Gay Actors Who Are Broadway Stars

Broadway is renowned for launching the careers of incredibly talented singers and actors. Many prominent male performers in theater are openly gay and have made a lasting impact on the industry through their artistry. These actors have received widespread recognition, including Tony Awards and rave reviews, for their work in a variety of musicals and plays. Their visibility helps promote diversity and inclusion in the performing arts.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is a well-known actor and performer, especially celebrated for his work in theater. He’s hosted the Tony Awards multiple times and even won one himself for his starring role in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’. He’s also appeared in other popular Broadway shows like ‘Assassins’, ‘Cabaret’, and ‘Proof’. Throughout his career, Harris has become known for his talent as a performer and his skill at leading large-scale theatrical events.

Jonathan Groff

Jonathan Groff first gained widespread recognition for creating the role of Melchior in the musical ‘Spring Awakening’. He then earned praise for playing King George III in the original Broadway production of ‘Hamilton’. Most recently, his performance in the revival of ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ won him a Tony Award. Groff is known for his versatility, excelling in both modern pop music and classic musical theater.

Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells became well-known for creating the role of Elder Price in the popular musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He’s also been in several successful revivals of classic shows, like ‘Falsettos’ and ‘The Boys in the Band’. Rannells even played the lead role in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ on Broadway. He’s known for blending great comedic skills with a strong singing voice.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt became famous for creating the lead role in the Broadway hit ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ earning him a Tony Award. Before that, he started his career touring with ‘Caroline, or Change’ and later performed in ‘The Book of Mormon.’ More recently, he starred as Leo Frank in a revival of ‘Parade.’ Platt is known for his powerful emotional performances and unique tenor singing voice.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a highly talented performer, best known for winning a Tony Award for his role as Lola in ‘Kinky Boots’. He’s been a stage actor for many years, appearing in shows like ‘Grease’ and ‘Miss Saigon’, as well as ‘Shuffle Along’. Porter is widely admired for his incredible singing voice and his impact on the arts.

Nathan Lane

Nathan Lane is a highly accomplished and long-standing theater actor. He’s particularly famous for winning Tony Awards for his performances in ‘The Producers’ and ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.’ He also earned praise for his serious role in the successful revival of ‘Angels in America,’ and his significant work has been recognized with induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons first appeared on Broadway in 2011, playing Tommy Boatwright in a revival of ‘The Normal Heart.’ He later starred as God in the play ‘An Act of God.’ Parsons also joined an all-gay cast in a well-known revival of ‘The Boys in the Band.’ These stage performances add to his already impressive work in television and film.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer is a skilled actor with formal training. He first appeared on Broadway in 2018 in a revival of ‘The Boys in the Band,’ and later reprised the same role in a film version for a worldwide audience. He also participated in a reading of ‘8,’ a play about the fight for marriage equality. Bomer is known for bringing a powerful and genuine emotional quality to his performances.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a talented actor and playwright with a long history on Broadway. He’s known for roles in shows like ‘The Scottsboro Boys’ – which earned him a Tony Award nomination – as well as ‘Passing Strange’ and the hit musical ‘Chicago’. Beyond acting, he also works as a director and writer.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess is a talented singer with an impressive vocal range who’s starred in many popular Broadway shows. He started with ‘Good Vibrations’ and went on to play Sebastian in ‘The Little Mermaid.’ He was also part of the first cast of ‘Jersey Boys’ and appeared in a recent production of ‘Guys and Dolls.’ Today, he continues to perform in concerts and other large-scale theatrical productions.

Gideon Glick

Gideon Glick first became known for playing Ernst in the original production of the musical ‘Spring Awakening’. He earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance as Dill Harris in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, and later starred as Seymour in a new version of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. He also appeared in ‘Significant Other’. Throughout his career, Glick has been praised for the depth and emotional intelligence he brings to his roles.

Jeremy Pope

I’m such a huge fan of Jeremy Pope! It’s incredible that he managed to get nominated for not one, but two Tony Awards in the same year – for completely different shows! He was amazing in both ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’, really proving how talented he is. And then he blew everyone away as Jean-Michel Basquiat in ‘The Collaboration’. Seriously, he’s one of the most exciting performers on Broadway right now, and I can’t wait to see what he does next!

Robin de Jesús

Robin de Jesús first gained Tony Award recognition for his work in ‘In the Heights,’ and has since been nominated for ‘La Cage aux Folles’ and ‘The Boys in the Band.’ He’s celebrated for his powerful and emotive acting, and is a strong voice for better representation of Latinx people on stage. De Jesús consistently chooses roles that allow him to showcase his versatility as a performer.

Michael Urie

Michael Urie is a talented actor known for his work in many stage productions, both on and off Broadway. He’s particularly celebrated for his roles in ‘Buyer and Cellar’ and the revival of ‘Torch Song,’ as well as appearances in ‘Spamalot’ and ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’ Urie is well-regarded for his lively comedic performances and dedication to New York City’s theater community.

Conrad Ricamora

Conrad Ricamora is famous for creating the role of Ninoy Aquino in the musical ‘Here Lies Love.’ He’s also known for playing Lun Tha in the Broadway revival of ‘The King and I’ with Kelli O’Hara. Ricamora rejoined ‘Here Lies Love’ when it moved to Broadway and was also in ‘Soft Power.’ He successfully manages both a television career and consistent work in large-scale theater productions.

Rory O’Malley

Rory O’Malley is a celebrated stage actor known for his roles in hit Broadway shows. He earned a Tony Award nomination for playing Elder McKinley in ‘The Book of Mormon’ and later starred as King George III in the hugely popular ‘Hamilton’. Beyond acting, O’Malley is a co-founder of Broadway Impact, an organization that supports marriage equality. He’s admired for his powerful voice and knack for comedy.

Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson is a versatile performer with a strong background in Broadway, having appeared in shows like ‘All Shook Up’ and ‘Xanadu’. He received a Drama Desk Award nomination for ‘Finian’s Rainbow’ and also starred in ‘The Performers’. Known for his commanding stage presence and rich baritone voice, Jackson has also released albums and regularly performs in cabaret shows.

John Benjamin Hickey

John Benjamin Hickey is an experienced stage actor, celebrated for winning a Tony Award for his role in ‘The Normal Heart’. He’s performed in numerous well-known productions, including ‘Cabaret’, ‘The Crucible’, and ‘Mary Stuart’. He also starred in ‘The Inheritance’, a powerful play that tells the stories of gay men through different generations. Hickey is known and admired for both his acting talent and his commitment to serious theatrical work.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

I’ve been a fan of Jesse Tyler Ferguson for years! He’s amazing – I first saw him as Leaf in ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’ and he was hilarious. It’s so great to see him back on Broadway consistently, whether it was in ‘Fully Committed’ or ‘Take Me Out.’ I was thrilled when he won a Tony for ‘Take Me Out’ – he totally deserved it for playing that business manager. He’s a genuinely funny guy and a big supporter of everything Broadway, which I really appreciate.

Zachary Quinto

I’ve been consistently impressed with Zachary Quinto’s stage presence. He really made a splash when he debuted on Broadway in the 2013 revival of ‘The Glass Menagerie,’ and his portrayal of Harold in the fiftieth anniversary production of ‘The Boys in the Band’ was fantastic. He’s quickly become a New York stage favorite, and what I consistently notice about his work is how deeply he embodies these really complex, emotionally charged characters. He doesn’t just play them; he becomes them.

Brian Hutchison

Brian Hutchison is a seasoned Broadway actor with credits including ‘The Invention of Love’, ‘Proof’, and ‘Exit the King’. He was part of the Tony Award-winning revival cast of ‘The Boys in the Band’, and also performed with Frank Langella in ‘Man and Boy’. He’s well-respected in the theater community as a reliable and skilled performer who excels as part of a team.

Charlie Carver

Charlie Carver started his Broadway career in the 2018 revival of ‘The Boys in the Band’, where he played Cowboy, a role he later recreated for the film adaptation. He’s eager to return to the stage after this successful beginning. As a member of a new generation of openly gay actors, Carver has been public about his identity throughout his career.

David Hyde Pierce

David Hyde Pierce is a celebrated stage actor, famous for winning a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Curtains’. He’s also been in popular shows like ‘Spamalot’ and ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike’, and starred with Bette Midler in a successful revival of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ Audiences appreciate his careful performances and ability to fully embody the characters he plays.

Denis O’Hare

Denis O’Hare is a Tony Award-winning actor, recognized for his role as Mason Marzac in ‘Take Me Out.’ He’s a versatile performer with extensive Broadway credits, including ‘Assassins,’ ‘Sweet Charity,’ and ‘Elling.’ O’Hare is celebrated for his talent in creating unique and unforgettable characters, and he comfortably moves between dramatic plays and musical productions.

BD Wong

BD Wong is unique in having won both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award – along with other accolades – for playing the same character, Song Liling in ‘M. Butterfly’. Beyond that, he’s been in successful revivals of classics like ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ and ‘Pacific Overtures’. He’s a well-known and respected figure in the theater world, and a strong supporter of Asian American actors.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is famous for playing the Emcee in the hit revival of ‘Cabaret,’ a role that earned him a Tony Award. He later reprised the part to great success. Beyond ‘Cabaret,’ he’s also performed in productions like ‘The Threepenny Opera’ and ‘Design for Living.’ Cumming is known for his daring performances and dedication to a wide range of artistic work.

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a well-known performer with a thriving career in both London’s West End and on Broadway. He first appeared on Broadway in ‘Putting It Together’ and went on to star in ‘Sunset Boulevard.’ Barrowman is celebrated for his charismatic stage presence and strong, adaptable singing ability, and continues to be a popular figure in musical theater around the world.

Anthony Rapp

Anthony Rapp is best known for being the first to play Mark Cohen in the hit musical ‘Rent’. He’s also performed in other popular Broadway productions like ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ and ‘If/Then’. Beyond acting, Rapp is an author who writes about his time working in theater. Throughout his career, he’s been a pioneer for LGBTQ+ performers.

Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz is a Broadway performer known for his roles in ‘Rent’ (as Angel) and ‘Seven Seconds’. He’s celebrated as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ visibility in television and film. Beyond performing, Cruz actively supports the theater world through benefit events and advocacy, all while continuing his television career.

Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is a celebrated name in American theater, known for his work as both an actor and a writer. He’s won Tony Awards for his writing and performance in ‘Torch Song Trilogy,’ as well as for playing Edna Turnblad in ‘Hairspray.’ Beyond those roles, he wrote the scripts for the Broadway musicals ‘La Cage aux Folles,’ ‘Kinky Boots,’ and ‘Newsies.’ Fierstein is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and skillfully blends humor and heartfelt emotion in his work.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is a legendary figure in theater, best known for winning a Tony Award for creating the role of the Emcee in ‘Cabaret.’ He’s also performed in popular shows like ‘George M!’ and ‘Goodtime Charley,’ and was part of the original cast of ‘Wicked’ as the Wizard. Later in his career, Grey directed a highly praised Yiddish version of ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’ With a career lasting over 60 years, he’s a highly respected and influential member of the Broadway world.

Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken first became well-known on TV, and then launched a successful stage career, starting with his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in ‘Spamalot’. He later teamed up with Ruben Studdard for ‘Ruben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Show’ and has also appeared in several local theater productions. Beyond performing, Aiken is dedicated to supporting charities and continues to be involved in the arts.

Levi Kreis

Levi Kreis is an award-winning performer who gained recognition for playing Jerry Lee Lewis in ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ earning him a Tony Award. Beyond theater, he’s a talented singer-songwriter known for his energetic shows and heartfelt vocals. He regularly performs across the country in both stage productions and concerts.

Telly Leung

Telly Leung is a Broadway performer known for his roles in shows like ‘Aladdin,’ ‘In Transit,’ ‘Flower Drum Song,’ and ‘Godspell.’ He’s praised for his strong, clear singing voice and ability to play a variety of characters. Beyond performing, Leung also works to support and teach the next generation of theater actors.

Nick Adams

Nick Adams is a well-known musical theater performer, having appeared in popular shows like ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ and ‘Falsettos’. He’s also performed in other classics such as ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘La Cage aux Folles’, and ‘A Chorus Line’. Adams is recognized for his athleticism and impressive dance skills, and continues to perform in theaters both in New York and across the country.

Gavin Creel

Gavin Creel was a much-loved Broadway performer, winning a Tony Award for his work in ‘Hello, Dolly!’. He was also nominated for Tonys for his roles in ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and ‘Hair’. Beyond his talent, Creel co-founded Broadway Impact and passionately championed civil rights, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and artistry in the theater world.

Christopher J. Hanke

Christopher J. Hanke is a versatile actor with Broadway credits including ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ and ‘Cry Baby’. He’s also performed in popular shows like ‘Rent’ and ‘The Full Monty’. Known for his excellent comedic skills and range, Hanke continues to act in theater and on television.

Kyle Dean Massey

Kyle Dean Massey is a well-known Broadway performer, famous for starring in productions like ‘Next to Normal,’ ‘Wicked,’ and ‘Pippin.’ He’s a talented singer and has played leading roles in several large-scale shows. You may also recognize him from TV appearances that showcase his musical abilities. He continues to be a beloved figure in the Broadway scene.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger

As a huge fan of theater, I first noticed Andrew Keenan-Bolger when he played Crutchie in ‘Newsies’ on Broadway – he was fantastic! But he’s clearly done so much more, including roles in shows like ‘Tuck Everlasting,’ ‘Mary Poppins,’ and even ‘Seussical.’ What’s really cool is that he’s not just a performer; he’s a filmmaker and writer too, making things for the whole theater world. He just brings this incredible energy to everything he does, and it’s clear he’s a really versatile talent.

Taylor Trensch

Taylor Trensch is a Broadway star with impressive credits, including performances in popular shows like ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’. He’s also been in ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ and ‘Wicked’. Known for his distinctive acting and ability to tackle challenging characters, Trensch remains a highly requested performer in both plays and musicals.

Grey Henson

Grey Henson is a talented comedic actor known for his work on Broadway. He was nominated for a Tony Award for creating the role of Damian in ‘Mean Girls’ and also appeared as Elder McKinley in ‘The Book of Mormon’. Most recently, he starred in ‘Shucked’, continuing to demonstrate his comedic skills and strong stage presence.

Bobby Steggert

As a huge fan of stage performances, I’ve always admired Bobby Steggert. He’s been in some fantastic Broadway shows like ‘Ragtime’, ‘Big Fish’, and ‘Mothers and Sons’ – and his work in the ‘Ragtime’ revival even earned him a Tony nomination! I’ve always been struck by how deeply emotional his performances are, and he clearly has a passion for bringing new plays to life. It’s fascinating to learn he’s now a therapist, which makes sense given his ability to connect with emotions, but it’s great he’s still involved in the arts.

Jelani Alladin

Jelani Alladin is best known for creating the role of Kristoff in the Broadway hit ‘Frozen.’ He’s also performed in ‘Hercules’ at the Public Theater and in several off-Broadway productions. Audiences and critics praise Alladin for his strong singing voice and energetic stage presence. He consistently chooses projects that break away from typical casting choices and champion inclusivity.

Ari’el Stachel

Ari’el Stachel is a Tony Award-winning actor, recognized for his role as Haled in ‘The Band’s Visit’. Beyond theater, he’s appeared on television and actively works to increase representation of people from the Middle East in the entertainment industry. Recently, Stachel showcased his personal story and career through a solo performance, where he demonstrated his heartfelt singing and realistic acting style.

George Salazar

George Salazar is an actor most famous for playing Michael Mell in the musical ‘Be More Chill.’ He’s also performed in ‘Godspell’ and an off-Broadway production of ‘The Lightning Thief.’ Known for his energetic performances and ability to connect with young audiences, Salazar continues to be a well-liked and relevant performer in modern musical theater.

Brandon Uranowitz

Brandon Uranowitz is a Tony Award-winning actor who’s starred in Broadway hits like ‘An American in Paris,’ ‘Falsettos,’ and ‘Burn This.’ He won the Tony for his work in ‘Leopoldstadt,’ where he played several different characters. Known for being able to seamlessly switch between musicals and plays, Uranowitz is consistently recognized as one of Broadway’s most talented actors.

Brooks Ashmanskas

Brooks Ashmanskas is a well-known and funny Broadway actor who’s starred in hit shows like ‘The Prom’ and ‘Something Rotten!’. He’s also performed in shows such as ‘Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me’ and ‘The Ritz’. Ashmanskas has been nominated for several Tony Awards, and fellow performers admire his excellent comedic timing and skill on stage.

Michael Arden

Michael Arden is a talented performer and director who has worked on Broadway shows like ‘Big River’ and ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’. He’s recently gained recognition as the Tony Award-winning director of revivals for ‘Parade’ and ‘Once on This Island’. He also directed the innovative ‘Spring Awakening’ revival with Deaf West Theatre and remains a significant figure in New York City’s theater scene.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is a highly skilled actor, recognized for his comedic work on TV but increasingly celebrated for his stage performances. He recently won a Tony Award for ‘Good Night, Oscar’ and has also appeared in Broadway productions like ‘Promises, Promises’ and ‘An Act of God’. Hayes continues to be a significant and supportive presence in the world of entertainment and the arts.

Share your favorite performances from these talented Broadway stars in the comments.

2026-02-19 18:51