LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Rarely Get Credit For Their Range

Many performers in Hollywood find themselves defined by a specific type of role or a breakout performance that dominates the public perception of their career. This often happens to talented women in the LGBTQ+ community who are celebrated for their identity but occasionally overlooked for their sheer versatility on screen. These actresses possess the ability to disappear into characters that range from comedic geniuses to terrifying villains without missing a beat. The industry frequently fails to acknowledge the depth of their craft beyond their most famous appearances. The following list highlights actresses whose extensive filmographies demonstrate a chameleon-like quality that deserves far more acclaim.

Fiona Shaw

This legendary Irish actress commands attention in every scene she inhabits regardless of the genre. She is widely recognized by younger generations for her role as the severe Aunt Petunia in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise. Her performance in ‘Killing Eve’ allowed her to showcase a dry wit and icy intelligence that captivated audiences globally. She effortlessly transitions between stage drama and high-stakes television thrillers with remarkable precision. Shaw consistently brings a gravitas to her supporting roles that often eclipses the main action of the story.

Clea DuVall

DuVall has been a staple in independent and mainstream cinema since the late nineties. She gained cult status for her role in the satirical comedy ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ where she displayed impeccable comedic timing. Her transition into directing and writing has further highlighted her understanding of complex character dynamics. Roles in projects like ‘Argo’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ prove she can handle intense dramatic material with subtle emotional depth. She remains one of the most consistent working actors who can elevate any ensemble cast.

Stephanie Beatriz

Beatriz is most famous for her portrayal of the stoic and tough detective Rosa Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Many fans were shocked to discover her natural speaking voice is bubbly and high-pitched compared to her character. Her voice acting work as the lead character in Disney’s ‘Encanto’ demonstrated a completely different side of her artistic capabilities. She possesses a rare ability to switch between deadpan comedy and earnest musical performance effortlessly. This range makes her one of the most surprising talents working in television today.

Aubrey Plaza

For years this actress was synonymous with the deadpan persona of April Ludgate from ‘Parks and Recreation’. She spent the last decade tirelessly working to break out of that specific mold through diverse indie projects. Her performance in ‘Emily the Criminal’ showcased a gritty and desperate edge that critics had not seen before. She continued to subvert expectations with a tense and nuanced turn in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza has successfully transformed from a sitcom icon into a serious dramatic force.

Cherry Jones

Jones is a titan of the theater world who brings incredible authority to her screen roles. She commanded the screen as the President of the United States in the thrilling series ’24’. Her work in ‘Succession’ and ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ displayed her ability to play characters with questionable morals and steely resolve. She conveys volumes of information through subtle facial expressions rather than relying solely on dialogue. Her extensive background in Broadway plays provides her with a discipline that translates powerfully to camera.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson has seamlessly navigated between big-budget blockbusters and intimate independent films throughout her career. She brings a regal intensity to fantasy roles in the ‘Thor’ franchise and ‘Westworld’. Her performance in ‘Passing’ required a delicate and restrained approach that contrasted sharply with her action-heavy resume. She embodies characters with a mixture of vulnerability and strength that feels incredibly authentic. Her willingness to take risks on experimental projects proves she prioritizes artistic growth over stardom.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood started her career as a child actor and successfully transitioned into complex adult roles. She delivered a harrowing performance in ‘Thirteen’ that defined a generation of coming-of-age dramas. Her portrayal of a sentient android in ‘Westworld’ required a mechanical precision layered with emerging human emotion. She consistently chooses roles that challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Her ability to play both fragile and formidable characters makes her a unique presence in Hollywood.

Holland Taylor

Taylor has enjoyed a prolific career spanning decades with memorable roles in both television and film. She is often recognized for her sharp tongue and wit in comedies like ‘Two and a Half Men’. Her performance in ‘The Practice’ earned her an Emmy and showcased her dramatic capabilities as a judge. She later brought a nuanced warmth and ambition to her role in the limited series ‘Hollywood’. Taylor continues to surprise audiences with her energy and ability to steal scenes from younger co-stars.

Alia Shawkat

Shawkat is widely known for her role as Maeby Fünke in the cult classic sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She reinvented her career with the dark comedy mystery series ‘Search Party’. The show allowed her to explore a character descending into obsession and paranoia over several seasons. She has also made a name for herself as a visual artist and jazz singer outside of acting. Her eclectic choices demonstrate a desire to explore the weird and wonderful corners of the entertainment industry.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon was the breakout star of ‘Saturday Night Live’ for her unparalleled ability to inhabit bizarre characters. She effortlessly transforms her face and voice to mimic political figures and celebrities with uncanny accuracy. Her transition to film roles in ‘Barbie’ and ‘Bombshell’ proved she could handle scripted narrative arcs alongside sketch comedy. She brings a chaotic energy to her performances that is difficult for other actors to replicate. Underneath the absurdity often lies a surprising amount of emotional intelligence.

Samira Wiley

Wiley captured hearts as the beloved Poussey Washington in the prison drama ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She followed that success with a harrowing role in the dystopian series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her characters often face immense tragedy yet she imbues them with a resilient spirit that resonates with viewers. She has a distinctive screen presence that combines warmth with an unyielding intensity. Wiley consistently selects projects that highlight social injustices and complex human endurance.

Laverne Cox

Cox broke barriers for transgender representation with her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has since proven her versatility by taking on roles in thrillers like ‘Promising Young Woman’ and procedural dramas. Her work often balances glamour with grit to create multi-dimensional characters. She brings a level of advocacy and intelligence to her roles that informs her performance choices. Cox continues to push for more diverse storytelling while expanding her own acting portfolio.

Anna Paquin

Paquin won an Academy Award as a child for her role in ‘The Piano’ and never slowed down. She became a pop culture icon as Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and Sookie Stackhouse in ‘True Blood’. Her career choices often lean towards the dark and gritty independent film sector. She excels at playing characters who are seemingly innocent but possess a hidden darkness or strength. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her adaptability across genres.

Maria Bello

Bello is a powerhouse actress who has delivered stunning performances in films like ‘A History of Violence’. She brings a raw and grounded energy to every role she accepts. Her work in ‘The Cooler’ demonstrated her ability to find hope and romance in bleak settings. She is often cast as the tough survivor but manages to find the tender moments within those archetypes. Bello remains one of the most reliable character actresses working in film and television.

Jamie Clayton

Clayton gained international attention for her role as Nomi Marks in the sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. She later took on the terrifying mantle of the Pinhead in the ‘Hellraiser’ reboot. This shift from a sympathetic hacker to a supernatural horror icon displayed her immense range. She brings a physicality to her roles that commands the space she occupies on screen. Clayton is quickly establishing herself as a genre actress who can handle extreme makeup and special effects.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart became the face of a global phenomenon with ‘Twilight’ but spent the years following it dismantling that image. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. Her work in French cinema and independent dramas has proven her dedication to the craft of acting. She excels at internalizing emotion and conveying complex thoughts with minimal dialogue. Stewart has successfully rebranded herself as a serious auteur-driven actress.

Cynthia Erivo

Erivo is just a few awards shy of achieving EGOT status due to her immense talent on stage and screen. She delivered a powerhouse performance as the titular activist in the biopic ‘Harriet’. Her role in the darker crime drama ‘The Outsider’ showed a restrained and cerebral side of her acting. She possesses a singing voice that often enhances her dramatic roles in musical films. Erivo approaches every character with a rigorous physical and emotional discipline.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose exploded onto the film scene with her Oscar-winning performance in ‘West Side Story’. She showcased her comedic chops and musical theater background in the series ‘Schmigadoon!’. Her energy on screen is electric and she moves with the grace of a trained dancer. She is capable of balancing high-energy musical numbers with quiet moments of heartbreak. DeBose is rapidly becoming a go-to star for projects that require a triple-threat performer.

Uzo Aduba

Aduba won two Emmy Awards in different categories for playing the same character in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. This rare feat highlighted her ability to navigate both drama and comedy within a single role. She later portrayed Shirley Chisholm in ‘Mrs. America’ with dignity and historical accuracy. Her performances are often marked by a deep empathy for the eccentricities of her characters. Aduba brings a theatrical intensity to television that makes her impossible to ignore.

Rutina Wesley

Wesley is best known for her role as the fiery Tara Thornton in the vampire drama ‘True Blood’. She later anchored the family drama ‘Queen Sugar’ with a grounded and mature performance. Her training at Juilliard is evident in the way she handles complex dialogue and emotional monologues. She excels at playing women who are trying to hold their lives together amidst chaos. Wesley consistently delivers powerful performances that ground the fantastical elements of her shows.

Devery Jacobs

Jacobs has emerged as a significant talent through her work in ‘Reservation Dogs’. Her writing and acting on the show balance surreal humor with the harsh realities of grief. She brings a quiet strength to her roles that speaks to her experience in independent indigenous cinema. Her performance style is naturalistic and avoids the trap of overacting in dramatic scenes. Jacobs is steadily building a body of work that challenges stereotypes and highlights modern indigenous life.

Jasmin Savoy Brown

Brown has become a fixture in the horror genre with standout roles in ‘Scream’ and ‘Yellowjackets’. She brings a modern sensibility and sharp wit to the classic “final girl” tropes. Her characters are often intelligent and resourceful rather than just victims of the plot. She manages to find moments of levity even in the most gruesome scenarios. Brown is proving to be a versatile actress who can handle intense physical demands.

Katy O’Brian

O’Brian stunned audiences with her physical transformation and emotional vulnerability in ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. She previously held supporting roles in the ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel universes that utilized her martial arts background. Her breakout lead role proved she could carry a romantic drama with intensity and tenderness. She represents a new kind of action star who does not sacrifice emotional depth for spectacle. O’Brian is redefining what it means to be a female lead in gritty thrillers.

Roberta Colindrez

Colindrez is a master of deadpan delivery and understated coolness. She brought a unique energy to the series ‘Vida’ and the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’. Her characters often serve as the grounding force in chaotic ensemble casts. She avoids clichés and brings a specific authenticity to her portrayals of queer women. Colindrez consistently steals scenes with her dry humor and skeptical expressions.

Hannah Einbinder

Einbinder holds her own against comedy legends in the acclaimed series ‘Hacks’. Her background in stand-up comedy informs her impeccable timing and delivery. She plays her character with a mixture of entitlement and insecurity that is painfully relatable. The chemistry she builds with her co-stars drives the emotional core of her projects. Einbinder is quickly proving that she is a major comedic voice of her generation.

Ayo Edebiri

Edebiri transitioned from a writer and voice actor to a major on-screen talent with ‘The Bear’. Her performance captures the anxiety and ambition of a young chef in a high-pressure environment. She displayed a completely different comedic style in the teen comedy ‘Bottoms’. She brings a nervous energy to her roles that feels incredibly distinct and modern. Edebiri has demonstrated an impressive range in a very short amount of time.

Rachel Sennott

Sennott has carved out a niche for herself in anxiety-inducing independent comedies like ‘Shiva Baby’. She combines neurotic energy with a fearless approach to physical comedy. Her writing often accompanies her acting to create characters that feel tailored to her strengths. She captures the specific chaotic energy of young adulthood perfectly. Sennott is a driving force in the new wave of alternative comedy cinema.

Alice Braga

Braga gained fame in Brazil before becoming an international action star. She led the crime drama ‘Queen of the South’ for five seasons with a commanding presence. Her roles often involve women in high-stakes situations who must use their intelligence to survive. She brings a soulful quality to action films that elevates the material. Braga continues to work steadily in both blockbusters and smaller character-driven dramas.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Rodriguez made history as the first trans woman to earn an Emmy nomination in a lead acting category. Her role as the house mother in ‘Pose’ required her to be both a nurturing figure and a fierce protector. She later showcased her comedic timing in the workplace satire ‘Loot’. Her musical theater background gives her a commanding stage presence even on television. Rodriguez brings a warmth and elegance to every character she portrays.

Hunter Schafer

Schafer made her acting debut in the hit series ‘Euphoria’ and immediately impressed critics. She brought a dreamy and artistic sensibility to the role that contrasted with the show’s grit. She later took on a villainous role in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. Her ability to switch between innocence and malice is striking for a newer actor. Schafer is quickly becoming a fashion and film icon with a distinct visual identity.

Lily Gladstone

Gladstone delivered a quiet and devastating performance in ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. She communicates profound emotion through her eyes and silence. Her work in independent films like ‘Certain Women’ previously established her as a major talent to watch. She brings a sense of history and dignity to her portrayals of indigenous women. Gladstone possesses a natural gravitas that anchors every scene she is in.

Keke Palmer

Palmer has been in the industry since childhood and has evolved into a multi-hyphenate entertainer. Her performance in Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ was a masterclass in charisma and energy. She can handle slapstick comedy and genuine terror within the same film. Her distinct voice and personality shine through without overshadowing the character she is playing. Palmer remains one of the most magnetic and entertaining performers working today.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe successfully pivoted from a music career to acting with acclaimed roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. She carried the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion’ with a dual performance that required immense precision. Her characters are often intelligent women who are underestimated by those around them. She brings a futuristic and cool aesthetic to her roles that mirrors her musical persona. Monáe selects projects that are visually stunning and narratively complex.

Michelle Rodriguez

Rodriguez is the definition of a Hollywood survivor who has been a staple of action cinema for two decades. She is best known for the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise but has dramatic chops seen in films like ‘Widows’. She often plays the tough-as-nails soldier or outlaw but instills them with loyalty and heart. Her physical dedication to her roles is evident in her stunt work. Rodriguez remains the go-to actress for characters who need to dominate a fight scene.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne transitioned from high fashion modeling to acting with a variety of eclectic roles. She played a magical creature in the fantasy noir ‘Carnival Row’ with surprising depth. Her work often leans into the fantasy and sci-fi genres where she can play larger-than-life characters. She brings a distinct look and rebellious energy to the screen. Delevingne continues to challenge critics who doubted her transition from the runway to cinema.

Nina Hoss

Hoss is one of Germany’s most celebrated actresses with a career defined by intense dramatic roles. She gained international recognition for her performance in ‘Tár’ alongside Cate Blanchett. Her acting style is subtle and precise which creates a lingering tension in her scenes. She often plays women who are holding back secrets or repressing deep emotions. Hoss brings a European arthouse sensibility to every project she joins.

Adèle Haenel

Haenel is a force in French cinema known for her raw and explosive performances. She gained global acclaim for the romance ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’. Her characters are often rebellious and refuse to conform to societal expectations. She brings a physical intensity to her acting that can be intimidating and mesmerizing. Haenel is known for her political activism which often informs the types of uncompromising roles she chooses.

Abbi Jacobson

Jacobson co-created and starred in the hit comedy ‘Broad City’ which defined a specific era of New York humor. She later voiced the lead character in the animated film ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’. Her reboot of ‘A League of Their Own’ allowed her to explore dramatic storytelling mixed with sports history. She excels at playing characters who are messy and trying to figure out their place in the world. Jacobson is a creative force who acts, writes, and produces with equal skill.

Please share your favorite performance from these talented actresses in the comments.