20 White Actors Who Say They’ll Only Play Gay Roles From Now On

The conversation around authentic casting in Hollywood has shifted dramatically in recent years. Many performers are now taking a stand by prioritizing queer narratives and insisting that LGBTQ+ characters should be portrayed by actors with lived experience. This movement aims to correct decades of straight actors receiving acclaim for playing gay roles while openly gay actors struggled to find work. The following list highlights actors who have vowed to focus on queer storytelling or have championed the importance of authentic representation in the industry.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller sparked a major industry conversation when he announced his decision to step away from his role in ‘Prison Break’. The actor posted a statement on social media declaring he would no longer play straight characters because their stories had been told repeatedly. Miller emphasized that he wanted to see more gay characters informed by their struggles rather than defined by them. His refusal to return to the franchise that made him famous demonstrated a serious commitment to authentic representation.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation throughout his career. After coming out, the actor expressed that he would be thrilled to exclusively play queer roles for the rest of his life. Page stars in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ where his character notably transitioned alongside him. He argues that straight actors are never asked if they worry about being typecast as straight and believes queer actors should have the same freedom to explore their own stories.

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner made history with ‘Bros’ by producing a romantic comedy featuring an entirely LGBTQ+ principal cast. He has frequently criticized the industry habit of awarding straight actors for playing gay roles while ignoring out performers. Eichner believes that gay actors bring a necessary nuance and lived history to these parts that cannot be replicated. His work consistently centers on gay men navigating modern relationships and he champions casting that reflects the community accurately.

Luke Macfarlane

Luke Macfarlane spent years playing straight romantic leads in Hallmark movies before publicly prioritizing gay roles. He starred alongside Billy Eichner in ‘Bros’ and expressed relief at finally playing a character that aligned with his own identity. Macfarlane has discussed the liberation of being on a set where the entire cast shares a common vocabulary and experience. He continues to advocate for more diverse queer storytelling in the romance genre.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is best known for ‘The Big Bang Theory’ but has shifted his focus toward producing and starring in queer-centric projects. He played a pivotal role in the revival and film adaptation of ‘The Boys in the Band’ which featured an all-gay cast. Parsons has stated that there is an undeniable power when gay actors play gay characters. He believes this authenticity creates a unique chemistry and depth that elevates the storytelling.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer lived in the closet for years to protect his career before coming out and embracing authentic roles. He received critical acclaim for his performance in ‘Fellow Travelers’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. Bomer has spoken about the importance of telling our own stories and the responsibility he feels toward the community. He actively seeks out projects that shed light on LGBTQ+ history and political struggles.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto came out publicly in 2011 and has since dedicated much of his career to queer advocacy and visibility. He starred in the recent production of ‘The Boys in the Band’ and emphasizes the importance of preserving gay history through film and theater. Quinto argues that having open actors in these roles adds layers of truth to the performance. He continues to produce and support independent films that highlight underrepresented queer voices.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells has built a successful career on both stage and screen by often playing flamboyant and complex gay characters. He has been vocal about the joy of working with other queer actors in projects like ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘The Prom’. Rannells believes that authentic casting eliminates the need for straight actors to rely on stereotypes. His work consistently celebrates the humor and resilience of the gay community.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy created ‘Schitt’s Creek’ with a specific mission to present a world without homophobia. He has stated that he has no interest in telling stories that do not include or center LGBTQ+ characters. Levy uses his platform to ensure that queer love stories are given the same weight and romance as straight ones. He remains committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for queer actors to thrive.

Ben Aldridge

Ben Aldridge came out later in his career and immediately pivoted toward roles that celebrated his identity. He starred in ‘Spoiler Alert’ and ‘Knock at the Cabin’ playing complex gay leads. Aldridge has expressed how much more fulfilling he finds it to play characters that reflect his own life experiences. He advocates for the idea that queer actors should be the first choice for queer roles.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff has been an out actor for most of his career and notably starred in the HBO series ‘Looking’. He has discussed the profound emotional connection he feels when telling gay stories. Groff often collaborates with other queer artists to bring nuanced portrayals of gay life to the screen. He champions the idea that vulnerability in acting comes from a place of personal truth.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett experienced a career resurgence with his roles in ‘The White Lotus’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He has spoken about his love for playing gay characters because he feels they are often more interesting and layered. Bartlett appreciates the current industry shift that allows older gay actors to play romantic and sexual beings. He consistently chooses roles that challenge traditional masculinity and explore queer intimacy.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander received widespread acclaim for his lead role in the drama ‘It’s a Sin’. He has explicitly agreed with showrunner Russell T Davies that gay roles should be played by gay actors to ensure authenticity. Alexander believes that the nuances of the queer experience are best portrayed by those who have lived them. He continues to use his music and acting platforms to fight for LGBTQ+ visibility.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie has long been a champion for gay actors playing gay roles and famously starred in ‘Ugly Betty’. He led the cast of the holiday rom-com ‘Single All the Way’ and celebrated the film for avoiding tragic tropes. Urie argues that authentic casting allows for a specific type of shorthand and comfort on set. He actively supports theater and film projects that aim to reclaim queer narratives.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver works frequently with his twin brother and has transitioned from teen heartthrob roles to complex queer characters. He starred in ‘The Boys in the Band’ and ‘Teen Wolf’ while advocating for better representation for young gay men. Carver has opened up about the difficulty of separating his public persona from his private life. He now focuses on projects that allow him to be his authentic self.

Tuc Watkins

Tuc Watkins has been a working actor for decades and has recently focused on portraying gay fathers and partners. He starred in ‘Uncoupled’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’ alongside other out actors. Watkins believes that visibility is crucial and that playing gay characters allows him to be a role model he never had. He consistently supports casting decisions that prioritize the LGBTQ+ community.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes made history with his iconic role in ‘Will & Grace’ and has continued to push for gay visibility in media. He produced the animated series ‘Q-Force’ and champions queer talent through his various production ventures. Hayes has spoken about the importance of gay actors claiming their space in Hollywood. He remains a powerful voice for ensuring that gay characters are at the center of the narrative.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson became a household name playing a gay father on ‘Modern Family’ for over a decade. He has dedicated his career to humanizing gay relationships for mainstream audiences. Ferguson advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ families and brings that passion to his acting work. He continues to select stage and screen roles that explore the diversity of the gay experience.

Gus Kenworthy

Gus Kenworthy transitioned from being an Olympic skier to an actor and took on a role in ‘American Horror Story’. He has spoken about the pressure to conform to masculine stereotypes in sports and the freedom he found in acting. Kenworthy is committed to increasing visibility for gay men in all forms of media. He actively pursues roles that challenge the public perception of what it means to be a gay man.

Connor Jessup

Connor Jessup came out publicly to set an example for his younger fans and has since taken on queer roles in shows like ‘Locke & Key’. He has written about the importance of honest representation and the harm caused by closeted acting. Jessup directs and acts in projects that explore the fluidity of youth and identity. He believes that the most powerful stories come from artists who are willing to be vulnerable about who they are.

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