Gay Actors Who Have Remained Best Friends With Their Exes

When celebrity relationships end, they often play out publicly, either with drama or complete secrecy. But many gay actors are showing us that breaking up doesn’t have to mean losing a meaningful connection. They’ve managed to stay close friends with their exes, proving that respect and shared experiences can help navigate even difficult splits. This article showcases several well-known male actors who have successfully turned romantic relationships into lasting friendships.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto and Jonathan Groff were a couple for several years, but they ended their romantic relationship in 2013. Despite the breakup, they’ve remained close friends and often support each other at work events. Both have publicly expressed their continued respect and affection for one another. Their ability to maintain a strong friendship after dating is a rare and positive example in Hollywood. Quinto is famous for his work on shows like ‘Star Trek’ and ‘American Horror Story’.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff and his ex-partner, Zachary Quinto, have remained good friends for over ten years after their breakup. Groff often speaks positively about their time together, and they continue to support each other and appear together at events. He’s said their friendship is based on a genuine respect for one another, and they’ve managed to maintain that connection despite both having successful careers in acting.

Ricky Martin

In 2023, Ricky Martin and Jwan Yosef announced they were separating after six years of marriage. They shared that their priority is to continue raising their children in a loving and healthy environment, and they hope to remain close friends based on the strong connection they’ve built. Both have emphasized a desire for a peaceful and respectful transition as they move forward with co-parenting.

BD Wong

B.D. Wong and Richie Jackson were together for almost fifteen years, but they separated in 2004. Despite no longer being a couple, they stayed very close while raising their son and pursuing their careers. They often appeared together in public and continued to support each other as a family. Wong even went to Jackson’s wedding to another person, showing how much he cared for him. Their lasting connection highlights their maturity and dedication to their relationship over the years.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is known for staying close to people he’s been romantically involved with, like Nick Philippou. He’s open about relationships and believes in remaining friends with ex-partners. He prioritizes keeping loved ones in his life, no matter what, and has built a strong network of supportive friends, including people from past relationships. Cumming focuses on connection and letting go of negativity, rather than holding onto resentment.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter and Adam Smith announced they were separating in 2023, ending their six-year marriage. The couple released a statement explaining they had mutually decided to split, but would remain friends. They emphasized that they still care deeply for each other and will continue to support one another’s goals, both personally and professionally. Porter has often spoken about the importance of having a strong support network in his life.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells and actor Mike Doyle were in a relationship for several years and are now close friends. Rannells often shares photos of Doyle online and talks about how important their friendship is. They frequently enjoy Broadway shows and events together, proving they’ve successfully moved from a romantic relationship to a strong platonic one. Rannells cherishes their shared history and considers Doyle a key person in his life.

Russell Tovey

I’ve been following Russell Tovey for a while now, and it’s been interesting to see his relationship with Steve Brockman evolve. They’ve definitely had their ups and downs as a couple, but they’ve landed in a really solid place as friends. Russell’s talked openly about how tricky dating can be these days, but he and Steve clearly still care about each other a lot. They both love art, so you often see them out and about at events together. What really strikes me is how much respect they have for each other, even after everything. It’s a really consistent friendship that seems to be a constant in both their lives.

Colton Haynes

As a fan, I was surprised when Colton Haynes and Jeff Leatham split up back in 2018, but it seems they handled things really well. Colton’s talked about how much he learned from the relationship, even though it didn’t last. It’s great to see they’ve stayed respectful and kind to each other, despite all the public attention on their breakup. He’s clearly moved on, but it sounds like they’re still open to being friends, which is mature. They both seem to be doing well and are still quietly supportive of each other’s work, which is nice to see.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson and Monte Lapka were married for over ten years before divorcing in 2013, but they’ve remained respectful of each other since. Jackson often says their shared history means they’ll always be connected. They separated amicably and have maintained a good relationship. Jackson continues to succeed in his career while acknowledging and valuing their time together.

Lance Bass

Lance Bass and Reichen Lehmkuhl were a well-known couple in the mid-2000s after Bass publicly came out as gay. Even though they are no longer together romantically, they’ve stayed friendly colleagues in the entertainment world. Bass is known for valuing positive relationships with people who have been important to him. He’s managed to balance his public life with a desire to keep his past private and respectful, and remains an important voice for the LGBTQ+ community.

Stephen Fry

I’ve always admired Stephen Fry, and it’s heartening to hear how gracefully he handled his split from Daniel Cohen after fifteen years together back in 2010. It’s clear they prioritized kindness and respect throughout the transition, and they’ve managed to maintain a genuinely friendly relationship. He’s spoken about cherishing their shared history, and it’s lovely to see they both moved forward with dignity, still valuing what they had. Fry remains a national treasure, and it’s a testament to both of them that they navigated this change so well.

Greg Louganis

Greg Louganis and Johnny Chaillot separated in 2021 after eight years of marriage. Despite the split, both have stated they remain friends and continue to support each other. They focused on handling the separation respectfully and with kindness. Louganis has openly shared his personal growth and strength with his fans, and their ongoing friendship shows how strong their relationship once was.

Brandon Flynn

Brandon Flynn and Sam Smith dated for about a year, ending their relationship in 2018. Despite the split, the actor from ’13 Reasons Why’ and the singer have remained friendly. Flynn has continued to focus on his acting career, and both have spoken openly about how much their relationship impacted them and helped them grow as individuals. Fans and the media have praised their ability to separate amicably.

Miles Heizer

Miles Heizer and Connor Jessup, who starred in popular shows like ’13 Reasons Why’ and ‘Locke & Key,’ were a fan-favorite couple. They recently ended their romantic relationship but remain close friends. They often share updates about each other on social media and continue to support each other’s work, making their transition to friendship seem natural. Both actors are continuing to gain recognition in the television and film industries.

Gus Kenworthy

Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy and actor Matthew Wilkas dated for almost four years, but they broke up in 2019. Despite no longer being a couple, they’ve stayed close and are best friends. They often share photos and updates about their adventures together on social media, and Kenworthy has said Wilkas is still a hugely important person in his life. They continue to support each other as close friends.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans and Rafa Olarra dated and gained attention from fans before their split in early 2021. Evans has remained positive about their relationship after the breakup, and they’ve stayed friends, continuing to support each other’s lives and work. While Evans generally keeps his personal life private, he clearly prioritizes maintaining good relationships. He continues to succeed in Hollywood while also valuing his friendships.

Ben Whishaw

Actors Ben Whishaw and Mark Bradshaw were in a civil partnership for ten years, from 2012 to 2022, before amicably separating. Despite ending their romantic relationship, they’ve remained close friends. They explained that demanding work schedules contributed to their decision, but they still care deeply for each other. Whishaw, known for keeping his personal life private, has confirmed they continue to support each other and share a strong bond built on respect and shared interests.

Matt Lucas

Matt Lucas and Kevin McGee were partners for several years before deciding to separate. Even after the split, Lucas remained a good friend to McGee, offering support during a tough time. Lucas has openly shared his feelings about loss and how important relationships are to him. He’s still a well-known comedian and TV personality, and he particularly values community. Throughout his life, he’s shown a strong dedication to the people he cares about.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie has a remarkable ability to stay friends with people he’s dated. The actor, known for his roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Shrinking,’ cherishes the connections he’s made with past partners. It’s common to see him working with former flames in New York’s close-knit theater community. Urie feels that having shared interests, especially in creative fields, can help maintain a friendship even after a relationship ends. He continues to be a popular and well-regarded performer on stage and screen.

Simon Amstell

Simon Amstell frequently draws on his past relationships for his comedy and writing. Despite often joking about them, he’s stayed friends with the people involved. A lot of his work looks at the complicated but sometimes lovely dynamic of staying friends after a breakup. He skillfully blends personal experiences into his art while still keeping those relationships intact. His open and honest approach to his own life has been particularly meaningful to many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús is a well-known actor on Broadway and in film who values his relationships with friends and past partners. He believes strongly in the importance of community and staying connected with those he cares about. De Jesús often emphasizes how crucial support and loyalty are, especially within the entertainment world. He’s known as a kind and helpful person, both professionally and personally, and his lasting friendships demonstrate his warm and friendly nature.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver, known for his role in ‘Ratched,’ has openly shared his experiences as a gay actor, including his thoughts on love and friendship. He’s stayed friends with people he’s dated, believing that every relationship teaches valuable lessons he carries with him. Carver has a large and diverse group of friends, representing all stages of his life, and he uses his public voice to promote being true to yourself and building strong relationships.

Max Emerson

Max Emerson is an actor and filmmaker known for openly sharing details about his life and relationships. He’s maintained friendships with many of his ex-partners and often features them in his work. Emerson feels that talking honestly about breakups can help others cope with their own. He’s building a career focused on being genuine and connecting with people online, and his strong friendships are often seen as a key part of his life.

Daniel Newman

I’ve always been a fan of Daniel Newman – you might recognize him from ‘The Walking Dead’! But what I really admire about him isn’t just his acting. He’s incredibly open about his journey, including coming out, and seems to genuinely value the relationships he’s had, even after things ended. He’s a big advocate for taking care of your mental health and surrounding yourself with supportive people, which I think is so important. It’s clear he’s navigated the challenges of being in the public eye while staying true to himself and prioritizing the people he cares about. Honestly, his social media is just really positive – he seems like a genuinely good friend and someone who supports others.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman gained attention for being an openly gay actor in the Marvel movie ‘Eternals’ and has been candid about his personal life ever since. He cherishes the friendships he’s maintained with former partners and believes it’s important to be visible and authentic. Sleiman has shared how his relationships have helped him grow as a person, and his fulfilling personal life complements his success as an actor.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz has long been a trailblazer for gay actors, starting with his role on ‘My So-Called Life’. He’s known for keeping close friendships, even with former partners. A strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Cruz believes in the power of shared experiences and frequently speaks about the importance of love and support. Loyalty and a commitment to activism define both his career and personal life.

Jussie Smollett

As a film and TV fan, I’ve definitely followed Jussie Smollett’s career – the highs with ‘Empire’ were amazing, and then, of course, things got really tough. What’s always struck me is how he seems to really cherish his close friends, even exes. He’s always talked about how much he appreciates their support, especially when he’s going through difficult times. It’s clear those relationships aren’t just fleeting; they’re built on years of trust and shared history, which is really admirable.

Brian J. Smith

Actor Brian J. Smith publicly shared that he is gay in 2019, and his fans have responded with support. He has a friendly and respectful relationship with his former partners. Smith has explained that being open about his identity has helped him build stronger, more genuine relationships with the people around him. He continues to thrive in his acting career, working on both television and stage, all while staying true to who he is. Close friendships are important to his overall well-being and success.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is a well-known actor, recognized for his work in shows like ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and the film ‘Fire Island’. He’s also known for handling relationships with grace, remaining friends with exes and prioritizing peaceful resolutions. A successful actor in both television and musical theater, Ricamora is admired by colleagues for his ability to balance a demanding career with a fulfilling personal life.

Murray Bartlett

Murray Bartlett is a well-respected actor, known for his performance in ‘The White Lotus’ and for being openly gay. He’s known for handling his personal life with grace and remaining friendly with former partners. Bartlett emphasizes the value of maturity and kindness in any relationship. He consistently chooses complex roles that showcase his acting talent, and his considerate approach extends to both his work and personal life.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is a well-known figure on Broadway, famous for his work in ‘Rent’ and ‘Star Trek Discovery’. He’s always been open about his personal life and has stayed close with many past partners. Rapp is dedicated to supporting others in the entertainment industry and being a strong advocate. Throughout his career, he’s prioritized honesty and authentic storytelling, and his enduring relationships are a testament to the close connections forged within the theater world.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris has been a prominent figure in entertainment since he was young and has always handled his relationships with grace. Even before marrying David Burtka, he stayed friendly with past partners, like TV producer Max Mutchnick. Harris deeply cherishes the strong network of friends he’s cultivated over many years in Hollywood and on Broadway, and often acknowledges their support as key to his happy and successful life. These long-lasting friendships are a defining part of his well-known social life.

Connor Jessup

I’ve been really impressed by Connor Jessup, both as an actor and as a person. He’s been very open about his relationship with Miles Heizer, and even after they went their separate ways romantically, it’s clear they still have a strong bond and genuinely support each other’s work. You probably know Jessup from shows like ‘Locke and Key’ and some fantastic indie films. He often talks about how much his close friendships, especially with Miles, inspire him creatively. Honestly, the way they’ve navigated their post-breakup friendship is something a lot of fans really admire – it’s a really healthy and positive example.

Share your thoughts on these inspiring celebrity friendships in the comments.

2026-02-21 04:50