Hollywood Actresses Who’ve Been in Most Movies

A successful acting career in Hollywood often requires a unique blend of talent and endurance. Some actresses have managed to stay relevant for decades by transitioning between genres and accepting a vast array of roles. These performers have built staggering filmographies that serve as a testament to their work ethic and versatility. From the Golden Age of cinema to modern blockbusters these women have left an indelible mark on the industry through sheer volume of work.

Bess Flowers

Bess Flowers is widely recognized as the most prolific actress in the history of Hollywood. She appeared in over seven hundred movies during her career and was known as the Queen of the Hollywood Extras. Her credits include appearances in five films that won the Academy Award for Best Picture including ‘It Happened One Night’. Directors valued her professional demeanor and ability to provide continuity in background scenes. She remains a legend among film historians for her ubiquity across multiple decades of cinema.

Gertrude Astor

Gertrude Astor began her career in the silent era and successfully transitioned into talkies. She amassed hundreds of credits over a career that spanned more than five decades. Astor appeared in classics like ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance’ and continued working well into her eighties. She often played society women or gold diggers and brought a distinct presence to every role. Her extensive filmography makes her one of the hardest working character actresses of the twentieth century.

Jane Darwell

Jane Darwell is best remembered for her Academy Award winning performance in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’. She appeared in over one hundred and seventy films and often played matriarchal figures or housekeepers. Her career included iconic roles in movies like ‘Mary Poppins’ where she played the Bird Woman. Darwell brought a sense of warmth and dignity to her characters regardless of screen time. She remained active in the industry until the very end of her life.

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon has maintained a consistent and high volume of work since the 1970s. She gained fame with cult classics like ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and critical hits such as ‘Thelma & Louise’. Sarandon has accumulated well over one hundred acting credits across film and television. She is known for her ability to play tough yet vulnerable women in dramas and comedies alike. Her work ethic keeps her constantly busy in both independent films and major studio projects.

Karen Black

Karen Black was a prominent figure in the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s. She starred in over one hundred films and was known for her unconventional beauty and intense performances. Black appeared in significant movies like ‘Five Easy Pieces’ and ‘Nashville’. She continued to work prolifically in horror and independent films throughout her later years. Her vast filmography showcases a willingness to take risks on diverse and challenging roles.

Louise Beavers

Louise Beavers was a pioneering African American actress who appeared in more than one hundred and fifty films. She is perhaps best known for her role in the 1934 version of ‘Imitation of Life’. Beavers often played maid or housekeeper roles due to the limitations of the era but brought immense humanity to them. She worked tirelessly alongside the biggest stars of the Golden Age. Her career stands as a testament to talent persevering against systemic industry barriers.

Thelma Ritter

Thelma Ritter was a character actress renowned for her distinctive voice and razor sharp wit. She received six Academy Award nominations during a career that included memorable roles in ‘All About Eve’ and ‘Rear Window’. Ritter appeared in numerous films where she often played the sensible working class confidante. She stole scenes from major stars with her comedic timing and grounded presence. Her filmography is a collection of some of the best movies from the mid twentieth century.

Lin Shaye

Lin Shaye has become a horror icon in recent decades but has a long and varied career. She has appeared in over one hundred films ranging from ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ to the comedy ‘Kingpin’. Shaye is known for her fearless approach to acting and her willingness to perform intense physical scenes. Her role in the ‘Insidious’ franchise introduced her to a new generation of fans. She continues to add multiple credits to her resume every single year.

Cloris Leachman

Cloris Leachman had a career that spanned more than seven decades in film and television. She won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Last Picture Show’ and appeared in Mel Brooks comedies like ‘Young Frankenstein’. Leachman was known for her comedic versatility and lack of vanity on screen. She racked up hundreds of credits and continued working as a voice actress and live performer into her nineties. Her energy and dedication made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Betty White

Betty White holds a Guinness World Record for the longest TV career for a female entertainer but also had many film credits. She appeared in movies like ‘The Proposal’ and voiced characters in ‘The Lorax’. White began her career in the 1930s and remained a pop culture icon until her passing. Her ability to adapt to changing comedy styles kept her in high demand for nearly eighty years. She remains one of the most cherished figures in American entertainment history.

Debbie Reynolds

Debbie Reynolds was a triple threat who could sing and dance and act with equal proficiency. She shot to stardom with ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and sustained a massive career for decades. Reynolds appeared in numerous musicals and comedies and later transitioned to dramatic roles and voice work. She starred in the ‘Halloweentown’ series which endeared her to younger audiences. Her enduring career included over eighty film and television credits.

Shelley Winters

Shelley Winters was a powerful dramatic actress who won two Academy Awards during her prolific career. She started as a blonde bombshell but transitioned into complex character roles in films like ‘A Place in the Sun’ and ‘The Poseidon Adventure’. Winters appeared in well over one hundred films and was known for her outspoken personality. She worked with legendary directors and consistently delivered intense performances. Her filmography covers almost every genre from noir to disaster movies.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury enjoyed a career that lasted nearly eight decades across film and stage and television. She received an Oscar nomination for her very first film role in ‘Gaslight’. Lansbury voiced the iconic Mrs Potts in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and starred in ‘The Manchurian Candidate’. She maintained a steady work schedule well into her nineties. Her contributions to cinema helped define character acting for generations.

Barbara Stanwyck

Barbara Stanwyck was a consummate professional known for her versatility and reliability. She starred in eighty five films including screwball comedies like ‘The Lady Eve’ and dark thrillers like ‘Double Indemnity’. Stanwyck was a favorite of directors because she always arrived on set perfectly prepared. She successfully transitioned to television later in her career after conquering the big screen. Her body of work represents the pinnacle of the Hollywood studio system.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was one of the most celebrated actresses in film history with a career boasting over one hundred credits. She won two Academy Awards and starred in classics such as ‘Jezebel’ and ‘All About Eve’. Davis was known for playing unsympathetic characters with great depth and intensity. She fought for better roles and challenged the studio system throughout her life. Her legacy is defined by her uncompromising dedication to her craft.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford began her career in the silent era and became one of the biggest stars of the 1930s and 1940s. She won an Academy Award for ‘Mildred Pierce’ and reinvented herself multiple times to stay relevant. Crawford appeared in more than eighty films and was known for her glamorous image and intense screen presence. She excelled in melodramas and thrillers that utilized her expressive eyes and strong persona. Her rivalry with Bette Davis fueled her drive to keep working.

Myrna Loy

Myrna Loy appeared in over one hundred and twenty films during her extensive career. She is best remembered for her role as Nora Charles in ‘The Thin Man’ series. Loy initially played exotic femme fatales before becoming the ideal American wife in sophisticated comedies. She was crowned the Queen of Hollywood in the 1930s due to her immense popularity. Her natural acting style influenced generations of comedic actresses.

Loretta Young

Loretta Young began acting as a child and grew into a glamorous leading lady. She appeared in nearly one hundred films including ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ and ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’. Young was known for her ethereal beauty and ability to play strong moral centers. She transitioned successfully to television with her own anthology show. Her discipline allowed her to maintain a prolific schedule for decades.

Maureen O’Hara

Maureen O’Hara was known as the Queen of Technicolor due to her vivid red hair and striking features. She starred in over sixty films including classics like ‘The Quiet Man’ and ‘Miracle on 34th Street’. O’Hara was famous for playing fiery and independent women who could hold their own against leading men like John Wayne. She performed many of her own stunts and brought great physicality to her roles. Her career remains a highlight of the Golden Age of cinema.

Faye Dunaway

Faye Dunaway became an icon of the 1960s and 1970s with roles in ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ and ‘Chinatown’. She has accumulated over one hundred credits by working consistently in films and television. Dunaway is known for her intense and sometimes volatile on screen presence. She won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Network’. She continues to accept roles in various genres including horror and thriller.

Vanessa Redgrave

Vanessa Redgrave is a member of a legendary acting dynasty and has appeared in over one hundred and forty films. She won an Oscar for ‘Julia’ and is known for her intelligent and commanding performances. Redgrave has tackled everything from Shakespearean adaptations to modern political dramas. She remains active in the industry and brings gravitas to every project she joins. Her career is marked by a fearless choice of roles.

Geraldine Chaplin

Geraldine Chaplin has forged a massive career with over one hundred and sixty acting credits. The daughter of Charlie Chaplin made a name for herself in ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and numerous European films. She is known for her eclectic choices and frequent collaborations with director Robert Altman. Chaplin works in multiple languages and continues to be in high demand internationally. Her unique heritage and talent have cemented her status in global cinema.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has an incredibly diverse resume with over one hundred and fifty acting credits. She won an Academy Award for ‘Ghost’ and starred in the massive hit ‘Sister Act’. Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status. She moves seamlessly between dramatic roles and broad comedy and voice acting. Her prolific output demonstrates her wide range of talents.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates is a powerhouse actress who has appeared in over one hundred and twenty films and television shows. She won an Oscar for her terrifying performance in ‘Misery’ and starred in ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’. Bates is known for her ability to play characters with immense strength and personality. She remains a staple in Hollywood appearing in both blockbusters and acclaimed TV anthologies. Her versatility allows her to steal scenes in any genre.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren has built a formidable career with over one hundred and thirty credits. She won an Academy Award for portraying Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Queen’. Mirren is respected for her stage work as well as her roles in action films like ‘Red’. She continues to work tirelessly and challenges ageist stereotypes in the industry. Her elegance and skill make her a top choice for directors worldwide.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench is one of the most respected actresses in the world with a filmography that includes over one hundred and twenty titles. She gained global fame as M in the James Bond franchise and won an Oscar for ‘Shakespeare in Love’. Dench is known for her commanding voice and ability to convey complex emotions with subtle gestures. She continues to take on leading roles well into her eighties. Her contribution to British and American cinema is immeasurable.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith had a prolific career that spanned over sixty years and included more than eighty films. She introduced herself to new generations through the ‘Harry Potter’ series and ‘Downton Abbey’. Smith won two Academy Awards and was known for her sharp wit and poignant dramatic ability. She excelled in both stage adaptations and original screenplays. Her legacy includes some of the most memorable character work in history.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is often cited as the greatest actress of her generation and has over ninety credits. She holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor. Streep is famous for her mastery of accents and her ability to disappear into diverse roles. Her filmography ranges from ‘The Deer Hunter’ to ‘Mamma Mia!’. She consistently delivers acclaimed performances in high profile projects.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore has appeared in over ninety films and is known for her emotionally resonant performances. She won an Oscar for ‘Still Alice’ and starred in blockbusters like ‘The Hunger Games’. Moore often chooses independent films that deal with difficult subject matter. She balances her career between commercial hits and arthouse cinema. Her work ethic has made her one of the most visible actresses in Hollywood.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman has a vast filmography that includes over ninety acting credits. She won an Academy Award for ‘The Hours’ and has worked with many of the world’s top directors. Kidman is known for her daring role choices in films like ‘Moulin Rouge!’ and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’. She produces many of her own projects to ensure she has complex characters to play. Her career shows no signs of slowing down.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett has appeared in over eighty films and has won two Academy Awards. She is known for her chameleonic ability to inhabit characters like Bob Dylan and Queen Elizabeth I. Blanchett starred in the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and ‘Blue Jasmine’. She works consistently in international cinema and major Hollywood productions. Her commanding screen presence makes her a focal point of any film.

Isabelle Huppert

Isabelle Huppert is a legend of French cinema who frequently works in English language films. She has over one hundred and forty credits and is known for playing icy and complex women. Huppert received an Oscar nomination for ‘Elle’ and starred in ‘The Piano Teacher’. She is famous for her incredible work rate often filming three or four movies a year. Her fearless approach to acting has won her awards at every major film festival.

Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve has appeared in over one hundred and thirty films during her illustrious career. She became an international star with ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ and ‘Belle de Jour’. Deneuve is a symbol of French elegance but has worked with directors from all over the world. She continues to be a prolific force in European and international cinema. Her longevity is a result of her talent and timeless appeal.

Agnes Moorehead

Agnes Moorehead was a celebrated character actress with a distinctive look and voice. She appeared in over seventy films including ‘Citizen Kane’ and ‘The Magnificent Ambersons’. Moorehead was known for playing haughty or neurotic women and received four Academy Award nominations. She gained late career fame as Endora on the television series ‘Bewitched’. Her work remains a masterclass in supporting acting.

Mary Wickes

Mary Wickes was the go-to actress for wisecracking nurses and nuns and housekeepers. She appeared in over one hundred and forty film and television projects including ‘Sister Act’ and ‘White Christmas’. Wickes had a tall frame and a distinct deadpan delivery that made her instantly recognizable. She worked steadily from the 1940s until the 1990s. Her comedic timing was impeccable and reliable.

Kathleen Freeman

Kathleen Freeman was a comedic powerhouse who appeared in over one hundred films. She was a favorite of Jerry Lewis and appeared in nearly a dozen of his movies. Freeman is also remembered for her role as the formidable nun in ‘The Blues Brothers’. She brought a manic energy to her roles that made her a perfect foil for comedians. Her career is a massive collection of memorable supporting turns.

Spring Byington

Spring Byington was a beloved character actress who appeared in roughly one hundred and forty films. She was best known for playing scatterbrained mothers and sweet aunts. Byington received an Oscar nomination for ‘You Can’t Take It with You’. She later found huge success on television but remained a film staple for decades. Her cheerful persona endeared her to audiences of the mid twentieth century.

Zasu Pitts

Zasu Pitts was a star of the silent era who successfully transitioned to sound films. She appeared in over two hundred movies and was known for her nervous hands and woeful voice. Pitts starred in the silent masterpiece ‘Greed’ before finding her niche in comedy. She worked constantly throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her unique mannerisms made her a distinct comedy icon.

Beulah Bondi

Beulah Bondi was one of the most respected character actresses of her time appearing in over eighty films. She often played mothers and grandmothers including James Stewart’s mother in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Bondi received two Academy Award nominations for her supporting work. She was known for her ability to age herself with makeup to play older roles. Her career was defined by dignity and emotional depth.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She appeared in over three hundred films although many roles were uncredited. McDaniel was a talented singer and comedian who brought life to every scene she was in. Despite being typecast she fought for respect within the industry. Her prolific output paved the way for future generations.

Eileen Brennan

Eileen Brennan was a talented actress known for her raspy voice and tough demeanor. She appeared in over one hundred film and television roles including ‘Private Benjamin’ for which she received an Oscar nomination. Brennan excelled in both comedies like ‘Clue’ and gritty dramas. She worked steadily despite recovering from serious injuries later in life. Her presence on screen was always commanding and memorable.

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Jason Leigh has built a reputation for playing gritty and complex characters. She has over one hundred credits and is known for films like ‘The Hateful Eight’ and ‘Single White Female’. Leigh often chooses challenging roles in independent films that push boundaries. She continues to work prolifically in both film and prestige television. Her dedication to method acting has resulted in a fascinating filmography.

Dianne Wiest

Dianne Wiest is a two time Academy Award winner who has appeared in over seventy films. She is known for her collaborations with Woody Allen in movies like ‘Hannah and Her Sisters’ and ‘Bullets over Broadway’. Wiest brings a unique vulnerability and intelligence to her performances. She played a memorable role in the cult classic ‘The Lost Boys’. Her career is marked by critical acclaim and steady work.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver became the first female action hero to earn an Oscar nomination for ‘Aliens’. She has appeared in over ninety films including massive franchises like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Ghostbusters’. Weaver is known for her stature and authority on screen. She works constantly in films ranging from sci-fi blockbusters to small dramas. Her versatility has kept her at the top of the industry for decades.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis became a star with ‘Halloween’ and has worked steadily ever since. She has over eighty acting credits and won an Academy Award for ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’. Curtis is known for her comedic timing in ‘A Fish Called Wanda’ and ‘Freaky Friday’. She embraces her status as a horror icon while pursuing diverse roles. Her longevity is a testament to her adaptability.

Sharon Stone

Sharon Stone became a global superstar with ‘Basic Instinct’ and ‘Casino’. She has appeared in over one hundred films and television shows throughout her career. Stone is known for her intelligence and intense screen presence. She continues to work in independent films and major series. Her filmography includes a mix of thrillers and dramas and comedies.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close is an acclaimed actress with eight Academy Award nominations and over one hundred credits. She is known for iconic roles in ‘Fatal Attraction’ and ‘101 Dalmatians’. Close moves effortlessly between stage and screen and television. She brings a fierce intelligence to every character she portrays. Her career is one of the most distinguished in modern Hollywood.

Anjelica Huston

Anjelica Huston has a distinctive presence that has graced over one hundred films. She won an Oscar for ‘Prizzi’s Honor’ and is beloved for playing Morticia Addams in ‘The Addams Family’. Huston is known for her collaboration with Wes Anderson and her directing work. She brings a regal and sometimes intimidating quality to her roles. Her family legacy in film is matched by her own impressive output.

Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine is a Hollywood legend with a career spanning more than seventy years. She won an Academy Award for ‘Terms of Endearment’ and starred in classics like ‘The Apartment’. MacLaine has appeared in over seventy films and is known for her spiritual beliefs and candid personality. She continues to act in films and television series today. Her contribution to the musical and dramatic arts is immense.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda has been a major star since the 1960s with over fifty film credits to her name. She won two Academy Awards for ‘Klute’ and ‘Coming Home’. Fonda took a break from acting but returned to build a successful second phase of her career. She is known for her activism as much as her acting talent. She remains a vital force in comedy and drama.

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