Black Actors You Didn’t Know Were Virgo

Virgos are known for precision and work ethic, and plenty of Black male actors born between late August and late September fit that bill. Below are those whose birthdays fall under the Virgo sign, with quick, useful snapshots of their careers—birthplaces, notable roles, and standout achievements—so you can connect the dots at a glance.

Idris Elba

Born in London on September 6, he broke out in ‘The Wire’ and led ‘Luther’, winning major awards for the role. He played Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and earned acclaim for ‘Beasts of No Nation’. Beyond acting, he produces films and television and frequently DJs under the name DJ Big Driis. He has also directed projects and launched music collaborations.

Damon Wayans

Born in New York City on September 4, he rose to prominence on ‘In Living Color’. He starred in ‘My Wife and Kids’ and later headlined the TV adaptation of ‘Lethal Weapon’. His film credits include ‘Major Payne’ and ‘The Last Boy Scout’. He is an established writer and producer with multiple television development credits.

Dave Chappelle

Born in Washington, D.C., on August 24, he created and starred in ‘Chappelle’s Show’. His film work includes ‘Half Baked’ and appearances in titles like ‘A Star Is Born’. He has won multiple Emmys and Grammys for his specials and television appearances. He continues to tour globally and release high-profile comedy projects.

Larenz Tate

Born in Chicago on September 8, he gained early recognition in ‘Menace II Society’ and ‘Love Jones’. He has recurring roles in the ‘Power’ franchise and appeared in ensemble films like ‘Crash’. Tate has worked across drama and romance in both film and television. He also produces and supports arts education initiatives.

Aldis Hodge

Born in North Carolina on September 20, he is known for ‘Leverage’ and its revival. He portrayed Jim Brown in ‘One Night in Miami…’ and Hawkman in ‘Black Adam’. His credits span prestige films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and serialized TV dramas. He also designs watches and engages in visual art and philanthropy.

Blair Underwood

Born in Tacoma, Washington, on August 25, he became widely known through ‘L.A. Law’. His television work includes ‘Quantico’ and recurring roles across network and streaming series. On stage, he earned major award recognition for Broadway. He continues acting, directing, and supporting social causes.

Chris Tucker

Born in Atlanta on August 31, he achieved international fame with the ‘Rush Hour’ franchise. He debuted in ‘Friday’ and later appeared in ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. Tucker has toured extensively as a stand-up and performed global charity work. He remains active in film development and live comedy.

Tyler Perry

Born in New Orleans on September 13, he built a media empire with stage plays and the Madea character. As an actor, he appeared in films such as ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘Don’t Look Up’. He owns and operates Tyler Perry Studios, one of the largest production facilities in the U.S. He produces, writes, directs, and stars across film and television.

Kel Mitchell

Born in Chicago on August 25, he co-led ‘Kenan & Kel’ and was a standout on ‘All That’. He headlined the cult-favorite film ‘Good Burger’ and returned for ‘Good Burger 2’. Mitchell has done extensive voice acting for animated series and video games. He also serves as a producer and author.

Mike Colter

Born in South Carolina on August 26, he headlined Marvel’s ‘Luke Cage’ and appeared in ‘The Defenders’. He stars in the psychological drama ‘Evil’. Colter’s film credits include action and thriller titles across studios and streamers. He trained at the University of South Carolina and Rutgers’ MFA program.

Damson Idris

Born in London on September 2, he led the crime drama ‘Snowfall’. His film work includes the sci-fi action title ‘Outside the Wire’ and other streaming features. He has guest roles in anthology series and developing producer credits. Idris frequently collaborates with U.S. and U.K. creatives across genres.

Ray Fisher

Born in New Jersey on September 8, he portrayed Victor Stone/Cyborg in ‘Justice League’. On stage, he earned strong notices for ‘Fetch Clay, Make Man’. He has appeared in limited series and high-profile dramas. Fisher is active in advocacy around industry practices and representation.

Billy Porter

Born in Pittsburgh on September 21, he starred in ‘Pose’, winning major television awards. He won a Tony for his lead role in the Broadway musical ‘Kinky Boots’. Porter has appeared in films including a modern ‘Cinderella’. He is also a recording artist and fashion icon with frequent red-carpet hosting duties.

Peter Mensah

Born to Ghanaian parents on August 27, he is known for ‘Spartacus’ and appearances in ‘300’ and ‘Avatar’. He has voiced and performed in numerous genre series and games. Mensah trained in martial arts, which supports his action-heavy roles. He works internationally across U.S. and European productions.

Robert Wisdom

Born in Washington, D.C., on September 14, he is widely recognized for Howard “Bunny” Colvin in ‘The Wire’. His credits include ‘Prison Break’, ‘Barry’, and ‘Ballers’. Wisdom has extensive stage experience and frequent supporting roles in feature films. He continues to appear in crime, comedy, and prestige television.

Alfonso Ribeiro

Born in New York City on September 21, he played Carlton Banks in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. He has directed television episodes and hosted ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’. Ribeiro also hosts ‘Dancing with the Stars’. He started as a child performer on Broadway and in ‘Silver Spoons’.

Katt Williams

Born in Cincinnati on September 2, he is a stand-up star with notable acting roles in ‘Friday After Next’ and ‘Norbit’. He voiced A Pimp Named Slickback in ‘The Boondocks’. Williams won an Emmy for a guest appearance on ‘Atlanta’. He releases specials and tours while taking select film and TV roles.

Wale Ojo

Born on September 9, he is a Nigerian-British actor known for ‘Phone Swap’ and ‘Blood Sisters’. His filmography includes ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and multiple pan-African productions. Ojo has worked in British theatre and television. He supports cultural exchange initiatives within Nollywood and the U.K. industry.

Jonathan Majors

Born in California on September 7, he drew acclaim for ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’. He starred in ‘Lovecraft Country’ and appeared in franchise and sports dramas like ‘Creed III’. His film and television work spans indie and blockbuster projects. He trained at Yale School of Drama.

Ludacris

Born in Illinois on September 11, he acts as Tej Parker in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. He appeared in ‘Crash’ and ‘Hustle & Flow’. Beyond film, he produces television and voice-acts in animated projects. He balances entertainment work with philanthropic initiatives through the Ludacris Foundation.

Share your picks in the comments—who else belongs on this Virgo list?