The stars who went gay for pay

Films provide an important voice for LGBTQ+ people as they offer much-needed representation in the media, and actors do a vital job bringing the stories of queer characters to life.

However, very few high-profile LGBTQ+ roles are actually played by out LGBTQ+ actors. Actors who are open about their sexuality often struggle to carve a successful career path for themselves – a fact that is not helped by their heterosexual counterparts filling up roles that some might argue should be reserved for them.

Here are just some of the Hollywood stars who have gone ‘gay for pay’ on the silver screen, as well as some of the out gay actors who have made a name for themselves playing it straight.

1. Ewan McGregor in I Love You Phillip Morris (2009)

Ewan McGregor plays prison inmate Phillip Morris this black comedy based on the story of the real-life 1980s and 90s story of a con artist and repeated prison escapee Steven Jay Russell, played by Jim Carrey.

Phillip and Steven share a rollercoaster love story about forgiveness and ill health after the pair become romantically involved in prison.

After they are both released, Steven is caught embezzling and the pair are sent back to prison. Phillip is enraged by his actions and tells him that he does not want to see him again.

He later learns that Steven is dying of AIDS-related complications, and phones him to tell him that he is still mad but still loves him.

Steven later “dies” – but it turns out his illness is just another ruse so that he can get out of jail and see Phillip once more.