Actresses Who Publicly Called Out Lack of Diversity on Their Own Sets

For years, actors from underrepresented groups have been speaking out about the need for more diversity in the entertainment industry. Many well-known actresses have used their visibility to discuss the consistent lack of diversity they’ve faced on film and TV sets. They often point to issues like a lack of diversity among behind-the-scenes staff, and the fact that the needs of actors with diverse hair and beauty requirements aren’t always met. By sharing their stories, these actresses are helping to create real change and more welcoming workplaces within the global media industry.

Viola Davis

The award-winning actress has often spoken about the difficulty of finding hairstylists on set who know how to work with Black hair. She’s frequently had to do her own hair and provide her own products because the professional stylists lacked experience with her hair type. Davis argues that real inclusivity means having a diverse team working behind the camera, not just in front of it. Her efforts have started important discussions about ensuring all actors have equal access to the resources they need.

Gabrielle Union

As a huge fan of entertainment, I was really disturbed to hear about Gabrielle Union’s experience on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ From what I understand, she bravely spoke out about a seriously problematic work environment. She shared how there were instances of racially insensitive comments made, and the show just didn’t seem to have the systems in place to deal with it properly. Ultimately, she filed a formal complaint, trying to address what seemed like deep-rooted issues with the show’s culture. It really shone a light on how much we need better oversight and more diverse leadership behind the scenes in reality TV – it’s not just about what we see on screen.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has spoken openly about feeling excluded during her acting career, particularly on sets like ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story,’ where she felt her character wasn’t used to her full potential. She’s frustrated that actors of color are often seen as expendable instead of being essential to the story. Newton has also highlighted the need for more diversity among the writers of big film franchises, emphasizing the importance of creating roles that represent a broader range of experiences.

Sandra Oh

While filming ‘Killing Eve’, the actress noticed a clear lack of diversity among the UK-based production team. She observed that the British industry lagged behind other areas in hiring people of color for technical and behind-the-scenes positions. She also shared how being the only person of color present can be a lonely and draining experience for performers. She continues to push for lasting changes to make sure that crews reflect the diversity of the communities shown on screen.

Zendaya

As a huge fan of Zendaya, I’ve always admired her not just as an actress, but as someone who really uses her voice for good. Throughout her career, she’s consistently pushed for more diversity both in front of and behind the camera. Even back on ‘KC Undercover’ on Disney Channel, she made sure the show represented a wide range of families and cultures. She’s been so open about wanting to create opportunities for other young actors of color, wanting to make things easier for the next generation – so they don’t have to face the same struggles she did. It’s really inspiring to see her commitment to making Hollywood a more inclusive place.

Tracee Ellis Ross

As a leader on the show ‘Black-ish,’ the actress championed the inclusion of genuine cultural details that were frequently missed by larger production crews. She stressed how important it was to have Black women on the hair and makeup teams to properly represent and care for the actors. Ross has also discussed the necessity of greater diversity among the top executives at television networks. Through these efforts, she’s helped create more realistic and authentic portrayals of Black families on TV.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson recently discussed the ongoing issue of unequal treatment and limited resources for Black actresses in Hollywood. While promoting ‘The Color Purple,’ she explained that Black performers often lack basic necessities like proper transportation and comfortable dressing rooms, which are commonly provided for their white colleagues. Henson’s openness has brought attention to the financial and logistical challenges that still exist in the film industry today.

Candice Patton

The lead actress from ‘The Flash’ has spoken out about the racial harassment she endured from fans during the show’s run, and the lack of support she received from the production and network. She criticized them for not protecting her or providing resources to deal with the abuse. Patton also highlighted the challenges of having her hair and makeup needs overlooked on set. By sharing her story, she’s sparked an important discussion about the responsibility networks have to protect actors from all backgrounds.

Vanessa Morgan

Morgan spoke out about the TV show ‘Riverdale,’ saying it didn’t give its Black characters substantial roles, often portraying them as supporting characters to the white leads. She also revealed she was paid less than her white counterparts despite having a key part in the show’s storylines. Morgan argued that the show needed more diversity among its writers to create richer, more meaningful stories for Black characters. After she shared her concerns, the show’s creator promised to include more diverse representation in future seasons.

Amber Riley

Actress Riley, known for her role in ‘Glee,’ has spoken openly about feeling excluded and overlooked during her time on the show. She highlighted how important it is to acknowledge the valuable work of Black performers, who are often not given the recognition they deserve. Riley stressed that true diversity isn’t just about having a diverse cast—it also requires creating a respectful and fair environment for everyone on set. Her experiences encouraged other actors to come forward with their own stories of mistreatment on popular TV shows.

Samantha Marie Ware

Ware publicly shared that a former colleague created a hurtful and unwelcoming experience for her while working on ‘Glee.’ She explained that the show lacked proper oversight, allowing subtle but damaging behaviors to continue without consequence. This sparked a larger conversation about how those in charge – lead actors and crew – can unintentionally create an environment where actors of color feel excluded. Since then, Ware has been a vocal advocate for creating safer, more inclusive workplaces for all performers.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera has frequently discussed the limited roles and stereotypical characters she faced throughout her career, including during her time on ‘Ugly Betty.’ She’s pointed out that the entertainment industry often boxes in Latinx actors, preventing them from showcasing their full abilities. Because of this, Ferrera has focused on creating her own projects and producing content that tells a wider variety of stories and represents diverse viewpoints. She also actively advocates for better representation of underrepresented groups in all aspects of society, including through political activism.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra has spoken about how difficult it was to move from working in Bollywood to Hollywood, and how few varied roles there were for actors of South Asian descent. She often found herself being offered parts that relied on stereotypes or where her background was the character’s main feature. Chopra is actively working to create more leading roles for Indian actors that aren’t limited by their ethnicity. Through her production company, she continues to support and promote diverse stories and casts from all over the world.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae, the creator and star of ‘Insecure,’ has consistently spoken out about the limited opportunities for Black people working in television. She famously expressed her support for all Black creators during an awards show, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Black talent. Rae actively champions diversity by hiring diverse teams and writers for her projects, ensuring authentic and inclusive storytelling. Her success proves that investing in underrepresented voices can lead to both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Michaela Coel

As a huge fan of Michaela Coel, I really admire her principles. I was so impressed to learn she turned down a massive streaming deal because they wouldn’t let her own her show, ‘I May Destroy You’. To me, that really speaks to her integrity and a deep respect for her work. She’s been so vocal about how important it is for Black creators to not just be at the table, but to actually control their own stories. She constantly points out the obstacles facing people from marginalized groups in British TV, and honestly, her success is inspiring others to demand fairer treatment and more inclusive workplaces. It’s amazing to see!

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling has openly discussed the challenges she faced as the only woman of color in comedy writing and production spaces when she was starting out, like on ‘The Office.’ She explained the burden of feeling like she had to speak for an entire group of people while also trying to find her own voice as a creator. Now, she makes diversity a priority in her own work, regularly casting actors from diverse backgrounds in leading roles. Her show, ‘Never Have I Ever,’ is a prime example, bringing more nuanced and varied stories about the South Asian American experience to television.

Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil, known for her role in ‘The Good Place,’ is a strong voice for body acceptance and ensuring that performers of all abilities and backgrounds are included in the entertainment industry. She’s spoken out about the lack of diversity in terms of body types and ethnicities in film and television, and frequently uses her social media to point out how industry practices can unintentionally exclude people. Ultimately, she’s working to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for everyone in Hollywood.

Tia Mowry

As a movie and TV lover, I was really struck by Tia Mowry’s recent stories about being on ‘Sister, Sister.’ She talked about how tough it was finding hairstylists who knew how to work with her and her sister’s natural hair. The show didn’t provide anyone who was skilled in that area, so they basically had to do their own hair to make sure they looked good on camera! It’s so important that she’s spoken up about this, because it really highlights how Hollywood still needs to prioritize having diverse and skilled beauty teams who can work with all hair types.

Yvette Nicole Brown

The actress from ‘Community’ has often spoken about the need for more diversity in hair and makeup teams on TV and movie sets. She’s highlighted the challenges faced by actors of color, who frequently have to provide their own products or do their own hair and makeup. She’s a strong advocate for hiring professional hair and makeup artists who are skilled at working with all hair types and skin tones, ultimately striving for a fairer and more professional experience for everyone on set.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Sophie Okonedo, known for her role in ‘Game of Thrones,’ has highlighted the lack of diversity among hair and makeup artists on big fantasy projects. She explained that stylists sometimes struggled with her natural hair texture, as they hadn’t worked with it before. Okonedo also emphasized the need for more writers from diverse backgrounds to help avoid stereotypical portrayals of characters of color. She continues to advocate for greater inclusion in the film industries of both the UK and the US.

Angelica Ross

Alexandra Ross, known for her roles in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story,’ is a strong voice for better representation of Black trans women in the entertainment industry, both on and off screen. She’s openly criticized major productions for not creating welcoming and safe spaces for trans actors. Ross is so committed to change that she’s even considered leaving Hollywood to build her own tech and media companies focused on fairness and inclusion. Ultimately, her work pushes the industry to go beyond simply appearing diverse and instead make real, lasting changes to its structure.

Kelly Marie Tran

Following severe online harassment after appearing in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi,’ the actress publicly criticized the studio for not adequately protecting her. She highlighted how actors of color are often left to deal with hateful online attacks on their own. Tran has stressed that studios need to actively support diverse members of their cast both during filming and after a project is released. Her experiences have sparked important conversations about keeping actors from underrepresented groups safe when working on big franchises.

Gemma Chan

Throughout her career, Gemma Chan has consistently pointed out the underrepresentation of East Asians in British TV and film. She’s championed more diverse casting choices, both in historical and modern productions, to create a more realistic portrayal of society. Chan also actively supports programs that help Asian artists thrive and share their own genuine stories. Her work, including her role in ‘Eternals,’ has given her a platform to push for larger, industry-wide improvements globally.

Chloe Bennet

Early in her career, actress Chloe Bennet, known for her role in ‘Agents of SHIELD,’ changed her last name from Wang to Bennet. She did this because the entertainment industry was biased and she believed it would help her get more acting opportunities. Bennet has spoken honestly about the racism she experienced and the limited roles available for Asian American actors at the time. She’s consistently criticized the industry for excluding people and pushing them to fit Western ideals, and continues to be a strong voice for Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in Hollywood.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Janelle James, known for her role in ‘Abbott Elementary,’ has long been a voice for Black actresses in Hollywood, fighting for fairer treatment and more opportunities. Throughout her career, she’s experienced a lack of respect and support on set, and she stresses the importance of Black actresses recognizing their value and requesting the same resources as their white counterparts. With recent award wins, she’s using her increased visibility to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion for all experienced actors.

Regina King

Regina King actively promotes diversity and inclusion on her film sets, both as an actor and a director. She’s well-known for committing to having at least half of her crew be women. King has emphasized the importance of deliberately choosing who to hire to address the long-standing inequalities in the film industry. She shows other leading actors how to make real improvements in their own work.

Kerry Washington

While starring in ‘Scandal,’ the actress was committed to showcasing a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints. She’s often talked about how crucial it is to have people of color leading creative teams. Washington also believes that marketing and publicity should be more inclusive when projects feature diverse casts. Through her production company, she focuses on sharing stories from people who are often unheard and tackling challenging social topics.

Octavia Spencer

Gabrielle Union has consistently spoken out about the unfair pay gap between Black women and white women in Hollywood. She’s well-known for working with her fellow actors to negotiate for equal pay on projects they share. Union has also pointed out the need for more diversity among the behind-the-scenes crew members on film sets. These actions have brought attention to the value of actors uniting to demand fair treatment and open communication about finances in the entertainment world.

Danielle Brooks

Actress Danielle Brooks, known for ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ has been speaking out about the need for better representation of plus-size women of color in media. She’s urging the entertainment industry to cast more diverse actors, celebrating a wider range of body types and cultural backgrounds. Brooks also highlighted the importance of having inclusive hair and makeup teams in Broadway and television, so all performers feel accepted and valued for who they are.

Adrienne Warren

The award-winning performer has openly discussed the difficulties Black women face in theater, particularly the lack of diversity among those in charge creatively. She’s been a strong advocate for more inclusive casting and for building diverse teams behind the scenes on major stage productions. Warren also emphasizes the need for mental health resources specifically for performers of color, who often deal with unique stresses during rehearsals and performances. Her efforts are helping to keep the conversation about fairness and inclusivity alive in the performing arts.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo consistently speaks out about the need for genuine and accurate portrayals of Black people and their stories in movies and plays. She’s highlighted the lack of diversity during awards season and the obstacles that prevent actors of color from getting the recognition they deserve. Erivo also emphasizes how important it is to have a diverse group of writers to ensure stories are culturally authentic. Her commitment to inclusivity extends to fashion and beauty, where she encourages brands to adopt more inclusive practices for everyone.

Lashana Lynch

Daniela de Leme, known for her role in ‘No Time to Die,’ has discussed how important it is for long-running film series to become more inclusive, featuring a wider range of characters and viewpoints. She’s also spoken about the negative reactions she received for taking on the role and stressed that film studios need to stand by actors from diverse backgrounds. De Leme highlighted how valuable it is to have film crews that understand and cater to the unique needs of performers from all walks of life. By appearing in big action movies, she’s helped change what people expect from leading stars in major blockbusters.

Tati Gabrielle

Gabrielle, who starred in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, has spoken out about the difficulty of finding hairstylists on set who knew how to work with her hair. She frequently had to step in and either help or take complete control of her hair styling to make sure it looked right for filming. Gabrielle is now advocating for better training and more diverse hiring practices within the hair and makeup departments of TV networks. Her experience sheds light on a problem many actors of color face in the entertainment industry.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning, known for her role in ‘Dear White People,’ consistently speaks out about the importance of diversity in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera. She emphasizes the need for more directors and producers from diverse backgrounds to tell a wider variety of stories. Browning frequently uses her public voice to champion social justice and ensure that marginalized groups are included in all aspects of media. Her work demonstrates her dedication to using entertainment to create positive and long-term social impact.

Antonia Thomas

As a huge cinema fan, it’s really disheartening to hear this British actress talk about how much harder it is for actors of color to find good roles back home compared to the US. She’s absolutely right – so many talented performers have to move abroad just to get substantial, interesting work. She’s pleading with the British film and TV industry to become more inclusive and actually reflect the diversity of the country, and it really hits home that this isn’t just a British problem – it’s a global issue within the entertainment world.

Freida Pinto

Pinto has spoken out about how South Asian actors are often limited to stereotypical roles in Hollywood and how difficult it is to find parts that aren’t based on their ethnicity. She’s pushing for more inclusive casting and an end to harmful stereotypes in movies. Beyond acting, she collaborates with global organizations to support women’s empowerment and the need for better representation. Her own career demonstrates the positive effect of demanding more nuanced and diverse characters in film.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Erika Hayek has long been a strong voice for change in Hollywood, speaking out about the limited opportunities and harmful stereotypes faced by Latinx actors. She’s openly shared how she was told her accent and heritage would prevent her from becoming a leading actress. Determined to create better representation, she began producing her own projects, fostering a space for diverse stories and talent. Her efforts have helped open doors for many other Latinx performers in the entertainment industry today.

Michelle Yeoh

The Academy Award-winning actress has often spoken about the shortage of roles for older Asian women in film worldwide. She’s emphasized the need for more varied and nuanced characters, moving beyond stereotypical portrayals. Michelle Yeoh has leveraged her recent achievements to champion the importance of seeing diverse representation and recognizing the incredible talent within the Asian community. Her long and successful career proves how vital it is to advocate for meaningful and diverse stories throughout one’s work.

Lucy Liu

Liu has often discussed the difficulties she encountered as one of the few well-known Asian American actresses starting out. She’s pointed out the historical lack of diversity in casting and how the industry often pigeonholed actors into limited roles. She’s also strongly supported increasing diversity among directors and producers. Through her career, she’s paved the way for many other diverse performers.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu, known for her role in ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’ has consistently spoken up about the need for better representation of Asian Americans in movies and television. She’s criticized the industry’s past practice of casting white actors in Asian roles and the limited opportunities for Asian performers to play leading characters. Wu has also openly shared the challenges of being a prominent voice for change and emphasized the value of diverse storytelling. Her efforts contributed to the success of films with all-Asian casts.

Margaret Cho

Cho uses her work as a comedian and actress to bring attention to the underrepresentation of Asian Americans and LGBTQ+ people. She’s openly discussed experiencing racism and homophobia in the entertainment industry and is a strong advocate for more inclusive storytelling. Through her work, she challenges existing norms and promotes greater diversity in media.

Sandra Mae Frank

Marlee Matlin, a well-known deaf actress, has long championed the inclusion of performers with disabilities and the practice of casting disabled actors in disabled roles. She’s spoken out against shows that cast hearing actors as deaf characters, highlighting how important it is to make film and television sets accessible. Matlin also advocates for greater diversity within the deaf community in all forms of media. Her work on shows like ‘New Amsterdam’ has helped raise awareness of the unique obstacles faced by disabled actors in the entertainment industry.

Lauren Ridloff

Lauren Ridloff, known for her role in ‘Eternals,’ has consistently championed the deaf community and pushed for greater inclusion in filmmaking. She’s emphasized the value of providing sign language interpreters on set and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Ridloff also believes it’s crucial to see more stories with disabled characters taking center stage. By appearing in a major superhero film, she’s become a role model for better representation in the genre.

Millicent Simmonds

Simmonds is using her visibility as an actress to push for more roles for deaf actors in movies and TV shows. She’s highlighted the importance of making sets more inclusive and recognizing the skills that disabled performers bring. She believes that when productions strive for diversity, they must include disability. Her own success in popular films proves how powerful and valuable authentic, diverse casting can be.

Jamie Brewer

Jamie Brewer, famous for her work on ‘American Horror Story,’ has been a groundbreaking force for actors with Down syndrome. She’s a strong voice for casting performers based on their skills, not their disability, and for creating more welcoming and inclusive spaces in the entertainment industry. Brewer also champions greater diversity in fashion and across all media platforms. Through her career, she’s overcome obstacles and motivated countless other performers with disabilities to follow their passions.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey, the star of the new ‘Little Mermaid’ movie, has discussed how important it is for young Black girls to see themselves represented in classic stories. She talked about the negative reactions some people had to her casting, and how important it is for film studios to support diverse casting decisions. Bailey highlighted the powerful effect of having a diverse lead character for audiences around the world, and her role is being celebrated as a major step forward for inclusivity in big-budget films.

Rachel Zegler

As a huge fan, I’m so inspired by Rachel Zegler! She’s really opened up about how important it is to see people like her – Latina women – in big musical movies and franchises. She’s talked honestly about the struggles of being a woman of color in Hollywood and how we desperately need to see more diversity in casting. What I admire most is how she stays connected to her roots while navigating this challenging industry. Because she’s achieved so much, she’s become a real role model for a new generation of diverse actors and performers, and I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Xochitl Gomez

As a huge film fan, I’ve been really impressed with what Xochitl Gomez has been saying. She’s been a fantastic advocate for getting more young Latinas represented in these big superhero movies, and it makes so much sense! She’s right – it’s crucial for kids to see characters they can actually relate to. What’s also amazing is that she’s been speaking up about the need for studios to protect diverse actors from online hate – that’s a huge issue. Honestly, having her in the Marvel Cinematic Universe feels like a real step forward in bringing more diverse stories and voices to the forefront of these massive franchises.

Dominique Jackson

Known for her role in ‘Pose,’ Jackson has become a strong voice for supporting and protecting Black transgender women. She’s spoken out about the entertainment industry’s past failures to include them and the need for more genuine stories. Jackson stresses that all performers, especially those from marginalized groups, deserve resources and a secure workplace. Her efforts have been key in bringing transgender narratives into popular television.

Indya Moore

Moore is a passionate advocate for nonbinary and trans people of color working in entertainment. They’ve been vocal about the lack of diversity in the fashion and entertainment industries, emphasizing the need for real, lasting change. Moore also challenges productions that don’t fully respect the identities and needs of all cast members. Through their work, they’re redefining what true inclusion looks like in entertainment today.

Tell us which of these actresses you admire most for their advocacy in the comments.

2026-02-15 16:21