Creating a believable crying scene is incredibly difficult for actors. However, for many LGBTQ+ actresses, these vulnerable moments can feel even more powerful and authentic. Throughout film and television history, some performers have consistently excelled at portraying deep sadness on screen. Their performances not only move the story forward but also deeply connect with audiences. This list celebrates gay and queer actresses who have truly mastered the art of the on-screen emotional breakdown, across all kinds of movies and TV shows.
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson is known for powerfully portraying characters experiencing intense emotional pain in her TV and film work. She’s particularly famous for her roles in ‘American Horror Story,’ where her characters often face terrible trauma and express it through deeply moving crying scenes. Audiences connect with her performances because they feel so genuine, no matter what type of role she’s playing – whether it’s a real historical person or a character in a horror story. This ability has earned her many awards and established her as one of Hollywood’s most expressive actors.
Jodie Foster
From a young age, Jodie Foster has consistently delivered incredibly moving performances in films. In movies like ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ her character Clarice Starling shows fear and sadness in a quiet but deeply impactful way. Foster often plays strong women who face intense challenges and are pushed to their emotional limits. What makes her crying scenes so powerful is their honesty and realism – she avoids exaggerated or overly dramatic portrayals. This natural approach has cemented her status as a film icon over the past several decades.
Cynthia Nixon
I’ve always loved Cynthia Nixon, and while everyone knows her as the witty and vulnerable Miranda from ‘Sex and the City,’ she’s really blossomed into a fantastic dramatic actress. She’s always had that ability to blend humor with real emotional depth, but now she’s getting the chance to really show it off. In ‘The Gilded Age,’ she plays a character who’s often surrounded by all this lavish spectacle, but it’s her quiet, heartbreaking moments that truly stand out. You can tell she’s a seasoned theater performer – every tear, every flicker of sadness feels completely genuine and earned. What I really admire is how she makes even the most reserved characters feel human and relatable, letting us see their vulnerability shine through.
Lily Tomlin
Lily Tomlin is known for skillfully combining humor and heartfelt emotion in her performances. In shows like ‘Grace and Frankie,’ she beautifully captures the challenges of growing older and dealing with loss, often making audiences laugh and cry in the same episode. Her talent lies in seamlessly shifting between funny moments and genuinely sad scenes, demonstrating her incredible range as an actress. She brings a special, relatable honesty to her emotional performances, connecting with viewers on a deeply personal level. This ability has made her a beloved and enduring figure in entertainment for over fifty years.
Jane Lynch
I’ve always loved Jane Lynch – everyone knows her for being hilarious, but she’s a really incredible dramatic actress too. Even in something like ‘Glee,’ where she played the tough Sue Sylvester, she’d have these moments where you’d see a really vulnerable side, and it was so powerful. Those scenes made you feel for her, even though she was usually the villain! She’s just so honest when she cries on screen; you can really feel the pain her characters are hiding. It’s amazing how easily she moves between funny and serious roles, she’s truly talented.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart is celebrated for her realistic and subtle acting, especially her powerful emotional performances. In films like ‘Spencer,’ she convincingly shows her characters’ loneliness and pain through raw and impactful moments. Her crying scenes often feel genuine and unplanned, adding to the believability of her work. She excels at communicating inner struggles with minimal dialogue, relying heavily on her expressions. This talent for accessing deep emotions has earned her praise from both critics and filmmakers.
Aubrey Plaza
Aubrey Plaza is known for her dry, deadpan humor, but she’s recently taken on more serious and dramatic roles. In the film ‘Black Bear,’ she gives a powerful performance, portraying a complex range of intense emotions. Many viewers consider her crying scenes to be some of the most raw and believable ever seen in independent film. She infuses her dramatic roles with a restless energy, making her characters’ emotional struggles feel incredibly immediate and compelling. This change in her career shows she’s capable of tackling even the most challenging emotional roles.
Holland Taylor
Holland Taylor is a highly accomplished actress known for playing strong, complicated women. In shows like ‘The Practice,’ she brilliantly captured the stress and emotional toll faced by professionals. Her crying scenes are particularly memorable because she portrays them with grace and self-respect, making the emotional release feel even more impactful. She always maintains a sense of control, grounding her characters’ sadness in realistic life experiences. Her dedication to subtle, layered performances continues to inspire actors today.
Fiona Shaw
Fiona Shaw is a highly experienced and acclaimed actress known for her powerful and immersive performances. In ‘Killing Eve,’ she portrays a top intelligence officer who subtly reveals the emotional impact of her job. While her moments of crying may be short, they powerfully convey her character’s inner world. Shaw expertly uses her voice and expressions to bring depth and weight to every scene, establishing her as a highly respected figure in both British and American cinema.
Clea DuVall
As a film lover, I’ve always admired Clea DuVall. She’s been a consistent presence in independent movies for years, and what really stands out is how real and relatable her performances are. I remember being completely floored by her in ‘Girl, Interrupted’ – she captured this incredibly quiet, internal pain with such heartbreaking honesty. Her crying scenes, in particular, didn’t feel like acting – they felt deeply personal, like you were accidentally stumbling into a private moment. She just has this way of bringing genuine sincerity to every role, which is why I think she’s had such a fantastic career, both in front of and behind the camera.
Cherry Jones
Cherry Jones is a celebrated actress known for her work on stage, television, and in movies. She’s particularly remembered for her role as the President in ’24’, where she brilliantly portrayed the difficult and heartbreaking decisions leaders sometimes have to make. Jones is masterful at showing both the strength and the emotional toll of leadership, often conveying deep feeling with subtle expressions and quiet vulnerability. Critics and audiences alike consistently praise her performances for being both technically skilled and deeply moving.
Evan Rachel Wood
Evan Rachel Wood has consistently delivered compelling and emotionally resonant performances since her early work in films like ‘Thirteen’. In the series ‘Westworld’, she skillfully portrays characters experiencing a wide spectrum of feelings, both human and robotic. Her ability to convey intense emotion, particularly through crying scenes, is crucial to understanding her characters’ inner conflicts. She excels at playing characters facing extreme hardship, and her commitment to authenticity has made her a remarkable actress in both science fiction and dramatic roles.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg first became well-known for her powerful and moving performance in ‘The Hunger Games’. She’s continued to choose roles that demand deep emotional honesty, like in ‘The Hate U Give’. Critics have consistently praised her ability to convincingly portray sadness and anger, noting a remarkable maturity in her acting. Stenberg thoughtfully considers both the personal and societal implications of each character she plays, making her a truly captivating and important young actress.
Beanie Feldstein
Beanie Feldstein is celebrated for her lively and energetic roles in movies like ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Lady Bird’. But she’s also incredibly skilled at portraying deeply emotional and heartbreaking scenes, especially those dealing with the challenges of growing up. Her portrayals of crying are particularly effective at capturing the pain of disagreements with friends or family. She makes her characters feel warm and real, which makes their sadness especially touching. This ability to seamlessly blend humor and drama has made her a popular and versatile actress.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson is known for her work in a wide range of films, from small independent projects to big-budget superhero movies. In ‘Passing,’ she gives a nuanced and understated performance, skillfully portraying hidden feelings. Her crying scenes are particularly effective because they’re quiet and restrained, mirroring the challenges faced by her characters. She communicates her character’s inner struggles through subtle expressions, often saying more without words. This refined acting style has earned her praise from critics and a loyal fanbase.
Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne has moved from being a high-fashion model to a successful acting career, taking on diverse roles. In shows like ‘Carnival Row,’ she often plays characters dealing with hardship and unfair treatment. She’s known for her realistic and powerful crying scenes, showing how dedicated she is to portraying genuine emotion. She’s willing to be vulnerable and even appear imperfect on camera if it benefits the story, and this willingness to take chances has helped her stand out in the entertainment world.
Hunter Schafer
Hunter Schafer quickly became known for her powerful role in ‘Euphoria’. Her character, Jules, experiences a wide range of emotions, from happiness to deep sadness. Many viewers have praised her crying scenes as being incredibly realistic portrayals of the challenges teenagers face while figuring out who they are. Schafer brings a fresh and sensitive approach to her acting, and her performance has been crucial to the show’s popularity and critical acclaim.
Indya Moore
Indya Moore became well-known for their work on the TV show ‘Pose,’ which explores the vibrant ballroom culture of the 1980s and 90s. They play a character who experiences intense challenges and discrimination, leading to powerfully emotional scenes. Critics and viewers have consistently praised Moore’s ability to portray both the strength and suffering of their character, with each tearful moment feeling deeply personal and historically significant. This impressive performance has established them as a major talent in television today.
Dominique Jackson
Dominique Jackson is famous for playing Elektra Abundance on the show ‘Pose’. Although Elektra often appears strong and confident, there are times when she lets her guard down. Jackson’s emotional crying scenes in these moments are particularly impactful, showing the deep-seated pain and past experiences that have shaped her character. Drawing on her training as an actress, she turns each display of emotion into a significant turning point in the story. Her performance expertly blends strength and vulnerability, making it truly exceptional.
Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon is a remarkably talented comedian, best known for the incredible characters she’s played on ‘Saturday Night Live’. While she’s made audiences laugh for years, she’s also proven she can deliver deeply moving performances, like in the film ‘Yesterday’. Her emotional scenes often catch viewers off guard, as they’re used to seeing her as a comedic force. She brings the same dedication and attention to detail to these heartfelt moments as she does to her funny characters. This ability to seamlessly blend humor and emotion makes her a huge asset to any project.
Wanda Sykes
Wanda Sykes is a well-known comedian and television personality with a career spanning decades. While famous for her humor, she’s also proven herself as a dramatic actress, bringing genuine emotion to her roles. Her portrayals of sadness are particularly effective because they feel real and connected to everyday life. She uses her unique voice and facial expressions to powerfully convey frustration and vulnerability, which is a key reason for her lasting success.
Alia Shawkat
Alia Shawkat started with a memorable role on ‘Arrested Development’ and has since taken on more challenging leading parts, like in ‘Search Party’. Her characters often struggle with difficult emotions, leading to intense and vulnerable scenes. Shawkat delivers these emotional moments with a raw and realistic honesty that can be unsettling, but is also deeply compelling. Her portrayals of distress, particularly her crying scenes, often capture the uncertainty and anxieties felt by many people today, making her a standout performer in independent television.
Abbi Jacobson
Abbi Jacobson first became well-known for her hilarious work on the show ‘Broad City,’ but she’s now taking on more serious roles. In the TV series ‘A League of Their Own,’ she powerfully portrays the emotional challenges faced by professional athletes and the search for self-discovery. Her realistic crying scenes are particularly effective, showing how her character grows and changes internally. Jacobson skillfully moves between portraying the joyful teamwork and the quiet moments of personal insecurity, and this versatility has led to success in different kinds of stories.
Bella Ramsey
Bella Ramsey first gained attention for her work on ‘Game of Thrones’ and has now captivated audiences as the lead in ‘The Last of Us’. Her character, Ellie, lives in a harsh and heartbreaking world, and Ramsey beautifully portrays the character’s emotional journey. She delivers remarkably mature and impactful scenes, especially considering her age. Ramsey excels at showing how Ellie becomes tougher while still retaining her vulnerability, a truly special talent that has established her as a rising star.
Emma Corrin
I was completely blown away by Emma Corrin’s performance as Princess Diana in ‘The Crown’. It wasn’t just imitation; they really felt the part, especially in all those incredibly sad and isolating scenes – I remember being genuinely moved. They nailed Diana’s unique way of carrying herself and that sense of vulnerability. Ever since then, I’ve been watching their career with real interest, because they consistently choose roles that really push them emotionally, both on screen and on stage. What I love about their performances is that they’re both otherworldly and incredibly relatable – a really special combination.
Jasmin Savoy Brown
Jasmin Savoy Brown is quickly becoming known for her powerful performances in both horror and dramatic roles, particularly in shows like ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Scream’. She excels at playing characters facing intense, life-or-death challenges, and brings a remarkable emotional depth to those scenes. Her ability to convincingly portray fear and sadness, especially in moments of survival and loss, makes even fantastical storylines feel incredibly real and relatable. This talent for connecting with audiences on an emotional level is what truly sets her recent work apart.
Liv Hewson
Liv Hewson is a versatile actor known for skillfully balancing dark humor and serious drama. In the show ‘Yellowjackets,’ they portray a character dealing with the aftermath of a plane crash, and their emotional scenes – particularly when crying – feel genuinely shocking and desperate, perfectly capturing the show’s intense survival story. Hewson brings a fresh, surprising energy to every performance, which has quickly led to roles in several high-profile TV shows.
Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose is an award-winning actress celebrated for her talent in both musical theater and film. She gave a stunning performance in ‘West Side Story,’ showcasing a wide range of emotions from happiness to heartbreak. Her emotional scenes are particularly striking, blending intense feelings with physical performance and song. DeBose has a remarkable ability to captivate audiences and completely draw them into her work, proving that technical skill and genuine emotion can create something truly powerful.
Trace Lysette
Trace Lysette is a groundbreaking actress, known for her work in ‘Transparent’ and the film ‘Monica’. In ‘Monica’, she gives a deeply moving and understated performance as a woman reconnecting with her mother during a difficult time. Her emotional scenes feel incredibly real, hinting at a long and complex family history. She masterfully uses her expressions to show years of hidden pain and, ultimately, a sense of release. Critics have praised the performance for its honesty and powerful emotional resonance.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe has moved successfully from a music career into prominent acting roles in films like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. In ‘Moonlight’, she powerfully portrays emotional support and delivers touching scenes of gentle love. Her performances feel authentic, showing her characters’ deep care for others. She brings both strength and elegance to even her most vulnerable moments, proving she’s a talented and rising star in film.
Laverne Cox
Laverne Cox became well-known for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her character, Sophia Burset, dealt with difficult issues in prison, leading to deeply moving storylines. Her emotional crying scenes were particularly effective in highlighting the hardships faced by people in prison. Cox has a talent for portraying vulnerability in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. She continues to be successful in film and television, making her a powerful and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
Patti Harrison
Patti Harrison is a comedian known for her quirky and unusual humor, but she’s also a talented dramatic actress. In the film ‘Together Together,’ she gives a nuanced performance as a surrogate mother navigating a complicated connection with the father of the child. Critics particularly praise her realistic and emotionally resonant crying scenes, which avoid being overly dramatic. Harrison brings a fresh and honest approach to her characters, helping her stand out in any project. Her skill lies in blending wit with genuine emotion, which is a key element of her acting.
Heather Matarazzo
Heather Matarazzo is a well-known actress who first gained attention in the film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. Throughout her career, she’s often played characters who feel like outsiders and struggle with difficult issues. Her emotional scenes are particularly powerful and realistic, often feeling very raw and honest. She brings such intensity to her dramatic roles that her characters stay with audiences long after the credits roll. This dedication to authentic portrayals has allowed her to have a successful career for many years.
Maria Bello
Maria Bello is a talented and adaptable actress who has appeared in a wide variety of films and TV shows. She’s known for her ability to convincingly portray characters dealing with sudden, difficult life changes, as seen in movies like ‘A History of Violence.’ Her emotional scenes, particularly when crying, feel raw and immediate, and she excels at showing how grief physically affects a person. With a consistently impressive body of work, she’s proven herself to be both dependable and capable of portraying a broad spectrum of emotions.
Samira Wiley
Samira Wiley became well-known for her role as Poussey Washington on ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ where she was a central and beloved character. The way her character’s story ended demanded powerful emotional performances from the entire cast. Now, in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ she continues to portray characters facing immense trauma and loss. Even when crying, she often projects a sense of strength and resilience, making her vulnerable moments even more moving for audiences.
Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne is known for her acting, which is often both funny and tinged with sadness. In the show ‘Russian Doll,’ she plays a woman stuck repeating the same day, forcing her to deal with her painful memories. Her emotional scenes are raw and realistic, perfectly matching the unusual stories she often appears in. She brings a lot of thoughtfulness to her characters, making their moments of growth feel genuine and meaningful. This special talent has made her a highly acclaimed actress of her generation.
Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke has become well-known for playing Robin Buckley on ‘Stranger Things.’ While her character is often funny, she also has touching and vulnerable moments. Hawke’s emotional scenes feel genuine and relatable, connecting with the show’s large audience. She brings a natural and charming quality to her performances, making her characters’ sadness feel deeply personal. With her career taking off, she’s poised for success in a variety of films and shows, both big-budget and independent.
Kelly McGillis
Kelly McGillis was a prominent actress in the 1980s, known for memorable roles in films like ‘Witness’ and ‘Top Gun’. In ‘Witness’, she played a widow living among the Amish, and her character was defined by her quiet composure. This made her moments of strong emotion—like crying—especially impactful. McGillis has a natural, captivating presence on screen, able to communicate volumes with just a glance or a single tear. Her performances continue to be celebrated as some of the best from the late 20th century.
Lily-Rose Depp
Lily-Rose Depp is an actress who’s worked in both French and American films, often playing characters dealing with intense emotional struggles. She’s known for her powerful and memorable crying scenes, and has a natural talent for portraying sadness and vulnerability. This makes her a favorite among directors who want to create a particularly dramatic and emotionally charged atmosphere in their films.
Adèle Haenel
Adèle Haenel is a leading actor in modern French cinema, celebrated for her powerful and expressive performances. She’s particularly known for her incredibly nuanced work in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire,’ where she conveys deep emotion through small changes in expression. Her emotional scenes, especially those involving tears, are unforgettable and have become iconic in recent film. Haenel brings a unique honesty and passion to her roles, making every emotional moment feel authentic. This commitment has solidified her status as a major figure in European cinema.
Taylor Schilling
Taylor Schilling rose to fame playing Piper Chapman in ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ a role that followed a woman’s experiences in prison. Throughout the series, her character changed dramatically, going from a naive and comfortable life to facing the difficult truths of being incarcerated. Schilling powerfully portrayed Piper’s emotional struggles, including moments of intense sadness and despair, effectively capturing her character’s frustration and hopelessness. Her performance earned her widespread recognition and several award nominations.
Ruby Rose
I’ve always been impressed with Ruby Rose. Everyone knows her from action films like ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘Batwoman,’ but what really gets me is her ability to show depth. I remember watching her on ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ and she played this really tough character, but then you’d get these moments where she’d let her guard down. Her crying scenes were so powerful because they were so unexpected – it wasn’t what you’d expect from someone who usually seems so strong. That range is what makes her such a compelling actress, and it’s allowed her to take on so many different kinds of roles.
Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein is a gifted performer known for her music and the comedy show ‘Portlandia’. Lately, she’s also taken on dramatic acting roles, proving she can handle more serious subjects. In the film ‘The Nowhere Inn’, she delves into the challenges of fame and finding yourself, even showing moments of real vulnerability. Her crying scenes are particularly interesting – they’re often self-aware and complex, reflecting the thoughtful nature of her work. She consistently impresses audiences with her range and authentic emotional expression.
Roberta Colindrez
Roberta Colindrez is a captivating actress, well-known for her work in shows like ‘Vida’ and ‘A League of Their Own’. She frequently portrays strong, realistic characters with hidden depths. While she often keeps her emotions contained, her moments of vulnerability are incredibly impactful. Colindrez brings genuine authenticity to each performance, making her a prominent and memorable figure in today’s high-quality television.
Daniela Vega
I was absolutely blown away by Daniela Vega in ‘A Fantastic Woman’! She plays a woman dealing with incredible loss, but also facing so much unfair judgment and mistreatment. Honestly, her scenes of grief are some of the most powerful I’ve ever seen – they aren’t just sadness, they’re about fighting for respect. She brings such strength and grace to the role, it makes even the most heartbreaking moments feel… heroic. She completely deserves the recognition she’s gotten and I’m so excited to see what she does next – she’s a true star!
Please share your thoughts on which actress you find most moving in the comments.
Read More
- Building 3D Worlds from Words: Is Reinforcement Learning the Key?
- The Best Directors of 2025
- 2025 Crypto Wallets: Secure, Smart, and Surprisingly Simple!
- 20 Best TV Shows Featuring All-White Casts You Should See
- Mel Gibson, 69, and Rosalind Ross, 35, Call It Quits After Nearly a Decade: “It’s Sad To End This Chapter in our Lives”
- Umamusume: Gold Ship build guide
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Most Famous Richards in the World
- TV Shows Where Asian Representation Felt Like Stereotype Checklists
- 39th Developer Notes: 2.5th Anniversary Update
2026-03-12 20:51