Actors and actresses usually stay far away from issues and topics that would lead to them discussing their sexuality, especially if they do not subscribe to the cis-heteronormative standards set by society. One of the reasons they stay away is because they fear being typecast or outright ostracised by their industry. However, there are many artists who have ‘come out’, so to say’, and still managed to produce a solid body of work in their respective film industries.

In fact, their characters have been so iconic that one wonders why industry officials and bigwigs stay away or demur when casting LGBTQ actors. After all, when straight men and women can be offered LGBTQ roles, why can’t the opposite be possible?

Continuing on those lines, here are 5 LGBTQ actors who have famously played straight characters:

Neil Patrick Harris

Harris immortalised the role of Barney Stinson in the television series How I Met Your Mother. Stinson is an incorrigible womaniser with a penchant for wearing expensive suits. He also photographs beautifully and spouts phrases which are honestly, legend-wait for it-dary.

Matt Bomer

The blue-eyed hunk played the charismatic thief and con-artist Neal Caffery in the show White Collar and was instantly catapulted to fame. Bomer’s bad-boy-with-a-heart-of-gold kind of role was an instant hit among the viewers and the star amassed huge followers and fans following this portrayal.

Portia de Rossi

Rossi’s portrayal of the tough-as-nails and shrewd Elizabeth North was definitely one of the best things about Scandal and that’s saying something. Considering that the series featured such strong, unique characters, it is truly remarkable that Rossi managed to make North stick in the fans’ minds.

Jim Parsons

And of course, there’s our beloved Sheldon Cooper. The nerdy, socially awkward genius has been etched in our minds forever and nobody could have played him better than Parsons. Sheldon’s relationship with Amy had us all invested and we continue to root for them.

Cynthia Nixon

For an entire generation of women, Cynthia Nixon’s Miranda Hobbes in Sex and the City was instantly relatable. With workaholic personality, she epitomised the type of people who try hard to balance their personal and professional lives. She was the first women among the four to purchase an apartment and in that same strain, Nixon has continued to aim for success and successfully smashed multiple goals.