The Most Overlooked Bisexual Actors

Bisexual men in the entertainment industry have often faced a unique set of challenges, including erasure and the pressure to conform to binary labels. While many actors have lived their lives openly, their contributions and identities are frequently overshadowed by their more famous roles or the social norms of their era. From Hollywood’s Golden Age to the contemporary streaming era, these performers have navigated a complex landscape to share their authenticity. Recognizing these individuals helps to create a more comprehensive understanding of film history and LGBTQ+ representation. This list highlights talented men whose bisexual or fluid identities are an essential part of their legacy.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades, known for his versatility on stage and screen. He publicly came out as bisexual in the late 1990s and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His career includes notable performances in films like ‘Spy Kids’ and the hit television series ‘The Good Wife’. He often speaks about the importance of bisexual visibility and the fluidity of human attraction. Cumming has won numerous awards, including a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway revival of ‘Cabaret’.

Tyler Blackburn

Tyler Blackburn rose to fame as Caleb Rivers on the popular teen drama ‘Pretty Little Liars’. In 2019, he came out as bisexual during an interview, discussing his journey toward self-acceptance and the pressure of public expectations. He appeared in the television series ‘Roswell, New Mexico’, where his character also explored queer themes and relationships. Blackburn has highlighted the lack of bisexual representation for men in media and hopes his openness helps others. He continues to work in both acting and music, maintaining a strong connection with his dedicated fanbase.

Kit Connor

Kit Connor gained international recognition for his role as Nick Nelson in the popular Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’. Following intense public speculation and pressure on social media, he came out as bisexual in late 2022. The actor voiced his frustration with being forced to label himself before he was ready to share that part of his life. Despite the circumstances of his announcement, he has become a significant figure for bisexual youth representation globally. He has also appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’ and provided voice work for the series ‘His Dark Materials’.

Raúl Esparza

Raul Esparza is a highly acclaimed stage and television actor, best known for his long-running role as Rafael Barba on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He came out as bisexual in a 2006 interview, where he shared details about his past marriage to a woman and his relationships with men. Esparza has earned four Tony Award nominations in four different acting categories, showcasing his immense range as a performer. His work often bridges the gap between traditional Broadway performance and gritty television drama. He remains one of the few openly bisexual men in high-profile procedural television.

Daniel Newman

Daniel Newman is an actor and musician known for his roles in ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries’. He came out as bisexual in 2017 through a video on social media, emphasizing the need for visibility in the entertainment industry. Newman has since become an active advocate for LGBTQ+ causes and has worked with various nonprofit organizations. He often discusses the challenges bisexual men face regarding stereotypes and erasure within both the queer community and the mainstream public. His acting career continues with various projects in independent film and television.

Nico Tortorella

Nico Tortorella is an actor and model known for their role in the television series ‘Younger’ and ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’. They identify as non-binary and pansexual, often discussing the fluidity of their identity and their polyamorous marriage. Tortorella has written a memoir titled ‘Space Between’, which explores themes of gender, sexuality, and spirituality. Their public presence is defined by a commitment to breaking down traditional binaries and promoting radical self-expression. They continue to be a leading voice in the conversation regarding modern queer identity.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale is an Australian actor and singer who played Wally West in the series ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. He came out in 2017, stating that he does not like labels but is attracted to people regardless of their gender. His role in the film ‘Love, Simon’ was a landmark moment for queer cinema, and he has since used his platform to promote authenticity. Lonsdale is also an accomplished musician, often incorporating themes of self-discovery and love into his work. He frequently challenges traditional masculine norms through his fashion choices and public appearances.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller has appeared in major film franchises, including ‘Fantastic Beasts’ and as the title character in ‘The Flash’. They came out as queer in 2012, explaining that they have many wonderful friends of different sexes and genders. Miller has often discussed their rejection of the gender binary and their preference for a fluid identity. Their career includes critically acclaimed roles in independent films like ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ and ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. They have remained a polarizing yet significant figure in discussions about queer visibility in blockbuster cinema.

Lucas Hedges

Lucas Hedges is an Academy Award-nominated actor known for his roles in ‘Manchester by the Sea’, ‘Boy Erased’, and ‘Lady Bird’. In 2018, he described his sexuality as a spectrum, stating that while he had mostly been attracted to women, he had also experienced attraction to men. He expressed a desire to remain fluid in his identity rather than adopting a specific label like bisexual or gay. Hedges has played several queer characters on screen, bringing depth and nuance to their stories. He continues to be one of the most sought-after young actors in Hollywood for dramatic roles.

Billie Joe Armstrong

Billie Joe Armstrong is primarily known as the lead vocalist of the band Green Day, but he has also acted in projects like ‘Ordinary World’ and the Broadway musical ‘American Idiot’. He has been open about his bisexuality since the 1990s, discussing it in interviews with magazines like ‘The Advocate’. Armstrong has stated that he believes everyone is born bisexual and that society often suppresses these natural inclinations. His long career in the public eye has made him a stable, if sometimes overlooked, figure in bisexual history. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and continues to influence both the music and film industries.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando is widely considered one of the greatest actors of all time, known for his legendary performances in ‘The Godfather’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’. In a 1976 interview, he openly admitted to having had homosexual experiences and stated that he was not ashamed of them. Biographies have since detailed his numerous relationships with both men and women throughout his life. Brando’s frankness about his sexuality was ahead of its time for a Hollywood leading man. His legacy continues to influence generations of actors who value method acting and complex characterizations.

James Dean

James Dean became a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment through his roles in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ and ‘East of Eden’. While he died young at the age of 24, biographers have extensively documented his fluid sexuality and relationships with both sexes. Many accounts from his contemporaries suggest that Dean did not adhere to traditional sexual labels during his short life. He remains a symbol of youthful rebellion and a significant, though often debated, figure in LGBTQ+ history. His impact on cinema and fashion persists decades after his passing.

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift was a four-time Academy Award nominee known for his sensitive acting style in films like ‘From Here to Eternity’ and ‘A Place in the Sun’. Throughout his career, he maintained relationships with both men and women, though the social climate of the 1950s kept much of his private life out of the press. His biographers have detailed the inner conflict he faced regarding his sexuality during the restrictive Hollywood studio era. Clift is often cited as a pioneer of the method acting style that would later be popularized by others. His tragic life and career remain a subject of fascination for film historians and fans alike.

Sal Mineo

Sal Mineo was a two-time Oscar nominee best known for his role opposite James Dean in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. He was one of the first major Hollywood actors to be relatively open about his bisexuality during the 1960s and 1970s. Mineo’s career spanned film, television, and theater, where he often sought out challenging and boundary-pushing roles. He was a vocal supporter of gay rights and visibility before his untimely death in 1976. His contributions to queer cinema history are increasingly recognized by modern critics and historians.

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier is regarded as one of the most famous and technically proficient actors of the 20th century. While he was married to famous actresses including Vivien Leigh, biographers have documented his long-term romantic and sexual relationship with actor Danny Kaye. His sexuality was complex and often kept private to protect his status as a premiere Shakespearian actor and film star. Olivier appeared in classics such as ‘Rebecca’ and ‘Spartacus’, earning numerous Academy Awards and honors. His legacy is that of a titan of the stage whose private life was as intricate as the characters he portrayed.

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness was a versatile actor known for his roles in ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ and as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. He struggled with his sexuality for much of his life, which was detailed in posthumous biographies based on his personal diaries. Guinness was married to a woman for many years but had several documented relationships and encounters with men. He reportedly felt a deep sense of conflict between his private desires and his public persona and religious faith. Despite his personal struggles, he remains one of the most respected actors in British cinematic history.

Richard Burton

Richard Burton was a Welsh actor known for his booming voice and high-profile relationship with Elizabeth Taylor. In his personal diaries, he wrote about his curiosity regarding bisexuality and admitted to having experiences with men early in his career. While he lived most of his life as a heterosexual public figure, his internal reflections suggested a more fluid understanding of attraction. Burton was nominated for seven Academy Awards and starred in iconic films like ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’. He remains a legendary figure of the silver age of Hollywood.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins is best remembered for his chilling performance as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho’. He lived a largely private life, but biographers have confirmed he had relationships with both men and women, including a long-term relationship with actor Tab Hunter. Perkins eventually married a woman and had children, further complicating the public’s perception of his identity. His career was defined by his ability to play nervous, complex, and often misunderstood characters. He remains a central figure in the history of queer Hollywood and psychological thrillers.

David Bowie

David Bowie was a transformative artist who excelled in both music and acting, appearing in films like ‘Labyrinth’ and ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’. He famously came out as bisexual in a 1972 interview and later reaffirmed this identity in the mid-1970s. Bowie’s career was built on the subversion of gender norms and the exploration of alien or “other” identities. While he later described his sexual identity in varying ways, his impact on bisexual visibility and queer culture is immeasurable. He is celebrated for his creative courage and his ability to constantly reinvent himself.

Peter Finch

Peter Finch was an Academy Award-winning actor known for his powerful performance in the 1976 film ‘Network’. He had a reputation for a tumultuous private life, which included romantic involvements with both men and women. His biographers have highlighted his fluid sexuality as a significant aspect of his personality that he did not feel the need to hide from his close associates. Finch’s career took him from Australia to international stardom, and he remains the first actor to win a posthumous Oscar. His work continues to be studied for its intensity and emotional honesty.

Denholm Elliott

Denholm Elliott was a prolific British character actor known for his roles in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘A Room with a View’. He was openly bisexual within his personal circles and was supported by his wife, who wrote about their life together after his death. Elliott appeared in over 120 films and television shows, often playing eccentric or refined gentlemen. He won three consecutive BAFTA Awards for Best Supporting Actor, a testament to his skill and consistency. His ability to balance a successful career with a private, non-traditional lifestyle was remarkable for his time.

Tyrone Power

Tyrone Power was one of the top box-office draws of the 1930s and 1940s, known for his handsome features and swashbuckling roles in ‘The Mark of Zorro’. Though he was a romantic lead often paired with women, his bisexuality was well-known within Hollywood circles. Biographers have detailed his relationships with men throughout his three marriages to women. Power’s career was cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 44 while filming a movie in Spain. He remains an icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood’s leading men.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant is a quintessential Hollywood icon known for his wit, charm, and roles in classics like ‘North by Northwest’ and ‘The Philadelphia Story’. For decades, rumors and biographical accounts have suggested that Grant was bisexual, frequently pointing to his long-term living arrangement with actor Randolph Scott. While Grant never publicly confirmed these reports, several of his wives and close friends have offered intriguing insights into his private life. He maintained a polished public image while navigating a complex personal identity behind the scenes. Grant’s influence on the “leading man” archetype is still felt in modern cinema.

Alan Bates

Alan Bates was a major star of the British stage and screen, appearing in films such as ‘Women in Love’ and ‘The Go-Between’. He was married to a woman but had several long-term relationships with men, which were discussed openly by his family after his death. Bates was known for his willingness to take on sexually provocative roles at a time when such topics were often taboo. He received an Academy Award nomination and won a Tony Award during his distinguished career. His life is often cited as an example of the quiet complexity of many actors during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Charles Laughton

Charles Laughton was a celebrated actor and director known for his roles in ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ and ‘Witness for the Prosecution’. He was married to actress Elsa Lanchester, who later revealed in her autobiography that Laughton had told her about his attractions to men early in their marriage. Despite the potential for scandal in that era, they remained married for 33 years until his death. Laughton’s career was marked by his immense physical presence and his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters. He is remembered as one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation.

Helmut Berger

Helmut Berger was an Austrian actor who became a star in European cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. He was a frequent collaborator and partner of director Luchino Visconti and was open about his bisexuality throughout his career. Known for his striking looks and roles in films like ‘The Damned’ and ‘Ludwig’, he was often referred to as one of the most beautiful men in the world. Berger’s public life was often characterized by his unapologetic attitude toward his sexuality and lifestyle. He remained a prominent figure in international cinema for many years.

Michael Stipe

Michael Stipe is the lead singer of the band R.E.M. but has also been involved in film production and acting, appearing in projects like ‘Color of a Brisk and Leaping Day’. In the early 1990s, he described his sexuality as fluid, rejecting rigid labels while acknowledging attractions to both men and women. Stipe has used his platform to advocate for AIDS awareness and LGBTQ+ rights throughout his career. As a producer, he worked on acclaimed films such as ‘Being John Malkovich’ and ‘Velvet Goldmine’. He continues to be a respected figure in the arts for his creative integrity and social activism.

Robert Preston

Robert Preston was a versatile actor of stage and screen, most famous for his role as Harold Hill in ‘The Music Man’. While he was married to his wife for over 40 years, posthumous accounts and biographies have noted his private bisexuality and relationships with men. He played a prominent gay character in the 1982 film ‘Victor/Victoria’, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. This role was seen as a significant moment in his career, as it allowed him to explore queer themes on screen. Preston’s ability to transition between musical comedy and serious drama earned him widespread respect in the industry.

Clifton Webb

Clifton Webb was an American actor and dancer who earned three Academy Award nominations for films like ‘Laura’ and ‘The Razor’s Edge’. He was known for his sophisticated and often acerbic screen persona, which mirrored his real-life reputation. Webb was a closeted bisexual who lived with his mother for most of his life, a dynamic that was well-known in Hollywood circles. Despite the era’s restrictions, his public image often played with themes of bachelorhood and refinement that hinted at his private identity. He remains a celebrated figure of classic cinema’s character actors.

Victor Spinetti

Victor Spinetti was a Welsh actor and writer who appeared in over 30 films, including the Beatles’ films ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and ‘Help!’. He was openly bisexual within the industry and discussed his relationships with both men and women in his autobiography. Spinetti was a close friend to many major stars and was known for his storytelling ability and comedic timing. He won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Oh, What a Lovely War!’ on Broadway. His long career spanned theater, film, and television, making him a beloved figure in British entertainment.

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