Top 20 Redhead Actresses Who Are Absolute Icons

About this gallery:

For this list, we focused on Hollywood’s most iconic actresses who are natural redheads. So, if you’re wondering why some names didn’t make the cut (like Scarlett Johansson or Kate Winslet), it’s because their fiery locks are just a dye job away from their true color.

Think we missed an iconic redhead actress? Don’t hold back – drop your pick in the comments! We’re all ears (and a little obsessed with redheads, clearly). | © Maho Korogi

20. Rose Leslie

If you know nothing, you’ll at least know this redhead! Rose Leslie captured hearts and broke them too as the fierce and fiery Ygritte in Game of Thrones. With her signature red locks and captivating on-screen presence, she delivered some of the show’s most iconic lines ("You know nothing, Jon Snow" – still chills-worthy). Beyond Westeros, Leslie showcased her versatility in Downton Abbey as the ambitious housemaid Gwen and later in the legal drama The Good Fight, proving she's more than just a fantasy favorite. Whether wielding a bow or a sharp legal wit, Rose Leslie shines like a flame in every role. | © Jason LaVeris

19. Lauren Ambrose

Lauren Ambrose is like the underappreciated gemstone of redheads in Hollywood. Most will remember her as Claire Fisher, the angsty, artistic younger sibling in the dark comedy-drama Six Feet Under. With a wit as sharp as her fiery hair, Ambrose brought both humor and poignancy to a show all about, well, death. She later gave a haunting performance in the thriller series Servant, proving her talent extends far beyond the realm of quirky teen drama. Whether painting her way through life or diving headfirst into unsettling mysteries, Lauren Ambrose is an actress who can do it all – and look fabulous doing it. | © Lauren Ambrose

18. Holland Roden

If you’ve ever watched Teen Wolf, you’ve probably wished you had half the charisma (and wardrobe!) of Holland Roden’s Lydia Martin. Starting as a stereotypical "mean girl," Lydia grew into one of the show’s most intelligent and courageous characters, all while rocking her fiery tresses. Roden’s red hair was practically a character of its own, and her supernatural banshee screams? Iconic. She’s also been a horror queen, starring in films like Escape Room: Tournament of Champions. Roden has proven that redheads are not just a trope – they're a force to be reckoned with in any genre. | © Luis Garcia

17. Amanda Righetti

Amanda Righetti is the unsung hero of redhead actresses, blending charm and strength in every role she tackles. She’s best known for her role as Grace Van Pelt in The Mentalist, where she kept us guessing with her no-nonsense detective work and emotional depth. Righetti also brought star power to the horror genre, appearing in Friday the 13th and House of Fears. Whether solving crimes or running from masked killers, she’s got the kind of fiery determination (and hair) that keeps audiences hooked. Amanda might not always be center stage, but she’s the redhead you’re always thrilled to see on-screen. | © Amanda Righetti

16. Marcia Cross

Marcia Cross is the quintessential redhead queen of drama. Whether as the devilishly complex Dr. Kimberly Shaw on Melrose Place or the perfectly polished Bree Van de Kamp in Desperate Housewives, she’s mastered the art of playing characters who appear put-together but hide layers of chaos underneath. With her fiery hair and ice-cold stares, Cross brought a blend of elegance and danger to every role. Her performance as Bree, in particular, was a masterclass in controlled perfection masking simmering turmoil – and let’s be honest, her kitchen would put Martha Stewart to shame. Marcia Cross didn’t just play redhead icons; she defined them. | © AFP

15. Elena Satine

Elena Satine is the kind of actress who makes you think, “Why isn’t she in everything?” Known for her sultry red hair and hypnotic performances, Satine brought elegance and mystery to her role as Julia in Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop. She’s also dazzled audiences as Mera on Smallville and as the hauntingly tragic Lorelei in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Satine has a knack for playing characters that toe the line between ethereal and badass, and her red hair is practically its own superpower. Keep an eye on this one – she’s got "star power" written all over her. | © MiddKid Productions

14. Lindsay Lohan

Oh, Lindsay. The queen of redheaded mischief and early 2000s nostalgia, Lindsay Lohan owned our screens with her unforgettable roles. From the twin-swap shenanigans of The Parent Trap to the high school drama of Mean Girls, Lohan showed she could be both heartwarming and hilariously relatable. Who could forget her as Cady Heron, navigating the social jungle of high school while giving us endlessly quotable lines ("You can’t sit with us!")? Though she’s had her ups and downs, Lindsay’s fiery hair and iconic performances have cemented her as Hollywood’s OG redheaded rebel. Long live the queen of teen classics! | © James Devaney

13. Isla Fisher

Isla Fisher is the definition of chaos in the best possible way. This Aussie redhead made her mark as the adorably unhinged Gloria Cleary in Wedding Crashers, stealing scenes with her wild antics and, let’s face it, that unforgettable laugh. She’s also proven her comedic chops in films like Confessions of a Shopaholic and Definitely, Maybe, where she added depth to her bubbly charm. Fisher’s energy is infectious, and her fiery hair only amplifies her ability to light up the screen. Whether she’s causing mayhem or melting hearts, Isla Fisher is always unforgettable. | © Roy Rochlin

12. Ellie Kemper

Ellie Kemper is Hollywood’s go-to for quirky, lovable redheads who always find the sunny side of life. Best known for her role as the ever-optimistic Kimmy Schmidt in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Kemper turned resilience and naivety into comedic gold. And don’t forget her scene-stealing days as Erin Hannon on The Office, where she brought a unique mix of awkwardness and charm to Dunder Mifflin. Kemper’s bubbly personality and fiery red hair have become her signature, making her a beacon of positivity in every project she tackles. She’s proof that nice girls – and redheads – finish first. | © Simon & Schuster

11. Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan has the kind of career that most actresses can only dream of, and her red hair has been along for the ride every step of the way. From her breakout role as Amy Pond on Doctor Who to her action-packed performances as Nebula in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, Gillan is a master of versatility. Whether she’s traveling through time, saving the universe, or cracking jokes in Jumanji, she always brings a fiery intensity to her roles. With her towering height, Scottish charm, and unmistakable locks, Karen Gillan is a true redheaded icon – and she’s only just getting started. | © Karen Gillan

10. Debra Messing

Debra Messing is the redheaded dynamo who brought wit, charm, and a touch of chaos to the beloved sitcom Will & Grace. As the neurotic and endearing Grace Adler, she redefined the role of the quirky best friend, stealing every scene with her impeccable comedic timing. Beyond her sitcom fame, Messing has showcased her dramatic chops in series like The Mysteries of Laura and Smash, proving she’s no one-hit wonder. And let’s not forget her gorgeous red hair, which has become as iconic as her sparkling sense of humor. Debra Messing is the kind of actress who lights up the screen – and makes you wish she were your best friend. | © Aurora Rose

9. Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald isn’t just a redhead; she’s a cultural phenomenon. As the queen of 1980s teen movies, Ringwald’s fiery hair was practically a character of its own. Whether she was rocking a pink prom dress in Pretty in Pink, battling detention stereotypes in The Breakfast Club, or trying to survive awkward teen crushes in Sixteen Candles, Ringwald captured the essence of adolescence like no one else. Her performances were heartfelt, funny, and painfully relatable, earning her a permanent place in pop culture. Decades later, Molly’s legacy remains untouchable – red hair, angst, and all. | © Alexandra Wyman

8. Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks redefined what it means to be a powerful, unapologetically feminine redhead. As Joan Holloway in Mad Men, she was a scene-stealing force of nature, blending sharp wit, raw vulnerability, and a commanding presence that left audiences in awe. Hendricks turned heads with her fiery red hair and classic Hollywood beauty, but it was her nuanced performance as the savvy and ambitious Joan that truly cemented her as an icon. Beyond Mad Men, she’s continued to impress in projects like Good Girls and Drive, proving she’s a versatile talent with a knack for complex characters. Christina Hendricks isn’t just an actress – she’s a legend. | © Rich Polk

7. Kate Mara

Kate Mara has a quiet intensity that sets her apart, and her auburn hair has become her signature look. From her chilling role as journalist Zoe Barnes in House of Cards to her heartbreaking performance in The Martian, Mara has a knack for playing characters that linger long after the credits roll. She’s equally captivating in A Teacher, where she dives into morally complex territory with incredible depth. Whether she’s exposing political scandals or navigating emotional turmoil, Kate Mara’s performances are always riveting. And that red hair? It’s just the cherry on top of her brilliance. | © Glamour

6. Sarah Snook

Sarah Snook has taken the entertainment world by storm, and her portrayal of Shiv Roy in Succession is nothing short of iconic. As the razor-sharp, scheming member of the Roy family, Snook brings a blend of charm, wit, and emotional complexity that makes her impossible to ignore. Her copper-toned hair and piercing gaze add to Shiv’s commanding presence, making her one of TV’s most compelling characters. Beyond Succession, Snook has impressed in films like Predestination and Pieces of a Woman. With her incredible range and undeniable screen presence, Sarah Snook has cemented herself as one of the most formidable redhead actresses of her generation. | © Arturo Holmes

5. Bryce Dallas Howard

Bryce Dallas Howard is Hollywood royalty with a fiery mane to match. Known for her ability to bring vulnerability and strength to her characters, she’s given unforgettable performances in films like The Help, Jurassic World, and Rocketman. Who can forget her running from dinosaurs in stilettos and somehow making it look believable? Howard also proved her talent behind the camera, directing acclaimed episodes of The Mandalorian. With her luminous red hair and powerhouse performances, Bryce Dallas Howard is a force of nature – whether she’s wrangling dinosaurs or taking us to a galaxy far, far away. | © ABC News

4. Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain is the epitome of elegance, talent, and fiery red-haired perfection. She’s delivered jaw-dropping performances in films like The Help, Zero Dark Thirty, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye, where her transformation into the eccentric televangelist won her an Academy Award. Chastain is a master of playing strong, complex women, effortlessly switching between high-stakes dramas and heartfelt indie projects. Whether she’s taking down terrorists or breaking our hearts in Interstellar, Jessica’s presence is magnetic. And let’s face it – her luxurious red locks are almost as iconic as her acting skills. | © Mike Coppola

3. Julianne Moore

When it comes to redheaded icons, Julianne Moore is the undisputed queen. With a career spanning decades, Moore has dazzled us with her incredible range, taking on roles that range from heartbreaking to hilarious. She’s won an Oscar for her stunning performance in Still Alice and delivered unforgettable turns in films like Boogie Nights, Far From Heaven, and The Hours. Moore is fearless, often diving headfirst into raw, emotionally charged characters that linger long after the credits roll. Her signature red hair and luminous presence make her a cinematic legend, proving that class and talent never go out of style. | © Stephane Cardinale

2. Amy Adams

Amy Adams is the redheaded sweetheart of Hollywood, and her talent knows no bounds. With her radiant auburn hair and girl-next-door charm, Adams has delivered award-worthy performances in films like Arrival, American Hustle, Enchanted, and Sharp Objects. She’s equally brilliant as a singing Disney princess or a tough-as-nails investigative journalist. Her ability to bring depth and humanity to every character has earned her multiple Oscar nominations – and legions of fans. Amy Adams is the kind of actress who makes you laugh, cry, and fall in love with her all over again every time she’s on screen. | © Andrea Raffin

1. Emma Stone

Emma Stone is the ultimate redhead icon, and while she’s naturally blonde, she’s claimed red hair as her signature look. From her breakout role in Easy A to her Oscar-winning turn in La La Land, Stone’s charm, wit, and talent have made her a Hollywood favorite. She’s shined in comedies like Crazy, Stupid, Love and Superbad, as well as dramas like The Favourite. Her fiery hair perfectly complements her fiery spirit, making her performances even more magnetic. Emma Stone isn’t just a redhead actress – she’s a pop culture phenomenon, proving time and time again that she’s one of the best in the business. | © ABC News