LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Are Clearly Better Than the Roles They Keep Getting

Many talented performers in Hollywood struggle to find scripts that match their capabilities. This issue frequently affects LGBTQ+ actresses who often find themselves pigeonholed into repetitive archetypes or supporting parts. While they may deliver standout performances in these limited spaces, their filmographies are cluttered with lackluster blockbusters or forgettable comedies. Audiences continue to root for these stars to land the complex lead roles they deserve.

Ruby Rose

This Australian actress burst onto the scene with a charismatic turn in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Studios quickly capitalized on her action-ready look by casting her in films like ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’ and ‘The Meg’. She often plays the silent assassin or the tough fighter with very little dialogue. Her short stint as the lead in ‘Batwoman’ was marred by production issues and a script that failed to utilize her dramatic range. Fans hope to see her in a project that requires more than just physical stunts and brooding glares.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne transitioned from modeling to acting with a promising lead performance in ‘Paper Towns’. Her momentum slowed after taking roles in critical disappointments like ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’. She frequently portrays the mysterious cool girl or a magical entity buried under CGI effects. The fantasy series ‘Carnival Row’ gave her more to do but suffered from uneven writing before its cancellation. She possesses a unique screen presence that is often wasted on style-over-substance blockbusters.

Megan Fox

Fox became a global icon through the ‘Transformers’ franchise but was unfairly dismissed as just a sex symbol for years. Her comedic timing in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and ‘This Is 40’ proved she had significant acting chops that went ignored. Recent projects like ‘Johnny & Clyde’ and ‘Expend4bles’ have unfortunately kept her trapped in the realm of low-rated action flicks. She has openly discussed her bisexuality and the misogyny she faced in the industry. A resurgence in a smart satire or a gritty drama could finally give her the credit she has earned.

Michelle Rodriguez

Rodriguez has made a career out of playing the tough-as-nails mechanic or soldier. She is most famous for her long-running role as Letty in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. While she excels at this archetype, it leaves little room for her to explore vulnerability or other genres. Her appearance in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ showed a glimpse of her comedic potential. It is frustrating to see a veteran actress confined to the same character beats for over two decades.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Moretz was a child prodigy who delivered intense performances in ‘Kick-Ass’ and ‘Let Me In’. As an adult, she has struggled to find a consistent footing in Hollywood with films like ‘Tom & Jerry’ and ‘The 5th Wave’. She often carries mediocre sci-fi or horror remakes that do not challenge her abilities. Her voice work in ‘Nimona’ reminded audiences of her emotional depth and charm. She needs a prestige drama or a well-written indie film to remind the industry of her powerhouse talent.

Bella Thorne

Thorne works at a prolific pace and appears in multiple films nearly every year. Many of these projects are direct-to-video thrillers or teen dramas that receive poor critical reception. She has shown flashes of genuine talent in films like ‘Assassination Nation’ but they are buried under a mountain of forgettable content. Her focus on quantity over quality often obscures her actual acting ability. A more selective approach could help her secure a role that truly resonates.

Jane Lynch

Lynch is a comedic genius known for her dry wit and imposing physical comedy. She became a household name as Sue Sylvester in ‘Glee’ and has played variations of that character ever since. Casting directors frequently place her in the role of the sarcastic boss or the aggressive coach. While she is always the highlight of whatever scene she is in, she rarely gets to play a character with emotional nuance. She deserves a leading role that allows her to be more than just a punchline delivery system.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon was the standout star of ‘Saturday Night Live’ for years due to her incredible versatility. Her film career has largely consisted of playing the quirky best friend in comedies like ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me’ or ‘Ghostbusters’. These films often rely on her to improvise her way through thin scripts rather than giving her a fully realized character. She recently appeared in ‘Barbie’ but was once again relegated to a chaotic supporting role. A dramatic turn or a darker comedy could showcase the full extent of her brilliance.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson is widely considered one of the best actresses working today. She is inextricably linked to Ryan Murphy productions like ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘Ratched’. While these shows offer her showy parts, they often devolve into campy melodrama that can feel repetitive. She rarely appears in feature films outside of this specific television bubble. Audiences are eager to see her tackle a grounded script directed by someone other than her usual collaborators.

Clea DuVall

DuVall has been a staple of LGBTQ+ cinema since her role in the cult classic ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She often plays the supportive friend or the sensible partner in the background of larger stories. Even in ‘Happiest Season’, which she directed, she stayed behind the camera rather than taking center stage. Her reliability as a character actress means she is rarely considered for the lead. It is time for her to step out of the supporting cast and into the spotlight.

Rebel Wilson

Wilson gained fame as Fat Amy in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ trilogy. Hollywood subsequently cast her in a string of comedies that relied heavily on self-deprecating humor about her appearance. Films like ‘The Hustle’ and ‘Senior Year’ failed to utilize her ability to handle smarter comedy. She has recently taken on dramatic work in ‘The Almond and the Seahorse’ which suggests a desire to pivot. Seeing her in serious roles would be a welcome change from the slapstick she is known for.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes is a stand-up legend with a voice that is instantly recognizable. Her acting roles are almost exclusively loud comedic sidekicks in movies like ‘Monster-in-Law’ or voice roles in animated features. This limits her ability to show any range beyond her stage persona. She has the sharp intelligence to handle a biting satire or a political drama. Relegating her to the sassy friend trope is a waste of her immense talent.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg has been a promising talent since ‘The Hunger Games’. She often stars in Young Adult adaptations like ‘The Darkest Minds’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ that fail to connect with critics. Her recent lead role in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’ was cancelled after one season despite her strong performance. She consistently elevates the material she is given even when the scripts are flawed. She needs a project that matches the maturity and depth she brings to the screen.

Alexandra Shipp

Shipp took on the daunting task of playing Storm in the ‘X-Men’ prequels. The films sidelined her character and gave her very little to do in the midst of massive CGI battles. She has since appeared in romantic comedies like ‘Anyone But You’ and ‘Love, Simon’ in supporting parts. She has a magnetic screen presence that is frequently pushed to the background. A lead role in a character-driven drama would allow her to finally shine.

Anna Paquin

Paquin won an Oscar as a child and led the hit series ‘True Blood’. Her film career in recent years has been surprisingly quiet with roles in smaller films like ‘Tell It to the Bees’. She played a mute role in ‘The Irishman’ which sparked debate about the utilization of her talent. She is a powerhouse performer who seems to be flying under the radar. A return to a major prestige TV series could remind everyone of her capabilities.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz is best known for her portrayal of Rosa Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She showcased her impressive vocal range and bubbly personality in ‘Encanto’ and ‘In the Heights’. Despite this range, she is often offered roles that mirror the tough exterior of her sitcom character. Her recent role in ‘Twisted Metal’ was another variation of the silent badass archetype. She has the comedic and musical talent to lead a major musical comedy.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson is a critical darling for her work in ‘Passing’ and ‘Sylvie’s Love’. However, mainstream audiences know her as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where she is often used for comic relief. Her participation in the flop ‘Men in Black: International’ did not help her status as a blockbuster lead. She oscillates between incredible indie work and underwritten blockbuster roles. She deserves a franchise character that is as complex as her dramatic work.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose won an Oscar for her incredible performance in ‘West Side Story’. Since that victory, she has appeared in critical failures like ‘Argylle’ and the animated film ‘Wish’. She is a triple threat with immense talent who is picking projects that do not serve her well. The industry seems unsure of how to cast her outside of musicals. She needs a solid dramatic script to prove her Oscar win was just the beginning.

Maya Hawke

Hawke became a fan favorite as Robin in ‘Stranger Things’. This role has led to her being typecast as the nervous and rambling alternative girl. Films like ‘Do Revenge’ leaned into this persona without offering much variation. She has a distinct energy that could be channeled into more villainous or serious roles. Relying on the same quirks for every character will eventually yield diminishing returns.

Lily-Rose Depp

Depp has struggled to separate herself from her famous lineage and controversy. Her starring role in the HBO series ‘The Idol’ was widely panned for its writing and direction. She showed promise in smaller films like ‘The King’ and ‘Voyagers’ but has yet to find a defining hit. The industry often treats her as an aesthetic object rather than a serious actress. She needs a gritty independent film to establish her credibility.

Barbie Ferreira

Ferreira broke ground as Kat in ‘Euphoria’ before leaving the show due to alleged creative disagreements. Her character was sidelined in the second season which frustrated many fans. She starred in ‘Unpregnant’ which showed her ability to carry a film. Since leaving her breakout show, she has yet to announce a major project that matches that level of hype. She represents a demographic often ignored by Hollywood and deserves scripts that explore that experience.

Kiersey Clemons

Clemons has a charismatic energy that steals scenes in films like ‘Dope’. She was unfortunately caught in the chaotic production of ‘The Flash’ where her role was minimized. The live-action ‘Lady and the Tramp’ was dumped on streaming and failed to make an impact. She consistently delivers charming performances in movies that few people see. A starring role in a smart romantic comedy could make her a household name.

Samira Wiley

Wiley won hearts as Poussey in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and terrified audiences in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Both roles involved extreme trauma and emotional suffering. She is rarely given the chance to play characters who are happy or exist in lighter genres. Her comedic timing is excellent but rarely utilized. It would be refreshing to see her in a project that does not center on pain.

Shannon Purser

Purser became an internet sensation as Barb in ‘Stranger Things’. She was subsequently cast in ‘Sierra Burgess Is a Loser’ which was criticized for its problematic messaging. She frequently plays the nerdy outcast or the uncool friend. Hollywood seems hesitant to let her graduate from high school roles. She has the potential to play more mature and complex characters as she ages.

Mischa Barton

Barton was the “it girl” of the early 2000s thanks to ‘The O.C.’. Her career since then has consisted largely of low-budget horror movies and thrillers. She recently appeared in the revival ‘Neighbours’ which was a soap opera role. She has never quite recovered the momentum she lost after leaving her hit show. A meta-role or a self-aware horror comedy could spark a comeback.

Kristanna Loken

Loken is best known as the T-X in ‘Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines’. That high-profile villain role led to a career stuck in Uwe Boll video game adaptations like ‘BloodRayne’. She has the physical presence for action but has been trapped in the B-movie circuit for years. She is openly bisexual and has worked steadily without finding a project worthy of a theatrical release. A role in a prestige action series could redeem her career.

Sasha Lane

Lane made a stunning debut in ‘American Honey’ alongside Shia LaBeouf. She followed it up with the reboot of ‘Hellboy’ which was a critical and commercial failure. She often plays the drifting wanderer or the bohemian rebel. Her raw and naturalistic acting style is ill-suited for the CGI spectacles she sometimes lands in. She shines brightest in grounded dramas that allow her to improvise.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Taylor-Klaus brings a unique non-binary energy to roles in ‘The Killing’ and ‘Scream’. Casting directors tend to place them in the role of the edgy street kid or the tech-savvy outcast. They voiced Pidge in ‘Voltron’ which was a fan-favorite role. However, live-action roles often rely on stereotypes about androgyny. They are capable of leading a series rather than just supporting the main cast.

Hari Nef

Nef was one of the many Barbies in the massive hit ‘Barbie’. While the film was a success, her role was relatively small compared to the main stars. She starred in ‘Assassination Nation’ and ‘The Idol’ which were both divisive projects. She is often cast to make a project feel modern or inclusive without being given significant screen time. She has the intellect and glamour to carry a film on her own.

Indya Moore

Moore is stunning as Angel in the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. Outside of that safe haven, they have struggled to find substantial work. Their appearance in ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’ was so brief it was essentially a cameo. The industry seems unsure of how to cast trans actors in blockbuster films. Moore deserves roles that utilize their dramatic range beyond the ballroom scene.

Jena Malone

Malone has been acting since childhood and has appeared in hits like ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’. She often plays the unhinged or eccentric character in the background. Her role in ‘Sucker Punch’ was physically demanding but the film was critically reviled. She has a dangerous edge to her acting that is rarely fully unleashed. She would excel as the antagonist in a major thriller.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood terrified and captivated audiences as Dolores in ‘Westworld’. Since the show ended, she has not found a film role that matches that level of intensity. She voiced the mother in ‘Frozen II’ but that did not translate to more on-screen time. She has been open about her bisexuality and her personal struggles. A psychological horror film would be the perfect vehicle for her talents.

Sara Ramirez

Ramirez is a Tony winner who was beloved as Callie Torres on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Their recent turn as Che Diaz in ‘And Just Like That…’ became an internet meme for all the wrong reasons. The writing for the character was widely mocked and did a disservice to Ramirez’s talent. They are a powerhouse vocalist and actor who was failed by a confusing script. They need a role that repairs the damage done by that polarizing character.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon is iconic as Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’. Like Ramirez, she has been bogged down by the baffling writing of the reboot series. She played a major role in ‘Ratched’ which was another example of Ryan Murphy’s style-over-substance approach. She is a serious dramatic actress who is often reduced to her most famous role. Seeing her in a gritty political drama would remind audiences of her range.

Sarah Shahi

Shahi was a breakout star on ‘The L Word’ and has worked steadily in TV ever since. She finally got a big movie role in ‘Black Adam’ but the film was a critical flop. Her Netflix series ‘Sex/Life’ was popular but soap-opera quality. She has the looks and the acting chops to be a major movie star. She needs a franchise that doesn’t crumble upon release.

Holland Taylor

Taylor is a legendary actress known for her wit and commanding presence. She is frequently cast as the judgmental mother or the wealthy matriarch in comedies like ‘Two and a Half Men’. Her relationship with Sarah Paulson often makes headlines more than her actual work. She brings gravitas to every role but is rarely the focus of the story. A late-career leading role in a poignant drama is long overdue.

Share your thoughts on which of these actresses you would like to see in a major leading role in the comments.