Most Famous Trans Hollywood Actresses

Trans women have been shaping Hollywood for decades, and today their presence spans prestige television, blockbuster franchises, indie darlings, and studio comedies. From barrier-breaking award milestones to headline roles that broaden who gets to be a hero, their work continues to push the industry forward while opening doors for the next generation. Here’s a friendly, fact-packed tour of some of the most widely recognized trans actresses working in and around Hollywood.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became widely known for her breakout on ‘Orange Is the New Black’, where her role brought mainstream attention to trans storytelling on a major streaming platform. She later appeared in projects like ‘The Mindy Project’, ‘Promising Young Woman’, and ‘Inventing Anna’. Cox has produced documentaries that center trans experiences, including ‘Disclosure’. She was also the first openly transgender person to appear on the cover of Time magazine and to receive a Primetime Emmy acting nomination.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez earned widespread recognition for her lead role in ‘Pose’, portraying a house mother in New York’s ball scene. She later starred in the comedy series ‘Loot’ and appeared in musical theater productions, building on her early Broadway roots. Rodriguez became a history-making Golden Globe winner for lead performance in a television drama. She continues to work across TV, music, and stage while advocating for inclusive casting.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made her screen debut in ‘Euphoria’, quickly becoming known for a nuanced portrayal that she also helped shape in the writers’ room. She expanded to film with appearances in titles like ‘Cuckoo’ and a major franchise prequel set in the ‘Hunger Games’ universe. Before acting, Schafer worked as a fashion model for top houses, which continues alongside her screen work. She is also recognized for co-writing a special episode of ‘Euphoria’, blending personal insight with the series’ storytelling.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton first gained global attention as a core cast member of ‘Sense8’, playing a hacker and DJ in the ensemble sci-fi drama. She went on to roles in ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ and led the acclaimed reboot of ‘Hellraiser’ as its iconic antagonist. Clayton’s early career included makeup artistry and modeling, which informed later behind-the-scenes work. She is frequently cited for expanding genre roles available to trans actresses.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is best known for her commanding role on ‘Pose’, where she portrayed a fashion-forward house mother with sharp wit and authority. She later appeared in ‘American Gods’ and reality programming connected to the ballroom community. Jackson has also written a memoir detailing her life before television. She is broadly recognized for her influence in fashion, runway appearances, and advocacy related to LGBTQ+ rights.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette drew attention with a recurring role on ‘Transparent’, contributing to a series that placed trans characters at the center of its narrative. She later starred opposite Patricia Clarkson in the indie drama ‘Monica’, earning strong festival notices. Lysette has appeared in ‘Hustlers’ and guest roles across network and streaming TV. She has advocated for fair hiring practices and authentic casting throughout her career.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef transitioned from high-profile modeling to acting with roles in ‘Transparent’ and films such as ‘Assassination Nation’ and ‘Barbie’. She has also appeared in ‘The Idol’ and in theater productions, balancing screen work with fashion campaigns. Nef became the first openly transgender woman to sign with IMG Worldwide, marking a notable moment in modeling. Her career bridges fashion, film, and television, with an emphasis on character-driven projects.

Alexandra Billings

Alexandra Billings is a veteran stage and screen performer who gained mainstream visibility on ‘Transparent’. She has a long theater résumé, including landmark productions and teaching work that mentors emerging actors. On television, Billings has appeared in ‘The Conners’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, and other network series. She is also an educator and speaker, contributing to arts programs and trans representation in training contexts.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross became widely known for her roles in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’, showing range across drama and horror anthologies. Beyond acting, she founded a tech-education company focused on workforce development for marginalized communities. Ross has also hosted and produced digital content highlighting LGBTQ+ issues. Her career spans television, entrepreneurship, and public speaking.

Tommy Dorfman

Tommy Dorfman first appeared in the cultural spotlight with ’13 Reasons Why’, playing a classmate central to the show’s ensemble. Since then, she has worked in indie film, stage projects, and fashion collaborations. Dorfman publicly reintroduced herself as a woman after that series, continuing an acting career alongside writing and directing pursuits. Her creative work includes photography and storytelling across multiple mediums.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison has built a distinctive career in comedy with standout turns in ‘I Think You Should Leave’ and ‘Shrill’. She co-starred in the indie dramedy ‘Together Together’, which premiered at a major festival. Harrison has also done voice work in animated features like ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. She continues to tour, act, and write, bringing comedic perspective to film and television roles.

Eva Reign

Eva Reign led the coming-of-age film ‘Anything’s Possible’, portraying a confident high-schooler navigating first love. Before her lead role, Reign worked as a writer and journalist covering culture and identity. She has appeared in fashion editorials and public talks focused on representation. Her screen debut established her as a rising actress to watch in teen and young-adult storytelling.

Share your picks and the roles you love in the comments so everyone can discover more great performances.