This list of gay actors who play straight characters is loosely ranked by fame and popularity. One of the great things about being an actor or public figure is you can play characters that are different from yourself. Several gay actors are famous for playing straight characters in film and on television. One gay actor is best known for playing a womanizing lawyer on a sitcom.

Who is the most famous gay actor who has played straight characters? Rosie O’Donnell tops our list. The A League of Their Own star publicly came out in 2002. She has since been a fierce advocate for gay rights, same-sex marriage, and gay adoption rights. She has played several straight characters including Betty Rubble in The Flintstones. Portia de Rossi married talk show host Ellen DeGeneres in 2008. She has played several straight characters including Lindsay Bluth Funke on Arrested Development.

Neil Patrick Harris plays the womanizing Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother. Harris came out in 2006, saying, “I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest and feel most fortunate to be working with wonderful people in the business I love.” Other openly gay actors who play straight characters include Jim Parsons, Ricky Martin, and Ellen Page. Featuring Hollywood celebrities, movie stars, public figures, male celebs, and actresses, this list has them all.