Actresses With Zero Major Scandals Over 20+ Years

Longevity in the spotlight usually comes with headlines, yet some performers keep the focus on the work and community impact. The names below have sustained long careers without widely reported major scandals while steadily building respected filmographies and charitable footprints. Each has a track record of professional consistency, audience trust, and industry recognition across decades. Here is a snapshot of what they have done and where they devote their energy beyond the screen.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep’s career stretches from early prestige roles to recent ensemble hits, with standout turns in titles like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Sophie’s Choice’, and ‘The Iron Lady’. She holds multiple Academy Awards and a record number of nominations across acting categories. Streep supports arts education initiatives and women’s rights organizations through advocacy and targeted fundraising. She continues to balance studio features with smaller projects while mentoring younger talent.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett built a body of work spanning biographical portrayals and franchise roles, with highlights that include ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, ‘Black Panther’, and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’. She earned major awards recognition across film and television, including historic wins for performance in a comic book film. Bassett supports health awareness and youth programs through partnerships with national nonprofits. She remains active in producing and lends her profile to HBCU and arts funding efforts.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson is both an acclaimed actress and an Academy Award winning screenwriter, known for ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘Saving Mr. Banks’, and ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’. Her stage and screen work includes collaborations with leading directors and literary adaptations. Thompson advocates for human rights and environmental causes through high profile campaigns and charity events. She frequently participates in industry panels on screenwriting and representation.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews transitioned from stage success to film classics such as ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘The Sound of Music’, and later family favorites like ‘The Princess Diaries’. She received top honors for her early roles and later earned lifetime achievement recognition. Andrews supports literacy and the arts through foundations and children’s publishing projects. She has extended her legacy with narration and voice work that introduces new generations to her craft.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett balances independent cinema with larger productions, earning major awards for performances in titles like ‘Blue Jasmine’, ‘Carol’, and ‘Tár’. She has led international film festivals and served on juries that spotlight emerging filmmakers. Blanchett advocates for refugees and climate action through global organizations, using her platform for fundraising and awareness. She also maintains a strong presence in theater as a performer and producer.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis established herself on stage and screen with roles in ‘Fences’, ‘The Help’, and a long running turn in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She is among the small group to achieve major honors across film, television, and theater. Davis co founded a production company that develops inclusive stories and supports diverse creators. She also partners with hunger relief and education charities that serve underserved communities.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney has delivered acclaimed performances in projects such as ‘You Can Count on Me’, ‘The Truman Show’, and the series ‘Ozark’. She has received multiple nominations and wins across the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Tonys. Linney supports cancer research and patient advocacy groups through public campaigns and benefit appearances. She remains active in theater and independent film while mentoring emerging actors.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams rose from early supporting roles to leading parts in ‘Arrival’, ‘Enchanted’, and ‘American Hustle’. She has earned numerous Academy Award nominations spanning drama and comedy. Adams is involved with organizations focused on veterans and children’s health, often using premieres and appearances to raise funds. She continues to mix auteur driven films with mainstream projects without overexposure.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt’s career includes acclaimed performances in ‘A Quiet Place’, ‘Sicario’, and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. She has earned major award nominations and ensemble honors while working across genres. Blunt supports stuttering awareness through international advocacy tied to her own experience and participates in fundraising for medical research. She also develops projects through producing partnerships that champion strong original scripts.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz built a varied filmography with ‘The Favourite’, ‘The Constant Gardener’, and ‘The Mummy’. She has collected major awards and continued success in both independent features and franchises. Weisz supports human rights and civil liberties groups through public advocacy and campaign appearances. She frequently chooses projects with complex roles and fosters female led storytelling as a producer.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams earned critical acclaim in ‘Blue Valentine’, ‘Manchester by the Sea’, and ‘Brokeback Mountain’. She has been recognized with multiple nominations and wins across major ceremonies. Williams supports wage equity and arts education through speeches, union advocacy, and charity collaborations. Her stage work and limited series projects complement a selective approach to film roles.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts gained attention with ‘Mulholland Drive’ and expanded her range with ‘The Impossible’ and other international productions. She has balanced festival favorites with mainstream releases across a long career. Watts serves as an ambassador for relief and health organizations, raising awareness for global crises and women’s health. She also engages in entrepreneurial projects that support wellness initiatives.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench’s screen work includes ‘Philomena’, ‘Iris’, and multiple entries in the ‘James Bond’ series. She is a celebrated theater veteran with top honors across stage and film. Dench supports wildlife conservation and arts charities, appearing at benefit events and auctions. She continues to work regularly while championing access to theater for younger audiences.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith is known for definitive roles in ‘Downton Abbey’, ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’, and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She has earned multiple Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Emmys across different eras of her career. Smith supports medical and arts causes through high profile fundraisers and patron roles. She maintains a selective workload that keeps the emphasis on performance.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams has sustained a steady career with titles like ‘Spotlight’, ‘Mean Girls’, and ‘The Notebook’. She has worked with Oscar winning ensembles and directors across drama and comedy. McAdams supports environmental initiatives and local community projects with low profile philanthropy and public service announcements. She continues to alternate between studio projects and independent films without courting publicity outside the work.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock’s filmography spans crowd pleasers and awards fare with hits like ‘Speed’, ‘Gravity’, and ‘The Blind Side’. She has produced projects through her own company and supported rebuilding efforts after natural disasters. Bullock donates to organizations focused on education, first responders, and disaster relief. She continues to alternate between leading roles and ensemble work such as ‘Ocean’s Eight’.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman’s career includes prestige cinema and acclaimed television with titles like ‘Moulin Rouge’, ‘The Hours’, and ‘Big Little Lies’. She co founded a production banner that develops female driven stories. Kidman serves as a goodwill ambassador supporting children’s health and women’s rights initiatives. She also maintains a steady presence in international co productions and festival circuits.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore built a reputation across independent films and mainstream hits including ‘Still Alice’, ‘Far From Heaven’, and ‘The Hunger Games’. She has published children’s books tied to anti bullying campaigns. Moore supports gun safety legislation and advocacy groups through public events and fundraising. She remains active on stage and in auteur led projects.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet has moved from blockbusters to intimate dramas with roles in ‘Titanic’, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, and ‘Mare of Easttown’. She supports charities focused on autism, domestic violence survivors, and arts access. Winslet records audiobooks and participates in educational initiatives tied to literacy. She frequently collaborates with European and American filmmakers on character driven stories.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren’s range covers period epics and contemporary drama, with noted performances in ‘The Queen’, ‘Prime Suspect’, and ‘Gosford Park’. She campaigns for arts funding and serves as a patron for youth theater programs. Mirren partners with organizations promoting women’s health and road safety awareness. She balances film roles with narration and documentary appearances.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz collaborates with directors across languages, featuring in ‘Volver’, ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’, and ‘Parallel Mothers’. She supports pediatric hospitals and medical research through long standing charity partnerships. Cruz also works on campaigns addressing famine relief and disaster response. She frequently returns to Spanish cinema while maintaining a steady slate of international productions.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh’s career spans Hong Kong action classics and global awards success with roles in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She serves as a goodwill ambassador promoting road safety and development goals. Yeoh participates in conservation projects and cultural exchange programs across Asia and Europe. She continues to bridge action, drama, and fantasy in international ensembles.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron has delivered standout performances in ‘Monster’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, and ‘Bombshell’ while producing films and series. She founded an Africa based foundation focused on youth education and HIV prevention. Theron advocates for gender equality in the industry through mentorship and financing. She regularly pairs physically demanding roles with advocacy work on global health.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway’s credits range from ‘The Princess Diaries’ to dramatic turns in ‘Les Misérables’ and heist fun in ‘Ocean’s Eight’. She supports organizations focused on child welfare and gender equality as a goodwill ambassador. Hathaway participates in fundraising events for arts education and healthcare access. She continues to explore streaming series, independent features, and studio projects.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley has fronted period dramas and modern thrillers with titles like ‘Pride & Prejudice’, ‘Atonement’, and ‘Colette’. She supports charities addressing domestic abuse, child protection, and refugee assistance. Knightley is active in campaigns for industry fairness and parental rights at work. She often chooses literary adaptations and historical subjects across British and international productions.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger’s filmography includes ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, ‘Cold Mountain’, and ‘Judy’ alongside voice work in animated hits. She supports cancer research and veterans’ assistance through targeted fundraising. Zellweger collaborates with music and film preservation groups to celebrate classic performers. She continues to balance lighthearted comedies with demanding biographical roles.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has delivered acclaimed performances in ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, and the series ‘Empire’. She founded a foundation dedicated to mental health awareness in Black communities. Henson works with scholarship programs and STEM initiatives for underserved youth. She also produces projects that spotlight underrepresented voices.

Diane Lane

Diane Lane’s long career spans coming of age dramas and political thrillers with performances in ‘Unfaithful’, ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’, and ‘House of Cards’. She supports ocean conservation and arts education through board service and benefit events. Lane participates in literacy campaigns and community theater programs. She maintains a steady mix of stage appearances and screen roles across genres.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand has built a reputation for layered performances in ‘Fargo’, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, and ‘Nomadland’. She collaborates frequently with independent filmmakers and supports projects with strong writer voices. McDormand is known for advocacy around inclusion riders and equitable hiring in productions. She continues to maintain a low public profile while focusing attention on the work.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain’s resume jumps from character driven dramas to action with titles like ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’, and ‘Molly’s Game’. She founded a production company to champion female led stories across film and television. Chastain supports equal pay initiatives and arts education through public campaigns and funding. She balances festival premieres with Broadway appearances and mentorship efforts.

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman moves between comedy and prestige drama with highlights in ‘The Favourite’, ‘The Crown’, and ‘The Lost Daughter’. She supports domestic abuse and refugee charities through fundraising and awareness. Colman often lends her voice to radio and audiobook projects that elevate new writers. She remains selective with roles while maintaining a trusted image across international productions.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is known for transformative work in anthology television and films including ‘American Horror Story’, ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’, and ‘Carol’. She supports LGBTQ+ causes and arts organizations with consistent advocacy. Paulson mentors emerging performers and participates in benefit readings for theater companies. She continues to anchor limited series and feature films with steady critical recognition.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern’s career bridges auteur cinema and major franchises through ‘Blue Velvet’, ‘Marriage Story’, and ‘Jurassic Park’. She co founded initiatives that support women in film and serves on boards for youth focused nonprofits. Dern frequently hosts or appears at fundraisers for environmental conservation. She remains active in producing while promoting fair workplace standards in the industry.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton brings experimental and mainstream projects together with ‘Michael Clayton’, ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’, and ‘Doctor Strange’. She collaborates with museums and film archives to preserve and present innovative cinema. Swinton supports cultural exchange programs and youth film workshops internationally. She maintains a quiet personal profile while curating and producing art projects.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer’s work spans ‘The Help’, ‘Hidden Figures’, and ‘Ma’. She invests in literacy programs and scholarships that expand access for underserved students. Spencer supports inclusive hiring practices through producing partnerships and public speaking. She continues to mix genre films with heartfelt dramas that foreground community stories.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette delivers acclaimed performances across ‘Hereditary’, ‘Little Miss Sunshine’, and ‘United States of Tara’. She supports mental health awareness and fundraising for medical research. Collette records music and contributes to benefit albums tied to charity events. She consistently alternates independent productions with global streaming projects.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst transitioned from early breakout roles to mature performances in ‘Melancholia’, ‘The Power of the Dog’, and ‘Fargo’. She supports children’s health organizations and film preservation efforts. Dunst collaborates with directors who prioritize character driven storytelling. She maintains steady work in film and television while avoiding publicity outside the craft.

Allison Janney

Allison Janney is recognized for standout turns in ‘I, Tonya’, ‘The West Wing’, and ‘Mom’. She participates in fundraising for addiction recovery programs and animal welfare groups. Janney mentors young actors through workshops and university appearances. She continues to balance comedic roles with sharp dramatic performances.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer’s filmography features ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’, ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’. She supports environmental and health charities through brand partnerships and donations. Pfeiffer maintains a selective approach that emphasizes strong scripts and creative teams. She also engages in business ventures tied to clean ingredients and responsible sourcing.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh earned acclaim in ‘Killing Eve’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, and international indie films. She supports arts education and Asian American representation initiatives with public advocacy. Oh hosts and participates in events that fund scholarships and emerging filmmaker grants. She continues to lead global productions while championing inclusive storytelling.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera’s work includes ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Barbie’, and ‘Superstore’ along with directing and producing credits. She co founded organizations that promote civic engagement and opportunities for Latina creators. Ferrera supports girls’ education and leadership programs through partnerships and speaking engagements. She develops projects that spotlight working class stories and community resilience.

Emily Watson

Emily Watson has delivered powerful performances in ‘Breaking the Waves’, ‘Hilary and Jackie’, and ‘Chernobyl’. She supports arts accessibility and hospital charities through regular benefit appearances. Watson collaborates with European theaters and film schools to mentor new talent. She remains a dependable presence in prestige television and independent cinema.

Andie MacDowell

Andie MacDowell is known for ‘Groundhog Day’, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’, and recent turns in ‘Maid’. She supports environmental conservation and health initiatives through longstanding charity work. MacDowell advocates for age inclusivity and authentic representation in fashion and film. She continues to appear in film and series while supporting emerging designers and filmmakers.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which names you would add to this list.