Straight Actors, Gay Parts: 15 Unforgettable Performances

Lights, camera, action! We've compiled a list of the 15 best gay movie characters played by straight men.

When it comes to the cinematic universe, nothing is more fabulous than witnessing our favorite straight actors stepping out of their comfort zones and diving into the sparkling world of queer culture. There's a lot to be said for gay actors taking gay roles but that's a debate for another time.

So, grab your popcorn and rainbow flags, because we're counting down the 15 straight-on-gay movie roles.

HARRY HAMLIN - Making Love (1982)

Making Love tells the story of a successful doctor, played by Michael Ontkean, grappling with his sexuality as he falls in love with a novelist, portrayed by Harry Hamlin. The film was a trailblazer, exploring themes of homosexuality and coming out during a time when such topics were considered taboo. Memorable moments include the emotional breakup between Ontkean's character and his wife, played by Kate Jackson, and the passionate love scenes between Hamlin and Ontkean. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hamlin said, "It was an honor to be a part of a groundbreaking film that helped pave the way for LGBTQ representation in cinema."

HEATH LEDGER - Brokeback Mountain (2005)

In this iconic film, Heath Ledger stars as Ennis Del Mar, a cowboy who falls in love with another cowboy, Jack Twist, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Their passionate yet tragic love story unfolds over two decades. Ledger's moving portrayal of Ennis earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Memorable scenes include their first intimate encounter and the gut-wrenching scene when Ennis discovers Jack's death. Ledger told The New York Times, "It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot about love, tolerance, and understanding through playing Ennis."

SEAN PENN - Milk (2008)

In Milk, Sean Penn delivers a powerful performance as Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the history of California. The film chronicles Milk's life, political career, and assassination. Penn's embodiment of Milk's charisma, courage, and determination earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Memorable moments include Milk's impassioned speeches and his relationship with Scott Smith, played by James Franco. Penn told Vanity Fair, "Playing Harvey Milk taught me the importance of fighting for what's right, even when it seems impossible."

ANDREW GARFIELD - Angels in America (2017)

Andrew Garfield stars as Prior Walter, a gay man living with AIDS in 1980s New York, in the National Theatre's revival of Tony Kushner's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Angels in America. Garfield's heart-wrenching portrayal of Prior's struggle with illness, love, and loss earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. Memorable scenes include his visions of angels and his emotional monologue about the future of the gay community. Speaking with The Guardian, Garfield said, "Playing Prior was an incredibly challenging and rewarding experience, and it opened my eyes to the resilience of the human spirit."

ANTONIO BANDERAS - Philadelphia (1993)

In this groundbreaking film, Antonio Banderas plays Miguel Alvarez, the loving partner of Tom Hanks' character, Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired after his employers discover he has AIDS. Banderas' sensitive portrayal of Miguel showcases the importance of love and support during difficult times. Memorable scenes include the couple's tender moments together and the powerful courtroom scenes. Banderas told Entertainment Weekly, "Playing Miguel taught me the value of compassion and the power of standing by those we love."

TOM HANKS - Philadelphia (1993)

Tom Hanks gives a transformative performance as Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who sues his former employers for discrimination after being fired for having AIDS. Hanks' portrayal of Beckett's strength and determination in the face of adversity earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Memorable moments include Beckett's emotional testimony in court and his slow decline as the disease progresses. Hanks told The Los Angeles Times, "Playing Andrew Beckett was a profound experience, and it made me more aware of the need for empathy and understanding in our world."

COLIN FIRTH - A Single Man (2009)

In A Single Man, Colin Firth delivers a poignant performance as George Falconer, a gay college professor mourning the loss of his longtime partner, Jim. The film, directed by Tom Ford, captures the depth of George's grief and his struggle to find meaning in life. Memorable scenes include George's heart-wrenching phone call upon learning of Jim's death and his connection with a young student, played by Nicholas Hoult. Firth told The Telegraph, "Playing George allowed me to explore the depths of human emotion and the power of love in its many forms."

MATT DAMON - Behind the Candelabra (2013)

In this biographical drama, Matt Damon portrays Scott Thorson, the young lover of famed pianist Liberace, played by Michael Douglas. Behind the Candelabra chronicles the couple's tumultuous relationship, which was filled with glamour, jealousy, and betrayal. Memorable moments include their extravagant stage performances and the couple's emotional breakup. Damon told Rolling Stone, "Playing Scott was a fascinating journey into the world of Liberace and the complexities of their relationship."

ERIC MCCORMACK - Will & Grace (1998-2006, 2017-2020)

Although not a movie character, Eric McCormack's portrayal of Will Truman, a gay lawyer living in New York City, in the hit TV series Will & Grace is worth mentioning. McCormack's comedic timing and chemistry with co-stars Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes made the show a groundbreaking success, pushing boundaries and opening doors for LGBTQ representation on television. Memorable moments include Will's witty banter with Grace and his tumultuous love life. McCormack told The Advocate, "Playing Will was an honor, and I'm proud to have been part of a show that helped change hearts and minds."

TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET - Call Me by Your Name (2017)

In this coming-of-age drama, Timothée Chalamet stars as Elio Perlman, a 17-year-old who falls in love with Oliver, played by Armie Hammer, an older graduate student staying with Elio's family in Italy. Chalamet's vulnerable portrayal of Elio's emotional journey through first love earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Memorable scenes include Elio and Oliver's intimate moments and the emotional final shot of Elio by the fireplace. Chalamet told GQ, "Playing Elio was a beautiful experience that allowed me to explore the complexities of love and desire."

RUSSELL CROWE - The Sum of Us (1994)

In this Australian film, Russell Crowe plays Jeff Mitchell, a gay man searching for love while living with his supportive father, played by Jack Thompson. The Sum of Us is a heartwarming exploration of the bond between father and son, as well as the challenges of finding love in a world filled with prejudice. Memorable moments include Jeff's tender interactions with his father and his pursuit of love. Crowe told The Sydney Morning Herald, "Playing Jeff was an important experience for me, and it taught me the importance of family support and acceptance."

DANIEL RADCLIFFE - Kill Your Darlings (2013)

Daniel Radcliffe stars as the young, gay poet Allen Ginsberg in Kill Your Darlings, a film that explores the early years of the Beat Generation. Radcliffe's portrayal of Ginsberg's burgeoning sexuality and his complex relationships with other writers, including Lucien Carr, played by Dane DeHaan, offers a unique insight into the poet's life. Memorable moments include Ginsberg's intimate scenes with Carr and his passionate pursuit of creative freedom. Radcliffe told Out Magazine, "Playing Allen Ginsberg was an incredible opportunity to explore a fascinating period in literary history and the complexities of human relationships."

NICK ROBINSON - Love, Simon (2018)

In this heartfelt coming-of-age film, Nick Robinson plays Simon Spier, a high school student struggling to come out as gay to his friends and family. Love, Simon is a touching exploration of the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth, as well as the importance of love and acceptance. Memorable moments include Simon's emotional coming-out scenes and the climactic moment when he meets his anonymous online love interest. Robinson told Teen Vogue, "Playing Simon was an eye-opening experience, and I'm grateful to have been part of a film that resonates with so many people."

JIM CARREY - I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

In this dark comedy, Jim Carrey stars as Steven Russell, a con artist who falls in love with his fellow inmate, Phillip Morris, played by Ewan McGregor. The film chronicles their unlikely love story and Steven's outrageous schemes to stay with Phillip. Carrey's portrayal of Steven's determination and devotion is both hilarious and touching. Memorable moments include their unconventional courtship and the numerous escape attempts. Carrey told The Guardian, "Playing Steven Russell was a wild ride, and it reminded me that love comes in many forms."

MARK RUFFALO - The Normal Heart (2014)

In this HBO adaptation of Larry Kramer's play, Mark Ruffalo plays Ned Weeks, a gay activist fighting for awareness and recognition of the AIDS crisis in the early 1980s. Ruffalo's powerful portrayal of Ned's passion and frustration in the face of government inaction and societal prejudice is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Memorable scenes include Ned's fiery speeches and his relationship with Felix Turner, played by Matt Bomer. Ruffalo told IndieWire, "Playing Ned Weeks was an incredible honor and an opportunity to shed light on a crucial period in LGBTQ history."

Sources:

The Hollywood Reporter

The New York Times

Vanity Fair

The Guardian

Entertainment Weekly

The Los Angeles Times

The Telegraph

Rolling Stone

The Advocate

GQ

The Sydney Morning Herald

Out Magazine

Teen Vogue

IndieWire