Gay Actresses Who Should Receive Way More Praise

Hollywood has seen a significant shift in representation over the last few decades with more actresses living openly and authentically. These talented performers have contributed immensely to film and television while paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ artists. Their work spans various genres from intense dramas and blockbuster action films to beloved sitcoms and experimental theater. Recognizing their contributions highlights the importance of diverse voices in the entertainment industry.

Sarah Paulson

This acclaimed actress has become a household name primarily through her extensive work with Ryan Murphy. She showcased her immense versatility by playing multiple distinct characters across various seasons of the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. Her portrayal of prosecutor Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ earned her widespread critical recognition and an Emmy Award. Paulson brings a unique intensity and psychological depth to every role she undertakes on stage and screen.

Clea DuVall

DuVall became a cult icon in the late nineties for her role in the satirical comedy ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has maintained a steady presence in film and television with notable performances in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and the HBO series ‘Carnivále’. Recently she transitioned to directing and writing with the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’ which centers on a lesbian couple. Her work often advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility and normalization within mainstream narratives.

Natasha Lyonne

Lyonne revived her career and gained a massive following with her role as Nicky Nichols in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She later co-created and starred in the mind-bending series ‘Russian Doll’ where she played a game developer caught in a time loop. Her raspy voice and distinctive screen presence have made her a favorite among independent film enthusiasts. She continues to produce and direct projects that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

Samira Wiley

Wiley gained initial fame playing Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ where her character became a fan favorite. She delivered a powerful performance in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ as Moira Strand which earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress. Her work often involves complex characters navigating difficult social and political landscapes. She remains a vocal advocate for equality and visibility within the entertainment industry.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart skyrocketed to global fame with the ‘Twilight’ saga before pivoting to highly acclaimed independent cinema. She became the first American actress to win a César Award for her supporting role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. Her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She consistently chooses challenging roles that explore internal conflict and nuance.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an Academy Award for acting. She received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her dynamic portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. Her background in Broadway theater includes prominent roles in ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Summer: The Donna Summer Musical’. She continues to be a triple threat who brings immense energy and technical skill to her musical and dramatic performances.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz is best known for her role as the tough and stoic Detective Rosa Diaz in the comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She showcased her vocal talents by leading the cast of Disney’s ‘Encanto’ as the protagonist Mirabel Madrigal. Her career spans both live-action and voice acting roles that often challenge stereotypes about Latinx women. She openly discusses her bisexuality and uses her platform to support LGBTQ+ rights.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon was a standout cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for over a decade and won multiple Emmy Awards for her sketch comedy work. She is known for her ability to fully embody eccentric characters and political figures with precise comedic timing. Her film career includes roles in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and the fantasy blockbuster ‘Barbie’. She brings a chaotic and intelligent energy to her comedic performances that sets her apart from her peers.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon achieved television immortality as the pragmatic lawyer Miranda Hobbes in the HBO series ‘Sex and the City’. She has seamlessly transitioned between screen and stage work and won Tony Awards for her performances on Broadway. Recently she reprised her iconic role in the sequel series ‘And Just Like That…’ which explored her character’s queer identity. She is also known for her political activism and previous run for Governor of New York.

Jodie Foster

Foster has been a formidable force in Hollywood since her work as a child actress in ‘Taxi Driver’. She won Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performances in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. She later transitioned into directing with films like ‘Little Man Tate’ and ‘Money Monster’. Her career longevity and ability to protect her private life while delivering world-class performances make her a legendary figure.

Jane Lynch

Lynch is widely recognized for her role as the acerbic cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Her improvisational skills were honed in Christopher Guest mockumentaries such as ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. She has hosted the game show ‘Hollywood Game Night’ and performed on Broadway in ‘Funny Girl’. Her tall stature and dry wit have made her one of the most distinct character actresses in the industry.

Lily Tomlin

Tomlin has enjoyed a career spanning over half a century with success in stand-up comedy and acting. She starred alongside Jane Fonda in the hit sitcom ‘Grace and Frankie’ which focused on two women reinventing their lives in old age. Her film credits include the workplace comedy ‘9 to 5’ and the experimental film ‘The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe’. She is a pioneer for women in comedy and remains culturally relevant across multiple generations.

Holland Taylor

Taylor is an accomplished actress with a prolific career in television and theater. She won an Emmy Award for her role as Judge Roberta Kittleson in ‘The Practice’ and amused audiences as the mother in ‘Two and a Half Men’. She wrote and starred in the Broadway play ‘Ann’ which was a one-woman show about Texas Governor Ann Richards. Her relationship with Sarah Paulson has also drawn positive attention to age-gap relationships in the media.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw is a celebrated stage and screen actress known for her intense dramatic range. She gained a new legion of fans for her role as the calm and calculated Carolyn Martens in the spy thriller ‘Killing Eve’. Mainstream audiences also recognize her as Aunt Petunia from the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise. She frequently works in classical theater and brings a gravitas to every project she joins.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes is a comedy veteran known for her distinctive voice and sharp social commentary. She has appeared in numerous television shows including ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ and ‘Black-ish’. Her stand-up specials often address politics and her personal life as a gay Black woman. She also works frequently as a voice actor and writer for various entertainment specials.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Nash-Betts first gained attention for her comedic work in ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She demonstrated her dramatic capabilities with her acclaimed performance in the limited series ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She received an Emmy Award for her supporting role in the miniseries which highlighted the overlooked victims of the crimes. She balances humor and heartbreak in her roles with remarkable skill.

Queen Latifah

Latifah began her career as a hip-hop artist before transitioning into a highly successful acting career. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Matron Mama Morton in the musical ‘Chicago’. Her filmography includes box office hits like ‘Bringing Down the House’ and ‘Girls Trip’ alongside the action series ‘The Equalizer’. She consistently portrays strong and authoritative women who command respect.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné grew up on television starting with her role as Olivia on ‘The Cosby Show’. She became a Disney Channel icon with her hit sitcom ‘That’s So Raven’ and its modern sequel series ‘Raven’s Home’. She has also served as a co-host on the daytime talk show ‘The View’. Her long tenure in the industry highlights her adaptability and lasting appeal to family audiences.

Sara Gilbert

Gilbert is best known for her role as Darlene Conner on the sitcom ‘Roseanne’ and its spin-off ‘The Conners’. She helped create and served as a co-host on the daytime talk show ‘The Talk’ for several years. Her dry delivery and sarcastic humor defined a specific archetype of teenage rebellion in the nineties. She continues to work as a producer and actress in television.

Leisha Hailey

Hailey starred alongside Moennig in ‘The L Word’ as the quirky and lovable Alice Pieszecki. She is also a musician who performs with the band Uh Huh Her. Her character on the show was notable for being one of the few representations of bisexuality on television at the time before later identifying as a lesbian. She currently co-hosts a popular podcast that recaps and discusses the original series.

Jasika Nicole

Nicole is recognized for her role as Astrid Farnsworth in the sci-fi series ‘Fringe’. She also appeared in the medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’ as Dr. Carly Lever. She is a multi-talented artist who illustrates and makes her own clothing outside of acting. Her performances often bring a grounded and relatable quality to genre television.

Dot-Marie Jones

Jones is an athlete and actress who gained fame playing Coach Beiste on the musical series ‘Glee’. She received three consecutive Emmy nominations for this role which tackled issues of gender non-conformity and domestic violence. Her physical presence and comedic timing have led to roles in numerous sitcoms and films. She continues to be a visibility advocate for women who do not fit traditional Hollywood molds.

Lea DeLaria

DeLaria was the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show in America. She reached a wide audience with her role as Big Boo in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She is also an accomplished jazz singer with several albums to her name. Her brash humor and unapologetic persona have made her a significant figure in LGBTQ+ entertainment history.

Cherry Jones

Jones is a titan of the theater world with multiple Tony Awards to her credit. Television audiences know her as President Allison Taylor on ’24’ and from her work on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She brings a sense of authority and intelligence to high-stakes political and dramatic roles. Her contributions to the arts have established her as one of the most respected actors of her generation.

Miriam Margolyes

Margolyes is a veteran British character actress known for her role as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. She won a BAFTA Award for her performance in Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Age of Innocence’. She is famous for her candid talk show appearances and eccentric personality. Her extensive voice work and stage performances showcase her incredible range and comedic wit.

Portia de Rossi

De Rossi gained popularity for her role as lawyer Nelle Porter on ‘Ally McBeal’. She is perhaps best known for playing Lindsay Bluth Fünke in the critically acclaimed sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She later appeared in the political thriller ‘Scandal’ as Elizabeth North. She retired from acting to focus on business and philanthropy but left a mark with her sharp comedic performances.

Heather Matarazzo

Matarazzo broke out in the indie hit ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ where she played the awkward Dawn Wiener. She is also well known for her role as the best friend Lilly in ‘The Princess Diaries’ films. Her career includes frequent work in independent cinema and guest spots on television dramas. She has been open about her identity throughout her career and advocates for authentic casting.

Kiersey Clemons

Clemons has built a diverse filmography with roles in ‘Dope’ and ‘Hearts Beat Loud’. She played Iris West in the DC Extended Universe film ‘The Flash’. Her work in the romantic drama ‘Hearts Beat Loud’ allowed her to showcase her singing ability alongside her acting. She consistently chooses projects that center on young and complex women of color.

Devery Jacobs

Jacobs garnered critical acclaim for her leading role in the series ‘Reservation Dogs’ where she also served as a writer. She voices the character Kahhori in the Marvel animated series ‘What If…?’. Her work frequently highlights Indigenous stories and perspectives in modern settings. She is a rising star who balances creative control behind the scenes with compelling on-screen performances.

Katy O’Brian

O’Brian is a martial artist and actress who has appeared in high-profile franchises like ‘The Mandalorian’. She gained significant praise for her co-leading role in the romantic thriller ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ alongside Kristen Stewart. Her physical background allows her to excel in action-heavy roles while delivering emotional performances. She represents a new wave of action stars who challenge traditional gender roles.

Jessica Gunning

Gunning delivered a breakout performance as Martha in the psychological drama ‘Baby Reindeer’. She has been a reliable character actress in British television for years with roles in ‘The Outlaws’ and ‘Pride’. Her ability to switch between comedy and menacing drama garnered her international attention. She brings a deep humanity to characters that could easily be caricatures in lesser hands.

Tig Notaro

Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and storytelling. She created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ which dealt with grief and illness. She played the character Jett Reno in ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ bringing dry humor to the sci-fi setting. Her stand-up set regarding her cancer diagnosis is considered a legendary moment in modern comedy.

Fortune Feimster

Feimster is a stand-up comedian and actress who became a regular on ‘The Mindy Project’. She has released successful comedy specials that detail her upbringing in the South and her journey to self-discovery. She brings a joyful and energetic presence to her film and television appearances. Her voice work includes roles in various animated features and series.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood began her career as a child actress and transitioned to adult roles with the drama ‘Thirteen’. She starred as the sentient android Dolores Abernathy in the HBO sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. She voiced Queen Iduna in the animated blockbuster ‘Frozen II’. Her career is defined by bold choices in independent films and major television productions.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson has become a major star with roles in the ‘Creed’ franchise and as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She starred in the sci-fi drama ‘Westworld’ as the ruthless Charlotte Hale. Her performances often involve characters who are powerful and enigmatic. She produces projects that aim to increase representation for people of color in Hollywood.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza became famous for her deadpan performance as April Ludgate in the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She garnered critical acclaim for her dramatic turn in the thriller ‘Emily the Criminal’ and the satire ‘The White Lotus’. Her unpredictable public persona matches her eclectic choice of roles in film and television. She continues to surprise audiences with her range and commitment to unconventional characters.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne transitioned from a successful modeling career to acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. She starred in the fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’ as the faerie Vignette Stonemoss. Her performance in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ introduced her to a new television audience. She brings a distinct edge and vulnerability to the characters she portrays.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ before taking on leading roles. She starred in ‘The Hate U Give’ which was praised for its handling of social justice issues. She played a dual role in the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’ showcasing her action capabilities. She is known for being a thoughtful and articulate voice for her generation.

Anna Paquin

Paquin won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age eleven for ‘The Piano’. She later starred as Sookie Stackhouse in the hit vampire series ‘True Blood’. Her role as Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ franchise cemented her status in pop culture history. She continues to work steadily in television dramas and independent films.

Tell us which of these talented actresses is your favorite in the comments.