Gay Actresses Who Completely Rebounded From Flops

The landscape of Hollywood is often defined by the resilience of its performers, particularly those who navigate the complexities of identity while maintaining a career in the public eye. For many gay and queer actresses, professional setbacks such as commercial failures or cancelled projects have served as catalysts for significant creative reinventions. This list explores performers who overcame critical or financial disappointments to reach new heights in film and television. These transformations highlight the industry’s evolving receptivity to diverse talent and the enduring power of a successful comeback.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne experienced early success in ‘American Pie’ before facing a significant period of personal struggles and a career lull marked by lower-budget projects like ‘Madhouse’. Her career saw a major resurgence when she was cast as Nicky Nichols in the Netflix hit ‘Orange Is the New Black’. This role revitalized her standing in Hollywood and led to the creation of ‘Russian Doll’, where she served as co-creator, writer, and star. Lyonne further solidified her status as a leading talent with the success of the mystery series ‘Poker Face’.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson faced a notable professional setback when the high-profile series ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ was cancelled after just one season. Following this disappointment, she appeared in several projects that failed to gain traction before finding her niche in prestige television. Her collaboration with Ryan Murphy on ‘American Horror Story’ transformed her into a household name and critical darling. She eventually won a Primetime Emmy for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart dealt with a period of critical skepticism following the conclusion of the ‘Twilight’ franchise and the commercial failure of the 2019 reboot of ‘Charlie’s Angels’. Instead of retreating, she focused on independent cinema and international collaborations, earning acclaim for her work in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Her performance as Princess Diana in the 2021 film ‘Spencer’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This shift from franchise star to respected character actress marked a definitive turning point in her career trajectory.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres faced a massive career crisis when her sitcom ‘Ellen’ was cancelled following her public coming out in 1997. Her subsequent sitcom venture, ‘The Ellen Show’, also failed to find an audience and was quickly discontinued. After a period of industry cold-shouldering, she transitioned into the daytime market with ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. The talk show became a global phenomenon, winning dozens of Emmy Awards and restoring her status as a media mogul.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for ‘Sex and the City’, but she faced difficulty finding successful follow-up projects that matched that cultural impact. After the conclusion of the original series, several of her television and stage ventures did not achieve mainstream commercial success. She successfully pivoted into political activism and eventually returned to the spotlight with the series ‘The Gilded Age’. Her return as Miranda Hobbes in the revival ‘And Just Like That…’ also ensured her continued relevance in modern television.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts spent years in comedic roles and hosting duties on ‘Clean House’, but she often struggled to find dramatic material that resonated with critics. The cancellation of the comedy ‘Getting On’ left a gap in her filmography, but she quickly rebounded with a transformative role in ‘Claws’. Her dramatic range was further validated by her performance in the limited series ‘When They See Us’. Recently, her work in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ earned her a Primetime Emmy Award, marking a career-high point.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza was primarily associated with her deadpan role in ‘Parks and Recreation’, but she faced several box-office disappointments like the 2019 ‘Child’s Play’ reboot. She shifted her focus toward producing and starring in independent films that allowed her to showcase a darker, more complex side of her acting. Her role in the thriller ‘Emily the Criminal’ received widespread critical acclaim and demonstrated her viability as a dramatic lead. She further cemented her rebound with a starring role in the second season of the hit series ‘The White Lotus’.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood experienced a period of career stagnation following the commercial underperformance of films like ‘Across the Universe’ and ‘The Conspirator’. Her transition into television proved to be the necessary move for her professional resurgence. She landed the lead role of Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series ‘Westworld’, which became a critical and commercial juggernaut. This role earned her multiple award nominations and re-established her as a top-tier talent in the industry.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson faced early career hurdles when several of her television projects, such as ‘Copper’, failed to reach a broad audience. She navigated these setbacks by taking on pivotal roles in independent films like ‘Dear White People’, which boosted her profile significantly. She eventually moved into major franchise territory with her role as Valkyrie in the ‘Thor’ films and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Her lead role in the ‘Creed’ franchise further confirmed her ability to anchor both blockbuster and character-driven cinema.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose was a respected Broadway performer who faced the challenge of transitioning to film after the musical ‘The Prom’ received mixed reviews. She overcame this by securing the iconic role of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. Her performance was a breakout success, leading her to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Since then, she has hosted the Tony Awards and voiced the lead character in the Disney animated film ‘Wish’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe initially focused on a music career, but her early foray into acting saw her in projects that didn’t always maximize her potential. She made a massive impact in 2016 with back-to-back roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ after a period of relative quiet in her filmography. These films were critical hits and established her as a formidable force in Hollywood. She recently led the cast of the successful mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez worked for years in theater and small television roles, including a brief appearance in ‘Nurse Jackie’ that did not lead to immediate stardom. Her career reached a turning point when she was cast as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. The show was a cultural landmark and earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama. This historical win marked a major rebound from the years spent struggling for visibility in the industry.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo moved from Broadway success to a film career that included some commercial underperformers like ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’. She regained her momentum by taking on the title role in the biopic ‘Harriet’, which earned her two Academy Award nominations. Her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in ‘Genius: Aretha’ further showcased her range and maintained her status as a prestigious performer. She is currently set to star as Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of ‘Wicked’.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey became a breakout star in ‘Game of Thrones’ but faced the challenge of transitioning into adult roles as the series ended. While some of their intermediate projects had smaller reaches, they achieved a major professional rebound with the lead role in ‘The Last of Us’. The series became one of the most-watched shows in HBO history and earned Ramsey critical praise. This role solidified their position as a leading actor in major television productions.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg faced significant online backlash and the commercial disappointment of the film ‘The Darkest Minds’. They navigated this by choosing roles in critically acclaimed projects like ‘The Hate U Give’, which highlighted their dramatic capabilities. Despite the cancellation of the series ‘The Acolyte’, Stenberg has remained a prominent figure in the industry through high-profile fashion partnerships and independent film work. They continue to be recognized for their influence and advocacy within the queer community.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon faced the commercial failure of the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot, which was intended to be a major film franchise for its stars. While the film struggled at the box office, McKinnon remained a standout performer on ‘Saturday Night Live’, winning multiple Emmys. She successfully transitioned back into film with a memorable role in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’. Her performance was widely cited as a highlight of the year’s most successful movie.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein experienced a career setback when her starring role in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’ received polarized reviews and led to an early departure. She successfully rebounded by focusing on film and television projects that played to her comedic and dramatic strengths. Her lead role in ‘Booksmart’ had previously established her as a rising star, and she continued this momentum with ‘American Crime Story: Impeachment’. She remains a sought-after talent for both stage and screen productions.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall was a staple of 90s cinema in films like ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’, but her career experienced a lull in the mid-2000s with fewer leading roles. She pivoted into directing and writing, which provided a fresh start for her professional life. She directed the critically acclaimed ‘The Intervention’ and the holiday hit ‘Happiest Season’. These projects revitalized her career, allowing her to work both in front of and behind the camera on her own terms.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has had a long career, but she faced a setback when the American remake of the series ‘Prime Suspect’ was cancelled after one season. She worked through several smaller roles before finding a significant new platform in the Netflix series ‘Beef’. The show was a massive critical success and won several awards, bringing Bello back into the spotlight. Her performance reminded audiences of her versatility and established her presence in the era of peak television.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell was a daytime television queen whose later ventures, including a short-lived variety show and a turbulent stint on ‘The View’, were met with mixed results. She successfully rebounded by taking on character roles in acclaimed television series. Her work in ‘SMILF’ and the miniseries ‘I Know This Much Is True’ showed a more grounded, dramatic side of her talent. She also appeared in the ‘A League of Their Own’ television series, connecting back to her film roots.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin has seen several ebbs and flows in her multi-decade career, with some projects in the 90s failing to capture the zeitgeist. She experienced a massive career late-stage rebound with the Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’. The show ran for seven seasons and became one of the platform’s most beloved original comedies. This success introduced her to a new generation of fans and led to further film roles in projects like ’80 for Brady’.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a two-time Oscar winner, yet she faced a period where her directorial and starring efforts, such as ‘The Beaver’, failed to find commercial success. She maintained her industry standing by being selective with her projects and focusing on high-quality television. Her role in the fourth season of ‘True Detective’, titled ‘Night Country’, was a major hit for HBO. The performance earned her critical acclaim and reminded viewers of her status as one of cinema’s greatest actors.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi faced a career transition after ‘Ally McBeal’ ended and she struggled to find a role that matched its success. The cancellation of the cult favorite ‘Better Off Ted’ was a disappointment, but she found a second wind with her role in ‘Scandal’. Her portrayal of Elizabeth North allowed her to showcase a different side of her acting ability in a high-stakes drama. Though she has since shifted focus toward philanthropy and business, her rebound in the 2010s was highly effective.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch worked for many years as a character actress in films like ‘Best in Show’, but she didn’t achieve mainstream stardom until later in her career. After some of her early pilots failed to get picked up, she landed the role of Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. This character became a cultural icon and earned her multiple awards, including an Emmy. She has since maintained a consistent presence on television, hosting ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and appearing in ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes had a short-lived sitcom, ‘Wanda at Large’, which was cancelled despite her growing popularity as a stand-up comedian. She rebounded by becoming a prolific voice actress and a frequent guest on high-profile series like ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. Her career saw another surge with the creation of ‘The Upshaws’ on Netflix, where she serves as star and executive producer. The show has been a steady success, proving her longevity in the competitive sitcom landscape.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a titan of the theater who initially found that her stage success didn’t always translate to long-running television hits. This changed when she joined the cast of ’24’ as President Allison Taylor, a role that won her an Emmy and increased her mainstream profile. Since then, she has been a mainstay in prestige television, appearing in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’. Her ability to command the screen in dramatic roles has made her a highly respected figure in Hollywood.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw was well-known for her role in the ‘Harry Potter’ films, but she experienced a period where she was primarily focused on theater with fewer high-profile screen roles. She made a massive television comeback with her role as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’. The performance was widely praised and led to her casting in other major projects like ‘Andor’ and ‘True Detective: Night Country’. She has successfully transitioned into being one of the most sought-after character actresses in television.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné faced a difficult transition from child stardom after ‘That’s So Raven’ ended, with several projects failing to reach the same level of success. After a stint on ‘The View’ that was often controversial, she returned to her roots by developing the sequel series ‘Raven’s Home’. The show was a hit for Disney Channel, running for multiple seasons and proving her enduring appeal to younger audiences. This move successfully revitalized her brand as a television lead.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson faced the challenge of what to do after the massive success of ‘Broad City’ came to an end. While some of her initial post-series ventures were smaller in scale, she rebounded by co-creating and starring in the ‘A League of Their Own’ series. The show was a critical success and garnered a dedicated fanbase for its inclusive storytelling. Jacobson also found success in voice acting, particularly as the lead in the Netflix series ‘Disenchantment’.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat struggled to find a definitive leading role for several years after ‘Arrested Development’ ended, appearing in many independent films that had limited reach. Her career took a major turn when she starred in the dark comedy ‘Search Party’. The series ran for five seasons and was a critical hit, allowing Shawkat to showcase her range as a lead actress. She has since appeared in major projects like ‘The Old Man’ and the film ‘Being the Ricardos’.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer was primarily known as a model before she was cast in ‘Euphoria’, which became a massive cultural phenomenon. Following the show’s success, she faced the high pressure of following up such a breakthrough role. She successfully transitioned into film with a leading role in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Her performance was highlighted as one of the film’s strengths, securing her place as a rising movie star.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose became an overnight sensation in ‘Orange Is the New Black’, but her subsequent departure from the ‘Batwoman’ series was a significant professional hurdle. She navigated the fallout by focusing on action cinema and independent projects. While ‘Batwoman’ was a complicated chapter, she has continued to work steadily in films like ‘The Meg’ and ‘SAS: Red Notice’. She remains a visible figure in the industry, often taking on physically demanding roles.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp faced intense scrutiny and mixed reviews for her role in the HBO series ‘The Idol’, which was cancelled after one season. Despite the show’s controversial reception, she pivoted quickly to more acclaimed cinematic projects. She is set to star in Robert Eggers’ ‘Nosferatu’, a project that has generated significant positive buzz in the film community. This shift suggests a move toward prestige horror and artistic collaborations.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has had a long and storied career, but she experienced a transition period after the long-running sitcom ‘Two and a Half Men’ ended. She found a major career rebound in her 70s with a series of acclaimed roles in ‘Mr. Mercedes’ and ‘Hollywood’. Her performance in ‘Hollywood’ earned her another Emmy nomination and introduced her to a new audience. She continues to be a prominent figure on television, most recently appearing in ‘The Morning Show’.

Sarah Catherine Hook

Sarah Catherine Hook faced a setback when her breakout series ‘First Kill’ was cancelled by Netflix after only one season despite a loyal fanbase. She did not let the cancellation slow her momentum, quickly booking a lead role in the upcoming third season of ‘The White Lotus’. This casting in a major HBO anthology series represents a significant step up in her career. It positions her to become one of the most talked-about actresses of the next television season.

Tell us which of these career comebacks surprised you the most in the comments.