LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Deliver the Absolute Best On-Screen Crying Scenes

The landscape of modern cinema and television has been profoundly shaped by performers who can tap into the deepest wells of human emotion. Actresses within the LGBTQ+ community have often led the way in providing authentic portrayals of heartbreak and resilience. These stars utilize their personal depth and professional skill to create moments of profound sadness that stay with audiences long after the credits roll. From quiet tears of realization to explosive outpourings of grief their work highlights the power of vulnerability in storytelling. This collection celebrates those performers who have mastered the art of the on-screen breakdown.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson is widely recognized for her immense emotional range across various seasons of ‘American Horror Story’. Her ability to convey raw vulnerability and terror often culminates in devastating crying scenes that resonate with viewers. In ‘Ratched’ she provides a nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with intense internal and external pressures. This actress consistently delivers performances where her grief feels authentic and deeply moving. Her presence on screen ensures that every moment of sorrow is felt by the audience.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart earned significant acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the film ‘Spencer’. Her performance is marked by a palpable sense of isolation and many quiet moments of weeping that anchor the narrative. In ‘Clouds of Sils Maria’ she demonstrates a more understated but equally effective emotional resonance. This performer often uses her physicality to express a type of grief that words cannot fully capture. Her dedication to exploring the inner lives of her characters makes her one of the most compelling dramatic talents working today.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson delivers a powerhouse performance in ‘Passing’ where she navigates the complex social and personal identity of her character. Her ability to portray repressed emotions that eventually erupt into tears is a highlight of her dramatic work. In ‘Sylvie’s Love’ she captures the bittersweet nature of long term romance and the sorrow that comes with lost time. This actress has a unique skill for making every teardrop feel earned through careful character development. Her work continues to set a high standard for emotional authenticity in film.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer became a breakout star through her visceral and vulnerable work in the series ‘Euphoria’. Her portrayal of Jules Vaughn involves several high stakes emotional scenes that require a deep level of authenticity. The actress brings a raw energy to her crying scenes that reflects the turbulent experiences of modern youth. Critics have praised her for her ability to remain present and connected even in the most distressing moments of a script. Her performance remains a cornerstone of the emotional weight found within the series.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood has been delivering hauntingly beautiful crying scenes since her early work in the film ‘Thirteen’. She continued to showcase this talent in ‘Westworld’ where her character undergoes significant psychological trauma. The actress is known for her precision and the way she can shift from stoicism to absolute heartbreak in a single shot. Her tears often serve as a catalyst for major character shifts within her projects. She remains a master of conveying complex internal states through her expressive features.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster has a legendary career built on her ability to portray resilient women facing extreme circumstances. In ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ she uses subtle emotional cues to show the toll her investigation takes on her psyche. Her crying scenes are rarely about theatrics and instead focus on the heavy burden of her characters. In ‘The Accused’ she delivers a harrowing performance that demands a high level of emotional transparency. This veteran actress has influenced generations of performers with her grounded approach to sorrow.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza surprised many viewers with her dramatic depth in the film ‘Emily the Criminal’. While often associated with comedy she proves her range by delivering several scenes of high tension and genuine despair. In ‘Black Bear’ she navigates a complex meta narrative that requires multiple layers of emotional breakdown. Her ability to appear both frayed and determined while crying adds a unique texture to her work. She continues to seek out roles that challenge her and allow for these intense moments of screen time.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg delivered an unforgettable performance in ‘The Hate U Give’ that required immense emotional stamina. Her character faces a series of traumatic events that lead to some of the most moving crying scenes in recent cinema. The actress manages to convey both the personal grief of a teenager and the collective weight of a community. In ‘Everything, Everything’ she brings a tender and soft emotionality to her role. Her work is characterized by a sincerity that makes it impossible for the viewer to look away.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her role as Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’. Her performance is grounded in a world of constant loss where every moment of weeping feels like a survival instinct. She brings a maturity to her crying scenes that belies her age and adds significant weight to the story. In ‘Catherine Called Birdy’ she shows her range by balancing humor with moments of genuine teenage frustration and sadness. This actress is quickly becoming known for her ability to anchor major productions with her emotional honesty.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose won an Academy Award for her role as Anita in ‘West Side Story’ where she delivers a heart wrenching performance. Her singing and dancing are matched by her ability to portray a woman whose world has been shattered by violence. The crying scenes in this film are pivotal to the narrative and require a performer who can hold the screen with intensity. She brings a theatrical power to her screen work that makes every sob feel resonant. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every frame of her emotional journey.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley became a household name for her role as Poussey Washington in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her character provided much of the heart of the series and her emotional scenes were often the most memorable. In ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ she portrays a woman fighting for her life and sanity while enduring unimaginable grief. The actress has a way of letting tears well up in a way that feels completely spontaneous and unforced. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of systemic oppression.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox delivered a breakout performance in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ that featured many moments of deep personal struggle. Her ability to portray the specific pain of rejection and the search for self acceptance is remarkably clear. In ‘Promising Young Woman’ she provides a grounded presence that contrasts with the film’s more chaotic elements. Her crying scenes are often infused with a sense of dignity and strength that defines her screen presence. She remains a trailblazer who uses her art to highlight the complexities of the human experience.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette received critical acclaim for her leading role in the film ‘Monica’ which focuses on a woman returning home to care for her dying mother. The film relies heavily on her ability to convey a lifetime of unspoken grief through her expressions and tears. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety and the way pain can be carried in the body over many years. In ‘Hustlers’ she brings a different kind of energy but remains equally committed to the emotional reality of her character. She is a performer who excels in roles that demand total vulnerability.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton gained a loyal following for her role as Nomi Marks in the series ‘Sense8’. Her character’s journey is one of connection and empathy and she often delivers tears that feel truly communal. In the reboot of ‘Hellraiser’ she brings a cold and eerie intensity that still manages to flicker with ancient sorrow. The actress has a commanding presence that makes her moments of emotional breakdown feel significant. Her work consistently explores the boundaries of identity and the resilience of the human spirit.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon is a veteran of the screen who has navigated everything from comedy to intense political drama. In ‘The Gilded Age’ she portrays a woman of high standing who must often hide her true feelings behind a mask of propriety. Her crying scenes in ‘Sex and the City’ were often the emotional anchors of the series because they felt so grounded in reality. She has a way of portraying sadness that feels intellectual and deeply felt at the same time. Her long career is a testament to her versatility and her commitment to honest storytelling.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor has a storied career that includes many iconic roles in both film and television. In ‘The Practice’ she showcased her ability to play a woman of authority who is not afraid to show her cracks. Her emotional scenes are often characterized by a sharp wit that makes the eventual tears even more impactful. In ‘The Morning Show’ she continues to prove that she can hold her own against any contemporary performer. This actress brings a lifetime of experience to her crying scenes which gives them an unmatched sense of gravitas.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a master of the human condition who can move seamlessly between laughter and tears. In ‘Grace and Frankie’ she explores the grief of late life transitions with both humor and profound sadness. Her ability to weep on screen feels like a natural extension of her character’s eccentricities and depth. In films like ‘Grandma’ she shows a tougher exterior that eventually gives way to moments of raw emotion. She remains one of the most beloved performers in the industry for her unwavering authenticity.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is known for her commanding stage presence and her equally impressive work on screen. In ‘Killing Eve’ she plays a high level operative who rarely shows her cards but occasionally reveals a deep well of loneliness. Her crying scenes are often sudden and striking because of the stoicism she maintains in other moments. In ‘Andor’ she provides some of the most grounded and moving emotional beats in the science fiction genre. She is an actress who understands exactly how to use her face to tell a story of internal conflict.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a titan of the acting world who brings a sense of nobility to every role she takes on. In ‘Succession’ she delivers a performance that is both sharp and emotionally resonant during moments of crisis. Her work in ’24’ allowed her to showcase a woman in power grappling with impossible moral choices and the sorrow they cause. She has a voice that carries weight and her crying scenes are often as much about the sound of her grief as the sight of it. Her presence on screen is always a guarantee of high quality dramatic work.

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne has a unique screen presence that blends a tough exterior with a deeply sensitive interior. In ‘Russian Doll’ she navigates a cycle of death and rebirth that requires her to experience every possible human emotion. Her crying scenes often have a quality of exhaustion and revelation that feels incredibly modern. In ‘Orange Is the New Black’ she portrayed a character whose layers of trauma were slowly peeled back through tears. She is an actress who isn’t afraid to look messy or unraveled when the role demands it.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a staple of independent cinema for decades and is known for her grounded performances. In ‘Girl, Interrupted’ she was part of an ensemble that explored the complexities of mental health and emotional suffering. Her work often features a quiet intensity where her tears seem to come from a place of deep reflection. In ‘Happiest Season’ which she also directed she explores the specific anxieties and sorrows associated with the coming out process. She remains a key figure in queer cinema for her ability to portray relatable and honest emotions.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein brought a huge amount of heart to her roles in ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. Her crying scenes often capture the specific sting of teenage rejection and the growing pains of early adulthood. In the series ‘Impeachment: American Crime Story’ she takes on a much heavier role that requires constant emotional distress. She has a way of making her eyes tell a story of betrayal and longing before a single tear even falls. Her performances are consistently praised for their warmth and their total lack of vanity.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe transitioned from a successful music career to become a formidable force in acting. In ‘Moonlight’ she provides a crucial emotional harbor for the protagonist and delivers scenes of quiet tenderness and sorrow. Her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ showcases her ability to portray a woman fighting for her rights while managing her personal frustrations. She brings a cinematic quality to her crying scenes that makes them feel both grand and intimate. Her ability to tap into deep historical and personal pain makes her a standout performer.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz became famous for her stoic character on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ which made her moments of vulnerability even more effective. In the film ‘Short Term 12’ she delivers a devastating performance that highlights the trauma of those working within the foster care system. Her crying scenes in this film are raw and unfiltered showing a side of her talent that many viewers had not seen. She has the ability to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by the world while still trying to remain strong for others. This balance makes her dramatic work particularly compelling.

Emma Corrin

Emma Corrin rose to international fame for their portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’. Their performance was noted for its incredible likeness and the way they captured the immense sadness of a woman trapped in a cold institution. The crying scenes in this series were central to the audience’s empathy and were handled with great delicacy. In ‘My Policeman’ they continue to explore themes of repressed desire and the tears that come from living a lie. They are a performer who excels at showing the cracks in a polished facade.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson proved her dramatic chops in the series ‘A League of Their Own’ which she also co-created. While known for her comedic timing she delivers several scenes of profound heartbreak as her character navigates secret love and professional pressure. Her crying feels very lived in and realistic reflecting the stakes of the historical period she is portraying. In ‘6 Balloons’ she tackles the heavy subject of addiction and the toll it takes on a family. She is an actress who can find the humor in sadness and the sorrow in joy.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat has spent years honing her craft in both mainstream and independent projects. In ‘Search Party’ she leads the cast through a bizarre and often dark journey that ends in moments of genuine terror and grief. Her crying scenes often have an edge of absurdity that makes them feel uniquely modern and uncomfortable. In ‘Duck Butter’ she explores the intimacy and the eventual breakdown of a relationship with great emotional honesty. She is an actress who consistently chooses roles that allow her to explore the darker corners of the human psyche.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke became a fan favorite in ‘Stranger Things’ where she balances high stakes action with moments of personal realization. Her performance in ‘Mainstream’ shows a more experimental side where she deals with the emotional fallout of internet fame. She has a very expressive face that allows her to convey a sense of being overwhelmed or heartbroken with minimal effort. Her crying scenes often feel like a release of tension that has been building throughout the story. She is quickly establishing herself as a talented dramatic actress in her own right.

Kate Moennig

Kate Moennig is best known for her iconic role in ‘The L Word’ where she portrayed a character who often avoided emotional intimacy. When her character finally did break down the resulting crying scenes were some of the most impactful in the series. She has a way of portraying a character who is trying very hard not to cry which makes the eventual release more powerful. In ‘Ray Donovan’ she brought a similar sense of guarded vulnerability to her performance. Her work is often defined by what her characters are trying to hide.

Leisha Hailey

Leisha Hailey delivered many memorable moments as Alice Pieszecki in ‘The L Word’ and its sequel. Her character was often the source of levity but her scenes involving loss and betrayal showed her range as a dramatic actress. She has an accessible and friendly screen presence that makes her crying scenes feel like they are happening to a close friend. The actress uses her background in music to inform the rhythm and timing of her emotional beats. Her performances continue to resonate with fans for their honesty and charm.

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria is a pioneer in the entertainment industry who is known for her bold and unapologetic presence. In ‘Orange Is the New Black’ she played Big Boo a character who often used humor and toughness as a shield. The scenes where she allowed that shield to drop and showed her grief were some of the most moving in the show. She brings a sense of history and lived experience to her crying scenes that makes them feel incredibly authentic. Her work is a reminder of the power of showing vulnerability in the most unlikely characters.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore became a breakout star in ‘Pose’ for their portrayal of Angel Evangelista. Their performance is filled with moments of high glamour and deep personal sorrow as their character searches for love and family. The crying scenes in the series often highlight the specific challenges and beauty of the trans experience in the 1980s. They bring a luminous quality to their emotional scenes that makes every tear feel significant. Their work has been instrumental in bringing more visibility and empathy to the stories they tell.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is known for her commanding and regal presence as Elektra Abundance in ‘Pose’. While her character is often seen as a fierce leader she has several scenes where her vulnerability is laid bare. Her crying scenes are powerful because they show the immense strength it takes to keep going in the face of tragedy. She has a way of delivering a monologue that can transition into a deeply moving emotional breakdown. Her work is a masterclass in using status and vulnerability to create a complex character.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross delivered a haunting and unforgettable performance in ‘Pose’ that culminated in some of the series’ most emotional moments. Her character Candy Ferocity was a fan favorite and her journey was marked by both joy and intense struggle. The actress also showcased her range in ‘American Horror Story’ where she played characters with very different emotional landscapes. She has a way of conveying a sense of righteous anger that often melts into tears of frustration or grief. Her screen presence is always magnetic and deeply felt.

Hailie Sahar

Hailie Sahar is another standout from the ‘Pose’ ensemble who brought a sense of grace and softness to the screen. Her character Lulu underwent significant growth and her emotional scenes were handled with great sensitivity. The actress has a quiet way of crying that feels very intimate as if the audience is witnessing a private moment. She also appeared in ‘Good Trouble’ where she continued to showcase her ability to anchor a scene with her emotional presence. Her work is characterized by a steady and grounded authenticity.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef has made a name for herself in both film and television with her distinct and intelligent performances. In ‘Transparent’ she played a character from the past whose story was filled with both hope and heartbreak. Her crying scenes often have a poetic quality that fits the tone of the projects she chooses. In ‘Assassination Nation’ she deals with a more contemporary and chaotic form of emotional distress. She is an actress who is clearly interested in the intersection of identity and emotion in her work.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison is often known for her surreal and brilliant comedy but she delivered a stunning dramatic turn in ‘Together Together’. The film explores a unique friendship and she provides many moments of quiet reflection and sadness. Her ability to cry on screen in a way that feels completely natural and unforced was a highlight for many critics. She has a deadpan style that makes her moments of genuine emotion feel even more surprising and impactful. This role proved that she is a versatile performer who can handle any genre.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch is a powerhouse performer who has won multiple awards for her work in ‘Glee’ and ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’. While she is a master of comedy she has delivered several dramatic scenes that show her incredible range. In ‘Glee’ her character’s tough exterior often cracked during moments of personal loss leading to very moving crying scenes. She has a way of using her voice and her height to create a character who feels both imposing and deeply fragile. Her career is filled with examples of her ability to balance these two extremes.

Lily-Rose Depp

Lily-Rose Depp has quickly established herself as a dramatic actress to watch in projects like ‘The Idol’. Her performance requires a high level of emotional intensity and frequent scenes of distress and weeping. She brings a sense of fragility and determination to her roles that makes her characters very compelling to watch. The actress has a cinematic face that captures every nuance of sorrow and confusion. Her work continues to evolve as she takes on more challenging and complex roles in both film and television.

Adèle Haenel

Adèle Haenel is one of the most acclaimed actresses in contemporary French cinema. Her performance in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ is a masterpiece of repressed emotion and final cathartic release. The final scene of the film which focuses entirely on her face as she experiences a wave of emotions is legendary. She has a way of crying that feels like a physical eruption of everything her character has been holding back. Her commitment to her roles and her emotional honesty have made her an icon of modern film.

Noémie Merlant

Noémie Merlant starred alongside Adèle Haenel in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ and delivered an equally powerful performance. Her character is the observer and her crying scenes often reflect the pain of witnessing something beautiful that cannot last. In ‘Tár’ she provides a grounded and increasingly distressed performance that shows her ability to hold her own against veteran actors. She has a very expressive and soulful presence that makes her moments of sadness feel deeply personal. Her work is consistently marked by a high level of artistic integrity.

Brianna Hildebrand

Brianna Hildebrand gained attention for her role in ‘Deadpool’ but she showed her dramatic range in the series ‘Trinkets’. Her character deals with issues of identity and family that lead to several realistic and moving crying scenes. She has a tough exterior that makes her moments of vulnerability feel earned and impactful. The actress brings a contemporary energy to her work that resonates with younger audiences. She continues to find roles that allow her to explore the complexities of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons has built a diverse career with roles in ‘Dope’ and ‘Hearts Beat Loud’. In the latter she delivers a very sweet and eventually emotional performance as a young woman preparing to leave home. Her crying scenes often have a quality of transition and bittersweet realization. In ‘The Flash’ and other larger projects she manages to keep her characters grounded in real emotion despite the scale of the story. She is an actress who brings a sense of joy and depth to everything she does.

Quintessa Swindell

Quintessa Swindell is a rising star known for their work in ‘Trinkets’ and ‘In Treatment’. Their performance in ‘In Treatment’ required them to engage in long and intense emotional dialogues that often resulted in tears. They have a way of showing the process of a character trying to understand their own pain in real time. Their work is characterized by a high level of focus and a willingness to explore difficult emotional territory. They are quickly becoming one of the most interesting young performers in the industry.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Jasmin Savoy Brown has become a standout in the horror and thriller genres with her roles in ‘Yellowjackets’ and the ‘Scream’ franchise. In ‘Yellowjackets’ she portrays a character surviving extreme trauma and her crying scenes reflect that intensity. She manages to convey both the immediate terror of her situation and the long term emotional toll it takes. Her ability to remain believable and grounded in high stakes scenarios is a testament to her skill. She is a performer who knows how to use emotion to drive the tension of a story.

Liv Hewson

Liv Hewson also stars in ‘Yellowjackets’ and brings a unique and stoic energy to the ensemble. Their moments of emotional release are often some of the most surprising and moving in the series. They have a way of portraying a character who is a pillar of strength for others but eventually needs to process their own grief. In ‘Santa Clarita Diet’ they showed their ability to balance dark comedy with genuine family emotion. Their work is always nuanced and adds a significant layer of depth to the projects they are in.

Sophie Thatcher

Sophie Thatcher is another key member of the ‘Yellowjackets’ cast who has received praise for her raw performance. Her character is one of the most emotionally burdened and her crying scenes are often visceral and painful to watch. She has a way of making her grief feel like it is anchored in the physical reality of her environment. In ‘The Boogeyman’ she continues to explore themes of loss and the way it can haunt a person. She is a very focused actress who isn’t afraid to go to dark places for her art.

Roberta Colindrez

Roberta Colindrez is known for her grounded and cool screen presence in shows like ‘Vida’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. Her crying scenes are often understated but carry a huge amount of emotional weight because of her character’s usual composure. She has a way of letting the audience see the exact moment a character’s heart breaks. Her work often explores the nuances of queer identity and the specific sorrows of navigating a complicated world. She is a performer who brings a great deal of thought and care to every role.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards is a talented actress and writer who has appeared in ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ and ‘Tales of the City’. Her work often focuses on the lived experiences of trans women and the emotional complexities that come with it. She delivers crying scenes that are infused with a sense of weary resilience and deep intelligence. Her performance in ‘Clarice’ showed her ability to handle more traditional dramatic and thriller elements with ease. She is a vital voice in the industry who uses her acting to tell important and moving stories.

Alexandra Shipp

Alexandra Shipp has appeared in everything from big budget superhero movies to intimate musical dramas like ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. In the latter she delivers a performance filled with the bittersweet reality of a relationship that is reaching its end. Her crying scenes are tender and feel very grounded in the specific love her character shares with the protagonist. She has a radiant screen presence that makes her moments of sorrow feel particularly poignant. She continues to prove her versatility as a performer who can handle any emotional challenge.

Tell us which of these incredible actresses moved you the most in the comments.