LGBTQ+ Actresses Who’ve Lived Mostly Off Social Media (and Thrived)

In a world where follower counts can overshadow film credits, a handful of LGBTQ+ actresses have charted a different path—keeping their online footprints light (or nonexistent) while building award-winning, generation-defining careers. Here are standouts who’ve largely skipped the scroll and focused on the work.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster has repeatedly said she doesn’t use social media, even joking she’d consider it only if it were “just dancing and cats,” and profiles routinely note her zero-account approach. She continues to headline prestige projects like HBO’s ‘True Detective: Night Country’ and premieres films at Cannes while maintaining tight control over publicity. Foster has also discussed enjoying the freedom to work internationally and outside Hollywood’s machinery. Her career longevity—two Oscars, decades of lead roles—shows her offline stance hasn’t slowed momentum.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon has no personal social media accounts and has explained that staying offline helps her avoid misrepresenting herself. The comedian-actor built her reputation through ‘Saturday Night Live’ and high-profile film work, collecting multiple Emmys without cultivating a public feed. Interviews over the years have been consistent about her choice to skip Twitter and Instagram entirely. Her screen projects—from ‘The Big Gay Sketch Show’ to ‘Barbie’—have traveled on word of mouth, press, and the work itself, not posts.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has long avoided public social media, saying she doesn’t run an official account; she’s acknowledged only a private Instagram to keep up with friends. Despite the near-absence online, she’s sustained a prolific run across indie and studio projects and recently married screenwriter Dylan Meyer, whose posts occasionally surface major life moments. Stewart’s filmography—spanning ‘Seberg’, ‘Spencer’, and beyond—continues to draw coverage through festivals and reviews rather than personal posts. Her stance predates the current wave of “offline” celebrities and remains consistent.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw, who has built much of her reputation on stage and in series like ‘Killing Eve’, keeps a minimal online footprint; her X account shows only a small handful of posts, and she’s not known for frequent personal updates. Her career has leaned on theatre institutions, film/TV roles, and traditional press rather than social media engagement. Shaw’s accolades—including multiple Olivier Awards—illustrate how visibility can come from performance and critical reception. Her work and interviews typically surface via outlets and festivals, not timeline activity.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows has spoken openly about being bisexual throughout her career and has generally kept a low-key profile relative to many peers. She’s maintained steady work—from ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ to features—while keeping personal life largely out of the social spotlight. Interviews and coverage often highlight her advocacy and long career rather than day-to-day posting. Her public discussion of sexuality dates back decades, underscoring that visibility doesn’t have to depend on constant online presence.

Share who else you’d add to this list in the comments!