leading lady

plural leading ladies

1. A woman who does or can play the lead role in a movie, play or other production; a woman who frequently plays such roles.

   The leading lady also went out of her way to congratulate the young neophyte effusively on her triumph—and then slapped her unfortunate dresser on very insufficient provocation; […]

   1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC

2. The type of conventionally beautiful and approachable woman who is perceived as being capable of playing female lead roles in movies or other productions.