LGBT Actresses Who Don’t Act Like They Are Rich At All

Hollywood is often associated with glitz, glamour, and ostentatious displays of wealth. However, there are many talented performers who prefer to live their lives with a sense of grounded reality and humility. These LGBT actresses focus deeply on their craft and advocacy rather than flaunting their financial status. They maintain relatable public personas and often prioritize privacy or social causes over expensive trends. The following list highlights stars who have remained down-to-earth despite their significant success in the entertainment industry.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart gained massive international fame through the ‘Twilight’ franchise but quickly pivoted to smaller independent films. She is frequently photographed wearing worn-in sneakers and casual clothing rather than high-end designer wear on her days off. Stewart has openly discussed her discomfort with the fame machine and prefers a quiet life away from the paparazzi. Her career choices reflect a desire for artistic challenge rather than just big paychecks.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster has been in the public eye since she was a child yet remains one of the most private figures in Hollywood. She stepped away from the limelight for long periods to focus on her education and raising her children. Foster prioritizes her work as a director and actor over the celebrity lifestyle. She consistently presents herself with intellect and grace rather than flashing material wealth.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her role in ‘Sex and the City’ but lives a life deeply rooted in civic engagement and activism. She has been spotted riding the New York City subway like a regular commuter despite her considerable net worth. Nixon ran for Governor of New York to advocate for public education and infrastructure. Her focus remains on policy and family rather than the trappings of stardom.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has charmed audiences for decades and currently hosts a daytime talk show that emphasizes empathy and connection. She often shares unfiltered glimpses of her messy home life and renovation projects on social media. Barrymore approaches her guests and fans with a genuine warmth that breaks down the barrier between celebrity and civilian. She has successfully transitioned from child star to media mogul without losing her approachable nature.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ through her brilliant character work and impressions. She famously avoids social media and keeps the details of her personal life completely out of the tabloids. McKinnon reportedly drives a practical car and lives a relatively modest lifestyle given her comedic success. Her colleagues often describe her as a dedicated introvert who focuses entirely on her writing and performance.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza has built a career on her deadpan humor and eclectic role choices in films like ‘Emily the Criminal’. She often engages in awkward or chaotic interviews that subvert the typical polished celebrity image. Plaza prefers to work on indie projects and champions weird or unconventional storytelling. Her public persona feels more like a sarcastic friend than a distant wealthy elite.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a comedy legend who has championed working-class characters throughout her varied career. She drives a vintage car and has lived in the same home for many years. Tomlin focuses her energy on environmental activism and animal rights rather than collecting luxury goods. Her long-standing partnership with Jane Wagner is defined by creative collaboration and mutual support.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch brings a commanding presence to her roles in shows like ‘Glee’ and ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. She is known for her practical fashion sense and down-to-earth demeanor in interviews. Lynch advocates for rescue animals and often participates in charity events without fanfare. She maintains a steady working schedule and treats acting as a profession rather than a lifestyle brand.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes uses her stand-up comedy to address social issues and the realities of family life. She lives a quiet life with her wife and children in Pennsylvania away from the Hollywood scene. Sykes is known for her work ethic and frank discussions about politics and civil rights. Her relatable humor suggests a person who is deeply connected to the real world.

Sara Gilbert

Sara Gilbert created and co-hosted ‘The Talk’ to provide a platform for genuine conversation and diverse viewpoints. She grew up in the industry on the set of ‘Roseanne’ but has always maintained a grunge-inspired and casual aesthetic. Gilbert prioritizes her role as a mother and producer over red carpet appearances. She is often seen in flannel shirts and jeans while promoting her projects.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné has been working in television since she was a toddler on ‘The Cosby Show’. She managed to avoid the common pitfalls of child stardom by keeping her personal life extremely private for decades. The actress recently married in a small backyard ceremony and shared the news with simple photos. She focuses on her directing work and nostalgic projects that connect with her long-time fans.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall is a staple of independent cinema and has transitioned into writing and directing with films like ‘Happiest Season’. She is known for her understated style and avoidance of the typical Hollywood party circuit. DuVall has cultivated a career playing complex characters rather than chasing blockbuster fame. Her public appearances are professional and focused strictly on the work at hand.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her incredibly dry delivery and minimalist approach. She famously performed a stand-up set shortly after her cancer diagnosis that was raw and devoid of vanity. Notaro dresses simply and often jokes about her lack of interest in pop culture trends. She lives a quiet life with her wife and twin sons in Mississippi.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a British character actress who is unapologetically eccentric and frugal. She has openly discussed her dislike for waste and her preference for wearing comfortable clothes until they fall apart. Margolyes is known for her candid storytelling and lack of filter on talk shows. She values honesty and humor far above maintaining a polished or wealthy image.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a highly respected stage and screen actress known for her intensity in projects like ‘Killing Eve’. She approaches her profession with the discipline of a classical theater performer. Shaw keeps her private life out of the headlines and focuses on intellectual pursuits. Her lifestyle appears to be one of quiet sophistication rather than excess.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career in theater and television for decades. She is known for her sharp wit and independent spirit. Taylor maintains a dignified public presence that emphasizes her work over her personal assets. She supports various social causes and engages with fans in a respectful and grounded manner.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Oscar as a child for ‘The Piano’ but has never let the accolade define her entire existence. She is a mother who advocates for bisexual visibility and LGBTQ rights. Paquin often takes on gritty roles in independent dramas that require little glamour. She presents herself as a working mom rather than a movie star.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley broke out in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and has since become a reliable dramatic actress. She married her wife Lauren Morelli in a celebration that felt personal and community-focused. Wiley carries herself with a joyful humility and often highlights the work of her peers. She seems more interested in storytelling than in the trappings of celebrity culture.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing the tough detective Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. In reality she is bubbly and wears glasses while advocating for immigrant rights and intersectionality. Beatriz is open about her bisexuality and the importance of representation in media. She approaches her fame with a sense of responsibility and approachability.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat gained fame on ‘Arrested Development’ and has since become a fixture in the indie art scene. She is a talented painter and jazz singer who often performs in small venues. Shawkat prefers vintage clothing and artistic expression over designer labels. Her career path reflects a desire for creative freedom rather than mainstream dominance.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein co-founded the influential rock band Sleater-Kinney and co-created the satire ‘Portlandia’. She pokes fun at pretension and hipster culture through her writing and acting. Brownstein acts with a sense of irony and intelligence that rejects traditional Hollywood standards. She focuses on her music and literary projects with a grounded perspective.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co-created ‘Broad City’ which celebrated the messy and broke reality of living in New York. She is an illustrator who brings a DIY aesthetic to her creative projects. Jacobson engages with her fanbase in a way that feels authentic and unpretentious. Her work consistently highlights the humor in everyday struggles.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria was the first openly gay comic to appear on American television and is a jazz musician. She is known for her bold personality and refusal to conform to traditional beauty standards. DeLaria is a vocal activist who uses her platform to fight for equality. She lives her life with a loud and proud authenticity that has nothing to do with money.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a titan of the American theater who has won multiple Tony Awards. She is known for riding a bicycle to the theater and living a modest life in New York. Jones approaches her television and film roles with the same dedication she brings to the stage. She is widely admired by her peers for her lack of ego.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is a writer and actress who has garnered acclaim for her role in ‘The Bear’. She engages with social media using a self-deprecating humor that resonates with younger audiences. Edebiri often jokes about her sudden rise to fame and maintains a very relatable persona. She prioritizes collaborative work and uplifting her friends in the comedy community.

Gaby Hoffmann

Gaby Hoffmann was a child actress who left the industry to live in a yurt and study literature. She returned to acting in shows like ‘Transparent’ with a commitment to naturalism and raw honesty. Hoffmann promotes sustainable living and often appears on screen without makeup. Her lifestyle choices are intentionally removed from the consumerism of Hollywood.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo became a cult icon for her role in ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. She has been open about her financial struggles and the realities of being a working actor. Matarazzo engages with fans on social media about mental health and acceptance. She is a fierce advocate for independent film and authentic storytelling.

Dot-Marie Jones

Dot-Marie Jones is a former athlete who brings a unique physical presence to her acting roles. She is known for her kindness and generosity toward fans at conventions and events. Jones lives a life that centers on her family and her advocacy for bullied youth. She defies the typical Hollywood mold in both appearance and attitude.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is an actress and artist who makes her own clothing and shoes. She shares her sewing projects and crafting hobbies online to encourage others to create. Nicole is open about being autistic and queer while navigating the entertainment industry. Her DIY lifestyle is the antithesis of the stylist-curated celebrity image.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez established herself as an action star in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. Despite the massive box office numbers of her films she maintains a rugged and simple personal style. Rodriguez is often seen travelling and enjoying nature rather than attending high-society galas. She speaks her mind freely and avoids the polished public relations game.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood uses her platform to advocate for survivors of domestic violence and systemic change. She approaches her career with a seriousness that overshadows celebrity gossip. Wood focuses on legislative work and testifying before government bodies. Her public identity is defined by her activism rather than her wealth.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson is a passionate activist who has been arrested for protesting political causes. She co-founded a fashion line that promotes ethical manufacturing and artisan work in Africa. Dawson is deeply involved in voting rights and community organizing. Her commitment to social justice drives her public engagements more than film promotion.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is an actress and writer who has worked in humanitarian aid for many years. She published a book about her modern family structure and fluid sexuality. Bello invests her time in disaster relief and women’s rights organizations. She carries herself with a practical energy that prioritizes helping others.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis was a major star in the 1980s with hits like ‘Top Gun’ but chose to leave Hollywood. She moved to Pennsylvania to work in rehabilitation centers and live a quiet life. McGillis has been open about her sobriety and her journey coming out as a lesbian. She has little interest in returning to the spotlight or the pressures of fame.

Amanda Bearse

Amanda Bearse is best known for her role on ‘Married… with Children’ and her work as a director. She was one of the first mainstream actresses to come out publicly in the early 1990s. Bearse focused her career behind the camera to maintain a more stable life. She remains a respected figure in the industry without seeking constant attention.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter played one of America’s favorite moms on ‘Family Ties’ before coming out later in life. She wrote a memoir detailing her struggles with domestic abuse and her journey to self-acceptance. Baxter acts in occasional roles but primarily focuses on her family and personal peace. Her honesty has helped many older women in their own coming-out processes.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows has appeared in major blockbusters and critically acclaimed series like ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. She is known for her intellect and her support of socialist politics. Burrows keeps her family life extremely private and avoids the celebrity social circuit. Her interviews often focus on literature and social issues rather than her personal fortune.

Roberta Colindrez

Roberta Colindrez is a stage and screen actress known for her work in ‘I Love Dick’ and ‘Vida’. She brings a cool and grounded energy to her characters that feels very authentic. Colindrez is often associated with the downtown New York theater scene. She prioritizes artistic integrity and representation over commercial success.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has starred in massive Marvel films but maintains a relatively mysterious private life. She engages in discussions about race and gender representation in cinema. Thompson often wears avant-garde fashion that feels like art rather than a display of wealth. She balances blockbuster roles with smaller projects that explore complex themes.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has been a voice for her generation since her role in ‘The Hunger Games’. She is a musician and actor who speaks eloquently about gender and identity. Stenberg chooses roles that challenge societal norms and spark conversation. She projects an image of thoughtful intelligence rather than material excess.

Niecy Nash Betts

Niecy Nash is a hardworking actress who has transitioned from comedy to acclaimed dramatic work. She surprised fans by marrying her wife Jessica Betts and sharing their joy openly. Nash emphasizes love and resilience in her public messaging. She remains accessible and warm despite her Emmy-nominated status.

Da Brat

Da Brat is a hip-hop legend and radio host who has ventured into acting and reality television. She maintains a signature style that is true to her roots rather than conforming to Hollywood glam. Da Brat has shared her fertility journey and personal life with a sense of vulnerability. She connects with her audience through shared human experiences.

Shannon Purser

Shannon Purser became an instant fan favorite as Barb in ‘Stranger Things’. She has been open about her bisexuality and her struggles with mental health and body image. Purser worked at a movie theater even after her initial fame began to rise. She represents a very normal and relatable young adult experience.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Bex Taylor-Klaus is a non-binary actor who has gained a loyal following for roles in ‘The Killing’ and ‘Scream’. They advocate for better LGBTQ representation in media and act as a voice for trans youth. Taylor-Klaus engages with fans in a way that feels like a peer rather than a celebrity. Their focus is on community building and acceptance.

Please share your favorite performance by one of these actresses in the comments.