LGBT Actresses Initially Dismissed for Their Looks

The entertainment industry has long adhered to rigid beauty standards that frequently marginalize talented performers who do not fit a specific mold. Many actresses within the LGBT community faced significant skepticism early in their careers due to their physical appearance. Whether they were deemed too unconventional, not feminine enough, or simply dismissed as “just a pretty face,” these women had to fight to be taken seriously. Their perseverance not only launched successful careers but also helped broaden the definition of beauty in Hollywood.

Megan Fox

Early in her career, Megan Fox was often reduced to a visual prop and dismissed by critics as having no genuine acting talent. Her breakout roles in action franchises led audiences to focus entirely on her physical appearance rather than her performance. She faced immense industry backlash and was frequently labeled as difficult or vapid based solely on her public image. Fox has since reclaimed her narrative and proven her comedic and dramatic range in recent years.

Angelina Jolie

Before establishing herself as a serious director and humanitarian, Angelina Jolie was frequently typecast as a wild child due to her intense features and dark aesthetic. Casting directors often dismissed her as too edgy or unstable to play relatable leading ladies. Her early reviews focused disproportionately on her lips and tattoos rather than her emotional depth. She eventually shattered these perceptions with powerful, award-winning performances.

Cara Delevingne

Transitioning from the runway to the big screen proved difficult for Cara Delevingne, as many in the industry viewed her merely as a model trying to act. Critics were quick to dismiss her casting as a marketing tactic, focusing on her distinct eyebrows and slender physique. She faced skepticism regarding her ability to convey emotion and was often told she was too distracting to be a character. Delevingne worked tirelessly to prove her merit in fantasy and drama genres.

Kristen Stewart

Catapulted to global fame by the ‘Twilight’ saga, Kristen Stewart faced relentless criticism for her specific mannerisms and perceived lack of emotion. Many dismissed her as a one-note actress who relied on a moody aesthetic rather than skill. The intense scrutiny of her appearance and personal life often overshadowed her work in smaller, independent films. She silenced her detractors by delivering critically acclaimed performances in psychological dramas.

Lady Gaga

Despite her musical dominance, Lady Gaga faced skepticism when she pivoted to acting, with many doubting she could shed her eccentric stage persona. She has spoken openly about being told she was not “pretty enough” for pop stardom or leading roles at the start of her career. Directors often focused on her unconventional facial features, particularly her nose, rather than her raw capability. She proved her power as a leading lady with a heart-wrenching performance in ‘A Star Is Born’.

Tilda Swinton

With her androgynous appearance and ethereal features, Tilda Swinton was never considered a traditional Hollywood leading lady. Early in her career, she was often relegated to experimental projects because mainstream casting directors did not know how to place her unique look. She faced dismissal from those who sought conventional beauty standards yet used her distinctiveness to create a legendary career. Her chameleon-like ability to transform has since made her one of the most respected actors in the world.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson faced significant typecasting early in her career, often being hired solely to play the “funny fat friend” role. The industry frequently used her weight as a punchline, dismissing her ability to carry a film as a romantic lead or dramatic actor. She embraced the comedy to break into the business but struggled against the limitations placed on her physique. Wilson has recently advocated for more varied roles beyond physical comedy.

Aubrey Plaza

Known for her deadpan delivery, Aubrey Plaza was initially pigeonholed as the weird or awkward girl due to her specific facial expressions and demeanor. Casting directors often struggled to see her as a romantic lead, dismissing her range as limited to sitcom sarcasm. She had to fight to break out of the box created by her role in ‘Parks and Recreation’. Plaza has since demonstrated incredible range in thrillers and dark comedies.

Ruby Rose

When Ruby Rose entered the acting world, her heavily tattooed skin and androgynous style led many to dismiss her as merely a visual novelty. Critics often focused on her gender-bending appearance rather than her acting skills in action roles. She faced backlash when cast as a superhero, with some claiming she did not fit the traditional comic book aesthetic. Rose persevered to carve out a distinct niche in action cinema.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez was almost immediately typecast as the tough action girl due to her intense gaze and athletic build. The industry dismissed her potential for softer or more emotional roles, preferring to see her constantly holding a weapon. She struggled against the perception that she could only play one specific type of character. Over time, she has become an icon of the action genre while advocating for better female representation.

Evan Rachel Wood

Starting as a child actor, Evan Rachel Wood faced a difficult transition to adult roles as the media focused on her alternative style. She was often dismissed as a “bad girl” or too controversial for mainstream sweetheart roles. Her distinct look and refusal to conform to bubbly stereotypes made casting directors hesitant. She eventually found her stride in complex, dark roles that utilized her unique intensity.

Anna Paquin

Despite winning an Oscar as a child, Anna Paquin faced scrutiny regarding her looks as she grew up, particularly criticism focused on the gap in her teeth. Industry standards often pressured actresses to fix such features, and she was sometimes dismissed for not having a cookie-cutter smile. She refused to alter her appearance, maintaining her unique look throughout her successful career. Her role in ‘True Blood’ solidified her status as a leading lady who defied conventional expectations.

Lea DeLaria

As a butch lesbian comedian and actress, Lea DeLaria faced immense barriers in Hollywood where feminine presentation was a strict requirement. She was frequently dismissed for her masculine-of-center appearance and told there was no place for her on screen. For years, she was relegated to minor stereotypes or ignored entirely by mainstream casting. Her breakout role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ finally allowed her to showcase her talent to a global audience.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell was often dismissed by film executives who felt she lacked the glamour required for movie stardom. Her approachable look and brash comedic style were seen as better suited for supporting roles rather than leads. Despite these dismissals, she proved her box office draw in major ensemble films. She consistently challenged the industry’s beauty standards through her talk show and acting choices.

Jane Lynch

Standing six feet tall with a commanding presence, Jane Lynch was often overlooked for traditional female roles that required a petite stature. Casting directors frequently dismissed her for looking “too intense” or simply too tall to play opposite leading men. She spent years in character roles before finding fame with her distinct comedic voice. Lynch turned her unique physical attributes into a trademark that defines her memorable characters.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox faced the dual challenge of being a trans woman and a Black woman in an industry that often dismissed both. Early in her career, she was frequently told her look was too niche or that audiences would not relate to her. She was often relegated to stereotypical roles involving sex work or tragedy before breaking barriers. Her success proved that specific stories and looks could have universal appeal.

Amber Heard

While fitting conventional beauty standards, Amber Heard faced the “pretty face” dismissal where her acting ability was often ignored. Critics and audiences frequently assumed she was cast solely for visual appeal in blockbuster films. She struggled to be taken seriously as a dramatic actress capable of depth and nuance. This objectification often overshadowed her attempts to take on grittier, independent roles.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne struggled to shed her Disney Channel image, with many in the industry dismissing her as just another teen idol with a manufactured look. Her transition to adult roles was met with skepticism as critics focused on her changing appearance and social media presence. She was often judged for her bold style choices rather than her performances. Thorne has since moved into directing and producing to take control of her career.

Sarah Paulson

For a significant portion of her early career, Sarah Paulson was a working actor who was often dismissed for not having the “it” factor of a movie star. She was seen as a character actor with a unique face rather than a leading lady. It took years of grinding in television before her specific intensity and look were fully utilized. She is now celebrated for the very features that once kept her in the background.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes has been open about how her weight and unconventional looks led to her being dismissed as a leading lady. She was frequently cast in older, eccentric, or grotesque roles even when she was younger. The industry saw her strictly as a character actor to provide comic relief. Despite this, she built a prolific career by stealing scenes in every project she entered.

Fiona Shaw

Renowned theater actress Fiona Shaw faced cruelty regarding her facial features when transitioning to film. She was often dismissed for roles that required traditional beauty, landing parts as severe or unlikable women instead. This typecasting was evident in her role as Petunia Dursley in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. However, her talent has made her a formidable presence in prestigious TV dramas like ‘Killing Eve’.

Grace Jones

Grace Jones possessed a hyper-androgynous and statuesque look that was revolutionary but also alienated her from mainstream casting agents. She was often dismissed as too scary, too masculine, or too exotic for standard roles. Producers struggled to categorize her, often casting her only as a silent villain or an alien. She turned her dismissal into an iconic brand that influenced fashion and pop culture.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo faced scrutiny for her unique look, including her short stature and muscular build, which defied the typical Hollywood silhouette. Some critics and casting directors dismissed her as not fitting the mold of a traditional biopic lead. She faced particular backlash when cast as historical figures due to her distinct features. Erivo has consistently proven her power through her immense vocal and acting talent.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg faced racist backlash and dismissal regarding her appearance when she was cast in ‘The Hunger Games’. Many viewers complained that she did not look how they imagined, revealing deep-seated biases in the audience. As she grew older, she faced scrutiny for her natural hair and refusal to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. She has used these experiences to become a vocal advocate for diversity in media.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes was often dismissed by Hollywood executives who did not know what to do with her distinctive voice and appearance. She was told she did not have the look of a sitcom wife or a movie lead. Consequently, she carved out her own lane in stand-up and writing before forcing the industry to recognize her on-screen talent. Her unique delivery and presence eventually became her biggest assets.

Lily Tomlin

In her early career, Lily Tomlin was considered too “rubber-faced” and quirky for serious dramatic roles. Hollywood often dismissed her as solely a sketch comedian who could not carry a film emotionally. She defied these expectations with her performance in ‘Nashville’, proving her depth. Tomlin has continued to reinvent herself, showing that her unique look is capable of conveying profound emotion.

Margaret Cho

Comedian Margaret Cho faced brutal criticism regarding her weight and race when she starred in her own sitcom. Network executives dismissed her natural appearance and pressured her to lose weight rapidly, leading to severe health issues. She was told her face was too round and her look was not “Asian enough” or “American enough” at the same time. Cho has since channeled that pain into a fearless stand-up career.

Clea DuVall

With her intense gaze and distinct features, Clea DuVall was often dismissed for “girl next door” roles in the 90s. Casting directors frequently placed her in the “weird friend” or “goth girl” category, overlooking her potential for romantic leads. She became a staple of cult cinema but struggled to break into mainstream blockbuster roles. DuVall has since become a successful director and writer.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Transitioning from a child star to an adult actress, Chloë Grace Moretz faced internet trolling and industry pressure regarding her body type. She was once dismissed by a male co-star who told her she was “too big” for him to date, reflecting the casual cruelty actresses face. This scrutiny over her physique often distracted from her performances in films. She has spoken out against body shaming and continues to take on challenging roles.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron has faced dismissal for looking “too manufactured” or “plastic” due to her Disney Channel background. Critics and audiences often judged her based on her polished, doll-like appearance rather than her acting or singing abilities. She has worked hard to shed the child star image and prove her depth in theater and film. Cameron openly discusses the pressure to maintain a perfect image in the public eye.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Before her breakout role in ‘Pose’, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez struggled to find work that did not treat her trans identity as a punchline. She was often dismissed by casting agents who claimed she did not look “passable” enough for certain roles. The industry’s lack of imagination limited her opportunities to showcase her musical and acting range. She made history as the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe, proving her critics wrong.

Hari Nef

As a trans model and actress, Hari Nef faced dismissal from traditional agencies that viewed her look as a trend rather than a sustainable career. She was often tokenized for her appearance rather than being tested for her acting ability. Critics sometimes focused on her angular features and voice, categorizing her as “niche.” She has successfully crossed over into mainstream films like ‘Barbie’, challenging these perceptions.

Barbie Ferreira

Barbie Ferreira faced significant scrutiny regarding her body size, often being dismissed as the “fat friend” or tokenized for body positivity. In ‘Euphoria’, she struggled with storylines that focused heavily on her insecurity about her looks. The industry often treats plus-size actresses as temporary fixtures rather than leading ladies. Ferreira has been vocal about the need for nuanced representation beyond weight.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore faced early dismissal in the modeling and acting worlds for being non-binary and having a look that defied binary gender norms. Agencies often did not know how to market them, leading to rejection for being “too much” of one thing or not enough of another. Their unique beauty was sometimes exoticized rather than respected. Moore’s role in ‘Pose’ allowed them to showcase vulnerability and strength that silenced doubters.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has faced colorist criticism and dismissal from those who felt she did not fit the description of characters originally written as white. When cast as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she faced backlash from fans who judged her appearance against comic book drawings. She ignored the noise and delivered a charismatic performance that won over audiences. Thompson continues to challenge casting norms in every genre she enters.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz was initially dismissed for roles because she did not fit the stereotypical “Latina bombshell” mold that Hollywood often demands. She had to actively change her voice and mannerisms to play the tough Detective Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, creating a character that looked and sounded nothing like her real self. Before that, she struggled to get auditions for roles that were not caricatures. She has since proven her versatility in voice acting and musicals.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer faced the assumption that she was merely a model with an interesting look rather than a capable actress. When cast in ‘Euphoria’, many dismissed the choice as prioritizing aesthetics over skill. Her ethereal appearance often leads to her being cast in abstract or high-fashion adjacent roles. However, she has demonstrated profound emotional depth that transcends her visual impact.

Shannon Purser

After gaining viral fame in ‘Stranger Things’, Shannon Purser faced dismissal from the industry which viewed her as a one-hit wonder based on a “frumpy” character look. She was typecast as the undesirable friend, a trope that relies heavily on conventional beauty standards. Purser has been open about the lack of romantic storylines for women with her body type. She continues to fight for roles that humanize plus-size characters.

Kristanna Loken

Best known as the Terminatrix, Kristanna Loken was largely dismissed as a stoic model with a perfect body but no acting ability. The industry focused intensely on her physical stats, ignoring her attempts at dramatic work. Being a bisexual woman in action films often led to her being sexualized and silenced. She has continued to work steadily, often producing her own projects to escape the “model-actress” stigma.

Saffron Burrows

Standing six feet tall, Saffron Burrows was often dismissed for being taller than her male co-stars, which limited her casting options. She was frequently told her height was a distraction and was passed over for delicate flower roles. Her statuesque beauty led to her being cast as cold or aloof characters. She eventually found success in television roles that embraced her commanding presence.

Tell us which of these actresses surprised you the most with their resilience in the comments.