The Most Overlooked Bisexual Actresses

The visibility of bisexual actresses in the entertainment industry has grown significantly over the last two decades, yet many stars who have publicly shared their orientation are often overlooked in mainstream discussions. While some celebrities face erasure or have their identities simplified by the media, these women have been vocal about their attraction to more than one gender. Their contributions span across major film franchises, critically acclaimed television series, and independent cinema. Acknowledging their identities helps provide a more accurate representation of diversity within Hollywood.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin, known for her Academy Award-winning role in ‘The Piano’, publicly came out as bisexual in 2010 during a PSA for the Give a Damn campaign. She has consistently advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and addressed the misconceptions surrounding bisexuality in numerous interviews. Despite being married to her ‘True Blood’ co-star Stephen Moyer, she remains vocal about her identity not being erased by her relationship status. Paquin’s career continues to flourish with roles in ‘The Irishman’ and the series ‘Flack’.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Detective Rosa Diaz on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. In a notable instance of art imitating life, her character also came out as bisexual after Beatriz herself did so on social media in 2016. She has spoken extensively about the importance of bisexual representation in media and the need for nuanced storytelling. Beatriz also lent her voice to the lead character Mirabel Madrigal in the Disney film ‘Encanto’.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood came out as bisexual via social media in 2011 and has since become a prominent advocate for the community. She often uses her platform to discuss the specific challenges faced by bisexual individuals, including higher rates of domestic violence and mental health issues. Wood is highly regarded for her performances in ‘Thirteen’ and the HBO series ‘Westworld’. Her advocacy work includes testifying before Congress to support the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat, best known for her role as Maeby Fünke in ‘Arrested Development’, confirmed her bisexuality in an interview with Out Magazine in 2017. She explained that she had been balancing her identity for a long time before feeling comfortable sharing it publicly. Shawkat has since taken on diverse roles in projects like ‘Search Party’ and ‘The Old Man’. In addition to acting, she is an accomplished artist and has incorporated her personal experiences into her creative work.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza disclosed her bisexuality in a 2016 interview with The Advocate, stating that she falls in love with girls and guys. She rose to fame playing April Ludgate on ‘Parks and Recreation’ and has since transitioned into more dramatic and complex roles. Her work in ‘Emily the Criminal’ and ‘The White Lotus’ has earned her critical acclaim and award nominations. Plaza is often noted for her unique comedic timing and her ability to portray unconventional characters.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson discussed her attraction to both men and women in a 2018 interview, though she noted that she does not always use a specific label. She has been a major figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Thompson has been vocal about wanting to see more explicit LGBTQ+ representation in big-budget superhero films. Her other significant works include ‘Passing’ and the ‘Creed’ film series.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox confirmed she was bisexual in a 2009 interview with Esquire, though her identity was often dismissed by the media at the time. She has recently reaffirmed her orientation through social media posts during Pride Month to remind fans of her long-standing identity. Fox is widely recognized for her roles in ‘Transformers’ and the cult classic horror film ‘Jennifer’s Body’. Beyond her acting career, she has been a frequent subject of discussion regarding the hyper-sexualization of women in Hollywood.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon, famous for playing Miranda Hobbes in ‘Sex and the City’, identified as bisexual in 2012 before later describing herself as queer. She has been in a long-term marriage with Christine Marinoni and has been a staunch advocate for marriage equality and public education. Nixon has balanced her acting career in ‘The Gilded Age’ with a foray into politics, including a run for Governor of New York. Her public life has been marked by a commitment to social justice and civil rights.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez came out as bisexual in 2013 during an interview with Entertainment Weekly to address persistent rumors about her private life. She is a mainstay of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, where she plays the tough and skilled Letty Ortiz. Rodriguez has expressed a desire to be honest about her life to help others feel more comfortable with their own identities. Her filmography also includes prominent roles in ‘Avatar’ and the television series ‘Lost’.

Shannon Woodward

Shannon Woodward, known for her roles in ‘Raising Hope’ and ‘Westworld’, publicly came out as bisexual on Twitter in 2021. She shared the news by stating she had been out to her friends and family for years but wanted to be more public about it. Woodward has also contributed to the video game industry, providing the voice and motion capture for Dina in ‘The Last of Us Part II’. Her career is characterized by a mix of dark television dramas and witty comedies.

Lili Reinhart

Lili Reinhart came out as a “proud bisexual woman” in 2020 while promoting a Black Lives Matter protest for the LGBTQ+ community. She gained international fame for her portrayal of Betty Cooper on the long-running CW series ‘Riverdale’. Reinhart has been very open about her struggles with anxiety and body image, using her platform to encourage self-acceptance. She also starred in and executive produced the film ‘Look Both Ways’ for Netflix.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron addressed her bisexuality during an Instagram Live session in 2020 and later elaborated on her identity in a cover story for Gay Times. She initially rose to prominence through her dual roles on the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie’ and the ‘Descendants’ film franchise. Since then, she has transitioned into a successful music career and more mature acting roles in ‘Schmigadoon!’. Cameron has stated that she felt a responsibility to be visible for her fans who might be struggling with their own identities.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez, who played Dr. Callie Torres on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, came out as bisexual in 2016 and later as non-binary in 2020. Their character on the show was one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ characters in television history, providing significant representation for many years. Ramirez has continued to champion queer voices through their role as Che Diaz in the ‘Sex and the City’ revival, ‘And Just Like That…’. They are also a dedicated activist, working with organizations that support homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard publicly came out as bisexual in 2010 at a GLAAD event, long before it was common for young Hollywood stars to do so. She has appeared in a wide range of films, including the blockbuster ‘Aquaman’ and the independent drama ‘The Danish Girl’. Heard has spoken about the professional risks she was told she was taking by being open about her orientation early in her career. Her personal life has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, often overshadowing her work and advocacy.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello shared her experience falling in love with her female best friend in a 2013 essay for The New York Times titled “Coming Out as a Modern Family.” She has appeared in numerous acclaimed films such as ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘The Jane Austen Book Club’. Bello also spent several seasons starring as Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane on the procedural drama ‘NCIS’. She has consistently advocated for a more fluid understanding of attraction and partnership in modern society.

Kristanna Loken

Kristanna Loken, best known for her role as the T-X in ‘Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines’, confirmed her bisexuality in a 2006 interview with Curve magazine. She has worked steadily in both film and television, including a recurring role on the series ‘The L Word’. Loken has been open about her relationships with both men and women throughout her career in the public eye. She continues to work in the action and sci-fi genres while maintaining a private personal life.

Saffron Burrows

Saffron Burrows discussed her bisexuality in a 2014 interview with The Guardian, mentioning her past relationships with both men and women. She has had a diverse career with notable roles in ‘Boston Legal’, ‘Troy’, and the Netflix series ‘You’. Burrows is also known for her work in British independent cinema and her involvement in political activism. She has emphasized that her private life is only one aspect of her identity as a professional actress and mother.

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho has been a visible bisexual woman in the entertainment industry for decades through her stand-up comedy and acting. She has used her platform to challenge stereotypes regarding race, sexuality, and gender. Cho starred in the groundbreaking sitcom ‘All-American Girl’ and has had memorable roles in ‘Drop Dead Diva’ and the film ‘Fire Island’. She remains a pioneer for queer Asian-American representation in mainstream media.

Chyler Leigh

Chyler Leigh, known for her roles in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Supergirl’, shared her journey with her sexuality in a 2020 post on the Create Change website. While she did not use a specific label, she discussed how her character Alex Danvers coming out on ‘Supergirl’ mirrored her own personal realizations. Leigh has been married to Nathan West since 2002 and has spoken about the support she received from her family during her self-discovery. Her performance in ‘Supergirl’ was widely praised for its authentic portrayal of a late-in-life coming out story.

Mischa Barton

Mischa Barton discussed her experiences with fluid attraction in a 2020 interview, reflecting on the media’s past obsession with her personal life. She became a household name in the early 2000s for her role as Marissa Cooper on the hit teen drama ‘The O.C.’. Barton has worked in various independent films and returned to the spotlight in the reality series ‘The Hills: New Beginnings’. She has often commented on the difficulty of navigating fame and personal identity while under intense tabloid pressure.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner alluded to her fluid sexuality in a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone, stating that she loves a soul and not a gender. She rose to global fame playing Sansa Stark on the HBO epic ‘Game of Thrones’. Turner also took on the lead role of Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ film ‘Dark Phoenix’. She has been an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about the pressures of growing up in the public eye.

Shay Mitchell

Shay Mitchell has described her sexuality as fluid in several interviews and on her YouTube channel, stating she doesn’t feel the need to label herself. She portrayed the character Emily Fields, who was also queer, on the long-running series ‘Pretty Little Liars’. Mitchell has since starred in the thriller series ‘You’ and the comedy ‘Dollface’. She is also a successful entrepreneur with her own travel brand and a significant social media presence.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe came out as pansexual in a 2018 Rolling Stone cover story, having previously identified as bisexual. She is an accomplished singer-songwriter as well as a critically acclaimed actress with roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. Monáe has used her futuristic “afro-futurist” aesthetic to explore themes of identity, freedom, and technology. Her performance in the 2022 film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ further cemented her status as a versatile talent in Hollywood.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil came out as queer in 2020 following a period of public debate regarding her involvement in a ballroom-themed show. She is best known for her role as Tahani Al-Jamil on the NBC comedy ‘The Good Place’. Jamil is a vocal advocate for body neutrality and founded the “I Weigh” movement to challenge harmful beauty standards. She has also appeared as a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson, co-creator and star of ‘Broad City’, came out as bisexual in a 2018 interview with Vanity Fair. She mentioned that she dates both men and women and simply looks for people who are funny and doing something they love. Jacobson recently developed and starred in the series adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’, which explores queer themes in professional baseball. She is also a talented illustrator and has published several books.

Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is a multi-talented artist known for her work in the band Sleater-Kinney and the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’. She has been open about her bisexuality for many years and discussed it in her 2015 memoir ‘Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl’. Brownstein has directed episodes of various television shows and appeared in films like ‘Carol’ and ‘The Nowhere Inn’. Her work often explores themes of subculture, feminism, and artistic identity.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has identified her sexuality as fluid and has been in relationships with both men and women throughout her life. She is one of the most celebrated actresses in modern television, winning an Emmy for her role in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Paulson is a frequent collaborator with Ryan Murphy, appearing in multiple seasons of ‘American Horror Story’ and starring in ‘Ratched’. She has been in a high-profile relationship with actress Holland Taylor since 2015.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor, an Emmy-winning veteran of stage and screen, has spoken about her relationships with women later in her career while acknowledging a history of dating men. She is widely known for her roles in ‘Two and a Half Men’, ‘The Practice’, and ‘Legally Blonde’. Taylor has also found success on Broadway with her one-woman show ‘Ann’, based on the life of Ann Richards. Her relationship with Sarah Paulson has become a symbol of long-term partnership in the Hollywood LGBTQ+ community.

Auliʻi Cravalho

Auli’i Cravalho, the voice behind Disney’s ‘Moana’, came out as bisexual on TikTok in 2020 by lip-syncing to a song by Eminem. She has since transitioned into live-action roles, starring in the film ‘All Together Now’ and the musical film ‘Mean Girls’. Cravalho has expressed her excitement about representing the LGBTQ+ community as a young person of color. She continues to be a prominent voice in both the musical theater and film worlds.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith came out as bisexual and polyamorous during an episode of ‘Red Table Talk’ in 2019. She discussed how her attraction to both men and women felt natural and how she values emotional connection above all else. Smith is an actress, singer, and host who began her career as a child in the film ‘I Am Legend’. She has since focused on her music career, releasing several albums that blend rock, pop, and R&B influences.

Please share your thoughts on these talented actresses and their impact on representation in the comments.