Black Actresses Who’ve Played the Same Role Across 10+ Years

Some performances become part of pop culture because the actor returns to the same character again and again, sometimes across sequels, reboots, and even different mediums. The women below have portrayed the same role for more than a decade, spanning long-running series, animated staples, and blockbuster franchises. Each entry notes the character, the projects where the role appears, and the crossovers or revivals that kept the portrayal going. It’s a look at longevity, continuity, and how a single role can evolve alongside the industry itself.

Whoopi Goldberg – Guinan in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’

Whoopi Goldberg introduced the El-Aurian bartender Guinan in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and later revisited the role in ‘Star Trek: Picard’. She appeared in multiple key episodes and feature-film installments within the franchise. The character serves as a confidant to Starfleet captains and a lore anchor connecting series and timelines. Goldberg’s return bridged classic and modern ‘Star Trek’ storytelling for well over a decade.

Nichelle Nichols – Nyota Uhura in ‘Star Trek’

Nichelle Nichols originated Nyota Uhura on ‘Star Trek’ and carried the role into the franchise’s early feature films. Her portrayal included missions aboard the Enterprise and appearances that connected the original series to big-screen adventures. Uhura’s duties spanned communications, translation, and first-contact scenarios central to the crew’s operations. Nichols’ continued work established one of television’s landmark sci-fi characters across multiple formats.

Halle Berry – Ororo Munroe / Storm in ‘X-Men’

Halle Berry portrayed Storm across several ‘X-Men’ films, returning for ensemble entries and timeline-bending installments. The character leads and supports mutant teams, regularly appearing in pivotal action sequences and classroom scenes at the Xavier school. Berry’s Storm interacts with multiple generations of mutants within the film continuity. Her repeated appearances helped tie together different arcs within the ‘X-Men’ series.

Jada Pinkett Smith – Niobe in ‘The Matrix’

Jada Pinkett Smith first played Niobe in ‘The Matrix’ films and later reprised the character in a continuation of the franchise. Beyond live-action, she voiced Niobe in ‘Enter the Matrix’ and appeared in the companion media that extended the universe. The role places her at the center of resistance missions, piloting hovercraft and coordinating operations in and out of the Matrix. Her returns link original trilogy storylines to later chapters.

Sanaa Lathan – Donna Tubbs in ‘The Cleveland Show’

Sanaa Lathan voices Donna Tubbs across ‘The Cleveland Show’ and ‘Family Guy’. After anchoring the spinoff, Donna continued as a principal character when the Griffin-verse reabsorbed the family. Lathan’s performance covers domestic plots, musical bits, and cutaway gags that define the animated universe. The sustained voice role spans network moves and production shifts over many seasons.

Cree Summer – Susie Carmichael in ‘Rugrats’

Cree Summer has voiced Susie Carmichael across ‘Rugrats’, ‘All Grown Up!’, and the ‘Rugrats’ revival. Susie appears as a neighbor and friend who often guides the younger characters through social and cultural milestones. Summer’s work carried the character from toddler adventures to preteen stories and back to a preschool setting. The role’s longevity reflects how the franchise has cycled through reimaginings while keeping its core cast.

Chandra Wilson – Dr. Miranda Bailey in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Chandra Wilson has portrayed Dr. Miranda Bailey on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ since the show’s early seasons and through numerous cast changes. Bailey advances from surgical resident to key leadership roles, shaping hospital policy and training waves of new doctors. The character appears in crossover episodes within the broader ‘Grey’s’ universe. Wilson’s ongoing tenure tracks the series’ evolving medical cases, mentorship arcs, and administrative challenges.

S. Epatha Merkerson – Lt. Anita Van Buren in ‘Law & Order’

S. Epatha Merkerson played Lt. Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’ through hundreds of cases and multiple partner rotations. Van Buren oversees detectives, manages precinct pressures, and regularly interfaces with the district attorney’s office. Merkerson’s run encompassed format tweaks and cast reshuffles while maintaining procedural continuity. The character remains one of the franchise’s most enduring leadership figures.

Raven-Symoné – Raven Baxter in ‘That’s So Raven’

Raven-Symoné originated Raven Baxter on ‘That’s So Raven’ and returned to the role in ‘Raven’s Home’. The character’s psychic visions drive episodic plots that blend school, work, and family life. In the follow-up series, Raven appears as a parent navigating similar hijinks from an adult perspective. Her ongoing portrayal connects two Disney Channel eras with the same central character.

Danai Gurira – Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’

Danai Gurira debuted as Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead’ and later continued the role in a follow-on series set in the same universe. Michonne’s arc spans survival leadership, community building, and complex reunions that tie back to the flagship show. The character crosses between productions while retaining core traits like katana combat and strategic planning. Gurira’s continued appearances link franchise chapters across time jumps and spinoffs.

Aisha Tyler – Lana Kane in ‘Archer’

Aisha Tyler has voiced Lana Kane across ‘Archer’ for many seasons, including theme-shifted anthology runs and genre homages. Lana’s role ranges from field agent to agency leader, depending on the season’s narrative frame. Tyler’s performance anchors mission-of-the-week plots, long-running character dynamics, and workplace satire. The show’s format experiments kept the character active across a long production span.

CCH Pounder – Mo’at in ‘Avatar’

CCH Pounder portrays Mo’at in the ‘Avatar’ films and returns as the Omaticaya spiritual leader in later installments. The character advises clan leadership, participates in key rites, and interacts with human and Na’vi factions. Pounder’s role reappears as the saga expands locations and introduces new generations. Her continued presence provides cultural continuity across the franchise’s evolving storylines.

Share your favorites or add more long-running roles in the comments!