Dianna Agron, who was raised in a Jewish household, first broke out with her celebrated role on the hit series Glee. Since then, she has focused her career on independent and international films, often appearing in festival-circuit dramas. Agron has also expanded her creative work to include directing music videos and other short-form content. | © ABC
Kat Dennings, who grew up in a Jewish family in Pennsylvania, is best known for her starring role on the CBS comedy 2 Broke Girls. She also became a familiar face to a wider audience through her appearances in Marvel's Thor films and the series WandaVision. Dennings balances her acting work with a strong online presence where she connects with fans over creative projects and advocacy. | © Hulu
Gwyneth Paltrow, who identifies with her Jewish heritage through her father Bruce Paltrow, won an Academy Award for her role in Shakespeare in Love. She has since balanced prestige films with a key role in the blockbuster Marvel franchise. Paltrow now primarily focuses on her influential lifestyle company, while still occasionally producing and acting. | © Vogue / YouTube
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who was raised by her Jewish mother in New York City, became a permanent pop-culture icon as the star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her film work, including the cult favorite Cruel Intentions, further cemented her status with a dedicated fan base. Gellar has recently returned to the spotlight with new roles in television and voice acting. | © USA Entertainment
Maggie Gyllenhaal, who has Jewish heritage from her filmmaker father, has built a respected career across film, television, and theater. She first earned widespread acclaim for her daring role in Secretary and later for leading the series The Deuce. Gyllenhaal has since moved behind the camera, making her directorial debut with the celebrated adaptation The Lost Daughter. | © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Hailee Steinfeld, who has Jewish heritage from her father's side, earned an Oscar nomination for her powerful performance in True Grit as a teenager. She has since charmed audiences by leading the Apple TV+ series Dickinson and joining the Marvel universe in Hawkeye. Steinfeld also successfully balances her acting career with her work as a chart-topping artist. | © Vogue / YouTube
Zoey Deutch, the daughter of Jewish filmmaker Howard Deutch and actress Lea Thompson, has built a strong filmography with roles in Set It Up, Before I Fall, and The Politician. She frequently takes on a behind-the-scenes role as an executive producer, helping shape her projects from the ground up. Deutch also balances her acting career with active involvement in fashion and philanthropy. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Rashida Jones, the daughter of music legend Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton, who was Jewish, became a familiar face on beloved shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation. She has since built an impressive career behind the camera, writing and producing documentaries and scripted projects. Jones effortlessly moves between comedy, drama, and voice work for animation. | © Netflix
Alison Brie, who was raised in a Jewish family in Los Angeles, first won over audiences on the beloved series Community and Mad Men. She later showcased her incredible range by headlining the Netflix wrestling comedy GLOW. Brie has since expanded her creative role, co-writing and producing the indie feature Horse Girl. | © IFC Films
Rachel Weisz is a London-born actress whose Jewish parents emigrated from Central Europe. She is an Academy Award winner for her powerful performance in The Constant Gardener, and later captivated audiences again in The Favourite. While known for these prestige roles, she is also a familiar face in popular films like The Mummy and Constantine. | © Searchlight Pictures
Winona Ryder, who has Jewish heritage from her family's Eastern European roots, became a defining actress of her generation. She captured the '90s cultural zeitgeist with iconic roles in films like Heathers, Edward Scissorhands, and Reality Bites. Her career has enjoyed a powerful resurgence with her beloved performance in the hit series Stranger Things. | © Vertical Entertainment
Mila Kunis moved with her Jewish family from Ukraine to Los Angeles as a child, quickly finding her start in television. She became a familiar voice as Meg on Family Guy and a recognizable face on That '70s Show. Her film career gracefully shifts between comedies like Bad Moms and gripping thrillers such as Black Swan. | © Netflix
Scarlett Johansson, whose mother is from an Ashkenazi Jewish family in the Bronx, first became a household name with her role in Lost in Translation. She later achieved global superstardom headlining as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her impressive range is on full display in projects from the voice work in Her to acclaimed performances in Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. | © Marvel Studios
Gal Gadot is a former Miss Israel and IDF combat instructor who brings formidable strength to her roles. She rocketed to global fame as the iconic Diana Prince in Wonder Woman, a part that followed her appearances in the Fast & Furious franchise. | © Marvel Studios
Natalie Portman is an Oscar-winning actress who first captured attention as a young star in Leon: The Professional. A Harvard graduate born in Jerusalem, she balances serious artistic work like Black Swan with major blockbusters from the Star Wars and Marvel universes. She has also expanded her influence by directing and producing films through her own company. | © Netflix
From blockbuster heroes to indie darlings, these actresses have shaped Hollywood with their incredible talent. They bring depth and charisma to every role, creating some of the most memorable characters on our screens. Let's celebrate these leading ladies and their stunning contributions to film and television.
