Michael Dorsey is an ambitious but notoriously difficult actor in New York City who struggles to land jobs due to his reputation for being hard to work with. Facing mounting debt, he decides to disguise himself as a woman named Dorothy Michaels and auditions for a role on a popular daytime soap opera. His convincing alter ego lands him the part, transforming his career and turning "Dorothy" into an overnight sensation. However, Michael must navigate the complexities of his double life as Dorothy, dealing with unexpected romantic entanglements and professional challenges while keeping his true identity a secret.

As "Dorothy" becomes more entrenched in the soap opera world, Michael forms complicated relationships with cast members, including his co-star Julie Nichols. He finds himself increasingly entangled in a web of lies, impacting not only his career but also his personal life and friendships. The stress of maintaining his dual identity leads to a series of comedic and poignant situations, forcing Michael to confront his own beliefs about gender, identity, and honesty. The tension builds as maintaining the charade becomes more difficult, pushing Michael toward a dramatic and revealing decision.