LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Surprised Audiences With Unexpected Roles

Actors often find themselves typecast in specific genres after achieving initial fame or starring in a breakout hit. The performers on this list defied those expectations by taking on characters that completely shifted the public perception of their capabilities. From comedic icons diving into gritty dramas to dramatic powerhouses showcasing their timing in lighthearted comedies, these LGBTQ+ actresses proved their impressive versatility. Each entry highlights a specific performance where the actress stepped outside her comfort zone to deliver something truly memorable.

Kristen Stewart

Audiences were stunned when this actress took on the role of Princess Diana in ‘Spencer’. She moved away from her blockbuster history to embody the physical and emotional mannerisms of the late royal. critics praised her ability to capture the isolation and anxiety of the character without resorting to mere impersonation. This performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and redefined her career trajectory.

Lady Gaga

Known primarily for her avant-garde pop persona, she stripped away the theatrics for ‘A Star Is Born’. Her portrayal of Ally allowed her to showcase raw vulnerability and naturalistic acting skills alongside Bradley Cooper. She later surprised fans again with her method performance as Patrizia Reggiani in ‘House of Gucci’. Her transformation involved a distinct accent and a commanding physical presence that dominated every scene.

Aubrey Plaza

This actress built her career on deadpan comedy and sarcasm in sitcoms like ‘Parks and Recreation’. She shocked viewers with her intense dramatic turn in the thriller ‘Emily the Criminal’. The role required her to convey desperation and danger while navigating a criminal underworld. It proved she could carry a high-stakes film without relying on her signature comedic crutches.

Sarah Paulson

While she is a staple of horror anthologies, her role as Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’ was a revelation. She underwent a significant physical transformation to play the scrutinized prosecutor. Her performance brought empathy and depth to a real-life figure often mocked by the media. The role demonstrated her ability to handle complex biographical material with nuance.

Cynthia Nixon

Fans knew her best as the corporate lawyer Miranda Hobbes from ‘Sex and the City’. She took a sharp turn into villainy by playing Gwendolyn Briggs in the psychological thriller series ‘Ratched’. The character allowed her to explore a darker and more manipulative side of acting. This period piece highlighted her range beyond the romantic comedy genre she helped define.

Stephanie Beatriz

Viewers were accustomed to her deep and tough voice as Detective Rosa Diaz in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She surprised everyone by revealing her natural speaking voice and singing ability in ‘Encanto’. Her role as Mirabel Madrigal required a bubbly and optimistic energy that contrasted sharply with her famous sitcom character. The performance showcased her impressive vocal range and versatility as a voice actress.

Tilda Swinton

This actress is known for art-house films and playing ethereal or андrogynous characters. She became completely unrecognizable as a spray-tanned magazine editor in the comedy ‘Trainwreck’. The role required her to adopt a conventional feminine aesthetic that she typically avoids in her work. Her impeccable comedic timing in a mainstream Judd Apatow film delighted unsuspecting audiences.

Janelle Monáe

She seamlessly transitioned from a music career to acting with serious roles in dramas like ‘Hidden Figures’. Her performance in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ allowed her to play a dual role requiring immense subtle detail. She balanced comedy with high-stakes mystery elements throughout the film. Critics noted her ability to anchor the complex plot while holding her own against a massive ensemble cast.

Kate McKinnon

After years of sketch comedy on ‘Saturday Night Live’, she took a dramatic turn in ‘Bombshell’. Her portrayal of a fictional producer at Fox News was grounded and serious. She conveyed the fear and conflict of a closeted employee in a hostile work environment. This role proved she could handle emotional weight just as well as absurd humor.

Queen Latifah

She began her career in hip-hop and sitcoms before taking on the musical ‘Chicago’. Her role as Matron Mama Morton required a commanding stage presence and powerful vocal performance. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her ability to balance corruption with charm. It solidified her status as a triple threat in the entertainment industry.

Megan Fox

She was often cast as a love interest in action franchises early in her career. Her lead performance in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ as a possessed high school student has since become a cult favorite. She delivered a chilling mix of horror and dark comedy that went unappreciated upon initial release. The role displayed her ability to be genuinely terrifying and funny simultaneously.

Tessa Thompson

Best known for playing heroes or love interests, she took a dark turn in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Her character Charlotte Hale evolved from a corporate executive into a ruthless and complex antagonist. The physical and emotional demands of the role increased significantly in later seasons. She successfully navigated the shift from human ambition to robotic calculation.

Evan Rachel Wood

She shocked fans of her dramatic work by starring as Madonna in ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’. The role required her to play a heightened and comedic version of the pop icon. She fully committed to the absurdity of the parody biopic with exaggerated mannerisms. It was a delightful departure from the heavy sci-fi and drama roles she usually inhabits.

Holland Taylor

This veteran actress is often recognized for her sharp wit in sitcoms. She brought a different energy to the screen as a strict law professor in ‘Legally Blonde’. Her character served as a formidable obstacle for the protagonist before revealing a layer of professional respect. The performance remains memorable for its commanding authority and eventual warmth.

Fiona Shaw

Known for her theatrical work and as the stern Aunt Petunia in ‘Harry Potter’, she found a new fanbase with ‘Andor’. Her portrayal of Maarva Andor was a gritty and revolutionary figure in the Star Wars universe. She delivered powerful monologues that became the emotional core of the series. The role showcased her ability to inspire rebellion through sheer dramatic force.

Laverne Cox

She became a household name through ‘Orange Is the New Black’ but expanded her range in ‘Promising Young Woman’. Her role as a concerned coffee shop owner allowed her to play a grounded and realistic character. It was a departure from the more stylized roles she had played previously. The performance added a layer of warmth to a very dark thriller.

Lily Tomlin

A legend of comedy, she surprised younger audiences with her voice role as Aunt May in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. She brought a feisty and capable energy to a character often portrayed as frail. Her version of May was an active participant in the superhero antics. It demonstrated her timeless ability to adapt to modern storytelling formats.

Wanda Sykes

Famous for her stand-up and voice work, she took on a more grounded role in ‘The Upshaws’. While still a comedy, the show requires her to play a realistic family dynamic with genuine emotional beats. She balances her signature sarcasm with moments of familial care. This role allows her to display her acting chops within the sitcom format.

Amandla Stenberg

She broke out as the innocent Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ but shifted gears for ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Her character in this satirical slasher was flawed and morally ambiguous. She navigated the balance between horror and dark comedy with ease. The role proved she could lead an ensemble cast in a chaotic and fast-paced setting.

Hunter Schafer

After gaining fame in the teen drama ‘Euphoria’, she took on a major franchise role in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. She played Tigris Snow with a quiet elegance and empathy that contrasted with the film’s violence. Her performance provided a crucial moral compass for the narrative. It established her potential as a leading lady in blockbuster cinema.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

She made history with her dramatic work in ‘Pose’ but showed a different side in the comedy series ‘Loot’. Her character is a rigid non-profit manager who clashes with a billionaire. The role requires sharp comedic timing and the ability to play the straight woman to absurd situations. It highlighted her range beyond intense drama.

Angelina Jolie

She is an action icon who often plays the hero or the seductress. Her role in ‘Maleficent’ required her to humanize one of Disney’s most iconic villains. She brought a tragic depth to the character that recontextualized the original fairy tale. The performance relied heavily on her ability to convey emotion through heavy prosthetics and visual effects.

Drew Barrymore

Audiences know her as America’s sweetheart from countless romantic comedies. She completely transformed for the HBO film ‘Grey Gardens’ to play Little Edie. The role demanded a unique accent and a descent into eccentric isolation. It remains one of the most acclaimed and unexpected performances of her extensive career.

Anna Paquin

She grew up on screen playing heroes in ‘X-Men’ and ‘True Blood’. She took on a silent but pivotal role in the mob drama ‘The Irishman’. Her character spoke very few lines but conveyed profound judgment through facial expressions alone. The performance was a masterclass in subtle acting amidst a cast of loud male characters.

Jane Lynch

While she is a comedy giant, her role as Ralph in ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ was a surprising action-oriented voice performance. She played a tough space marine with a tragic backstory programmed into her character. The role allowed her to parody the action genre while delivering genuine heart. It showed her voice work could be just as commanding as her physical comedy.

Miriam Margolyes

Known for her eccentric and chatty characters, she played a restrained role in ‘The Age of Innocence’. The period drama required her to fit into the rigid social structures of 19th-century New York. She delivered a performance of calculated social maneuvering. It was a stark contrast to the boisterous roles she usually favors.

Miley Cyrus

She shed her Disney channel image long ago but returned to acting for ‘Black Mirror’. Her portrayal of a pop star named Ashley O was a dark reflection of her own industry experiences. The role required her to play a comatose victim and a rebellious performer. It was a meta-commentary that surprised viewers with its emotional resonance.

Bella Ramsey

She gained attention as a fierce young noble in ‘Game of Thrones’. Her casting as Ellie in ‘The Last of Us’ required her to carry a massive emotional burden in a post-apocalyptic setting. She balanced the innocence of youth with the hardened survival instincts of a killer. The performance silenced initial casting doubts and won over fans of the video game.

Emma Corrin

She was a relative newcomer before landing the role of Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’. Her transformation from a shy teenager to a global icon was mesmerizing. She captured the voice and physical mannerisms of the late princess with uncanny precision. The role launched her into stardom and showcased her ability to handle immense pressure.

Niecy Nash-Betts

She built her career on broad comedy and hosting duties. Her role as Glenda Cleveland in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ was a harrowing dramatic turn. She portrayed the neighbor who tried in vain to alert the authorities. The performance earned her critical acclaim for its raw emotional power and seriousness.

Chloë Grace Moretz

She began her career as a child actor in family films before ‘Kick-Ass’. Her role as Hit-Girl shocked audiences due to the extreme violence and profanity coming from a young child. She performed intense stunt work and handled adult themes with professional maturity. The role remains a defining moment in action movie history.

Rebel Wilson

She is famous for her improvisational comedy in films like ‘Pitch Perfect’. She took a smaller but more scripted role in the satire ‘Jojo Rabbit’. Her character was a fanatic caught up in the absurdity of the regime. The film allowed her to use her comedic skills in a darker and more satirical context.

Susan Sarandon

She is known for playing grounded and often political characters. Her role as Queen Narissa in ‘Enchanted’ allowed her to play a high-fantasy villain. She embraced the campy nature of the evil queen archetype complete with elaborate costumes. It was a fun departure from her usual dramatic fare.

Cara Delevingne

She transitioned from modeling to acting with several high-profile roles. Her performance as Enchantress in ‘Suicide Squad’ was a bizarre and physical transformation. She played a possessed archaeologist and an ancient witch deity. The role required her to adopt strange movements and a dual personality.

Ayo Edebiri

She began as a comedy writer and voice actor. Her breakout role as Sydney Adamu in ‘The Bear’ is a high-stress dramatic performance. She conveys the anxiety and ambition of a young chef with incredible realism. The role established her as a serious dramatic actress capable of holding her own against seasoned veterans.

Share your favorite unexpected performance from this list in the comments.