LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Started In Small Roles And Became Stars

The landscape of modern cinema and television has been significantly shaped by performers who began their journeys in minor, often uncredited roles. For many LGBTQ+ actresses, the path to stardom involved years of guest appearances in long-running procedurals and independent projects before achieving mainstream recognition. These professionals utilized these early opportunities to refine their craft and build the foundations for award-winning careers. Today, these individuals stand as prominent figures in the entertainment industry, having transitioned from background talent to lead performers. This list examines the professional trajectories of actresses who moved from modest beginnings to become influential names in Hollywood.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart began her professional acting career at age eight after an agent saw her perform in a school Christmas play. Her early work included a non-speaking part in the Disney Channel film ‘The Thirteenth Year’ and a minor role in ‘The Safety of Objects’. She achieved widespread recognition as a child actor playing Sarah Altman in the thriller ‘Panic Room’. Since then, she has transitioned into independent cinema and major franchises, eventually becoming the first American actress to win a César Award.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster started her career in television commercials at the age of three, most notably as the Coppertone girl. She moved into television with guest spots on shows like ‘Mayberry R.F.D.’ and ‘The Doris Day Show’ throughout the late 1960s. Her transition to film included early roles in ‘Napoleon and Samantha’ and ‘One Little Indian’. Foster eventually became a household name and a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Actress.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson began her career on the New York stage before securing her first television role in an episode of ‘Law & Order’ in 1994. She later appeared in the short-lived series ‘American Gothic’ and had a minor role in the film ‘Levitation’. Throughout the early 2000s, she continued to work in supporting roles in both film and television. Her career reached new heights with her frequent collaborations with Ryan Murphy, leading to multiple Emmy nominations and a win.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon made her film debut at age 14 in the 1980 movie ‘Little Darlings’, following several stage appearances as a child. She continued to work in small roles during the 1980s, including a part in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Amadeus’. Many viewers recognized her from guest appearances in series like ‘Murder, She Wrote’ before her breakout role as Miranda Hobbes. Nixon has since earned two Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards for her work across different mediums.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor spent decades working in theater and television guest spots before becoming a mainstream television staple. Early in her career, she appeared in the soap opera ‘The Edge of Night’ and the sitcom ‘Bosom Buddies’ alongside Tom Hanks. She maintained a steady presence in film with supporting roles in projects like ‘The Truman Show’ and ‘Legally Blonde’. Taylor eventually won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in ‘The Practice’ and gained further fame on ‘Two and a Half Men’.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox appeared in several small roles and reality programs before her career-defining turn on Netflix. Her early credits include an episode of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and the independent film ‘Musical Chairs’. She also participated as a contestant on the reality show ‘I Want to Work for Diddy’. Cox made history as the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category for her work in ‘Orange Is the New Black’.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza started her career as an intern and performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City. She landed minor television roles, including an appearance in ’30 Rock’ and a part in the web series ‘The Jeannie Tate Show’. Her performance in the independent film ‘Mystery Team’ helped lead to her breakout role as April Ludgate. Plaza has since transitioned from comedic television to acclaimed dramatic roles in films like ‘Emily the Criminal’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson made her professional stage debut in 2002 before moving into television with a guest role on ‘Cold Case’. She gained early notice for her recurring part as Jackie Cook on the noir drama ‘Veronica Mars’. Throughout the late 2000s, she appeared in various television procedurals and independent films such as ‘Mississippi Damned’. Thompson eventually moved into major blockbusters, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe and leading the ‘Creed’ franchise.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actress, appearing in several made-for-television films and the series ‘American Gothic’. She played a minor role in the film ‘Digging to China’ before her breakthrough performance in the drama ‘Thirteen’. This early work established her as a versatile performer capable of handling complex emotional narratives. Wood later achieved significant acclaim for her starring role in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe was primarily known as a Grammy-nominated musician before she successfully transitioned into acting. Her early screen work included voicing a character in the animated film ‘Rio 2’. She made a significant impact with her first major live-action roles in the 2016 films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. These performances proved her range and led to starring roles in ‘Antebellum’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz began her career with small guest appearances in television series such as ‘The Closer’ and ‘Southland’. She also had a recurring role as Sonia in the sitcom ‘Modern Family’ during its fourth season. These minor parts eventually led to her being cast as Detective Rosa Diaz in the police comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Following that success, she provided the lead voice for the Disney animated feature ‘Encanto’.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne started her career as a child actor, appearing as Opal on ‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ at age six. She appeared in several films during her youth, including ‘Everyone Says I Love You’ and ‘Slums of Beverly Hills’. After a period of smaller roles and personal challenges, she experienced a massive career resurgence. She is now widely recognized for her leading roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’, ‘Russian Doll’, and ‘Poker Face’.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch worked extensively in theater and had several small film roles in the 1990s, including a part in ‘The Fugitive’. She gained wider recognition for her work in Christopher Guest’s mockumentary films, such as ‘Best in Show’ and ‘A Mighty Wind’. These performances showcased her comedic timing and led to numerous guest spots on popular sitcoms. Lynch eventually became a household name for her award-winning portrayal of Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes began her career as a stand-up comedian before moving into television writing and acting. Her early roles included appearances on ‘The Chris Rock Show’ and a small part in the film ‘Pootie Tang’. She became a frequent guest on sitcoms and late-night shows, often providing sharp social commentary. Sykes has since voiced major animated characters and starred in her own sitcom, ‘The Upshaws’.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts made her professional debut with a small role in the 1995 film ‘Boys on the Side’. She spent the next decade appearing in guest roles on series such as ‘NYPD Blue’, ‘Judging Amy’, and ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’. Her breakout role came in the comedic series ‘Reno 911!’, where she played Deputy Raineesha Williams. Nash-Betts has since earned critical acclaim and an Emmy for her dramatic work in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose first gained national attention as a contestant on the reality competition ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. She then moved into the Broadway ensemble of several shows, including the original cast of ‘Hamilton’. Her early screen work consisted of small television appearances and filmed stage performances. DeBose eventually achieved stardom and an Academy Award for her role as Anita in the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg began her career as a child model and appeared in commercials for major brands. Her first film role was playing the younger version of Zoe Saldana’s character in the action movie ‘Colombiana’. She gained significant attention for her role as Rue in the first ‘The Hunger Games’ film. Since then, Stenberg has transitioned into leading roles in films like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin started their career with guest roles in British television series such as ‘Grantchester’. They also appeared in several episodes of the DC prequel series ‘Pennyworth’ as Esme Winikus. Their career trajectory changed dramatically when they were cast as Lady Diana Spencer in the fourth season of ‘The Crown’. This role earned them a Golden Globe and established them as a prominent figure in the industry.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon began her career as a cast member on Logo TV’s ‘The Big Gay Sketch Show’. She spent several years performing improv and sketch comedy before joining the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2012. While on the show, she took on small roles in films like ‘Ted 2’ and ‘Sisters’. McKinnon eventually became one of the most celebrated performers on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and starred in the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone appeared in several independent films early in her career, including ‘Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian’. She received critical notice for her supporting role in the 2016 film ‘Certain Women’, starring alongside Kristen Stewart. Gladstone continued to work in character-driven roles in series like ‘Reservation Dogs’. Her performance in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ made her the first Native American woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career at age three, joining the cast of ‘The Cosby Show’ as Olivia Kendall. After the show ended, she appeared in ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’ and played the daughter in the ‘Dr. Dolittle’ film franchise. These early roles paved the way for her own Disney Channel series, ‘That’s So Raven’. She has remained a constant figure in the entertainment industry as an actress, singer, and television host.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi made her film debut in the 1994 Australian movie ‘Sirens’ before moving to the United States. She landed small roles in films like ‘Scream 2’ and guest appearances on various television series. Her breakout role came when she was cast as Nelle Porter in the legal comedy-drama ‘Ally McBeal’. She later gained widespread acclaim for her performance as Lindsay Bluth Fünke in the sitcom ‘Arrested Development’.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is primarily recognized for her extensive work in theater, having won two Tony Awards for her performances. She transitioned to television with guest spots in series like ‘The West Wing’ and ‘Law & Order’. Jones gained mainstream television fame for her role as President Allison Taylor in the action series ’24’. She has since appeared in acclaimed series such as ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw established herself as a major talent on the London stage before appearing in television and film. Her early screen roles included ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ and the film ‘My Left Foot’. Many audiences recognize her for her portrayal of Aunt Petunia in the ‘Harry Potter’ film series. Shaw achieved further international fame and an Emmy nomination for her role as Carolyn Martens in ‘Killing Eve’.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall began her career with roles in several 1990s films, including ‘Little Witches’ and ‘Can’t Hardly Wait’. She became a staple of independent cinema with her performance in the cult classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. Over the years, she maintained a steady career with roles in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and the series ‘Carnivàle’. DuVall has since expanded her career into writing and directing, most notably with the film ‘Happiest Season’.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin started as a stand-up comedian and appeared on ‘The Merv Griffin Show’ in the mid-1960s. She joined the sketch comedy show ‘Laugh-In’, where she created several iconic characters that launched her into stardom. Throughout her career, she moved between Broadway, film, and television, earning an Academy Award nomination for ‘Nashville’. More recently, she reached a new generation of viewers through the long-running series ‘Grace and Frankie’.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein made her acting debut at age nine in an episode of the sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’. She spent years working in theater and had a minor role in the film ‘Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising’. Her career reached a turning point with her performances in ‘Lady Bird’ and her leading role in ‘Booksmart’. Feldstein has since starred as Monica Lewinsky in ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ and appeared on Broadway in ‘Funny Girl’.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef began her acting career with roles in short films and the independent movie ‘Hellaware’. She gained wider recognition after being cast in the second season of the Amazon series ‘Transparent’. Following this, she appeared in the thriller ‘Assassination Nation’ and the series ‘You’. Nef recently appeared in the global blockbuster ‘Barbie’, solidifying her transition from independent projects to major studio films.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette spent years working as an extra and in non-speaking roles while pursuing her acting career. She landed her first credited television role in an episode of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ in 2013. Her breakout came when she was cast as Shea in the series ‘Transparent’, which allowed her to showcase her dramatic range. Lysette has since starred in the film ‘Hustlers’ and led the acclaimed independent drama ‘Monica’.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez started her career in theater, winning a Clive Barnes Award for her performance in ‘Rent’. She appeared in small television roles such as ‘Nurse Jackie’ and had a brief part in the drama ‘The Carrie Diaries’. These early experiences preceded her breakout lead role in the FX series ‘Pose’, where she portrayed Blanca Evangelista. Her performance in the series led to her becoming the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.

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