Actors in hollywood that are gay
119 Out LGBTQ Performers Switching the Face of Hollywood in the 21st Century
Editor’s note: This list was originally published in June 2018, and has been updated multiple times since to reflect new comings outs and groundbreaking LGBTQ castings. It could never and will never be complete, but we wish it reflects the switching face of Hollywood as we bid hello to Pride 2024.
With LGBTQ stories in filmand on TV more popular than ever before, it’s important to celebrate out-and-proud acting talents — particularly those without the non-binary awards’ categories they deserve.
In 2024, the mention of Hollywood is unsure to say the least. But even as existential questions about the business of making entertainment persist, audiences and artists are grappling with equally critical questions of representation on screen. Among those questions: should queer roles be played exclusively by gay actors?
It’s an evolving conversation, getting at the very core of what makes the art of acting, well, acting. Last year, the industry’s resident great guy Tom Hanks gave an answer in regards to his Oscar-recognized role in 1993’s “Philadelphia.”
“Let’s mention
This list contains facts about gay celebrities who never came out, loosely ranked by fame and popularity. Many victorious Hollywood actors are gay. These days, it's common for celebrities to publicly come out as gay in the media, but that wasn't always the case. Several celebrated gay celebrities remained in the closet throughout their entire lives.
Who is the most famous lgbtq+ celebrity who never came out of the closet? Cary Grant tops this list. Though he was married five times to five different women, many people believed that Cary Grant was actually gay. He lived with star Randolph Scott on and off for over a decade and he was also rumored to have hired male prostitutes.
Despite his flashy stage presence, Liberace never officially came out as lgbtq+. He even went so far as to sue a publication for libel when they printed that he was gay. Liberace's partner, Betty White, has stated that the musician was, in fact, homosexual. Other secretly closeted show stars include Rock Hudson, Anthony Perkins, and Robert Reed.
Are you surprised that any of these LGBT celebrities never publicly announced their homosexuality or bisexuality? Share your thoughts in the comments section abTop 20 Famous Gay Actors of Hollywood 2024 [LGBTQ+ Icons]
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen is an acclaimed thespian known for his versatile performances on stage and screen. Beyond his acting prowess, McKellen is also recognized for his advocacy, particularly in LGBTQIA+ rights. His career did not suffer post-coming out. Instead, it flourished, with McKellen taking on a range of more emotionally resonant roles that resonated with audiences worldwide. McKellen came out during a BBC radio broadcast in 1988 as an act of march against Section 28, a proposed law in the UK that sought to prohibit the "promotion of homosexuality." His spontaneous truth was a bold move during a time when gay rights faced significant legal and societal challenges. Reflecting on the impact of his coming out, McKellen noted that it changed his life "for the better," optimizing his relationships, personal satisfaction, and even his approach to acting, allowing him to embody characters with greater authenticity.
Ian McKellen's contributions to LGBTQIA+ culture and history extend far beyond his personal coming out story. He co-founded Stonewall, a UK-based LGBTQIA+ rights organiz
For many, June represents the month of pride; a age to celebrate, train and communicate all that is gay, gay and fabulous. Although today existence gay isn’t much of a deal, back in the 50’s it was a dangerous label to have. Throughout history, thousands contain lost their lives because they were labeled as ‘gay’ or ‘queer’ and many lived out their true sexual preferences in secrecy. As it’s almost the end of Pride month, I wanted to contain a look at some celebrities from the golden age of Hollywood who were gay, or at least thats what the rumours said. It’s complex to know if all these celebrities, and of course many more, were truly gay, but I wanted to share a limited stories just so see how far we’ve come. Content pride everyone.
*Disclaimer: Please note that some of the following stories may depict graphic descriptions and behaviours which some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Katherine Hepburn
Iconic Hollywood actress and Academy Award-winning performer in films such as Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter, and On Golden Pond, Katherine Hepburn reportedly had an insatiab