Top 50 Best Actresses In Their 60s [2023]

 

The film industry has many unwritten rules and formulae that they follow to ensure the success of every project.

 

One of them is that an actress should be young and good-looking, irrespective of the situation and the environment.

 

This has been an inflexible rule for many years, but now is the time for a change.

 

Nowadays, we see more films where the lead actress is in her 50s and her performance, rather than her looks, is a priority.

 

This paradigm shift has given scope to many senior actresses who were considering retirement a new lease of life.

 

In this article, let us have a look at all the top actresses who have crossed their so-called prime years and yet continue to deliver amazing performances in prominent roles.

 

These actresses might do just one movie in a year, but it is stellar nonetheless.

 

 

50. Melanie Griffith

 

 

 

Melanie Griffith has performed in films since her debut in 1969.

 

Her initial movies were not very successful but after Body Double, her movies did well.

 

Her biggest critical and commercial hits have beenSomething Wild, Working Girl, Buffalo Girls, RKO 281, etc.

 

In the 2000s, Melanie made a comeback of sorts with films and television series.

 

She appeared in The Night We Called it a Day, Nip/Tuck, Raising Hope, Hawaii Five-O, etc.

 

She also debuted on stage in London and on Broadway with the musical Chicago.

 

 

 

49. Madeleine Stowe

 

 

 

Madeleine Marie Stowe was a trained pianist who aspired to become a concert pianist.

 

But, she changed her mind and started working on television shows like Amazing Spider-Man, Barnaby Jones, etc.

 

They were mostly just guest roles, and she got her breakthrough performance in Stakeout with Emilio Estevez and Richard Dreyfus.

 

After that, Madeleine continued to star in films like Revenge, Unlawful Entry, The Last of the Mohicans, 12 Monkeys, The General’s Daughter, etc.

 

Madeleine took a sabbatical to take care of her children and came back in the 2000s with roles in Saving Milly, ABC drama Revenge, Netflix’s Soundtrack, etc.

 

 

 

48. Patricia Clarkson

 

 

 

Patricia Clarkson has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in acting from Fordham College and Yale School of drama respectively.

 

She appeared in many hit films like The Untouchables, The Dead Pool, The Green Mile, Far from Heaven, Dogville Pieces of April, Station Agent, etc.

 

In recent years, Patricia Clarkson worked on television shows Six Feet Under, House of Cards, Sharp Objects, etc.

 

She also appeared in films like Easy A, The Maze Runner series, Party, Friends With Benefits, etc.

 

She got a Tony nomination for her role in The Elephant Man.

 

 

 

47. Dana Delany

 

 

 

Dana Delany appeared in such popular shows as Desperate Housewives, Hand of God, etc.

 

After graduating from Wellesley College with a major in Theater, Dana worked in guest roles in TV shows like  Moonlighting, Magnum PI, Thirty Something, etc.

 

She got her breakthrough with China Beach, a role that garnered her two Primetime Emmys.

 

Delany acted in the films Light Sleeper, Tombstone, Exit to Eden, Wide Awake, etc.

 

She also did voice acting in DC animated shows like Batman Animated series, Superman Animated series, Justice League, etc.

 

In recent years, we saw Dana Delany in Pasadena, Presidio Med, Body Of Proof, etc.

 

 

 

46. Kim Cattrall

 

 

 

As we hear the name Kim Cattrall, the first thing that comes to our mind is the series Sex in The City.

 

She played Samantha Jones in all seasons of the show and the Sex in the City movies too.

 

For her role, she received five Emmy and four Golden Globe nominations.

 

Other prominent works of Kim Cattrall include the films Ticket to Heaven, Masquerade, Big Trouble in Little China, Police Academy, Baby Geniuses, Crossroads, The Ghost Writer, The Bonfire of Vanities, etc.

 

She also appeared on Broadway in Miss Julie, Anthony, and Cleopatra, Sweet Bird of Youth, Wild Honey, Private Lives, etc.

 

 

 

45. Mary Steenburgen

 

 

 

Mary Steenburgen was known for her comedies and trained at the New York Neighborhood Playhouse, Melvin and Howard, Tender is the Night, Ragtime, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Back to the Future III, Elf, The Help, etc.

 

Mary appeared in television comedies like Curb Your Enthusiasm, Wilfred, 30 Rock, The Last Man on Earth, Bless The Harts, Happiest Season, etc.

 

Her performance in Joan of Arcadia, Orange is the New Black, Justified, Nightmare Alley, etc., were well received.

 

 

 

44. Kelly McGillis

 

 

 

Kelly McGillis has a long list of critically acclaimed drama films.

 

She has worked in Witness, Top Gun, The House on Carroll Street, The Accused, Made in Heaven, etc.

 

She received a Golden Globe and a BAFTA nomination for her role in Witness.

 

She made a comeback in the past decade with the TV series The Wild Thornberrys, Outer Limit, Z Nation, The L Word, We Are What We Are, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, etc.

 

Kelly McGillis also forayed into the world of theater with plays like The Duchess of Malfi, The Graduate, Don Juan, The Seagull, Mary Stuart, The Merchant of Venice, etc.

 

 

 

43. Joan Allen

 

 

 

Joan Allen is an accomplished actress with extensive acting experience in theater and film roles.

 

She won a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award for her theater performances.

 

She also has three Academy Award nominations for The Crucible, The Contender, and Nixon.

 

Allen appeared in critical hits like The Bourne series, Peggy Sue Got Married, Manhunter, The Ice Storm, Face/Off, Pleasantville, Death Race, The Family, etc.

 

Joan Allen took a break for five years from television and films.

 

In 2021, she came back with a Stephen King adaptation of Apple TV’s Lisey’s Story.

 

 

 

42. Rita Wilson

 

 

 

Rita Wilson was raised in the Greek Orthodox faith after her father, Hassan Halilov Ibrahimoff, converted from the Bulgarian Muslim faith to Orthodox Christianity.

 

Her father randomly picked the last name Wilson based on the street name.

 

Rita started her career with small roles in TV shows like The Brady Bunch, Three’s Company, Bosom Buddies, etc.

 

Rita appeared in many successful films, including Volunteers, Sleepless in Seattle, Now and Then, That Thing You Do, Jingle All the Way, The Story of Us, Runaway Bride, It's Complicated, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, The Good Wife, Girls, etc.

 

She is also an accomplished singer with four solo music albums to her credit.

 

 

 

41. Meg Ryan

 

 

 

Meg Ryan could, very well, be considered the queen of rom-coms.

 

She has worked on some of the biggest romantic comedies in Hollywood and became the sweetheart of millions of fans.

 

Meg Ryan has starred in When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, The French Kiss, Kate & Leopold, Addicted To Love, etc.

 

She has also worked in dramas like Courage Under Fire, City Of Angels, Proof Of Life, Ithaca, etc.

 

Meg has been nominated for multiple Golden Globes, People’s Choice Awards, MTV Movie Awards, etc.

 

 

 

40. Katey Sagal

 

 

 

Katey Sagal has worked in some of the biggest television sitcoms and drama series.

 

To name a few, Katey Sagal has appeared in Married…With Children, 8 Simple Rules, Sons of Anarchy, Shameless, The Conners, That 70s Show, etc.

 

She has also lent her voice to animated characters in Space Cases, Recess, Futurama, Rugrats, Spirit Riding Free, etc.

 

Katey Sagal is also a singer-songwriter who has released six studio albums.

 

You can watch Katey in the series The Conners, Futurama, and Tattered Hearts.

 

 

39. Jennifer Tilly

 

 

 

Jennifer Tilly is a comedian, actress, and poker player. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film, Bullets over Broadway.

 

Tilly also earned a nomination for the Saturn Award and MTV movie award for her role in Bound.

 

Other prominent films of Tilly are Child’s Play, Let It Ride, The Fabulous Baker Boys, Made in America, The Getaway, Edie & Pen, House Arrest, Liar Liar, The Women, Family Guy, etc.

 

She also did Broadway plays like Don’t Dress for Dinner, The Women, etc.

 

Tilly is the winner of the Ladies Event at the World Series of Poker, and she was the bracelet winner.

 

Tilly is the first celebrity to win a World Series tournament, and she won up to $ 1 million from her poker matches.

 

 

38. Jennifer Grey

 

 

 

Jennifer Grey has gained worldwide recognition as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman in the movie Dirty Dancing.

 

Her dance sequences have spawned hundreds of remakes around the world and inspired many future dancers.

 

Grey was also a part of the teen comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

 

Other hit movies from Grey are Red Dawn, Duck Duck Goose, Bounce, In Your Eyes, Bittersweet Symphony, etc.

 

Jennifer Grey lent her voice to the animated series Phineas and Ferb and The Wind Rises.

 

You can watch Jennifer Grey perform in The Conners and Dollface on television.

 

 

37. Bonnie Hunt

 

 

 

Bonnie Hunt wears many hats like director, producer, writer, TV Host, actress, etc.

 

Bonnie loved improv comedy and even worked at the Second City improv club, but he worked as an oncology nurse at Northwestern Memorial  Hospital.

 

While on lunch break, she attended the audition for a part in Rain Man and got the part.

 

Bonnie became a full-time actress with roles in Beethoven and its sequel, Jumanji, Jerry Maguire, The Green Mile, Cheaper By The Dozen, etc.

 

Bonnie Hunt did voice acting as well. He worked in Zootopia, A Bug's Life, Car, Monster’s Inc., Toy Story, etc.

 

She wrote, directed, and produced sitcoms like Life With Bonnie, The Building, Bonnie, The Bonnie Hunt show, etc.

 

 

36. Andie MacDowell

 

 

 

Andie MacDowell was a model before she became an actress.

 

She was discovered by a model scout while on vacation in Los Angeles.

 

Andie subsequently signed up with Elite modeling agency. Andie MacDowell worked as a model for YSL, Armani perfumes, Sabeth-Row, Mink International, Anne Klein, etc.

 

She was also the face of L'Oreal Paris from 1986.

 

When she started taking up film roles, her turn in Sex lies and Videotapes was a critical and commercial hit.

 

This prompted her to work in more films, including four weddings and a funeral, Michael, Green Card, Groundhog Day, Multiplicity, etc.

 

In recent times, MacDowell has worked in Beauty Shop, Magic Mike XXL Maid, etc.

 

 

35. Marina Sirtis

 

 

 

The first image that comes to our mind at the mention of Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

 

She is a British actress who graduated from Guildhall school of music and drama and worked in multiple theater plays at the Connaught Theater.

 

Before her role as Deanna Troi, Marina Sirtis appeared in the films, The Wicked Lady, Death Wish 3, Blind Date, The Return of Sherlock Holmes, etc.

 

Marina had come to the USA to audition for a role in Star Trek: The Next Generation, but she did not hear anything till the day she planned to return.

 

Sirtis received a call confirming her role as Counselor Troi and not the Security chief, Tasha Yar, as she had auditioned.

 

 

34. Lorraine Toussaint

 

 

 

Lorraine Toussaint was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

She attended the Juilliard School of Arts in Group 11 and went on to win many accolades like the Black Reel Awards, Critic’s Choice TV Awards, SAG Awards, etc.

 

Lorraine worked in TV series and films, including Hudson Hawk, Law and Order, Breaking In, Dangerous Minds, Crossing Jordan, Saving Grace, Middle Of Nowhere, Orange is The New Black, Selma, Rosewood, Into the Badlands, etc.

 

 

33. Geena Davis

 

 

 

Virginia ‘Geena’ Davis is a tall actress, model, producer, and activist.

 

She has fought for the cause of gender equality and to fight gender bias.

 

After graduating with a degree in theatre from Boston University and took up odd jobs as a model.

 

She even signed up at the Zoli Modeling agency. Soon, Geena Davis was offered the role of a soap opera actor in Sydney Pollack’s Tootsie.

 

After that, Geena appeared in many acclaimed films like The Fly, Beetlejuice, The Accidental Tourist, Thelma & Louise, Stuart Little,e, and its sequels, etc.

 

Geena Davis has won two Oscars, a Golden Globe, and many more nominations throughout her career.

 

 

32. Shohreh Aghdashloo

 

 

 

Shohreh Aghdashloo is an Iranian American actress. She worked in many acclaimed Iranian films like Shatranj Bad, Gozāresh, Sooteh Delan, etc.

 

But, with the start of the Iranian Revolution, she had to escape the country.

 

Shohreh sought refuge in America and began to re-establish her career.

 

After appearing in a few plays, short videos, etc., Shohreh Aghdashloo was offered the role in House of Sand and Fog, for which she got an Oscar nomination.

 

She also starred in 24,  The Exorcism of Emily Rose, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Nativity Story, The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Star Trek Beyond, The Expanse, House of Saddam, etc.

 

 

31. Dawn French

 

 

 

Dawn French is a renowned British writer, comedian, actress, and theatre personality.

 

She started her career with stand-up shows on the ComicStrip-till she gained public attention.

 

French worked with her best friend and fellow comic Jennifer Saunders to form a comic duo that resulted in the hit show French and Saunders.

 

Dawn French has also worked in Vicar of Dibley, Let Them Eat Cake, Look At The State We’re In!, The Adventures of Treasure Island, David Copperfield, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, etc. she has also lent her voice to Watership Down, Coraline, Animals United, etc.

 

Dawn French has been nominated for several BAFTAs and won the BAFTA fellowship along with Jennifer Saunders in 2009.

 

 

30. Fran Drescher

 

 

 

Fran Drescher is a writer, actress, comedian, and trade union leader.

 

She is a member of the SAG-AFTRA trade union that represents actors and media professionals.

 

As of 2021, Fran was elected as the new president of the trade union.

 

Fran worked in small roles in movies and TV shows before she created and wrote the TV series The Nanny.

 

Fran Drescher appeared in Silver Spoons, Who’s The Boss, 227, This is Spinal Tap, Ragtime, UHF, Princesses, etc.

 

She also lent her voice in The Hotel Transylvania series, Happily Divorced, Indebted, etc.

 

 

29. Jennifer Coolidge

 

 

 

Jennifer Coolidge is a comedy actress who has appeared in numerous iconic roles over the years.

 

She is best known for her role in the Legally Blonde series, The American Pie series, etc. she has also worked in many comedy mockumentaries by Christopher Guest.

 

The film credits of Jennifer Coolidge include A Mighty Wind, For Your Consideration, Mascots, A Cinderella Story, Click, Date Movie, Epic Movie, American Dreamz, Soul Men, Gentlemen Broncos, 2 Broke Girls, The White Lotus, etc.

 

We can expect to see more of Coolidge in Legally Blonde 3, Shotgun Wedding, The Watcher, etc.

 

 

28. Catherine O'Hara

 

 

 

Catherine O’Hara is a highly respected name in comedy circles in Canada and Hollywood.

 

She has won multiple awards and nominations from Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, Satellite Awards, SAG awards, etc. she was also conferred the Officer of the Order of Canada and the Governor-General’s Performing Arts Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Catherine O’Hara appeared in Home Alone 2, Best in Show, For Your Consideration, Coming Up Rosie, Beetlejuice, Frankenweenie, Life Before This, Schitt's Creek, etc.

 

Her most recent works have been in Temple Grandin, The Addams Family, Extinct, The Last Kids on Earth, Central Park, etc.

 

 

27. Kathleen Turner

 

 

 

Kathleen Turner was one of the big stars of Hollywood in the 1980s, and she starred in many successful films.

 

These include Body Heat, The Man with Two Brains, Crimes of Passion, Romancing the Stone, The Accidental Tourist, The War of the Roses, Serial Mom, Peggy Sue Got Married, etc.

 

Kathleen Turner appeared in The Simpsons, Family Guy, King of the Hill, Rick and Morty, Friends, Californication, Marley & Me, The Kominsky Method, Wizards: Tales of Arcadia, etc.

 

She has been nominated for two Tony awards, an Academy Award, and won two Golden Globes.

 

 

26. Rene Russo

 

 

 

Rene Russo was a model and actress. She started her modeling career in the 1970s, and she modeled for  Vogue and Cosmopolitan, appearing on their covers.

 

Rene Russo debuted with the comedy Major League and appeared in a variety of roles in Lethal Weapon 3, In the Line of Fire, Outbreak, Get Shorty, Ransom, Lethal Weapon 4, The Thomas Crown Affair, Yours, Mine, and Ours, etc.

 

Rene also appeared in MCUs Thor series a Frigga. She also worked in The Intern, Just Getting Started, Velvet Buzzsaw, etc.

 

 

25. Alfre Woodard

 

 

 

Alfre Woodard made her debut with theater plays after a nun at her high school convinced her to audition for them.

 

Alfre appeared in the Off-Broadway show For Colored Girls Who have considered suicide.

 

She has four Primetime Emmys, a Golden Globe, three SAG Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.

 

Alfre worked in Grand Canyon, Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag, How to Make an American Quilt, Cross Creek, Primal Fear, Star Trek: First Contact, Hill Street Blues, LA Law, St.

 

Elsewhere, etc. Alfre was named by her godmother, who had a vision of the name written in gold lettering at the time of Alfre’s birth, so he insisted on that name.

 

 

24. Marcia Gay Harden

 

 

 

Marcia Gay Harden is a celebrated actress with an Oscar trophy and another nomination under her belt.

 

She also won a Tony Award and has been nominated for two Primetime Emmys and a Critic’s Choice Movie Award.

 

Marcia appeared in Mona Lisa Smile, Pollock, Mystic River,  The First Wives Club, Flubber, Space Cowboys, The Fifty Shades trilogy, etc.

 

Recently, Marcia worked in TV series like The Newsroom, Code Black, The Morning Show, How to Get Away with Murder, The Courageous Heart of Irene Sendler, etc.

 

 

23. Lorraine Bracco

 

 

 

Lorraine Bracco was a model and stayed in France for a decade while she modeled for Jean Paul Gaultier.

 

During her modeling days, she was offered roles in Italian cinema.

 

After receiving a bad review, Lorraine decided to attend John Strasberg’s seminar and learn acting before making a Hollywood debut.

 

Lorraine appeared in films and TV series like The Goodfellas, Sing, The Dream Team, Someone to watch over me, The Sopranos, Rizzoli & Isles, I Married a Mobster, etc.

 

Lorraine was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in The Goodfellas.

 

She also has multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

 

 

22. Jennifer Jason Leigh

 

 

 

Jennifer Jason Leigh worked in a wide range of films throughout her career.

 

Initially, she gained recognition and praise for her roles in  Last Exit to Brooklyn, Miami Blues, Backdraft, Single White Female, Short Cuts, etc.

 

She continued to work in films like Mrs. Parker and The Vicious Circle, Road To Perdition,  Margot at the Wedding, The Hateful Eight, The Anniversary Party, Annihilation, etc.

 

For her role in The Hateful Eight, Jason Leigh garnered an Academy Award nomination.

 

 

21. Annette Bening

 

 

 

Annette Bening has a long and fruitful career that spreads over forty years.

 

It has been marked with a BAFTA and two Golden Globes.

 

She also has been nominated for four Academy Awards, a Primetime Emmy, and two Tony Awards.

 

In her long career, Annette has appeared in films such as The Grifters, American Beauty, Being Julia, The Kids Are All Right, Captain Marvel, etc.

 

She had worked on the TV show titled Mr. Harris.

 

In recent years, Annette Bening has returned to Broadway and theater plays. She has appeared in All My Sons.

 

 

20. Ellen DeGeneres

 

 

 

Ellen DeGeneres is a stand-up comic, actress, and television host.

 

She had a long spell as a stand-up comic before she stepped into the world of television.

 

Ellen appeared in Open House, Mr. Wrong, EDTv, Ellen, The Love Letter, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, American Idol, etc.

 

While Ellen was at the peak of her career in 1997, she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and came out as a lesbian.

 

This move had an almost debilitating effect on her career. There was intense media backlash. With the help of her family and supporters, Ellen came back stronger than ever. 

 

Fighting against all the odds, she rose to fame and became a household name with her talk show and gained fans not just in America but all over the world.

 

 

 

19. Cherry Jones

 

 

 

Cherry Jones is a force to reckon with in the theater world.

 

She has worked in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway plays that were nominated and won several awards.

 

Cherry has five Tony Award nominations, and she won two Tony Awards and three Primetime Emmys.

 

After moving to the TV world, Cherry appeared in 24, Black Mirror: Nosedive, Awake, Transparent, The Handmaid’s Tale, Succession, Defending Jacob, etc.

 

She also appeared in acclaimed films like Erin Brockovich, Ocean’s 12, The Beaver, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, etc.

 

 

18. Oprah Winfrey

 

 

 

Oprah Winfrey had a difficult childhood with abuse, neglect, and stability.

 

After her father took her in, she completed her education and took up a job at a radio news station.

 

With her success as a radio host, Oprah was offered a TV talk show host.

 

She turned around a failing show into a hit show and gained respect and recognition. 

 

Steven Speilberg offered her a role in Color Purple, which launched her film career.

 

Oprah appeared in The Women of Brewster Place, Beloved, The Bee Movie, The Butler, Selma, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, etc.

 

 

17. Christine Baranski

 

 

 

Christine Baranski graduated from Juilliard School with a degree in arts and appeared in many Broadway and off-broadway shows.

 

She has won two Tony Awards for her work in The Real Thing and Rumors.

 

Christine also worked in television shows like Cybill, Happy Family, Welcome To New York, The Good Wife, The Good Fight, The Big Bang Theory, etc.

 

She also appeared in films  The Birdcage, Cruel Intentions, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Chicago, Mamma Mia, its sequel, Into the Woods, etc.

 

Christine has 15 Primetime Emmy nominations, five SAG nominations, and three Golden Globe nominations.

 

 

16. Annie Potts

 

 

 

Annie Potts is a television, stage, and film actress. She debuted in 1977 with television shows and slowly started gaining roles in films.

 

Annie has been nominated for a Golden Globe, a Primetime Emmy, two SAG Awards, etc.

 

Annie Potts worked in Goodtime Girls, Designing Women, Any Day Now, Love & War, Young Sheldon, Chicago Med, GCB, The Fosters, etc.

 

Her film roles are in the Ghostbusters franchise, Pretty in Pink, Jumpin' Jack Flash, and Who's Harry Crumb? The Toy Story franchise, etc.

 

 

15. Jennifer Saunders

 

 

 

Jennifer Saunders is a British comedian, actress, and writer. She has appeared on iconic British comedy series on the telly.

 

Jennifer started her comedy career with her best friend Dawn French in the French and Saunders show.

 

She debuted with The Comic Strip by doing various sketches.

 

She followed it up with Happy Families, Girls On Top, Absolutely Fabulous, Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle, Blandings, There’s Something About Movies, The Pentaverate, etc.

 

Saunders has won the Writers Guild of Great Britain twice, three BAFTAs, a People’s Choice Award, etc.

 

Saunders, along with French, has received the BAFTA Fellowship award.

 

 

14. Whoopi Goldberg

 

 

 

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few performers who has won all the major awards for performance in different media.

 

She won an Academy Award, A Grammy, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award.

 

Whoopi started her career as a comic and theater artist.

 

She was most known for her roles in films such as Sister Act and its sequel, The Lion King, Ghost, Corina Corina, National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapons, For Colored Girls, etc.

 

She also appeared in theater roles in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Thoroughly Modern Millie, etc.

 

In recent years, she has worked on the talk show, The View.

 

 

13. Sharon Stone

 

 

 

Sharon Stone is an actress with a high IQ and was studying creative writing at Edinboro University.

 

She won the beauty contest at Miss Crawford County, and this led her to quit college for modeling jobs.

 

After modeling for a few years, Sharon Stone entered the world of acting.

 

Her role in Basic Instinct was her breakout performance. She continued with parts in Total Recall, Casino, The Mighty, The Specialist, Muse, Sliver, The Quick and the Dead, Sphere, Catwoman, The Laundromat, etc.

 

In recent years, she worked in Mosaic, The Laundromat, etc., and is set to appear in The Flight Attendant,  Blue Beetle, etc.

 

 

12. Angela Bassett

 

 

 

Angela Bassett is a renowned artist from the black community in America.

 

She earned her MFA from Yale University and worked in theater plays like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Black Girl, Come and Gone, etc.

 

Angela got her breakthrough with Boyz n the Hood and worked in Malcolm X, Panther, What's Love Got to Do with It, The Jacksons: An American Dream, Notorious, The Green Lantern, Betty and Coretta, etc.

 

In recent years she appeared in MCU’s Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, London Has Fallen, etc.

 

She was also nominated for an Academy Award and seven Primetime Emmy Awards.

 

Angela won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award, etc.

 

 

11. Holly Hunter

 

 

 

Holly Hunter is an acclaimed actress with multiple Oscar-nominated films.

 

She has already won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Piano.

 

Her other nominated films are Broadcast News, The Firm, and Thirteen.

 

Holly has appeared in many more acclaimed movies like O’ Brother Where Art Thou?, Raising Arizona, Always, Miss Firecracker, The Incredibles, and its sequel, The Big Sick, etc.

 

Holly Hunter also has a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and two Primetime Emmys.

 

She also has a SAG nomination to her credit.

 

 

10. Julianne Moore

 

 

 

Julianne Moore studied theater at Boston University and started acting in television series.

 

After more than four years of insignificant parts, Moore got recognition for her role in Short Cuts.

 

She followed it up with performances in Vanya on 42nd Street, Safe, Nine Months, Lost World: Jurassic Park, etc.

 

Julianne appeared in many Oscar-nominated roles like Boogie Nights, Far From Heaven, The End of The Affair, The Hours, etc.

 

Her other prominent roles are Magnolia, The Big Lebowski, Children of Men, Hannibal, Game Change, Still Alice, Maps of the Stars, etc.

 

Julianne is considered one of the most influential people by Time Magazine.

 

The New York Times listed Moore as one of the greatest actors of the 21st Century in 2020.

 

 

9. Carrie Fisher

 

 

 

Carrie Fisher has been immortalized in Hollywood cinema as Princess Leia from the Star Wars franchise.

 

She was the daughter of singer Eddie Fisher and actress Debbie Reynolds.

 

She appeared with her mother in a documentary,  Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, in 2016.

 

The same year on 27 December, Carrie passed away from cardiac arrest.

 

Some of the most notable roles of Carrie Fisher have been in  Shampoo, The Blues Brothers, Hannah and Her Sisters, The 'Burbs, When Harry Met Sally..., Soapdish, The Women, 30 Rock, etc.

 

Carrie also had a knack for being a script doctor as she could make scripts more impactful and tie up loose ends.

 

She worked on the scripts of Hook, Wedding Singer, Sister Act, and some Star Wars scripts.

 

 

8. Michelle Pfeiffer

 

 

 

Michelle Pfeiffer was one of the top actresses in Hollywood during the 1980s and 90s.

 

She got her big break when she was cast as the trophy wife in Scarface.

 

Michelle was a beauty contest winner and was immediately picked up by talent scouts to act in films.

 

However, Pfeiffer was very conscious about being typecast. Michelle Pfeiffer appeared in films like The Fabulous Baker Boys, Dangerous Liaisons, Age of Innocence, Dangerous Minds, Lady Hawke, White Oleander, Batman Returns, etc.

 

Michelle has been nominated thrice for an Academy Award, twice for BAFTA, eight times for Golden Globes, etc.

 

Her recent movie and TV appearances have been in Ant-Man, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Murder On The Orient Express, The First Lady, etc.

 

 

7. Jane Lynch

 

 

 

Jane Lynch is an amazing actress who worked in Broadway and off-broadways shows before beginning her television series.

 

She has five Primetime Emmys, two SAG awards, and a Golden Globe Award.

 

Jane Lynch worked in the Steppenwolf theater company and the improv shows at The Second City comedy troupe.

 

She is a regular in most mockumentaries of Christopher Guest.

 

She has worked in Best in Show, For Your Consideration, A Mighty Wind, etc.

 

She has other memorable roles in Glee, The L-Word, The Good Fight, and The Marvelous Mrs.

 

Maisel, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Role Models, Paul, Shrek Forever After, Rio, Wreck-It Ralph, etc.

 

 

6. Allison Janney

 

 

 

Allison Janney is a statuesque actress known for playing strong, grounded, and balanced women.

 

She has received many accolades for her performances, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and seven Primetime Emmys.

 

She also has two Tony Award nominations for her theater roles.

 

Janney has appeared in the critically acclaimed series West Wing, Mom, Masters Of Sex, etc.

 

Her film credits include Private Parts, Drop Dead Gorgeous, American Beauty, Nurse Betty, The Hours, Hairspray, Juno, The Help, The Addams Family, Bombshell, I, Tonya, etc.

 

Allison Janney is also active in the theater world. She has worked in Broadway and off-broadway plays that have been well received.

 

A few of her plays are Present Laughter, A View From The Bridge, 9 to 5, etc.

 

 

5. Tilda Swinton

 

 

 

Tilda Swinton is a name that invokes the image of the White Witch from the Chronicles of Narnia movie, or she reminds us of the bald Ancient One from Doctor Strange.

 

However, there is much more to this versatile Oscar-winning actress.

 

She began her career with experimental cinema and played many unique roles.

 

Some of the most memorable roles of Tilda Swinton include Edward II, Orlando, The Deep End, Vanilla Sky, Young Adam, Adaptation, Michael Clayton, Constantine, Julia, We Need To Talk About Kevin, I Am Love, etc.

 

Her recent roles were in The Grand Budapest  Hotel, Isle Of Dogs, The French Dispatch, Suspiria, Pinocchio, etc.

 

Tilda is a fantastic artist with many great projects under her belt. But she gained a massive number of fans after her Marvel debut with Dr. Strange. This movie made her known amongst the young generation and Marvel fans. 

 

 

4. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

 

 

 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus is an actress with the maximum number of award wins in television history.

 

She has 11 Primetime Emmys from 26 nominations, nine SAG Awards from 21 nominations, a Golden Globe, and many more accolades.

 

Julia Louis-Dreyfus has appeared in Seinfeld, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Veep, Enough Said, Hannah and Her Sisters, A Bug's Life, Onward, Falcon and The Winter Soldier, etc.

 

She has been ranked among the 100 most influential people by Time magazine.

 

In 2018, she was conferred Twain Prize for American Humor.

 

 

3. Jamie Lee Curtis

 

 

 

Jamie Lee Curtis is the daughter of the iconic couple, Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.

 

She has built a reputation as a scream queen with all her roles in horror movies, including the Halloween series, The Fog, Prom Night, etc.

 

Jamie Lee Curtis is also a versatile actress, and her films span all genres.

 

Some of them include True Lies, Trading Places, A Fish Called Wanda, Blue Steel, The Tailor of Panama, Freaky Friday, Veronica Mars, Knives Out, etc.

 

Lee Curtis is also a children’s book author with over 10 published books.

 

She is also an active blogger who writes for The Huffington Post online.

 

 

2. Emma Thompson

 

 

 

Dame Emma Thompson is one of the most iconic British actresses of her generation. No one can deny that she has carved her niche through her great acting skills and excellent work ethic. 

 

She has received two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, three BAFTAs, a Primetime Emmy, and more.

 

Emma started her career with the British sketch comedy troupe and starred in Alfresco, alongside Robbie Coltrane, Hugh Laurie, etc.

 

She is also in critical dramas like Remains of the Day, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V, Love Actually, The Harry Potter franchise, etc.

 

Emma Thompson is also a children’s book writer. In recent years she has appeared in films like Men in Black 3, Men in Black: International, Brave, Beauty, and the Beast, Late Night, Cruella, Years and Years, etc.

 

 

1. Frances McDormand

 

 

 

Frances McDormand has achieved the Triple Crown of Acting with four Academy Awards, two Primetime Emmys, and a Tony Award.

 

Additionally, McDormand also won two Golden Globes, three BAFTAs, and four SAG awards. All of these awards reflect her talent and high caliber as an actor.

 

She has worked in  Raising Arizona, Miller's Crossing, Barton Fink, Fargo, The Man Who Wasn't There, Burn After Reading, Hail, Caesar!, Almost Famous, North Country, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Nomadland, etc.

 

On stage, Frances McDormand performed in the revival of A Streetcar Named Desire, The Country Girl, Good People, etc.