30 Of The Most Influential Redhead Actresses In The Entertainment Industry (Some Aren’t Naturally Redheads)
Whether they're on screen, on stage, or strutting their stuff down the red carpet, redheads have a knack for turning heads. These lovely ladies with their fiery red locks have made waves in the entertainment industry.
Fans love them for their talent and their red manes, as these ladies' hair color makes them stand out from their co-stars. Keep reading to learn more about some of your favorite redheads who are rocking the entertainment industry.
Rose Leslie is Recognized for Her Role as Ygritte
After winning a Scottish BAFTA for Best Acting Performance for her role in New Town, Rose Leslie quickly rose to fame, landing the role of Gwen Dawson, a housemaid, in the ITV drama series Downton Abbey. During the show, she also appeared in two episodes of the British drama Case Histories.
Not long after, in 2011, she landed her most recognizable role as Ygritte in HBO's Game of Thrones. Even though she left the show in 2014, Leslie stayed in touch with co-star Kit Harrington. The two were married in June 2018!
Sophie Turner Hit it Big With Game of Thrones
Sophie Turner caught the entire world's attention from a very young age, landing the role of Sansa Stark on the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones when she was only 14 years old. She has been appearing on the red carpet and magazine covers ever since.
Turner made her film debut in 2013 in Isabel Coixet's Another Me, before going on to star in the action-comedy Barely Lethal. She then went on to appear in the new wave of X-Men films as the mutant Jean Grey, even getting her own origin movie! She has recently married one of the Jo-Bros, Joe Jonas.
Who Doesn't Love Alyson Hannigan?
"This one time at band camp..." is arguably one of the most iconic lines of the late 90s and early 2000s, and who do we have to thank for it? None other than the redheaded actress Alyson Hannigan's character Michelle Flaherty in American Pie. But band camp wasn't the start to Hannigan's screen time. The actress starred in her first commercial at the age of four!
Hannigan earned major screen time as Lily Aldrin on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother. A part which earned her a People's Choice Award in 2009. But it was her character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer that introduced her to husband Alexis Denisof.
Nicole Kidman Is An A-Lister
Nicole Kidman began her acting career in Australia, appearing in the films Bush Christmas and BMX Bandits. It wasn't until 1990 that Kidman made her Hollywood debut in Days of Thunder.
A lot has changed for Kidman in the years! She now was more than 67 films under her belt and has been listed among the highest-paid actresses in 2006, 2018, and 2019. She has been married to country artist Keith Urban since 2006.
Laura Prepon Ironically Went From Red to Black for Orange Is The New Black
Some actresses work their entire lives to finally break into Hollywood. That was not the case for Laura Prepon. At the age of 15, Prepon found success as a model and traveled the world. She soon realized that modeling was not her passion, switching gears towards acting.
At the age of 18, Prepon sent in an audition tape for the Fox sitcom That '70s Show. Landing the role of one of the main characters, Donna Pinciotti. She worked on the show from 1998-2006. She has since dyed her hair black and stars in Netflix's Orange is the New Black.
You Might Know Madelaine Petsch From Riverdale
Compared to some of the other actresses on this list, Petsch is a new face in Hollywood. She only has six films and television credits under her belt, but she has received significant recognition for her role as Cheryl Blossom on The CW series Riverdale.
Petsch was born in Port Orchard, Washington, but was raised in South Africa, and knew from a young age that she wanted to be an actress. She moved to Los Angeles in the hopes of making it in the entertainment industry, working as a barista before she was able to catch her big break.
Emma Stone's Career is Rock-Solid
Emma Stone's distinct voice and fiery red locks have made her stand out from other popular actresses in Hollywood. As a teenager, Stone moved to Los Angeles with her mother, hoping to make it big. She made her film debut in Superbad, but it wasn't until Easy A that she began earning nominations and being viewed as a serious Hollywood contender.
She has appeared in a number of box-office hits like The Help and La La Land. Since the start of her career, Stone has received an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and has been featured in Forbes Celebrity 100.
Bryce Dallas Howard Was Born For This
Bryce Dallas Howard was born into a family of Hollywood redheads. Her father, Ron Howard, is an Oscar-winning director known for making A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code. She has since found independent success away from her father, appearing in films like The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Jurassic World, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
Recently, this redhead has been making headlines as she played Elton John's mom in his biopic Rocketman. She even made her documentary film debut in Dads. The documentary was the second runner-up for the People's Choice Award for Documentaries.
Deep Down, Lindsay Lohan Will Always Be A Redhead
Lindsay Lohan started her career as a child model at the age of three, being considered a seasoned showbiz veteran by the time she was ten and playing Alexandra "Alli" Fowler in Another World. A year later, Lohan landed her breakout role in the Disney film The Parent Trap.
Lohan went on to star in several other blockbuster hits, such as Freaky Friday, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and, later, Mean Girls. Even though her career went on a temporary hiatus, in 2019 she was seen in the supernatural thriller Among the Shadows. Unfortunately, her attempt at a reality TV show set in Greece never got off the ground.
The Multi-Talented Zoey Deutch
As the daughter of an actress and a director, it seems like Zoey Deutch was born to walk the red carpet. By age five she was taking acting classes and by age 19 she landed leading roles in two supernatural films; Beautiful Creatures, and Vampire Academy.
This redhead has recently starred in a few films like Everybody Wants Some, Before I Fall, Why Him?, Flower, and Set it Up. Deutch is also very active in the modeling and fashion worlds. It looks like we will be seeing a lot more of Ms. Deutch!
Ellie Kemper Has a Shining Resume
This Ivy League actress initially wanted to get into the industry to write sketches and perform improvisational comedy, graduating from Worcester College, Oxford, with a degree in English. Kemper was lucky enough to have Mad Men actor Jon Hamm as one of her high school teachers, something she recalls as being "very distracting."
Kemper gained notice in her appearance in the films Bridesmaids and 21 Jump Street, but her breakout role was as Erin Hannon in The Office. A show which she reportedly is a "huge fan" of. She later went on to star in the Neflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt which she received two Emmys.
The Lovely Susan Sarandon
Where do we start with this redheaded actress? Susan Sarandon has a very lengthy career, being in Hollywood since the 70s and appearing in more than 84 films. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in four of her movies, winning for Dead Man Walking in 1980. She also won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actress for the same film.
In addition to acting, Saradon is known for her social and political activism and in 1999 was even appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She is also a part business owner with former partner Malcolm Bricklin. They have a chain of ping-pong lounges named SPiN.
Elvis' Granddaughter, Riley Keough
Riley Keough was born in Santa Monica, growing up next to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. And if that's not crazy enough, you'll never guess who her grandfather was. Keough's grandfather was none other than the King himself, Elvis Presley. In spite of her ancestry, Keough gravitated towards acting instead of music.
As most in the industry, Keough went through a long stretch of rejections before finally landing a role. Her breakout character was Capable in Mad Max: Fury Road. She also appeared in films like Magic Mike and Logan Lucky. Even though she did very well in both roles, we kind of just want to see her dance like Elvis.
Lana Del Rey Can Belt Out A Tune With The Best Of Them
Born in 1985 in New York City as Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, Lana Del Rey eventually relocated to California in her mid-20s to pursue a music career. Her stage name was inspired by Lana Turner, an Old Hollywood icon, and "Del Rey," which is Spanish for "of the King."
Her stage name makes sense considering critics have noted that her music has themes of old-timey glamour, referencing a lot of pop culture from 1950s and 1960s America. Recently, Del Rey released a song with Ariana Grande and Miley Cyrus for the Charles Angels remake, titled, "Don't Call Me Angel."
Jessica Chastain Is A Serious Actress
Jessica Chastain is known in Hollywood for way more than her red hair. After her film debut in 2008 for her role in Jolene, Chastain began starring in critically acclaimed films such as Zero Dark Thirty, Interstellar, The Help, and Molly's Game.
Typically, actresses are very dedicated to their craft, and Chastain is no different. She even took up German lessons and learned Krav Maga to prepare for different acting roles. Chastain is oftentimes mistaken for another redheaded actress, Bryce Dallas Howard. The two friends often enjoy impersonating one another for the amusement of their fans.
Big Things On The Horizon For Kate Mara
Growing up, Fantastic Four actress Kate Mara was not exactly what one would call "Hollywood material." She was shy a kid, growing up with only one childhood friend. Surprised?
Mara found success as reporter Zoe Barnes in the Netflix series House of Cards. Then again as a reoccurring guest on the first season of American Horror Story. In August 2018, it was announced that Mara was going to be starring and producing the FX series A Teacher.
Connie Britton Has Made a Name For Herself
Connie Britton made her film debut in the independent comedy-drama The Brothers McMullen. The show was just the traction she needed because the following year she was cast as Nikki Faber on the ABC sitcom Spin City. From there, this fiery redhead went on to appear in many films and television shows, being nominated for many awards for her roles.
Most recently, Britton has reprised her role as Vivian Harmon in the sixth season of the critically acclaimed show American Horror Story. That same year she also starred in a true-crime anthology on Bravo, Dirty John.
Christina Hendricks Finds Roles That Best Suit Her
Actress Christina Hendricks is known for playing intelligent and dominant women. The Tennessee native started fiercely pursuing acting in 1999, after a successful modeling career, landing the reoccurring role of an intern on the comedy series Beggars and Choosers.
It wasn't until 2007 when Hendricks got her breakout role as Joan Holloway in the AMC drama series Mad Men. The role earned her six Emmy nominations. She has also gone on to win two Screen Actors Guild Awards and two Critic's Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Amy Adams Can Do It All
Amy Adams is one of those versatile actresses known for both her comedic and dramatic skills, something that has landed her on the list of the highest-paid actresses in the world three times. Her first major success as a leading lady was in the 2007 musical Enchanted, where she played a cheery fairytale princess stuck in Manhattan.
Since then, she's taken on more serious films, such as The Fighter and The Master. Adams even won two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress for playing the seductive con-artist in American Hustle. Recently, it's been announced that she will reprise her role as Giselle in the Enchanted sequel, Disenchanted.
Isla Fisher is a Well-Known Redhead
The Australian native got her start portraying Shannon Reed on the soap opera Home and Away. From there, Isla Fisher successfully transitioned over to Hollywood, her first appearance being in the live-action film of Scooby-Doo. She has since been in many prominent blockbuster films, including Wedding Crashers, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Now You See Me.
Although a majority of her resume revolves around film, Fisher was an important reoccurring character on the show Arrested Development. Pretty much this redhead is able to stick her toes in any form of on-screen entertainment!
Brains and Beauty: Katherine McNamara
Katherine McNamara is definitely more than meets the eye. She was an advanced student growing up, earning her high school diploma by the age of 14 and graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration by the age of 17. She is currently working on her master's in applied economics from John Hopkins University.
Aside from her intelligence, this redhead is known for her acting skills in fantasy television shows and film. Her most recent roles include the lead in Shadowhunters, a supporting role in the Maze Runner film series, and her newest character of Mia Smoak in the seventh season of Arrow.
Florence Welch Has An Incredible Voice
Florence Welch is the vocalist and primary songwriter for the indie rock band Florence and the Machine. The group released its first album, Lungs, in 2009, reaching the top position in the UK after being on the charts for multiple weeks.
The redheaded singer has often been compared to the likes of Stevie Nicks and Kate Bush, a huge honor considering Welch thinks of them as heroes. In 2010, she told Rolling Stones magazine, "I'm pretty obsessed with Stevie Nicks, from her style to her voice. I like watching her on YouTube and her old performances, the way she moves and everything."
Karen Gillan
You wouldn't know it because her Avengers character is a bald blue cyborg named Nebula, but Karen Gillan has some fiery red locks! If you didn't know, that was no bald cap that she wore in order to play Thano's daughter. She shaved her head for the part! Gillan described that experience as "completely liberating." That's some dedication!
Most recently, Gillan can be found on the big-screen opposite The Rock, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, in the newest installment of Jumanji. There is definitely something to be said about an actress who can go from playing a monotone cyborg to a comedic martial arts expert called Ruby Roundhouse.
Julianna Moore is a Top Actress
Julianna Moore has been in the Hollywood spotlight since the early 1990s, after graduating from Boston University. She is mostly known for portraying emotionally troubled women in both independent and Hollywood films, receiving many awards for her roles. She has an Academy Award and two Golden Globes.
The media has described this redhead as being one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Even as one of the "older actresses" in Hollywood, she continues to work regularly and land prominent roles. Recently, she's starred alongside fellow redhead Amy Adams in the thriller The Woman in the Window.
Cynthia Nixon Is Well-Known For Her Role As Miranda
Cynthia Nixon, better known as Miranda from Sex and the City, has worked on and off as an actress and Broadway star since 1980. In 2004, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and has since reprised the role or Miranda in two films.
Aside from her acting, Nixon is a spokesperson for New York's Alliance or Quality Education, a public education fairness advocacy program. She is also a huge supporter of LGBTQ rights and equality, specifically regarding same-gender marriage. Nixon met her wife at a gay rights rally and the two married in 2012.
Molly Ringwald's Career Keeps Going!
Molly Ringwald was the teenage redhead of 1980s film, beginning her career with the movie Tempest. From there, everything kind of fell into place. She stars in some of the most popular 80s movies, including Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, and The Breakfast Club. Soon, she found herself as a member of the infamous "Brat Pack," a group of teen actors that often found themselves working together.
The thing about Ringwald is that she didn't stop after the 80s. She is still very active in the industry. Most recently, she appears on the hit TV show Riverdale as Mary Andrews and is also very big in the jazz music scene.
Judy Greer Can Make Us Laugh
Primarily known as a character actor, Judy Greer has appeared in supporting roles of many popular films. She first came into the spotlight in the early 2000s with her roles in the romantic comedies What Women Want, 13 Going On 30, and 27 Dresses. But this redhead is not just accredited for her work in film.
Greer is also known in the television world as Kitty Sanchez from Arrested Development, Fatty Magoo in It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and for voicing Cheryl Tunt in the animated show Archer. Most recently, she has been starring in the Showtime series Kidding.
Bella Thorne is a Woman of Many Talents
The former Disney Channel child star, Bella Thorne, has since made a name for herself outside of the show Shake It Up. Thorne has appeared in many films throughout the years, including The DUFF, Midnight Moon, and Assassination Nation.
Most recently, Thorne has dabbled in music, signing to Epic Records and working to release an album called What Do You See Now? in 2019. That doesn't mean she is stepping away from the camera, though! In February 2019, it was announced that she would be cast alongside Jake Manley in a heist thriller called Southland.
Keep Watching For Sarah Snook
Sarah Snook is an Australian actress who made her name in Hollywood for her performance in the telemovie Sisters of War. From there, Snook went to act in various films, including Not Suitable For Children, These Final Hours, The Dressmaker, Steve Jobs, and Predestination. She even won an AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for the latter movie.
Presently, Snook is starring in the HBO drama series Succession, a show that centers around the dysfunctional owners of a global media and hospitality empire. Snook plays Shiv Roy, the youngest child of one of the owners and a political fixer.
Lauren Ambrose is an Awarded Actress
Lauren Ambrose is known for her skills on-screen as well as on the Broadway stage. Not surprisingly, the actress attended a few performing arts schools while she was growing up, including ACES Educational Center for the Arts. Ambrose then went on to study voice and opera at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.
This redheaded actress has won two Screen Actors Guild Awards for her role as Claire Fisher in Six Feet Under, and one Outer Critics Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her part of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.
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