20 Trans Actors Who Booked Cis Roles After Transitioning

More and more casting directors are now considering actors of all gender identities, opening up opportunities for trans and non-binary performers to play roles that aren’t specifically about being transgender. While important stories about trans experiences are still being told, it’s a major step forward to see these actors playing characters who are cisgender. This shows that an actor’s background shouldn’t limit the roles they can convincingly portray. Whether in big fantasy films or small independent comedies, these performers are proving that talent is the most important thing.

Patti Harrison

The comedian and actress gave a memorable performance in the touching comedy ‘Together Together’. She played Anna, a young woman who agrees to be a surrogate for a man in his forties. The role called for her to portray a cisgender woman experiencing pregnancy and defining the limits of her relationship with the future father. Reviewers especially liked her subtle humor and ability to convey deep emotions, and many appreciated seeing a trans actress cast in a role that focused on her character’s experience as a woman, rather than her gender identity.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer made a striking entrance into the world of ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,’ playing Tigris Snow. As a cousin and close friend to the young Coriolanus Snow, Tigris helps him deal with the difficult social landscape of the games. While the character was originally written as a woman, Schafer’s performance highlights Tigris’s strong sense of style and unwavering devotion to her family. Her heartfelt portrayal adds emotional depth to the film and demonstrates her ability to lead a major action movie.

Laverne Cox

In the popular show ‘Inventing Anna,’ Laverne Cox played Kacy Duke, a well-known fitness trainer and life coach. The character is based on a woman who was born female, and the series portrays her as a successful professional who becomes a close friend to the main character. Cox delivered a warm and wise performance, acting as a voice of reason in a story full of lies and manipulation. This casting is a fantastic example of a trans actress being chosen for her talent and ability to authentically portray a real person.

Hari Nef

She appeared as Doctor Barbie in the hit movie ‘Barbie,’ joining a fantastic cast. Her character blends right in with the other dolls, participating in the film’s musical scenes and funny moments. The movie is a celebration of being a girl, and her role feels natural within the film’s imaginative world. It’s a cheerful and visually appealing part that emphasizes the fun and beauty of the ‘Barbie’ universe.

Morgan Davies

Australian actor Mackenyu Davies portrayed Koby in the live-action version of the popular ‘One Piece’ anime and manga. Koby is a male character who dramatically changes throughout the series, becoming a strong and courageous Marine through rigorous training. Davies skillfully captured Koby’s early shyness and his later resolve, earning praise from dedicated fans. His performance highlighted Koby’s inner strength and development as a fighter, without focusing on discussions about gender.

Emma D’Arcy

D’Arcy Carden captivates audiences as Rhaenyra Targaryen in the fantasy series ‘House of the Dragon’. Playing a traditional female character and a mother gives Carden the opportunity to bring strength and dignity to the fight for power. The show explores themes of politics, who will inherit the throne, and the harshness of medieval battles. Their widely praised performance proves that non-binary actors can brilliantly play complex, traditionally gendered roles in major TV shows.

Trace Lysette

In the movie ‘Hustlers,’ Lysette Anthony played Tracey, a dancer who teams up with her colleagues to scam their wealthy Wall Street clients. Her character is part of the group’s plan and has a personal storyline involving a boyfriend, but her background isn’t explored. The film highlights the strong bond and resourcefulness of these women, allowing Anthony to simply blend in as one of them. It’s a subtle but important instance of representation, as a trans actress portrays a character whose past is left open to interpretation.

Jake Graf

In the film ‘Colette,’ he portrayed Gaston de Caillavet, a wealthy man and friend of the main character’s husband. The role immersed him in the world of upper-class Paris at the turn of the 20th century, complete with authentic costumes and manners. He convincingly played the character, who was based on a real person from the author Colette’s life, demonstrating that trans men can naturally and accurately portray historical male figures on screen.

Rebecca Root

I was so captivated by the actress who played Miss Lonsdale in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’! She portrayed the choir teacher at the orphanage, and I loved how she was one of the first people to recognize the main character’s incredible chess ability. She played this warm, gentle authority figure so beautifully, and really helped create that lovely mid-century atmosphere. Though it wasn’t a huge role, it was vital in showing us the beginnings of the protagonist’s story, and she brought so much heart to it.

Talisa Garcia

Ellen Muth made history with her role as Queen Arianna in the fantasy series ‘Willow’. Traditionally, roles like queen and mother haven’t been readily available to trans actors, but she brings a natural confidence to the regal character. The show portrays her primarily as a mother and the ruler of a magical kingdom, focusing on her family and the dangers facing her people. Her casting was a significant step forward for trans actors, especially in landing maternal roles within the fantasy genre.

Angelica Ross

In ‘American Horror Story: 1984,’ Ross portrayed Donna Chambers, a smart and capable psychologist and nurse who finds herself caught up in a terrifying series of murders. Donna is a woman with a troubled past, particularly concerning her relationship with her father, which strongly influences her actions throughout the season. Ross gave a compelling and layered performance, convincingly playing both a villain and a survivor, all without her gender being relevant to the story. The role allowed her to demonstrate her acting skills in the horror genre, portraying a character shaped by her intelligence and past trauma.

Indya Moore

In ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions,’ they played Brianna, a returning player from a previous life-or-death game who’s forced to compete in a new set of challenging puzzles. Brianna is a strong and clever character, determined to survive the complex and dangerous traps. The movie focuses on the trauma she experienced in the previous game, rather than exploring her personality. Their performance was energetic and physical, adding to the fast-paced, thrilling feel of the film.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton took on the memorable role of the Priest, the leader of the Cenobites, in the new ‘Hellraiser’ film. Although the character isn’t defined by gender, it has historically been played by men, making Clayton’s portrayal a unique and innovative approach. She delivers a chilling and graceful performance, emphasizing the character’s relentless craving for intense experiences and pain. Critics have applauded her for reimagining a classic horror villain while remaining faithful to its terrifying core.

Chaz Bono

In ‘American Horror Story: Cult,’ Bono played Gary Longstreet, a supermarket owner and dedicated follower of the cult leader’s political goals. The character, a traditional man, is used as a symbol of how easily people can be manipulated within the show’s commentary on American politics and extremism. Bono fully transforms into the role of this frustrated and impressionable man, delivering a performance that is unsettling and evokes pity. It’s a masterful character acting role, showcasing his skill at embodying a particular type of American manhood.

Theo Germaine

Theo Germaine portrayed James Sullivan in ‘The Politician’ as the clever and supportive campaign manager and best friend to the main character. Although Germaine identifies as trans non-binary, James is presented as a typical male student, and his gender isn’t a topic of conversation. James uses dry wit and remains fiercely loyal as he deals with the intense competition of high school politics. The role lets Germaine showcase a skilled and quick-thinking political strategist, where his abilities are what truly define him.

Zach Barack

He portrayed Zach, a classmate of Peter Parker’s, in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home.’ His character is a typical high school student on a school trip to Europe who unexpectedly finds himself involved in a superhero adventure, complete with attacks by elemental monsters. Though a supporting role, it was significant for trans representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as he is a trans actor playing a standard teenage part. He blended seamlessly with the group of relatable and humorous teen characters.

Abigail Thorn

In the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte,’ actress Thorn plays Ensign Eurus, a dedicated officer in the Galactic Republic. Her character is a professional crew member working aboard a spaceship. Thorn portrays Eurus with a calm and disciplined demeanor, fitting into the story’s military structure. This role is significant because it demonstrates that trans actors are capable of playing authoritative roles commonly found in science fiction.

Liv Hewson

In ‘Yellowjackets,’ Hewson plays young Van Palmer, a strong and devoted goalie who is one of the survivors of a plane crash in the remote wilderness. Van is a young woman who finds love with a teammate as they struggle to survive. Hewson’s performance is full of emotion and determination, making Van a beloved character known for her funny moments and ability to bounce back. The portrayal feels authentic to the experiences of teenage girls and the lasting effects of trauma.

Quintessa Swindell

Nichelle Swindell played Cyclone in ‘Black Adam’, a superhero who can control the wind and is the granddaughter of the classic Red Tornado. The character, a young woman, joins the Justice Society to combat a worldwide danger. Swindell delivers a lively and smart performance, portraying a brilliant hero with a passion for color and imagination. The role emphasizes Cyclone’s abilities and her drive to help others, allowing Swindell to establish herself as a prominent action star within the DC universe.

Bex Taylor-Klaus

Taylor-Klaus portrayed Deputy Brianna Bishop in ‘Deputy’ as a strong and smart officer with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The character is a woman who balances out the show’s more traditional main character with her intelligence and analytical skills. Taylor-Klaus brought a direct and practical approach to the role, convincingly playing an experienced officer who understands how the department works. It was a classic police procedural role that highlighted their ability to appear confident and capable.

2026-01-01 18:46