The Uncovered Truth: 5 Actresses With A Birthmark On Or Near Their Eye Who Refuse To Conform To Hollywood Standards

As of December 2025, the conversation around beauty standards in Hollywood continues to evolve, with a new generation of performers boldly stepping into the spotlight while refusing to conceal their natural, distinctive features. For years, makeup was used to obscure anything deemed a "flaw," but a powerful shift is underway, championed by actresses who proudly wear their birthmarks on or near their eyes as symbols of uniqueness and strength. This article delves into the careers and personal journeys of the most prominent actresses leading this charge, turning a rare dermatological trait into a signature of their identity. The decision to leave a prominent facial or ocular birthmark uncovered on screen is a profound statement, challenging decades of industry pressure for uniformity. These women are not just talented performers; they are pioneers in the movement for authentic representation, proving that true star power lies in embracing what makes you different.

The Pioneers of Uncovered Beauty: Actresses with Distinctive Eye Birthmarks

The most prominent examples of this movement are two actresses whose birthmarks are central to their public identity, not despite their success, but arguably because of the powerful narrative they represent. Their stories resonate with millions, highlighting the beauty of natural features.

1. Daniela Ruah: The Power of Nevus of Ota

Daniela Ruah, best known for her role as Special Agent Kensi Blye on the hit series *NCIS: Los Angeles*, has one of the most recognizable and medically significant eye birthmarks in Hollywood.

Biography & Career Highlights:

• Full Name: Daniela Sofia Korn Ruah
• Date of Birth: December 2, 1983
• Place of Birth: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. (Raised in Portugal)
• Alma Mater: London Metropolitan University (B.A. in Performing Arts)
• Notable Roles: Kensi Blye in *NCIS: Los Angeles* (2009–2023), Host of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018.
• Recent Projects (2024/2025): Since the conclusion of *NCIS: Los Angeles*, Ruah has transitioned into directing, helming episodes for the *NCIS* franchise, including *NCIS* Season 21 and *NCIS: Hawai’i* Season 3, as well as an episode of *The Equalizer* in 2024.

Embracing the Nevus of Ota

Daniela Ruah’s right eye is distinctive due to a condition called Nevus of Ota (also known as Oculodermal Melanocytosis). This is a type of birthmark that appears as hyperpigmentation—a dark, bluish-grey patch—on the skin around the eye and, critically, on the eye itself.

In Ruah’s case, the Nevus of Ota covers the entire white part (the sclera) of her right eye, giving it a darker, almost mottled appearance compared to her left eye. She has spoken openly about the condition, explaining that it is a birthmark and not a result of an injury. Her candidness has been crucial in demystifying the condition for the public and has made her a role model for self-acceptance.

While benign, Nevus of Ota does carry a slightly elevated risk of certain ocular conditions, including glaucoma and, in very rare cases, uveal melanoma, making regular check-ups essential. Ruah’s visibility has brought much-needed attention to this rare trait and the importance of ophthalmological care.

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2. Clare Dunne: The Statement of Uncovered Identity

Irish actress and writer Clare Dunne is another formidable voice in the movement, known for her powerful performances and her staunch refusal to cover the distinctive birthmark located beneath her left eye.

Biography & Career Highlights:

• Full Name: Clare Dunne
• Date of Birth: 1988
• Place of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
• Alma Mater: Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
• Notable Roles: Amanda Kinsella in *Kin*, Sandra in *Herself* (which she co-wrote), Detective Whelan in *Witness Number 3*.
• Recent Projects (2024/2025): Dunne has been highly active, appearing in the 2024 film *Small Things Like These* and the film *Kathleen Is Here* (2024). She is also set to star alongside Bill Nighy in the upcoming road movie *500 Miles* (2025).

The Refusal to Conceal

Clare Dunne has a distinctive, pigmented birthmark under her left eye. While the specific medical term is often not publicly disclosed, it is a prominent feature that she has been advised to cover up throughout her career.

Dunne has publicly stated that she refuses to cover the mark, a decision rooted in a powerful personal journey. She has spoken about experiencing childhood bullying because of it, which ultimately fueled her resolve to embrace it fully. For Dunne, the birthmark is a non-negotiable part of her identity and her acting—a testament to her authentic self.

Her work in critically acclaimed dramas like *Kin* and *Witness Number 3* showcases her feature prominently, sending a clear message to the industry and fans: authenticity is more compelling than manufactured perfection. This stance has made her a key figure in the body positivity and self-acceptance movements within the entertainment world.

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The Growing Trend of Embracing Unique Facial Features

The careers of actresses like Ruah and Dunne are part of a larger cultural shift where unique physical traits are celebrated rather than hidden. This movement is challenging the outdated, hyper-perfected image of the Hollywood star.

The Shift in Beauty Standards: From Flaw to Feature

For decades, the standard Hollywood aesthetic favored flawless, unblemished skin, often leading to heavy use of makeup and digital retouching to conceal *any* perceived imperfection. Today, the audience demands more realism and authenticity. Actresses who embrace their birthmarks, moles (like those on Blake Lively or Eva Mendes), or other unique features are seen as more relatable and, ultimately, more beautiful.

This trend is not limited to birthmarks. It encompasses everything from natural hair texture to skin conditions, fostering a broader celebrity acceptance of diversity. The message is clear: these unique features are not character defects; they are signature features that enhance an actor's presence and memorability. They add depth, intrigue, and a powerful sense of individuality that resonates with a global audience tired of homogenous beauty ideals.

Other Notable Figures Championing Unique Birthmarks

While Clare Dunne and Daniela Ruah are the most prominent examples of actresses with birthmarks specifically *on or near the eye*, other public figures are also driving this movement of uncovered beauty on a larger scale:

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• Cassandra Naud (Dancer/Actress): A professional dancer known for a large, prominent birthmark on her cheek, near her eye, which she has also refused to have removed or covered.
• Paige Billiot (Actress/Filmmaker): A vocal advocate for self-acceptance, Billiot has a large Port-Wine Stain birthmark on her face, which inspired her project, "The Flawless Affect," promoting the idea of embracing one’s "flaws."

These women are creating a powerful new narrative where facial features, once considered obstacles to a successful career, are now celebrated as assets. Their influence extends far beyond the screen, inspiring young people globally to practice radical self-love and reject the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards.

The dermatological features that make these actresses unique are now being discussed openly, raising awareness about conditions like Nevus of Ota, congenital ocular melanocytosis, and various types of pigmented nevi. This open dialogue is crucial for both medical awareness and the normalization of these traits in everyday life and media.