To celebrate queer actress Katy O’Brian being on the big screen again in Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, we’re taking a look back at all of her most iconic roles.
O’Brian got her first taste of fame when she starred as a minor recurring character in two episodes of The Walking Dead, and although she worked on shows like Z Nation and Black Lightning after that, it wasn’t until she starred beside Kristen Stewart in Love Lies Bleeding that she became a household name.
From television series to blockbuster movies, O’Brian has used her beauty, brawn, and talent to rock our socks off. But what is her best role? Let’s rank them to find out!
7. 'The Rookie'
The Rookie
ABC
In the Nathan Fillion starring cop show The Rookie, O’Brian plays training officer Tim Bradford’s newest rookie, Katie Barnes. She may have only been in a single episode of the show about the LAPD’s oldest rookie rising through the ranks, but you’re going to want to check it out so you can see O’Brian in uniform. ‘Nuff said.
Where to watch: Hulu
6. 'Black Lightning'
Black Lightening
CW
O’Brian starred as Major Sara Grey and her Earth-1 doppelgänger in 11 episodes of the DC superhero series Black Lightning. On the show, she played a soldier working for the corrupt U.S. government's secret American Security Agency. Not only does O’Brian successfully play two characters, but she also pulls off being highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat and a marksmanship expert without breaking a sweat. Her time as a bodybuilder and martial artist in real life paid off!
Where to watch: Netflix
5. 'Twisters'
Twisters
Universal Pictures
The long-awaited reboot of the popular ‘90s action flick, Twisters featured giant tornados on a path of destruction and O’Brian as the cowboy hat-wearing Dani, acting alongside Glen Powell, Kiernan Shipka, and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Where to watch: Prime Video
4. 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania'
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
Marvel
O’Brian has become a genre fave for roles like this one. In Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, she plays a humanoid resident of the Quantum Realm, where she’s the leader of the resistance freedom fighters. Not only is her costume iconic, but we love seeing O’Brian facing off against the forces of evil. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Evangeline Lilly and O’Brian share a screen?
Where to watch: Disney+
3. Z Nation
Z Nation
SyFy
Starring as George in the zombie apocalypse series Z Nation was O'Brian’s breakout role, and we can see why. Not only is she tough as nails, but she’s gives off major butch energy in her studded leather jacket with rolled up sleeves, smudgy black eye liner, fingerless leather gloves, undercut hairstyle, and tight pants.
Where to watch: Tubi
2. The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian
Disney+
O’Brian starred in seasons 2 and 3 of the hit Star Wars spinoff series The Mandalorian, where she played the delightfully villainous Elia Kane. She may be playing a problematic bad guy, but her acting is top-notch and sold us on her being an Imperial communications officer.
Where to watch: Disney+
1. Love Lies Bleeding
Love Lies Bleeding
A24
Love Lies Bleeding will always be at the very top of any list. Not only is it an amazing, bloody, sexy lesbian erotic thriller, but O’Brian plays an insanely hot bodybuilder who goes to pound town with KStew. It’s transgressive, gritty, and has one of the best lesbian sex scenes ever put to film. Do yourself a favor and watch it pronto!
Where to watch: Max
