15 Gay/Lesbian Actors Who Play Your Fave Straight Characters
Hollywood is full of straight actors playing gay and lesbian characters. From Tom Hanks portraying AIDS victim Andrew Beckett in Philadelphia to Naya Rivera and Heather Morris on Glee, heterosexuals have been lapping up the gay card for years. But what about those who do identify among the LGBT acronym of society? With coming out of the closet not as scary as it was twenty years ago, it is now much more common to see openly gay actors and actresses stepping into the role of straight characters on screen. That's right, no longer career suicide or at least career annihilation, famous stars of the LGBT community are now able to pick and choose the roles they feel most comfortable with, along with gaining access to the parts they were once regularly denied. However, although there may still be a long road ahead with regards to equality and tolerance among our LGBT stars, it is important to highlight how far Hollywood has come. So, to celebrate, here are 15 gay/lesbian actors who play your fave straight characters.
15 Neil Patrick Harris
Singer, actor, TV host, comedian, and even a magician, Neil Patrick Harris is a jack of all trades. However, mostly famous for his turn as the womanizing, wait for it, Barney Stinson in the successful How I Met Your Mother, Harris himself couldn't be any further from his on screen persona. That's right, confirming his personal orientation in 2006, Harris state,"I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love". Marrying husband David Burtka in 2014, the couple are now the proud parents to twins, who are often seen on the pairs Instagram account. Rarely portraying gay men on screen, Harris often plays straight characters, with recent movie Gone Girl showing his talent as a diverse and versatile actor.
14 Sarah Paulson
Originally hailing from Florida, the United States, Sarah Paulson is mostly famous for her turn in American Horror Story, in which she has played a number of characters throughout its six season run. A fan favorite, Paulson has often portrayed the parts with the most meat, putting her fantastic and amazing acting skills to good use. Never really 'coming out' as such, Paulson dated fellow actress Cherry Jones for five years, claiming that, "the situation is fluid for me" when asked about her preference. Currently dating legendary actress Holland Taylor, the pair are madly in love, often seen tweeting a huge amount of love and affection for one another. Winning the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her portrayal of real life prosecutor Marcia Clark, Paulson's career is most definitely going from strength to strength, with a number of major roles lined up for the upcoming future.
13 Jim Parsons
Mostly renowned for his turn as Sheldon Cooper on the critically acclaimed American sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, Jim Parsons is now one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Receiving a number of awards for his comedic acting skills, Parsons has four Emmy's and even a Golden Globe under his belt. However, with Sheldon Cooper currently shacked up with other fan favorite Amy Farrah Fowler, played by the wonderful Mayim Bialik, the real Jim Parsons is actually rather different. Having been with partner Todd Spiewak for over ten years, Parsons recently stated that the romance was "an act of love, coffee in the morning, going to work, washing the clothes, taking the dogs out, a regular life, boring love" Plus, with it, recently revealed that Parsons and fellow co-stars Johnny Galecki and Kaley Cuoco are now making a cool $1,000,000 per episode, it seems Parsons' life couldn't be any sweeter right now.
12 Cynthia Nixon
As well as starring in a number of successful movies, as well as receiving rave reviews on Broadway, Cynthia Nixon was initially an acclaimed actress in her own right. However, it was her role as no nonsense lawyer, Miranda Hobbes, that really propelled her to stardom. That's right, playing the character over six seasons, Sex and the City is a favorite for men and women across the globe. Detailing the lives of 4 women, the show dealt with issues that had never really been explored on television before. Receiving an Emmy award for her contribution, Nixon's role was a far cry from her usual self, with the character a career focused cynic and commitment probe. Initially in a relationship with a man for a long time, the couple produced two children. Yet, in 2004 it was announced that Nixon had met a woman, with the pair marrying in 2012. Commenting on her change of identity Nixon stated, "I don't really feel I've changed. I'd been with men all my life, and I'd never fallen in love with a woman. But when I did, it didn't seem so strange. I'm just a woman in love with another woman."
11 Matt Bomer
Famed for his role as con artist Neal Caffrey in the popular crime series White Collar, Matt Bomer has become something of a cult hit as of late. With his role requiring him to bulk up so to speak, Bomer became an instant hit with the men and ladies around the world. Receiving critical acclaim, Bomer has been nominated for a number of awards with regards to his work. However, a ladies man on screen, Bomer is more of a man's man, having been married to his partner, publicist Simon Hall, since 2011. Happily married, the pair are also fathers to three sons, with Bomer often sharing adorable photos on Twitter. Discussing his marriage, Bomer stated, "it was very chill, very small, only our nearest and dearest. There's a security, a validity of knowing that it's legal. It's hard to put into words. It's just a feeling, I guess, something about saying vows in front the people around you who love and support you. I think it was good for our family"
10 Jane Lynch
Making us laugh since she first arrived on screen as gym teacher Sue Sylvester in the popular TV series Glee, Jane Lynch has gone to become one of America's most loved comic actresses. Winning a number of awards for her role as Sylvester, the character itself is a far cry from the real Lynch. With Sylvester mean, evil and intent on ruining a number of children's lives, Lynch is quite the opposite, having campaigned for a number of charities throughout her life. Openly gay, Lynch is often named among the most influential gay men and women in showbiz, due to her frankness and open discussion with regards to her preference. However, it wasn't all that way, with Lynch claiming, "it was almost like I had a disease I had been diagnosed. I had a journal and I remember I wrote, 'I am gay. No one can ever know this.' And I went four blocks away and threw it out in somebody else's garbage".
9 Jonathan Groff
Another member of the Glee alumni, Jonathan Groff is best known for his recurring role of Jesse St. James, one of the main antagonists throughout the show. A serial womanizer, St. James also had one of the most high-profile relationships on the show, having been matched with main character Rachel Berry. However, although a ladies man on screen, Groff is openly gay off screen, coming out in 2009. Dating legendary actor Zachary Quinto from 2010 to 2013, Groff is a huge advocate for the LGBT community, regularly attending marches and Pride events across the world. In fact, Groff is so dedicated to the community that he was recently honored with the established Point Horizon Award, which highlights those who make an impact on society. Referred to as "a young trailblazer who has taken a leadership role as an advocate of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community," Groff is a major player among the LGBT elite.
8 Sara Gilbert
Now known as the co-host and creator of daytime talk show The Talk, Sara Gilbert was initially famed for her role as Darlene Conner on the popular sitcom Roseanne. The show, which was incredibly successful at the time, launched the careers of many, with Gilbert considered to be one of its greatest stars. Portraying the tomboyish, smart and sarcastic second child of the two main characters, Darlene was an instant fan favorite. Also known for her super cute on screen romance with David Healy, played by the wonderful Johnny Galecki, the two would later star together once more in the acclaimed comedy The Big Bang Theory. In fact, the pair even dated off screen for a while, until that is Gilbert realized she was into the ladies, leaving poor old Johnny in the friend zoned. Currently married to musician and 4 Non Blondes goddess Linda Perry, Gilbert gave birth to their son early last year. Also, having two children from a previous relationship, Gilbert has a growing brood, remaining extremely private with regards to her personal life.
7 Lily Tomlin
A veteran in the wonderful world of showbiz, Lily Tomlin has been entertaining audiences for years. Currently seen playing the role of Frankie Bergstein, in the successful Netflix comedy Grace and Frankie, Tomlin bagged herself an Emmy nomination in 2015 and 2016. With her character that of a married woman who finds out her husband is gay, the real life story of Lily Tomlin is exceptionally different. Currently married to writer Jane Wagner, the pair has been together since the early seventies. Never actually 'coming out' as such, Tomlin recently stated, "I certainly never called a press conference or anything like that. [Back in the '70s,] people didn't write about it. Even if they knew, they would refer to Jane as 'Lily's collaborator' things like that. Some journalists are just motivated by their own sense of what they want to say or what they feel comfortable saying or writing about". Marrying in 2013, the couple are involved in a number of feminist and LGBT productions, both celebrated and recognized for their work.
6 David Hyde Pierce
Star of the critically acclaimed comedy Frasier, David Hyde Pierce is best known for the character of Dr. Niles Crane, brother of Frasier Crane. Winning a number of Emmy awards for the part, Pierce has often been considered the driving force of the comedy, with his character providing most of the comic relief. Known for his romance with English born Daphne Moon, the pair were often compared to that of the most romantic couples in TV history. However, after months of speculation, it was revealed that Pierce was in fact gay, coming out in 2007. Married to writer and director Brian Hargrove, the couple has been together for over 30 years. Discussing how he felt when he was finally able to marry the love of his life, Pierce stated, "I felt transformed. We'd been together 26 years when we were legally allowed to get married in California. We went and did it, and we both agree it had a power, an importance to us in our lives that we can't really put into words, but that is totally palpable and intrinsic to who we are".
5 Raven Symoné
Child star supreme, Raven Symoné, has been in the spotlight most of her life. From stealing the nation's hearts on The Cosby Show to becoming a fully fledged teen idol, Symoné has been a role model for a number of young people across the globe. Coming out on Twitter in 2012, Symoné stated, "My orientation is mine and the person I'm dating's to know. I'm not one for a public display of my life." Choosing to not discuss her preference after bravely coming out, Symoné commented on the matter a year later with regards to the same-sex marriage legalization in the USA. Highlighting the issue, Symoné commented, "I was excited to hear today that more states legalized gay marriage. I, however, am not currently getting married, but it is great to know I can now, should I wish to". Not one for labels, Symoné has often declared her wish to remain relatively private with regards to what she identifies as acknowledging this during an interview with legendary chat host Oprah Winfrey. Claiming that she 'rejects all labels', especially those that interfere with her sexuality and race, Symoné described herself as just as a "human who loves humans". I mean that's so Raven.
4 Victor Garber
Silver fox stud Victor Garber has often played the heroic male lead, drenched in masculinity all while fawning of a number of women. Famed for his roles in Titanic, Legally Blonde, and television smash hit Alias, Garber chooses to remain extremely private with regards to his personal life. Preferring to stay out of the limelight, and especially the media, Garber very rarely refers to who he prefers to spend his life with. However, discussing the matter in 2013, Garber stated , "I don't really talk about it, but everybody knows." Subtle but sweet, to say the least. It's nice when people don't go ahead and declare whether they are gay or not because really who cares. Married to long term partner and model Rainer Andreesen since 2015, the pair has been together for over 16 years. Publishing the pictures on Andreesen's Instagram account, the captions lovingly read, "YES WE DID!"#justgotmarried #elopedintofino #canada @therealvictorgarber #after16years." Awwwww.
3 Portia De Rossi
One of the best female comedic actresses in the world right now, Portia De Rossi has been on our screens for a number of years. Initially famed for her role as the ice cold man killer, Nelle Porter, in the critically acclaimed TV series Ally McBeal, De Rossi went on to make even more people laugh on the smash hit Arrested Development. Usually playing the role of the seductress, De Rossi has only ever really played straight women. However, off screen things couldn't be further from the truth. Married to legendary entertainer Ellen DeGeneres since 2008, the pair has actually been together for over ten years, originally meeting at a photo shoot. Taking a long time to become comfortable with who she was, De Rossi was in the closet for a long time. Discussing her feelings for Degeneres, De Rossi States, "My feelings for Ellen overrode all of my fear about being out as a lesbian. I had to be with her, and I just figured I'd deal with the other stuff later". Obviously, madly in love, the pair are often snapped being extremely cute together.
2 Sir Ian McKellen
Everybody's favorite wizard, Sir Ian McKellen is one of the industries most talented actors. From Shakespeare to X-Men, McKellen has mastered it all, in turn becoming one of the most well-liked guys in showbiz. Openly gay since 1988, McKellen is a driving force within the LGBT community, known for his activism and campaigning. Wishing that he had come out earlier, McKellen stated, "'I regret and always shall that I didn't see the significance of coming out at a much earlier date because I think I would have been a different person and a happier one." However, seemingly making up for lost time, McKellen is a patron for a number of LGBT charity organizations and is often seen attending Pride events all over the world. Initially deciding to come out in retaliation towards ex British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, McKellen stated it was due to her decision to introduce the notorious Section 28, an amendment which made it illegal to "promote homosexuality" in any school in the country. Commenting on his thought process at the time, McKellen stated, "I was so appalled by this when I heard of it, I joined in groups vocally explaining why this was an unjust law, and in a debate on BBC radio, I came out and said I was gay."
1 Jodie Foster
America's sweetheart and all around girl next door, Jodie Foster, has been in the spotlight for what feels like forever. Starting life as an enormously successful child star, Foster garnered rave reviews for roles in children's gangster flick, Bugsy Malone, and the critically acclaimed Taxi Driver, opposite Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. Now a legend her in own right, Foster has two Academy Awards under her belt, as well as a number of other prestigious prizes and certifications. However, with rumors regarding her preference continuing for a number of years, Foster remained tight-lipped, often disregarding interviewers and remaining extremely private. Yet, suddenly having a change of heart, Foster seemingly 'came out', during a speech at the 2013 Golden Globe awards. Not exactly confirming the truth, nor denying it, the speech was exceptionally heartwarming. Making the announcement Foster stated, "I'm just gonna put it out there… I'm single," resulting in an eruption of laughter. Now married to photographer Alexandra Hedison, Foster has two children from her previous relationship with producer Cydney Bernard.
