Gay Actresses Who Succeeded Against the Odds

The entertainment industry has historically presented significant challenges for LGBTQ+ performers who wish to live openly. Many talented women faced the risk of typecasting or career termination when their personal lives became public knowledge. These actresses navigated a complex landscape of prejudice and industry expectations to build enduring legacies. Their perseverance has paved the way for a more inclusive Hollywood where authenticity is increasingly celebrated.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin established herself as a comedic force during an era when industry norms forced LGBTQ+ figures into the closet. She rose to fame on ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In’ before transitioning to a successful film career with movies like ‘9 to 5’. Tomlin maintained a discreet personal life for decades before marrying her longtime partner Jane Wagner. She experienced a massive career resurgence starring in the hit Netflix series ‘Grace and Frankie’.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster successfully navigated the difficult transition from child prodigy to adult superstar while guarding her privacy. She won two Academy Awards early in her career for her performances in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Foster faced immense public scrutiny regarding her sexuality for years before publicly acknowledging her identity. She continues to work as a respected director and actress in projects like ‘True Detective’.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres faced intense professional backlash after her sitcom character came out in the famous “Puppy Episode” of ‘Ellen’. The cancellation of her show led to a period where she struggled to find work in Hollywood. She eventually rebuilt her career to become a daytime television titan with ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. Her voice performance in ‘Finding Nemo’ also marked a significant turning point in her professional resurgence.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson worked steadily in the industry for years before achieving massive recognition for her versatility. She became a household name through her varied and challenging roles in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. Paulson has received numerous accolades including an Emmy Award for portraying Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. Her ability to embody complex characters has made her one of the most sought-after actresses today.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch spent years as a character actress in commercials and small roles before finding her breakout moment. Her scene-stealing performance in the mockumentary ‘Best in Show’ brought her comedic talents to a wider audience. She achieved global fame as the acerbic cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in the musical series ‘Glee’. Lynch continues to host game shows and star in various television comedies.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon grew up in the entertainment industry and achieved global stardom as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’. She faced the challenge of transitioning from a beloved TV character to a serious stage actress and political activist. Nixon has been open about her relationship with her wife while advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. She later returned to her iconic role in the sequel series ‘And Just Like That…’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes broke barriers in the comedy world as a Black lesbian woman in a male-dominated field. She gained recognition as a writer on ‘The Chris Rock Show’ before launching a successful stand-up and acting career. Sykes has become a staple in television sitcoms and films like ‘Monster-in-Law’. Her distinctive voice and sharp wit have kept her relevant in the industry for decades.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi struggled with personal challenges and the pressure to remain closeted during her time on ‘Ally McBeal’. She later found critical success and a cult following as Lindsay Bluth Fünke in ‘Arrested Development’. De Rossi retired from acting to focus on business ventures and her life with wife Ellen DeGeneres. Her candid memoir helped open conversations about eating disorders and sexuality in Hollywood.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné grew up under the spotlight as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later headlined her own Disney Channel hit. She faced the immense pressure of maintaining a specific public image for a young audience. The actress eventually came out and returned to daytime television as a host on ‘The View’. She now produces and stars in the revival series ‘Raven’s Home’.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell became a household name with roles in ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘Sleepless in Seattle’. She launched a wildly popular daytime talk show where she became known as the “Queen of Nice” before facing controversy for her outspoken views. O’Donnell came out publicly to raise awareness for gay adoption rights. She has since taken on dramatic roles in series like ‘SMILF’ and ‘I Know This Much Is True’.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon made history as the first openly lesbian cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her ability to transform into various political figures and celebrities earned her multiple Emmy Awards. She successfully transitioned to film roles in movies such as ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Barbie’. McKinnon is widely regarded as one of the most talented sketch comedians of her generation.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart skyrocketed to fame with the ‘Twilight’ franchise and faced intense media scrutiny regarding her personal life. She pivoted to independent cinema to rebuild her reputation as a serious dramatic actress. Stewart earned an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. She is now celebrated for her bold choices and openness about her queer identity.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose worked her way up through the Broadway circuit with roles in ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical’. She achieved international acclaim for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. DeBose made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting. Her dynamic presence has led to hosting gigs and roles in action films like ‘Argylle’.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts established herself as a comedic talent in ‘Reno 911!’ before showcasing her dramatic range. She earned critical praise for her leading role in the dark comedy ‘Claws’ and the limited series ‘Dahmer’. Nash-Betts surprised fans by marrying musician Jessica Betts after previously being in heterosexual marriages. She continues to advocate for love and authenticity while starring in major productions.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley broke out as Poussey Washington in the hit Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She continued her streak of successful prestige television roles with ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley has won an Emmy Award for her compelling dramatic performances. She often collaborates with her wife who is a television writer and producer.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a legendary stage actress who gained pop culture fame as Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. She experienced a career renaissance with her role as Carolyn Martens in the spy thriller ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw has received BAFTA TV Awards for her complex performances in recent years. She remains a powerful force in both British theatre and international television.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes has enjoyed a prolific career as a character actress in both the United Kingdom and Hollywood. She is known for her role in ‘The Age of Innocence’ and as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. Margolyes is beloved for her eccentric personality and candor during talk show appearances. She has lived with her partner Heather for over fifty years.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a titan of the American theater who successfully crossed over into television and film. She is well known for her role as the President in ’24’ and her appearance in ‘Succession’. Jones has won multiple Tony Awards and Emmy Awards throughout her distinguished career. She consistently brings gravitas and authority to every character she inhabits.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has been a working actress for decades with iconic roles in ‘The Practice’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’. She wrote and starred in a one-woman play about Governor Ann Richards which earned her a Tony nomination. Taylor made headlines for her relationship with actress Sarah Paulson. She continues to act in high-profile series like ‘The Morning Show’.

Linda Hunt

Linda Hunt overcame skepticism about her stature to become a highly respected dramatic actress. She won an Academy Award for playing a male character in ‘The Year of Living Dangerously’. Hunt found long-running television success as Hetty Lange on ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’. Her distinctive voice and commanding presence have defined her career.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall became a staple of nineties independent cinema with roles in ‘The Faculty’ and ‘Girl, Interrupted’. She is perhaps best known for the cult classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ which explored conversion therapy. DuVall has since transitioned into directing with the holiday rom-com ‘Happiest Season’. She continues to act in series like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘High School’.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show in the early nineties. She achieved mainstream acting success as Big Boo in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. DeLaria is also an accomplished jazz singer with several albums to her name. Her career has been defined by her refusal to conform to traditional Hollywood standards.

Sandra Bernhard

Sandra Bernhard broke ground with her edgy stand-up comedy and her role in ‘The King of Comedy’. She became a cultural icon in the eighties and nineties for her fearless approach to celebrity and sexuality. Bernhard played a recurring role on the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ which was notable for its time. She currently hosts a popular radio show and appears in series like ‘Pose’.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter was known as one of America’s favorite television moms on the hit sitcom ‘Family Ties’. She came out later in life after a long career playing heterosexual roles. Baxter wrote a memoir detailing her journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity. She continues to make guest appearances on television and advocate for the community.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz gained fame as the tough detective Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her character’s coming-out storyline mirrored her own public revelation as a bisexual woman. Beatriz voiced the lead character in the massive Disney hit ‘Encanto’. She has used her platform to increase visibility for bisexual representation in media.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood transitioned from a child actress in ‘Thirteen’ to a leading lady in major HBO productions. She earned critical acclaim for her complex performance as Dolores Abernathy in ‘Westworld’. Wood has been a vocal advocate for survivors of abuse and LGBTQ+ rights. Her career choices often reflect her commitment to challenging and intense storytelling.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose gained international attention with her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She became an action star with roles in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘The Meg’. Rose was cast as the lead in the superhero series ‘Batwoman’ which marked a milestone for queer lead characters. She has been open about her gender fluidity and identity throughout her career.

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert grew up on screen as Darlene Conner in the sitcom ‘Roseanne’. She later became a creator and host of the daytime talk show ‘The Talk’. Gilbert was instrumental in reviving ‘Roseanne’ and its spin-off ‘The Conners’. She has balanced her work as a producer with her acting career while raising a family.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne successfully transitioned from being a top fashion model to a feature film actress. She starred in blockbusters like ‘Suicide Squad’ and the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’. Delevingne has been open about her fluid sexuality and relationships with women. She recently appeared in the acclaimed season of ‘American Horror Story’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has built a diverse filmography ranging from indie hits like ‘Dear White People’ to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She plays Valkyrie in the ‘Thor’ films and made the character the first confirmed LGBTQ+ superhero in the franchise. Thompson is also known for her work in the ‘Creed’ series and ‘Westworld’. Her production company focuses on elevating underrepresented voices.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ before becoming a voice for her generation. She starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ and the horror comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Stenberg has been vocal about her non-binary and gay identity since her teenage years. She recently led the cast of the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro turned her darkest moments into comedy gold with her legendary stand-up set about her cancer diagnosis. She created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’. Notaro became an action star in Zack Snyder’s ‘Army of the Dead’. She is currently a cast member on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became a comedy icon with her deadpan performance as April Ludgate in ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since taken on darker roles in films like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Black Bear’. Plaza earned critical praise for her role in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. She publicly identified as bisexual and often plays with chaotic energy in her roles.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson became a global comedy star with her role as Fat Amy in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ franchise. She has led various comedies like ‘Isn’t It Romantic’ and ‘The Hustle’. Wilson made headlines when she announced her relationship with a woman and subsequently welcomed a child. She has recently taken on dramatic roles to diversify her portfolio.

Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley is a Juilliard-trained actress who broke out as Tara Thornton in the vampire drama ‘True Blood’. She lead the cast of the drama series ‘Queen Sugar’ for seven seasons. Wesley announced her engagement to a woman in a heartfelt social media post. She recently played a key role in the hit HBO adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe Award. She starred as house mother Blanca in the groundbreaking FX series ‘Pose’. Rodriguez began her career in theater productions like ‘Rent’ before moving to television. She continues to break barriers with roles in mainstream comedies like ‘Loot’.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category. Her role as Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ changed the landscape of trans representation. Cox has appeared on the cover of Time magazine and starred in films like ‘Promising Young Woman’. She remains a fierce advocate for human rights while continuing her acting career.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba was initially hired for a brief stint on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ but her performance secured her a long-term role. She is one of the few actors to win Emmys in both comedy and drama categories for the same character. Aduba has since starred in ‘Mrs. America’ and led the reboot of ‘In Treatment’. She keeps her personal life private but has shared her joy regarding her marriage.

Hannah Gadsby

Hannah Gadsby achieved international fame with the stand-up special ‘Nanette’ which deconstructed the nature of comedy. The show addressed her experiences with homophobia and trauma in Tasmania. Gadsby followed up with ‘Douglas’ and continues to tour globally. Her work has sparked important conversations about the limitations of self-deprecating humor.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Academy Award at age eleven for ‘The Piano’ and built a successful adult career. She starred as Sookie Stackhouse in ‘True Blood’ and Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. Paquin has been openly bisexual for many years and advocates for the community. She continues to take on challenging roles in series like ‘Flack’.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis was one of the biggest stars of the eighties with leads in ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’. She stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight for many years to focus on her family and sobriety. McGillis came out publicly later in life and works as an acting teacher. Her journey reflects the changing attitudes toward queer women in the industry.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone garnered massive acclaim for her role in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She became the first Native American to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Gladstone identifies as Two-Spirit and uses she/they pronouns. Her success marks a significant milestone for Indigenous representation in cinema.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer transitioned from a successful modeling career to acting with her role in ‘Euphoria’. She co-wrote a special episode of the series that explored her character’s internal struggles. Schafer starred in the prequel film ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. She has become a fashion icon and a voice for trans youth.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey broke out as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. They achieved leading star status with the role of Ellie in the massive hit ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey identifies as non-binary and has been open about their gender fluidity. They continue to secure high-profile roles in major studio productions.

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