10 Transgender Actors Shaping Hollywood in 2025

Representation in entertainment influences culture, shaping how people perceive themselves and others. Transgender actors have challenged outdated ideas, pushing Hollywood toward more inclusive storytelling.

Their success extends past individual performances, impacting the industry at large. More roles now exist that move past limiting portrayals, allowing for authentic storytelling that reflects a variety of experiences.

The actors highlighted here have redefined expectations and continue to leave a lasting impact. Their presence in television and film signals progress, opening doors that were once firmly shut.

10. Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name through Orange is the New Black, where she portrayed Sophia Burset.

Her performance brought attention to the experiences of trans women, and her visibility in Hollywood has only grown since.

Outside of acting, Cox has been instrumental in shifting conversations around trans visibility, appearing in documentaries, public discussions, and advocacy efforts that uplift LGBTQ+ voices.

Her upcoming projects include Clean Slate and Uglies, demonstrating that trans performers are gaining more opportunities in mainstream entertainment.

9. Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer delivered a standout performance as Jules in Euphoria, capturing the complexities of youth, relationships, and identity.

Her work on the show earned her widespread acclaim and opened doors for trans actors to take on more dynamic roles.

Schafer’s ability to connect with audiences has helped break outdated industry norms. Her expanding film career signals a shift toward casting trans actors in roles that go far beyond their gender identity.

8. Indya Moore

Indya Moore made a significant impact with their role as Angel Evangelista in Pose, a show that highlighted the ballroom culture of the 1980s and early 1990s.

Their work helped humanize stories often overlooked in mainstream media.

Beyond acting, Moore has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for social justice, using their platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities.

Their career continues to grow, proving that Hollywood is making room for more trans talent in high-profile productions.

7. MJ Rodriguez (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez)

MJ Rodriguez made history with her Golden Globe-winning role as Blanca Evangelista in Pose, solidifying her place as a leading actress.

Her work on the series showcased a depth of emotion that resonated with both audiences and critics.

Rodriguez continues to secure roles that highlight her range and talent. Her success challenges outdated casting limitations and shows that trans actors can lead major productions.

6. Nicole Maines

Nicole Maines made headlines with her portrayal of Dreamer/Nia Nal in Supergirl, becoming television’s first transgender superhero.

Her performance connected with comic book fans and introduced an inspiring figure to mainstream audiences.

Maines’ career reflects an industry shift toward more inclusive casting in science fiction and fantasy.

Her continued presence in high-profile projects ensures that trans characters are represented in ways that move past outdated stereotypes.

5. Brian Michael Smith

Brian Michael Smith has redefined transmasculine representation on television. As Paul Strickland in 9-1-1: Lone Star, he became the first Black trans male regular on a network TV series.

Smith’s success has helped shift perceptions of masculinity, proving that trans actors belong in mainstream television without being reduced to their identity.

His career continues to open doors for others in the industry.

4. Zoe Terakes

Zoe Terakes broke new ground by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Ironheart, marking a major milestone for trans and nonbinary actors in superhero franchises.

Their inclusion in high-budget productions signals an industry more willing to cast actors in roles that go beyond traditional expectations.

Terakes’ ability to balance television, film, and activism ensures that their presence in the industry will continue to grow.

Their success in major franchises signals a shift in how studios approach casting decisions.

3. Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson brought electrifying energy to Pose, portraying Elektra Abundance with unmatched confidence.

Her performance highlighted the resilience and strength of Black trans women in ballroom culture, making her one of the show’s most memorable figures.

Jackson’s impact extends beyond entertainment. She actively speaks about the challenges faced by trans people and uses her platform to push for systemic change.

With new acting roles on the horizon, her influence in Hollywood remains strong.

2. Miss Benny

Miss Benny took a major step forward with Glamorous, a Netflix series that placed a trans character at the center of its narrative.

Shortly after the show’s release, she publicly shared her transition, aligning her real-life experience with the stories she chose to tell.

Miss Benny’s presence in entertainment reflects a growing acceptance of trans actors in leading roles. As Hollywood continues evolving, she is positioned to take on even bigger opportunities.

1. Elliot Page

Elliot Page is one of the most recognized trans actors in Hollywood, having built a successful career with films like Juno, Inception, and The Umbrella Academy.

Since publicly coming out as transgender in 2020, he has remained an influential figure in both entertainment and advocacy.

Page’s openness about his transition has helped shift public conversations about gender identity. His continued success demonstrates that trans actors can thrive in Hollywood without being defined solely by their identity.

The Future of Trans Representation in Hollywood

Transgender actors have gained increased visibility in film and television, yet challenges persist.

While casting opportunities have expanded, many performers still face industry limitations that confine them to roles centered only on their gender identity rather than their full range of talent.

The fight for broader representation continues, requiring both studios and audiences to support stories that do not reduce trans characters to singular narratives.

• Progress in Casting – More trans actors are securing major roles, but many still find themselves boxed into predictable storylines. Breaking these patterns remains an ongoing effort.
• Typecasting and Limited Roles – Many industry professionals continue to approach trans stories through a narrow lens, often restricting actors to narratives that focus solely on transition or struggle.

In response, more productions are being developed with trans actors, writers, and directors at the helm. The shift toward authentic storytelling means that trans creatives are gaining influence not just in front of the camera, but also in the development and production stages.

• More Trans Creatives in Leadership – Writers, directors, and producers are pushing to tell more expansive stories featuring trans characters in all genres, not just dramas centered on identity struggles.
• New Opportunities Across Genres – Science fiction, horror, action, and comedy are beginning to feature trans characters in leading roles, allowing for representation that extends into a variety of storytelling spaces.

The next few years will likely bring even greater changes, with trans performers and creators stepping into leadership roles that reshape the industry.

Summary

The contributions of these actors extend past their individual careers.

They have reshaped expectations, challenged limitations, and demonstrated the need for authentic trans voices in entertainment. Continued support for trans talent remains essential in pushing for further progress.

Audiences, creators, and industry leaders all play a role in ensuring that Hollywood reflects the full range of human experiences, both on and off the screen.