Top 50 Most Popular Actresses In Their 40s

Jessica Chastain is celebrated for her captivating screen presence and exceptional acting range, while she prefers to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. Her dedication and talent have established her as one of the most respected actresses in contemporary cinema.

She has delivered unforgettable performances in acclaimed films like Take Shelter, The Tree of Life, and The Help, earning widespread admiration from critics and audiences alike.

In addition to her acting career, Chastain is also a part-owner of Angel City FC, a soccer club in the National Women's Soccer League. Her achievements include an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, reflecting her outstanding contributions to film.

Chastain is known for her activism, particularly in advancing women's rights and feminist causes. She often chooses roles in films that highlight these important issues, further cementing her influence both onscreen and as a passionate advocate for equality.

Kate Winslet captured global attention with her unforgettable portrayal of Rose in the legendary film Titanic, establishing herself as a bold and captivating presence on screen. This iconic role not only defined her early career but also won the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Now in her late 40s, Winslet continues to excel, consistently earning praise for her remarkable versatility and lasting appeal across both film and television. She seamlessly transitions between genres, taking on diverse roles that showcase her impressive range.

Winslet is known for embracing challenging, layered characters, often selecting projects that allow her to explore complex emotional landscapes. Her commitment to authenticity and powerful storytelling is evident throughout her body of work.

Considered one of the world’s most beautiful and talented actresses, Winslet also stands out for her dedication to presenting herself without artifice. For example, in the acclaimed HBO miniseries Mare of Easttown, she insisted her on-screen images remain unretouched.

Beyond her acting achievements, Winslet is a passionate advocate for body positivity. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2012.

Winslet’s candid honesty, confidence, and inspiring advocacy continue to deepen her connection with fans around the globe, establishing her as a true role model in the industry.

Natalie Portman began her illustrious career at just 12 years old, delivering a powerful performance in the acclaimed film Léon: The Professional. Her debut immediately established her as a standout talent in the industry.

Over the following decades, Portman has remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, captivating audiences with memorable roles in the Star Wars prequels and the Thor franchise. These films played a key role in solidifying her popularity and influence.

Portman's diverse filmography includes acclaimed works such as Black Swan, No Strings Attached, and Jackie. These projects highlight her remarkable versatility and ability to tackle complex characters with depth and nuance.

Her outstanding achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, affirming her exceptional talent and commitment to her craft.

Olivia Colman is celebrated as one of the most gifted actors of her generation, renowned for consistently delivering powerful and memorable performances in every project she undertakes.

Her remarkable versatility shines through in both comedic and dramatic roles across film and television. Colman first won audiences over with her breakout role in the sitcom Peep Show, showcasing her uncanny ability to embody complex characters.

Following her success on Peep Show, she starred in critically acclaimed series such as Broadchurch, further cementing her status among the world’s most respected actresses.

Colman’s exceptional talent has been celebrated with a multitude of honors, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Film Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, three BAFTA Television Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards.

Marion Cotillard is a versatile talent, excelling as an actress, producer, and singer. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is also a committed environmentalist. Marion is celebrated for her performances in both independent films and major blockbusters, spanning European cinema and Hollywood.

In recognition of her significant contributions to the arts, she was named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in France in 2010 and elevated to Officer status in 2016.

Cotillard's first English-language role came with the TV series Highlander. She made a successful transition to film after appearing in Tim Burton's Big Fish, paving the way for an impressive international career.

Her extraordinary depiction of French singer Édith Piaf in La Vie en Rose earned her a second César Award, as well as BAFTA, Golden Globe, Lumières, and Academy Awards for Best Actress.

Penélope Cruz is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed Spanish actresses in cinematic history. She holds the distinction of being the first, and so far only, Spanish performer to both receive an Academy Award nomination and take home the coveted Oscar.

Cruz's career began early when she signed with an agent at just 15, paving the way for her impressive debut in Jamón Jamón in 1992. Her captivating presence quickly drew the attention of critics and audiences worldwide.

She became an international sensation through powerful roles in films such as Vicky Cristina Barcelona, All the Pretty Horses, Vanilla Sky, Blow, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, solidifying her place among Hollywood’s elite.

For over twenty years, Anne Hathaway has captivated audiences with her versatile acting talent, earning her place as one of Hollywood’s most respected and beloved stars.

Hathaway’s early breakout roles in iconic films such as The Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada made her a household name and helped define the movie landscape of the early 2000s.

Now in her 40s, Hathaway continues to shine with a string of acclaimed, award-winning performances in movies like Brokeback Mountain, Les Misérables, and The Intern, showcasing her enduring talent and range.

With several captivating projects on the horizon, Hathaway remains a force both on screen and on the red carpet, where her evolving sense of style has solidified her reputation as a modern fashion icon.

Priyanka Chopra stands as a luminary in Bollywood, ranking among India's highest-paid actresses. In recent years, she has expanded her horizons, successfully pursuing opportunities in Hollywood and broadening her global recognition.

Crowned Miss World in 2000, Chopra made history as the first South Asian to star as the lead in a major American network drama with her role in Quantico.

Featured on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, she received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her acclaimed role in the drama film Fashion (2008).

Amy Adams stands out in Hollywood for her striking beauty and exceptional acting talent. With six Academy Award nominations to her name, she has captivated audiences and critics alike, even though she has yet to secure an Oscars win.

Adams' impressive career reflects her incredible versatility, as she seamlessly transitions between film and television roles. Her performances are marked by a deep sense of authenticity and the ability to embody a rich spectrum of characters.

Known for her radiant red hair and commanding presence, Adams has delivered memorable performances in celebrated films such as The Fighter, American Hustle, The Master, Arrival, and Vice.

Widely regarded as one of today’s finest actresses, Amy Adams’ career has only soared higher since she entered her 40s, consistently earning acclaim for her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.

Charlize Theron stands out as one of the world's most celebrated and highest-paid actresses, bringing her magnetic talent from South Africa to the global stage. From a young age, she aspired to movie stardom, a dream she has impressively fulfilled with her stellar career.

Theron is admired for her remarkable versatility and captivating presence, seamlessly portraying a range of complex characters across film and television. International recognition came with notable roles in films like The Devil's Advocate, Mighty Joe Young, and The Cider House Rules.

She made history as the first South African to win an Oscar for acting, receiving the award for her unforgettable performance in Monster. In 2016, Time magazine further honored her as one of the world's 100 most influential people.

Hilary Swank began her acting career in the early 1990s and first gained widespread recognition for her role as Julie Pierce in The Next Karate Kid, the fourth film in the franchise.

She quickly proved her exceptional talent with outstanding performances in acclaimed films like Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby, both of which earned her critical praise and numerous prestigious awards.

In 2005, Swank was honored by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, and she has also established herself as a producer in the industry.

Michelle Williams is a celebrated A-list actress recognized for her masterful portrayals of complex women grappling with emotional depth and personal challenges in a range of critically acclaimed films.

She gained widespread fame in the '90s with her role on the iconic teen drama Dawson’s Creek. Since then, Williams has earned praise for her remarkable performances in acclaimed independent dramas, including Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn, Manchester by the Sea, and Shutter Island.

Williams's extraordinary talent has been honored with two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award, further establishing her as one of Hollywood's most highly respected and versatile actresses.

Angelina Jolie has held her place as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, captivating global audiences for over two decades. Her influence extends far beyond the silver screen, making her a true icon in the entertainment industry.

Jolie’s impressive talent has earned her an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. She became internationally recognized after portraying Lara Croft in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," cementing her status as an action star.

From dynamic blockbusters like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "Wanted," and "Salt," to powerful dramatic roles in "A Mighty Heart" and "Changeling," Jolie consistently demonstrates her remarkable versatility and star power.

Kirsten Dunst first captured the public's attention with her unforgettable portrayal of a child vampire in the 1994 film Interview with the Vampire. Her remarkable performance marked the beginning of a distinguished career in Hollywood.

She quickly became a household name with iconic roles in Bring It On, the acclaimed Spider-Man trilogy, and a series of notable collaborations with filmmaker Sofia Coppola.

Dunst has demonstrated her impressive range through both dramatic and comedic roles, earning an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in The Power of the Dog. She also received an Emmy nomination for her nuanced work in Fargo.

With standout performances in films such as Elizabethtown, Marie Antoinette, and many others, Kirsten Dunst continues to prove her status as one of the most versatile and respected actresses of her generation.

Reese Witherspoon stands out as one of Hollywood's most reliable and acclaimed actresses, often earning a spot among the industry's top-paid stars at the height of her career.

Her achievements go far beyond acting. Witherspoon has flourished as a producer and entrepreneur, rising to new heights following her breakout performances in "Legally Blonde" and "Cruel Intentions."

Through her production company, Hello Sunshine, she champions innovative storytelling and empowering projects, cementing her influence both on and off screen. Most recently, she has won fresh acclaim for her dynamic role in the hit Apple TV+ series, "The Morning Show."

Maggie Gyllenhaal, the daughter of filmmakers Stephen Gyllenhaal and Naomi Achs, and elder sister to actor Jake Gyllenhaal, has established herself as an exceptionally talented actress with a wide-ranging and dynamic career.

She earned widespread acclaim for her powerful lead roles in films like Secretary and Sherrybaby. Her popularity soared even further with standout performances in notable movies such as World Trade Center, The Dark Knight, and Crazy Heart.

Gyllenhaal's impressive versatility shines through her memorable work in other acclaimed projects, including The Kindergarten Teacher and the HBO series The Deuce.

Rosamund Pike stands out as one of the most sophisticated and accomplished actresses of her generation, earning global recognition for her dynamic screen presence.

The acclaimed British actress and narrator has received prestigious accolades, including a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy, celebrating her impressive talent and versatility.

Pike's remarkable career features standout roles in acclaimed films such as An Education, Gone Girl, Fracture, and The Libertine. She also captivates audiences as the lead in Amazon's ambitious original series, The Wheel of Time.

Drew Barrymore's acting career began in childhood, and she rapidly became one of Hollywood’s most cherished stars. Her charismatic performances won over audiences and established her as a leading actress during her prime years.

Barrymore is a recipient of prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2004, she was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating her enduring impact on the industry.

In addition to her acclaimed acting career, Drew has found success as an entrepreneur with her beauty brand, Flower Beauty. Her enthusiasm for the entertainment world endures, as she continues to embrace exciting new projects.

Zoe Saldaña began her acting career with a memorable guest appearance on Law & Order, instantly capturing attention with her charismatic and commanding screen presence.

She gained early recognition starring alongside Britney Spears in the film Crossroads. However, Saldaña truly became a global star through her leading roles in blockbuster franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar, and Star Trek.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful actresses in the industry, Saldaña has the distinction of appearing in four of the highest-grossing films of all time: Avatar, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Avatar: The Way of Water.

Emily Blunt is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actresses featured in this list. Recognized by Forbes in 2020 as one of the world's highest-paid actresses, she made her cinematic debut in the critically acclaimed 2004 film My Summer of Love.

Her career gained momentum with standout performances in Gideon's Daughter and The Devil Wears Prada. Blunt's compelling role in Gideon's Daughter earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her remarkable talent and adaptability.

Throughout her career, Emily Blunt has continued to impress audiences and critics alike, building a reputation as a dependable box office success and a consistent presence in both critically praised and commercially successful films.

Rachel McAdams is a talented and versatile actress who has rightly earned her place among the top stars in their 40s.

She made her Hollywood debut in the comedy The Hot Chick, but it was her roles in iconic films like Mean Girls and The Notebook that catapulted her to international fame.

Over the years, McAdams has continued to impress audiences with standout performances in acclaimed productions such as Spotlight, Game Night, and Disobedience, proving she remains a dynamic presence in the industry.

Christina Ricci was the precocious and outspoken child star of the 1990s. She went on to establish herself as a dependable screen performer as she continued to age.

The actress was seen delivering some of her finest performances in independent productions and box hits such as The Addams Family, Now and Then, The Opposite of Sex, Sleepy Hollow, and Monster.

Ricci has also been seen playing a major part in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Yellowjackets. Previously, she had received acclaim for her guest role on Grey's Anatomy.

Tessa Thompson, now in her 40s, continues to shine as one of Hollywood's most dynamic talents. She first gained widespread attention for her roles in the acclaimed comedy-drama Dear White People and the historical drama Selma, showcasing her versatility early on.

Her rise to mainstream stardom was cemented by her strong performances in the popular Creed franchise. Thompson further expanded her audience by portraying Valkyrie in Marvel Cinematic Universe hits like Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder.

Beyond blockbuster success, Tessa Thompson consistently impresses critics with her nuanced work in independent films, including Passing, Sylvie's Love, and Sorry to Bother You. Her career exemplifies both range and resilience as she continues to take on powerful roles.

Bryce Dallas Howard was recently seen in Jurassic World Dominion. She is known to have attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

She went mainstream after having made her likable presence felt in features such as The Village, As You Like It, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

That said, critical acclaim and further opportunities followed as Howard appeared as a "fair-weather" girlfriend in 50/50 and as a racist socialite in The Help.

Sarah Paulson began her acting career in New York City stage productions. Trust us when we stress that she deserves more credit than we give her.

A thriving screen performer even in her 40s, the American Gothic star has delivered outstanding performances in feature films and television shows such as Game Change, Run, and Ratched.

A recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award, Paulson was named among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2017.

This German-American actress shot to fame after portraying Helen in the epic war film Troy. She rose to prominence internationally after her critically acclaimed performance as Bridget von Hammersmark in Quentin Tarantino's blockbuster war drama, Inglourious Basterds.

Kruger played a Detective in the crime drama series The Bridge and made her German-language debut in Fatih Akin's In the Fade. The project won her the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.

The talented cine-star was made an Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2014.

One of the most underappreciated actresses in the world, Rebecca Hall has gone on to stun us with her diligent character projection in features such as The Gift, Christine, and The Night House.

She made her maiden screen appearance at the age of 10 in the 1992 television adaptation of The Camomile Lawn.

The supremely talented lady not only amazed the film pundits with her career-best performance in Christine but she also earned acclaim after making her directorial debut in 2021 with the period drama Passing. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.

Kerry Washington is a name that has been synonymous with brilliant performances in motion pictures and television series for as long as most of us can recall.

Since she is only one of the few 40-year-old actresses with directing and TV writing abilities, we are more than certain that she will continue to make her remarkable presence felt for years to come.

The talented actress has demonstrated her acting skills in movies and television shows such as Confirmation, Scandal, and Little Fires Everywhere.

Anna Paquin was recently seen in the critically acclaimed biographical sports drama American Underdog. She made her feature film debut with The Piano; a film that won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 11.

She's been a successful child actress and has received multiple Young Artist Award nominations. Later, she also won acclaim for her work on the television show True Blood.

Paquin continued to perform for the mainstream audience by portraying the mutant superheroine Rogue in the X-Men franchise of films for over a decade.

Actress and businesswoman Kate Hudson made her feature film debut in the 1998 drama Desert Blue. However, it was her confident performance in Almost Famous that not only earned her a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress but also fetched her fame.

The actress was seen headlining several romantic comedies throughout the 2000s. Co-founder of the fitness brand and membership program Fabletics, Hudson was seen playing the recurring role of Cassandra July on the hit series Glee.

Not many are aware of the fact that Rosario Dawson was discovered by photographer Larry Clark and filmmaker Harmony Korine while hanging out on her doorstep.

She is one of the few actors on our list to have starred in both indie hits and action blockbusters during the course of her career.

Dawson delivered her best in film and TV projects such as He Got Game, 25th Hour, Sin City, Death Proof, and The Mandalorian. She's set to play the leading role in the Star Wars series Ahsoka.

Jessica Alba began appearing on television and in the movies at the young age of 13. She was first seen in Camp Nowhere and The Secret World of Alex Mack.

Soon after, she grabbed the opportunity to portray the main lead in the television series Dark Angel; a show that even earned her a Golden Globe nomination.

Popular magazines such as Men's Health, Vanity Fair, and FHM have often included her on their lists of the world's most beautiful women.

Alba has starred in several commercial hits such as Good Luck Chuck, Fantastic Four, and Mechanic: Resurrection.

Rose Byrne is an admirable actor who made her screen debut in Dallas Doll. She continued to star in Australian film and television projects throughout the 1990s.

Her award-winning performance in The Goddess of 1967 helped her make her transition to Hollywood. While she managed to prove her comic timing in Bridesmaids, she was also seen playing a dramatic role in movies such as Troy, Insidious, Insidious: Chapter 2, and 28 Weeks Later.

That said, her performance in the legal thriller series Damages fetched her two Golden Globe Awards nominations and two well-deserved Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Kristen Bell made her feature film debut in 1998's Polish Wedding. She began her acting career by starring in stage productions while attending school.

Her character projection in the teen noir drama television series Veronica Mars not only fetched her fame but also a Saturn Award for Best Actress on Television.

Bell played the female lead in the comedy series House of Lies and has been seen partaking in mainstream features such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Bad Moms, and Frozen.

Ukraine-born American actress Mila Kunis shot to instant fame after portraying the unforgettable brat Jackie in the very popular That 70's Show. She is also known to have voiced the character of Meg Griffin in Family Guy.

The gorgeous actress began her journey in the entertainment industry in her preteens. Not long after her successful television outing, she was seen making her dynamic presence felt in motion pictures such as Black Swan, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Friends with Benefits, and Ted.

She and her husband Ashton Kutcher are credited with creating a GoFundMe page to raise $30 million to pay AirBnB and Flexport for housing Ukraine refugees. It's been reported that the couple personally donated $3 million for the same.

Alicia Silverstone made a splash right after she appeared in her debut film, The Crush. For her performance in the same, she earned the 1994 MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.

Her inclusion in the teen comedy flick Clueless paved the way for her appearance in the big-budget superhero film Batman & Robin, in which she was seen playing Batgirl.

Silverstone, who has published two vegan cookbooks, is also known to endorse PETA activities.

Elizabeth Banks is a gifted personality who, besides acting, has also gone on to prove herself as a filmmaker, writer, and producer.

The actor made her feature film debut with Surrender Dorothy and went on to star in popular credits such as the Spider-Man trilogy, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Role Models, and Brightburn.

She received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her performance in the sitcom 30 Rock.

One of the stalwarts of the smash-hit Fast & Furious franchise of films, Michelle Rodrigues is yet another actress who looks great in her 40s.

The tough-talking Texan made her screen debut in the award-winning boxing drama Girlfight. She rose to prominence after having been cast as a permanent member of the Fast & Furious series.

Rodriguez has been able to carve a niche for herself in the world of movies after participating in titles such as Avatar, Machete, and Smurfs: The Lost Village, to mention a few.

Katherine Heigl rose to fame with her role in the acclaimed ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy from 2005 to 2010. Her compelling portrayal won her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2007.

Before making her mark in Hollywood, Heigl began her career as a child model. She quickly transitioned to acting, appearing in notable films like That Night and My Father the Hero early on.

As her career flourished, Heigl established herself both as a sought-after cover model and a popular leading actress. She is well known for starring in hit movies such as Knocked Up, The Ugly Truth, Killers, and 27 Dresses, among others.

Rebecca Ferguson rose to prominence with her compelling performance as Elizabeth Woodville in the acclaimed British miniseries The White Queen. Her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, showcasing her remarkable talent early on.

She achieved widespread recognition for her role as an MI6 agent in the blockbuster Mission: Impossible series, appearing in the fifth, sixth, and seventh installments and becoming a fan favorite worldwide.

Awarded Best Actress at the 2016 Prague Independent Film Festival, Ferguson continues to impress audiences with significant roles in major projects such as Doctor Sleep, Dune, Life, and Silo.

One of the few actresses who started her ascent to fame in her 40s, Rashida Jones used to write and direct for television before taking up acting for good.

The actress has been featured in different beauty magazines courtesy of her exquisite looks. She made a name for herself by appearing in acclaimed shows such as The Office and Parks and Recreation.

Her documentary film Quincy, which is based on the life of her father, Quincy Jones, won the Grammy Award for Best Music Film in 2019.

Despite being in her 40s, Zooey Deschanel continues to be double trouble for actors half her age. Not only is she a competent screen performer but she is also a likable singer.

She had played minor roles in several films at the beginning of the new millennium before Elf helped her come into the spotlight.

Deschanel has also contributed songs to various movies she has been involved in. Her rise as a cine star continued with 500 Days of Summer and the hit comedy series New Girl.

Given the fact that the lovely Evangeline Lilly gained recognition soon after having started her screen career, it's a bit surprising that she did not participate in a ton of feature films.

However, thanks to her sincere performance in the hit television series Lost, she was able to cement a place for herself in the highly competitive industry.

While Lilly was seen playing a decent role in the Academy Award-winning war film The Hurt Locker, her career found a new lease of life when she was given the opportunity to portray Hope van Dyne/Wasp in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

One of the fittest actors to make it to our piece, Jessica Biel began her career as a vocalist appearing in musical productions. She achieved recognition after having been cast as Mary Camden in the family drama series 7th Heaven.

The good-looking actor gained further fame after partaking in motion pictures such as I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Total Recall.

Biel received nominations for a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her performance in The Sinner.

Eva Green is a sensational actress whose presence is enough to light up the screen. She achieved international recognition for her adroit performance in Ridley Scott's historical epic Kingdom of Heaven.

The very next year, she went on to earn the BAFTA Rising Star Award for her character projection in the hit Bond film, Casino Royale.

A star of numerous independent titles, Green was also nominated for Best Actress in a Television Series - Drama at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards for her character projection in the horror drama series Penny Dreadful.

The gorgeous Isla Fisher was born to Scottish parents in Oman. She moved to Australia at the age of six and started featuring in commercials.

Sooner than later, she gained recognition for her performance in the Australian soap opera Home and Away. However, she broke-out in the true sense of the word after playing a part in The Wedding Crashers.

Also an author, the Definitely, Maybe star serves as both an actor and executive producer in the Peacock series Wolf Like Me.

English actresses Natalie Dormer managed to impress critics with her character projection in The Tudors. She consolidated her position as a screen performer after having played the cunning Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones.

Even though she was seen in the explosive final two Hunger Games motion pictures, it's rather obvious that she has managed to make a mark on the small screen.

Dormer can also be seen in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels and Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Ranked among the sexiest women in the world at the peak of her cinematic journey, Eva Mendes is in her late 40s, but it's incredibly tough to tell.

Aside from being an actor, she has also been a model and fashion designer.

Her performance in Training Day marked a turning point in her career, and she was soon seen playing a crucial role in popular mainstream features such as Hitch, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Ghost Rider, to mention a few.

Born and raised in London, the wonderful Hayley Atwell came to fame after playing Lady Elizabeth Foster in The Duchess. For her performance in the same, she earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the British Independent Film Awards.

While she continued to prove her mettle by marking her presence in shows such as The Pillars of the Earth and Black Mirror, further fame followed as she successfully portrayed Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero film Captain America: The First Avenger.

Atwell reprised her role on the television series Agent Carter soon after.

Cobie Smulders may have commenced her career by appearing in an episode or two of shows such as Special Unit 2, Jeremiah and Tru Calling, but she shot to instant fame after starring as Robin Scherbatsky in the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

Not long after the show finished, the actress was cast to play S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Maria Hill in the biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero films. She reprised the role in the ABC action drama series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Smulders has also appeared in Netflix series such as A Series of Unfortunate Events and Friends from College in the recent past.