Beloved gay characters played by openly gay actors
A celebration of the gay actors who brought some of TV and film’s most beloved LGBTQIA+ characters to life.
Design by Yosef Phelan
Over the last two decades, there has been an incredible influx of gay representation in film and television. Alongside the rise of beloved queer characters on our screens, many of these roles have been played by openly gay or queer actors, adding much-needed representation for viewers at home and an extra layer to the characters themselves. In light of this growing trend, we’ve rounded up queer actors who have played some of the most unforgettable characters on screen.
Andrew Rannells
Girls
Andrew Rannells has captivated audiences since the late 2000s with his vocal talent and expert comedic timing. One of his most iconic queer roles is in Girls. In the hit HBO series, Rannells plays Elijah Krantz, the former boyfriend and close friend of main character Hannah Horvath (Lena Dunham). Throughout the six seasons, Elijah is behind some of the show’s most memorable moments, including his White Men Can’t Jump Broadway audition, his arrival in Iowa and, of course, his season one fight with Hannah, in which he loudly (and correctly) proclaims that her dad is gay.
Andrew Scott
All of Us Strangers
From James Moriarty in Sherlock to the lovable Priest in Fleabag, Andrew Scott is no stranger to playing iconic characters. But when it comes to his queer roles, one stands out above the rest: Adam in All of Us Strangers. While Andrew Haigh’s romantic fantasy drama is remarkable for a multitude of reasons, Scott’s portrayal of lonely screenwriter Adam is a sucker punch to the heart in the best way. As we’ve said, Scott is no stranger to delivering unforgettable performances, but the way he brings Adam’s journey to life – from working through grief over his deceased parents to navigating a blossoming relationship with his mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal) – is truly next level.
