With so many of Malek's roles leading to romantic relationships (or at least rumors of relationships), some people have also wondered if Malek is gay like Freddie Mercury, whom he played in Bohemian Rhapsody. Mercury was bisexual , and Malek said in an interview with USA Today that"a gay icon, and ... an icon for all of us." But as for many other actors who have portrayed gay characters, there's a reason it's called acting.