one of the few entertainers to conquer music, film, and television equally.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster has been working in Hollywood for over fifty years, transitioning from child star to Academy Award-winning actress and director. Her roles in films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Panic Room’ commanded some of the highest salaries of her time. Foster came out publicly during a Golden Globes speech in 2013 after years of privacy. She continues to act in high-profile projects like ‘True Detective’ and directs episodes for streaming series. Her long career has resulted in a massive and stable fortune.

Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner was already a wealthy Olympic icon before joining the cast of ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’. Her participation in one of reality TV’s most profitable families significantly boosted her net worth. She transitioned publicly in 2015 and documented her journey on the docuseries ‘I Am Cait’. Jenner has written a memoir and continues to make appearances on television. Her wealth is a combination of sports endorsements, television salary, and business ventures.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, known for action hits like ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’. She consistently commands one of the highest salaries in Hollywood for films like ‘Maleficent’. Jolie has been open about her bisexuality throughout her career and has had high-profile relationships with women. Her wealth is also derived from directing and producing various film projects. She remains a powerful force in the global film market.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell built a massive fortune hosting her own daytime talk show ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ in the 90s. The show’s incredible success made her a very wealthy woman through salary and licensing deals. She has appeared in films like ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. O’Donnell has been a vocal lesbian activist since coming out in 2002. She continues to act in television series and perform stand-up comedy.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has been famous since her childhood role in ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ and has built a diverse business empire. She founded the production company Flower Films which produced hits like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ’50 First Dates’. Barrymore identifies as bisexual and currently hosts her own successful daytime talk show. She also owns a lucrative cosmetics line and home goods brand. Her ability to pivot from acting to producing and business has maximized her wealth.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin began his career in the boy band Menudo but achieved massive solo wealth as a global pop superstar and actor. His role in ‘Evita’ on Broadway and appearances in ‘American Crime Story’ showcase his acting talents. He came out as gay in 2010 and has since become a major advocate for LGBTQ+ families. Martin continues to tour globally and act in television series like ‘Palm Royale’. His crossover appeal in both Spanish and English markets drives his high earnings.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus amassed a fortune early in life as the star of Disney Channel’s ‘Hannah Montana’ franchise. The show, movies, and merchandise sales generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. She identifies as pansexual and has built a music career that consistently tops the charts. Cyrus continues to act, appearing in ‘Black Mirror’ and voice roles. Her ability to reinvent her image keeps her relevant and wealthy.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons became the highest-paid actor in television history during the later seasons of ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He reportedly earned one million dollars per episode plus backend profits from syndication. Parsons is openly gay and has produced spinoffs like ‘Young Sheldon’ which add to his income. He has also received acclaim for his work in film and on Broadway. His role as Sheldon Cooper remains the primary driver of his immense net worth.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is a global music icon who has successfully pivoted to becoming a major Hollywood actress. Her roles in ‘A Star Is Born’, ‘House of Gucci’, and ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ have earned her millions and critical acclaim. She identifies as bisexual and is a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights through her Born This Way Foundation. Her wealth comes from touring, album sales, acting, and her cosmetics brand Haus Labs. She is a true multi-hyphenate mogul.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres stands as the wealthiest LGBTQ+ figure in Hollywood history thanks to her daytime talk show empire. For nearly two decades, ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ generated massive profits through advertising and syndication, netting her tens of millions annually. She began as a stand-up comic and sitcom star, famously coming out on her show ‘Ellen’ in 1997. Despite controversies ending her talk show, her production company and real estate investments keep her fortune secure. She remains a pioneer for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media.

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