Hollywood has no shortage of powerful and talented actresses . Yet for some reason, they seem intent on pitching the same movie, with the same characters, over and over again.
That’s why I’ve come up with 10+ actresses who unfortunately keep getting typecast by Hollywood. Hopefully, by shining a light on the problem, we can look to eradicate it moving forward .
Angelina Jolie
From the first moment that Angelina Jolie walked in front of a camera, she’s been cast as a strong femme fatale type.
In everything from Mr. & Mrs. Smith to Tomb Raider , she’s smiling seductively and shooting a gun.
Jennifer Aniston
Hollywood seems intent on feeding us this false narrative that somehow Jen Aniston is unlucky in love.
It’s one romantic comedy after the other, and they all portray her in the exact same light. I don’t know about you, but I just don’t buy it.
Aubrey Plaza
Aubrey Plaza is an incredible actress, but she only ever gets to show one side of her personality on-screen.
She became famous for playing April Ludgate on Parks and Recreation , and since then is always portrayed as the dark-humored, deadpan sarcastic type.
Jodie Foster
Ever since she first appeared in Taxi Driver , Jodie has been regarded as a strong, intelligent, supreme leader of sorts who knows much more than she lets on.
Her roles in Inside Man , as well as Elysium fit this mold to a T.
Sofia Vergara
I understand that Sofia Vergara is extremely proud of her Latin and Columbian heritage. But that doesn’t mean that you always have to play the same loud, fiery, sex symbol in every role you take on.
Sofia is a talented actress and I’d be interested to see the depths of her dramatic range.
Melissa McCarthy
If you need a loud, raunchy, rude, or borderline disgusting heroine, look no further than Melissa McCarthy.
Hollywood has a bad habit of portraying plus-sized people as comic relief. While there’s no denying Melissa is a brilliant comedian, there’s no denying she has untapped potential.
Keira Knightley
Why do directors love putting Keira Knightley in period pieces so much? It seems like every movie that’s come out in the past decade set in the 1800s or before features this talented young actress.
If I had to wager a guess as to why I’d say it’s the accent.
Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle Rodriguez is what parents of my generation would have called a Tomboy. Regardless of the film, Michelle is always portraying a hard-nosed, badass soldier-type.
But just because she could beat-up 90% of her male co-stars doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have other talents!
Zooey Deschanel
Quirky; weird; eccentric; marches to the beat of her own drum. These are all words that most people would use to describe Zooey Deschanel’s acting history.
She even starred in The Offspring’s music video for ” She’s Got Issues .” What more evidence do you need?!
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Helena Bonham Carter
Helena Bonham Carter has become renowned for being the muse of Tim Burton. Due to this association, she often portrays dark, evil-minded characters, with a penchant for the macabre and the morose.
This is a shame because she’s clearly capable of so much more.
Leslie Mann
Unfortunately, Leslie is another one who has become typecast largely because of her own husband, Judd Apatow.
Ever since appearing in Knocked Up , Leslie always seems to portray the uptight and overbearing wife/mother. Which is just a tad sexist, if you ask me.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz is the dream girl; the object of desire and affection. She’s god’s gift to men (and women) yet somehow remains unable to find love in a lasting relationship.
There’s Something About Mary , The Sweetest Thing , heck even The Mask — they’re all the same.
Meg Ryan
If you were a director in the 1990s and you needed a sure-fire method of ensuring that your latest romantic comedy would be a box office success, then you would look to cast Meg Ryan in the lead role.
It was just that simple.
Drew Barrymore
Poor Drew…She’s your classic girl-next-door type; watching the world go by while wondering why nothing exciting ever seems to happen to her.
Have you seen The Wedding Singer and Never Been Kissed ? Her characters are practically identical.
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts has a knack for playing outwardly strong women who are ripe with inner vulnerabilities.
You can also guarantee that no matter what movie she’s in, at one point or another, Julia will break down into a bout of silent tears.