Famous Straight Actors Who Played Gay Characters

There's been a great deal of hubbub the past few days surrounding the HBO premiere of 'Behind the Candelabra', starring Michael Douglas as legendary pianist Liberace and Matt Damon as his longtime paramour, Scott Thorson. But Douglas and Damon certainly aren't the first straight actors to be cast as gay characters. Here's a list of the best known...

Tom Hanks in 'Philadelphia'

Robin Williams in 'The Birdcage'

Greg Kinnear in 'As Good As It Gets'

Hilary Swank in 'Boys Don't Cry'

Charlize Theron in 'Monster'

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in 'Brokeback Mountain'

Phillip Seymour Hoffman in 'Capote'

Sean Penn in 'Milk'