Most Famous Lesbian Actresses
The entertainment industry has seen a growing number of actresses openly embracing their identities as lesbians, breaking barriers and inspiring fans worldwide. These women have not only excelled in their craft but also used their platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, fostering greater acceptance in Hollywood and beyond.
From trailblazers who came out decades ago to newer stars proudly living their truth, this list celebrates lesbian actresses who have made significant impacts in film, television, and theater. Their talent and courage continue to shape the industry and empower others to live authentically.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres is a household name, known for her groundbreaking sitcom ‘Ellen’ (1994-1998) and her long-running talk show ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ (2003-2022). She came out as a lesbian in 1997 on the cover of Time magazine, a bold move that made her a pioneer for LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment.
Her openness paved the way for greater acceptance, though it initially cost her some career opportunities. Married to actress Portia de Rossi since 2008, DeGeneres remains a beloved figure, blending humor with advocacy for equality.
Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster, an Oscar-winning actress, is celebrated for roles in films like ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and ‘Taxi Driver.’ She publicly came out as a lesbian in 2013 during a Golden Globes speech, though she had been open in her personal life for years.
Foster’s career spans decades, with accolades for acting, directing, and producing. She married Alexandra Hedison in 2014 and continues to be a respected figure in Hollywood for her talent and authenticity.
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson gained fame through her versatile roles in ‘American Horror Story’ (2011-present) and films like ‘Carol.’ She has been open about her lesbian identity and her relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015.
Her performances have earned her multiple Emmy nominations and a win, showcasing her ability to tackle complex characters. Paulson’s advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation has made her a prominent voice in the industry.
Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon, a comedic powerhouse, is best known for her work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present). She came out as a lesbian in her teens, inspired by watching ‘The X-Files’ and her admiration for Gillian Anderson.
McKinnon’s sharp humor and memorable impressions have earned her multiple Emmys. She keeps her personal life private but has been spotted with partner Jackie Abbott at public events.
Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin is a comedy legend with a career spanning films like ‘9 to 5’ and the series ‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015-2022). She came out as a lesbian in 2001 and married her longtime partner, Jane Wagner, in 2013.
Tomlin’s work blends humor with heartfelt storytelling, earning her numerous awards, including a Grammy and an Emmy. Her openness about her identity has inspired generations of performers.
Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes is a comedian and actress known for ‘The Chris Rock Show’ (1997-2000) and films like ‘Monster-in-Law.’ She came out as a lesbian in 2008 at a gay rights rally and has been married to Alex Niedbalski since then.
Her bold comedy tackles social issues, including homophobia, with wit and honesty. Sykes continues to perform stand-up and act, remaining a fierce advocate for equality.
Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell, known for her talk show ‘The Rosie O’Donnell Show’ (1996-2002) and roles in ‘A League of Their Own,’ came out as a lesbian in 2002 during a comedy performance. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights ever since.
O’Donnell’s career also includes Broadway and activism, particularly for adoption rights. She married Michelle Rounds in 2012, though they later divorced, and she continues to champion inclusivity.
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch is a comedic actress famous for her role as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’ (2009-2015). She came out as a lesbian early in her career and has been open about her identity throughout her rise to fame.
Lynch’s sharp wit shines in both TV and film, earning her an Emmy and a Golden Globe. She married Jennifer Cheyne in 2021 after a previous marriage to Lara Embry.
Heather Matarazzo
Heather Matarazzo broke out in ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’ and later starred in ‘The Princess Diaries.’ She came out as a lesbian in 2012, saying it was to normalize being LGBTQ+ and inspire others.
Matarazzo has played queer roles in shows like ‘The L Word’ (2004-2009) and continues to act in indie films. She married Heather Turman in 2018 and lives a quiet life in Michigan.
Leisha Hailey
Leisha Hailey is best known for playing Alice Pieszecki in ‘The L Word’ (2004-2009) and its sequel ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ (2019-2023). She has been openly lesbian since early in her career and is in a long-term relationship with actress Kate Moennig.
Hailey is also a musician, performing with the band Uh Huh Her. Her authentic portrayal of queer characters has made her a fan favorite in the LGBTQ+ community.
Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley gained fame as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019). She came out as a lesbian in 2016 and married writer Lauren Morelli that same year.
Wiley’s emotional performances have earned her Emmy nominations, and she continues to star in projects like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017-present). Her openness about her identity inspires fans worldwide.
Cynthia Nixon
Cynthia Nixon is best known for her role as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’ (1998-2004). She came out as a lesbian in 2004 and married Christine Marinoni in 2012, after previously identifying as bisexual.
Nixon’s acting career includes Broadway and films like ‘Amadeus.’ She is also a political activist, running for governor of New York in 2018 to advocate for progressive causes.
Lea DeLaria
Lea DeLaria is a comedian and actress known for her role as Big Boo in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013-2019). She came out as a lesbian in the 1980s and was the first openly gay comic to perform on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ in 1993.
Her bold humor and advocacy for queer rights have made her a trailblazer. DeLaria continues to perform stand-up and act in various projects.
Amanda Bearse
Amanda Bearse is recognized for her role as Marcy D’Arcy in ‘Married… with Children’ (1987-1997). She came out as a lesbian in 1993, one of the first sitcom actresses to do so publicly.
Bearse has also directed episodes of TV shows like ‘Dharma & Greg.’ She married Carrie Schenken in 2010 and remains active in both acting and directing.
Guinevere Turner
Guinevere Turner is an actress and writer known for her work in queer cinema, including ‘Go Fish’ and ‘The Watermelon Woman.’ She has been openly lesbian since the 1990s and often writes stories centered on queer experiences.
Turner’s contributions to indie films have earned her a cult following. She continues to write and act, focusing on authentic LGBTQ+ narratives.
Jessica Gunning
Jessica Gunning broke out with her role in ‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024). She came out as a lesbian in a 2024 podcast interview, sharing that she realized her identity in 2022 after years of self-discovery.
Her performance in ‘Baby Reindeer’ earned critical acclaim, showcasing her dramatic range. Gunning continues to take on diverse roles in TV and film.
Reneé Rapp
Reneé Rapp, known for ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ (2021-present), came out as a lesbian in 2024 after previously identifying as bisexual. She confirmed her identity on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and at the GLAAD Media Awards.
Rapp is also a singer, with her debut album ‘Snow Angel’ gaining popularity. Her openness about her journey resonates with young fans.
Jasmin Savoy Brown
Jasmin Savoy Brown stars in ‘Yellowjackets’ (2021-present) and ‘Scream.’ She came out as a lesbian in a 2019 interview with Out magazine, emphasizing her comfort with her identity as a biracial queer woman.
Her roles often explore complex characters, earning her praise in the horror and drama genres. Brown is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.
Sasheer Zamata
Sasheer Zamata, a comedian and actress from ‘Saturday Night Live’ (1975-present) and ‘Agatha All Along’ (2024), came out as a lesbian in 2024 at age 38. She shared her identity in an interview, noting her desire to keep her personal life private but not her identity.
Zamata’s humor and acting have made her a rising star. She continues to perform stand-up and take on diverse roles.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan, a Grammy-winning singer and actress, confirmed her lesbian identity at a concert and in a Rolling Stone interview. She has spoken about how coming out transformed her life and career.
Roan’s breakout album ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ has made her a pop sensation. Her openness inspires fans to embrace their identities.
Lauren Chan
Lauren Chan, a model and actress, made history in 2025 as the first out lesbian on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She came out in a 2023 Vogue essay, sharing her journey as a plus-size model and advocate.
Chan’s work in fashion and media promotes body positivity and LGBTQ+ visibility. She continues to model and act in various projects.
Jessica Clark
Jessica Clark, a British actress known for ‘True Blood’ (2008-2014), came out as a lesbian early in her career. She has been with Ruby Croak since 2013 and is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ representation.
Clark’s roles often highlight strong, complex characters. She transitioned from modeling to acting, bringing authenticity to her performances.
Cathy DeBuono
Cathy DeBuono is known for ‘And Then Came Lola’ and ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993-1999). She came out as a lesbian in the 2000s and is married to actress Jill Bennett.
DeBuono also hosts radio shows, offering advice to listeners. Her work in queer cinema and media continues to inspire.
Ashleigh Sumner
Ashleigh Sumner is an actress recognized for ‘The Event’ (2010-2011) and ‘And Then Came Lola.’ She has been openly lesbian throughout her career, often taking on queer roles.
Sumner’s performances in indie films highlight her versatility. She remains active in acting and supports LGBTQ+ causes.
Haviland Stillwell
Haviland Stillwell is an actress and singer known for voicing Raquelle in ‘Barbie: Life in a Dreamhouse’ (2012-2015). She came out as a lesbian early in her career and has been open about her identity.
Her work spans Broadway, TV, and animation, showcasing her diverse talents. Stillwell advocates for queer representation in entertainment.
Kristy McNichol
Kristy McNichol, a former child star, is known for ‘Family’ (1976-1980) and ‘Little Darlings.’ She came out as a lesbian in 2012 to support others in the LGBTQ+ community.
McNichol retired from acting but remains an icon for her early work. Her coming out was a significant moment for normalizing queer identities.
Meredith Baxter
Meredith Baxter, best known for ‘Family Ties’ (1982-1989), came out as a lesbian in 2009 at age 62. She married Nancy Locke in 2013 after three marriages to men.
Baxter’s career includes TV movies and guest roles. Her openness about her identity later in life inspires many.
Jenny Shimizu
Jenny Shimizu is a model and actress known for ‘Foxfire’ and reality TV like ‘America’s Next Top Model’ (2003-present). She came out as a lesbian in the 1990s and has been open about her relationships.
Shimizu’s edgy style and roles in queer media have made her a cultural icon. She continues to model and act.
Daniela Sea
Daniela Sea is an actor and musician known for playing Max in ‘The L Word’ (2004-2009). They came out as a lesbian early in their career and have taken on groundbreaking trans-masculine roles.
Sea’s work in film and theater focuses on queer narratives. They remain active in acting and music.
Kirsten Vangsness
Kirsten Vangsness is known for her role as Penelope Garcia in ‘Criminal Minds’ (2005-2020). She came out as a lesbian in the 2000s and has been open about her identity, including in her one-woman show ‘MESS.’
Vangsness also writes and produces, often exploring queer themes. Her vibrant personality and advocacy make her a beloved figure.
What’s your favorite performance by these incredible lesbian actresses? Share your thoughts in the comments!
