Top 50 Most Popular Short Actresses In 2025

Jessica Michelle Chastain is renowned for her powerful performances in female-led motion pictures. With a career spanning nearly twenty years, she has captivated audiences worldwide. Chastain’s remarkable talent has earned her both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. In 2012, Time magazine included her in its prestigious list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Her filmography features acclaimed titles such as Take Shelter, The Tree of Life, Zero Dark Thirty, The Help, The Martian, and Interstellar. Most recently, she was praised for her compelling role in the intense 2022 Netflix drama The Good Nurse.

When Natalie Portman first appeared in Léon: The Professional, her remarkable talent was clear, signaling a bright future ahead. She fulfilled that promise, quickly rising to prominence and establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actresses.

Portman has earned widespread acclaim for her roles in acclaimed films such as Black Swan, No Strings Attached, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Thor, and Thor: The Dark World.

She is a distinguished recipient of prestigious accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and two Golden Globe Awards.

Scarlett Johansson stands out as one of the most renowned and beloved actresses of her generation. As the world’s highest-paid actress in both 2018 and 2019, her impressive filmography has collectively earned more than $14.3 billion globally, cementing her status as a top box office star.

Throughout her illustrious career, Johansson has starred in a wide range of acclaimed films, including Lost in Translation, Match Point, The Prestige, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Marriage Story, and Black Widow, among many others.

Her outstanding talent has earned her prestigious honors like a Tony Award and a BAFTA. Often celebrated as one of the most attractive women in the world, Scarlett Johansson’s charisma and presence continue to capture audiences worldwide.

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, widely recognized as Lady Gaga, stands out as one of the world’s most influential female artists today. She has dazzled global audiences not only with her iconic music but also with her rapidly emerging talent as an actress.

Her captivating songs have enthralled millions across the globe, while her powerful performances in films such as A Star is Born and House of Gucci have impressed critics and audiences alike. Lady Gaga continues to redefine versatility in the entertainment industry.

With each new role, she proves that her talent extends far beyond music. We look forward to seeing her take on even more film projects in the future.

Judi Dench stands out as arguably the most distinguished female star featured in our list. For over sixty years, she has made a remarkable impact on the entertainment industry with her exceptional talent and enduring presence.

Widely regarded as one of the finest English actresses ever to appear on screen, Dench boasts a prolific career spanning numerous acclaimed films and television projects.

Best known for her role in Philomena, she has earned an impressive array of accolades, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, four British Academy Television Awards, six British Academy Film Awards, and seven Olivier Awards.

Reese Witherspoon is a standout figure in the entertainment industry and deserves her place on this list. Acclaimed for her talent, she has earned an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards.

At the height of her career, Witherspoon was recognized as one of the most influential women in film. Time magazine featured her among the 100 most influential people in the world in both 2006 and 2015. Audiences know her from hit movies such as Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, and Election.

Florence Pugh made her impressive screen debut with the 2014 film The Falling. Recognized for her versatility, she quickly established herself as one of the most talented actresses on our list. Her breakthrough came when she portrayed a fierce young bride in the acclaimed independent drama Lady Macbeth.

Her powerful performance in that role earned her a British Independent Film Award, marking a significant milestone in her career. Since then, Pugh has starred in notable films such as Midsommar, King Lear, Black Widow, Little Women, and Fighting with My Family.

Continuing to demonstrate her remarkable range, Pugh has captivated audiences in films like The Wonder, Don't Worry Darling, and A Good Person, solidifying her place as a leading actress in modern cinema.

Octavia Spencer is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished actresses in Hollywood today. She began her career with a minor role in the 1996 film A Time to Kill, and has steadily risen to prominence since then.

Spencer has earned critical acclaim, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards. Her impressive filmography features standout performances in movies like The Shape of Water, Ma, Fruitvale Station, The Help, Hidden Figures, Gifted, and Instant Family, among others.

Melissa Ann McCarthy is a remarkable multi-talented celebrity who rightfully earns her place on our list. In addition to being a skilled actress, she is also celebrated as a comedian, producer, writer, and fashion designer.

McCarthy began her on-screen career with the television show Jenny and has since achieved industry acclaim, winning two Primetime Emmy Awards. She has also garnered nominations for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.

Her impressive filmography includes memorable roles in movies such as The Little Mermaid, Bridesmaids, Spy, Identity Thief, St. Vincent, and The Boss.

Amanda Michelle Seyfried began her television career in the late 1990s with a role on As the World Turns. Over the years, she has established herself as a prominent actress, appearing in numerous acclaimed films.

Standing at 160 centimeters tall, Seyfried has earned two Satellite Awards and a ShoWest Award, along with nominations for an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critics' Choice Movie Award, and a Saturn Award.

Her notable film credits include Mamma Mia!, Chloe, Jennifer's Body, Letters to Juliet, A Million Ways to Die in the West, Dear John, and First Reformed, among others.

Salma Hayek is celebrated as one of the world's most captivating actresses, having built a remarkable career in both the Mexican and American film industries. Her striking presence and talent have made her a standout in the entertainment world.

Beginning her journey in Mexico, Hayek soon caught Hollywood's attention with memorable roles in films like Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, Wild Wild West, and Dogma. These performances established her as a formidable talent in international cinema.

Her career reached new heights with her acclaimed portrayal in the biographical drama Frida, which earned her a coveted Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

America Ferrera, born in Los Angeles to Honduran parents, discovered her passion for acting early in life. Her dedication and talent quickly became evident with her impressive debut in the acclaimed film "Real Women Have Curves."

Throughout her career, Ferrera has received major accolades, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, highlighting her outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry.

Amy Poehler is celebrated not only for her versatile acting skills but also for her impressive work as a voice actor. Best known for her role in Parks and Recreation, she has lent her voice to several acclaimed films, including Shrek the Third, Horton Hears a Who!, Free Birds, and Inside Out.

In 2015, Poehler was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her outstanding contributions to television. She has also appeared in memorable movies such as Wake Up, Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie, Blades of Glory, Baby Mama, and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.

Hilary Duff, best known today for starring in How I Met Your Father, first appeared on screen as an extra in the 1997 television show True Women. Over the years, she has become a prominent figure in entertainment, with a career spanning both acting and music.

Duff is not only recognized for her roles in popular television shows and films—including How I Met Your Father, A Cinderella Story, Agent Cody Banks, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Cadet Kelly—but also for her success as a singer. She has earned numerous accolades, such as seven Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, four Teen Choice Awards, and two Young Artist Awards.

Nora Lum, known professionally as Awkwafina, is a multi-talented actress, comedian, and rapper. She gained early recognition with her television debut on the animated series Regular Show in 2015, and went on to win a Golden Globe Award for her outstanding performance.

Awkwafina has also earned nominations from the British Academy Film Awards, the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the AACTA International Awards. She has starred in acclaimed films such as Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, Crazy Rich Asians, and Ocean's 8, cementing her status as a dynamic presence in Hollywood.

Ariana Grande, renowned for her incredible talent and striking beauty, stands as one of the most influential artists in contemporary popular music. Widely recognized as a pop culture icon, she began her journey in the music industry at just fifteen years old.

Her rise to stardom accelerated when she portrayed Cat Valentine in the hit Nickelodeon shows Victorious and Sam & Cat. These roles introduced her to a broader audience and showcased her vibrant personality and acting skills.

Noticing her exceptional covers on YouTube, Republic Records offered her a contract, launching her professional music career. Ariana quickly flourished, becoming one of the most prominent musical figures of the modern era.

Grande is celebrated for her impressive four-octave vocal range and extraordinary whistle register. A multi-award-winning performer, she also made a memorable cameo in the acclaimed 2021 film Don't Look Up.

Anna Kendrick made her film debut in 2003 with the feature "Camp." She quickly established herself as a talented and versatile actress, earning recognition for her dynamic performances in both comedy and drama.

Kendrick's notable roles include appearances in movies such as "The Accountant," "Up in the Air," and the beloved "Pitch Perfect" series. Her work has earned her nominations for an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

These prestigious nominations make Kendrick one of the youngest performers to achieve recognition for all three major acting awards, often called the "Triple Crown of Acting."

Eva Longoria began her career with several guest roles on television before rising to prominence as Isabella Braña on the CBS daytime soap opera, The Young and the Restless.

Her dynamic portrayal in Desperate Housewives propelled her into mainstream stardom, earning her nominations for both the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Longoria has also showcased her talent in films such as The Sentinel, Overboard, Over Her Dead Body, and For Greater Glory.

Renowned for her remarkable talent, Lucy Alexis Liu has received numerous accolades, including a Critics' Choice Television Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Seoul International Drama Award. She is celebrated for her dynamic performances in films like Payback, Shanghai Noon, Chicago, Lucky Number Slevin, Kill Bill: Volume 1, and both Charlie's Angels movies.

In addition to her film success, Liu has left a lasting mark on television with standout roles in popular series such as Ally McBeal and Elementary, among others.

Kristen Bell began her acting journey in stage productions before moving on to prominent roles in film. She gained early recognition with performances in movies like Spartan and Gracie's Choice, but her true breakthrough came with the iconic television series Veronica Mars.

Her critically acclaimed portrayal in Veronica Mars earned her the Saturn Award for Best Actress on Television. Kristen has since continued her success with memorable roles in popular shows such as House of Lies and The Good Place, among others.

The magnificent Mila Kunis was first seen on the television show Days of Our Lives in 1994. She shot to fame after having portrayed Jackie Burkhart on the popular Fox sitcom That '70s Show.

The charming actress has been a part of motion pictures such as Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Max Payne, Black Swan, Ted, and the Bad Moms series. For her performance in Black Swan, she received the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actress.

Kristin Chenoweth was first seen in an episode of the television show LateLine in 1999. Since she's at the top of our list, it'd be safe to assert the she's arguably the shortest celebrity we've mentioned today.

The actress has been a part of several musical theater, television, and feature film throughout her career. She even went on to win a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her promising character projection of Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown on Broadway.

Chenoweth has also been seen in shows such as The West Wing, Pushing Daisies, GCB, and Schmigadoon!, to name a few.

Lena Dunham is one of the few multi-talented personalities to make it to our list. Creator, writer, and star of the television series Girls, she was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2013.

In fact, our readers would be surprised to know that she has even directed some of the episodes of the series. Dunham is also known to have written, directed, and starred in the semi-autobiographical independent film Tiny Furniture.

Hayden Lesley Panettiere is an attractive actor and model who was first seen on the television show Aliens in the Family in 1996. She shot to fame after having played a significant role in shows such as Heroes and Nashville.

Her performance was widely appreciated in the latter; so much so that it ended up earning her nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film.

The 155 centimeter-tall Jenna Ortega started her career as a child actor and was initially known for portraying Annie in the supernatural horror movie Insidious: Chapter 2. The young actress was also seen playing Mary Ann in the direct-to-video film The Little Rascals Save the Day.

However, she was appreciated for her character projection of Young Jane in the comedy-drama series Jane the Virgin. Also, her performance in the Disney Channel series Stuck in the Middle won her the well-deserved Imagen Award for Best Young Actor on Television in 2018.

Ortega has been featured in movies and shows such as The Babysitter: Killer Queen, You, and The Fallout, among others. She received nominations at the Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards for her performance as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix horror comedy series Wednesday.

Jennifer Love Hewitt began her career as a child actress and singer. She appeared in a number of national television commercials before getting a meaty role to play on the television show Kids Incorporated in 1989.

The gorgeous actress has been seen in motion pictures such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, Can't Hardly Wait, The Tuxedo, and Heartbreakers. She has also been a part of shows such as Ghost Whisperer, The Client List, and Criminal Minds, among others.

Vanessa Anne Hudgens is an actress and singer who was first been seen playing a minor role on the television show Still Standing. She made her feature film debut with Thirteen and shot to fame after playing Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical film franchise.

The show is credited with bringing her well-deserved mainstream success. She has also been seen in motion pictures such as Bandslam, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, and Bad Boys for Life, to name a few.

Megan Denise Fox is an actor and model who was first seen in the 2001 direct-to-video release Holiday in the Sun. An attractive screen performer, she made a name for herself by featuring in the Transformers franchise of films.

While she is no more very active today, she has gone on to appear in movies such as Jennifer's Body, Teenage Mutant Turtle Ninja and its sequel, Midnight in the Switchgrass, Hope and Faith, etc.

A recipient of two Scream Awards and four Teen Choice Awards, Fox has been on magazine covers of Maxim, Rolling Stone, and FHM.

Juno Temple made her film debut more than two decades ago with Pandaemonium. She is an acclaimed English actress who has been seen in popular TV shows and motion pictures ever since.

The 157-centimeter tall actress has appeared in movies such as Notes on a Scandal, Atonement, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Three Musketeers, The Dark Knight Rises, Magic Magic, Maleficent, Black Mass, Unsane, and Maleficent: Mistress of Evi.

She gained critical acclaim for her amazing character projection in the acclaimed Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso.

Chandra Danette Wilson made her television debut with The Cosby Show in 1989. She has gone on to make a name for herself by appearing in acclaimed shows. For her amazing performance as Dr. Miranda Bailey in the ABC television drama series Grey's Anatomy, she received four well-deserved Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actress.

The actress has also been seen in the acclaimed 1993 feature film Philadelphia. Furthermore, one can catch her in shows such as Private Practice and Station 19 as well.

Paula Julie Abdul was first seen playing an uncredited role in the 1983 feature Private School. Over time, she established herself as a multi-talented personality. Not only has she contributed to the entertainment industry as an actor but she has also proven her mettle as a singer, choreographer, dancer, and TV personality.

Abdul has been seen in flicks such as Junior High School, Touched By Evil, and Mr. Rock 'n' Roll: The Alan Freed Story, to name a few.

Emilia Clarke gained global fame after having played the beloved "Mother of Dragons" in HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones. A dependable screen performer, she went on to become one of the highest-paid actors on television as her popularity soared with the steady progress and spectacular success of Game of Thrones.

She has also been seen in motion pictures such as Me Before You, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Last Christmas, among others. The star has so far been nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards and four Screen Actor Guild Awards.

Jada Pinkett Smith was first seen on television in the show True Colors in 1990. She is best known for playing a significant supporting role in the sitcom A Different World.

The actress found fame after having been a part of motion pictures such as The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions, and The Matrix Resurrections, respectively. Also, we'd like to mention the fact that she was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in the year 2021.

Maisie Williams made her dream debut by playing a pivotal role in the blockbuster television show Game of Thrones. For her amazing performance in the series, she received two deserving nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

She has also been seen in shows and movies such as Doctor Who, Two Weeks to Live, and The New Mutants, among others.

Mary-Kate Olsen is now officially a renowned fashion designer. She was first seen playing a role on the television show Hangin' with Mr. Cooper in 1992. After having become a mother, she re-started her career in a way by making an appearance on the show Full House.

Soon after, she was seen in motion pictures such as When in Rome, Getting There, The Challenge, and Our Lips Are Sealed, among others.

Ashley Fuller Olsen, the twin sister of Mary-Kate Olsen, gave her acting career kick-start with the television show Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. Now a fashion designer and a businesswoman, the sisters have appeared together in a number of television movies.

Ashley has shared the screen with her sister in projects such as Getting There, Passport to Paris, Our Lips Are Sealed, Winning London, and Holiday in the Sun, to name a few.

Alyssa Jayne Milano was first seen in the movie Old Enough in 1984. Besides being an actor, she is also a producer, singer, author, and activist. The actress has been a part of shows such as Melrose Place, Who's the Boss?, Wet Hot American Summer: 10 Years Later, and Charmed.

She has also gone on to appear in motion pictures such as Where the Day Takes You, Commando, and Conflict of Interest, to name a few.

Make way for the multi-talented Candace Cameron Bure for she hasn't just been an actress but also a talk show panelist, producer, and author, in that order. She gained prominence after having starred in American sitcoms Full House and its sequel, Fuller House.

The actress is best-known for her work in movies bankrolled by Hallmark Channel. She can be seen playing the main protagonist in their feature film adaptation of the Aurora Teagarden novel series.

Lucy Hale first rose to prominence after having played a key role in shows such as Privileged and Bionic Woman. However, her breakthrough performance came in Pretty Little Liars, for which she went on to receive a ton of positive feedback.

While she's been seen in shows like Life Sentence and Ragdoll, one can also find her in movies such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, Sorority Wars, A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song, and Scream 4.

Emma Roberts loves to play volleyball and swim. She made her big-screen debut in the acclaimed 2002 crime film Blow. She soon found fame after having played the role of Addie Singer on the popular Nickelodeon television teen sitcom Unfabulous.

Roberts has so far been a part of movies such as Holidate, Aquamarine, Nancy Drew, Hotel for Dogs, Valentine's Day, It's Kind of a Funny Story, We're the Millers, and The Art of Getting By.

The stunning Isla Lang Fisher was born to Scottish parents in Oman. However, she soon moved to Australia and began appearing in commercials as a child artist. The actress first gained recognition after having portrayed Shannon Reed on the Australian soap opera Home and Away.

She received two Logie Award nominations for the same. Since then, she has been a part of feature films such as Definitely, Maybe, Scooby-Doo, Wedding Crashers, Hot Rod, Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Great Gatsby, and Now You See Me.

Zoë Isabella Kravitz is the beloved daughter of actor and musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. She made her screen debut by appearing in the feature film No Reservations in 2007.

Her strong performance in X-Men: First Class ended up getting her nominated for a Teen Choice Award and a Scream Award. Also seen in The Divergent and Fantastic Beasts film franchises, she found further fame by playing a critical role in the 2022 smash-hit The Batman.

Actress and singer Sarah Hyland is known to have attended the Professional Performing Arts School before starting to make her presence felt in the movies.

While she was seen playing a minor role in titles such as Private Parts, Annie, and Blind Date at the beginning of her career, she is perhaps best known for her role-play in the hit ABC sitcom Modern Family.

In the recent past, the actress has been seen playing a pivotal role in features such as Geek Charming, Scary Movie 5, Vampire Academy, and Dirty Dancing, to name a few.

In August 2022, Sarah started hosting Love Island USA on Peacock.

AnnaSophia Robb made her television debut on the show  Drake & Josh in 2004. Needless to say, she started her career as a child artist. For the first time in her career, she was seen playing the role in the television movie Samantha: An American Girl Holiday.

She can be seen in motion pictures such as Because of Winn-Dixie and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Also, for her performance in Bridge to Terabithia, Robb ended up winning two Young Artist Awards.

Kate Rooney Mara was first seen in an episode of the well-known television series Law & Order in 1997. She is one of the most talented screen performers to make it to our list.

She is best known for playing a crucial role in the Netflix political drama series House of Cards. The actress has also been seen in shows such as 24 and American Horror Story: Murder House.

When it comes to the movies, Mara has been seen delivering big time in projects such as Brokeback Mountain, We Are Marshall, Shooter, Megan Leavey, and Fantastic Four.

Born to a show business family in California, Rachel Sarah Bilson was first seen playing a minor role in an episode of the television show Human Target. Her first significant role probably came in the prime-time drama series The O.C.

One can also find her marking her presence in motion pictures and television shows such as The Last Kiss, Jumper, The To-Do List, Hart of Dixie, Take-Two, New York, I Love You, and Life Happens.

Camila Mendes was first seen in an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She is a relatively new actress to feature on our list. She gained recognition after having featured in the television show Riverdale.

For her performance in the same, she won the Teen Choice Award for Choice Scene Stealer in 2017. Mendes has also been seen in movies such as The New Romantic, The Perfect Date, Dangerous Lies, and Palm Springs, to name a few.

Melissa Ivy Rauch is an actor, model, and comedienne who made her screen debut in the 2006 film Delirious. Even though not often in the news, the 152-centimeter tall actress has been seen playing a role in shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Best Week Ever, Kath & Kim, and True Blood, among others.

For her performance in the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, she was nominated for the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2013.

Lily-Rose Depp may be an actor in her own right, but there's a good chance that she will always be in the limelight owing to the fact that she is the daughter of Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp and singer Vanessa Paradis.

The 160-centimeter-tall actress has been seen making her presence felt in motion pictures such as The Dancer, Planetarium, The King, and A Faithful Man, to name a few. We'd also like to mention the fact that she has been the Chanel (fashion house) brand ambassador since 2015.

She's been making headlines of late, courtesy of her participation in the series The Idol.

Nicole Camille Richie is one of the few multi-talented screen performers to make it to our list. Not only is this outspoken celebrity an actress but she is also a fashion designer, musician, and television personality.

She found fame after having played a significant role on the television series The Simple Life. One of the judges on the reality television show Fashion Star, Richie has also made an appearance in shows such as Eve, American Dreams, Rock Me Baby, and Chuck.