The Most Beloved Actresses

The history of cinema is defined by the extraordinary women who have brought complex characters to life and influenced culture through their performances. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to the modern era of global streaming, these actresses have earned critical acclaim and the enduring affection of audiences worldwide. This list examines 50 of the most beloved figures in acting, highlighting their career milestones and the films that established their legacies. Each entry reflects a career built on versatility, technical skill, and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn remains a global icon of elegance and humanitarianism, known for her distinctive style and grace. She earned an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Roman Holiday’ (1953), which established her as a major star. Her filmography includes classic titles such as ‘Sabrina’ (1954) and ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961). Beyond her screen work, she spent her later years as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, helping children in impoverished nations. Her influence on both fashion and cinema continues to be felt decades after her passing.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep is frequently cited as one of the greatest living actresses due to her mastery of accents and emotional range. She has received a record-breaking number of Academy Award nominations for her work in films like ‘Sophie’s Choice’ (1982) and ‘The Iron Lady’ (2011). Her career spans several decades, covering genres from intense drama in ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’ (1979) to musical comedy in ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008). Streep’s technical precision and dedication to her craft have made her a benchmark for excellence in the industry. She continues to be a prolific force in both film and television.

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe became one of the most famous cultural icons of the 20th century, representing a specific era of Hollywood glamour. She showcased her comedic timing in ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ (1953) and ‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959). Despite often being cast in “blonde bombshell” roles, she sought more serious training at the Actors Studio to refine her craft. Her performance in ‘The Misfits’ (1961) demonstrated her capacity for depth and vulnerability. Her image and life story remain subjects of intense public fascination and academic study.

Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn holds the record for the most Academy Awards won by any actor, with four statues to her name. Known for her fierce independence and unconventional personality, she often played strong-willed, sophisticated characters. Key films in her career include ‘The Philadelphia Story’ (1940), ‘The African Queen’ (1951), and ‘On Golden Pond’ (1981). She challenged the traditional gender norms of Hollywood by wearing trousers and maintaining a private personal life. Her career lasted over 60 years, proving her remarkable longevity and adaptability.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor began her career as a child star in ‘National Velvet’ (1944) before transitioning into one of the world’s biggest movie stars. She won Academy Awards for ‘BUtterfield 8’ (1960) and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ (1966). Taylor was famous for her striking beauty and her high-profile personal life, but her acting talent was equally significant. She was also a pioneering activist, using her platform to raise millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research and awareness. Her presence on screen was characterized by intensity and a commanding charisma.

Ingrid Bergman

Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who achieved international stardom with her naturalistic acting style. She is perhaps best remembered for her role opposite Humphrey Bogart in ‘Casablanca’ (1942). Her career included three Academy Awards for performances in ‘Gaslight’ (1944), ‘Anastasia’ (1956), and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (1974). Bergman worked with renowned directors like Alfred Hitchcock in ‘Notorious’ (1946) and ‘Spellbound’ (1945). She remains one of the most respected figures in cinema for her ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety.

Bette Davis

Bette Davis was known for her willingness to play unsympathetic or high-strung characters during a time when actresses were expected to be glamorous. She won two Academy Awards, one for ‘Dangerous’ (1935) and another for ‘Jezebel’ (1938). Her performance in ‘All About Eve’ (1950) is often cited as one of the greatest in film history. Davis was famous for her intense eyes and a distinctive speaking style that became a hallmark of her screen presence. She was the first woman to serve as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly’s Hollywood career was brief but impactful, lasting only a few years before she became the Princess of Monaco. She was a favorite of Alfred Hitchcock, starring in ‘Rear Window’ (1954), ‘Dial M for Murder’ (1954), and ‘To Catch a Thief’ (1955). Kelly won an Academy Award for her performance in the drama ‘The Country Girl’ (1954). She was celebrated for her “icy blonde” persona and sophisticated fashion sense. Her transition from movie star to royalty added a unique layer of public interest to her enduring legacy.

Judy Garland

Judy Garland is remembered as one of the most talented entertainers of the Golden Age, excelling in singing and acting. She became a household name playing Dorothy Gale in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939). Garland later transitioned to more mature roles, receiving an Oscar nomination for ‘A Star Is Born’ (1954). Her performance in ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ (1944) showcased her musical talent and screen charm. Despite personal struggles, her immense talent made her a beloved figure in musical theater and film history.

Vivien Leigh

Vivien Leigh is most famous for her definitive portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara in ‘Gone with the Wind’ (1939). The role earned her the first of two Academy Awards for Best Actress. She won her second Oscar for her performance as Blanche DuBois in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (1951), a role she also played on stage. Leigh was known for her striking beauty and her ability to portray complex, fragile women. Though she suffered from chronic illness, her contributions to both stage and screen were highly regarded.

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett is a highly versatile Australian actress known for her transformative performances across various genres. She won Academy Awards for her portrayal of Katharine Hepburn in ‘The Aviator’ (2004) and for her leading role in ‘Blue Jasmine’ (2013). Blanchett has appeared in blockbusters like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and acclaimed dramas such as ‘Tár’ (2022). She is praised for her precision and the intellectual depth she brings to her characters. Blanchett also remains active in theater, having served as the artistic director of the Sydney Theatre Company.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first African-American actor to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tony Awards. She received critical acclaim for her role in ‘The Help’ (2011) and won an Academy Award for ‘Fences’ (2016). Her performance in the television series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ made her a household name globally. Davis is known for her powerful, grounded screen presence and her advocacy for diversity in Hollywood. She continues to lead major film projects, including ‘The Woman King’ (2022).

Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren is a distinguished British actress who has found success across stage, television, and film. She is one of the few performers to have achieved the Triple Crown of Acting. Mirren won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Queen’ (2006). Her early work in ‘The Long Good Friday’ (1980) and the series ‘Prime Suspect’ established her as a formidable talent. She is celebrated for her longevity and her ability to portray authoritative yet deeply human characters.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith enjoyed a career that spanned over seven decades, becoming one of Britain’s most recognizable actresses. She won Academy Awards for ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ (1969) and ‘California Suite’ (1978). Younger audiences know her best for her roles as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and Violet Crawley in ‘Downton Abbey’. Smith was known for her sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing. Her status as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire reflects her significant contribution to the arts.

Judi Dench

Judi Dench is widely regarded as one of the greatest stage and screen performers of her generation. She won an Academy Award for her brief but commanding performance as Queen Elizabeth I in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ (1998). Dench gained international fame for her role as M in the ‘James Bond’ franchise, starting with ‘GoldenEye’ (1995). Her dramatic work in films like ‘Notes on a Scandal’ (2006) and ‘Philomena’ (2013) has earned her numerous accolades. She is celebrated for her warmth, intelligence, and professional dedication.

Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand is known for her understated, realistic acting style and her frequent collaborations with the Coen brothers. She has won three Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in ‘Fargo’ (1996), ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ (2017), and ‘Nomadland’ (2020). McDormand often chooses roles that challenge traditional Hollywood beauty standards and focus on character depth. She is also a successful producer, having produced ‘Nomadland’, which won Best Picture. Her career is marked by a refusal to conform to industry expectations.

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson is a highly acclaimed British actress and screenwriter known for her wit and versatility. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Howards End’ (1992) and another for Best Adapted Screenplay for ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (1995). Her roles in ‘The Remains of the Day’ (1993) and ‘Love Actually’ (2003) have made her a beloved figure in global cinema. Thompson is noted for her ability to balance drama and comedy with ease. She is also a vocal activist for environmental causes and human rights.

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman transitioned from successful British television comedies like ‘Peep Show’ to becoming an international dramatic powerhouse. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Anne in ‘The Favourite’ (2018). Her performance as Queen Elizabeth II in ‘The Crown’ and her role in ‘The Father’ (2020) further cemented her status. Colman is often praised for her ability to convey profound vulnerability and relatable emotion. She remains one of the most sought-after actresses in both the UK and the United States.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a pioneering Malaysian actress who first gained fame in Hong Kong action films. She became an international star with roles in ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’ (1997) and ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000). In 2023, she became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ (2022). Yeoh is celebrated for performing many of her own stunts and for her commanding screen presence. Her career has paved the way for greater Asian representation in global cinema.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts became a massive global star following her breakout role in ‘Pretty Woman’ (1990). Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she was one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. She won an Academy Award for her leading role in ‘Erin Brockovich’ (2000), a biographical drama. Roberts is known for her signature smile and her ability to lead both romantic comedies and intense dramas. Her films, such as ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ (1997) and ‘Steel Magnolias’ (1989), remain staples of popular cinema.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock is a highly successful American actress and producer known for her relatable persona and comedic talent. She rose to fame with the action thriller ‘Speed’ (1994) and the romantic comedy ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (1995). Bullock won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Blind Side’ (2009). She also received critical praise for her work in the science-fiction film ‘Gravity’ (2013). Her ability to navigate between lighthearted humor and high-stakes drama has maintained her popularity for decades.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston became a cultural phenomenon for her role as Rachel Green on the sitcom ‘Friends’. Following the show’s success, she transitioned into a prolific film career, primarily in the romantic comedy genre. She has starred in hits such as ‘Marley & Me’ (2008) and ‘The Break-Up’ (2006). Aniston has also received critical acclaim for her dramatic turns in ‘Cake’ (2014) and the series ‘The Morning Show’. Her enduring popularity and status as a fashion icon have made her a mainstay of the entertainment industry.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie is an Academy Award-winning actress and director known for her roles in both action blockbusters and serious dramas. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Girl, Interrupted’ (1999). Her role as Lara Croft in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ (2001) established her as a premier female action star. Beyond acting, Jolie has directed several films, including ‘Unbroken’ (2014) and ‘First They Killed My Father’ (2017). She is equally famous for her extensive humanitarian work with the United Nations.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson is one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time, largely due to her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She gained early critical acclaim for her performances in ‘Lost in Translation’ (2003) and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ (2003). In 2020, she received two simultaneous Academy Award nominations for ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Johansson is noted for her distinct voice and her ability to transition between independent cinema and major franchises. She has also found success on Broadway, winning a Tony Award.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway first rose to fame as a teenager in ‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001). She successfully transitioned to adult roles in films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005) and ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006). Hathaway won an Academy Award for her performance as Fantine in the musical ‘Les Misérables’ (2012). Her versatility is evident in her work across various genres, including action in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012) and science fiction in ‘Interstellar’ (2014). She continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary Hollywood.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman began her acting career at a young age in the film ‘Léon: The Professional’ (1994). She gained international fame for her role as Padmé Amidala in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy. Portman won an Academy Award for her intense performance in the psychological thriller ‘Black Swan’ (2010). She is also known for her role in ‘V for Vendetta’ (2005) and her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in ‘Jackie’ (2016). Portman is an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley became an international star with her roles in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ (2002) and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. She is frequently recognized for her work in period dramas, such as ‘Pride & Prejudice’ (2005) and ‘Atonement’ (2007). Knightley has received two Academy Award nominations for her performances in ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘The Imitation Game’ (2014). She is known for her elegant screen presence and her selection of character-driven scripts. Her work often explores the constraints placed on women in historical settings.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon rose to prominence with her role as Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde’ (2001), which became a pop culture staple. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in ‘Walk the Line’ (2005). Witherspoon has since become a major producer through her company, Hello Sunshine, which focuses on female-led stories. She has starred in and produced successful projects like ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Morning Show’. Her career is defined by her business acumen and her commitment to elevating women in the industry.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie gained widespread recognition for her breakout role in ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013). She achieved further fame portraying Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe and starring in ‘I, Tonya’ (2017), for which she received an Oscar nomination. Robbie produced and starred in the massive global hit ‘Barbie’ (2023), which became a cultural phenomenon. She is known for her dedication to character work and her success as a producer with LuckyChap Entertainment. Her rapid ascent has made her one of the most influential actresses of her generation.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren is a legendary Italian actress who became a major international star during the 1950s and 60s. She was the first actor to win an Academy Award for a non-English language performance for ‘Two Women’ (1960). Loren’s career includes notable films like ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ (1963) and ‘Marriage Italian Style’ (1964). She was honored with an Honorary Academy Award in 1991 for her contributions to world cinema. Her enduring beauty and dramatic talent have made her a global symbol of Italian culture.

Gong Li

Gong Li is one of China’s most acclaimed actresses, known for her frequent collaborations with director Zhang Yimou. She gained international fame for her roles in ‘Red Sorghum’ (1987), ‘Raise the Red Lantern’ (1991), and ‘Farewell My Concubine’ (1993). Li was instrumental in bringing Chinese cinema to a global audience during the 1990s. She also appeared in Western productions like ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ (2005) and ‘Miami Vice’ (2006). Her commanding presence and emotional depth have earned her numerous awards at international film festivals.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is a Spanish actress who has achieved significant success in both European and American cinema. She is a frequent collaborator with director Pedro Almodóvar, starring in films like ‘Volver’ (2006) and ‘Parallel Mothers’ (2021). Cruz won an Academy Award for her supporting role in ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008). She was the first Spanish actress to receive an Oscar and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her career is marked by her ability to perform fluently in multiple languages.

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron is a South African actress known for her incredible range and physical transformations. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in ‘Monster’ (2003). Theron has also become a leading action star with roles in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015) and ‘Atomic Blonde’ (2017). She has received further Oscar nominations for ‘North Country’ (2005) and ‘Bombshell’ (2019). Theron is also a producer and an activist, particularly through her Africa Outreach Project.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman is an Australian actress known for her diverse filmography and numerous accolades. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in ‘The Hours’ (2002). Her career includes critical hits like ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001), ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999), and the series ‘Big Little Lies’. Kidman is praised for her willingness to take on challenging, experimental roles alongside commercial projects. She remains one of the most consistently active and celebrated actresses in the world.

Amy Adams

Amy Adams is known for her versatility and her ability to portray characters with a sense of earnestness and innocence. She has received six Academy Award nominations for films including ‘Junebug’ (2005), ‘The Fighter’ (2010), and ‘American Hustle’ (2013). Her lead role in ‘Arrival’ (2016) earned her widespread critical acclaim for its emotional nuance. Adams has also found success in commercial hits like ‘Enchanted’ (2007) and ‘Man of Steel’ (2013). She is widely considered one of the most talented performers of her generation.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain rose to prominence in 2011 with a series of acclaimed performances in films like ‘The Help’ and ‘The Tree of Life’. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Tammy Faye Bakker in ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ (2021). Chastain is known for playing strong, intelligent women in films such as ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ (2012) and ‘Molly’s Game’ (2017). She is a vocal advocate for gender equality and diversity in the film industry. Her production company, Freckle Films, focuses on female-centric projects.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh has quickly become one of the most respected young actresses in the industry. She gained international recognition for her roles in ‘Lady Macbeth’ (2016) and the horror film ‘Midsommar’ (2019). Pugh received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Amy March in ‘Little Women’ (2019). She has also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Yelena Belova. Her ability to convey complex emotions and her strong screen presence have made her a favorite of both critics and audiences.

Saoirse Ronan

Saoirse Ronan is an Irish actress who received her first Academy Award nomination at the age of 13 for ‘Atonement’ (2007). She has since become one of the most decorated young performers, with further nominations for ‘Brooklyn’ (2015), ‘Lady Bird’ (2017), and ‘Little Women’ (2019). Ronan is known for her subtle acting style and her ability to anchor coming-of-age stories. She frequently works with director Greta Gerwig on character-driven dramas. Her career is characterized by a mature and discerning choice of roles.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a Disney Channel child star to a highly respected actress and fashion icon. She became the youngest person to win two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Euphoria’. Her film work includes the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and the ‘Dune’ series. Zendaya is also known for her significant influence in the fashion world and her massive social media following. Her ability to lead high-profile projects has established her as a major force in modern entertainment.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno is a legendary performer and one of the few individuals to have achieved EGOT status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). She is best known for her iconic role as Anita in ‘West Side Story’ (1961), for which she won an Academy Award. Moreno has broken numerous barriers for Latina performers over her seven-decade career. She appeared in the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’ as a new character, Valentina. Her career is a testament to resilience and enduring talent in the face of industry obstacles.

Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews is a beloved British actress and singer known for her crystalline soprano voice and wholesome image. She became an international superstar with ‘Mary Poppins’ (1964), for which she won an Academy Award. She followed this with the massive success of ‘The Sound of Music’ (1965). Andrews later successfully transitioned to different types of roles in films like ‘Victor/Victoria’ (1982) and ‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001). She remains a cherished figure in musical film history and literature for her children’s books.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury had a prolific career spanning stage, film, and television for over 70 years. She earned early Academy Award nominations for ‘Gaslight’ (1944) and ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ (1945). She is perhaps most famous for her long-running role as Jessica Fletcher in the television series ‘Murder, She Wrote’. Lansbury also voiced the character Mrs. Potts in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991). Her versatility earned her five Tony Awards and an Honorary Academy Award.

Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was a major figure of the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for her low, husky voice and “The Look.” She made a sensational debut in ‘To Have and Have Not’ (1944) alongside Humphrey Bogart. The two became a famous couple on and off screen, starring in ‘The Big Sleep’ (1946) and ‘Key Largo’ (1948). Bacall later found success in theater, winning two Tony Awards for her performances on Broadway. Her long career and sophisticated image made her a lasting cinematic icon.

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple was the most famous child star in history, providing a source of joy for audiences during the Great Depression. She starred in films like ‘Bright Eyes’ (1934) and ‘Heidi’ (1937), known for her signature curls and tap dancing. Temple retired from films in her early 20s and later embarked on a successful second career in diplomacy. She served as the United States Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia. Her early contributions to film earned her a special Juvenile Academy Award.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel made history in 1940 as the first African-American person to win an Academy Award. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’ (1939). Throughout her career, she appeared in over 300 films, although she was often uncredited due to the racial segregation of the era. McDaniel was also a talented radio performer and singer. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers and opening doors for future generations of Black performers in Hollywood.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was a pioneering actress and the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She received this nomination for her title role in the musical ‘Carmen Jones’ (1954). Dandridge was a major star of the nightclub circuit and appeared in films like ‘Porgy and Bess’ (1959). Despite the limited opportunities for Black actresses in the 1950s, she maintained a high-profile career. She remains an important figure in the history of Black cinema.

Glenn Close

Glenn Close is widely regarded as one of the finest actresses of her generation, with a career spanning stage and screen. She has received eight Academy Award nominations for films such as ‘The World According to Garp’ (1982), ‘Fatal Attraction’ (1987), and ‘The Wife’ (2017). Close is also a highly decorated stage actress, with three Tony Awards to her name. Her role as Patty Hewes in the series ‘Damages’ earned her significant critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards. She is known for her intense, transformative performances.

Kathy Bates

Kathy Bates rose to international fame with her chilling Academy Award-winning performance in ‘Misery’ (1990). She has since become a versatile character actress, appearing in films like ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ (1991) and ‘Titanic’ (1997). Bates has received several Emmy Awards for her work on television, particularly in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. She is known for her ability to bring humor, warmth, or menace to her roles. Bates is also a breast cancer survivor and a vocal advocate for lymphedema research.

Helena Bonham Carter

Helena Bonham Carter is known for her eclectic and often eccentric roles in both period dramas and fantasy films. She gained early fame in ‘A Room with a View’ (1985) and later starred in ‘Fight Club’ (1999). Her collaborations with Tim Burton produced memorable characters in films like ‘Sweeney Todd’ (2007) and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2010). She also portrayed Bellatrix Lestrange in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and Princess Margaret in ‘The Crown’. Her distinctive style and versatile talent have made her a unique figure in cinema.

Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver is a pioneering figure in the science-fiction and action genres, best known for her role as Ellen Ripley in the ‘Alien’ franchise. Her performance in ‘Aliens’ (1986) earned her an Academy Award nomination, a rare feat for an action role. Weaver has also starred in blockbusters like ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) and ‘Avatar’ (2009). Beyond science fiction, she has shown her range in dramas like ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ (1988). She is often called the “Sci-Fi Queen” for her significant impact on the genre.

Tell us which of these iconic actresses has given your favorite performance in the comments.