Bravery defined

How Anthony Rapp became a sci-fi icon and a #MeToo trailblazer

Name: Anthony Rapp, 46

Who He Is: Actor

Why He Matters: Rapp created the role of Mark Cohen in the original cast of Rent, and recently ascended to TV stardom as Paul Saments on Star Trek: Discovery. He also became a leader in the #MeToo movement after coming out about an assault when he was a teenager by Kevin Spacey.

Why We’re Proud: Rapp has had one crazy year. After spending decades on stage, giving acclaimed performances in Rent, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and If/Then, Rapp broke through in the role of chief engineer Paul Samets on Star Trek: Discovery. Cheeky, bitchy and brilliant, Rapp’s Paul became one of the most stand-out characters on the hit series which finished out its first season last year.

Moreover, Rapp finally helped the 23rd century of Star Trek catch up with the real-life 21st century by becoming the first openly gay character in Trek canon. Fans of the long-running franchise applauded the move, and Rapp earned raves for his work.

Related: How Wilson Cruz and Anthony Rapp of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ warped straight into our hearts

Rapp lived his truth in 2017. With celebrities like Rose McGowan and Ellen Page leading the charge against sexual abuse of women in Hollywood, Rapp alerted the world that predators also abuse men. Rapp’s account of an assault by Spacey at age 14 shocked the world and encouraged other men, gay and straight, to share their own stories.

He also explicitly connected the anger underlying the #MeToo to Trump’s mistreatment of women.

Don't forget to share:
Pride50Welcome to Queerty’s Pride50. We’re celebrating the members from our community who are responsible for some of the most inspiring and extraordinary moments for LGBTQ people over the last year. See all the honorees

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated