16 Trans Actresses Who Are Ready for Their Close-Ups
Thanks to an era of burgeoning gender diversity on television and in independent films, a new crop of transgender actresses has emerged. They’re more than capable of taking on trans roles, and as we move toward gender identity becoming a nonissue, why shouldn’t they be considered for any female role?
Candis Cayne
On ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money, she became the first trans actress to play a trans character on a prime-time network series, and she’s since racked up an impressive list of film and TV credits including recurring roles on Nip/Tuck and Elementary. Cayne most recently appeared as herself on E!'s I Am Cait and on the new NBC series Heartbeat.
Laverne Cox
The award-winning star of Orange Is the New Black has become a major advocate for transgender equality, gracing the covers of Time magazine, The Advocate, and Entertainment Weekly. She appeared in the Lily Tomlin film Grandma and is currently filming the TV remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show — as that sweet transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Kitana Kiki Rodriguez
Her film debut as Sin-Dee in last year’s sleeper hit Tangerine earned Rodriguez a slew of award nominations, including Best Actress in the Independent Spirit Awards. But she shows clear signs of being much more than a one-hit wonder. The actress was named to The Advocate's 40 Under 40 for her work to raise awareness of the issues faced by sex workers.
Mya Taylor
The actress and singer earned 11 nominations and four breakthrough and supporting actress awards, including an Independent Spirit Award, for her performance as Alexandra in Tangerine. Another honoree in The Advocate's 40 Under 40, the actress is also an activist, who told The Advocateshe had a pointed message to lawmakers who pass anti-LGBT legislation: "Do I have a message for them? You really want to know? Tell them to fuck off. That’s what you tell them."
Carmen Carrera
First known as one of the hottest stars on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Carrera came out as transgender after the season ended. She’s since shown up in a recurring role on The Bold and the Beautiful, on TV’s Jane the Virgin, and opposite Meryl Streep in the film Ricki and the Flash. An outspoken opponent of transphobic language in media, she's also had time to speak with The Advocate about the issues that can arise when dating while trans and grace the cover of Plus magazine to raise HIV awareness.
Jamie Clayton
Known for her recurring role on HBO's Hung, Clayton stars in the Netflix series Sense8 as Nomi Marks, a transgender blogger and hacker. She recently completed her first film — the upcoming The Neon Demon opposite Christina Hendricks and Keanu Reeves.
Alexandra Billings
The accomplished actress has a long list of film and TV credits including ER, Grey’s Anatomy, Eli Stone, and How to Get Away With Murder. She currently appears in the series regular role of Davina on Transparent.
Rebecca Root
The British actress appeared in last year’s Oscar-winning film The Danish Girl and most recently starred in the trans-friendly romantic TV series Boy Meets Girl.
Trace Lysette
This striking actress has appeared on Law & Order: SVU and opposite Patrick Stewart in the comedy series Blunt Talk, and she currently plays the role of Shea on Transparent.
Hari Nef
One of the first trans models to be signed to worldwide representation by the modeling powerhouse IMG, Neff studied theater at Columbia University and has appeared as Gittel on TV’s Transparent as well as in indie films and shorts. She is an ardent believer that transgender people should be cast in transgender roles.
Eve Lindley
This model and actress was featured in Barneys' transgender ad campaign. She's appeared this year in the TV series Outsiders and in the independent film All We Had, directed by Katie Holmes.
Harmony Santana
As the transitioning child of an ex-con in the 2011 film Gun Hill Road, Santana earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and she has since appeared in the gay comedy films Eating Out: Drama Camp and Eating Out: The Open Weekend.
Jazzmun
This drag diva, who came out as trans in 2008, has had a slew of film and TV credits since appearing as Diana Ross in 1994 on Roseanne and in a recurring role on The John Larroquette Show. Her film credits include Blast From the Past and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and she recently appeared on Sons of Anarchy, Glee, and The Crazy Ones.
Erika Ervin (a.k.a. Amazon Eve)
This 6-foot-7 model turned actress transitioned in 2004 and is best known for her recurring TV roles on Hemlock Grove and American Horror Story. In 2011 she earned the distinction of being named Tallest Professional Model by Guinness World Records.
Caitlyn Jenner
America’s most famous — and polarizing — trans woman had a long acting career back when she was Bruce. After a film debut in the Village People’s 1980 musical debacle Can’t Stop the Music, Jenner appeared in many TV shows and movies, including a recurring role on CHiPs and guest roles on The Fall Guy, Murder, She Wrote, and The Love Boat. Whether or not her public persona would overshadow any roles she might play remains to be seen, and it has been announced that she will appear in the upcoming season of Transparent.
