Trans Actors Who Excelled in Silent Film Homages

The art of silent film relies heavily on facial expression and body language to convey emotion without the aid of spoken dialogue. Modern cinema and television occasionally pay tribute to this era through stylized sequences or avant-garde short films. Transgender actors have increasingly taken center stage in these visual mediums and have proven their mastery of physical storytelling. This list explores performers who have utilized the techniques of the silent era in music videos, fashion films, and specific narrative roles.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer gained recognition for her expressive role in the series ‘Euphoria’ where visual montages often replaced dialogue. She later starred in the horror film ‘Cuckoo’ (2024) which utilized exaggerated physical acting reminiscent of German Expressionist silent cinema. Her work in high-fashion short films often requires her to channel emotions purely through movement and gaze. Schafer consistently demonstrates that a powerful performance does not always require lines.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the drama ‘Monica’ (2022). The film utilizes a boxy aspect ratio that mirrors the framing of early silent portraits and features long stretches without dialogue. Lysette conveys a lifetime of abandonment and reconciliation through micro-expressions and subtle gestures. Her work in this project stands as a modern testament to the power of purely visual acting.

Chella Man

Chella Man portrayed the character Jericho in the superhero series ‘Titans’ (2018–2023). Jericho is a mute character who communicates using American Sign Language and projected thoughts. Man utilized his entire body to project the character’s emotions in a way that mirrored the pantomime skills of silent film stars. His performance highlighted how accessibility and visual storytelling can merge to create compelling drama.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef appeared in the film ‘Barbie’ (2023) where she executed physical comedy that drew comparisons to classic screwball antics. She also starred in a variety of fashion films for major luxury brands that function as modern silent shorts. These projects often require her to embody a character and narrative arc within minutes using only visual cues. Nef brings a distinct theatricality to her work that honors the exaggerated style of early cinema.

Candy Darling

Candy Darling was a superstar in the avant-garde cinema scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s. She starred in Andy Warhol projects like ‘Women in Revolt’ (1971) which often parodied and paid homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Her acting style frequently channeled the tragic glamour of silent screen sirens like Kim Novak and Jean Harlow. Darling understood the power of the camera lens and used it to immortalize her persona.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox paid tribute to the classic vamp archetype in her role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the television movie ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let\’s Do the Time Warp Again’ (2016). Her performance relied on bold physical choices and a commanding presence that filled the screen. She has also participated in numerous editorial video portraits that require silent emoting. Cox consistently references the grandeur of old Hollywood in her visual work.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore brought a unique visual intensity to their role in ‘Pose’ (2018–2021) and various short films. Their background in modeling allowed them to master the art of the pose and the silent glare. Moore appeared in several fashion films that operated as surrealist silent narratives. Their ability to hold the audience’s attention with stillness evokes the magnetism of the silent era’s greatest stars.

Elliot Page

Elliot Page played the role of Vanya in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024). The first season featured significant sequences where the character is isolated and silent while discovering their powers. Page used subtle shifts in posture and eye movement to communicate internal rage and fear. These dialogue-free moments were essential in building the character’s tragic arc.

Daniela Vega

Daniela Vega starred in the Academy Award-winning film ‘A Fantastic Woman’ (2017). The movie includes surreal daydream sequences where Vega performs against stylized backdrops. Her face becomes a canvas for grief and resilience during long takes that lack spoken words. Vega channels the stoic dignity found in the dramatic works of the 1920s.

Holly Woodlawn

Holly Woodlawn was another key figure in the experimental films of the Warhol era. Her performance in ‘Trash’ (1970) involved improvised physical comedy and dramatic situations that often relied on visual absurdity. Woodlawn had a natural ability to captivate the camera with her erratic and expressive energy. Her work remains a cult classic example of underground cinema that subverted traditional film rules.

Jesse James Keitel

Jesse James Keitel brought a strong physical presence to the thriller series ‘Big Sky’ (2020–2023). Her character navigated tense situations where silence was often more threatening than words. Keitel utilized a steely gaze and deliberate movement to establish dominance in a scene. Her performance demonstrated how visual acting builds suspense in the modern thriller genre.

Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith is known for his grounded and stoic performances in shows like ‘Queen Sugar’ (2016–2022) and ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ (2020–present). He frequently utilizes a quiet strength that conveys masculinity and reliability without the need for monologues. His reactive acting style allows audiences to read his thoughts through his eyes. This subtle approach mirrors the naturalistic acting that emerged in the late silent period.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross starred in ‘American Horror Story: 1984’ (2019) where she played a character navigating a slasher environment. The horror genre often relies on silent tension and the physical expression of terror. Ross excelled in sequences where she had to convey panic and survival instincts purely through action. Her scream queen moments paid homage to the visual legacy of early horror cinema.

Asia Kate Dillon

Asia Kate Dillon played The Adjudicator in the action film ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ (2019). The character is an imposing figure who commands respect with very few words and a stern visage. Dillon used precise posture and a piercing stare to intimidate other characters. This performance channeled the menacing presence of silent film villains who controlled the screen with their mere appearance.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards appeared in the hybrid documentary ‘Framing Agnes’ (2022). The film involves actors reenacting historical transcripts of trans individuals from the 1950s. Richards performed intimate scenes that required her to embody the physicality of a woman from a different era. Her work bridged the gap between archival silence and modern interpretation.

Zackary Drucker

Zackary Drucker is an artist and producer who has also acted in projects like ‘Transparent’ (2014–2019). She often consults on and performs in flashbacks that recreate the atmosphere of Weimar-era Berlin. Her performance style pays tribute to the early days of queer cinema and cabaret. Drucker understands the historical weight of visual representation in the trans community.

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom made her feature film debut in ‘Port Authority’ (2019). As a dancer and model in the ballroom scene, her performance was anchored in physical expression. The film features dance sequences that function as dialogue-free storytelling devices. Bloom uses her body to articulate identity and belonging in a way that words cannot.

Vico Ortiz

Vico Ortiz plays the pirate Jim in the comedy series ‘Our Flag Means Death’ (2022–2023). The show pays homage to classic swashbuckling adventures which originated in the silent era. Ortiz utilizes physical comedy and combat skills to define their character. Their expressive face and energetic movements call back to the dashing heroes of early cinema.

Leo Sheng

Leo Sheng appeared in ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ (2019–2023) in a role that navigated complex romantic dynamics. Many of his most poignant scenes involved quiet moments of reflection or intimacy. Sheng utilizes a gentle acting style that draws the viewer in through his vulnerability. His ability to convey heartbreak without shouting makes his performance deeply affecting.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton took on the iconic role of the Priest in the reboot of ‘Hellraiser’ (2022). The character is a stoic and terrifying figure who relies on an imposing physical presence. Clayton acted through heavy prosthetic makeup to convey a sense of ancient menace. Her performance honored the visual legacy of the franchise while bringing a new stillness to the monster.

Alexandra Billings

Alexandra Billings is a veteran actor who has appeared in stage and screen productions like ‘Transparent’ (2014–2019). Her background in theater informs her commanding use of space and gesture. In musical sequences and flashbacks, she often employs a heightened style of acting. Billings bridges the gap between the theatricality of the past and the realism of the present.

Scott Turner Schofield

Scott Turner Schofield appeared in the film ‘The Conductor’ (2018) and the series ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’. He is the first trans man to be nominated for a Daytime Emmy. His acting often involves a grounded naturalism that works well in close-ups. Schofield uses the camera’s intimacy to reveal his character’s internal thoughts.

Bobbi Salvör Menuez

Bobbi Salvör Menuez has appeared in visually driven films like ‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016). They often play characters who exist on the fringes of the narrative and add to the atmospheric tension. Menuez has a distinct look that directors utilize for tableau shots. Their presence adds a layer of visual intrigue to every scene they inhabit.

Theo Germaine

Theo Germaine starred in the slasher film ‘They/Them’ (2022). The role required them to navigate a terrifying environment where silence was a survival tactic. Germaine effectively conveyed the internal calculation of a survivor. Their performance was a highlight of the film’s suspenseful visual storytelling.

Quei Tann

Quei Tann appeared in ‘They/Them’ (2022) and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her roles often require a mix of charm and deception that plays out in her expressions. Tann utilizes a captivating screen presence that works well in ensemble casts. She understands how to steal a scene with a simple reaction shot.

Yasmin Finney

Yasmin Finney gained fame for her role in ‘Heartstopper’ (2022–present) and appeared in ‘Doctor Who’ (2023). In ‘Heartstopper’, her character often navigates feelings of isolation and romance through montage sequences. Finney uses her expressive eyes to communicate the longing of a teenager. These silent moments are crucial to the show’s emotional resonance.

Isis King

Isis King is known for her work in ‘When They See Us’ (2019) and her background in modeling. She has mastered the art of visual presentation and brings that poise to her acting. King appeared in various fashion narratives that rely on mood and atmosphere. Her ability to project elegance without dialogue is a hallmark of her career.

Silas Howard

Silas Howard starred in and directed the indie classic ‘By Hook or By Crook’ (2001). The film features a gritty visual style and characters who live on the margins of society. Howard’s performance relies on a rough physicality and a buddy-comedy dynamic. The film is a testament to the power of independent cinema to tell visual stories with limited budgets.

Please share your favorite performance from this list in the comments.