Number Eight Gay Hero - Chris Evans

AfterElton.com gay mens reader’s hot 100 list vote Chris Evans as Number Eight

The handsome 26-year-young actor slipped a few spots from last year (he was riding high on plenty of shirtless Fantastic Four promotion last summer), where he played Johnny Storm, the Human Torch but that doesn’t mean he’s cooled in the least. In fact, the stunner has spent the last year picking projects that seem selected in an attempt to convince us that he’s more than a pretty face: his turn as a gruff scientist in Sunshine and as the romantic lead in The Nanny Diaries allowed him to keep his shirt on more than normal. But we won’t hold it against him.

Chris Evans had small parts on television series such as Boston Public and The Fugitive and a role in the TV series Opposite Sex before landing his first notable role as Jake Wyler in Not Another Teen Movie. The film contained a somewhat notorious spoof of the Varsity Blues movie, where (to attract the attention of a girl) Evans entered the room wearing nothing more than whipped cream and cherries covering his nipples and crotch, and a banana sticking out of his buttocks.

After filming wrapped on Not Another Teen Movie, Evans landed several more lead roles in The Perfect Score and Cellular.

Evans has approximately five projects in various stages of production, so we should be seeing a lot more of him in the year to come … and “see more of him” we certainly hope to do!

Written by TechStickle on June 5th, 2008 with no comments.
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Number Seven Gay Hero - Van Hansis

AfterElton.com gay mens reader’s hot 100 list vote Van Hansis as Number Seven

A newcomer to the Hot 100 this year, 26-year-old actor Van Hansis crashed into the top ten without mussing a single hair on his adorable head. Known to audiences worldwide for playing gay teen Luke Snyder on As the World Turns, Van holds the distinction of being one half of the first gay kiss in the history of daytime television. But those who have followed his character’s story from the beginning know that he’s more than just a sensational smooch.

A subtle actor with a great deal of nuance for his age (not to mention the ability to navigate the oft-absurd waters of soaps with impressive ease), Van grew up in a household with no television (he has called his upbringing “nearly Amish”) but is adapting to big city life and stardom like a pro.

His place at the top of the list is a testament to gay viewers’ investment in his character’s story and in his skill in connecting with his audience, and we look forward to what this role and future projects have in store for him. Wait, did we mention that he’s adorable? Yes? Okay, never mind.

When he learned that he made the list, Van said, “Yessss! I’ve never been on a hot people list before, so it’s really exciting … I’m thrilled that so many people have responded so well to Luke and Noah’s story. Thank you! I’m thrilled to be a part of [After Eltons] list.”

Written by TechStickle on June 5th, 2008 with no comments.
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Number Six Gay Hero - Gale Harold

It is hard to separate Gale Harold from Brian Kinney, the character he played so successfully for five years on the American version of Queer as Folk. The character (and by association Harold) has always been a flashpoint with gay men. Some folks loved Queer as Folk’s Brian for his sexiness, intensity and unapologetic hedonism. Others saw the character as essentially amoral and repugnant.

Back in January, Brian Kinney actually topped our list of the most popular gay TV characters of all time, and that fact set off a firestorm of debate. Quite possibly we’ll see a similar debate about Gale Harold’s high ranking on this year’s Hot 100, but it’s worth reminding ourselves that Gale Harold is not Brian Kinney. Whether or not you were a fan of Queer as Folk, there’s no disputing that Gale Harold the actor is one sexy man. And he certainly deserves credit for taking on a prominent gay role (and seeming to relish in the portrayal) at a time when many of his acting peers were reluctant to play gay.

Harold has signed on for the next season of Desperate Housewives. Regrettably, he’ll be playing Susan’s love interest and not Andrew’s, but at least this may allow the actor to finally step out from behind the long shadow of his Queer as Folk character.

Written by TechStickle on June 5th, 2008 with no comments.
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Number Four Gay Hero - Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris

It’s difficult to say exactly why 34-year-old Neil Patrick Harris vaulted all the way from #53 in last year’s poll, to #5 this year, but given the number of out actors in the top five, our readers clearly find gay men comfortable in their own skin to be very hot. And that definitely describes this former child star who made the difficult transition to adult actor with a grace and ease few others have managed. No doubt his many gay fans were also pleased when Harris and boyfriend David Burtka appeared together on the red carpet at last year’s Emmy awards, one of the rare times a high profile gay couple has made such an appearance. And the fact Harris seems to have been hitting the gym of late probably didn’t hurt his high ranking either.

Like Torchwood’s John Barrowman and Xanadu’s Cheyenne Jackson, Harris is another out actor who has no trouble finding work. From his Emmy-nominated role on CBS’ How I Met Your Mother to his hilarious performance as a warped version of himself in the Harold & Kumar movies to his frequent appearances on Live with Regis & Kelly and most recently on Million Dollar Password, Harris is a man of diverse talents and interests.

One of those interests is magic, with Harris having performed tricks on Johnny Carson, Jay Leno and most recently Ellen DeGeneres’ show. In fact, Harris sits on the Board of Directors of Hollywood’s Magic Castle. Perhaps Harris can use those magic skills to move even higher on next year’s Hot 100. As he told us when informed about making this year’s Hot 100, “I am honored to be so hot. It is one thing to think kindly of yourself, but to have that feeling validated by the readers of AfterElton.com - well, that’s just fantastical. Here’s hoping that the four men above me (pun sort of unintentional) age rapidly in the next twelve months.”

Written by TechStickle on June 5th, 2008 with no comments.
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Number Four Gay Hero - Cheyenne Jackson

AfterElton.com gay mens reader’s hot 100 list vote Cheyenne Jackson as Number Four

While we harbor no illusions that landing in the top five of the AfterElton.com Hot 100 list can make up for his unjustly not receiving a Tony nomination for his hilarious turn as Sonny Malone in the Broadway musical Xanadu (both Ben Brantley and Christopher Isherwood of The New York Times named Jackson as the actor they believed should have been nominated), we do hope that this accolade softens the sting at least a little.

Like his Scottish counterpart John Barrowman, Cheyenne Jackson is foremost a musical entertainer. He first garnered widespread notice in 2004’s hit off-Broadway show Altar Boyz, and the following year his profile rose even higher when he originated the role of Chad in the Elvis Presley inspired musical All Shook Up. But it sky-rocketed last July when Cheyenne skated to the rescue of Xanadu by stepping into the skates of Sonny a week before the show was scheduled to debut after the original Sonny injured himself during rehearsals (Jackson was familiar with the role having played Sonny during workshops). Additionally, Jackson earned stellar reviews for his role in 2006’s United 93 where he played the openly gay Mark Bingham.

The 32-year-old Jackson is a very busy man frequently appearing in various readings of new works, singing in concerts, and making appearances on behalf of GLBT organizations including AMFAR and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. An avid dog lover, Cheyenne has also joined Bernadette Peters for her Broadway Barks campaign to help raise awareness concerning homeless animals.

Like Barrowman, Jackson is another actor with leading man looks (inherited in part from his Native American father) who chose to be out and proud when staying in the closet might have been the safer thing for his career. When we asked him last year what effect being out had on his career, Jackson said, “I think it’s been a detriment, probably just a little bit. Had I not been out and open, I think I might have gotten some movies that I screen-tested for. People may have said, ‘The dude’s gay; how are we going to market this?’ But it’s not an issue for me, because being out is very freeing.”

And might we add, sexy.

When asked about how he felt coming in at number four on our list, Cheyenne said, “Look out, Barrowman. I’m coming for you!”

Written by TechStickle on June 5th, 2008 with no comments.
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Number Three Gay Hero - Luke MacFarlane

AfterElton.com gay mens reader’s hot 100 list vote Luke MacFarlane as Number Three

Making the highest debut of anyone on the Hot 100 List is, 28-year-old Canadian Luke MacFarlane rocketing into the third position. The secret to his stunning success? Portraying Brothers & Sisters’ adorable Scotty Wandell, who recently “wed” his partner Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys) in television’s highest profile same-sex commitment ceremony, certainly didn’t hurt; nor did MacFarlane’s decision to come out to a Canadian newspaper last April. Throw in the fact that the frequently stubble-faced thespian is not only smoking hot, but possesses an innate sweetness that caused fans to fall hard for his portrayal of the sometimes hapless Scotty, and you have his recipe for success.

MacFarlane’s profile will likely on increase this fall when Brothers & Sisters returns to ABC and fans tune in to see what’s next for Kevin and Scotty. Additionally, in November, Canadian audiences can see MacFarlane play James Nichol in Iron Road, a TV mini-series set in 1882 about an immigrant Chinese woman who falls for the son of a railroad tycoon. The role casts as MacFarlane as the heterosexual love interest — adding yet another actor to the growing list who have proven being a gay heartthrob doesn’t mean you can’t play a straight love interest.

Written by TechStickle on June 3rd, 2008 with no comments.
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Number Two Gay Hero - John Barrowman

AfterElton.com gay mens reader’s hot 100 list vote John Barrowman as Number Two

We voted for John Barrowman as number one, but after “I’d’ do anything” I think we have seen enough of John for a while.

In the past twelve months, he has released an album, published an autobiography (co-written with his sister), starred in the second season of Torchwood, guest starred on three episodes of Doctor Who, one episode of Hotel Babylon, served as a judge on I’d Do Anything, appeared on Any Dream Will Do, and hosted the children’s program The Kids Are All Right. And those are just the highlights. Okay, some of the highlights.

Additionally, John and his partner, Scott Gill, gave gay fans everywhere an extra little thrill when they appeared together at last year’s London Pride. John actually pulled Scott up on to the stage, giving his hubby (the two entered into a civil partnership back in 2006) a kiss in front of a cheering crowd. An outspoken advocate for gay rights, John has been out professionally for years, and as his list of credits prove, his openness hasn’t held him back.

John moved from #10 on last year’s list all the way up to #2 where Jake Gyllenhaal edged him out in a photo finish. AfterElton.com asked John how he felt coming in second to the Brokeback Mountain star. With his usual cheekiness, John told us, “I’m thrilled with the results. Who wouldn’t want to come in behind Jake Gyllenhaal?”

Is it any wonder gay men love him so much?

Written by TechStickle on June 3rd, 2008 with no comments.
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Number One Gay Hero - Jake Gyllenhaal

AfterElton.com gay mens reader’s hot 100 list vote Jake Gyllenhaal as Number One

Given how little we’ve actually seen of Jake over the past twelve months – two films that grossed only $43 million between them; his very low profile since the death of friend and Brokeback Mountain co-star Heath Ledger – it truly is a testament to Gyllenhaal’s enduring appeal to gay men that he topped our list for the second straight year. (It should be noted, however, that he edged out John Barrowman by only the narrowest of margins.)

What accounts for Jake’s ongoing appeal to gay men? His doe-eyed, boy next door (yet somehow smoldering) looks certainly don’t hurt, but we suspect what really makes gay men go for him is that he doesn’t have an issue going for us. From playing gay in Brokeback to appearing at a GLAAD award show to not feeling the need to distance himself from his gay fans (remember the shout out to us done in drag on Saturday Night Live?), Jake has done as much as any actor to show straight guys there isn’t a good reason to be afraid of gay guys (or gay roles).

Jake’s upcoming projects will showcase his range and willingness to tackle a variety of roles. This December he’ll be starring in director Jim Sheridan’s drama Brothers, then in 2009 moviegoers will see him tackle the romantic comedy Nailed before playing Dastan in Prince of Persia (based on the video game of the same name). Alas, none of his roles have him playing gay again, but we are curious to see what he does with his upcoming role as Joe Namath.

Written by TechStickle on June 3rd, 2008 with no comments.
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