Gay Actors Who Are Surprisingly Republican

by

Though Hollywood is generally seen as leaning left politically, some well-known gay and bisexual actors have publicly supported the Republican Party. These performers managed to build careers in the entertainment industry while holding conservative beliefs or officially identifying as Republicans. Their stories show that the LGBTQ+ community isn’t politically uniform, and this list highlights several prominent examples of gay or bisexual actors who were confirmed Republicans.

Robert Reed

Robert Reed, best known as the dad, Mike Brady, on ‘The Brady Bunch’, was a lifelong Republican with traditionally conservative beliefs. While he kept his personal life private and didn’t publicly discuss his sexuality until after his death in 1992, many of his friends and colleagues knew his political views. Despite his success on the cheerful sitcom, Reed preferred acting in more dramatic and serious roles, and his dedication to the Republican Party was a core part of who he was throughout his career.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero was a highly successful actor, most famous for playing the Joker in the 1960s ‘Batman’ TV show. Though known for his colorful on-screen characters, Romero was a dedicated Republican who consistently championed conservative ideas and politicians. He often attended Republican National Conventions and was a strong supporter of both Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. Throughout his decades-long career, he remained true to his political beliefs, even when it went against the grain in Hollywood. Romero never married and, while widely known within the industry, kept his personal life private.

Jim Nabors

Jim Nabors is best remembered for playing Gomer Pyle on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’ He was a close friend of Ronald and Nancy Reagan and a dedicated supporter of the Republican Party, often performing at events for conservative leaders and visiting the White House. Though he kept his personal life private for years, he married his partner of many years in 2013. Throughout his career as a singer and actor, Nabors maintained a strong connection to his traditional conservative values.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was a hugely popular actor in films like ‘Giant’ and ‘Pillow Talk’ during the mid-1900s. He was a good friend to President Ronald Reagan and a dedicated supporter of the Republican Party, frequently attending their events and contributing to conservative campaigns. While known as a classic Hollywood leading man, Hudson privately held strong Republican beliefs. His struggle with AIDS-related illness became public knowledge in the 1980s, revealing a side of his life previously hidden from the public.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a popular movie star and heartthrob in the 1950s, known for films like ‘Damn Yankees’ and ‘Battle Cry’. Throughout much of his life, he identified with the Republican Party and publicly supported ideas like smaller government and individual accountability. Later on, Hunter became more open about being gay and the challenges he faced as a gay man working within the strict rules of the old Hollywood studio system. His autobiography and a later documentary revealed how he reconciled his publicly stated conservative beliefs with his personal life.

Clifton Webb

Clifton Webb was a celebrated actor, receiving an Academy Award nomination and known for playing elegant characters in films like ‘Laura’ and ‘The Razor’s Edge’. A committed Republican, he was well-connected in political circles and actively supported the party. Webb maintained a polished public image and moved within conservative Hollywood society. Though he remained a bachelor and lived with his mother for much of his life, those close to him were aware of his sexual orientation. Throughout his life, Webb consistently upheld traditional Republican values both politically and socially.

Dick Sargent

Dick Sargent is best known for taking over the role of Darrin Stephens on the hit TV show ‘Bewitched’ and becoming a familiar face in the 1960s. A lifelong Republican, Sargent was actively involved in politics and consistently supported conservative leaders. In 1991, he publicly came out as gay and used his visibility to champion LGBTQ+ rights, especially during the AIDS crisis. Even as an activist, Sargent often discussed how his conservative upbringing continued to influence his beliefs and professional life. He was a multifaceted individual who connected traditional political views with contemporary social advocacy.

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr became a television icon thanks to his starring roles in ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Ironside’. A committed Republican, he consistently supported the party and held conservative beliefs. He maintained a very private personal life, living on a large estate and keeping his long-term relationship with Robert Benevides hidden from the public eye. While he valued his privacy, those familiar with him knew of his consistent support for Republican candidates. Burr remained a well-respected and commanding presence in television drama until he passed away in 1993.

Charles Nelson Reilly

Charles Nelson Reilly was a well-known comedic actor and a regular on the game show ‘The Match Game’. Throughout his long career in theater and television, he consistently held conservative political views and was a registered Republican. Reilly was famous for his lively and unique personality, as well as his sharp sense of humor. He was one of the few openly expressive performers of his era who also leaned politically to the right. In his later years, he dedicated himself to teaching and directing acting, often emphasizing the importance of discipline. He remained true to his political beliefs throughout his time in the ever-changing world of American entertainment.

Tell us what you think about these actors and their political legacies in the comments.

Read More

2026-02-19 05:21