Being listed as a C-list actress in Hollywood is not the end of the world. It simply means that you may not be as recognized or in demand as A-list actresses like Jennifer Lawrence or Scarlett Johansson, but that doesn’t mean your career isn’t still viable.
C-list celebrities and actresses are usually younger actors who have had smaller roles in films and television shows, but haven’t yet gained much recognition for their work. This can be both a blessing and a curse; while it does provide new actors with an opportunity to get their foot in the door and gain experience, it also limits the possibility of taking larger roles in high-profile projects.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most famous C-List actresses and women in entertainment, while also discussing what they are known for.
Should These C-List Celebrities Should Be Higher or Lower?
Being listed as a C-list actress doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance at success in Hollywood; it simply means that you’re still cutting your teeth in the industry and building your skillset.
With hard work, determination and enthusiasm, there’s no limit to what can achieve! With the right attitude, a C-list actress can an A-lister in time. See the full list of names below.
Meagan Good
Meagan Good is an American actress, best known for her roles in Think Like a Man (2012) and Code Black (2015). She has starred in numerous other films including Stomp the Yard (2007), Jumping the Broom (2011) and Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2013). Good has also featured in many television series, most notably Fox’s Minority Report (2015-2016) and CBS’ NCIS: Los Angeles (2009-2017).
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek is a Mexican-born Hollywood star who has appeared in some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years. Her filmography includes Desperado (1995), Frida (2002), Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), Grown Ups 2(2013), and The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017). Hayek has also starred in a number of popular TV series, including Ugly Betty (2006-2007) and 30 Rock (2010-2011).
Victoria Baldesarra
Victoria Baldesarra is a Canadian actress who rose to fame on the teen drama Degrassi: Next Class (2016-2018). Since then she has appeared in films such as Stoned Alone(2020) and Turnt (2019), as well as numerous television shows, including Odd Squad(2015-2016), V Wars(2020), Dark Matter(2015-2017) and One Dollar (2018).
Christina Hendricks
Christina Hendricks is an American actress best known for her role as Joan Holloway in the award-winning series Mad Men (2007-2015). She has also appeared in films such as Drive (2011), John Wick: Chapter 2(2017) and Fist Fight (2017). Other television roles include Firefly (2002) and Hap and Leonard(2016-2018).
Nathalie Emmanuel
Nathalie Emmanuel is a British actress who is best known for her starring role in Game of Thrones (2012-2019) as Missandei. Her other film credits include Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), Fast & Furious 8 (2017) and Hobbs & Shaw(2019). She has also starred in the TV series Ready Not Steady (2008), Hollyoaks Later(2009-2010) and The Originals (2013-2018).
Elisabeth Shue
Elisabeth Shue is an American actress who shot to fame with her role in the 1985 classic The Karate Kid. Her notable films include Cocktail (), Adventures in Babysitting (1987), Leaving Las Vegas(1995) and Back to the Future Part II (1989). She has also starred in a number of popular television series, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2012-2015), House(2007-2008) and Call to Glory (1984-1985).
Natalie Alyn Lind
Natalie Alyn Lind is an American actress best known for starring in Fox’s hit show The Gifted (2017-2019). She has also appeared in films such as Gone and All the Wilderness (both 2014), and television series such as One Tree Hill(2008) and Gotham (2015-2018). Lind is currently starring in ABC’s hit drama The Good Doctor(2017-present).
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes is an American actress who rose to fame with her role in Training Day (2001). Since then she has starred in films such as Hitch (2005), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) and We Own the Night(2007). Her television credits include Over There (2005) and a recurring role on Fox’s Grace & Frankie(2016-2020).
Maika Monroe
Maika Monroe is an American actress best known for her roles in It Follows (2014) and The Guest (2014). She has also starred in films such as Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), Hot Summer Nights (2017) and After Everything(2018). Her television credits include a recurring role on the hit series Bates Motel (2015-2017).
Sarah Jeffery
Sarah Jeffery is a Canadian actress who rose to fame with her role as Audrey in NBC’s hit show Shades of Blue (2016-2019). She has also appeared in films such as Descendants 3(2019) and A Dog’s Way Home(2019), as well as TV shows such as Rogue (2013-2015) and Wayward Pines (2015-2016).
Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne is an American actress best known for her role in the Disney Channel series Shake It Up! (2010-2013). Her other film credits include The DUFF(2015), Blended(2014) and Midnight Sun (2018). She has also appeared on TV shows such as Big Love (2006-2011) and Famous in Love (2017-2018).
Ella Purnell
Ella Purnell is a British actress who rose to fame with her role as Young Angelina Jolie in Maleficent (2014). Since then she has starred in films such as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (2016) and Churchill(2017). She has also appeared in a number of television shows, including Parade’s End (2012), Trust(2018-2019) and Sweetbitter (2018-present).
Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell is an American actress best known for her role as Veronica Mars in the hit TV series of the same name (2004-2007). Her other film credits include Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Bad Moms(2016) and When in Rome (2010). She has also lent her voice to the popular animated films Frozen (2013) and Frozen II(2019).
Lynn Collins
Lynn Collins is an American actress who rose to fame with her role in the hit film John Carter(2012). She has also appeared in films such as X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), 13 Going on 30 (2004) and Love & Other Drugs(2010). Collins is currently starring in Netflix’s historical drama series Blood & Treasure (2019-present).
Paz Vega
Paz Vega is a Spanish actress best known for her role in the Academy Award-winning film Talk to Her (2002). Since then she has starred in films such as Spanglish (2004), 10 Items or Less (2006) and Thor: The Dark World(2013). She has also appeared on television shows such as Narcos: Mexico(2018-2020) and Grand Hotel (2011-2013).
Alicia Witt
Alicia Witt is an American actress best known for her role in the cult classic film Dune (1984). Since then she has appeared in films such as 88 Minutes (2008), Urban Legend (1998) and Bicentennial Man (1999). She has also starred in TV shows such Night Lights(2006-2011) and Nashville (2012-2018).
Camille Deazzis
Camille De Pazzis is a French actress best known for her role in the hit action-thriller Taken 2(2012). She has also starred in films such as The Isle of Saints & Pilgrims (2019), La tête haute (2015) and Les saveurs du Palais (2012). Her television credits include a recurring role on the Netflix series Sense8 (2015-2018).
Denise Richards
Denise Richards is an American actress best known for her role in the hit action film Wild Things(1998). Since then she has appeared in films such as The World Is Not Enough (1999), Valentine (2001) and Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999). She currently stars in the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2010-present).
Jessica Simpson
Jessica Simpson is an American singer and actress best known for her roles in films such as The Dukes of Hazzard(2005) and Employee of the Month(2006). She also starred in the reality TV series Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica (2003-2005) with her then husband Nick Lachey. Simpson is currently a fashion designer and businesswoman.
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens is an American singer and actress best known for her role as Gabriella Montez in the hit Disney Channel film High School Musical(2006). Since then she has appeared in films such as Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012), Spring Breakers (2012) and Bad Boys For Life(2020).
Vanessa Marcil
Vanessa Marcil is an American actress best known for her roles on soap operas General Hospital (1992-2003) and Las Vegas (2003-2008). She has also starred in films such as Storm Watch (2002), Love in Paradize (2006) and Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2(2011). Marcil is currently starring on the TNT series The Last Ship (2016-2018).
Liv Tyler
Liv Tyler is an American actress best known for her role as Arwen Undómiel in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Her other film credits include Armageddon (1998), Jersey Girl (2004) and Empire Records (1995). Most recently, she appeared on HBO’s drama series The Leftovers(2014-2017) alongside Justin Theroux.
Cerina Vincent
Not to be confused with Canadian actress Cerina da Graca, Cerina Vincent is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as Not Another Teen Movie (2001), Cabin Fever(2002) and Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever (2009). Most recently she appeared on the ABC sitcom Splitting Up Together (2018-2019).
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan is an American actress best known for her role as Cady Heron in the hit comedy Mean Girls(2004). She has also starred in films such as The Parent Trap(1998), Freaky Friday (2003) and Georgia Rule (2007). After a break from acting, Lohan returned to television with the reality series Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club(2019).
Melissa Fumero
Melissa Fumero is an American actress best known for her role as Detective Amy Santiago on the hit comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-present). She has also starred in films such as Love A La Mode(2017) and My Best Friend’s Girl (2008). Most recently, she appeared in the CBS drama FBI: Most Wanted (2020-present).
Sofia Lama
Sofia Lama is a Canadian actress best known for her roles in films such as Saw VI (2009), Charlie Bartlett(2007) and The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations(2009). She has also appeared on television shows such as Supernatural (2011), Rogue (2013), and The Killing (2014).
Julia Voth
Julia Voth is a Canadian actress best known for her role in the hit film Bitch Slap(2009). She has also appeared in films such as Love Me (2006), A Christmas Cruise (2017) and Out of the Shadows(2016). Her television credits include roles on the series Supergirl (2016-2017), Jane by Design (2012) and Reaper (2007-2009).
Dawn Olivieri
Dawn Olivieri is an American actress best known for her role as Donna Gable on the hit NBC sitcom Heroes(2006-2010). She has also starred in films such as American Dreamz (2006), House of Lies (2012-2016) and Daddy’s Home (2015). Most recently, she appeared in the Netflix series Russian Doll (2019).
Madison Davenport
Madison Davenport is an American actress best known for her role as Shannon Gimble on the Showtime drama Shameless(2011-2014). She has also starred in films such as Noah (2014), The Possession of Michael King (2013) and From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series(2014-2015).
Jessica Biel
Jessica Biel is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as The Illusionist (2006), Blade: Trinity(2004) and Valentine’s Day(2010). She also starred in the TV series 7th Heaven (1996-2006) and appeared in the USA Network drama The Sinner(2017-present).
Nell Tiger Free
Nell Tiger Free is an English actress best known for her role as Myrcella Baratheon on the HBO series Game of Thrones(2011-2016). She has also starred in films such as Mr. Holmes (2015), Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) and Extraordinary (2020).
Michelle Borth
Michelle Borth is an American actress best known for her roles on television shows such as Tell Me You Love Me (2007-2008) and Hawaii Five-O(2010-2017). She has also appeared in films such as A Lot Like Love(2005) and The Forgotten (2009).
Brooke D’Orsay
Brooke D’Orsay is a Canadian actress best known for her roles on the television series Two and a Half Men (2005-2016), Royal Pains (2009-2016) and Drop Dead Diva (2009-2014). She has also appeared in films such as Who’s Your Daddy?(2003) and Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008).
Kelly Stables
Kelly Stables is an American actress best known for her role as Melissa on the television series Two and a Half Men (2012-2015). She has also starred in films such as Phantoms(1998), Fired Up! (2009) and Just Like Heaven (2005).
Teri Polo
Teri Polo is an American actress best known for her role as the mother in the hit Meet the Parents franchise. She has also appeared in films such as The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea(2000), Into Temptation (2009) and Leap of Faith(2002). On television, she starred as Pam Focker on ABC’s The Fosters (2013-2018).
Danica McKellar
Danica McKellar is an American actress best known for her roles on The Wonder Years (1988-1993) and Fox’s animated series Eloise: The Animated Series(2006-2008). She has also starred in films such as Inspector Gadget(1999) and My Little Pony: The Movie (2017).
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff is an American actress and singer best known for her role as the title character on Disney’s Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004). She has also appeared in films such as Cheaper by the Dozen (2003), A Cinderella Story (2004) and How to Be Single(2016). On television, she stars on the comedy series Younger (2015-present).
Simone Missick
Simone Missick is an American actress best known for her roles on Marvel’s Luke Cage (2016-2018) and CBS All Access drama Tell Me a Story (2018-present). She has also appeared in films such as Home Again(2017) and All Rise (2020).
Sarah Roemer
Sarah Roemer is an American actress best known for her roles on the television series The Event (2010-2011) and Fox’s drama Chosen (2013-2014). She has also appeared in films such as Disturbia(2007), Fired Up! (2009) and Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006).
A.J. Cook
A.J. Cook is a Canadian actress best known for her role as Jennifer Jareau on CBS’s Criminal Minds franchise since 2005. Her other credits include films such as Out Cold(2001), Final Destination 2 (2003) and Ripper (2001).
Olivia Thirlby
Olivia Thirlby is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as Juno (2007), The Negotiator (2008) and Dredd(2012). She has also appeared on television shows such as AMC’s Rubicon (2010) and Fox’s House M.D.(2009-2012).
Monica Keena
Monica Keena is an American actress best known for her roles in the films Snow White: A Tale of Terror(1997), Freddy Vs. Jason(2003) and Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003). Her other credits include the Lifetime movie The Wrong Girl (2017) and Fox’s drama Undeclared(2001-2002).
Laura Fraser
Laura Fraser is a Scottish actress best known for her roles in the films A Knight’s Tale (2001), The Boys Are Back (2009) and Breaking Bad(2008-2013). She has also appeared on television shows such as HBO’s Hell On Wheels (2011-2016).
Carla Gugino
Carla Gugino is an American actress best known for her roles in films as Spy Kids trilogy (2001-2003), Night at the Museum franchise (2006-2014) and San Andreas (2015). Her other credits include the television series Entourage(2004-2011) and Wayward Pines (2015-2017).
Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe Newton is an English actress best known for her roles in films such as Mission: Impossible II (2000), Beloved (1998) and The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). She has also appeared on television shows such as Westworld(2016-present) and Line of Duty(2012-2013).
Megalyn Echikunwoke
Megalyn Echikunwoke is an American actress best known for her roles in the films Notorious B.I.G.(2009), 90210(2008-2009) and Get Up (2005). On television, she starred on CBS’ comedy-drama series Kevin Can Wait (2016-2017).
Lacey Chabert
Lacey Chabert is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as Mean Girls (2004), Lost in Space(1998) and Daddy Day Care (2003). Her other credits include the television series Party of Five (1994-2000) and ABC’s Baby Daddy (2012-2017).
Maggie Geha
Maggie Geha is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as Ted 2 (2015), The Discoverers(2012) and Oldboy(2013). On television, she starred on NBC’s Gotham (2014-2015).
Freema Agyeman
Freema Agyeman is a British actress best known for her roles on Doctor Who (2006-2010) and Netflix’s Sense 8(2015-2018). Her other credits include films such as The Bucket List (2007) and television series such as Law & Order: UK (2009-2011).
Rose Byrne
Rose Byrne is an Australian actress best known for her roles in films such as 28 Weeks Later (2007), Insidious franchise (2010-2013) and X Men: First Class(2011). She has also appeared on television shows such as FX’s Damages (2007-2012) and Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers (2020).
Amber Valletta
Amber Valletta is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as Hitch (2005), Transporter 2 (2005) and Man About Town (2006). Her other credits include the television series Revenge(2011-2015) and ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money (2007-2009).
Jessica Henwick
Jessica Henwick is a British actress best known for her roles in the films Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Godzilla vs. Kong(2021) and Iron Fist(2017-2018). On television, she starred on Netflix’s Sense8(2015-2018) as well as Game of Thrones(2016-2019).
Hollywood Fame and Film Work on the C List
After viewing each of the names above, we also wanted to discuss that there are definitely some advantages to being a C-list actress. Since there may be fewer actors vying for the same roles, it can open up more possibilities for budding stars looking to make a name for themselves in Hollywood.
Additionally, many C-list actresses are able to use their lack of recognition as an advantage and take on roles that larger stars might not be willing to commit to yet. This allows C-list actresses to explore different types of characters and storylines without fear of having too much pressure put on them.
The bigger question is, how many of these actors and celebrities will move up and down in the ranks over the next several months and years to come!
