Lesbian Actresses Who Can’t Act (But Somehow Keep Getting Cast)

The entertainment industry often prioritizes public visibility and social media influence when casting major film and television projects. While many performers receive acclaim for their dramatic range others face persistent criticism regarding their professional acting abilities from both audiences and critics. This scrutiny is frequently directed at prominent actresses within the LGBTQ community who maintain successful careers despite mixed reviews of their screen presence. The following list examines several actresses who have built significant careers while navigating ongoing discussions about their technical craft.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp took over the iconic role of Storm in the ‘X Men’ franchise starting with ‘X Men Apocalypse’. She has also appeared in the musical ‘Tick Tick Boom’ and the romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’. Some fans and critics have expressed disappointment with her portrayal of legendary characters suggesting a perceived lack of gravitas. She maintains a busy schedule with frequent appearances in both big budget studio films and independent projects.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained major attention in ‘The Hunger Games’ and later starred in the acclaimed film ‘The Hate U Give’. Her more recent work in the series ‘The Acolyte’ and the horror film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ has sparked intense debate among fans regarding her delivery. Some viewers feel her performances can appear detached or overly modern for the specific settings of her projects. She continues to be a prominent young star in the industry who is frequently chosen for leading roles.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard has sustained a long career in Hollywood with roles in ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘The Rum Diary’. Her casting as Mera in the ‘Aquaman’ franchise brought her to a global audience even as critics debated her range as a leading lady. Public discourse around her personal life has often overshadowed her professional work on the screen. She remains a recognizable name in the industry through her involvement in several blockbuster franchises and dramas.

Asia Kate Dillon

Asia Kate Dillon is well known for playing Taylor Amber Mason in the drama series ‘Billions’. They also appeared as the Adjudicator in the action film ‘John Wick Chapter 3’. While their casting was historic for non binary representation some critics found their performance style to be clinical or repetitive. They continue to be a visible and active performer in high profile television and film projects today.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became famous for her deadpan delivery and awkward comedic style established in ‘Parks and Recreation’. This specific persona has followed her into many of her film roles such as ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’. While she has branched out into more dramatic work in ‘Emily the Criminal’ some critics still find her emotional range limited. She remains a highly productive actress with a dedicated fan base and frequent casting in major studio productions.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein earned significant praise for her roles in the films ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’ early in her career. Her casting as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of ‘Funny Girl’ led to a wave of negative reviews regarding her vocal and acting suitability. She eventually left the production early amid intense public and critical scrutiny about her performance. She continues to be cast in various television and film projects including the series ‘American Crime Story’.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne began her career as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. Since then she has appeared in numerous films such as ‘The Duff’ and ‘The Babysitter’ while building a massive digital brand. Critics often categorize her acting style as better suited for teen oriented content rather than prestige dramatic cinema. She continues to be cast in a high volume of projects due to her significant influence and large social media following.

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne transitioned from a highly successful modeling career to acting with roles in ‘Paper Towns’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. Her performance in ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ was met with critical reviews that cited a lack of emotional resonance. She continues to find work in high budget projects such as the series ‘Carnival Row’ on Amazon Prime. Despite the varied reception of her craft she remains a prominent figure in major film and television productions worldwide.

Cardi B

Cardi B made her film debut in the crime drama ‘Hustlers’ alongside Jennifer Lopez. She later appeared in ‘F9’ which is a major entry in the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise. While she has an enormous public persona some critics have noted that her acting is essentially a replication of her real life character. She continues to be sought after for cameo roles and small parts in major studio films that benefit from her star power.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon won acclaim for her role as Miranda Hobbes in the original ‘Sex and the City’ series and its subsequent films. Her return to the character in the revival series ‘And Just Like That’ has been met with significant criticism from longtime fans. Many viewers have found her recent acting choices and the direction of her character to be jarring or inconsistent. She remains a highly decorated actress with a long history of work on both the stage and the screen.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato rose to fame in the ‘Camp Rock’ films and the Disney series ‘Sonny with a Chance’. She later took on guest roles in ‘Glee’ and ‘Will and Grace’ during her adult career. Critics have often noted that her acting is frequently overshadowed by her powerful vocal performances and public personal life. She remains a major celebrity who is occasionally cast in projects that benefit from her massive global recognition.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron gained fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie’ and the ‘Descendants’ franchise. She has since moved into more mature roles in projects like ‘Schmigadoon’ and the film ‘Vengeance’. Some reviewers have pointed out that her performances often feel overly theatrical or consistent with her musical theater background. She remains a prominent figure in the industry with a strong following and frequent casting in television and film.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres starred in the sitcom ‘Ellen’ which was a landmark moment in television history. Her film career included roles in ‘Mr. Wrong’ and providing the voice for Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’. Some film critics noted that her comedic timing in stand up did not always translate effectively to live action dramatic acting. She eventually shifted her focus to her long running daytime talk show which dominated her professional life for two decades.

Halsey

Halsey is a global pop star who has ventured into acting with roles in ‘A Star Is Born’ and the film ‘Americana’. She also provided voice work for ‘Sing 2’ and appeared in her own cinematic film project ‘If I Cant Have Love I Want Power’. Some critics have argued that her screen presence is more indicative of a musician than a traditionally trained actor. Despite this she continues to be cast in roles that align with her artistic and public brand.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef began her career in the fashion industry before landing roles in the series ‘Transparent’ and ‘Assassination Nation’. She appeared in the blockbuster ‘Barbie’ movie as one of the titular dolls in the ensemble cast. Some critics have pointed to a certain stiffness in her dramatic deliveries compared to her seasoned castmates. She remains a sought after talent for projects that prioritize a modern and diverse aesthetic.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained widespread recognition for their role in the television series ‘Pose’. Following the success of the show they were cast in the horror film ‘Escape Room Tournament of Champions’. Some reviews of their post series work have mentioned a need for more consistency in emotional depth and range. They continue to be a prominent figure in both the fashion world and the entertainment industry.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe received significant praise for her early roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. However her later performances in films like ‘Antebellum’ received more varied reviews from critics and audiences. Some commentators felt that her acting in leading roles lacked the same impact as her earlier supporting turns. She remains a highly respected artist who continues to headline major film and television productions.

Jojo Siwa

Jojo Siwa transitioned from a child dancer and reality television star into acting roles in projects like ‘The J Team’. She has also appeared in the series ‘High School Musical The Musical The Series’ and the horror film ‘All My Friends Are Dead’. Critics often point out that her acting style is heavily influenced by her high energy persona as a social media influencer. She continues to expand her presence in the entertainment industry through various media ventures and television appearances.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a standout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ due to her eccentric characters and impressions. She transitioned into film with roles in ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me’. Some critics feel that her large and sketch oriented acting style does not always ground the narratives of feature length films. Despite these opinions she remains one of the most popular comedic talents working today.

Kehlani

Kehlani is primarily a singer and songwriter who has made several appearances in film and television projects. She had a role in the series ‘The L Word Generation Q’ and has appeared in various music related productions. Some reviewers have suggested that her acting lacks the nuance required for long form dramatic storytelling. She continues to explore opportunities in the entertainment industry alongside her successful career in music.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons broke out in the film ‘Dope’ and was later cast as Iris West in the film ‘The Flash’. Her career includes a wide variety of roles in television and film such as ‘Sweetheart’ and ‘Transparent’. Critics have occasionally described her performances as inconsistent or failing to elevate the source material. She remains a frequently cast actress in major studio productions and independent television series.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart became a global star through the ‘Twilight’ franchise where her performance was often criticized for being overly subdued. While she has since earned critical acclaim in films like ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ her early career was defined by negative reviews. Many viewers still associate her with the specific mannerisms she displayed in her most famous blockbuster roles. She continues to work at the highest levels of both independent and mainstream cinema.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a stand up comedian and jazz singer who found massive fame in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has since appeared in projects like the series ‘Reprisal’ and the film ‘Cars 3’ as a voice actor. Some critics argue that her acting is closely tied to her broad and aggressive comedic stage persona. She continues to be a staple in the industry for roles that require her specific type of energy and screen presence.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe is a successful screenwriter and producer who has also taken on several major acting roles. She appeared in the film ‘Ready Player One’ and the series ‘Master of None’ and ‘Westworld’. Some viewers and critics have suggested that her performances lack the professional polish of seasoned dramatic actors. Despite these critiques she remains a powerful figure in Hollywood who frequently creates and stars in her own content.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily Rose Depp has appeared in several French and American films including ‘The King’ and ‘Voyagers’. Her casting in the HBO series ‘The Idol’ drew significant attention and mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many commentators have debated whether her career trajectory is influenced more by her familial connections than her acting ability. She continues to be a favorite of high fashion brands and independent film directors.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho is primarily known for her groundbreaking stand up comedy and her sitcom ‘All American Girl’. Her acting career includes appearances in ‘Face Off’ and the legal drama ‘Drop Dead Diva’. Critics have sometimes described her acting as stylized and rooted in her comedic background rather than traditional dramatic techniques. She maintains a consistent presence in film and television through guest roles and voice work in animated series.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox rose to international stardom with her role in the ‘Transformers’ franchise. She has been cast in a wide range of films from the cult classic ‘Jennifer’s Body’ to the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ series. Throughout her career critics have frequently dismissed her acting talent in favor of discussing her status as a sex symbol. She has recently seen a resurgence in her career with roles in independent action films and thrillers.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez is well known for her recurring roles in ‘The Fast and the Furious’ and ‘Resident Evil’ franchises. She has built a career playing tough and physically capable characters who often share similar personality traits. While she is a staple of the action genre some critics argue that she lacks range beyond her established archetype. Her consistent casting in major blockbusters ensures her status as a recognizable face in global cinema.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus started her acting career as the lead in the Disney Channel hit ‘Hannah Montana’. She later starred in films such as ‘The Last Song’ and the series ‘Crisis in Six Scenes’ directed by Woody Allen. Many critics felt that her transition into adult acting roles was hindered by her overwhelming public image as a pop star. While she has largely shifted her focus to music her occasional acting turns continue to draw significant media attention.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne has had a long career starting as a child actor in ‘Pee wees Playhouse’ and later starring in ‘American Pie’. She has seen a career resurgence with ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Poker Face’ where she plays very specific types of characters. Some critics argue that she essentially plays a version of herself in every project which limits her versatility. Her unique persona continues to make her a popular choice for creators of idiosyncratic content.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is best known for her roles in the series ‘Ally McBeal’ and the cult classic ‘Arrested Development’. Her later career included a significant role in the political drama ‘Scandal’. Some viewers felt that her performance in later years became somewhat stiff compared to her early comedic work. She eventually decided to retire from acting to focus on business ventures and her various philanthropic efforts.

Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson became a household name with her role as Fat Amy in the ‘Pitch Perfect’ trilogy. Since then she has starred in several comedies such as ‘Isnt It Romantic’ and the live action ‘Cats’ movie. Many critics have suggested that her acting is limited to a specific type of slapstick humor that does not vary between films. Despite these critiques she remains a major draw for audiences and continues to secure lead roles in mainstream comedies.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell achieved major success in the nineties with roles in ‘A League of Their Own’ and ‘The Flintstones’. While she became a household name some critics argued that she often played variations of her own public persona. Her transition from film to talk show hosting solidified her celebrity status even as her acting roles became less frequent. She still makes guest appearances in series like ‘Russian Doll’ where her performance style remains consistent.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose broke out in the television series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ before moving into major action films like ‘John Wick Chapter 2’. She was cast as the lead in the ‘Batwoman’ television series which generated significant discussion regarding her suitability for the role. Many critics pointed to a perceived lack of versatility in her performances across different genres. She eventually left the series after the first season but continues to appear in various independent action movies.

Sandra Bernhard

Sandra Bernhard rose to prominence with her unique blend of comedy and performance art. Her most famous role was in the film ‘The King of Comedy’ where she played a high energy obsessed fan. Critics have often noted that her acting style is highly specific and closely tied to her stage persona. She continues to be cast in television series such as ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’ where her distinct presence is utilized.

Shailene Woodley

Shailene Woodley starred in the ‘Divergent’ series and ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ which established her as a major young talent. Her later performances in projects like ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘Ferrari’ have received a mix of critical responses. Some viewers find her acting choices to be distracting or overly quirky for the characters she portrays. She remains a prominent actress who is frequently chosen for complex roles in both television and cinema.

Taylor Schilling

Taylor Schilling led the ensemble cast of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ as Piper Chapman for seven seasons. While the show was a massive success some critics and fans felt she was often the least compelling part of the narrative. Her film roles in projects like ‘The Lucky One’ also received mixed reviews regarding her dramatic range. She continues to work in television and film following the conclusion of her breakout series.

Tell us which performances you found the most disappointing in the comments.