There are queer women entertainers who have left a mark on entertainment, and they have contributed so much with their authenticity, wit, and complexity. From legendary comedians to new talent, these actresses have played some amazing roles, paving the way for change. Here is a list of 10 queer women entertainers with careers as remarkable as they are.
10. Sophie Ward
Sophie Ward started her acting career at the tender age of 11 years old. Her filmography includes Young Sherlock Holmes, Book of Blood, and the film Jane Eyre, alongside a Netflix production called A Very British Scandal. Her work in gay cinema started with gay roles in a TV film called A Village Affair in 1995, and in the queer movies Agatha Raisin and The Hunger.
9. Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson has seamlessly moved from Broadway to film and TV, with standout roles in American Horror Story, The People vs. O.J. Simpson, and Carol. She has portrayed queer characters in multiple seasons of American Horror Story, Ratched, and Carol. Her relationship with actress Holland Taylor also makes them one of Hollywood’s most celebrated queer couples.
8. Lily Tomlin
Comedy icon Lily Tomlin has starred in Grace and Frankie, The West Wing, and Murphy Brown, and lent her voice to Mrs. Frizzle in The Magic School Bus. She played queer roles in Grandma and Tea With Mussolini. Tomlin’s versatility across stage, screen, and voice work has made her a beloved figure for multiple generations.
7. Maria Bello
Maria Bello rose to fame on E.R. and has appeared in Coyote Ugly and A History of Violence, as well as TV shows like Prime Suspect and NCIS. She played queer roles in Beef, Goliath, and Law & Order: SVU. Bello’s openness about her identity has made her an inspiring figure, and her career demonstrates remarkable longevity and adaptability.
6. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer started acting at 11, with roles in The Barbershop 2, Akeelah and the Bee, and Madea’s Family Reunion. She starred in her own TV series, Tru Jackson VP, and played queer roles in Pimp and Nope. She also voices a queer alien doctor in The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy. Palmer’s energy, range, and charisma continue to make her a standout talent.
5. Rosie O’Donnell
Rosie O’Donnell became a household name with her ’90s talk show and has since starred in projects like SMILF, The Fosters, and Will & Grace. She played queer roles in Will & Grace, Mom, and The L Word: Generation Q. With her candidness and activism, O’Donnell has long been a trailblazer for queer performers.
4. Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon gained fame through her hilarious impressions and comedic timing on Saturday Night Live. She has since gone on to appear in Barbie and Ghostbusters, playing queer characters in Bombshell and Life Partners. Her work, such as the unforgettable Weird Barbie, has helped bring queer representation to mainstream comedy.
3. Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné started acting when she was four years old and gained prominence with the series That’s So Raven and Raven’s Home. Her other notable appearances were in the sitcoms The Cosby Show and Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper. Raven-Symoné has played queer characters in shows like Black-ish, and she has been open about her identity, serving as a role model for her young fans.
2. Stephanie Allynne
Stephanie Allynne brings humor, vulnerability, and range to every role. Her collaborations with Tig Notaro, including One Mississippi, have been critically acclaimed for balancing comedy and raw truth. On-screen or behind the camera, Allynne is a remarkable figure in queer entertainment.
1. Ione Skye
Ione Skye first stole hearts in Say Anything and went on to carve out a diverse career in Wayne’s World, Gas Food Lodging, TV series like Arrested Development, and Good Girls. She has played queer characters, such as in Carmilla, and also continued to engage in a wide variety of roles throughout her career, both in indie film and mainstream projects. The ability of Skye to fit seamlessly into different genres made her one of the memorable, unique, and long-lasting presences in Hollywood.
These actors have not only built impressive careers but have also brought queer stories and representation to the forefront. Through humor, drama, and versatility, they continue to inspire audiences and expand the ways queer women are seen on screen.