Straight Actors Who Learned Drag Just to Support Their Queer Co-Stars

Hollywood has a long history of straight actors stepping into high heels and wigs to portray complex drag characters. These performers often take on these challenging roles to stretch their acting abilities while shining a light on the LGBTQ+ community. Many of these stars have expressed deep admiration for the art of drag and the resilience of the individuals they portray. Their willingness to embrace femininity on screen often serves as a powerful statement of allyship in an industry that traditionally favored rigid masculinity. The following list highlights straight actors who immersed themselves in drag culture to deliver unforgettable performances.

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze shocked audiences and critics alike when he traded his action star persona for a wig and gown in ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’. He played the matriarchal Vida Boheme with a level of grace and dignity that defied the comedic expectations of the time. Swayze studied with real drag queens to perfect his mannerisms and ensure his portrayal was respectful rather than mockery. The actor described the experience as transformative and used his platform to advocate for acceptance during a less tolerant era. His dedication to the role remains one of the most celebrated examples of a straight actor honoring drag culture.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes joined Patrick Swayze in ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’ as the sassy and bold Noxeema Jackson. Known primarily for his intense action roles and martial arts skills, Snipes fully committed to the physical and emotional demands of drag. He spent hours in the makeup chair and learned to walk in heels to authentically embody the character. The performance allowed Snipes to showcase his comedic timing while humanizing a community that was often marginalized in mainstream media. His portrayal proved that masculinity and femininity are not mutually exclusive concepts for a talented performer.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo completed the iconic trio in ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’ by playing the young and naive Chi-Chi Rodriguez. Leguizamo brought a frantic energy and vulnerability to the role that balanced the poise of his co-stars. He immersed himself in the New York City drag scene to understand the grit and glamour required for the part. The actor has frequently spoken about how this role opened his eyes to the struggles faced by queer individuals. Leguizamo considers Chi-Chi one of his most important characters due to the visibility it provided for Latinx drag queens.

Hugo Weaving

Hugo Weaving delivered a career-defining performance as Mitzi Del Bra in the Australian classic ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. Weaving managed to capture the duality of a drag queen who is confident on stage but struggles with personal insecurities off stage. He worked tirelessly to master the flamboyant dance numbers and the subtle emotional beats of the script. The film became a global sensation and helped bring drag culture into the cinematic mainstream. Weaving maintains that the role taught him invaluable lessons about empathy and the spectrum of human identity.

Guy Pearce

Guy Pearce famously portrayed the flamboyant and reckless Adam Whitely, also known as Felicia Jollygoodfellow, in ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. Pearce fully embraced the camp aesthetic and high-energy performance style required for the character. His portrayal was physically demanding and required him to perform elaborate lip-sync numbers atop a moving bus in the Australian outback. The actor credited the role with helping him break away from his soap opera heartthrob image. Pearce remains a vocal supporter of the film’s legacy and its positive impact on queer representation.

Terence Stamp

Terence Stamp brought gravitas and elegance to the role of Bernadette Bassenger in ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. While Bernadette is a transgender woman, Stamp’s performance is often celebrated alongside his drag queen co-stars for anchoring the film with emotional depth. He approached the character with a seriousness that avoided caricature and highlighted the human struggle for dignity. Stamp admitted that the role was a significant departure from his previous work but found the challenge deeply rewarding. His sensitive portrayal earned him broad acclaim and demonstrated his immense range as an actor.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor dazzled audiences as the drag queen Lola in the British film ‘Kinky Boots’. He underwent an intense physical transformation to play the cabaret singer who helps save a failing shoe factory. Ejiofor trained extensively to master the singing and dancing requirements while maintaining the commanding presence of Lola. The actor focused on showing the strength and resilience required to live authentically in a judgmental society. His performance was praised for its warmth and played a crucial role in the story’s message of acceptance and understanding.

Tom Holland

Tom Holland created a viral sensation with his performance of ‘Umbrella’ on the show ‘Lip Sync Battle’. The Spider-Man actor donned a black latex bodysuit and performed a complex dance routine in full drag to honor Rihanna. Holland stated that he wanted to push boundaries and show that he was comfortable enough in his masculinity to embrace the feminine choreography. The performance was widely praised by the LGBTQ+ community as a joyful and uninhibited display of allyship. It remains one of the most popular clips in the show’s history and showcased his background in dance.

Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum famously embraced drag during his appearance on ‘Lip Sync Battle’ where he performed as Beyoncé. He emerged in full costume and makeup to deliver a high-energy routine that surprised the audience and the host. Tatum fully committed to the fierce persona and even brought Beyoncé herself onto the stage to finish the number. His willingness to make fun of himself while paying tribute to a female icon was seen as a refreshing break from traditional leading man stereotypes. The moment highlighted his security in his own identity and his support for entertainment in all forms.

Liev Schreiber

Liev Schreiber took on the role of Vilma in the Ang Lee film ‘Taking Woodstock’. Vilma is a cross-dressing ex-marine who provides security and emotional support to the protagonist during the historic music festival. Schreiber approached the character with a gentle strength that defied the aggressive stereotypes often associated with his other roles. He focused on the maternal and protective instincts of Vilma to create a lovable and grounded character. The performance was a quiet standout in the film and showcased Schreiber’s ability to play against type with great sensitivity.

Willem Dafoe

Willem Dafoe delivered a memorable performance as FBI agent Paul Smecker in ‘The Boondock Saints’. The character famously dresses in drag for a tactical operation in a scene that has become a cult favorite. Dafoe threw himself into the absurdity of the moment with his trademark intensity and commitment. While the scene is comedic, it contributes to the eccentric and unpredictable nature of the character. Dafoe has often taken on roles that challenge societal norms and this brief foray into drag was no exception.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman starred as Rusty in the film ‘Flawless’ alongside Robert De Niro. He played a drag queen and vocal coach who forms an unlikely friendship with a conservative security guard. Hoffman brought his immense acting talent to the role and refused to play Rusty as a mere punchline. He found the humanity and pain beneath the wig and makeup to deliver a heartbreakingly real performance. His portrayal remains a testament to his dedication to complex characters and marginalized voices.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs stepped into the heels of the title character in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ for a limited Broadway run. He was the first black actor to play the role of the genderqueer rock singer in New York. Diggs embraced the glam rock aesthetic and the emotional vulnerability required for the demanding stage production. He viewed the opportunity as a way to challenge perceptions of black masculinity in theatre. His performance was energetic and proved his versatility as a musical theatre performer and ally.

Andrew Garfield

Andrew Garfield starred in the music video for the Arcade Fire song ‘We Exist’. He played a character struggling with gender identity who finds empowerment through drag and self-expression. Garfield shaved his head and donned women’s clothing to authentically portray the emotional journey of the character. He famously appeared on stage with the band at Coachella in character to support the song’s message. The actor spoke passionately about the need for inclusivity and the power of the song’s anthem for the queer community.

Tim Curry

Tim Curry created one of the most iconic characters in cinema history as Dr Frank N Furter in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. Curry played the “sweet transvestite” scientist with a magnetic charisma that has captivated audiences for decades. He balanced camp, sexuality, and menace in a performance that defined the cult classic genre. Curry fully embraced the gender-bending nature of the role and became an unlikely sex symbol for many. His fearless portrayal helped pave the way for more fluid representations of gender in rock and roll and film.

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