LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Can Play Anything and Deliver

Representation in Hollywood has evolved as more LGBTQ+ actresses take on diverse roles that span across all genres and mediums. These performers demonstrate significant range, moving between independent cinema, major studio blockbusters, and critically acclaimed television series. Their ability to inhabit complex characters has made them essential figures in the contemporary entertainment landscape. This list highlights fifty actresses who consistently deliver high-caliber performances regardless of the role or subject matter.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has built a prolific career characterized by her frequent collaborations with creator Ryan Murphy. She is widely recognized for her work in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’, where she has played over a dozen different characters. Her performance as Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. Paulson’s film credits also include ‘Ocean’s 8’, ‘Carol’, and the lead role in the thriller ‘Run’.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart rose to international fame as the lead in the ‘Twilight’ franchise before pivoting to acclaimed independent films. She became the first American actress to win a César Award for her role in ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’. In 2021, she received an Academy Award nomination for portraying Princess Diana in the biographical drama ‘Spencer’. Her recent work includes the action-thriller ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ and the sci-fi film ‘Crimes of the Future’.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster is a two-time Academy Award winner who began her career as a child actor in films like ‘Taxi Driver’. She secured her legacy with powerhouse performances in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Foster has successfully transitioned into directing while maintaining a steady presence in front of the camera in projects like ‘Panic Room’ and ‘Inside Man’. More recently, she starred in the fourth season of ‘True Detective’ and the biographical sports drama ‘Nyad’.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is best known for her portrayal of Miranda Hobbes in the ‘Sex and the City’ franchise, a role she reprised in ‘And Just Like That…’. Beyond this iconic character, she is a decorated stage actress with multiple Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. Her television repertoire includes a chilling turn in ‘Ratched’ and a regular role in the period drama ‘The Gilded Age’. Nixon also portrayed Emily Dickinson in the biographical film ‘A Quiet Passion’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has navigated between indie darlings and massive franchises throughout her career. She gained recognition for her roles in ‘Dear White People’ and the ‘Creed’ trilogy as Bianca Taylor. Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she portrays Valkyrie, appearing in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Thompson also delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the black-and-white drama ‘Passing’.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza first gained a following for her deadpan comedic style as April Ludgate on ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since expanded into dramatic territory with leading roles in ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’. Plaza received significant award buzz for her performance in the second season of the anthology series ‘The White Lotus’. Her recent filmography includes the ensemble comedy ‘Spin Me Round’ and the blockbuster ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a legendary performer whose career spans over five decades in comedy, film, and television. She is a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors and has won multiple Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Awards. Tomlin recently completed a seven-season run on the hit series ‘Grace and Frankie’ alongside Jane Fonda. Her film history includes classics such as ‘9 to 5’, ‘All of Me’, and ‘Nashville’.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a seasoned actress with a career that includes notable roles in ‘The Practice’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Judge Roberta Kittleson in ‘The Practice’ and earned multiple nominations for her work in sitcoms. Taylor has also found success in film, appearing in ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘The Truman Show’. She currently stars in ‘The Morning Show’ as Cybil Richards, the chairwoman of the news network board.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history as the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe Award for her performance as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista in ‘Pose’. Her work on the series earned her widespread critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. She has since expanded her career into film with a role in the musical ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Rodriguez also voices a character in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ and stars in the comedy series ‘Loot’.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name for her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox has appeared in a variety of projects including ‘Promising Young Woman’, ‘Inventing Anna’, and ‘Doubt’. She is also a prominent documentary producer and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the entertainment industry.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her acting debut as Jules Vaughn in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’, a role that earned her immediate critical praise. She transitioned into major film roles with her performance as Tigris Snow in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Schafer has also starred in the horror film ‘Cuckoo’ and the anthology film ‘Kinds of Kindness’. Before acting, she was a highly successful fashion model for brands like Prada and Dior.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained international recognition for playing Angel Evangelista on the FX series ‘Pose’. Their performance helped bring visibility to the experiences of the ballroom community in 1980s New York. Moore has since appeared in films such as ‘Queen & Slim’ and ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’. They also joined the cast of the superhero sequel ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is best known for her commanding portrayal of Elektra Abundance in the drama series ‘Pose’. Her performance became a central pillar of the show, earning her praise for her delivery of sharp dialogue and emotional depth. Jackson has also appeared in the series ‘American Gods’ as an incarnation of World. She continues to work in fashion and entertainment, recently appearing in the film ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is an actress and tech entrepreneur who rose to fame for her roles in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She made television history by becoming the first trans actor to secure two series regular roles in a single year. In ‘American Horror Story: 1984’, she played the complex character Donna Chambers. Ross also made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical ‘Chicago’ in 2022.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton first gained prominence for her role as Nomi Marks in the Wachowskis’ science fiction series ‘Sense8’. She continued her television success with roles in ‘Designated Survivor’ and the revival of ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. In 2022, she took on the iconic role of the Pinhead in the ‘Hellraiser’ reboot. Clayton is also a voice actress, providing work for projects like ‘Transformers: EarthSpark’.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is an actress known for her roles in ‘Transparent’ and the feature film ‘Hustlers’. She received critical acclaim for her leading performance in the drama film ‘Monica’, which premiered at the Venice International Film Festival. The film made her one of the first trans women to lead a major festival competition film. Lysette has also appeared in the series ‘Venus as a Boy’ and continues to advocate for trans representation.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who has appeared in projects ranging from independent dramas to major blockbusters. She had a breakout role in the series ‘Transparent’ and later starred in the satirical thriller ‘Assassination Nation’. Nef portrayed one of the Barbies in the 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie directed by Greta Gerwig. She also appeared in the HBO series ‘The Idol’ and the biographical film ‘Bad Things’.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is a comedian and actress known for her unique brand of humor and versatile acting. She delivered a standout dramatic performance in the independent film ‘Together Together’ opposite Ed Helms. Harrison is a frequent guest on ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ and had a recurring role in ‘Shrill’. Her film credits also include the adventure comedy ‘The Lost City’ and the animation ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multi-talented artist who has successfully balanced a music career with high-profile acting roles. She made her film debut in the Academy Award-winning ‘Moonlight’ and the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe starred in the lead role of the thriller ‘Antebellum’ and appeared in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. She identifies as non-binary and pansexual, often incorporating these themes into her artistic work.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first caught public attention as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. They transitioned into leading roles with films like ‘Everything, Everything’ and ‘The Hate U Give’, the latter of which earned them several award nominations. Stenberg starred in the slasher comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the Disney+ series ‘The Acolyte’. They are known for their vocal advocacy regarding social issues and identity.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ for eight seasons. She showcased her vocal range as the lead character Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney animated hit ‘Encanto’. Beatriz also appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’ and the action series ‘Twisted Metal’. She has been open about her bisexual identity since 2016.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became one of the most celebrated cast members in the history of ‘Saturday Night Live’. During her tenure, she won two Emmy Awards for her variety of impressions and original characters. She has starred in major comedies such as ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me’, and ‘Yesterday’. In 2023, she played “Weird Barbie” in the record-breaking ‘Barbie’ movie.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein gained critical recognition for her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’, the latter of which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She portrayed Monica Lewinsky in the anthology series ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’. Feldstein also starred on Broadway as Fanny Brice in the revival of ‘Funny Girl’. Her work continues to span across film, television, and musical theater.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin rose to prominence portraying Princess Diana in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’, winning a Golden Globe for the role. They have since starred in the films ‘My Policeman’ and ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’. Corrin made their debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the antagonist Cassandra Nova in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’. They identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey first garnered attention as the formidable Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’. They achieved further global stardom playing Ellie in the television adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. Ramsey has also starred in the film ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ and the second season of the drama ‘Time’. They have spoken publicly about their non-binary identity and fluid approach to gender.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a highly respected Irish actress known for her roles in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise and the series ‘Killing Eve’. Her performance as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’ earned her a BAFTA TV Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Shaw’s extensive career includes work in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ and the film ‘Enola Holmes’. She is also a prolific stage actress with numerous accolades in British theater.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is an Emmy and Golden Globe winner best known for her role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’. She has a long history in comedic films, including ‘Best in Show’, ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’, and ‘Role Models’. Lynch currently hosts the game show ‘Weakest Link’ and has a recurring role in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. She is also a prolific voice actress, notably voicing Sergeant Calhoun in ‘Wreck-It Ralph’.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a distinguished actress of stage and screen with multiple Tony and Emmy Awards. She is well known for her role as President Allison Taylor in the action series ’24’. Jones has appeared in acclaimed series such as ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’, winning Emmys for both. Her film work includes roles in ‘The Village’, ‘Signs’, and ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a prominent figure in independent and mainstream cinema since the 1990s. She starred in cult classics like ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and ‘The Faculty’, as well as the Academy Award-winning ‘Argo’. DuVall has successfully moved into writing and directing, helming the holiday romantic comedy ‘Happiest Season’. She also had a recurring role in the political satire series ‘Veep’.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp gained recognition for portraying Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise, starting with ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’. She starred in the musical drama ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ and the romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’. Shipp also appeared in the ‘Barbie’ movie as Writer Barbie. She has been vocal about her journey as a queer woman in the film industry.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez is best known for their long-running role as Dr. Callie Torres on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. They are a Tony Award winner for their performance in the Broadway musical ‘Spamalot’. Ramirez joined the cast of the ‘Sex and the City’ revival ‘And Just Like That…’ as Che Diaz. They identify as non-binary and use they/them pronouns.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello has had a diverse career with leading roles in ‘Coyote Ugly’, ‘The Cooler’, and ‘A History of Violence’. She is a two-time Golden Globe nominee known for her ability to play intense, grounded characters. Bello was a series regular on ‘NCIS’ for several seasons and recently appeared in the Netflix series ‘Beef’. She has written openly about her modern family dynamics and queer identity.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is recognized for her roles as Nelle Porter in ‘Ally McBeal’ and Lindsay Bluth Fünke in ‘Arrested Development’. She also starred in the satirical comedy ‘Better Off Ted’ and the political drama ‘Scandal’. De Rossi transitioned away from full-time acting to focus on her art curation business, General Public. She has been married to Ellen DeGeneres since 2008.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is an Emmy-winning writer, comedian, and actress with a career spanning decades. She currently stars in the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’ and has appeared in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Black-ish’. Her film work includes ‘Monster-in-Law’ and voice roles in ‘Over the Hedge’ and the ‘Ice Age’ franchise. Sykes is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and frequently incorporates social commentary into her stand-up.

Tig Notaro

Tig Notaro is a comedian and actress known for her deadpan delivery and autobiographical storytelling. She created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series ‘One Mississippi’ on Amazon Prime. Notaro joined the cast of ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ as Jett Reno and appeared in the action film ‘Army of the Dead’. She also has a recurring role in the drama series ‘The Morning Show’.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a multi-faceted entertainer who rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and talk show host. Her film career includes memorable roles in ‘A League of Their Own’, ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, and ‘The Flintstones’. She has recently appeared in series such as ‘SMILF’, ‘I Know This Much Is True’, and ‘American Gigolo’. O’Donnell is also a long-time theater advocate and has appeared in several Broadway productions.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’ before starring in the Disney Channel hit ‘That’s So Raven’. She reprised her role for the spin-off ‘Raven’s Home’, which she also executive produces. Her other credits include the ‘Cheetah Girls’ movies and a stint as a co-host on ‘The View’. She has been married to Miranda Maday since 2020.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat is best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in the cult classic sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She received critical acclaim for leading the mystery-comedy series ‘Search Party’ for five seasons. Shawkat’s film credits include ‘Whip It’, ‘Green Room’, and the biographical drama ‘Being the Ricardos’. She is also an artist and has been open about her bisexual identity.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co-created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’, which originated as a web series. She later co-created and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ for Amazon Prime. Jacobson provided the voice for the lead character in the animated film ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’. She is engaged to actress Jodi Balfour.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a musician and actress who co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. She is a founding member of the rock band Sleater-Kinney and has written a memoir titled ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’. Her acting credits include roles in ‘Carol’, ‘Transparent’, and ‘The Nowhere Inn’. Brownstein has also directed episodes of various television series, including ‘Shrill’ and ‘Search Party’.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley rose to fame playing Poussey Washington in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Moira in the dystopian drama ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley has also appeared in the series ‘You’re the Worst’ and the film ‘Breaking News in Yuba County’. She is married to ‘Orange Is the New Black’ writer Lauren Morelli.

Taylor Schilling

Taylor Schilling is best known for her lead role as Piper Chapman in ‘Orange Is the New Black’, which earned her multiple award nominations. She starred in the romantic drama ‘The Lucky One’ and the thriller ‘The Titan’. Her recent television work includes ‘Pam & Tommy’ and the lead role in ‘Dear Edward’. Schilling has used her platform to support various social justice initiatives.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose is an Australian actress and model who gained international fame in the third season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She starred as the title character in the first season of the CW series ‘Batwoman’. Her film credits include major action roles in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’, ‘XXX: Return of Xander Cage’, and ‘The Meg’. Rose identifies as genderfluid and has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community for years.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actor, earning a Golden Globe nomination for her breakout role in ‘Thirteen’. She is widely recognized for her portrayal of Dolores Abernathy in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. Wood has also starred in ‘Across the Universe’, ‘The Wrestler’, and ‘Kajillionaire’. She has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of domestic violence and identifies as bisexual.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner who is just an Oscar away from EGOT status. She gained acclaim for her Broadway performance in ‘The Color Purple’ and later starred in the film ‘Harriet’. Erivo has also appeared in ‘Widows’, ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’, and the series ‘The Outsider’. She was cast as Elphaba in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Anita in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’. She has a strong background in musical theater, having appeared in the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. DeBose has starred in ‘The Prom’, ‘Schmigadoon!’, and the spy thriller ‘Argylle’. She is the first Afro-Latina and openly queer woman to win an Academy Award for acting.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is an actress known for her powerful performances in ‘The Help’, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and ‘King Richard’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Oracene Price in ‘King Richard’. Ellis-Taylor starred in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’ and the biographical drama ‘Origin’. She has spoken publicly about her bisexual identity and the importance of representation.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a versatile actress known for her work in both comedy and drama. She starred in ‘Reno 911!’, ‘Claws’, and received an Emmy for her role in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Her film credits include ‘Selma’ and ‘Origin’, directed by Ava DuVernay. Nash-Betts married singer Jessica Betts in 2020, sharing their journey with the public.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a pioneer in music and film, with a career that includes an Academy Award nomination for ‘Chicago’. She has starred in numerous hits such as ‘Set It Off’, ‘Bringing Down the House’, and ‘Hairspray’. Latifah currently leads the action series ‘The Equalizer’ on CBS. While she keeps her private life quiet, she has publicly acknowledged her long-term partner at award ceremonies.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone received widespread critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She previously gained recognition for her work in the independent film ‘Certain Women’. Gladstone has appeared in the television series ‘Reservation Dogs’ and ‘Under the Bridge’. She uses both she and they pronouns and identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

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