Gay Actresses Who Don’t Drink Alcohol
Many prominent figures in Hollywood have chosen to live a sober lifestyle for various reasons ranging from health concerns to past struggles with addiction. This decision often allows them to focus more intensely on their craft and maintain their physical and mental well-being. Within the LGBTQ+ community, several actresses have been open about their choice to abstain from alcohol. These women serve as role models by demonstrating that professional success and personal fulfillment do not require liquid courage. The following list highlights talented gay, bisexual, and queer actresses who have publicly embraced sobriety.
Jane Lynch
This celebrated comedic actress is best known for her role as Sue Sylvester in the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Lynch has been open about her journey with sobriety and famously quit drinking in 1991 to save her career and health. She wrote extensively about her experiences with addiction and recovery in her memoir ‘Happy Accidents’. Her commitment to a sober lifestyle has supported her longevity in the entertainment industry. Lynch continues to inspire fans with her candid discussions about mental health and addiction.
Portia de Rossi
Known for her roles in ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Scandal’, de Rossi has faced significant personal battles in the public eye. She struggled with a severe eating disorder and alcohol issues before deciding to get sober. Her recovery journey was detailed in her autobiography ‘Unbearable Lightness’ where she discussed the link between her consumption and her body image struggles. The actress credits her sobriety with saving her life and strengthening her relationship with her wife.
Ruby Rose
The Australian actress and model gained international fame for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Rose has been vocal about her decision to quit drinking alcohol to improve her mental and physical health. She frequently shares updates about her sobriety milestones on social media to encourage her followers. This lifestyle change has allowed her to perform physically demanding roles in action films like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’. Rose remains a strong advocate for clean living within the queer community.
Cara Delevingne
After years of being a fixture in the party scene, this model and actress made a significant life change by committing to sobriety. Delevingne checked herself into rehab in 2022 to address substance abuse issues and has since maintained a sober lifestyle. She starred in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ while navigating the pressures of global fame. The actress has stated that sobriety has given her a newfound stability and connection to herself. Her journey highlights the importance of seeking help when facing addiction.
Drew Barrymore
A child star who overcame a tumultuous adolescence, Barrymore has been a staple in Hollywood for decades. The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ star decided to give up alcohol completely in 2019 for the sake of her children and her own well-being. She describes her choice as a quiet and confident journey that liberated her from the cycle of guilt. Barrymore now hosts her own talk show where she frequently discusses emotional wellness. Her transparency about her past and present choices resonates with many fans.
Megan Fox
Fox gained worldwide attention for her role in ‘Transformers’ and later starred in the cult classic ‘Jennifer’s Body’. The bisexual actress has chosen to abstain from alcohol to maintain clarity and control over her life. She has mentioned in interviews that she dislikes the feeling of losing control that comes with drinking. This discipline extends to her strict health and fitness regimen. Fox continues to be a prominent figure in pop culture while adhering to her sober principles.
Miley Cyrus
Starting her career as a Disney Channel icon in ‘Hannah Montana’, Cyrus has evolved into a global music and acting superstar. She has been open about her fluctuating relationship with substances but has largely embraced sobriety to protect her vocal cords and mental health. Cyrus emphasizes that her decision to not drink helps her wake up feeling ready to work and create. She identifies as pansexual and uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her sobriety is a key component of her sustained energy and artistic output.
Demi Lovato
Lovato has been one of the most transparent celebrities regarding their struggles with addiction and overdose. The ‘Camp Rock’ star and musician has transitioned from “California sober” to complete sobriety in recent years. They have documented these challenges in multiple documentaries to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. Lovato identifies as queer and uses their experiences to help others facing similar battles. Their resilience has allowed them to continue a successful career in music and television.
Lindsay Lohan
After a highly publicized period of legal and personal troubles, Lohan turned her life around and returned to acting. The ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Parent Trap’ star has embraced a healthier lifestyle that includes sobriety. She now lives a more private life and has returned to screens with Netflix romantic comedies. Lohan has spoken about how moving away from the Hollywood nightlife scene was essential for her peace of mind. Her comeback is widely celebrated by fans who grew up watching her films.
Margaret Cho
This stand-up comedian and actress has been a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ and Asian-American communities. Cho has been sober for several years and frequently discusses her recovery in her comedy specials. She acts in series like ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and ‘The Flight Attendant’ while maintaining her sobriety. Cho views her recovery as a crucial element of her ability to perform and write. She remains an activist who fights for equality and mental health awareness.
Kelly McGillis
Best known for her iconic roles in ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’, McGillis left the height of her fame to focus on her family and personal life. She came out as a lesbian later in life and has been sober for many years following struggles with addiction. McGillis now works as an acting teacher and occasional counselor for those battling substance abuse. Her journey reflects a shift from Hollywood glitz to personal authenticity. She lives a quiet life grounded in recovery and community service.
Meredith Baxter
The beloved actress who played the matriarch in ‘Family Ties’ came out as a lesbian later in life. Baxter faced a battle with breast cancer and also overcame issues with alcohol abuse. She has been sober for decades and speaks openly about her recovery to help destigmatize addiction. Her memoir details the difficulties of maintaining a perfect public image while struggling privately. Baxter continues to act and advocate for women’s health issues.
Lea DeLaria
DeLaria broke barriers as the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show. She gained massive popularity for her role as Big Boo in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. The actress and jazz musician has been sober for many years and often jokes about her recovery in her routine. She credits sobriety with giving her the focus needed to maintain a multi-faceted career. DeLaria remains a fierce advocate for the lesbian community and LGBTQ+ rights.
Hannah Gadsby
This Australian comedian and writer gained international acclaim with her groundbreaking special ‘Nanette’. Gadsby identifies as a lesbian and is also autistic, topics she explores deeply in her work. She lives a sober life and has discussed how alcohol exacerbated her mental health struggles. Her comedy often deconstructs the trauma associated with marginalized identities. Gadsby’s sobriety allows her to navigate the sensory demands of touring and performing.
Mae Martin
Martin is a Canadian comedian and actor who created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘Feel Good’. The show depicts their character’s struggle with addiction and relationships while navigating sobriety. In real life, Martin is non-binary and has been sober since their early twenties. They use their work to explore the complexities of addictive behaviors and gender identity. Martin’s honesty has garnered a dedicated following among queer youth.
Heather Matarazzo
Known for her scene-stealing role in ‘The Princess Diaries’ and the cult hit ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’, Matarazzo has been in the industry since childhood. She has been sober for several years after facing struggles with depression and substance use. The actress uses her social media platforms to share positive messages about recovery and mental health. She is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and frequently participates in independent film projects. Matarazzo credits her sobriety with renewing her passion for life and art.
Angelina Jolie
Jolie is one of the most recognizable actresses in the world with an Academy Award to her name. The ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘Maleficent’ star has stated in interviews that she gave up alcohol to lead a healthier lifestyle. She identifies as bisexual and has always been open about her past experimentation. Her decision to live sober aligns with her extensive humanitarian work and dedication to her large family. Jolie continues to take on challenging roles while directing and producing impactful films.
Fergie
While primarily known as a singer for The Black Eyed Peas, Fergie has acted in films like ‘Nine’ and ‘Poseidon’. The bisexual artist struggled with crystal meth addiction early in her career before getting clean. She has maintained her sobriety for nearly two decades and speaks candidly about the dangers of drug use. Fergie focuses on her health and raising her son while managing her business ventures. Her recovery story is considered one of the most successful turnarounds in the music industry.
Ireland Baldwin
The daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger has carved out her own path as a model and actress. Baldwin identifies as queer and has been open about her struggles with anxiety and substance abuse. She celebrated a significant sobriety milestone in 2020 and continues to prioritize her mental wellness. Her transparency helps normalize conversations around addiction for younger generations. Baldwin frequently advocates for body positivity and mental health awareness.
Tallulah Willis
Daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, Tallulah has acted in films like ‘The Scarlet Letter’ and ‘The Whole Ten Yards’. She has been very public about her recovery from eating disorders and substance abuse. Tallulah celebrates her sobriety anniversaries on social media to inspire others who are fighting similar battles. She identifies as queer and uses her platform to discuss neurodivergence and mental health. Her openness has strengthened her bond with her famous family.
Jameela Jamil
Jamil rose to fame as Tahani Al-Jamil in the hit fantasy comedy ‘The Good Place’. The actress and activist came out as queer and has stated that she does not drink alcohol. She avoids substances partially due to her history with eating disorders and her desire to maintain full control of her body. Jamil founded the I Weigh movement to promote radical inclusivity and mental health. Her sober lifestyle supports her tireless advocacy work.
Gillian Anderson
Famous for her role as Dana Scully in ‘The X-Files’ and Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Crown’, Anderson is a bisexual icon. She has spoken about quitting heavy drinking to improve her mental health and stability. The actress recently launched her own brand of functional non-alcoholic wellness drinks. Anderson prioritizes her well-being to sustain her prolific career in television and theater. Her shift away from alcohol reflects a broader trend of wellness among Hollywood veterans.
Lady Gaga
Born Stefani Germanotta, Lady Gaga has conquered both the music and film industries with roles in ‘A Star Is Born’ and ‘House of Gucci’. She identifies as bisexual and has had a complex relationship with alcohol throughout her career. In recent years she has spoken about flirting with sobriety and taking long breaks from drinking to preserve her mental health. Gaga admits that her creativity does not depend on substances. She focuses on meditation and therapy to manage the pressures of fame.
Paris Jackson
The daughter of Michael Jackson has pursued a career in modeling, music, and acting with roles in ‘American Horror Stories’. Jackson identifies as queer and has been open about her past struggles with addiction and self-harm. She sought treatment to get sober and has focused on her holistic health ever since. Jackson uses her music as an outlet for her emotions and recovery journey. She remains a unique voice in the entertainment industry.
Kat Von D
This tattoo artist and reality TV star has appeared in several films and television shows over the years. Von D has been sober for over a decade after realizing that alcohol was hindering her professional life. She openly identifies as bisexual and has dated both men and women in the public eye. Her recovery inspired her to focus on her art and music career. Von D often shares messages of hope for those early in their sobriety journey.
Rosario Dawson
Dawson is known for her roles in ‘Rent’, ‘Sin City’, and the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. She came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in 2020 and has spoken about her lifestyle choices. The actress revealed that she went completely alcohol and marijuana-free to clean up her system and improve her mental clarity. Her decision was driven by a desire to be present and healthy for her family. Dawson continues to be a major force in activism and entertainment.
Evan Rachel Wood
Wood began her career as a child actress and received critical acclaim for ‘thirteen’ and ‘Westworld’. She identifies as bisexual and has been a vocal advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. Wood has spoken about needing a safe space to get sober in order to process her past trauma. Her recovery has been essential for her to reclaim her voice and power. She continues to act in high-profile projects while maintaining her boundaries.
Raven-Symoné
The former child star and host of ‘The View’ has been in the public eye since she was a toddler. Raven-Symoné identifies as a lesbian and married her wife Miranda Pearman-Maday in 2020. She has spoken about growing up in the industry and avoiding the pitfalls of addiction that plague many child stars. She recently discussed her decision to stop drinking to improve her health and longevity. Her sobriety is part of a larger commitment to wellness and self-care.
Tig Notaro
This dry-witted stand-up comedian and actor starred in ‘One Mississippi’ and ‘Army of the Dead’. Notaro has faced numerous health battles including breast cancer and a severe intestinal disease. Due to her health conditions, she adheres to a strict diet and lifestyle that excludes alcohol. She lives a quiet life with her wife Stephanie Allynne and their twin sons. Notaro’s comedy often finds humor in her health struggles and recovery.
Please share your thoughts on these inspiring women and their journeys in the comments.
