Trans Gamers Turned Actors Who Booked Roles Because of Their Streams

The entertainment industry has evolved significantly with the rise of digital media, allowing content creators to transition from home setups to professional studios. Many transgender individuals began their careers cultivating communities on Twitch and YouTube before landing major roles in film, television, and video games. Casting directors now frequently scout these platforms to find authentic voices that resonate with modern audiences. This list highlights thirty talents who leveraged their streaming backgrounds and online presence to secure professional acting work.

Abigail Thorn

Abigail Thorn rose to prominence as the creator of the YouTube channel ‘Philosophy Tube’, where she combined theatrical set design with educational content. Her acting ability displayed in these elaborate video essays eventually led to her casting in the television series ‘Django’ and the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’. Thorn also wrote and starred in her own stage play, ‘The Prince’, which further showcased her dramatic range. She continues to balance her online content creation with her growing portfolio of mainstream acting roles.

Kdin Jenzen

Kdin Jenzen began her career as a content creator and editor for the media giant Rooster Teeth, where she became a familiar personality to gaming audiences. Her time in the online video space provided a platform to transition into professional voice acting, most notably landing the role of May Marigold in the hit anime series ‘RWBY’. Jenzen has also provided voices for various characters in the ‘Genshin Impact’ universe. She remains a vocal advocate for better working conditions in the voice acting industry.

Erika Ishii

Erika Ishii started as a host and on-camera personality for ‘Geek & Sundry’, where she streamed tabletop games and built a dedicated fanbase. This exposure in the actual-play space helped launch a prolific voice acting career in major video game franchises. She has voiced Valkyrie in ‘Apex Legends’ and Dr. Wenjie Evans in ‘Deathloop’, roles that utilize her dynamic range. Ishii continues to bridge the gap between streaming entertainment and triple-A video game performance.

Lindsay Jones

Lindsay Jones became a household name in the online gaming community through their work with Achievement Hunter and Rooster Teeth. Their comedic timing and on-stream personality translated naturally into voice acting, where they landed the lead role of Ruby Rose in ‘RWBY’. Jones has voiced characters in numerous other projects, including ‘Red vs. Blue’ and ‘Camp Camp’. They continue to be a prominent figure in the gaming convention circuit and digital media landscape.

Casey Mongillo

Casey Mongillo established a presence in the gaming community through streaming and engaging with fans of the franchises they loved. This community involvement paralleled a successful voice acting career, which includes the lead role of Shinji Ikari in the Netflix dub of ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’. In the gaming world, they voiced the character Floofty Fizzlebean in ‘Bugsnax’ and various roles in ‘Red Dead Redemption’. Mongillo remains active on Twitch, often streaming the very games they appear in.

Kayleigh McKee

Kayleigh McKee built a reputation within the online voice acting and gaming communities before breaking into mainstream anime and games. Her streams often feature behind-the-scenes insights into the industry, helping her connect with fans and creators alike. She booked the role of Yuta Okkotsu in the blockbuster film ‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ and has voiced characters in ‘Genshin Impact’. McKee is celebrated for her extreme vocal range and ability to voice characters of various genders.

Amanda Hufford

Amanda Hufford utilized social media and streaming platforms to showcase their vocal versatility, which helped them secure roles in indie and major productions. They voiced the character Ragatha in the viral sensation ‘The Amazing Digital Circus’, a project that originated on YouTube. Hufford also provides voices for ‘Genshin Impact’ and ‘Warframe’, leveraging their online visibility to book consistent work. They are an advocate for non-binary representation in the voiceover field.

Jessie Earl

Jessie Earl, known as Jessie Gender, runs a popular YouTube channel analyzing sci-fi and social issues. Her insightful commentary on ‘Star Trek’ caught the attention of the franchise’s creatives, leading to opportunities within the fandom and related projects. She voiced a character in the audio drama ‘Identiteaze’ and continues to be a leading voice in pop culture criticism. Earl’s work proves that analytical content creation can open doors to creative performance roles.

Ian Alexander

Ian Alexander was discovered online when casting directors for ‘The OA’ searched for trans talent on social media platforms. While primarily an on-screen actor, Alexander is also an avid streamer who engages with the gaming community on Twitch. This connection to gaming culture helped him secure the voice and motion capture role of Lev in ‘The Last of Us Part II’. Alexander continues to act in high-profile series like ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ while maintaining a digital presence.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Bex Taylor-Klaus has always been open about their love for gaming, frequently streaming on Twitch to interact with fans. This passion for the medium complemented their voice acting role as Pidge in the animated series ‘Voltron: Legendary Defender’. They also voiced the character Keo Venzee in the video game ‘Star Wars: Squadrons’. Taylor-Klaus effectively balances on-camera roles in shows like ‘Scream’ with voice work that appeals to their gaming fanbase.

Mason Alexander Park

Mason Alexander Park gained a massive following through their roles in ‘The Sandman’ and ‘Cowboy Bebop’, but they maintain a strong connection to fans through streaming. They have participated in actual-play tabletop streams, showcasing their improvisational skills to a gaming audience. This versatility has led to further opportunities in voice acting and convention appearances. Park’s career highlights how digital engagement enhances a traditional acting portfolio.

Vico Ortiz

Vico Ortiz is a non-binary actor and drag performer who gained widespread acclaim for their role in ‘Our Flag Means Death’. They are also an active streamer, frequently playing ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ and other games for online audiences. This engagement with the TTRPG community has led to voice roles in animated projects and podcasts. Ortiz uses their stream to advocate for inclusivity while showcasing the performance skills that land them major roles.

Jacob Tobia

Jacob Tobia started as a writer and host, using social media to challenge gender norms and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Their distinctive voice and online persona led to them being cast as Double Trouble in the animated series ‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’. The role was specifically designed for a non-binary performer, and Tobia’s casting was a direct result of their visibility. They continue to work in Hollywood as a writer and voice actor.

Chella Man

Chella Man began his career documenting his transition and deafness on YouTube, building a loyal subscriber base. His online visibility and advocacy work caught the attention of producers for the DC Universe series ‘Titans’, where he was cast as the superhero Jericho. The role required a performer who was fluent in sign language, making Man a perfect fit. He continues to model and act, using his digital roots to propel his career.

Miles McKenna

Miles McKenna built a significant audience on YouTube through comedy skits and LGBTQ+ advocacy videos. His online popularity led to him being cast in the interactive drama series ‘Guilty Party’ and the comedy ‘All Night’. McKenna has also authored books and toured, leveraging his digital fame for traditional media success. He continues to act and create content that resonates with young queer audiences.

Jazz Jennings

Jazz Jennings has been in the public eye since childhood, but her YouTube channel played a crucial role in maintaining her agency and voice. Her online presence led to the long-running reality series ‘I Am Jazz’, which chronicles her life and activism. While primarily a reality star, she has done voice work and appearances that stem directly from her media empire. Jennings remains a influential figure in trans representation across all media formats.

Trisha Paytas

Trisha Paytas is a veteran YouTuber known for their variety content, music, and often controversial online persona. Their immense internet fame has allowed them to book roles in music videos, reality TV shows like ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, and cameo appearances in films. Paytas, who identifies as non-binary, has used their platform to launch a podcast and various entertainment ventures. Their career is a testament to the power of personal branding in the digital age.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore started their career in modeling but gained significant traction through social media advocacy before landing their breakout role in ‘Pose’. Their connection to the digital queer community helped amplify their casting as the voice of Shep in ‘Steven Universe Future’. Moore also voiced a character in the animated film ‘Nimona’, further cementing their presence in voice acting. They continue to be a powerful voice for trans rights both online and on screen.

Asia Kate Dillon

Asia Kate Dillon made history as one of the first non-binary actors to play a non-binary character on mainstream TV in ‘Billions’. Their unique vocal quality and advocacy work led to them being cast as the character Val / Valentina in the animated web series ‘gen:LOCK’. This role allowed them to reach a gaming and animation audience that overlaps with streaming culture. Dillon remains a trailblazer for non-binary representation in Hollywood.

Rebecca Root

Rebecca Root is a trans actress who has worked extensively in television and radio, but her voice role in ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ introduced her to the gaming world. Her performance in the game was praised for its subtlety and helped her gain recognition among gamers. She often engages with the sci-fi and gaming community through conventions and interviews. Root continues to book diverse roles in high-profile projects like ‘The Queen’s Gambit’.

Jen Richards

Jen Richards is a writer, actress, and producer who created the web series ‘Her Story’, which was nominated for an Emmy. Her digital content creation and advocacy led to her being cast in the video game ‘Tell Me Why’ alongside August Aiden Black. She voiced the character Alyson Ronan in the game’s initial casting discussions and consulted on the story. Richards continues to work on projects that highlight trans narratives in media.

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