Top 10 Hollywood Actresses by Total Number of Film Roles

Top 10 Hollywood Actresses by Total Number of Film Roles

Hollywood’s most enduring actresses aren’t just known for their talent, but also for their impressive number of film roles throughout their careers. These hardworking women have built filmographies spanning decades, appearing in everything from blockbusters to indie darlings. Let’s celebrate the most prolific actresses in Hollywood history who have graced our screens in countless memorable performances.

1. Judy Greer: The Quintessential Supporting Powerhouse

Frequently called ‘the best friend’ in romantic comedies, Judy Greer has amassed an astonishing 170+ film and TV roles, making her one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Her filmography spans blockbusters like Jurassic World and intimate indies, showcasing her remarkable versatility.

Born in Detroit, Greer’s career took off in the late 1990s with memorable roles in The Wedding Planner, 13 Going on 30, and 27 Dresses. Though rarely the lead, her characters often deliver the film’s most quotable lines and heartfelt moments.

Beyond acting, Greer has ventured into directing and producing, expanding her creative footprint in the industry. Her autobiography’s title, I Don’t Know What You Know Me From, playfully acknowledges her status as everyone’s favorite supporting actress.

2. Meryl Streep: The Record-Breaking Chameleon

Often hailed as the greatest actress of her generation, Meryl Streep has appeared in over 150 productions while collecting an unprecedented 21 Oscar nominations. From her breakthrough in The Deer Hunter to recent hits like The Devil Wears Prada, Streep transforms completely for each character.

Her remarkable ability to master any accent or persona has become legendary in Hollywood. Whether playing Margaret Thatcher, Julia Child, or a witch in Into the Woods, Streep disappears so thoroughly into roles that audiences forget they’re watching the same performer.

Beyond her acting prowess, she’s become an advocate for women in film, pushing for better representation both on screen and behind the camera. At 74, Streep continues adding to her impressive filmography, recently venturing into television with acclaimed series like Big Little Lies.

3. Kathy Bates: From Misery to Magnificence

With approximately 160 film and television credits, Kathy Bates has built a career spanning five decades that showcases her extraordinary range as a performer. Her Oscar-winning turn as the terrifying Annie Wilkes in Misery catapulted her to fame, but Bates had already been acting professionally for over 20 years by then.

Unlike many actresses who struggle to find meaningful roles as they age, Bates has flourished in her later career. Her performances in films like About Schmidt and series such as American Horror Story have earned her continued critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

A cancer survivor and outspoken advocate for lymphedema awareness, Bates brings authenticity and emotional depth to every character she portrays. Her ability to move effortlessly between comedy, drama, and horror has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.

4. Sally Kirkland: The Indie Film Warrior

With more than 250 film credits to her name, Sally Kirkland stands as one of Hollywood’s most prolific actresses.

Her breakthrough came with her Oscar-nominated performance in Anna (1987), but dedicated film buffs know her from countless independent productions where she’s consistently delivered raw, fearless performances.

A student of the legendary acting teacher Lee Strasberg, Kirkland brings method intensity to every role. Her willingness to take risks has made her a favorite among experimental and avant-garde filmmakers throughout her six-decade career.

Beyond acting, Kirkland has worked as an acting coach, minister, and radio host. At 82, she continues to work steadily, often appearing in several films per year. Her remarkable longevity and dedication to her craft have earned her a special place in cinema history.

5. Dee Wallace: Scream Queen with Maternal Warmth

Best known as the mom in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Dee Wallace has accumulated over 250 acting credits in a career spanning nearly 50 years. Horror fans cherish her performances in classics like The Howling, Cujo, and The Hills Have Eyes, earning her the affectionate title of ‘Scream Queen.’

Wallace possesses a unique ability to portray both vulnerability and strength, making her particularly effective in horror films where she often plays protective maternal figures.

Her warm screen presence creates an immediate emotional connection with audiences, heightening the tension when her characters face danger.

Between film projects, Wallace works as a self-help author and motivational speaker. Her enduring career demonstrates remarkable versatility and staying power in an industry known for its fickleness, particularly toward actresses as they age.

6. Angela Bassett: The Regal Powerhouse

With over 100 film and television credits, Angela Bassett has built an extraordinary career defined by powerful, dignified performances. Her breakthrough came with her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It, establishing her as one of Hollywood’s most formidable talents.

Bassett brings regality and emotional depth to every character, whether playing historical figures like Betty Shabazz and Rosa Parks or fictional roles in blockbusters like Black Panther. Her commanding presence and meticulous preparation for roles have made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

At 65, Bassett continues to break barriers, recently becoming the first Marvel actor to receive an Oscar nomination for her role in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her career demonstrates how talent, perseverance, and selectivity can build an enduring legacy in Hollywood.

7. Susan Sarandon: The Fearless Risk-Taker

With approximately 160 film and television roles across five decades, Susan Sarandon has built a career defined by bold choices and fearless performances.

Her journey from cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show to her Oscar-winning turn in Dead Man Walking showcases her remarkable range and evolution as an actress. Sarandon refuses to be pigeonholed, moving effortlessly between genres and character types.

From the sensual The Hunger to the heartwarming Stepmom, she brings authenticity and emotional intelligence to every role, regardless of the film’s budget or commercial prospects. Beyond her acting achievements, Sarandon is known for her political activism and humanitarian work.

At 77, she continues to choose challenging, unconventional roles that many actresses her age would never be offered, proving that talent and courage create enduring careers.

8. Nicole Kidman: The Elegant Shape-Shifter

With over 100 film and television credits, Nicole Kidman has transformed from Australian ingénue to one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and versatile actresses. Her breakthrough in Dead Calm led to a career spanning blockbusters, art house films, and recently, prestige television.

Kidman’s willingness to take artistic risks sets her apart from many of her peers. From her Oscar-winning portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours to her disturbing work in The Killing of a Sacred Deer, she consistently seeks roles that challenge both herself and audiences.

Her recent pivot to television production through her company Blossom Films has created powerful vehicles for female performers. At 56, Kidman continues to evolve artistically while maintaining her position as one of cinema’s most magnetic presences, proving that commercial appeal and artistic integrity can coexist.

9. Eva Marie Saint: The Last Golden Age Luminary

At 99 years old, Eva Marie Saint represents the last living link to Hollywood’s Golden Age, with a career spanning 70+ years and more than 60 film and television roles. Her Oscar-winning debut in On the Waterfront opposite Marlon Brando immediately established her as a major talent.

Saint’s most iconic role came as the mysterious blonde in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, where her sophisticated performance perfectly complemented Cary Grant’s charm. Unlike many actresses of her era, Saint carefully selected her roles, prioritizing quality over quantity and maintaining a balanced family life.

Her later career included memorable turns in Superman Returns and Winter’s Tale, demonstrating her enduring appeal. Saint’s longevity in an often-brutal industry speaks to both her exceptional talent and her wisdom in navigating Hollywood’s challenging terrain.

10. Joan Crawford: The Silver Screen Dynamo

Joan Crawford’s indomitable spirit and intense performances made her a top choice for directors. Her career, spanning from silent films to talkies, is a testament to her adaptability. Crawford thrived in the golden era of Hollywood, portraying strong female characters with complexity and depth.

Her fierce on-screen persona often mirrored her real-life determination. From “Mildred Pierce” to “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”, Crawford’s roles were as varied as they were memorable. Her contribution to cinema is undeniable, marking her as a silver screen dynamo whose legacy endures.

Interestingly, Crawford’s journey from humble beginnings to stardom is as dramatic as any of her films.