Actresses From North Carolina

Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and talented actresses of her generation, Julianne Moore was included in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list in 2015. One of the most decorated actresses, Moore specializes in playing emotionally troubled women. A campaigner for gun control and gay rights, she has also written several children's books.

Ava Gardner was one of the top stars of the 1950s. She was also considered one of the leading Hollywood actresses of her time. In 1999, she was ranked 25th in the greatest female screen legends list issued by The American Film Institute. A truly international figure, a statue of Gardner has been erected in Tossa de Mar, Spain.

Films like Sky High, Black Christmas, Death Proof, Grindhouse and Live Free or Die Hard established Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the movie world in the 2000s. Though she’s had her share of setbacks along the way, she received critical acclaim for films like Smashed and Birds of Prey. She has been also commended for her performance in television series like The Returned and Fargo. 

A promising young actress, model and LGBT rights activist, Hunter Schafer found fame with her debut role - Jules - in the HBO series Euphoria. Before this, she made a name for herself in the modelling industry working for famous designers and brands. A proud transgender woman, she has been fighting for the rights of LGBTQ since a long time.

Widely regarded as the first female action star of cinema, American actress Pam Grier achieved popularity for playing important roles in a string of blaxploitation, action, and women-in-prison movies throughout the 1970s. She also serves as an inspiration to those suffering from cancer; she made a recovery after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1988.

Jaime Pressly is an American actress who won a Primetime Emmy Award for playing Joy Turner on the sitcom My Name Is Earl. Also known for her appearance and good looks, Pressly is often named in the world's sexiest or beautiful women lists. She has also appeared on the covers of popular magazines, such as Playboy and Maxim.

Emily Procter is an American actress best known for playing Calleigh Duquesne in the popular police procedural TV series, CSI: Miami. A multi-talented personality, Procter has taken part in several marathons and triathlons and at least one celebrity poker tournament. Also known for her skills as an interior designer, Emily Procter is credited with decorating Kenny Chesney's Malibu home.

Rainey Qualley is an American actress. The daughter of famous fashion model and actress Andie MacDowell, Qualley followed in the footsteps of her mother to establish herself in the entertainment industry. Also a singer, Rainey Qualley writes and releases music under the name Rainsford.

Kathryn Grayson was an American coloratura soprano and actress. She trained as an opera singer from a young age and went on to play leading roles in popular musical films like Thousands Cheer, Show Boat, and Kiss Me Kate. Later in her career, Kathryn Grayson performed in theatre and operas.