Guest Appearance

Some people call it stunt casting. Others call it an homage to fans. And, well, somebody has to speak the lines. If there's room in the budget, why not make it a name actor? Bonus points if it’s a show with a big gay following needing to beef up their actual gay resume.

Of course there are times that it just fits the show, and that can be the best. A cameo by a celebrity that’s somehow connected to the world the show lives in can breathe a little realism into the program. But be warned – a few of these were blink-and-you’ll-miss-them cameos.

Chad Allen (General Hospital: Night Shift)

There was nothing brief about Chad’s stint on Night Shift. His portrayal of the optimistic patient that steals Dr. Kyle Julian’s heart nearly broke ours. We even got to send Daniel Leary to the set to get into bed with Chad and talk about his role and his charity work. The one part of the performance that was unbelievable? The hunky Allen as a sick, weak patient.

Wilson Cruz (Raising the Bar)

The beefy Cruz gave us one of the first younger portrayals of a gay character on My So-Called-Life, and he's been active in gay causes for years. He had a three episode arc on the TNT legal drama playing a flamboyant love interest named Rafael de la Cruz opposite Charlie Sagansky when Charlie was still deep in the closet. All of that and perhaps his recent beefier build, also landed him back on the Hot 100.

John Glover (Brothers & Sisters)

Conceived as a viable, long-term love interest for Uncle Saul, the story got back-burnered in favor of wrapping up the Kitty-Robert drama. But seeing the out Glover playing an out man was charming while it lasted. Plus, he didn’t have to worry about kryptonite or aliens or anything.

Cheyenne Jackson (Ugly Betty)

It was terribly brief, but Jackson's turn on Ugly Betty as a single gay dad was adorable. Something about the hunky Jackson walking the streets of NYC, baby strapped to his chest, looking for love just makes a man swoon. Sadly, it was anything but a love connection for him and Marc at lunch, and we didn’t see him return. At least his gig on Lipstick Jungle lasted a little longer.

Christian Siriano (Ugly Betty)

In a casting move that should have surprised no one, the Project Runway winner brought his over-the-top diva nature to the Mode offices for a feature piece. A dramatic fashion designer, appearing on a show about a fashion magazine? I hope no casting director earned a bonus for thinking of that. But the visit itself? Fierce!