Christina Hendricks has built a remarkable career through her impressive portrayals of multi-faceted characters, even in limited roles. Interestingly, her journey into the entertainment industry began not as an actress but as a model, which she pursued for a decade following her success in a teen magazine cover competition. This modeling experience eventually led her to feature in music videos and commercials, including her notable role as the hand model for the poster of “American Beauty,”which was pivotal in her transition to acting.
With her entry point in television, Hendricks quickly became recognized for her dynamic characters, particularly her unforgettable role as Joan Holloway in the critically acclaimed series, “Mad Men.”Across her performances, she has seamlessly embodied a wide range of personas, from clever con artists to nurturing mothers and ambitious Hollywood executives, demonstrating her versatility and depth as an actress.
10 Firefly (2002)
Christina Hendricks As Yolanda/Saffron/Bridget
Few shows have garnered as much cult admiration as Firefly, a science fiction western that endured only one season, having premiered with an unfortunate episode sequence. The show has since gained legendary status, inspiring comic books and a film after its initial cancellation. Christina Hendricks featured in two episodes, playing an intriguing con artist involved in a convoluted plot with Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Nathan Fillion). Although her presence was brief, it left a mark on fans who speculate she might have become a recurring antagonist had the series continued.
Her performance showcases her ability to navigate multiple identities, portraying three distinct personas in a singular narrative arc. With undeniable chemistry among the cast, Hendricks could have easily carved out a permanent place in the series as a beloved villain.
9 American Woman (2018)
Christina Hendricks As Katherine
American Woman traces the emotional journey of Sienna Miller’s character as she grapples with the distress of her missing daughter over 11 harrowing years. As Miller’s supportive sister Katherine, Hendricks displays a complex relationship marked by tension yet unwavering familial loyalty. While Sienna Miller delivers a heart-wrenching performance, it’s Hendricks’ role that adds layers to the narrative dynamic, even in a secondary capacity.
Hendricks’ portrayal reflects restraint and depth, allowing her co-star’s powerful performance to shine while subtly emphasizing the character’s emotional stakes. The chemistry between the sisters is genuine and deeply affecting.
8 Egg (2018)
Christina Hendricks As Karen
The film Egg, despite receiving mixed reviews, stands out as Hendricks’ sole project to have achieved a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. The storyline revolves around two women facing the complexities of impending motherhood, with one eight months pregnant and the other employing a surrogate. Hendricks plays the pregnant woman, stirring old conflicts with her former rival as they navigate the trials of motherhood.
This comedy deftly balances serious themes with humor, and Hendricks’ chemistry with co-stars Alysia Reiner and Anna Camp creates a humorous exploration of female experiences.
7 The Buccaneers (2023-)
Christina Hendricks As Patricia ‘Patti’ St. George
The Buccaneers is a delightful period drama blending the allure of Bridgerton-style storytelling with American characters navigating English society. The series focuses on a group of young women seeking romantic matches and encountering societal expectations. Hendricks plays the mother of two, dealing with her own marital dissatisfaction while reassuring one daughter of her maternal role, regardless of biological ties.
The series’ modern sensibilities combined with traditional themes promise an engaging viewing experience, allowing Hendricks to have a meaningful impact in a limited role as she dives into deeper storylines.
6 Drive (2011)
Christina Hendricks As Blanche
Drive tells the gripping tale of a skilled getaway driver who becomes embroiled in a dangerous criminal underworld after assisting a neighbor. Hendricks plays Blanche, a pivotal but short-lived character in the story. Despite her limited screen time, she embodies the role’s charisma, notably sharing thrilling scenes with Ryan Gosling’s character.
Her performance leaves a lasting impression and hints at deeper narratives—Hendricks transforms a fleeting role into a memorable one with her ability to capture the audience’s attention.
5 Toy Story 4 (2019)
Christina Hendricks As Gabby Gabby
In Toy Story 4, Hendricks ventures into family-friendly territory as Gabby Gabby, the film’s antagonist. The storyline follows the beloved toy characters as they navigate a wild adventure to rescue Forky, a newly created toy. Hendricks expertly navigates the darker aspects of her character’s journey, blending humor with moments that resonate with adult audiences.
Her portrayal adds depth to the franchise, showcasing Hendricks’ ability to bring complexity even to voice roles in animated cinema.
4 Small Town, Big Story (2025)
Christina Hendricks As Wendy Patterson
Recently, Hendricks has stepped into the dual role of star and executive producer for Small Town, Big Story. This series revolves around a Hollywood crew’s investigation in an Irish town, where producer Wendy Patterson uncovers extraordinary extraterrestrial occurrences. The show offers an insightful commentary on modern filmmaking.
Hendricks collaborates beautifully with the cast, showcasing her knack for blending humor with critical commentary on the entertainment industry.
3 Hap And Leonard (2016)
Christina Hendricks As Trudy
Based on Joe R. Lansdale’s novels, Hap And Leonard follows two amateur sleuths from vastly different backgrounds as they pursue treasure in the Deep South. Hendricks appears as Trudy, Hap’s ex-wife, who catalyzes their treasure-hunting quest.
With Trudy, Hendricks showcases her capacity for charm and manipulation, reflecting earlier characters with similar traits, blending her fascination with powerful female roles.
2 Good Girls (2018-2021)
Christina Hendricks As Beth Boland
Good Girls combines crime and comedy through the lives of three suburban mothers who, faced with adversity, dive into a life of crime. Hendricks plays Beth, whose dissatisfaction with her conventional life awakens her ambition and thrill-seeking nature.
Her character’s evolution from a desperate housewife to a calculated criminal showcases the duality of excitement and peril, brilliantly portrayed by Hendricks, who delivers a complex performance that reassesses Beth’s role within the criminal underworld.
1 Mad Men (2007-2015)
Christina Hendricks As Joan Holloway
Mad Men remains a pinnacle of television excellence, renowned for its sophisticated storytelling and cultural critique. This series marked Hendricks’ major breakthrough, with her character Joan Holloway epitomizing the journey of women navigating the complexities of a male-dominated corporate environment in the 1960s.
Hendricks received multiple Emmy nominations for her compelling portrayal of Joan, a character who embodies both ambition and vulnerability, making her one of the most memorable and intricately crafted figures in television history.