Actresses With Zero Major Scandals Over 30+ Years

Staying power in entertainment often shows up in steady work, respected collaborations, and a reputation for professionalism that spans decades. The actresses below have built long careers across film, television, and stage, with industry recognition and consistent community work. You will find award milestones, notable roles, and career patterns that explain how they kept working at the highest level. Each profile highlights projects, partnerships, and contributions that add up to impressive longevity.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep’s screen career began in the 1970s and includes major roles in films like ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’, ‘Sophie’s Choice’, and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’. She has earned multiple Academy Awards and a record number of nominations across leading and supporting categories. Streep regularly shifts between studio features and prestige dramas while returning to theater and limited series work. Her philanthropy includes support for writers and education programs through long running grants.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has worked steadily since the late 1980s with standout turns in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, ‘Black Panther’, and ‘Boyz n the Hood’. She holds major accolades from film and television institutions and has produced and directed for TV as well. Bassett frequently collaborates with Ryan Coogler and top network producers on franchise and anthology projects. Her charitable focus includes arts education and health initiatives that serve youth and underserved communities.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett’s career spans from early Australian theater and film to global projects like ‘Elizabeth’, ‘Blue Jasmine’, and ‘TÁR’. She has received multiple Academy Awards and international festival prizes across drama and fantasy. Blanchett maintains a parallel stage career and has held leadership roles supporting the Sydney Theatre Company. Her advocacy includes work with the United Nations for refugees and climate focused arts programs.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh’s filmography stretches from Hong Kong action cinema to global releases such as ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She trained in dance and adapted stunt work to lead roles in action and drama. Yeoh has received top awards from the Academy and international festivals and has served on juries at major events. She supports road safety and global health campaigns through long standing partnerships.

Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet has worked since the early 1990s with landmark performances in ‘Titanic’, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’, and ‘The Reader’. She continues to alternate between independent films and limited series projects while collaborating with prominent directors. Winslet has earned multiple major awards across film and television categories. She contributes to children’s health and arts access programs through ongoing fundraising and ambassador roles.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis built her career on stage and screen with key credits like ‘Fences’, ‘The Help’, and ‘Widows’. She is among the few performers to achieve the coveted combination of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Davis co founded a production company that develops stories centered on underrepresented voices. Her philanthropic work includes support for hunger relief and education scholarships.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench’s career began on stage and expanded to television and films such as ‘Mrs Brown’, ‘Shakespeare in Love’, and the ‘James Bond’ series. She has received top honors in British theater along with Academy recognition for screen work. Dench continues to appear in period pieces, contemporary dramas, and ensemble comedies. She supports charities connected to the performing arts and medical research organizations.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren’s credits range from early stage work to films like ‘The Queen’, ‘Gosford Park’, and ‘The Last Station’. She has won major awards in film and television as well as a Tony for her stage performances. Mirren regularly participates in historical dramas and contemporary thrillers while appearing in limited series. She supports youth arts training and humanitarian causes through public campaigns and patron roles.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver’s career took off with ‘Alien’ and grew through films like ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, and ‘Avatar’. She has earned Academy, BAFTA, and Golden Globe recognition and continues to work across science fiction, drama, and comedy. Weaver collaborates frequently with James Cameron and independent filmmakers on environmentally themed stories. She champions conservation and wildlife protection through board service and fundraising.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand has delivered acclaimed performances in ‘Fargo’, ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’, and ‘Nomadland’. She balances studio releases with independent films and maintains an active stage presence. McDormand has multiple Academy Awards and supports projects through her production partnerships. She engages in literacy initiatives and community theater programs that expand access to the arts.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore’s body of work includes ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘Far from Heaven’, and ‘Still Alice’. She has sustained a presence in both independent cinema and mainstream productions while branching into children’s literature. Moore holds Academy, BAFTA, and festival honors and regularly appears in international co productions. Her advocacy includes gun safety efforts and long running support for children’s health organizations.

Laura Linney

Laura Linney began building her film and television profile in the early 1990s with roles leading to projects like ‘You Can Count on Me’, ‘Mystic River’, and ‘Ozark’. She has earned awards across theater, film, and television and continues to return to Broadway. Linney often works with acclaimed directors and invests in ensemble driven storytelling. She supports cancer research and patient services through fundraising campaigns and ambassador work.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer’s career features prominent roles in ‘Scarface’, ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’, and ‘Batman Returns’. She has received multiple Oscar nominations and continues to appear in franchise films and prestige dramas. Pfeiffer balances acting with entrepreneurial ventures in the clean beauty sector. Her charitable focus includes environmental causes and disease research foundations.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock has led films across genres including ‘Speed’, ‘Miss Congeniality’, and ‘Gravity’. She has received Academy and Producers Guild recognition and has also worked as a producer for film and television. Bullock owns and supports small businesses and has made repeated disaster relief donations. She continues to combine streaming releases with theatrical projects in collaboration with major studios.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman’s career spans international projects like ‘Moulin Rouge’, ‘The Hours’, and ‘Big Little Lies’. She has earned Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards and frequently produces limited series adaptations. Kidman works across independent and studio films and maintains long term partnerships with leading directors. Her philanthropy includes support for women’s health and child welfare programs through ambassador roles.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close built a versatile career across stage and film with roles in ‘Fatal Attraction’, ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, and ‘The Wife’. She holds multiple Tony Awards and has been repeatedly recognized by major film academies. Close founded a nonprofit initiative supporting mental health awareness and stigma reduction. She continues to work in limited series and prestige features with frequent collaborations with acclaimed directors.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson balances acting and screenwriting with celebrated work in ‘Howard’s End’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, and ‘Saving Mr. Banks’. She has earned top industry awards for both performance and writing. Thompson supports education and human rights organizations through long running ambassador roles. Her recent projects include literary adaptations and family focused films for global audiences.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster transitioned from child performer to acclaimed lead with ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘The Accused’, and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She also directs features and prestige television episodes for major studios. Foster received multiple Academy Awards and a lifetime achievement honor at a major film festival. She remains active behind the camera developing character driven dramas.

Sally Field

Sally Field’s career spans television and film with celebrated turns in ‘Norma Rae’, ‘Places in the Heart’, and ‘Lincoln’. She holds multiple Academy Awards and Emmys and continues to appear on Broadway. Field supports health and equality initiatives through advocacy and fundraising. She regularly mentors younger performers through theater programs.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening’s filmography includes ‘American Beauty’, ‘The Kids Are All Right’, and ‘Nyad’. She has earned multiple Oscar nominations and significant wins from critics groups. Bening serves on boards that promote arts education and access to theater. She often leads ensemble driven dramas and biographical films.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton moves easily between independent cinema and blockbusters with work in ‘Orlando’, ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’, and ‘Doctor Strange’. She has received Academy recognition and frequent festival prizes. Swinton collaborates with international auteurs and curates experimental projects and gallery installations. She supports film preservation and community festivals in Scotland and abroad.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts broke through internationally with ‘Mulholland Drive’ and followed with acclaimed performances in ‘The Impossible’ and ’21 Grams’. She appears in limited series and arthouse features while maintaining mainstream franchises. Watts supports organizations focused on maternal health and disaster relief. She frequently produces projects that spotlight complex female leads.

Rachel Weisz

Rachel Weisz established a strong run of roles in ‘The Mummy’, ‘The Constant Gardener’, and ‘The Favourite’. She holds an Academy Award and continues to balance independent cinema with studio releases. Weisz co produces character focused projects and limited series. She supports human rights and arts access initiatives through long standing partnerships.

Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei’s career features acclaimed work in ‘My Cousin Vinny’, ‘The Wrestler’, and ‘Spider Man’ entries. She has an Academy Award and multiple later nominations for supporting roles. Tomei regularly appears on stage and in independent film productions. She supports arts education and community theater programs in New York.

Toni Collette

Toni Collette has delivered standout performances in ‘Muriel’s Wedding’, ‘The Sixth Sense’, and ‘Hereditary’. She has received major nominations and awards across film and television, including recognition for limited series work. Collette produces projects that highlight distinctive storytelling and international casts. She supports environmental organizations and arts funding campaigns.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern’s film and television work includes ‘Jurassic Park’, ‘Blue Velvet’, and ‘Marriage Story’. She holds Academy, Emmy, and Golden Globe honors and frequently collaborates with auteur directors. Dern co founded a production banner focused on inclusive stories. She supports children’s advocacy groups and film preservation causes.

Jennifer Connelly

Jennifer Connelly built a long career from early roles to acclaimed turns in ‘A Beautiful Mind’, ‘Requiem for a Dream’, and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. She holds an Academy Award and works across drama, science fiction, and franchise films. Connelly supports humanitarian and education charities as a long time ambassador. She also appears in high profile streaming series and international co productions.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz works across Spanish and English language projects with credits like ‘Volver’, ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’, and ‘Parallel Mothers’. She has earned an Academy Award and multiple international festival honors. Cruz frequently collaborates with Pedro Almodóvar and other European auteurs. She supports medical research and disaster relief fundraising through global campaigns.

Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu gained wide recognition with ‘Ally McBeal’ and expanded into films like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill’. She directs television episodes for major networks and streamers and exhibits visual art internationally. Liu supports UNICEF and arts education programs serving underserved communities. She remains active in action franchises and mystery series across global markets.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams built a steady career from early television roles to acclaimed films like ‘Junebug’, ‘Enchanted’, and ‘Arrival’. She earned multiple Academy Award nominations across supporting and lead categories while alternating between independent projects and studio releases. Adams frequently collaborates with directors such as David O. Russell and Denis Villeneuve. She supports literacy and children’s programs through long running charity partnerships.

Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt’s breakout in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ led to notable turns in ‘Edge of Tomorrow’, ‘A Quiet Place’, and ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. She balances action, musical, and dramatic roles while producing select projects with major studios. Blunt has received industry honors including SAG and Golden Globe awards. She is involved with organizations focused on stuttering awareness and family health initiatives.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron transitioned from modeling to film with lead roles in ‘Monster’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, and ‘Atomic Blonde’. She holds top industry awards and produces films and television through her company. Theron supports youth empowerment and women’s rights through her Africa outreach initiatives. She continues to appear in action franchises and prestige dramas for global audiences.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith’s extensive stage and screen career includes ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’, ‘Gosford Park’, and ‘Downton Abbey’. She has received multiple Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and Oliviers for performances across decades. Smith remains active in ensemble features and limited series projects. She supports medical and arts charities through patron roles and fundraising events.

Hilary Swank

Hilary Swank achieved major recognition with ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’. She alternates between independent dramas and television work while developing projects as a producer. Swank has received multiple top awards and continues to pursue physically demanding roles. She champions animal welfare and disaster relief through ongoing campaigns.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger’s filmography features ‘Jerry Maguire’, ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, and ‘Judy’. She has earned Academy Awards in both lead and supporting categories and returns regularly to limited series formats. Zellweger works with a range of directors across comedy and biographical drama. She supports cancer research and health advocacy initiatives through public appearances and fundraising.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton established an enduring career with classics like ‘Annie Hall’, ‘Manhattan’, and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’. She has won top industry awards and continues to appear in ensemble comedies and streaming features. Keaton is also an author and photographer with exhibitions and published collections. She advocates for historic preservation and urban conservation projects in California.

Allison Janney

Allison Janney spans film, television, and stage with standout work in ‘The West Wing’, ‘I, Tonya’, and ‘Mom’. She holds Academy, Emmy, and Tony honors and frequently mentors younger performers. Janney collaborates with major networks and streamers on comedy and limited series roles. She supports addiction recovery and animal rescue organizations through long term partnerships.

Patricia Clarkson

Patricia Clarkson’s career includes acclaimed turns in ‘The Station Agent’, ‘Pieces of April’, and ‘Sharp Objects’. She moves between independent features, Broadway, and high profile television. Clarkson has received awards from major critics groups and international festivals. She supports arts education and women’s health programs through ongoing advocacy.

Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst progressed from child roles to acclaimed performances in ‘Interview with the Vampire’, ‘Melancholia’, and ‘The Power of the Dog’. She consistently works with auteur directors while participating in franchise titles. Dunst has received Cannes and major guild recognition. She supports children’s charities and film preservation initiatives.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain built a diverse slate with ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘The Tree of Life’, and ‘Molly’s Game’. She produces projects that foreground complex leads and appears on Broadway between film shoots. Chastain holds Academy and Golden Globe honors and regularly participates in international festivals. She is active in campaigns for gender equity and education access.

Gong Li

Gong Li rose to prominence through collaborations with Zhang Yimou in films like ‘Raise the Red Lantern’ and ‘To Live’, later expanding to international projects such as ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. She serves on festival juries and continues to lead prestige productions across Asia and Europe. Gong has received top prizes at major festivals and national film academies. She supports cultural exchange programs and film education initiatives.

Juliette Binoche

Juliette Binoche’s global career includes ‘The English Patient’, ‘Chocolat’, and ‘Certified Copy’. She works in multiple languages and maintains a strong stage presence alongside film. Binoche has received Academy, César, and festival awards. She participates in humanitarian campaigns and arts outreach across Europe.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews became a worldwide name with ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ and later expanded into voice work and television. She has received Oscars, Grammys, and Emmys over a multi decade career. Andrews co authors children’s books and hosts arts programming. She supports medical research and education initiatives through established foundations.

Sissy Spacek

Sissy Spacek built a long career with defining performances in ‘Carrie’, ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’, and ‘In the Bedroom’. She continues to appear in television dramas and limited series while returning to independent film. Spacek has earned major industry honors and national arts recognition. She supports rural arts programs and community development projects.

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