In recent years, trans representation in Hollywood has made remarkable strides, though the journey hasn’t been easy. For decades, trans characters were either absent or reduced to harmful stereotypes, often reinforcing misconceptions rather than telling authentic stories. Today, trans actors, directors, and writers are taking the spotlight, reshaping stardom and expanding the narratives we see on screen. These ten trans actors—mixing fresh faces with familiar names—are leading the way and are essential to watch if you’re following Hollywood’s evolving landscape.
10. Scott Turner Schofield
Scott Turner Schofield shattered glass when he became the first openly trans male actor to appear on a daytime soap, as Nick on The Bold and the Beautiful. He proceeded to earn a historic Emmy nomination, demonstrating his impact was not merely symbolic. In addition to acting work, Schofield is also a vocal educator and champion of authentic trans storytelling. Out Magazine once referred to him as a “Hollywood trans influencer”—and they weren’t wrong.
9. Elliot Fletcher
If you’ve watched Shameless, The Fosters, or Faking It, you’ve seen Elliot Fletcher bring grounded, multidimensional trans characters to life. What makes Fletcher’s work special is that his roles aren’t defined solely by gender—they’re people first. He also appeared in the documentary “Disclosure,” where he reflected on the challenges of trans portrayals in the media.
8. Angelica Ross
Angelica Ross isn’t just an actress—she’s a whirlwind. She shattered hearts playing Candy on Pose and made history as the first trans actress with series-regular roles on multiple seasons of American Horror Story. Offstage, Ross founded TransTech Social Enterprises, a social enterprise that offers job access to trans people in tech. Her balance of activism and art makes her Hollywood’s most essential voice.
7. Indya Moore
Indya Moore exploded onto television as Angel Evangelista on Pose, and their career has never slowed. So named by Time as a person of the world’s most influential people, Moore has also branched out into production and fashion, starting their own media production company to aid marginalized creatives. Their celebrity appeal appears to have no limits—Moore is not just acting, but remaking Hollywood itself.
6. Dominique Jackson
Before Dominique Jackson played Elektra Abundance on Pose, she was already a legend of the ballroom scene. Playing Elektra, she delivered TV’s most memorable performance: unflinching, unapologetic, and richly detailed. Offscreen, Jackson has thrived as a model, walking for big designers and gracing the cover of Vogue España. She is an unapologetic trans excellence.
5. Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer’s first major acting gig—Jules Vaughn on HBO’s Euphoria—launched her to stardom. Schafer’s performance struck a chord with teenagers worldwide, providing a trans teen character rarely seen in a way that was joyful, multifaceted, and authentic. She had been an activist against anti-trans bills before acting, and she now juggles her emerging acting career with a thriving modeling career with clients like Prada and Gucci.
4. MJ Rodriguez
MJ Rodriguez was made a household name playing the role of Blanca in Pose, where she gave a performance that earned her great criticism—and history. In 2022, she was the first trans actress to win a Golden Globe, making her an icon and trailblazer. Rodriguez has since continued to work on projects such as Tick, Tick… Boom! and continues to open doors for trans actors in leading roles.
3. Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox revolutionized TV with her portrayal of Sophia in Orange Is the New Black. Being nominated for an Emmy made her the first openly trans actor ever recognized in that category, and her subsequent career has been just as pioneering. Not only a producer, activist, and speaker, Cox has utilized her visibility to advocate for trans rights across the globe. She’s not only a Hollywood legend—she’s a cultural landmark.
2. Lana and Lilly Wachowski
The Wachowski sisters, who have been the creators of The Matrix, Cloud Atlas, and Sense8, are the two most influential trans figures in the entertainment world. Initially, after making their first film, The Matrix, they became noted for embedding themes of identity, change, and freedom in their movies, and their work began to attract deep cultural attention. Lana publicly came out in 2010, followed by Lilly in 2016, and both of them together have opened the way for the trans community to become storytellers in any part of the world.
1. Elliot Page
Elliot Page is one of the most famous trans actors in the world. Page has been a part of Hollywood for a very long time, with successful careers in Juno, X-Men, and Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. However. However, his coming out in 2020 marked a turning point in the visibility of the trans community. His truthfulness, communicativeness, and fight for the cause have not only made him a superstar in Hollywood but also a beacon for trans youth everywhere.
Moreover, these actors are more than just the stars—they are the pioneers of culture. Thanks to their on-screen glory, many stereotypes crumbled, and a door for representation and a new generation of trans talent was opened. Although several challenges remain—indeed, the number of trans characters on television has dropped over the past decade or so—these people are committed to standing firm on the fact that Hollywood needs not only trans voices for today but also for the future of storytelling.