Gay Actresses You Didn’t Know Are Deeply Religious

Many Hollywood actresses balance their public personas with deeply held religious beliefs that shape their lives and careers. These performers often speak about how their faith provides a foundation for their work in the entertainment industry. While some are vocal about their specific denominations others integrate their spiritual practices more privately. Understanding their religious backgrounds offers a deeper look at the individuals behind famous characters in film and television.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a prominent actress known for her roles in ‘Claws’ and ‘Reno 911’. She has frequently discussed her strong Christian faith and how it guides her life choices. The actress often credits her success and resilience to her spiritual foundation. Her public discussions about her faith provide a unique perspective on her identity as a performer. She maintains that her connection to God is the most important aspect of her personal journey.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah gained fame as a musician before transitioning into celebrated roles in films like ‘Chicago’ and ‘Last Holiday’. She was raised in a Baptist household and has maintained a connection to her religious roots throughout her career. Latifah often mentions her faith when discussing her professional longevity and personal values. She has participated in various gospel themed projects that highlight her spiritual upbringing. Her faith continues to be a guiding force in her public and private life.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is an award winning actress known for her powerful performances in ‘Harriet’ and ‘The Color Purple’. She was raised in a Catholic household and has spoken about the importance of prayer in her daily routine. Erivo views her immense talent as a divine gift and often seeks spiritual guidance when choosing her acting projects. Her faith remains a central pillar of her identity as she navigates her successful career in music and film. She frequently expresses gratitude for the spiritual support that sustains her.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multi talented artist known for her roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Glass Onion’. She grew up in a strict Baptist family in Kansas and has often referenced her religious upbringing in her art. While her views have evolved she still maintains a deep sense of spirituality that informs her creative process. Monáe frequently explores themes of faith and identity in both her music and her acting performances. She credits her early religious experiences with giving her a strong sense of purpose.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné became a household name with ‘That is So Raven’ and ‘The Cosby Show’. She has shared that she grew up in a religious household and continues to hold spiritual beliefs close to her heart. The actress often discusses the importance of a higher power and how it influences her perspective on life. Her spiritual journey is a significant aspect of her personal growth as she continues to work in the industry. She values the sense of peace that her faith provides during challenging times.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe is a creator and actress known for her work on ‘Master of None’ and ‘The Chi’. She has spoken about being raised in a religious environment and how it shaped her worldview. Waithe identifies as spiritual and often incorporates themes of faith and community into her writing and acting. She has expressed that her connection to a higher power is essential for her creative inspiration and stability. Her work often reflects the complexities of religious identity within modern society.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is recognized for her powerful performances in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She was raised in a devout Christian family where her grandfather served as a pastor. Despite facing challenges she has maintained a strong spiritual practice that involves both her Christian roots and Buddhist teachings. Ross often speaks about the intersection of her identity and her faith at public speaking engagements. She views her spiritual path as a vital component of her advocacy work.

Mary Lambert

Mary Lambert is an actress and singer who appeared in the documentary ‘Mary Lambert Body Out Loud’. She grew up as a member of the Pentecostal church and her faith has remained a major influence on her life. Lambert frequently writes and speaks about her relationship with God and how it impacts her mental health. Her spiritual beliefs are often at the forefront of her public advocacy and creative work. She continues to find strength in her religious community and personal prayer.

Fortune Feimster

Fortune Feimster is a comedian and actress known for ‘The Mindy Project’ and her various stand up specials. She was raised in the Presbyterian church and participated heavily in church activities during her youth. Feimster often includes stories about her religious upbringing in her comedy sets and interviews. She maintains a positive relationship with her faith and views it as a foundational part of her identity. Her spiritual roots provide a sense of grounding in her career.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘And Just Like That’. She is an active member of an Episcopal church and has spoken about how her faith informs her activism. Nixon often participates in church led initiatives and values the sense of community her religion provides. Her spiritual beliefs are integrated into her daily life and her commitment to public service. She views her religious affiliation as an essential part of her moral framework.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has had a long career with roles in ‘Two and a Half Men’ and ‘The Practice’. She was raised with Quaker values which emphasize inner light and social justice. Taylor has reflected on how these spiritual principles have influenced her approach to her craft and her interactions with others. The quiet contemplation and ethical standards of her upbringing remain a significant part of her character. She continues to honor the spiritual lessons learned in her youth.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is known for her roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She was raised by parents who are both co pastors and she grew up in a very religious environment. Wiley has spoken about how her faith remains an important part of her life and her marriage. She credits her religious upbringing with teaching her about love and acceptance. Her spiritual background continues to influence her perspective on her career and personal relationships.

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts is a beloved broadcaster and actress who appeared in ‘The L Word Generation Q’. She has been very open about her deep Christian faith and how it helped her through health challenges. Roberts often shares spiritual reflections with her audience and credits God for her recovery and success. Her faith is a central theme in her public speaking and her written work. She maintains a strong connection to her church and spiritual practices.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez gained fame for her role in ‘Pose’ and has become a prominent figure in Hollywood. She grew up in a religious household and has mentioned the role of faith in her life during various interviews. Rodriguez views her spiritual beliefs as a foundation for her resilience in the entertainment industry. She often shares messages of hope and faith with her followers and fans. Her spiritual identity is a key part of her personal strength.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a groundbreaking actress known for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Inventing Anna’. She was raised in a Christian household and has spoken about the lasting impact of her religious upbringing. Although her relationship with organized religion is complex she still maintains a sense of spirituality. Cox often discusses the role of faith in her journey toward self acceptance and success. She continues to explore spiritual themes in her public discourse.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a celebrated stage and screen actress known for ’24’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She was raised in an Episcopalian family and has spoken about her appreciation for the traditions of the church. Jones often finds that her spiritual background provides a sense of peace in her demanding acting career. She remains an active participant in her religious community and values its support. Her faith is a quiet but steady presence in her life.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis starred in classic films like ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Witness’. She has spoken openly about her journey with faith and her commitment to her religious beliefs. McGillis has found solace in her spiritual practice and credits it with helping her navigate the challenges of fame. Her faith remains a central part of her life as she continues to work on various projects. She values the clarity and purpose that her religious convictions provide.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter is best known for her role as Elyse Keaton on ‘Family Ties’. She has discussed her involvement with her church and the role that faith plays in her daily life. Baxter finds that her religious community provides essential support and a sense of belonging. She often speaks about how her spiritual path has helped her find peace in her career. Her religious life is a significant aspect of her personal identity.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has appeared in ‘NCIS’ and films like ‘A History of Violence’. She was raised in a Roman Catholic family and has discussed how her faith has evolved over the years. Bello identifies as a spiritual person and often explores religious themes in her writing. She maintains a deep connection to the spiritual principles that were introduced to her as a child. Her faith provides a framework for her values and her approach to life.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein starred in ‘Booksmart’ and portrayed Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment’. She is proud of her Jewish faith and often speaks about how it shapes her identity and worldview. Feldstein values the traditions and community aspects of her religion and integrates them into her public life. Her spiritual background is a significant influence on her career choices and stories. She finds great meaning in the religious customs of her family.

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert is known for ‘Roseanne’ and ‘The Conners’ as well as creating ‘The Talk’. She was raised in a Jewish household and has spoken about the importance of her religious heritage. Gilbert often incorporates Jewish traditions into her family life and values the spiritual connection. Her faith provides a framework for her values and her approach to parenting. She continues to honor her religious roots in her daily practices.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne is an actress and producer known for ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was raised in an Orthodox Jewish household and has spoken about the influence of her religious education. Lyonne often references her Jewish identity and the spiritual questions that inform her work. Her unique perspective is shaped by the traditions and history of her faith. She maintains a strong cultural and spiritual connection to her heritage.

Ilana Glazer

Ilana Glazer is a comedian and actress known for ‘Broad City’ and ‘The Afterparty’. She was raised in a Jewish family and has spoken about the role of her faith in her comedic perspective. Glazer often discusses how her religious background informs her sense of community and social justice. She incorporates aspects of her Jewish identity into her creative projects and public appearances. Her faith remains an important part of her personal and professional life.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson is an actress and creator known for ‘Broad City’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. She was raised in a Jewish household and has spoken about the significance of her religious upbringing. Jacobson often explores themes of identity and heritage in her work. She values the cultural and spiritual traditions that she learned as a child. Her faith provides a sense of connection to her family and history.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model known for ‘Transparent’ and ‘Barbie’. She was raised in a Jewish family and has spoken about the cultural and spiritual significance of her heritage. Nef often reflects on how her religious identity intersects with her experiences in the film industry. She maintains a connection to her faith through personal practice and community involvement. Her spiritual roots are an important part of her overall identity.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is an actress and musician known for ‘Portlandia’ and the band Sleater Kinney. She was raised in a Jewish household and has mentioned the influence of her religious background. Brownstein often explores themes of identity and belonging in her writing and performances. Her spiritual heritage provides a unique lens through which she views the world. She continues to acknowledge the role of her upbringing in her creative life.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is an actress known for ‘Transparent’ and ‘Hustlers’. She was raised in a Christian household and has spoken about the role of faith in her life journey. Lysette often discusses the importance of her spiritual beliefs in maintaining her resilience and focus. She finds that her connection to a higher power provides comfort and guidance. Her faith remains a personal and significant aspect of her identity.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi starred in ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Ally McBeal’. She was raised in a religious environment and has discussed the role of spirituality in her life. De Rossi finds that her spiritual beliefs provide a sense of balance and grounding. She has shared how her faith helped her find peace during various personal challenges. Her connection to her spiritual roots remains a vital part of her well being.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is a world famous comedian and actress known for ‘Ellen’ and ‘Finding Nemo’. She was raised in a Christian Science household and has spoken about the impact of those teachings on her life. While her views have shifted she still maintains a sense of spirituality and mindfulness. DeGeneres often promotes messages of kindness and spiritual awareness in her work. Her early religious training influenced her perspective on health and positive thinking.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is an actress and television personality known for ‘A League of Their Own’ and her talk show. She was raised in a Catholic family and has often discussed her relationship with the church. O’Donnell remains connected to her faith and often explores religious themes in her public discourse. She values the sense of charity and community that her religious background instilled in her. Her spiritual beliefs continue to play a role in her personal life.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza is known for her roles in ‘Parks and Recreation’ and ‘The White Lotus’. She was raised in a Roman Catholic household and has mentioned the influence of her religious education. Plaza often uses her unique comedic style to reference her Catholic upbringing. She maintains a connection to the cultural and spiritual aspects of her faith. Her religious background is a part of the complex identity she brings to her performances.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for ‘One Mississippi’ and ‘Star Trek Discovery’. She grew up in a household with Catholic roots and has reflected on the impact of religion in her life. Notaro often discusses spiritual themes in the context of her personal health and resilience. Her perspective is shaped by the values and questions of her religious upbringing. She finds a sense of grounding in her personal spiritual practices.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon is a celebrated comedian and actress known for ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Ghostbusters’. She was raised in a religious environment and has mentioned the role of faith in her childhood. McKinnon often uses her characters to explore the nuances of religious and cultural traditions. She maintains a sense of spirituality that informs her work and personal perspective. Her religious background is a subtle but influential part of her identity.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is a staple of the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise and starred in ‘Avatar’. She was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and has discussed the lasting impact of her religious upbringing. Although she no longer practices the faith strictly the values and discipline she learned continue to influence her life. Rodriguez has often reflected on how her early religious experiences shaped her strong willed personality. Her spiritual history remains an important part of her personal narrative.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood is known for her roles in ‘Westworld’ and ‘Thirteen’. She was raised with a mix of Jewish and Christian influences and has spoken about her spiritual journey. Wood often explores themes of faith and morality in her acting and public advocacy. She maintains a deep sense of spirituality that guides her personal growth and professional choices. Her complex religious background provides a rich foundation for her work.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo is known for her roles in ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ and ‘The Princess Diaries’. She was raised in a Catholic family and has spoken about the importance of her faith. Matarazzo often reflects on how her religious upbringing shaped her values and her approach to life. She maintains a spiritual practice that provides her with strength and guidance. Her faith remains a central part of her personal identity.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is a frequent star in ‘American Horror Story’ and won an Emmy for ‘The People v O J Simpson’. She was raised in the Episcopal church and has mentioned the comfort she finds in religious traditions. While she is private about her current practices she has spoken about the role of spirituality in her life. Paulson often finds that her religious background provides a sense of grounding. Her spiritual beliefs are a foundational part of her character.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is famous for her role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’ and her work on ‘The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’. She was raised in a Catholic family and has often discussed the influence of her religious education. Lynch has a deep interest in spiritual philosophy and often incorporates these ideas into her personal life. She views her career and personal growth through a lens of spiritual awareness. Her religious roots continue to influence her perspective.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary actress known for ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Grace and Frankie’. She grew up in a Southern Baptist household and has often referenced her religious roots in her comedy. Tomlin maintains a sense of spirituality that is reflected in her humanitarian work. Her early exposure to religious storytelling has influenced her unique approach to performance. She remains connected to the values instilled in her during her youth.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a comedian and actress who has appeared in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘The Upshaws’. She was raised in a Christian home and has spoken about the importance of her faith. Sykes often references her religious background in her work to highlight cultural experiences. She remains connected to the spiritual values that her family prioritized while she was growing up. Her faith provides a sense of resilience in her career.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is known for her roles in ‘But I am a Cheerleader’ and ‘Happiest Season’. She grew up with a religious background that has stayed with her throughout her adult life. DuVall often explores themes of faith and family in her directorial work and acting roles. She views her spiritual beliefs as a source of strength and guidance. Her religious history is a significant influence on her creative storytelling.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart rose to stardom in the ‘Twilight’ saga and has since appeared in numerous films. She grew up in a family with strong Christian values and has mentioned the role of faith in her upbringing. Although she is private about her current beliefs she has acknowledged the impact of her religious roots. Stewart’s spiritual background is a subtle but present part of her identity as an artist. She continues to find meaning in the spiritual foundations of her youth.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard has appeared in films such as ‘Aquaman’ and ‘The Rum Diary’. She was raised in a Catholic household in Texas and has discussed the influence of her religious upbringing. While her relationship with organized religion has changed she still values the spiritual lessons she learned. Heard often reflects on how her early exposure to faith shaped her perspective on morality. Her religious background remains a part of her personal history.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is best known for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘And Just Like That’. They were raised in a Catholic family and have spoken about the complexities of their relationship with the church. Ramirez maintains a sense of spirituality that guides their personal and professional life. They often discuss how their faith and identity intersect in their work as an actor. Their spiritual journey is an important part of their personal growth.

Daniela Vega

Daniela Vega is a Chilean actress and singer known for the Academy Award winning film ‘A Fantastic Woman’. She was raised in a religious environment and has spoken about the role of faith in her life. Vega maintains a strong sense of spirituality that informs her performances and her advocacy work. She views her faith as a source of light and guidance in her career. Her religious background is a foundational part of her identity.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is an actress and model known for their role in the series ‘Pose’. They were raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and have discussed the lasting impact of that religious upbringing. Moore often reflects on the spiritual values and lessons learned during their youth. They maintain a sense of spirituality that focuses on community and social justice. Their religious history continues to shape their worldview and activism.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is an actress known for her roles in ‘Fringe’ and ‘The Good Doctor’. She was raised in a Christian household and has spoken about the importance of faith in her family life. Nicole often discusses how her religious upbringing influenced her values and her career choices. She maintains a spiritual connection that provides her with a sense of peace and purpose. Her faith remains an important aspect of her personal journey.

Kimiko Glenn

Kimiko Glenn is an actress known for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and her voice work in ‘Spider Man Into the Spider Verse’. She grew up in a household with strong Christian roots and has mentioned the role of faith in her life. Glenn often reflects on the importance of her spiritual background in maintaining her focus in Hollywood. She finds that her faith provides a sense of grounding and stability. Her religious upbringing continues to influence her perspective on her work.

Please share your own thoughts and experiences regarding these talented actresses in the comments.