Actresses With Zero Major Scandals Over 25+ Years

Staying power in Hollywood usually comes from a steady mix of great roles, respected collaborations, and a reputation for professionalism. The women below have built long careers while keeping the focus on their work, charitable efforts, and craft. You will see acclaimed performances, industry awards, and consistent community work that helped define their public image. Here are fifteen standouts whose careers stretch well past the 25 year mark.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep has earned a record number of Oscar nominations and multiple wins across drama and comedy. Her filmography spans everything from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to ‘Sophie’s Choice’ and ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’. She supports arts education initiatives and humanitarian causes through well known organizations. Streep is also a frequent collaborator with major directors and continues to lead prestige projects on film and television.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett broke through with biographical and historical roles before expanding into franchise hits like ‘Black Panther’. She has earned multiple Emmy and Oscar nominations and won major awards for television work. Bassett supports programs for youth and arts access and serves as an ambassador for health awareness campaigns. Her career includes acclaimed stage performances and steady leadership roles in popular series.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony winner with acclaimed performances in ‘Fences’, ‘The Help’, and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She founded a production company focused on inclusive storytelling and has produced award winning documentaries. Davis supports hunger relief and childhood education initiatives with national nonprofits. Her stage background continues to inform roles that earn consistent praise from critics and peers.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett moves easily between independent films and large scale franchises, including ‘Blue Jasmine’, ‘Carol’, and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. She has served as co artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company, producing new work and revivals. Blanchett is a goodwill ambassador for global refugee advocacy and supports environmental projects. Her awards shelf includes multiple Oscars and international festival honors.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman has balanced challenging dramas with acclaimed limited series such as ‘Big Little Lies’. She co founded a production banner that champions female led stories and rising directors. Kidman supports cancer research and children’s health organizations and serves with international charities. Her work has earned numerous Golden Globes, Emmys, and an Academy Award.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney built a reputation on thoughtful character work in projects like ‘You Can Count On Me’, ‘Ozark’, and ‘The Big C’. She is a regular presence on Broadway and the London stage with multiple Tony nominations. Linney advocates for cancer support groups and arts education programs across the country. Her career includes steady recognition from the Academy, SAG, and television academies.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams rose from indie features to acclaimed leads in ‘Arrival’, ‘American Hustle’, and ‘Enchanted’. She has earned multiple Oscar nominations across drama and musical roles. Adams supports children’s hospitals and literacy programs and participates in campaigns for veterans and families. She continues to anchor prestige films while taking on limited series and voice roles.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner became widely known through ‘Alias’ and then transitioned to film leads and family comedies. She co founded an organic food company and works closely with Save the Children on early education. Garner frequently visits classrooms and advocates for rural community programs. Her steady television and film presence includes producing credits and widely viewed reunions and specials.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench is a Dame of the British Empire with a storied stage and screen career, including ‘Shakespeare in Love’, ‘Philomena’, and ‘Skyfall’. She led the Royal Shakespeare Company on landmark productions and continues to record narration and audio work. Dench supports charities for macular degeneration research and performing arts access. Her honors include an Academy Award, multiple BAFTAs, and a Tony.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith’s career spans stage triumphs and global television fame through ‘Downton Abbey’. She has played iconic film roles while maintaining a respected presence in British theatre. Smith supports medical charities and actors’ benevolent funds through long standing patronage. Her awards include multiple Oscars, Emmys, and BAFTAs across decades.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson is a rare double Oscar winner for acting and screenwriting, known for ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘Howards End’, and ‘Love Actually’. She has written acclaimed screenplays and children’s books while continuing to star in major films. Thompson supports human rights groups and campaigns focused on trafficking and global poverty. She remains active on stage and television with recent lead roles and producing work.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore has led films across indie and studio spaces, including ‘Still Alice’, ‘Far from Heaven’, and ‘Boogie Nights’. She has authored a series of children’s books that promote empathy and confidence. Moore works with organizations focused on gun safety and children’s health. Her awards include an Academy Award, Cannes recognition, and multiple Golden Globes.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer became a leading star with roles like ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’, ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, and ‘Batman Returns’. After a brief hiatus she returned to steady work in prestige films and limited series. Pfeiffer supports environmental causes and founded a clean fragrance brand that emphasizes ingredient transparency. She has received multiple Oscar nominations and lifetime achievement tributes from film societies.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver helped define modern science fiction with ‘Alien’ while handling dramatic and comedic turns in ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ and ‘Ghostbusters’. She is a longtime supporter of ocean conservation and primate research organizations. Weaver appears in both independent cinema and large ensemble franchises. Her accolades include Oscar nominations, Golden Globes, and career honors from major festivals.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren is a Dame of the British Empire with acclaimed performances in ‘The Queen’, ‘Prime Suspect’, and ‘Gosford Park’. She supports arts education and women’s advocacy groups and often hosts charity galas. Mirren continues to mix historical dramas with contemporary series and international films. Her awards include an Academy Award, multiple Emmys, and Olivier recognition.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh began in Hong Kong action cinema before global recognition through ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ and later ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She trained extensively for her own stunts and transitioned into English language projects without losing her martial arts roots. Yeoh has served as a United Nations Development Programme goodwill ambassador focused on sustainable development goals. Her career includes acclaimed roles across film and television while supporting Asian cinema on international juries and festivals.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet’s early breakthroughs in ‘Sense and Sensibility’ and ‘Titanic’ led to a steady run of complex roles across independent and studio films. She has earned major awards for portrayals in projects like ‘The Reader’ and the limited series ‘Mare of Easttown’. Winslet supports autism awareness and arts education initiatives in the UK and the US. She frequently produces and champions female led stories while maintaining a consistent presence on film and prestige television.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster moved from child acting to adult leads with ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She has directed films and television episodes and founded a production company to develop character driven stories. Foster supports educational causes and speaks multiple languages, which has guided international collaborations. Her career includes festival honors, multiple Academy Awards, and recurring work behind the camera.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock balanced romantic comedies and thrillers with hits like ‘Speed’, ‘Miss Congeniality’, and ‘Gravity’. She runs a production banner that develops features and television projects for varied audiences. Bullock has made significant donations to disaster relief and first responder organizations over many years. She continues to mix streaming releases with theatrical projects and produces for other performers.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts reached worldwide fame with ‘Pretty Woman’ and earned an Oscar for ‘Erin Brockovich’. She has supported children’s health programs and global poverty campaigns through long standing partnerships. Roberts also works as an executive producer on series and documentaries that center real life stories. Her filmography spans drama and comedy with steady box office appeal and festival appearances.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron built range from ‘Monster’ to action roles in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and ‘Atomic Blonde’. She founded a foundation focused on youth and HIV prevention in southern Africa. Theron produces films that spotlight underrepresented voices and leads major franchise entries. Her accolades include an Academy Award and multiple nominations across international awards bodies.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts emerged in ‘Mulholland Drive’ and followed with celebrated turns in ’21 Grams’ and ‘The Impossible’. She supports cancer research and patient advocacy through fundraising and ambassador roles. Watts regularly alternates between independent films and limited series with international directors. She also co founded a wellness brand focused on women’s health topics.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton’s career spans art house cinema and mainstream projects like ‘Michael Clayton’ and ‘Doctor Strange’. She collaborates frequently with European auteurs and curates experimental film installations and festivals. Swinton supports Scottish arts organizations and youth film programs. Her work has earned Oscars and international festival awards while maintaining a reputation for adventurous role choices.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz moved from theatre to acclaimed films such as ‘The Constant Gardener’ and ‘The Favourite’. She has produced limited series and features that emphasize character driven storytelling. Weisz supports charities related to refugees and children’s welfare and participates in stage revivals in London and New York. Her career includes Academy, BAFTA, and Olivier recognition across screen and stage.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz bridged Spanish cinema and Hollywood with roles in ‘Volver’, ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’, and ‘Parallel Mothers’. She continues to collaborate with Spanish auteurs while leading international productions. Cruz supports pediatric hospitals and disaster relief efforts through ongoing charitable work. Her awards include an Academy Award and multiple European Film Awards.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman started with ‘Léon: The Professional’ and transitioned to lead roles in ‘Black Swan’ and ‘Jackie’. She holds a degree from Harvard and has produced films highlighting women’s perspectives. Portman supports animal rights, education initiatives, and microfinance programs. She directs and writes in addition to acting, with projects spanning independent and studio backed releases.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley rose to international prominence with ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. She often returns to period dramas like ‘Atonement’ while balancing contemporary independent films. Knightley supports charity campaigns for children’s health and domestic violence awareness. She has earned Oscar and BAFTA nominations and continues to work in theatre between screen roles.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern’s career includes landmark collaborations and acclaimed performances in ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Wild’, and ‘Marriage Story’. She advocates for environmental causes and child safety initiatives through multiple nonprofits. Dern produces limited series and features and mentors emerging filmmakers through industry programs. Her honors include an Academy Award, Emmys, and recognition from major festivals.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer moved from character roles to leading parts after ‘The Help’, followed by projects like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Ma’. She produces true story dramas and limited series that foreground overlooked histories. Spencer supports reading initiatives and scholarship programs for underserved communities. Her career includes Academy, SAG, and Golden Globe recognition and frequent work with emerging directors.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close built a cross medium career from Broadway to film and television with ‘Fatal Attraction’, ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, and ‘Damages’. She founded a nonprofit focused on mental health advocacy and anti stigma education. Close has earned multiple Tony Awards and numerous Academy Award nominations. She continues to alternate between stage revivals, independent films, and prestige series as a performer and producer.

Sally Field

Sally Field built a decades long career that spans television and film with roles in ‘Norma Rae’, ‘Steel Magnolias’, and ‘Forrest Gump’. She has won top industry awards across acting categories while continuing to appear on stage. Field supports women’s health advocacy and literacy programs through national nonprofits. She has also authored a memoir that documents her craft and long standing collaborations.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton became a household name through ‘Annie Hall’ and sustained momentum with films like ‘The Godfather Part II’ and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’. She has directed documentaries and music videos and curated photography projects. Keaton is active in historic preservation and supports urban tree planting efforts. Her publishing work includes design books that highlight architecture and neighborhood revitalization.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand is known for distinctive leads in ‘Fargo’, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, and ‘Nomadland’. She often collaborates with independent filmmakers and maintains a strong presence in theater productions. McDormand advocates for inclusive casting and supports regional arts organizations. Her producing work includes projects that center complex female protagonists.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening earned acclaim with films such as ‘American Beauty’, ‘The Kids Are All Right’, and ’20th Century Women’. She serves on arts boards and participates in mentorship programs for young performers. Bening also supports voter engagement and literacy initiatives through nonprofit partnerships. Her stage roles continue alongside steady film releases and festival premieres.

Holly Hunter

Holly Hunter established her reputation with performances in ‘Broadcast News’, ‘The Piano’, and ‘Top of the Lake’. She is a frequent collaborator with auteur directors and supports film preservation groups. Hunter participates in grants that expand access to arts education in public schools. Her career spans voice acting, television leads, and acclaimed independent dramas.

Allison Janney

Allison Janney moved fluidly between television and film with ‘The West Wing’, ‘I, Tonya’, and ‘Mom’. She supports addiction recovery and animal welfare organizations through public campaigns and fundraising. Janney frequently appears in ensemble casts and independent films championed at festivals. She also mentors emerging actors through alumni programs and industry workshops.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette’s range covers ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, ‘The Sixth Sense’, and ‘Hereditary’ along with multiple limited series. She supports cancer research and environmental causes through Australian and international charities. Collette has produced projects that highlight new writing and global storytelling. Her stage work and music endeavors complement a steady international screen career.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Sarah Michelle Gellar became a genre icon with ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and expanded into films like ‘Cruel Intentions’ and ‘The Grudge’. She co founded a food company and has written cookbooks focused on family friendly recipes. Gellar supports anti bullying and child hunger initiatives across national organizations. She continues to produce and guest star in television projects while engaging in digital media ventures.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh earned widespread recognition with ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and later headlined ‘Killing Eve’. She began in Canadian cinema and theater and remains involved with international festivals. Oh supports programs that advance Asian representation in the arts and mentorship for young actors. Her voice work and limited series roles broaden an already global resume.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu broke out in ‘Ally McBeal’ and moved into action and drama with ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill’. She is an accomplished visual artist whose exhibitions benefit children’s charities. Liu serves as a UNICEF ambassador with field visits and fundraising campaigns. She continues to balance television leads with voice acting and international film collaborations.

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche has led acclaimed films including ‘The English Patient’, ‘Chocolat’, and ‘Certified Copy’. She collaborates with European and international directors and regularly performs on stage. Binoche supports humanitarian relief efforts and participates in artist led fundraising events. Her museum and gallery projects explore dance and performance alongside film work.

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert built a global career through films like ‘The Piano Teacher’, ‘Elle’, and ‘La Cérémonie’. She frequently appears in international theater productions and curates retrospectives at major cinematheques. Huppert supports cultural exchange programs that connect young filmmakers with European institutions. Her festival presence includes jury service and lifetime tributes across continents.

Emily Watson

Emily Watson’s early breakout in ‘Breaking the Waves’ led to acclaimed performances in ‘Hilary and Jackie’ and ‘Chernobyl’. She supports autism awareness and children’s health organizations through fundraising and advocacy. Watson alternates between independent cinema, prestige television, and stage revivals. Her work often involves real life subjects and historical projects developed with public broadcasters.

Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman spans drama, action, and comedy with roles in ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Gattaca’, and ‘Kill Bill’. She supports New York cultural institutions and fundraising for theater education programs. Thurman continues to appear in limited series and international productions while developing stage projects. Her festival appearances include jury duty and tributes recognizing long term contributions to film.

Share the actresses you would add to this list in the comments.