Openly gay actors
Home / gay topics / Openly gay actors
Rapp began her career on broadway in productions like ‘Mean Girls’ before transitioning to TV with Max’s ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls.’ She reprised her ‘Mean Girls’ role of Regina George on film in 2024, and released a debut album ‘Snow Angel’ in summer 2023.
Sophia Bush
Sophia Bush, best known for her role in early 2000s teen drama ‘One Tree Hill’ came out as queer in an April 2024 article for Glamour where she revealed she is in a relationship with former professional soccer player Ashlyn Harris.
‘I sort of hate the notion of having to come out in 2024.
As she told The Advocate in 2016: “Girls are into me — that’s no secret. ‘It’s just a fact. The actor currently stars in ‘Sweeney Todd’ on Broadway and will appear in the Disney+ series Marvel ‘Agatha All Along’ later this year.
Yasmin Finney
A trans woman, Yasmin Finney plays queer high schooler Elle in Netflix’s ‘Heartstopper.’ She currently has a recurring role on ‘Doctor Who,’ playing the daughter of previous series regular Donna Noble (Catherine Tate).
Jessica Madsen
Jessica Madsen, who plays the character Cressida Cowper on ‘Bridgerton,’ came out as queer on Instagram in June 2024.
Scott has appeared in various TV series, including Budgie, The American, Band of Brothers, The Wars of the Roses, King Lear, His Dark Materials, The Pursuit of Love, Blackout, and The Hour.
His outstanding performances in productions such as Sherlock, The Hollow Crown, Fleabag, and Black Mirror have earned him numerous nominations and awards.
Andrew Scott became an internet sensation for his unforgettable 'Hot Priest' role in Fleabag.
He continues to be a force in both writing and acting.
Ben Whishaw
Ben Whishaw is known for his roles in ‘Skyfall’, ‘Paddington’, and ‘A Very English Scandal’. He’s become an icon of queer excellence, activism, and style.
Matt Bomer
Matt Bomer’s breakout role came in the series ‘White Collar’, and he went on to gain attention for his work in ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Magic Mike’.
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. His classic Hollywood looks and strong performances have earned him a devoted fanbase.
Bomer publicly came out in 2012 and is married with children. His leading-man looks and warm voice make him a fan favorite.
He came out in 2011 and has been an advocate for marriage equality and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Top 50 Best Gay Actors In Hollywood
Andrew Scott is a talented Irish actor known for his impressive work across theater, film, and television. We’re beyond that now, and I don’t think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy.”
“It’s not a crime, it’s not boohoo, that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity,” he said.
Dozens of dazzling LGBTQ performers appear in casting rooms and on our screens every year; ready to take on the authentic queer stories we know plenty of audiences crave.
‘In love with a woman, loud about it, and proud about it!’ she wrote.
Abbi Jacobson
In the words of the Passover ritual, if she had only given us “Broad City,” it would have been enough. 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.
His tall stature and commanding presence make him an unforgettable actor.
Pace came out in 2018 and married his longtime partner in 2022. His portrayal of David Rose won him multiple awards and international acclaim.
Levy came out early in his career and used his platform to normalize queer love and identity through storytelling. Yeah, because I kind of was like, ‘Oh, that’s what this has been.’ It’s been like a little secret, I guess, I’ve been keeping from myself even.’
Reneé Rapp
Actor and singer Reneé Rapp spoke about her lesbian identity in 2024, after having previously identified as bisexual.
His emotional performances and everyman charm endeared him to audiences.
Knight came out in 2006 after being involuntarily outed in a media scandal. 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.