Who Is the Most Likeable Gay Actress Right Now?

The landscape of Hollywood has shifted significantly toward inclusivity, allowing many talented performers to live and work openly as part of the LGBTQ+ community. From seasoned veterans of the stage to breakout stars of prestige television, these actresses have garnered public affection through their versatile performances and authentic presence. Many of them have used their platforms to advocate for better representation, while others have simply let their acclaimed body of work speak for itself. The following list highlights some of the most prominent gay and queer actresses currently making an impact in the entertainment industry.

Cherry Jones

Jones is a celebrated stage and screen actress known for her Tony-winning work in theater. She gained mainstream television fame for her role as President Allison Taylor in the series ’24’. More recently, she appeared in the hit HBO drama ‘Succession’ and the Apple TV+ series ‘Five Days at Memorial’. Her career is distinguished by her commanding presence and versatility in both heavy drama and character-driven roles.

Jasika Nicole

Nicole is widely recognized for her role as Astrid Farnsworth in the science fiction series ‘Fringe’. She also had a recurring role as Carly Lever in the popular medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’. Beyond acting, she is an accomplished illustrator and a vocal supporter of queer representation in media. Her work often highlights the importance of diversity in genre storytelling and the importance of craft in performance.

Dot-Marie Jones

Jones became a household name for her portrayal of Coach Shannon Beiste on the musical series ‘Glee’, a role that earned her three consecutive Emmy nominations. Before her acting career, she was a professional athlete and a 15-time world arm-wrestling champion. She has appeared in various films and television shows, including the romantic comedy ‘Bros’ and ‘American Horror Story’. Her performances often blend physical strength with a deep, relatable vulnerability that resonates with audiences.

Fortune Feimster

Feimster is a comedian and actress who first gained attention as a writer and performer on ‘Chelsea Lately’. She has starred in various television projects, including ‘The Mindy Project’ and the Netflix action-comedy series ‘FUBAR’. Her stand-up specials frequently touch upon her experiences growing up in the South and navigating her identity. She is known for her infectious energy and a style of comedic timing that has made her a mainstay in modern comedy.

Tig Notaro

Notaro is a stand-up comedian and actress who created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’. She gained further popularity for her role as Jett Reno in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ and appeared in the action film ‘Army of the Dead’. Notaro also contributed to the series ‘The Morning Show’ as a recurring character. Her deadpan humor and public resilience have made her a highly respected figure in the comedy world.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes is an Emmy-winning writer, comedian, and actress with a career spanning over three decades. She is the co-creator and star of the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’ and has a long-standing recurring role in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. Her voice acting work includes prominent characters in the ‘Ice Age’ franchise and ‘Over the Hedge’. She is frequently cited as one of the most influential and funny people working in American television today.

Holland Taylor

Taylor is a veteran actress of the stage and screen, perhaps best known for her role as Evelyn Harper on ‘Two and a Half Men’. She has received multiple Emmy nominations and a win for her work on the legal drama ‘The Practice’. Recently, she has appeared in ‘The Morning Show’ and the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’. Her enduring career is marked by her ability to play sophisticated and often sharp-tongued characters with ease.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon is most famous for her role as Miranda Hobbes in the ‘Sex and the City’ franchise and its modern revival ‘And Just Like That…’. She is also a Broadway veteran with multiple Tony Awards for her work in theater. Currently, she stars in the period drama ‘The Gilded Age’ on HBO as Ada Brook. Nixon is also known for her political activism and her commitment to public service in New York.

Portia de Rossi

De Rossi gained fame for her roles in the legal drama ‘Ally McBeal’ and the cult favorite sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She also appeared in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’ as Elizabeth North during its later seasons. Though she has shifted her primary focus toward philanthropy and business in recent years, she remains an iconic figure in television history. Her performances are often noted for their sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing.

Jane Lynch

Lynch is an Emmy and Golden Globe winner recognized for her iconic role as Sue Sylvester in the musical series ‘Glee’. She has a prolific career in film, including memorable turns in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries like ‘Best in Show’. Recently, she has appeared in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ and voices characters in various animated projects. Her distinct voice and sharp comedic delivery have made her a staple of modern American entertainment.

Clea DuVall

DuVall is an actress and director who first became a prominent figure in the 1999 film ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has appeared in high-profile projects such as the Academy Award-winning ‘Argo’ and the television series ‘Veep’. In 2020, she directed and co-wrote the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’, which was praised for its queer representation. Her career has been dedicated to both acting in and creating stories that increase the visibility of LGBTQ+ lives.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin is a legendary performer who has won Emmys, Tonys, and a Grammy over her extensive career. She starred in the classic film ‘9 to 5’ and recently concluded a successful seven-season run on the sitcom ‘Grace and Frankie’. Her work in ‘Nashville’ and ‘The Late Show’ solidified her status as a versatile talent in both drama and comedy. She has been a pioneer for women and queer performers in the industry for over fifty years.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw is a highly respected Irish actress known for her roles in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series as Petunia Dursley. She earned critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for her role as Carolyn Martens in the spy thriller ‘Killing Eve’. Recently, she appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ and the fourth season of ‘True Detective’. Her stage work with the Royal Shakespeare Company remains some of the most celebrated in modern theater.

Beanie Feldstein

Feldstein broke through with her roles in the film ‘Lady Bird’ and the coming-of-age comedy ‘Booksmart’. She starred as Monica Lewinsky in the series ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. She also led the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’ as Fanny Brice in 2022. Her career is characterized by her charm and her ability to navigate both lighthearted humor and heavy biographical drama.

Abbi Jacobson

Jacobson is the co-creator and co-star of the acclaimed comedy series ‘Broad City’, which ran for five seasons. She also developed and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ for Amazon Prime. In addition to her live-action work, she provided the voice for the lead character in the animated film ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’. She is recognized for her creative vision and her significant contributions to modern queer storytelling.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained international attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ before taking on lead roles in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. They have become a leading voice for their generation, often speaking on intersectionality and social justice. Stenberg is set to star in the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’. Their career reflects a consistent commitment to choosing diverse and socially conscious projects.

Alia Shawkat

Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in the long-running sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She also starred in and produced the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’, which received critical praise across its five seasons. Her film credits include ‘Duck Butter’ and a role in the biographical drama ‘Being the Ricardos’. Shawkat is also an accomplished artist and musician outside of her primary acting work.

Maria Bakalova

Bakalova rose to international fame for her role in ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She has since appeared in the slasher film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and provided the voice for Cosmo the Spacedog in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. Her performances are often praised for their fearlessness and wide comedic range. She continues to be a rising star in both independent cinema and major studio blockbusters.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer gained widespread recognition for her debut acting role as Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. She recently starred as Tigris Snow in the blockbuster prequel ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. Beyond her acting career, she is a successful fashion model and an advocate for transgender rights. Her presence in mainstream media has been influential for LGBTQ+ representation on a global scale.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon is best known for her eleven seasons as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she won two Emmy Awards. She played the standout role of “Weird Barbie” in the record-breaking 2023 film ‘Barbie’. Her film credits also include the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and the musical comedy ‘Yesterday’. She is widely celebrated for her character work, physical comedy, and impressions of political figures.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz is widely known for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz in the comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She provided the voice for the lead character Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated hit ‘Encanto’. She also appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’ and the series ‘Twisted Metal’. Their ability to play both tough-as-nails characters and deeply empathetic roles has won them a large international following.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose won an Academy Award for her performance as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. She has a strong background in musical theater, having been part of the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’. She also starred in the musical comedy series ‘Schmigadoon!’ and the Netflix film ‘The Prom’. Her energetic performances and significant vocal talent have made her a major star on both stage and screen.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Nash-Betts has had a versatile career with memorable roles in ‘Reno 911!’, ‘Claws’, and the series ‘Getting On’. She received critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for her role as Glenda Cleveland in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Currently, she stars in the police procedural ‘The Rookie: Feds’. She is celebrated for her immense charisma and her ability to excel in both high-concept comedy and intense drama.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson has become a major Hollywood star with her role as Valkyrie in the ‘Thor’ franchise and the ‘Creed’ film series. She earned critical praise for her work in independent films like ‘Passing’ and ‘Dear White People’. She also starred in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ on HBO for four seasons. Thompson is known for her advocacy for equity in the film industry and her diverse range of character choices.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza first gained a cult following as the deadpan April Ludgate on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since transitioned into acclaimed dramatic roles in ‘Emily the Criminal’ and the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. Her unique comedic style and choice of bold, independent projects have made her a favorite among film critics. She is also set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming series ‘Agatha: Coven of Chaos’.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe is a multifaceted artist who has found great success in both the music industry and professional acting. She starred in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Moonlight’ and the historical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. More recently, she played a pivotal dual role in the mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Her artistic work often explores themes of identity, futurism, and social liberation.

Bella Ramsey

Ramsey gained early recognition for their standout role as Lyanna Mormont in the fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’. They reached a new level of global stardom playing Ellie in the acclaimed HBO series ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey has also appeared in the film ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ and the series ‘His Dark Materials’. Their performances are frequently noted for their emotional maturity and commanding screen presence.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson is one of the most prolific actresses on modern television, particularly known for her frequent roles in ‘American Horror Story’. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Her film work includes roles in ‘Ocean’s 8’, ‘Carol’, and ‘The Post’. She is widely regarded as one of the finest dramatic actresses of her generation due to her intense commitment to her roles.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart rose to global fame starring in the ‘Twilight’ saga before transitioning into highly acclaimed independent film projects. She earned her first Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the drama ‘Spencer’. In 2024, she starred in the gritty romantic thriller ‘Love Lies Bleeding’, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. She remains a prominent figure in international cinema and a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Jodie Foster

Foster has maintained a legendary career since her early roles in films like ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Recently, she garnered critical praise for her leading role in the fourth season of ‘True Detective’, titled ‘Night Country’. She also received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Bonnie Stoll in the 2023 sports drama ‘Nyad’. Her longevity in Hollywood is marked by both her acting prowess and her successful work as a director.

Lily Gladstone

Gladstone received widespread international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role as Mollie Burkhart in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She has also appeared in the television series ‘Reservation Dogs’ and the independent film ‘Certain Women’. Her performances are noted for their quiet intensity and deep emotional resonance. As an Indigenous and queer performer, she has broken significant barriers and become one of the most respected names in the industry today.

Share which of these performers’ recent projects has been your favorite in the comments.