Gay actor

Home / celebrities people / Gay actor

Knight

T.R. While coming out in Hollywood was once considered career-ending, many brave actors have helped shatter those outdated perceptions, inspiring countless fans while living authentically and proudly. Some may be newer to Hollywood, but are using their platforms to speak up for LGBTQ rights.

Get to know these actors now.

His work in television and theater has earned him multiple accolades.

He came out publicly in 2007 and has been married to his partner since 2008. These gay actors not only contribute immensely to the art of film and television, but they also stand as icons of progress and representation.

This list celebrates 30 of the most famous gay actors—trailblazers, icons, and rising stars alike—who have left an undeniable mark on global culture.

He remains one of the few high-profile gay Asian-American actors in Hollywood.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz broke ground as one of the first openly gay actors to play a gay teen on TV with ‘My So-Called Life’. Quinto is now an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ issues and continues to challenge Hollywood norms.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons achieved global fame for playing Sheldon Cooper in the long-running sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’, a role that earned him four Emmy Awards.

Robot’. His classic Hollywood looks and strong performances have earned him a devoted fanbase.

Bomer publicly came out in 2012 and is married with children.

gay actor

I think I’ve always known that my sexuality exists on a spectrum. His charisma, comedic timing, and range have earned him critical and popular acclaim.

Openly gay since 2006, Harris has become a symbol of pride in Hollywood. He has also emerged as a source of inspiration for many as an outspoken gay actor and supporter of LGBTQ+ representation.

8.

His trailblazing continues to resonate.

David Hyde Pierce

Famous for playing Niles Crane on ‘Frasier’, David Hyde Pierce is a master of wit and neurotic charm. —JD

  • Alan Cumming

    Scottish Emmy winner, Tony winner, and “The Traitors” reality show host Alan Cumming has been openly bisexual his entire career, and married his husband in 2012.

    These people have achieved great success in their professions and made significant contributions to the struggle for representation and equality.

    List Of Top 10 Famous Male Gay Celebrities In The World 2025

    1. He has also starred in acclaimed films like Dead Bodies, Saving Private Ryan, Spectre, Victor Frankenstein, Alice Through the Looking Glass, 1917, and Cognition.

    His notable theater credits include Design for Living, Present Laughter, Three Kings, Hamlet, Emperor, and Galilean, demonstrating his remarkable versatility as a performer.

  • 119 Out LGBTQ Performers Changing the Face of Hollywood in the 21st Century

    Editor’s note: This list was originally published in June 2018, and has been updated multiple times since to reflect new comings outs and groundbreaking LGBTQ castings.

    Of course, it’s part of my make-up, but I don’t want to trade on it.’ Scott most recently received acclaim for his performance in ‘All of Us Strangers’ and Netflix limited series ‘Ripley,’ and will star in ‘Knives Out’ sequel film ‘Wake Up Dead Man.’ 

  • Rupert Everett

    Rupert Everett, best known for his role in ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding,’ has identified as gay since early in his career, although he has had relationships with both men and women, including a six-year-long affair with TV presenter Paula Yates.

    Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • It was just that I didn’t think I could be and I still can’t articulate it in the best way,’ Gunning said. His work and identity challenge conventional labels and norms.

    BD Wong

    BD Wong is best known for his roles in ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Law & Order: SVU’, and ‘Mr.

    So it wasn’t that I was, like, repressing anything. And that feels pretty great.’ 

  • Taylor Tomlinson

    Comedian and ‘After Midnight’ host Taylor Tomlinson came out as bisexual in her February 2024 Netflix stand-up special ‘Have It All,’ joking that ‘I’ve been trying to figure out if I’m bisexual, or if I just binged ‘Euphoria’ too fast.

    Groff’s charm and openness have made him a beloved figure across audiences.

    Luke Evans

    Welsh actor Luke Evans has starred in major blockbusters like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘The Hobbit’ series. Cheyenne Jackson

    American singer, songwriter, and actor Cheyenne Jackson is renowned for his extraordinary versatility as a performer and a creative artist.

    Last year, the industry’s resident good guy Tom Hanks gave an answer in regards to his Oscar-recognized role in 1993’s “Philadelphia.”

    “Let’s address ‘could a straight man do what I did in ‘Philadelphia’ now?’” Hanks told The New York Times. Guillermo Díaz

    American actor Guillermo Díaz is a Hollywood mainstay thanks to his spectacular performances.

    But since her massive breakout success as one hald of the Comedy Central hit, Abbi Jacobson has forged her own path without Ilana Glazer, making a mark all her own.