Gay Actresses Who Pursued Careers in Other Fields

Many talented performers in Hollywood eventually find passions that extend far beyond the soundstage or movie set. These women leveraged their platforms and creativity to venture into industries ranging from politics and business to music and professional counseling. Some balanced these new pursuits alongside their acting roles while others chose to leave the entertainment industry entirely to follow a different path. Their diverse trajectories prove that success is rarely limited to a single profession or artistic medium.

Cynthia Nixon

Best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ this actress transitioned into the high-stakes world of politics. She launched a progressive campaign for Governor of New York in 2018 against an incumbent candidate. Although she did not win the primary election she managed to shift the political conversation toward important social issues. She continues to use her celebrity status to advocate for education reform and LGBTQ+ rights while maintaining her acting career.

Portia de Rossi

After a successful run on shows like ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’ she decided to step away from acting to focus on business and art. She founded a company called General Public which utilizes 3-D printing technology to reproduce paintings for art collectors. Her retirement from the screen allowed her to dedicate her full attention to democratizing the art world. She occasionally makes rare appearances but remains primarily focused on her entrepreneurial ventures.

Kelly McGillis

This star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’ eventually left the Hollywood spotlight to focus on helping others in a clinical setting. She pursued a new life away from the cameras and became a certified addiction counselor. Her work involved supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse at rehabilitation centers in New Jersey. This drastic career shift highlighted her desire for a quieter life dedicated to service rather than fame.

Janelle Monáe

While she has garnered critical acclaim for her roles in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’ she is equally renowned as a musician and futurist writer. Her career began in the music industry where she created complex concept albums rooted in science fiction and afrofuturism. She seamlessly weaves her acting projects into a broader artistic narrative that includes singing and songwriting. She recently added author to her resume with a collection of short stories that expand her musical universe.

Leisha Hailey

Fans of ‘The L Word’ recognize her as Alice Pieszecki but she has maintained a robust career as a professional musician. She first gained attention in the 1990s as part of the pop duo The Murmurs before forming the band Uh Huh Her. Her musical endeavors have taken her on numerous tours and resulted in several successful albums. She manages to balance her recurring acting roles with her dedication to writing and performing music.

Lady Gaga

Originally conquering the world as a pop superstar she eventually pivoted to become a serious method actress. Her performance in ‘A Star Is Born’ earned her an Academy Award nomination and established her as a dual-threat talent. She continues to dominate the music charts while taking on challenging roles in films like ‘House of Gucci’. Her ability to excel at the highest levels of both industries is a rarity in modern entertainment.

Jenny Shimizu

She gained fame in the 1990s as a trailblazing model and actress who challenged traditional beauty standards. Beyond her work in front of the camera she is a skilled mechanic who loves working on cars. She also spent time working as a booking agent for other models to help guide their careers. Her diverse resume proves she is comfortable in both high-fashion settings and gritty garages.

Adèle Haenel

This celebrated French actress shocked the film industry by announcing her departure from cinema to focus on political activism. She chose to leave acting behind to protest against complacency regarding sexual violence within the French film establishment. Her move was a powerful statement that prioritized her principles and social change over box office success. She now dedicates her time to advocacy and speaking out on systemic issues.

Cara Delevingne

Before she became a familiar face in films like ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ she was one of the most in-demand fashion models in the world. She continues to balance high-profile modeling campaigns with her acting projects. In addition to these visual arts she has ventured into business with a prosecco brand and other entrepreneurial investments. Her career path remains fluid as she moves between runways and movie sets.

Rosie O’Donnell

While she started as a stand-up comedian and actress she found massive success as a daytime talk show host. Her show became a staple of American television and earned her the nickname The Queen of Nice for many years. She later utilized her platform to become a vocal political activist and blogger. Her career has constantly evolved from acting in films like ‘A League of Their Own’ to shaping public discourse.

Raven-Symoné

She grew up on television screens in ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘That’s So Raven’ before transitioning into daytime hosting. She spent several seasons as a co-host on ‘The View’ where she discussed current events and pop culture. This pivot allowed her to share her personal opinions and personality without a script. She later returned to acting and directing but remains a notable figure in the hosting arena.

Sara Gilbert

Known for her role as Darlene Conner in ‘Roseanne’ she carved out a significant career as a television producer and talk show host. She was the creator and executive producer of ‘The Talk’ where she also served as a co-host for nine years. Her vision created a platform for women to discuss headlines and personal stories in a roundtable format. She successfully balanced her duties behind the scenes with her on-camera work.

Amanda Bearse

Best remembered as Marcy D’Arcy on ‘Married… with Children’ she transitioned into a prolific career as a television director. During her time on the sitcom she began directing episodes and found she had a natural talent for calling the shots. She went on to direct dozens of episodes for various series and became a respected figure behind the camera. Her focus shifted largely from performing to shaping the comedic tone of television shows.

Meredith Baxter

After a long career playing the matriarch on ‘Family Ties’ she became an author and advocate following her public coming out. She wrote a memoir that detailed her life experiences and struggles with identity and sobriety. She also launched a skincare line specifically designed for women with sensitive skin. Her later years have been defined by her writing and business ventures as much as her acting legacy.

Hayley Kiyoko

She started acting as a child in commercials and Disney Channel movies like ‘Lemonade Mouth’ before fully embracing a music career. Her success as a pop singer earned her a massive following and the affectionate nickname Lesbian Jesus from her fans. She directs her own music videos and maintains creative control over her visual branding. Her music career now frequently takes precedence over her acting roles.

Reneé Rapp

She gained initial fame on Broadway and in the television series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ before pivoting hard toward music. She explicitly stated her intention to focus on her singing career and released a well-received debut album. Her energetic live performances and songwriting have quickly established her as a pop force. She views acting as a secondary passion compared to her drive to create music.

Bella Thorne

This former Disney Channel star has diversified her income streams more than almost any other peer in her generation. She is a published author of young adult novels and poetry books while also directing adult films. She runs a successful cannabis business and has a massive presence on subscription content platforms. Her career is a hybrid of traditional acting and modern digital entrepreneurship.

Wanda Sykes

While she has appeared in numerous sitcoms and films her primary dominance remains in the world of stand-up comedy and writing. She began her career as a writer for ‘The Chris Rock Show’ where she won an Emmy Award. Her stand-up specials are critically acclaimed and she frequently tours the country performing live. She uses her comedy to address political and social issues more directly than her acting roles allow.

Sandra Bernhard

She broke ground as a comedian and actress with a distinctively acerbic style in the 1980s. In recent years she has found a consistent home as a radio host with her own show on SiriusXM. The daily program allows her to interview guests and comment on pop culture with her signature wit. This medium gives her the freedom to be unscripted and directly connected to her audience.

Lea DeLaria

Although many know her as Big Boo from ‘Orange Is the New Black’ she has a long and distinguished career as a jazz musician. She has released several albums that feature her unique vocal stylings and comedic flair. Her live shows often combine stand-up comedy with musical performances. She was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show before finding mainstream acting success.

Indya Moore

While they gained global recognition for their role in ‘Pose’ they began their career in the fashion industry. They continue to work as a high-fashion model and have appeared in major campaigns for luxury brands. They are also a passionate activist who advocates for the rights of trans and non-binary individuals. Their work in fashion and advocacy often intertwines with their on-screen representation.

Hunter Schafer

Before her breakout role in ‘Euphoria’ she was already a successful fashion model working with top designers in New York and Paris. She has also expressed a strong interest in visual arts and illustration. She co-wrote a special episode of her hit show and intends to pursue more creative writing and directing opportunities. Her artistic ambitions extend well beyond acting into design and storytelling.

Hari Nef

She was the first openly trans woman signed to IMG Models and established a runway career before moving into acting. She continues to write extensively and has contributed articles to major publications like Artforum and Vice. Her intellectual commentary on culture and identity is as significant as her dramatic performances. She balances her time between film sets and the fashion world.

Carrie Brownstein

She is a founding member of the iconic punk band Sleater-Kinney which existed long before her sketch comedy fame. She co-created and starred in ‘Portlandia’ but music remains a foundational part of her career identity. She is also a published author who wrote a memoir about her life in the music scene. She consistently tours and records new music while pursuing directing and acting jobs.

Josephine Baker

This legendary entertainer was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture but her other career was even more daring. During World War II she worked as a spy for the French Resistance and smuggled intelligence written in invisible ink on her sheet music. She was a decorated war hero who received high military honors from the French government. Her bravery in espionage is a historic legacy that rivals her stage career.

Greta Garbo

One of the greatest stars of the silent and golden eras shocked the world by retiring at the age of thirty-six. She invested her earnings wisely in real estate and amassed an impressive collection of fine art. Her post-Hollywood life was spent as a private citizen in New York City where she enjoyed walking and visiting galleries. She steadfastly refused to return to acting and focused entirely on her personal interests.

Niecy Nash-Betts

She first gained attention as the host of the home makeover show ‘Clean House’ before landing major acting roles. Her ability to connect with real people and improvise made her a standout television presenter. Even as her acting career skyrocketed with ‘Claws’ and ‘Dahmer’ she continued to host various specials. Her hosting roots gave her the versatility to navigate different genres of television.

Maria Bello

This versatile actress is also an accomplished writer and activist who published a book about her fluid sexuality. She co-founded an organization called WE ADVANCE which was established to help women in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Her humanitarian efforts have taken her around the globe to advocate for women’s rights. She balances her time between film productions and hands-on non-profit work.

Heather Matarazzo

Known for her breakout role in ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ she has become a dedicated writer and public speaker. She frequently speaks at colleges and conferences about LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. She also ventured into podcasting to create platforms for discussing social issues. Her work focuses heavily on advocacy and community building outside of traditional Hollywood structures.

Jasika Nicole

Fans of ‘Fringe’ know her as Astrid Farnsworth but she is also a prolific maker and artist in the crafting community. She designs and sews her own clothing and shares her detailed process with a large online following. She also creates illustrations and has produced her own comic content. Her creative output is largely self-driven and focuses on tangible artistic creation.

Kristy McNichol

After winning two Emmy Awards as a teenager she left the entertainment industry in the early 1990s to prioritize her mental health. She eventually devoted her time to teaching acting at a private school in Los Angeles. She also immersed herself in charity work to support her community away from the public eye. Her departure was a decisive move to reclaim a normal life after growing up on camera.

Jane Lynch

While she is an Emmy-winning actress she also found a lucrative niche as a game show host. She served as the host for ‘Hollywood Game Night’ where she guided celebrities through various party games. Her quick wit and improvisational skills made her a natural fit for the unscripted format. This hosting gig ran for several seasons alongside her scripted television roles.

Jessica Clark

She began her career as a successful fashion model before landing a role on ‘True Blood’. She founded a media brand called Lesbian Love which focused on sharing stories from the queer community. Her work involves content creation and advocacy for visibility in media. She utilizes her background in fashion and acting to drive her entrepreneurial ventures.

Lily Tomlin

She is a comedy legend who has spent decades refining her craft as a writer and stage performer. Her one-woman shows are theatrical masterpieces that she writes and produces herself. She has also been a tireless advocate for animal rights and feminist causes throughout her career. Her work as a playwright and social commentator is as significant as her screen roles.

Kate McKinnon

Before becoming a standout on ‘Saturday Night Live’ she honed her skills as a sketch comedy writer and performer. She has done voice work for audiobooks and animated series that utilize her distinct vocal talents. She also plays multiple musical instruments which she occasionally incorporates into her comedy. Her background is deeply rooted in the writing and creation of comedy sketches.

Evan Rachel Wood

She is an accomplished singer who formed the electro-pop duo Rebel and a Basketcase. Beyond music she is a fierce activist who authored the Phoenix Act to help extend the statute of limitations for domestic violence cases. Her testimony before legislative bodies has led to tangible changes in the law. Her advocacy work is a full-time commitment that operates independently of her acting.

Amandla Stenberg

She co-wrote a comic book series featuring a young black warrior woman that was published commercially. She is also a violinist and singer who contributes to the soundtracks of her film projects. Her creative expression spans across visual art and writing as well as performance. She frequently engages in public discourse regarding cultural appropriation and intersectional feminism.

Share your thoughts on which career pivot surprised you the most in the comments.