Actresses With Zero Major Scandals Over 35+ Years

Staying power in Hollywood is impressive on its own, but doing it without headline-grabbing controversy is even rarer. The actresses here built decades-long careers on consistent work, craft, and professionalism. You can trace their paths through acclaimed films, major awards, and steady charitable efforts. Their résumés show range, collaboration with top directors, and ongoing relevance across generations.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep’s career spans from early theater roots to celebrated turns in films like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Sophie’s Choice’, and ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’. She holds a record number of Oscar nominations and multiple wins. Her work includes regular collaborations with directors such as Mike Nichols and Steven Spielberg. She also supports arts education and women’s causes through long-standing philanthropic initiatives.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench established her reputation on the stage before breaking out globally with film roles like ‘Mrs Brown’, ‘Shakespeare in Love’, and the ‘James Bond’ series. She is a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to drama. Her body of work spans theater, television, and film with consistent critical recognition. Dench also champions charitable efforts focused on the arts and health.

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren’s range stretches from ‘The Queen’ to action ensembles like ‘Red’ and historical dramas such as ‘Elizabeth I’. She is an Academy Award, Emmy, and Tony winner with a career grounded in classical training. Mirren regularly participates in theater projects alongside film work. She supports organizations related to women’s empowerment and the performing arts.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett’s filmography includes ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, ‘Malcolm X’, ‘Black Panther’, and ‘Waiting to Exhale’. She consistently anchors biographical and ensemble projects with leading roles in film and television. Bassett has earned major award nominations across multiple decades. She also engages in advocacy and fundraising for education and health initiatives.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh built an international career with roles in ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’, and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She trained in dance before transitioning to action cinema, performing many of her own stunts early on. Yeoh’s work bridges Asian and Western industries through multilingual projects. She serves as a Goodwill Ambassador promoting road safety and development programs.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis became a genre mainstay with ‘Halloween’ and later expanded into comedies like ‘A Fish Called Wanda’ and family hits such as ‘Freaky Friday’. She is also a bestselling children’s author. Curtis is active in philanthropy, supporting children’s hospitals and recovery programs. Her career includes steady television and film appearances across multiple eras.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver led science fiction landmarks with ‘Alien’ and ‘Aliens’ while balancing dramas like ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ and ‘Working Girl’. She holds multiple Oscar nominations and a history of genre-defining roles. Weaver continues to appear in large-scale projects including ‘Avatar’. She supports environmental organizations and conservation campaigns.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close’s body of work includes ‘Fatal Attraction’, ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, and ‘The Wife’. She has earned numerous Oscar nominations and multiple Tony and Emmy Awards. Close founded a nonprofit focused on mental health advocacy and stigma reduction. Her career features consistent stage work alongside prestige television and film roles.

Sally Field

Sally Field moved from television beginnings to acclaimed film roles in ‘Norma Rae’, ‘Places in the Heart’, and ‘Lincoln’. She holds multiple Academy Awards and Emmys. Field has an extensive stage résumé and published a well-regarded memoir. She advocates for labor rights and health causes through sustained public service.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster transitioned from child performances to landmark films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Taxi Driver’. She also directs features and episodes of high-profile series. Foster speaks multiple languages and has produced projects across genres. Her career includes festival honors and industry awards spanning decades.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson’s screenwriting and acting credits include ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘Howards End’, and ‘Saving Mr. Banks’. She is one of the few artists to win Oscars for both acting and writing. Thompson regularly collaborates on literary adaptations and original screenplays. She supports human rights and environmental organizations.

Julianne Moore

Julianne Moore’s portfolio ranges from ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Far from Heaven’ to ‘Still Alice’. She has received major awards in film and television with frequent festival recognition. Moore also authors children’s books that promote confidence and inclusion. Her advocacy includes gun safety and arts education.

Annette Bening

Annette Bening’s notable films include ‘American Beauty’, ‘The Kids Are All Right’, and ’20th Century Women’. She has a long record of award nominations and theater accomplishments. Bening serves on arts boards and participates in mentoring programs. Her career reflects careful project selection with consistent critical notice.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand’s work features ‘Fargo’, ‘Nomadland’, and ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’. She maintains strong ties to theater with productions on and off Broadway. McDormand has multiple Academy Awards for lead performances. She supports independent filmmaking and frequently collaborates with emerging directors.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton’s filmography covers ‘Annie Hall’, ‘The Godfather’ series, and ‘Something’s Gotta Give’. She is also a photographer and author with exhibitions and published books. Keaton advocates for historic preservation and architectural conservation. Her career continues with roles in film and television well into later decades.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews rose from stage success to global recognition with ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. She built a multi-format career that includes film, television, voice work, and bestselling memoirs. Andrews has been honored with major awards across decades and has frequently performed in concert settings. She supports arts education and literacy programs through long-running charitable involvement.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith balanced an acclaimed stage career with film roles in ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’, ‘Gosford Park’, and the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She earned major honors in theater and on screen across several eras. Smith has been a frequent presence in television dramas that reached international audiences. She contributes to charitable initiatives connected to the performing arts and health.

Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer’s filmography spans ‘Dangerous Liaisons’, ‘The Fabulous Baker Boys’, and ‘Batman Returns’. She has continued to work steadily across genres and returned to high-profile projects after career pauses. Pfeiffer launched a clean-fragrance brand that emphasizes ingredient transparency. She supports environmental and children’s health causes through ongoing advocacy.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates moved from theater to screen with standout work in ‘Misery’, ‘Primary Colors’, and ‘About Schmidt’. She has maintained a steady presence on television with award-recognized performances. Bates is active in patient advocacy after her own health challenges. She consistently mentors younger performers and participates in industry panels and workshops.

Sissy Spacek

Sissy Spacek’s range shows in films like ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’, ‘Carrie’, and ‘In the Bedroom’. She works across independent and studio projects with consistent festival and awards recognition. Spacek has appeared in limited series that broadened her television profile. She supports music and arts programs in her community and often collaborates with emerging filmmakers.

Geena Davis

Geena Davis headlined ‘Thelma & Louise’, ‘A League of Their Own’, and action fare like ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’. She founded an institute that researches onscreen gender representation and consults with studios. Davis competed in elite level sports and advocates for girls’ participation in athletics. Her career includes producing and advocating for inclusive storytelling.

Laura Dern

Laura Dern’s career includes ‘Blue Velvet’, ‘Jurassic Park’, and ‘Marriage Story’ alongside notable television projects. She collaborates frequently with auteur directors and independent filmmakers. Dern has served on festival juries and produced films that spotlight underrepresented voices. She supports environmental and social justice organizations through public campaigns.

Holly Hunter

Holly Hunter earned major acclaim for roles in ‘Broadcast News’, ‘The Piano’, and ‘Raising Arizona’. She has balanced film and television work with consistent recognition from critics’ groups. Hunter is known for supporting regional theater and independent productions. She participates in industry initiatives that promote accessibility and mentorship.

Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton’s body of work runs from ‘Orlando’ and ‘Michael Clayton’ to ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’. She collaborates internationally with directors across experimental and mainstream cinema. Swinton curates film events and supports archival projects that preserve film history. She also champions arts education through foundations and festivals.

Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter moved from period pieces like ‘A Room with a View’ to franchise work in ‘Harry Potter’ and character-driven films such as ‘The King’s Speech’. She has extensive television credits in prestige dramas. Bonham Carter serves as an ambassador for medical and children’s charities. She frequently participates in fundraising events tied to the creative industries.

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts gained international notice with ‘Mulholland Drive’ and expanded her profile with ‘The Ring’ and ’21 Grams’. She alternates between independent films and larger releases while also producing select projects. Watts is involved in fundraising for women’s health and disaster relief. She supports global initiatives that provide resources to vulnerable communities.

Kristin Scott Thomas

Kristin Scott Thomas reached a wide audience with ‘The English Patient’ and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ while maintaining a strong stage presence. She works in multiple languages across British and French productions. Scott Thomas has earned honors for both film and theater performances. She supports arts institutions and serves on cultural advisory boards.

Catherine O’Hara

Catherine O’Hara built an enduring career from sketch comedy to films like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Home Alone’, then moved into acclaimed television ensembles. She is a frequent collaborator with specific directing teams in both live action and animation. O’Hara has received top television honors for later-career work. She regularly supports charity events tied to health and the arts.

Lesley Manville

Lesley Manville is known for long-running collaborations that produced films like ‘Another Year’ and ‘Phantom Thread’. She balances screen roles with acclaimed stage performances in classical and contemporary works. Manville has led television series that reached international audiences. She lends support to theater outreach programs and training initiatives for young performers.

Catherine Deneuve

Catherine Deneuve became an international figure with ‘The Umbrellas of Cherbourg’ and ‘Belle de Jour’. She worked with leading European directors and maintained a steady presence in French cinema. Deneuve expanded into producing and fashion partnerships connected to the arts. She supports film heritage initiatives and regularly appears at major festivals.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren rose to global prominence with ‘Two Women’ and broadened her profile with English and Italian productions. She collaborated with Vittorio De Sica and other key filmmakers over several decades. Loren published memoirs and culinary books that traced her life and craft. She remains active in retrospectives and tributes that highlight European film history.

Doris Day

Doris Day moved from big band singing to film hits like ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘Calamity Jane’. She led successful television ventures and later focused on animal welfare through a dedicated foundation. Day recorded charting albums alongside her screen career. Her legacy is preserved through restorations and regular classic film programming.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury balanced early film roles like ‘Gaslight’ with stage triumphs and long-running television in ‘Murder, She Wrote’. She earned honors across Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe ceremonies. Lansbury supported theater training programs and arts accessibility. Her work is celebrated through revivals and archival recordings.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson brought depth to ‘Sounder’ and delivered acclaimed performances in limited series and television films. She advocated for roles that reflected dignity and complexity. Tyson published a memoir that documented her career and community work. She supported education initiatives with scholarships and public appearances.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno achieved the industry’s top honors with performances in ‘West Side Story’ and continued on stage and television. She recorded albums and took on voice roles that reached new audiences. Moreno mentors young artists through workshops and residencies. Her career is marked by cultural advocacy and arts education.

Jessica Lange

Jessica Lange gained notice with ‘Tootsie’ and continued with acclaimed work in ‘Blue Sky’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She published photography collections that toured galleries. Lange alternates between stage projects and screen roles with consistent recognition. She supports organizations tied to mental health and the arts.

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour became widely known with ‘Live and Let Die’ and broadened her reach with ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’. She produces and paints in addition to acting. Seymour designs lifestyle products that benefit charitable causes. She remains active at conventions and film events that connect with long-time audiences.

Brenda Blethyn

Brenda Blethyn broke through internationally with ‘Secrets and Lies’ and built a loyal following with ‘Vera’. She maintains a consistent stage presence alongside television and film. Blethyn participates in regional arts festivals and literacy programs. She has collaborated with directors known for character-driven storytelling.

Imelda Staunton

Imelda Staunton’s versatility shows in ‘Vera Drake’, the ‘Harry Potter’ series, and high-profile stage musicals. She holds multiple Olivier Awards and continues to lead West End productions. Staunton records audiobooks and participates in radio dramas. She supports theater charities and training initiatives for young performers.

Mary Steenburgen

Mary Steenburgen’s credits span ‘Melvin and Howard’, ‘Back to the Future Part III’, and ‘The Last Man on Earth’. She composes music for selected projects in addition to acting. Steenburgen works across independent features and network television. She supports community arts groups and health organizations.

Allison Janney

Allison Janney earned wide recognition with ‘The West Wing’ and continued with ‘I, Tonya’ and ‘Mom’. She balances film and television while returning to stage productions. Janney contributes to scholarship funds and industry mentorship programs. She frequently appears at festivals and panels focused on craft.

Candice Bergen

Candice Bergen led ‘Murphy Brown’ and built a film résumé that includes ‘Starting Over’ and ‘Book Club’. She is also a photographer with published work and exhibitions. Bergen participates in museum talks and media history events. She supports journalism education and arts institutions.

Shirley MacLaine

Shirley MacLaine’s filmography features ‘The Apartment’, ‘Terms of Endearment’, and ‘Steel Magnolias’. She is an author of bestselling memoirs that track her projects and travels. MacLaine tours speaking engagements that discuss performance and creativity. She remains engaged with film preservation groups and retrospectives.

Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret became a multimedia star with ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ and continued with ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and acclaimed television movies. She recorded successful albums and performed in concert residencies. Ann-Margret supports veterans’ causes and hospital programs. She keeps close ties to live performance through special appearances and tributes.

Got more names that fit this list without tabloid baggage? Share your picks in the comments and keep the conversation going.