Gay Actresses Who Are the Best On-Screen Criers
The ability to deliver a convincing crying scene is a hallmark of exceptional acting talent in the entertainment industry. Many gay actresses have mastered the art of emotional vulnerability by bringing profound depth to their on-screen performances. These performers often use their technical skills to connect with audiences during pivotal dramatic moments in films and television series. This list highlights several talented women who have consistently demonstrated their ability to move viewers through powerful displays of grief and sorrow.
Abbi Jacobson
Abbi Jacobson demonstrated significant emotional range during the later seasons of ‘Broad City’ and her lead role in ‘A League of Their Own’. She balances comedic timing with moments of deep personal realization that often lead to heartfelt weeping. Her performance in ‘A League of Their Own’ allowed her to explore the complexities of hidden identity and romantic longing. Jacobson often uses a naturalistic style that makes her characters feel relatable and grounded during intense scenes. Her ability to transition from humor to heartbreak has earned her recognition in various dramatic projects.
Adèle Haenel
Adèle Haenel is known for her intense and physical performances in French cinema. She delivered a particularly moving performance in the critically acclaimed film ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’. Her ability to convey longing and heartbreak through silent tears is a standout feature of her acting style. Haenel often portrays characters with a strong internal life that eventually breaks through in emotional outbursts. She has received numerous accolades for her capacity to handle complex and sensitive subject matter.
Alexandra Shipp
Alexandra Shipp has appeared in a variety of roles ranging from superhero blockbusters to intimate dramas. She showcased her emotional capabilities in ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ where she played a character dealing with relationship strain and career pressure. Her crying scenes are often noted for their raw and unpolished quality which adds to the realism of her characters. Shipp has also taken on challenging roles in ‘Love, Simon’ and the ‘X-Men’ franchise. Her versatility allows her to bring sincerity to both lighthearted and heavy moments.
Alia Shawkat
Alia Shawkat is well regarded for her work in ‘Arrested Development’ and the dark comedy series ‘Search Party’. In ‘Search Party’ her character undergoes a slow psychological descent that results in several visceral emotional breakdowns. Shawkat uses her expressive features to convey a sense of panic and despair that resonates with viewers. Her performances often blend surrealism with genuine human emotion making her crying scenes particularly memorable. She continues to seek out unconventional roles that require a high degree of emotional transparency.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg gained early recognition for her heart wrenching role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. Since then she has continued to prove her dramatic prowess in films like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. In ‘The Hate U Give’ she delivers a powerful performance as a young woman witnessing social injustice and personal loss. Her ability to portray grief with such intensity has established her as one of the most capable young actors of her generation. Stenberg often brings a sense of urgency and profound sadness to her most demanding roles.
Anna Paquin
Anna Paquin became one of the youngest Oscar winners in history for her role in ‘The Piano’. She later spent several years portraying Sookie Stackhouse in the series ‘True Blood’ where she frequently dealt with supernatural loss and romantic tragedy. Paquin is known for her ability to cry on cue with great conviction and physical commitment. Her roles in ‘The Irishman’ and ‘Alias Grace’ further demonstrate her skill in delivering understated yet powerful emotional beats. She remains a consistent force in the industry for her dramatic reliability.
Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose is a multi talented performer who transitioned from Broadway to major film roles. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Anita in ‘West Side Story’ where she delivered a devastating emotional performance. Her crying scenes in the film are central to the story of grief and resilience in the face of violence. DeBose uses her background in dance to bring a physical weight to her character’s suffering. She has also appeared in ‘The Prom’ and ‘Schmigadoon!’ where she showcases her range in both comedy and drama.
Aubrey Plaza
Aubrey Plaza moved beyond her deadpan comedy roots to take on intense dramatic roles in ‘Emily the Criminal’ and ‘Black Bear’. In ‘Black Bear’ she delivers a meta performance that requires multiple layers of emotional breakdown and weeping. Her ability to portray psychological instability and raw frustration has surprised many critics and fans alike. Plaza often uses her crying scenes to subvert audience expectations and provide a deeper look at her characters. She is increasingly recognized for her willingness to embrace difficult and uncomfortable emotional states.
Beanie Feldstein
Beanie Feldstein is celebrated for her performances in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’ where she portrays relatable and earnest characters. She took on a more dramatic challenge in ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ by portraying Monica Lewinsky. The role required numerous scenes of high emotional distress and public scrutiny which Feldstein handled with great sensitivity. Her crying scenes often evoke a sense of empathy because of her ability to appear genuinely wounded. She continues to choose roles that highlight her capacity for both joy and profound sadness.
Bella Ramsey
Bella Ramsey rose to international fame for her roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Last of Us’. In ‘The Last of Us’ she portrays a teenager navigating a post apocalyptic world filled with constant loss and trauma. Her performance is noted for its maturity and the realistic way she portrays a child forced to grow up too fast. Ramsey delivers several gut wrenching crying scenes that anchor the emotional core of the series. Her ability to convey complex emotions through her eyes and voice has earned her widespread critical acclaim.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne transitioned from the fashion world to acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Carnival Row’. In the series ‘Carnival Row’ she portrays a faerie refugee dealing with themes of displacement and lost love. Her emotional scenes often highlight the vulnerability beneath her character’s tough exterior. Delevingne has also appeared in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ where she explored more intimate character dynamics. Her crying scenes are frequently described as natural and effective for the dramatic narratives she inhabits.
Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress known for co creating and starring in ‘Portlandia’. While much of her work is comedic she has demonstrated dramatic depth in projects like ‘Transparent’ and ‘The Nowhere Inn’. In ‘Transparent’ she played a character grappling with family secrets and personal identity issues. Her crying scenes in these roles show a different side of her talent that is grounded in realistic human struggle. Brownstein continues to balance her creative output between music and sophisticated dramatic acting.
Cherry Jones
Cherry Jones is a veteran of the stage and screen with multiple Emmy and Tony Awards to her name. She is well known for her role as President Allison Taylor in ’24’ where she often faced agonizing moral dilemmas. Her crying scenes are characterized by a sense of dignity and heavy responsibility that is rarely seen in television drama. Jones has also delivered powerful performances in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’ as characters with significant authority. Her ability to show cracks in a powerful character’s facade through tears is a testament to her skill.
Clea DuVall
Clea DuVall has been a staple of independent and mainstream cinema for decades with roles in ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and ‘Girl, Interrupted’. In ‘Girl, Interrupted’ she portrayed a character dealing with intense psychological issues and emotional instability. DuVall has a unique ability to convey a sense of internal conflict that eventually leads to quiet and impactful weeping. She has also found success as a director and writer with projects like ‘Happiest Season’. Her long career is built on a foundation of honest and emotionally resonant performances.
Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon is famous for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ and its revival ‘And Just Like That…’. While her character is often cynical she has many moments of profound emotional breakthrough that lead to crying. Nixon has also earned acclaim for her work in ‘The Gilded Age’ and ‘Ratched’ where she plays more restrained characters. Her ability to deliver a convincing crying scene stems from her extensive background in theater and dramatic television. She remains a highly respected figure for her consistency and emotional intelligence.
Dominique Provost-Chalkley
Dominique Provost-Chalkley gained a dedicated following for her role as Waverly Earp in ‘Wynonna Earp’. The character goes through a significant journey of self discovery and deals with numerous life threatening situations. Provost-Chalkley is frequently praised for her ability to deliver high stakes emotional scenes that feel authentic and urgent. Her crying scenes often highlight the strong bonds between the characters in the show. She brings a sense of genuine heart and soul to every project she joins.
Evan Rachel Wood
Evan Rachel Wood has been delivering powerful dramatic performances since her breakout role in ‘Thirteen’. In that film she portrayed a teenager’s downward spiral with a level of intensity and raw emotion that stunned audiences. She continued this trend in ‘Westworld’ where her character experiences repeated trauma and existential realization. Wood is known for her ability to maintain a high level of emotional stakes throughout her crying scenes. Her technical precision and emotional availability make her one of the most respected dramatic actresses of her era.
Fiona Shaw
Fiona Shaw is an Irish actress with an extensive history of dramatic roles in film and television. She is widely recognized for her role in ‘Killing Eve’ and as Aunt Petunia in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. In ‘Killing Eve’ she plays a high level intelligence officer who occasionally reveals her inner turmoil through sharp emotional moments. Shaw has a commanding presence that makes her rare displays of weeping even more impactful for the audience. Her work in ‘Andor’ and ‘Fleabag’ further showcases her ability to ground fantastical or comedic worlds in real emotion.
Hari Nef
Hari Nef is an actress and model who has appeared in ‘Transparent’ and ‘The Idol’. In ‘Transparent’ she portrayed a character from the past whose story was filled with longing and tragedy. Her ability to convey a sense of historical weight and personal sorrow through her acting is notable. Nef often brings a sophisticated and modern sensibility to her roles while remaining emotionally accessible. Her crying scenes are often used to highlight the human experience within complex social narratives.
Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley Kiyoko is primarily known as a musician but she has also maintained a steady acting career in ‘CSI: Cyber’ and ‘Five Points’. In the series ‘Five Points’ she dealt with heavy themes of bullying and social pressure that required significant emotional work. Her crying scenes are often praised for being relatable to a younger audience dealing with similar issues. Kiyoko uses her platform to tell queer stories and often brings that perspective to her dramatic roles. She continues to grow as an actress by taking on projects that challenge her emotional range.
Heather Morris
Heather Morris became a household name for her role as Brittany S. Pierce on ‘Glee’. While the character started as comedic relief she eventually had many dramatic storylines involving her relationship with Santana Lopez. Morris surprised viewers with her ability to deliver sincere and moving crying scenes during the show’s more serious moments. She used her background as a dancer to bring a certain grace to her character’s emotional expressions. Her growth throughout the series made her one of the most beloved performers in the cast.
Holland Taylor
Holland Taylor is a legendary actress with a career spanning over five decades in film television and theater. She is well known for her roles in ‘The Practice’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’ where she often played witty and sharp tongued women. In ‘The Morning Show’ and ‘Mr. Mercedes’ she has taken on more dramatic material that allows for deeper emotional exploration. Taylor has a refined way of showing emotion that feels both classic and contemporary. Her crying scenes are often quiet and sophisticated reflecting the life experience of her characters.
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer made her acting debut in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’ and immediately stood out for her emotional performance. She plays Jules Vaughn a character navigating complex relationships and personal identity in a high pressure environment. Schafer is frequently required to deliver intense crying scenes that capture the chaotic nature of adolescence. Her ability to appear completely vulnerable on camera has earned her critical acclaim and a massive fan base. She brings a unique and fresh perspective to her dramatic work that feels incredibly modern.
Indya Moore
Indya Moore rose to prominence for their role as Angel Evangelista in the FX series ‘Pose’. The series deals with the ballroom culture of the 1980s and 90s along with the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Moore delivered numerous heartbreaking performances as their character faced poverty and personal loss. Their crying scenes are often the emotional anchor of the episodes in which they appear. Moore’s ability to channel real world struggle into their acting makes their performances deeply resonant.
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch is widely recognized for her comedic brilliance in ‘Glee’ and the films of Christopher Guest. However she has also demonstrated a strong capacity for drama in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ and ‘Criminal Minds’. In ‘Glee’ her character Sue Sylvester had rare but powerful moments of grief that showed a softer side of the antagonist. Lynch uses her tall stature and commanding voice to make her moments of weeping feel like a significant shift in character. She remains one of the most versatile actresses working today.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is an acclaimed singer and actress who has appeared in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. In ‘Moonlight’ she played a maternal figure who provided a safe haven for the protagonist during his troubled youth. Her performance was noted for its warmth and the subtle way she conveyed concern and sadness. In the thriller ‘Antebellum’ she took on a much more intense role that required significant emotional and physical stamina. Monáe continues to choose projects that allow her to explore the depths of human resilience and emotion.
Jasika Nicole
Jasika Nicole is best known for her role as Astrid Farnsworth in the science fiction series ‘Fringe’. She also had a recurring role in ‘The Good Doctor’ where she played a character navigating a complex romantic relationship. Nicole is skilled at portraying characters who are intelligent and composed but eventually reach an emotional breaking point. Her crying scenes often feel earned and provide a necessary release for the tension built up in the story. She brings a sense of sincerity and warmth to every role she inhabits.
Jasmin Savoy Brown
Jasmin Savoy Brown has become a prominent face in the horror and drama genres with roles in ‘Yellowjackets’ and the ‘Scream’ franchise. In ‘Yellowjackets’ she plays a character surviving a plane crash and the resulting psychological trauma. Her crying scenes in the series are often frantic and intense reflecting the life or death situations her character faces. Brown has a way of making her characters feel grounded even in the most extreme circumstances. She is increasingly recognized as a powerhouse for her ability to handle demanding emotional material.
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster has maintained a legendary career spanning several decades with many emotionally charged roles. In ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ she portrayed Clarice Starling with a mix of grit and repressed trauma that culminated in powerful moments of release. Her performances in films like ‘The Accused’ and ‘Contact’ showcase her capacity to handle intense subject matter with profound sincerity. Foster often uses subtle facial cues and quiet weeping to ground her characters in reality. Her legacy as a dramatic powerhouse is cemented by these frequent displays of authentic emotion.
Kiersey Clemons
Kiersey Clemons has appeared in a wide range of projects including ‘Dope’ and the live action ‘Lady and the Tramp’. She delivered a particularly strong emotional performance in the film ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ where she played a daughter preparing to leave for college. Her crying scenes in the film are tender and reflect the bittersweet nature of growing up. Clemons has also taken on more intense roles in thrillers like ‘Sweetheart’ where she conveys terror and isolation. She is known for her expressive eyes and ability to connect with her scene partners.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart has evolved from a teen franchise star to one of the most respected actresses in independent film. She received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ which required constant emotional tension. Stewart is known for her unique and often internalized acting style that results in very realistic crying scenes. Her work in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ and ‘Personal Shopper’ further demonstrates her ability to portray grief and existential dread. She continues to push the boundaries of her emotional range in every new project.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox became a household name for her groundbreaking role as Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her character dealt with the dual traumas of incarceration and transphobia leading to many moving dramatic moments. Cox delivered several powerful crying scenes that highlighted the humanity and resilience of her character. She has since appeared in ‘Promising Young Woman’ and ‘Inventing Anna’ where she continues to showcase her dramatic skills. Her presence in the industry has opened doors for many other performers while establishing her as a serious talent.
Lea DeLaria
Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress who is best known for her role as Big Boo in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. While her character provided much of the show’s humor she also had significant dramatic moments involving her past and her life in prison. DeLaria showed a vulnerable side that many viewers found surprising and deeply moving. Her crying scenes were often tied to the character’s sense of loyalty and hidden soft spots. She remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world for her bold and authentic performances.
Leisha Hailey
Leisha Hailey is known for her role as Alice Pieszecki in ‘The L Word’ and ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. Her character is often the source of comedic energy but she has faced many heartbreaking storylines over the years. Hailey has a very natural and relatable way of crying on screen that resonates with the show’s dedicated fan base. Her ability to transition from a fast talking journalist to a grieving friend is a key part of her acting range. She continues to be a central figure in queer media through her acting and music.
Léa Seydoux
Léa Seydoux is a French actress who has found success in both European cinema and major Hollywood blockbusters. She gained international acclaim for her role in ‘Blue Is the Warmest Colour’ which featured some of the most intense emotional scenes in modern film. Her ability to portray deep longing and devastating heartbreak through tears is a signature of her work. Seydoux has also appeared in the ‘James Bond’ franchise where she brought a more grounded and emotional presence to the role of Madeleine Swann. She is celebrated for her beauty and her fearless approach to dramatic roles.
Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin is a comedy legend who has also delivered many powerful dramatic performances throughout her long career. In ‘Grace and Frankie’ she balances humor with the very real emotions of aging and starting over. She received critical acclaim for the film ‘Grandma’ where she played a woman dealing with grief while helping her granddaughter. Tomlin’s crying scenes are often infused with a sense of wisdom and life experience that makes them unique. She remains a beloved figure for her ability to make audiences both laugh and cry.
Liv Hewson
Liv Hewson is an Australian actress known for their roles in ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ and ‘Yellowjackets’. In ‘Yellowjackets’ they play a survivor of a plane crash who must deal with extreme physical and emotional challenges. Hewson brings a sense of dry wit to their roles but is equally capable of delivering heavy dramatic moments. Their crying scenes often reflect the exhaustion and fear of their characters in high stakes environments. They are part of a new generation of actors bringing authenticity to complex queer characters.
Maria Bello
Maria Bello has had a diverse career with notable roles in ‘The Cooler’ and ‘A History of Violence’. She is known for her ability to portray strong and complicated women who are not afraid to show their emotions. In the series ‘Beef’ she played a character whose composed exterior eventually gives way to internal stress. Bello has a way of making her crying scenes feel like a natural extension of her character’s journey. Her long list of credits is a testament to her reliability and talent as a dramatic actress.
Margaret Cho
Margaret Cho is a comedian and actress who has often used her work to address serious social issues. While she is famous for her stand up she has appeared in dramatic roles in ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and ‘Fire Island’. In ‘Fire Island’ she played a maternal figure to a group of friends which allowed for moments of genuine emotional connection. Cho’s crying scenes often carry the weight of her personal experiences and her advocacy for marginalized groups. She continues to be a trailblazer in the entertainment industry.
Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle Rodriguez is primarily known as an action star in franchises like ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘Resident Evil’. However she has also delivered strong dramatic performances in films like ‘Girlfight’ and ‘Widows’. In ‘Widows’ she played a woman forced to take extreme measures after the death of her husband which required several intense emotional scenes. Rodriguez is skilled at showing the vulnerability beneath a tough and resilient exterior. Her crying scenes often feel like a rare and significant glimpse into her character’s soul.
Portia de Rossi
Portia de Rossi is known for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She took on a more dramatic role in the series ‘Scandal’ where she played a high powered political operative. Her character often had to maintain a cool facade while dealing with personal and professional betrayal. When she did have crying scenes they were often powerful because of the contrast with her character’s usual demeanor. De Rossi has since retired from acting but her body of work remains highly regarded.
Roberta Colindrez
Roberta Colindrez is an actress and writer who has appeared in ‘Fun Home’ on Broadway and the series ‘Vida’. In ‘Vida’ she played a character navigating the complexities of family and identity in a changing neighborhood. Her performance was noted for its authenticity and the subtle way she handled emotional scenes. Colindrez has a unique screen presence that makes her crying scenes feel very intimate and real. She continues to seek out roles that tell diverse and meaningful stories.
Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley gained widespread recognition for her role as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her character’s journey ended in one of the most emotional and controversial moments in recent television history. Wiley’s ability to portray joy and then devastating sadness made her a fan favorite and a critical darling. She continued her success in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ where she plays a character surviving under a brutal regime. Her crying scenes in the series are often filled with a sense of defiance and profound grief.
Sara Gilbert
Sara Gilbert became famous as a child star on ‘Roseanne’ and has continued her career as an actress and producer. She reprised her role as Darlene Conner in ‘The Conners’ where she deals with the struggles of working class life. Gilbert is known for her deadpan delivery but she is also very effective in dramatic scenes. Her crying scenes often feel very grounded and reflect the everyday heartbreaks of her characters. She remains a prominent figure in television for her longevity and relatable performances.
Sara Ramirez
Sara Ramirez is best known for their long running role as Dr. Callie Torres on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. The character went through numerous high stakes medical and personal dramas that required frequent emotional work. Ramirez is a talented singer and actress who brings a great deal of passion to their crying scenes. They have also appeared in ‘And Just Like That…’ where they continued to explore complex emotional territory. Their ability to connect with the audience through vulnerability has made them a beloved figure in the industry.
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson is widely recognized for her immense range and emotional depth in various television and film projects. She frequently portrays characters facing extreme psychological distress in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. Her ability to convey raw vulnerability through tears has become a hallmark of her performances in ‘Ratched’ and ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. Fans often highlight her crying scenes as some of the most authentic moments in modern horror and drama. She continues to be a leading figure in the industry for her expressive acting style.
Stephanie Beatriz
Stephanie Beatriz is famous for her role as Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ where she played a famously stoic character. However in the film ‘Short Term 12’ she delivered a devastating emotional performance that showcased her dramatic range. She also voiced the lead character in ‘Encanto’ which involved several moving scenes about family pressure and belonging. Beatriz is skilled at using her voice and facial expressions to convey a deep sense of hurt. Her transition from comedy to intense drama has earned her significant respect from peers and critics.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson has become one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood with roles in ‘Creed’ and the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. She delivered a particularly powerful and quiet performance in the film ‘Passing’ which dealt with racial identity and internal conflict. Her ability to convey deep sadness through subtle changes in her expression is a testament to her skill. In ‘Creed’ she portrays a character dealing with progressive hearing loss with great sensitivity and emotional honesty. Thompson continues to choose diverse roles that allow her to showcase her extensive dramatic capabilities.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette is an actress known for her roles in ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Hustlers’. She gained critical acclaim for her lead role in the film ‘Monica’ where she played a woman returning home to care for her dying mother. The film is a quiet and intimate character study that relies heavily on Lysette’s emotional transparency. Her crying scenes in the film are noted for being incredibly moving and grounded in a sense of history. She is a pioneer for trans representation in the industry while establishing herself as a formidable dramatic actress.
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