Soap Stars who are LGBTQ+
In an industry that’s becoming more inclusive, many soap stars have embraced their true identities. So, let’s take a look at some soap stars who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
1. Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin, known for his successful music career and acting roles like in General Hospital, candidly shared his personal journey in a 2020 interview with NBC News. Despite reaching great heights in his career, he revealed feeling unfulfilled and struggling with sadness and depression. In 2011, Martin took a significant step by coming out as gay in his memoir, a decision that brought him immense happiness and relief. Since then, he has been openly embracing his true self. Martin was married to artist Jwan Josef for 6 years but in 2023 they announced their divorce. Together they are also parents to four children.
2. Joanna Johnson
Joanna Johnson, best known for her role in Bold & Beautiful, made headlines when she revealed her own sexual orientation just before her character’s storyline unfolded as a lesbian on the show. Prior to coming out, Johnson grappled with concerns about how her sexuality might impact her acting career and roles in romance narratives. However, she eventually found peace and fulfillment, establishing a successful career as a TV producer. Johnson has been married to her partner, Michelle Agnew, since 2008, and together they are raising two children.
3. Tuc Watkins
Tuc Watkins, a popular actor from One Life to Live, made a significant announcement during a talk show appearance in 2013, publicly sharing that he is gay. Additionally, Watkins revealed that he had become a single father raising two children. In 2019, he began a relationship with Andrew Rannells, a Grammy-winning actor known for his work on Broadway and Netflix. Watkins is celebrated not only for his acting talent but also for his openness about his personal life, breaking down barriers and advocating for LGBTQ+ representation.
4. Kevin Spirtas
Kevin Spirtas, a soap vet who played Dr Craig on Days of Our Lives, opened up about his journey with sexual orientation. He confessed that growing up, being gay was stigmatized and challenging for him. In an interview with Logo TV in 2020, he said, “For me, being gay was a dirty word growing up, and now this is my truth. I’m proud of who I am and love who I am.” He even took initiative by creating After Forever, a web soap where he portrays a gay widower.
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5. Jonathan Bennett
Jonathan Bennett, recognized for his role in Mean Girls and All My Children, has become a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community. Bennett made history by appearing on the cover of The Knot with his husband, Jaymes Vaughan, marking a significant moment for representation in mainstream media. In addition, Bennett starred in Hallmark Channel’s first LGBTQ+ Christmas movie in 2022, further contributing to inclusive storytelling and breaking stereotypes.
6. Chrishell Stause
Chrishell Stause, a former Days of Our Lives actress, surprised fans by marrying Australian singer G Flip in 2023. Stause candidly shared that love doesn’t always follow a predictable path, highlighting the unpredictability and beauty of romantic relationships. The actress who was also previously married to Justin Hartley, wrote on her IG, “Love doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes it’s immeasurably better.”
7. Christian LeBlanc
Not many of you know this but Christian LeBlanc who plays the role of the legal eagle, Michael Baldwin on Young and the Restless is also gay in real life. He kept it a secret for decades as it wasn’t accepted as widely as it is today, and it wasn’t until 2021 that he decided to come out and make it public. In a podcast, “State of Mind” hosted by Maurice Bernard, Leblanc finally spoke up about his sexuality. Leblanc and his husband, Sid Montz fell in love and got married back in 1993 and in 2023 they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
8. Maureen Garrett
Maureen Garrett, known for her role in Guiding Light, revealed she is a lesbian right after the show ended. Garrett had been in a long-term relationship with her partner, Janet Morgan, and together they raised three grown sons. Reflecting on her character’s journey on screen, Garrett humorously remarked on the contrast between her own life and the melodrama of soap opera storylines, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal fulfillment.
9. Peter Porte
Peter Porte, a versatile soap actor who has appeared in Young & Restless and Days of Our Lives, made headlines when he married Jacob Jules Villere in 2018. In addition to his daytime roles, Porte starred in Dashing in December in 2020, one of the first mainstream TV movies to feature LGBTQ+ themes prominently during the holiday season. Porte’s work both on and off-screen contributes to the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ narratives in popular media.
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10. Camryn Grimes
Fans of Young and the Restless know that Mariah Copeland is currently married to Tessa Porter, marking the first LGBTQ+ marriage in soap opera history. But turns out, the actress herself is bi in real life. Back in 2020, the Daytime Emmy winning actress, Camryn Grimes said in her social media that she discovered her bisexuality through a conversation with her fiancé, Brock Powell, who is also bisexual. She said, “Honestly, I feel stupid I didn’t come to the conclusion sooner.”
11. Thom Beirdz
Thom Bierdz was one of the favorite actors of Young and the Restless who played the role of Phillip Chancellor III from 1986 to 1989. If you remember in the soap, Phillip decided to fake his own death just so he could hide the fact he was gay. But that’s not it, the actor in real life also revealed that he was into men. Now, post his soap days, the actor became a renowned painter and in 2005, he was also named one of Out Magazine’s Best Emerging Artists.
12. Cassandra James
Cassandra James stands out as the sole openly transgender soap star working in daytime television, portraying the character of Dr. Terry on General Hospital. James has spoken about the challenges of feeling isolated in her experience but remains steadfast in her commitment to authentic representation. She sees her role as an opportunity to bring genuine humanity to her work, striving to pave the way for more diversity and inclusion in the industry.
13. Greg Rikaart
Greg Rikaart, the actor who has been playing the role of Kevin Fisher in the show has always been open about his sexuality and his partner and husband, Robert Sudduth. After dating back in 2013, the couple finally got married in Maui, Hawaii, back on May 9, 2015. Later on, after just a year, they welcomed their first child, a son named Montgomery through surrogacy in 2016.