How does that scared and vulnerable Trace Lysette of 15 years ago turn into the confident and assured woman we know today? Well, it's all thanks to Laverne Cox, whose trailblazing turn on Orange Is The New Black proved that out and proud trans actors could get jobs in the industry without having to hide their past. Before that, her only role was a bit part in Law & Order: SVU. Now, she was free to show her real self.
And what a self that would prove to be. 2014 was a monumental year for Trace, when she was cast in the Golden Globe winning Amazon series, Transparent. Basically stealing every scene as Shea, an LGBT counsellor, Trace's eyes were opened up to a whole new world of acting possibilities. From there, she's also landed a major role on Starz's Blunt Talk. Now, this woman is unstoppable.