Black Actors Who’ve Played the Same Role Across 20+ Years

Some characters stick around because the people playing them keep coming back—spanning sequels, spin-offs, and even different formats like TV, films, and games. Below are male Black actors who’ve embodied the same role for at least two decades, with the timeline anchored by first and most recent portrayals, plus where you can find the character across the years.

Eddie Murphy

He first played Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ (1984) and returned through sequels culminating in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ (2024). Across four films, Foley’s cases move between Detroit and Beverly Hills while keeping ties to colleagues like Billy Rosewood and John Taggart. Later entries introduce his adult daughter and fold in LAPD task-force dynamics. The franchise preserves Foley’s Detroit roots while updating the supporting ensemble and investigative scale.

Will Smith

He debuted as Miami detective Mike Lowrey in ‘Bad Boys’ (1995) and reprised the role in three sequels through ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024). The films trace Lowrey’s career alongside Marcus Burnett, with recurring squad structures and inter-agency work. Later chapters add family revelations and internal-affairs complications. The continuity maintains Miami PD settings while escalating cartel and task-force storylines.

Martin Lawrence

He has portrayed Marcus Burnett since ‘Bad Boys’ (1995), continuing through ‘Bad Boys II’, ‘Bad Boys for Life’, and ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (2024). Burnett’s arc moves from stressed family man to veteran sergeant weighing retirement against duty. The series threads in AMMO task-force operations and returning superiors like Captain Howard’s successors. Each installment ties back to the duo’s established methods and long-running partnership.

Richard Roundtree

He introduced John Shaft in ‘Shaft’ (1971), headlined sequels and a TV series, and returned in the 2000 and 2019 films. The later movies position him as the original Shaft alongside John Shaft II and JJ. Cases stay rooted in New York private-investigation work with updated technology and networks. Cross-generational team-ups keep the original characterization active within modern plots.

Billy Dee Williams

He first appeared as Lando Calrissian in ‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980), continued in ‘Return of the Jedi’, and returned in ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019). In between, he voiced Lando in games and animated projects that bridge canon gaps. The character’s path spans Cloud City administration, Rebel leadership, and post-war activities. Expanded-media entries preserve continuity between theatrical appearances.

James Earl Jones

He began voicing Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ (1977) and continued through films and television, including ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ (2016) and series-era projects in 2022. His authorized synthesized voice maintains performance consistency for newer installments. Vader’s appearances cover original-trilogy timelines, anthology films, and interquel series. The role’s stewardship aligns with official canon across formats.

Ernie Hudson

He joined as Winston Zeddemore in ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) and returned for ‘Ghostbusters II’, legacy-quel appearances, and the 2024 ensemble film. Winston evolves from late-hire technician to entrepreneur and key backer of ghostbusting operations. Later entries show him financing equipment and supporting team reactivation. Licensed games and tie-ins retain his persona and professional expertise.

Tony Todd

He originated Daniel Robitaille in ‘Candyman’ (1992) and continued in sequels and the 2021 legacy sequel. The newer film reconnects directly to the 1992 continuity, integrating Chicago locations and the myth’s rules. Todd’s presence anchors the franchise’s lore across changing casts. Promotional and ancillary media keep the same backstory intact.

Ice-T

He has played Odafin “Fin” Tutuola on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ since 2000, continuing into the present. Fin’s file includes promotions, undercover operations, and leadership responsibilities. Crossovers place him within the wider ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Chicago’ timelines. Season-to-season records document his expertise in gang-related and victim-advocacy cases.

LeVar Burton

He first portrayed Geordi La Forge in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987) and returned in the subsequent feature films and ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Season 3 (2023). Canon tracks his engineering career on the Enterprise and later senior responsibilities. His appearances span live-action series, films, and licensed productions. Family details and Starfleet postings are updated in later entries without altering core continuity.

Michael Dorn

He debuted as Worf in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987), continued through ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ and the feature films, and returned in ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Season 3 (2023). Documented transfers and rank changes map his movement across starships and stations. Storylines cover Klingon politics, Federation service, and diplomatic roles. Supplemental media maintain alignment with on-screen canon.

John Amos

He played Cleo McDowell in ‘Coming to America’ (1988) and returned in ‘Coming 2 America’ (2021). The character remains the owner of the family fast-food business with ties to the Joffer family. The sequel revisits Queens and key staff relationships. Updated family dynamics fit within the original business-centered setting.

Arsenio Hall

He portrayed Semmi in ‘Coming to America’ (1988) and reprised the role in ‘Coming 2 America’ (2021), alongside several additional returning personas. The story again pairs him with Prince Akeem across Queens and Zamunda locations. Casting and credits document his multi-role performances in both films. The follow-up retains established relationships while expanding royal-household details.

Keith David

He originated the voice of Goliath in ‘Gargoyles’ (1994) and has continued voicing the character in later media through 2023. His work spans the original TV run, licensed projects, reunions, and modern game adaptations. Credits confirm continuity of performance as the property resurfaces. Remasters and tie-ins preserve the same characterization across platforms.

Share your favorite long-running performances in the comments and tell us which ones you’ve followed the longest!