NEWSBreaking Barriers: Danielle Vasinova Thriving in Male-Dominated Genres
June 6 2025, Published 1:07 a.m. ET
Action. Adventure. The classic gun-toting, boot-strapped cowboy Western. These are all film and television genres in which male actors are typically cast and thrive. But in today’s Hollywood, where actresses such as Jennifer Lawrence and Anya Taylor-Joy have proven capable of carrying action-forward films that are also massive box office successes, it’s clear that women have changed the landscape. Emmy Award-nominated Danielle Vasinova is also no stranger to these roles.
Vasinova, who recently starred in acclaimed television series such as The Bay and Taylor Sheridan’s epic Yellowstone spinoff 1923, doesn’t just thrive in these sorts of roles—she actively seeks them out. To her, female actresses can be every bit as tough, determined, and fierce as male actors in action-centric roles.
Warrior on the Screen: A Reflection of Values
Danielle Vasinova is aware of the image women have long held in Hollywood. Historically, men are more often viewed as the warrior, the fighter, and the hero. But Vasinova believes women can just as easily occupy this role—and that with more on-screen representation, an entire generation of young female viewers can become inspired.
It’s become obvious in recent decades that Vasinova’s opinion is correct. From Uma Thurman to Charlize Theron to the many female faces in the Marvel Universe, it’s clear that women can represent dominant, adventurous characters on-screen and inspire their audiences in the process. Want further proof? A 2018 report from the CAA and shift7 showed the immense success of female-led films at the box office between 2014 and 2017. So, as we keep shifting towards a more equal Hollywood, women are primed for even more butt-kicking roles.
The Western Woman: Danielle Vasinova in the Yellowstone Universe
The Native American and Czech Vasinova loves a good Western. When it comes to her fashion sense, she was always inspired by iconic Western actresses like Brigitte Bardot and Raquel Welch. And cinematically, directors like Sergio Leone and Quentin Tarantino were some of her favorites growing up. So, it’s no surprise that Vasinova is now a mainstay in Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe.
As Ata Waipa in Sheridan’s 1923, Vasinova portrayed a strong-willed Indigenous character who doesn’t back down in the face of danger. And later this year, she will once again feature in Sheridan’s universe in the upcoming The Madison. While details surrounding her character are currently under wraps, there’s no doubt she will portray another adventurous, fearless woman.
Upcoming Roles: Showgun and The Leader
Even with such an array of action-centric characters already in her arsenal, Danielle Vasinova isn’t ready to let her foot off the gas. Her upcoming roles will see more of the same: women who don’t back down, remain brave in the face of adversity and inspire young female audiences to stand up for what they believe in.
One thing is for certain: As long as she’s pursuing her Hollywood dream, Danielle Vasinova will give it her all to increase female representation in traditionally male-dominated genres.
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About Danielle Vasinova:
Emmy Award-nominated actress Danielle Vasinova is well-known for her work in Taylor Sheridan's 1923, several action-adventure films, TV series roles, and as Belle in Belle's War. She will be starring in the Yellowstone spinoff, The Madison, set to premiere later this year. Vasinova is an avid equestrian and currently resides in Los Angeles.
