Hot 100: Men of Color

1. Taye Diggs

For many gay men, 38-old Taye Diggs made his biggest impression on them playing James on NBC's Will & Grace for five episodes in 2006. As James, Will's love interest, Diggs provided the perfect counterpart to Will's fussiness, and gay men especially appreciated the kiss James and Will shared.

But if that's all you know about Diggs, then you're missing out on how truly exceptional this multi-talented performer truly is. Digg's big break came in 1996 when he originated the role of Benny in Rent. That was followed by roles in Chicago and Wicked and it should be noted, Diggs sings so well, he's featured on the cast recordings for Rent, Carousel and The Wild Party.

Diggs' film roles include a memorable performance as Angela Bassett's very sexy love interest in How Stella Got Her Groove Back, as well as parts in The Wood and The Best Man.

Television success has proven a little more difficult for Diggs as the two shows built around him — Kevin Hill and Day Break — both failed to make it to a second season. But as one of the stars of ABC's Grey's Anatomy spin-off Private Practice, Digg's appears to have finally found the right vehicle to show off his wide-ranging —and hot —talent.

2. Darryl Stephens

If gay men love guys who play gay roles, we really love out gay men who play gay roles. But even in 2009, the number of roles for men of color are shockingly few as are the number of out actors of color. Therefore, it really is no surprise that the 35-year old Stephens claims the #2 spot on this list. After all, as Noah, the title character on Noah's Arc, Stephens proved week after week that hot not only comes in every color, but doesn't have to mean especially butch or super macho. Noah dressed with great panache and was a gentle soul who nonetheless exuded sexiness.

While Stephens himself doesn't usually dress with Noah's flair, he's every bit as sexy as the character he plays. He's also just as out, having discussed the issue in 2008 with Instinct Magazine saying, "I'm still private about my personal life, but my being gay certainly does not have to be any big mystery or secret." Nor is it a secret that gay and bisexual guys are very fond of Darryl.

3. Jensen Atwood

As Wade, Noah's love interest on Noah's Arc, Jensen Atwood gave viewers a front row seat to his character's sexual awakening as he found himself falling in love with another man for the first time. Meanwhile, as bisexual warlock Griffen on Dante's Cove, viewers saw a much more erotic, sensual character who slept his way through half of the island.

But whatever the role, this 32-year-old actor commands attention with his mellifluous voice and mesmerizing eyes. And gay men don't just love this straight guy for playing gay roles (frequently shirtless). This NAACP Image Award nominee has also appeared at numerous GLBT events where he has spoken out against homophobia. Our only complaint? We don't get to see him frequently enough.