Black Actors You Didn’t Know Were Aries

Aries season runs from March 21 to April 19, and plenty of fan-favorite performers fall under that window. Below are the Black male actors whose birthdays land in that range, with quick snapshots of their work, notable roles, and accolades. You’ll find comedy anchors, dramatic leads, and versatile character actors across film and television. Use this as a handy reference the next time you spot one of them leading a project or stealing a scene.

Eddie Murphy

Born April 3, Eddie Murphy broke out on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before leading box-office hits like ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Coming to America’. He earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Dreamgirls’ and has multiple Golden Globes. His voice performance as Donkey in ‘Shrek’ helped launch a billion-dollar animated franchise. He has continued headlining projects across streaming and theatrical releases, including ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘Coming 2 America’.

Martin Lawrence

Born April 16, Martin Lawrence headlined the sitcom ‘Martin’ and co-stars alongside Will Smith in the ‘Bad Boys’ franchise. His feature credits include ‘Blue Streak’ and ‘Big Momma’s House’. He hosted ‘Def Comedy Jam’, a platform that spotlighted numerous comedians. He continues touring and appearing in new installments of ‘Bad Boys’.

Sterling K. Brown

Born April 5, Sterling K. Brown won Emmys for ‘This Is Us’ and ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. His film roles include ‘Black Panther’, ‘Waves’, and ‘Hotel Artemis’. He frequently lends his voice to animation in projects like ‘Frozen II’. He also produces and appears in prestige limited series across major platforms.

Barkhad Abdi

Born April 10, Barkhad Abdi received an Academy Award nomination for his debut in ‘Captain Phillips’. He has since appeared in ‘Eye in the Sky’ and series such as ‘Blade Runner: Black Lotus’. His work often intersects with global and geopolitical subject matter. He balances independent features with high-profile television roles.

Brian Tyree Henry

Born March 31, Brian Tyree Henry earned widespread attention for ‘Atlanta’ and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for ‘Causeway’. His films include ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’, and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. He has appeared on major stages in New York. He regularly shifts between dramatic leads and supporting roles in studio and indie projects.

David Oyelowo

Born April 1, David Oyelowo gained international recognition as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’. His credits span ‘Nightingale’, ‘A United Kingdom’, and ‘Jack Reacher’. He also directs and produces through his own company. He has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to drama.

Billy Dee Williams

Born April 6, Billy Dee Williams became a pop-culture icon as Lando Calrissian in ‘Star Wars’. He starred in titles like ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ and ‘Mahogany’. He has reprised Lando in films, animation, and games. He is also a painter with exhibitions and published collections.

Bokeem Woodbine

Born April 13, Bokeem Woodbine earned an Emmy nomination for ‘Fargo’. His filmography includes ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’, ‘Queen & Slim’, and ‘Ray’. He is known for grounded, complex characters across crime, sci-fi, and drama. He works steadily in both studio features and independent films.

Laz Alonso

Born March 25, Laz Alonso co-stars in ‘The Boys’ as Mother’s Milk. His earlier credits include ‘Avatar’, ‘Fast & Furious’, and ‘Jumping the Broom’. He moved from a business background into acting before anchoring ensembles on screen. He continues appearing in action and genre-driven series.

Sinqua Walls

Born April 6, Sinqua Walls has appeared in ‘American Soul’, ‘Power’, and films such as ‘Resort to Love’. He has led sports dramas and romantic comedies across streaming platforms. His early career included guest roles on network series before recurring parts followed. He remains active in both television movies and theatrical features.

Clarke Peters

Born April 7, Clarke Peters is recognized for ‘The Wire’ and ‘Treme’. His film credits include ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’. He has an extensive stage career in the United Kingdom and the United States. He frequently collaborates with auteurs on ensemble dramas.

Phil Morris

Born April 4, Phil Morris is widely recognized for Jackie Chiles on ‘Seinfeld’. He has extensive voice-acting credits, including roles in ‘Justice League’ animated projects. He appears in series such as ‘Doom Patrol’ and ‘Smallville’. He also mentors performers and participates in genre-focused fan events.

Keegan-Michael Key

Born March 22, Keegan-Michael Key rose to prominence with ‘Key & Peele’. He has starred in comedies and voiced characters in hits like ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ and ‘Toy Story 4’. He hosts and appears in live specials and variety programs. He continues developing projects across film, television, and stage, including musical theater.

RJ Cyler

Born March 21, RJ Cyler broke through with ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’. He has starred in ‘Power Rangers’, ‘The Harder They Fall’, and series like ‘Scream’. He takes on genre-crossing roles in both independent and studio projects. He balances film work with recurring television parts across cable and streaming.

Adrian Holmes

Born March 31, Adrian Holmes portrays Phillip Banks in ‘Bel-Air’. His credits include ‘Elysium’, ‘Red Riding Hood’, and ‘Arrow’. He works across Canadian and U.S. productions, often in action and drama. He has earned awards in Canada recognizing his television performances.

Jimmy Akingbola

Born April 7, Jimmy Akingbola co-stars in ‘Bel-Air’ and appears in ‘Ted Lasso’. His career began on British stages and continued through UK series like ‘Holby City’. He works in both comedy and drama across the UK and U.S. markets. He also produces and supports initiatives that develop diverse talent.

Tyler Lepley

Born March 24, Tyler Lepley is known for ‘P-Valley’ and ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’. He has appeared in features and TV movies across multiple networks. His roles often center on character-driven drama and ensemble storytelling. He also pursues fitness and lifestyle ventures alongside acting.

Jerrod Carmichael

Born April 7, Jerrod Carmichael created and starred in ‘The Carmichael Show’. He appears in films such as ‘Neighbors’ and contributes voice work in animation. His specials and hosting gigs include major live events. He continues developing scripted projects while directing and producing.

Orlando Jones

Born April 10, Orlando Jones first gained notice on ‘MADtv’. He later starred in ‘American Gods’ and appeared in films such as ‘Drumline’ and ‘Evolution’. He works across comedy, drama, and genre storytelling. He contributes to writing and producing on select projects.

Deon Richmond

Born April 2, Deon Richmond is recognized for ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘Sister, Sister’. His films include ‘Hatchet’ and ‘Not Another Teen Movie’. He transitioned from child acting to adult roles across television and film. He continues to make guest appearances and work in independent features.

Got another Aries actor in mind? Share their name and birthday in the comments!