Lesbian Celebrities Who Disappeared from Spotlight After Coming Out

Some stars who came out as lesbian later chose quieter paths away from studio spotlights and red carpets. Many shifted to directing, producing, teaching, or regional theater. Others focused on family life or launched businesses and nonprofit work. Here are notable examples whose public profiles in mainstream Hollywood noticeably receded after they came out.

Kristy McNichol

Kristy McNichol came out publicly in 2012 after leaving acting in 2001. She cited health and stress as factors and moved into teaching and living a more private life. McNichol earlier won two Emmys for television work and headlined several films in the late 1970s and 1980s. After stepping back she occasionally appears for charitable causes but has not returned to regular screen roles.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis came out in 2009 and later made her home in North Carolina. She worked in regional theater and taught acting while appearing only occasionally in independent projects. McGillis was not involved in the recent sequel to her most famous film and has explained that her priorities shifted to family and privacy. Her on-camera work since has been selective and largely outside major studio releases.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi came out in the mid 2000s and later married Ellen DeGeneres in 2008. She left full time acting in 2018 after concluding a multi season arc on a hit network drama. De Rossi shifted focus to business ventures and art related philanthropy while making only limited on screen appearances such as a revival season of a beloved comedy. Her career since has centered on work outside traditional Hollywood acting roles.

Amanda Bearse

Amanda Bearse came out in the early 1990s while starring on a long running sitcom. She transitioned behind the camera and built a steady career directing television episodes across multiple series. Bearse continued stage work and occasional film projects while maintaining a low profile as an actor. Her primary professional output for years has been directing rather than on screen performances.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo came out in 2004 and later discussed long gaps between major roles. She concentrated on independent films and writing and has developed projects as a filmmaker. Matarazzo’s mainstream studio appearances became less frequent after early 2000s successes. She remains active in creative work that often unfolds outside major Hollywood systems.

Meredith Baxter

Meredith Baxter came out in 2009 and subsequently focused on advocacy and speaking engagements. She published a memoir and appeared in select television movies and guest roles. Baxter’s career emphasis moved away from regular network series work that defined much of her earlier years. Her appearances since have been intermittent and often tied to specific projects rather than ongoing Hollywood visibility.

Patricia Velásquez

Patricia Velasquez came out in 2015 and has since balanced acting with humanitarian work. She founded a charitable organization serving Indigenous communities and spends significant time on that mission. Velasquez appears in targeted projects and festivals while keeping a lower profile in studio features. Her recent public life features more advocacy and cultural work than mainstream Hollywood releases.

Alexandra Hedison

Alexandra Hedison came out earlier in her career and later pivoted from acting to fine art photography. She developed gallery exhibitions and long form photographic series that toured internationally. Hedison has taken on occasional creative collaborations while avoiding traditional casting cycles. Her professional identity today is centered on visual art rather than Hollywood roles.

Tammy Lynn Michaels

Tammy Lynn Michaels came out publicly and is known for work on a late 1990s teen series. She later stepped back from television and focused on writing and family life. Michaels has published essays and poetry and has not pursued regular on screen work in recent years. Her appearances in entertainment media have been limited compared with her earlier television period.

Linda Perry

Linda Perry came out as a lesbian early in her music career and later became best known as a songwriter and producer. She shifted into behind the scenes creative leadership for major artists and film music. Perry occasionally appears on camera for music events but does not maintain a Hollywood acting profile. Her work continues primarily in studios and production spaces rather than in front of audiences.

Cathy DeBuono

Cathy DeBuono came out while building credits in television and independent films. She later trained as a therapist and began practicing while keeping a hand in small projects. DeBuono’s career now blends counseling with occasional creative work in LGBTQ centered media. Her presence in mainstream Hollywood releases has been minimal in recent years.

Guinevere Turner

Guinevere Turner came out early and built a career as a writer and actor in independent cinema. She co wrote screenplays and appeared in festival circuit projects while reducing mainstream appearances. Turner also teaches screenwriting and contributes essays and lectures. Her current work is rooted in indie film and education rather than major studio productions.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall came out publicly and gradually moved from acting in studio projects to writing and directing. She helmed films like ‘The Intervention’ and created and executive produced the high school series ‘High School’. DuVall continues to work steadily behind the camera while taking selective on screen roles. Her recent career has centered on development and direction rather than mainstream Hollywood acting.

Jill Bennett

Jill Bennett came out early and built a following through LGBTQ focused web series and independent projects. She co created and starred in ‘3Way’ and appeared in ‘Dante’s Cove’ before shifting toward producing smaller scale content. Bennett’s work since has emphasized digital platforms and niche festivals. Her presence in studio features and network television has remained limited.

Michelle Paradise

Michelle Paradise came out while working in independent television and later transitioned fully into writing and producing. She created ‘Exes & Ohs’ and went on to senior producing roles in genre television. Paradise’s public profile as an on screen performer receded as her writers’ room and showrunning responsibilities grew. Her Hollywood contributions now come primarily from development and production.

Rose Troche

Rose Troche has long been out and is best known for directing and producing rather than acting. After early indie success with ‘Go Fish’ she concentrated on episodic television and feature development. Troche’s recent credits span premium cable and streaming but rarely involve on camera work. Her career path kept her active in Hollywood while largely away from public facing roles.

Cheryl Dunye

Cheryl Dunye came out early and is recognized for pioneering work in queer cinema. Following ‘The Watermelon Woman’ she shifted into directing episodes of multiple television series. Dunye continues to shape projects from behind the camera and in the classroom through guest lectures and workshops. Her screen appearances have been occasional while her directing slate remains the focus.

Stephanie Allynne

Stephanie Allynne publicly discussed her relationship and marriage to Tig Notaro and subsequently concentrated on writing and directing. She co wrote and co directed ‘Am I OK?’ and has developed additional projects with a focus on independent film. Allynne still takes select roles but spends more time in development and production. Her visibility in front of the camera has been lower than in her earlier acting years.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us who else seemed to quietly step away from Hollywood after coming out.