Black Actors You Didn’t Know Were Cancer

If you’re into star signs, Cancer season (June 21–July 22) is stacked with talent—especially among Black male actors across film, TV, comedy, music, and even sports who’ve built real acting résumés. Below, you’ll find names with birthdays squarely in that window, from household stars to multi-hyphenates whose screen work you may have seen without realizing they’re Cancers. Each entry lists a few career highlights and key credits so you can connect the dots. Dive in and see how many you already knew—and how many surprise you.

Kevin Hart

Born July 6, 1979, Kevin Hart is a Philadelphia native who parlayed stand-up success into blockbuster leads. His film credits include franchise hits like ‘Ride Along’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’. On TV, he’s headlined ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ and produced a slate of comedy specials. Hart also founded Hartbeat, a production company backing films, series, and live events.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor was born July 10, 1977, in London to Nigerian parents and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He earned worldwide acclaim for ’12 Years a Slave’ and appears in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange’ films as Karl Mordo. Ejiofor has balanced stage, independent cinema, and studio features throughout his career. He’s also written and directed, including the feature ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’.

Andre Braugher

Born July 1, 1962, in Chicago, Andre Braugher became widely known for ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and later for ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. A Juilliard graduate, he worked extensively in theater and prestige television. His film work spans projects such as ‘Glory’, ‘Primal Fear’, and ‘The Mist’. Braugher’s television roles earned multiple major award nominations and wins.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II was born July 15, 1986, in New Orleans and studied architecture before shifting to acting at Yale School of Drama. He plays Black Manta in ‘Aquaman’ and starred in HBO’s ‘Watchmen’. His filmography includes ‘Candyman’, ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’, and ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. Abdul-Mateen also performs on stage and continues to mix tentpoles with auteur-driven projects.

Omar Epps

Omar Epps, born July 20, 1973, in Brooklyn, first broke out in ‘Juice’ and ‘Love & Basketball’. He starred on the long-running medical series ‘House’ and later on ‘Resurrection’ and ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. Epps has produced and written, in addition to acting. His career spans dramas, thrillers, and sports stories across film and TV.

Donald Faison

Born June 22, 1974, Donald Faison is best known for ‘Scrubs’, where he played Dr. Chris Turk. Before that, he appeared in ‘Clueless’ on both the big and small screen. Faison’s credits include ‘Remember the Titans’ and voice roles in animated series. He has also hosted and produced projects, expanding his work beyond acting.

Ashley Walters

Born June 30, 1982, in London, Ashley Walters is a cornerstone of the UK series ‘Top Boy’. He previously performed as part of the group So Solid Crew before transitioning fully into acting. Walters’ screen credits span British television and films such as ‘Bullet Boy’. He has also produced and directed episodes within UK TV.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett was born June 21, 1982, and is known for his role as Jamal Lyon on ‘Empire’. He began acting as a child in projects like ‘The Mighty Ducks’. Smollett has worked in music alongside television and film. His behind-the-camera credits include directing and producing episodes for series work.

Jaden Smith

Born July 8, 1998, Jaden Smith made his feature debut alongside his father in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. He headlined the remake of ‘The Karate Kid’ and appeared in ‘After Earth’. Smith also releases music and leads creative projects across fashion and philanthropy. He continues to appear in film and television while building ventures outside acting.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker, born July 15, 1961, in Texas and raised in California, is an Academy Award–winning actor for ‘The Last King of Scotland’. His credits include ‘Bird’, ‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’, and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. He founded Significant Productions to champion diverse stories. Whitaker is also a UNESCO Special Envoy focused on peace and community programs.

Jimmie Walker

Born June 25, 1947, Jimmie Walker became a television fixture as J.J. Evans on ‘Good Times’. His catchphrase helped cement the show in pop culture history. Walker has toured extensively as a stand-up comedian. He’s appeared on talk shows, game shows, and in various TV guest roles across decades.

Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree, born July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, defined cool as John Shaft in ‘Shaft’. He worked steadily across film and TV, including ‘Se7en’, ‘Speed Racer’, and ‘Being Mary Jane’. Roundtree’s portrayal of Shaft influenced action cinema and representation on screen. He remained active well into later years, revisiting the franchise in legacy entries.

Percy Daggs III

Born July 20, 1982, Percy Daggs III is best known as Wallace Fennel on ‘Veronica Mars’ and its revival film. He has guest-starred on numerous series across network and cable. Daggs also appears in independent features and TV movies. His work includes recurring roles and voiceover projects.

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin, born July 15, 1968, is a stand-up comic and actor known for ‘Undercover Brother’. He has appeared in ‘Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo’ and ‘Scary Movie 3’. Griffin’s specials and touring continue alongside screen projects. He’s also contributed voice roles and produced comedy content.

David Alan Grier

Born June 30, 1956, David Alan Grier trained at Yale School of Drama and broke out on ‘In Living Color’. His credits range from ‘A Soldier’s Story’ to ‘Jumanji’ and Broadway productions. Grier has starred in sitcoms, dramas, and sketch series. He’s also earned Tony recognition for stage performances.

Allen Payne

Allen Payne, born July 7, 1968, is known for ‘New Jack City’ and ‘Jason’s Lyric’. He’s starred in Tyler Perry’s ‘House of Payne’ over multiple seasons. Payne’s filmography includes dramas and romances from the 1990s onward. He continues to appear on television in family and ensemble series.

50 Cent

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was born July 6, 1975, and expanded from music into acting and producing. He starred in ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin” and built the ‘Power’ television universe as an executive producer and actor. Jackson’s production slate spans several networks and streamers. He frequently develops crime dramas and docuseries.

Danny Glover

Born July 22, 1946, Danny Glover is known worldwide for the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series and films like ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Predator 2’. His television work includes acclaimed miniseries such as ‘Lonesome Dove’. Glover has produced socially conscious films through Louverture Films. He remains active in advocacy and humanitarian initiatives alongside his acting career.

Brock Peters

Brock Peters, born July 2, 1927, in New York City, is celebrated for portraying Tom Robinson in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. He appeared in ‘Porgy and Bess’ and had notable roles in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, including ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’. Peters worked across stage, film, radio, and voice acting. His deep voice and dramatic presence made him a mainstay of mid-20th-century American acting.

Jeremy Pope

Born July 9, 1992, Jeremy Pope earned dual Tony Award nominations in a single year for ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’. On screen, he led the Netflix limited series ‘Hollywood’ and starred in ‘The Inspection’. Pope’s work spans theater, television, and film with musical releases as well. He continues to balance Broadway and screen roles.

Niles Fitch

Niles Fitch, born July 12, 2001, gained prominence as Randall Pearson’s teen son on ‘This Is Us’. His film credits include the drama ‘The Fallout’. Fitch began as a child actor and moved into mature roles across TV and streaming. He also appears in family and YA-oriented projects.

Jeremy Suarez

Born July 6, 1990, Jeremy Suarez is known for ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ as Jordan Thomkins. He voiced Koda in Disney’s ‘Brother Bear’ and its sequel. Suarez began acting in the 1990s with roles like ‘Jerry Maguire’. His work spans sitcoms, features, and voiceover.

J. Alphonse Nicholson

J. Alphonse Nicholson, born July 6, is widely recognized for ‘P-Valley’ as Lil Murda. His film credits include ‘Just Mercy’, ‘They Cloned Tyrone’, and ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ (2023). Nicholson’s background also includes stage performances and percussion. He appears across cable, streaming series, and features.

Nnamdi Asomugha

Born July 6, 1981, Nnamdi Asomugha transitioned from All-Pro NFL cornerback to actor and producer. He starred in ‘Sylvie’s Love’ and ‘Crown Heights’ and produced projects like ‘The Banker’ and ‘Harriet’. Asomugha founded a production banner to develop film and TV. He continues to act while producing festival-recognized features.

Andre Royo

Andre Royo, born July 18, 1968, is best known as Bubbles on ‘The Wire’. He’s appeared in ‘Empire’, ‘Fringe’, and ‘The Spectacular Now’. Royo has also produced and written, extending his behind-the-scenes work. His roles span gritty dramas and comedies on cable and streaming.

John Earl Jelks

Born July 16, 1959, John Earl Jelks is a stage veteran with screen roles in ‘Miracle at St. Anna’ and ‘True Detective’. He’s performed in Broadway and off-Broadway productions and regional theater. Jelks frequently appears in character-driven films and limited series. His career bridges theater craft and on-camera storytelling.

RZA

RZA, born July 5, 1969, is a founding member of Wu-Tang Clan and an actor-director. He wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Man with the Iron Fists’ and appeared in films like ‘American Gangster’. His TV credits include parts in ‘Californication’ and voice roles. RZA also composes scores and produces across genres.

Vince Staples

Born July 2, 1993, Vince Staples expanded from music into screen work with ‘The Vince Staples Show’. He’s guested on series like ‘Abbott Elementary’ and collaborated across film and TV soundtracks. Staples’ Netflix series blends scripted comedy and autobiographical elements. He continues to release albums while building acting credits.

Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson, born June 30, 1966, has appeared as himself and in character roles across film and TV. Notable credits include ‘The Hangover’, ‘Ip Man 3’, and guest spots on television comedies. He has participated in documentaries and limited series about boxing history. Tyson’s on-screen appearances span cameos to supporting roles.

Lance Gross

Born July 8, 1981, Lance Gross is known for Tyler Perry’s ‘House of Payne’. His film credits include ‘Our Family Wedding’ and ‘Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor’. Gross has starred in network and cable dramas and TV movies. He also works as a photographer alongside acting.

Reggie Hayes

Reggie Hayes, born July 15, 1969, is best known for William Dent on ‘Girlfriends’. He has guest-starred on numerous series and appeared in TV films. Hayes has theater background and comedic timing that carried into his screen roles. He continues to work in television across sitcoms and dramas.

Corey Holcomb

Corey Holcomb, born June 23, 1969, is a stand-up comic and actor with film credits like ‘The Wedding Ringer’. He has voiced characters on animated series and appeared on sketch and talk shows. Holcomb tours nationally while taking TV guest roles. His work often includes panel shows and comedy anthologies.

Godfrey

Godfrey Danchimah Jr., born July 21, 1969, has appeared in films such as ‘Zoolander’ and on series like ‘Louie’. He is a frequent TV panelist and hosts a long-running comedy podcast. Godfrey’s acting includes supporting roles and voiceover. He continues to headline stand-up while booking screen projects.

Richard Mofe-Damijo

Richard Mofe-Damijo, born July 6, 1961, is a Nigerian screen icon with credits such as ‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘King of Boys: The Return of the King’. He has served in government and as a producer in Nollywood. RMD’s career spans decades of television drama and feature films. He often portrays patriarchs and high-profile professionals.

OC Ukeje

OC Ukeje, born July 15, 1981, is a Nigerian actor featured in ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’. He has starred in series like ‘Gidi Up’ and films across Nollywood and international co-productions. Ukeje began on stage before moving heavily into screen work. His roles range from romantic leads to thrillers.

Paterson Joseph

Paterson Joseph, born June 22, 1964, in London, has starred in UK series including ‘Peep Show’, ‘Vigil’, and ‘Noughts + Crosses’. His film credits include ‘The Beach’ and ‘Aeon Flux’. Joseph is also a distinguished stage performer with Royal Shakespeare Company productions. He writes and narrates audiobooks in addition to acting.

Share your favorite Cancer-season performances—or the names we missed—in the comments!