Wood has been open about her bisexuality and later called herself a queer while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. His portrayal of Song Liling in the Broadway production of "M. Her talent and intelligence have made her a highly respected figure in the industry.
Foster came out publicly in 2013 during a Golden Globes speech, though she had long been open within her personal circles.
Someone close to Foster leaked the information to the media once about her interest in women. While coming out in Hollywood was once considered career-ending, many brave actors have helped shatter those outdated perceptions, inspiring countless fans while living authentically and proudly. At the time of coming-out, Elliot was recovering from top surgery, which he described as a “life-saving” procedure.
Best known for his work in Juno, Whip It, Inception, and Tales of the City, Elliot had originally come out as a lesbian in 2014, whilst they presented as female.
Eventually, Rosie bit the bullet and announced to the world that she was gay, saying “I don't know why people make such a big deal about the gay thing. Quinto's coming out was a powerful statement in Hollywood, challenging prevailing norms and advocating for openness and acceptance. She’s discussed how using the label queer is far more liberating than identifying as gay or bisexual, feeling that it encompasses her years of living a heterosexual lifestyle.
Her child, Samuel, came out as trans in 2018.
Zachary Quinto
Zachary Quinto, most notable for portraying Spock in the latest installments of the Star Trek universe, elected to come out in the wake of Jamey Rodemeyer's tragic passing in 2011, rather than continue hiding from his fans and followers. He has also starred in acclaimed films like Dead Bodies, Saving Private Ryan, Spectre, Victor Frankenstein, Alice Through the Looking Glass, 1917, and Cognition.
His notable theater credits include Design for Living, Present Laughter, Three Kings, Hamlet, Emperor, and Galilean, demonstrating his remarkable versatility as a performer.
Top 20 Famous Gay Actors of Hollywood 2024 [LGBTQ+ Icons]
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen is an acclaimed actor known for his versatile performances on stage and screen.
Their efforts, along with Ferguson's role as a celebrity ambassador for the ACLU's LGBT community, have had a tangible impact on advancing the conversation around same-sex marriage and equality.
Ferguson's work extends beyond advocacy, as he has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, notably with his charity Tie The Knot, which raises funds in support of same-sex marriage.
They were the first gay couple to apply for a marriage license in West Hollywood, with fellow Star Trek alumni Walter Koenig and Nichelle Nichols, as his best man and best woman respectively.
16. His work and identity challenge conventional labels and norms.
BD Wong
BD Wong is best known for his roles in ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Law & Order: SVU’, and ‘Mr.
Wong's personal life and experiences as a gay, Asian-American man and father have deeply informed his advocacy work and public speaking engagements.
Throughout his career, Wong has made significant contributions to the culture and history of the LGBTQIA+ community, not just through his roles on screen and stage, but also through his activism and openness about his identity.
Known for series including "The L Word: Generation Q," "Ray Donovan," and "Young Americans," Moennig had never been shy about embracing her identity that made her an admired figure in the lesbian circle of Hollywood.
Her honest approach toward her sexuality has been both a statement and an inspiration added to an already existing message: personal truth and professional success are two things that can mix well, especially for openly gay actors and comedians.
Or from Doctor Who. His intense screen presence and versatility have made him a standout performer in genre entertainment.
He came out as gay in 2011, citing a sense of responsibility after the suicide of a gay teen made headlines. Ben Whishaw
Ben is a cutie! Or from a show on the West End. No matter where you first came across John Barrowman, you’ll have remembered his loud, brassy, theatrical voice, and his signature phrase “fab-u-lous!”
Born In Scotland, Barrowman moved to the US when he was 8, where he got involved in his school’s theater program.
While some prefer to maintain their privacy – not out of fear but out of “God, the paparazzi are getting on my nerves about this!” – others proudly announce engagements, display breakups for all the world to see, and post their vacation snaps featuring their beloved partners – and sometimes kids too!
We still aren't where we need to be when it comes to equal treatment and opportunity for a lot of folks in Show Business but with the list of openly famous gay stars growing each year and the support for them following suit, it's only a matter of time before the score evens out.
His courage and outspokenness have paved the way for younger generations of queer actors.
Jodie Foster
An Oscar-winning actress and acclaimed director, Jodie Foster has been a fixture in Hollywood for decades with iconic roles in films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Taxi Driver’.
He’s also featured in an Equality Network video campaign, which rallied support for gay marriage in Scotland. And everyone else loves him because he’s an all-around great guy!
He is such a beloved figure in American entertainment that he has made numerous cameos as himself in various TV sitcoms, such as Malcolm in the Middle, Will & Grace, The Big Bang Theory, and Futurama.