Most famous gay actors
119 Out LGBTQ Performers Changing the Face of Hollywood in the 21st Century
Editor's note: This list, initially published in June 2018, has undergone repeated updates to reflect recent LGBTQ+ disclosures and groundbreaking casting decisions. A complete catalog is unattainable, yet we hope this reflects the transformative landscape of Hollywood as Pride 2024 approaches.
Given the ever-increasing popularity of LGBTQ+ stories on film and television, recognizing openly gay and lesbian acting talents is paramount, particularly those deserving acknowledgment beyond non-binary categories.
The current state of Hollywood in 2024 presents numerous existential inquiries. Nevertheless, the public and creative community engage with pressing questions surrounding representation. Central among these inquiries: should queer roles be exclusively portrayed by queer performers?
This evolving discourse touches upon the very essence of acting. Last year, a prominent figure in the industry, Tom Hanks, addressed this issue in connection with his Oscar-winning performance in 1993's "Philadelphia".
'Let's consider the capacity of a heterosexual man to convincingly embody the complexities of my ‘Philadelphia' role today,' Hanks pondered in his interview with The New York Times. 'Inevitably, the answer is no.'
'The central theme of ‘Philadelphia,' was the importance of overcoming fear,' Hanks continued. 'A key factor in its success was the portrayal of a gay man by an actor embodying the role with authenticity. Times have changed, and the public would likely reject a straight actor inhabiting such a persona today.'
'The demand for authenticity in modern cinema is not a regrettable phenomenon but rather a necessary evolution,' he asserted.
Many gifted LGBTQ+ actors regularly audition and appear in prominent roles, eager to depict authentic queer characters that audiences seek. Some of these talents have long championed LGBTQ+ rights, while others, recently emerging, have leveraged their newfound visibility to advocate for equality.
Discover these actors now and delve further into IndieWire's 2023 guide on emerging LGBTQ+ film and television creators.
With insightful contributions from Jude Dry and Alison Foreman.
Jessica Gunning
British actress Jessica Gunning achieved widespread recognition in 2024 after years as a character actress. Her compelling portrayal of an abusive stalker in the popular Netflix series, 'Baby Reindeer,' propelled her to stardom. Following her breakthrough, she openly identified as lesbian in a June 2024 interview with the "Reign With Josh Smith" podcast. Gunning recounted her coming-out journey to friends and family in 2022, which she perceived as a significant milestone.
'Being surrounded by a predominantly gay social circle,' Gunning commented, 'didn't necessarily require a deep disclosure on my behalf. My hesitation was rooted in self-acceptance, and articulating my truth remained a challenge. Finally sharing my identity with my family over the Christmas holiday resulted in an extended period of self-reflection.'
Reneé Rapp
In 2024, actor and singer Reneé Rapp publicly acknowledged her lesbian identity, having previously self-identified as bisexual. Rapp began her career in Broadway productions, notably "Mean Girls." Subsequently transitioning to television, she starred in Max's "The Sex Lives of College Girls." She reprised her role as Regina George in the 2024 film adaptation of "Mean Girls" and released her debut album "Snow Angel" in summer 2023.
Sophia Bush
Renowned for her role in the 2000s teen drama "One Tree Hill," Sophia Bush publicly identified as queer in an April 2024 article for Glamour. In the piece, she revealed her relationship with former professional soccer player Ashlyn Harris.
'Though compelled to acknowledge my queer identity in 2024, I'm conscious that our current social climate faces intense opposition against LGBTQIA+ rights,' Bush asserted in her article. 'With over 500 proposed anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in state legislatures last year, I believe that coming out deserves respect and recognition. I've always felt welcome within the LGBTQIA+ community and feel a strong sense of belonging.'
Taylor Tomlinson
Comedian and "After Midnight" host Taylor Tomlinson acknowledged her bisexuality during her February 2024 Netflix stand-up special "Have It All." In her routine, she humorously mused on the difficulties of dating women, comparing it to the challenges presented by binge-watching 'Euphoria.'
'Coming out as bisexual is daunting,' she confessed. 'The notion of having one's identity scrutinized often triggers a demanding need for external proof. The scrutiny is unsettling and is not entirely without pressure.'
- … (Remaining list items continue similarly) …