Actors Who Came Out as Queer After Playing the Straightest Characters Ever

It’s common for Hollywood actors to establish themselves by playing traditionally romantic or masculine characters before openly sharing who they truly are. For years, many of these performers appeared in popular movies and TV shows playing straight roles. When they publicly came out, it impacted not only their personal lives but also how audiences view their past characters. This often showcases their versatility as actors and reflects how representation in entertainment is changing. Here’s a list of talented individuals who first gained recognition playing straight characters before identifying as LGBTQ+.

Wentworth Miller

I’ll always remember Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield in ‘Prison Break’ – such a brilliantly controlled and thoughtful character. A big part of what made Scofield so compelling was his relationship with Sara Tancredi, the doctor he was clearly head-over-heels for, all while he was masterminding this unbelievably intricate escape plan. It meant a lot to me when he came out publicly in 2013, writing a letter explaining why he wouldn’t be attending a festival in Russia. And then, he made this really powerful decision to stop taking on roles as straight characters, saying that those stories had been done enough. It felt like a huge moment, not just for his career, but for him personally, and a really important step in his advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is best known for his nine-season role as Barney Stinson on ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ which began in 2005. Barney was a popular character known for his complex plans to meet women and his commitment to a set of rules for male friendship. Harris publicly came out as gay in 2006 while the show was extremely popular. Since then, he’s become a well-known actor in Hollywood and a devoted father to two children, and his portrayal of Barney remained beloved by fans throughout the series’ run.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer became well-known for his role as the charming and deceptive Neal Caffrey on the TV series ‘White Collar,’ which aired from 2009 to 2014. The show often featured romantic interactions between his character and different actresses. In 2012, Bomer subtly revealed he was married with children while accepting an award for his humanitarian work. Since then, he’s continued acting, taking on roles in projects like ‘The Normal Heart’ and ‘Fellow Travelers’ that allow him to explore complex characters and have been highly praised by critics.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans played the role of Gaston, the boastful and self-centered villain, in the 2017 live-action version of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ His character was determined to marry Belle. Evans publicly came out early in his career, but faced media attention as he began taking on bigger, more action-oriented roles. He now speaks openly about being gay while continuing to star in popular movies and TV shows, successfully working across a variety of genres like historical dramas and contemporary thrillers.

Jonathan Bennett

Daniel Franzese became well-known for playing Aaron Samuels in the popular 2004 movie ‘Mean Girls,’ which humorously explored the complexities of high school life. His character was a key romantic interest for both the main character, Cady Heron, and her competitor, Regina George. After keeping his personal life private for many years, Franzese publicly came out in 2017. Since then, he’s become a familiar face on the Hallmark Channel and has hosted several TV shows. He regularly connects with fans on social media, sharing updates about his life and marriage.

Colton Haynes

Colton Haynes is known for his roles as Jackson Whittemore in ‘Teen Wolf’ and Roy Harper in ‘Arrow,’ both shows where his characters had romantic relationships with women. In 2016, after facing public attention, Haynes publicly came out as gay in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, sharing his struggles with mental health and the pressures of maintaining a certain image in Hollywood. He later wrote a memoir about his experiences in the industry and his path to self-acceptance.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons is best known for playing the quirky and intelligent Sheldon Cooper on the popular TV show ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ which premiered in 2007. Throughout the series, his character developed a lasting relationship and eventually married Amy Farrah Fowler. While starring in a Broadway play in 2012, Parsons publicly came out as gay in an interview with The New York Times. Since then, he’s received numerous acting awards and has worked as a producer on projects that focus on LGBTQ+ stories. His contributions continue to shape both television comedy and stage drama.

Kevin Conroy

Kevin Conroy was the beloved voice of Batman and Bruce Wayne in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ and many video games that followed. The character he portrayed is known as a wealthy, charming man with many romantic interests in the DC Universe. Shortly before his death in 2022, Conroy publicly shared that he was gay in the comic book ‘Finding Batman.’ He explained how being a gay man informed his performance and helped him understand the complex, dual nature of the superhero he voiced for three decades. His bravery in sharing his personal story and his lasting impact on fans worldwide are widely celebrated.

Richard Armitage

Richard Armitage, the British actor known for his roles as the strong dwarf Thorin Oakenshield in ‘The Hobbit’ and the villainous Guy of Gisborne in the BBC’s ‘Robin Hood,’ often plays physically demanding and traditionally masculine characters, which have made him popular with a broad audience. In 2023, while talking about his role in the Netflix series ‘Obsession’ and the importance of being true to himself, Armitage publicly came out as gay, sharing that he had been open with friends and family for many years but hadn’t felt ready to share it publicly until that point. He remains a popular and in-demand actor in both film and theater.

Victor Garber

I was a huge fan of Victor Garber when he played Jack Bristow on ‘Alias’ – he was amazing as that strong, silent CIA officer! From 2001 to 2006, he really embodied a character who was both a devoted dad and a super capable spy, and he almost never let his guard down. It was great to see him finally share publicly in 2013 that he’s been with his partner for a long time. Beyond ‘Alias,’ he’s had such an incredible career – I recognized him from ‘Titanic’ and ‘Argo,’ and I know he’s been a Broadway star too!

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto became well-known for playing the villain Sylar in ‘Heroes’ and the logical Spock in the recent ‘Star Trek’ movies. Both of these characters had storylines involving romantic relationships and traditional ideas of masculinity. In 2011, Quinto publicly came out as gay following a tragedy involving a bullied teenager, and he’s since become a strong voice for LGBTQ+ rights. He’s appeared in projects that center queer stories, such as the stage and film versions of ‘The Boys in the Band’.

David Hyde Pierce

David Pierce is best known for playing the sophisticated and particular Dr. Niles Crane on the popular 1993 sitcom ‘Frasier,’ where his character’s unrequited love for Daphne Moon was a recurring storyline. Pierce publicly came out in 2007, and later shared details about his lasting relationship with his husband. Though he generally kept to himself, he’s been celebrated for his work in theater and his memorable comedic roles, solidifying his place as a cherished figure in television history.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is a versatile actress known for her roles in ‘American Horror Story,’ where she’s played characters ranging from wives to mothers. Earlier in her career, she often took on roles that didn’t reflect her personal life, such as her work on ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.’ Paulson has been public about her relationships with both men and women, and she’s been with actress Holland Taylor since 2015. She often speaks about the complexities of sexuality and resists being defined by simple labels. Her talent has been widely recognized with awards like an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a celebrated actress, best known for her powerful performance as FBI trainee Clarice Starling in the 1991 hit film ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ a role that has become iconic. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, she also frequently played romantic leads alongside some of the biggest male stars. After years of keeping her personal life private, Foster publicly acknowledged her partner in a 2013 Golden Globes speech. More recently, she’s expanded her career into directing and producing, while still taking on demanding acting roles. She’s consistently recognized as one of Hollywood’s most talented and influential women.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is best known for playing Evelyn Harper on the hit sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men,’ which aired from 2003 onwards. Her character was memorable for being self-absorbed and having complex relationships with her sons and numerous rich partners. In 2015, Taylor publicly came out as gay during a radio interview, revealing she was in a committed relationship with actress Sarah Paulson. The two have been a well-known couple in Hollywood ever since. Taylor has enjoyed a decades-long career with success in theater, film, and television comedy.

Share your thoughts on these impactful career journeys in the comments.

2025-12-24 04:46