Brit gay actor to play queer DC superhero

Russell Tovey in “Looking”

Openly gay English actor Russell Tovey will appear in DC’s “Arrowverse,” or the TV realm shared by the superhero shows, “Arrow,” “Supergirl,” “The Flash” and “Legends of Tomorrow.” The former “Being Human” and “Quantico” star will play The Ray, a character gifted with light-projecting powers.

He will portray the gay iteration of The Ray, whose alter-ego is Raymond Terrill, a reporter who accidentally gains energy-wielding abilities. Tovey, 38, will appear during the four shows’ crossover, dubbed “Crisis on Earth-X,” in November.

It was also announced that Tovey was chosen to be the voice actor of an animated version that will be streamed on CW Seed’s planned “Freedom Fighters: The Ray” series. The actor recently appeared in the second season of HBO’s short-lived gay drama, “Looking.” —OLIVER PULUMBARIT