Underrated Black Actresses Who Deserve More Attention

Hollywood is filled with incredible talent that often flies under the radar despite delivering consistent and powerful performances. Many Black actresses have built impressive resumes across film and television while waiting for the major recognition their skills warrant. These performers range from seasoned veterans who elevate every scene to rising stars who are just beginning to make their mark on the industry. Highlighting their work helps shine a light on the breadth of storytelling that relies on their dramatic and comedic abilities. The following list explores forty actresses whose contributions to entertainment merit significantly more acclaim and visibility.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie delivered a tour de force performance in the independent drama ‘Miss Juneteenth’ as a mother navigating life with her teenage daughter. She previously captured a dedicated fanbase with her role as Abbie Mills in the supernatural series ‘Sleepy Hollow’. Her filmography includes the biopic ’42’ where she played Rachel Robinson opposite Chadwick Boseman. Beharie brings a grounded emotional intensity to her characters that resonates deeply with audiences. Critics have long praised her ability to convey complex internal struggles with subtle facial expressions.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku gained international attention for her terrifying role in the horror film ‘His House’ which explored the refugee experience through a supernatural lens. She displayed her versatility by playing a high-ranking officer in the Marvel series ‘Loki’. Her performance in ‘Lovecraft Country’ as Ruby Baptiste showcased her ability to handle period drama and fantasy elements simultaneously. Mosaku won a BAFTA TV Award for her supporting work in the television film ‘Damilola, Our Loved Boy’. She consistently chooses roles that challenge standard narratives and allow her to display her commanding screen presence.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback stunned critics with her transformative role in the thriller series ‘Swarm’ where she played an obsessed fan. She earned a BAFTA nomination for her supporting role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ as Deborah Johnson. Her breakout performance occurred in the HBO drama ‘The Deuce’ where she portrayed a sweet-natured sex worker. Fishback writes poetry and plays which informs the lyrical quality she brings to her acting. She continues to secure roles that require immense psychological depth and vulnerability.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell anchored the cannibalistic romance film ‘Bones and All’ with a haunting and tender performance. She first broke through to wider audiences with her role in the emotional drama ‘Waves’. Her work in the science fiction series ‘Lost in Space’ introduced her to the mainstream global market. Russell possesses a unique ability to convey innocence and danger within the same character. Fashion critics also recognize her as a rising style icon due to her daring red carpet choices.

Kiki Layne

Kiki Layne made an unforgettable film debut as the lead in Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She transitioned into the action genre with her role as an immortal warrior in ‘The Old Guard’. Her performance in ‘Native Son’ demonstrated her capacity to handle heavy and tragic subject matter. Layne brings a classic Hollywood elegance to her roles while maintaining a modern sensibility. She remains a talent to watch as she expands her portfolio into production and comedy.

Anna Diop

Anna Diop stars as the superhero Starfire in the gritty television series ‘Titans’. She led the psychological horror film ‘Nanny’ which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. Her resume includes a recurring role in the revival series ’24: Legacy’. Diop utilizes her physical presence and emotional range to create characters who are both formidable and sympathetic. She consistently advocates for better representation of dark-skinned women in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

Emayatzy Corinealdi

Emayatzy Corinealdi received critical acclaim for her role in Ava DuVernay’s feature film ‘Middle of Nowhere’. She currently stars as a high-powered defense attorney in the legal drama series ‘Reasonable Doubt’. Her performance in the miniseries ‘Roots’ showcased her ability to handle historical epics with grace and gravity. Corinealdi commands the screen with a quiet intensity that draws viewers into her character’s perspective. She has established herself as a reliable lead actress capable of carrying complex television narratives.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim is a stage veteran who transitioned seamlessly into screen acting with projects like ‘The Woman King’. She played a key role in the superhero sequel ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. Her performance in the television series ‘The Underground Railroad’ was brief but left a lasting impact on critics. Atim possesses a striking look and a musical background that adds a rhythmic quality to her dialogue delivery. She frequently works in both British and American productions and showcases immense range in every genre.

Weruche Opia

Weruche Opia stole scenes in the critically acclaimed drama ‘I May Destroy You’ as the vibrant and supportive best friend. She starred in the comedy series ‘Bad Education’ which demonstrated her impeccable comedic timing. Her role in the crime drama ‘Top Boy’ allowed her to explore a grittier and more serious character archetype. Opia brings a natural energy and charisma to her roles that makes her characters instantly likable. She continues to balance heavy dramatic work with lighthearted comedy effortlessly.

Susan Wokoma

Susan Wokoma gained a cult following for her hilarious performance in the sitcom ‘Chewing Gum’. She plays a martial arts expert in the ‘Enola Holmes’ film franchise alongside Millie Bobby Brown. Her voice acting work includes major roles in animated series and video games. Wokoma writes and produces her own material which highlights her multifaceted talents in the entertainment industry. She remains one of the most dynamic comedic actresses working in the United Kingdom today.

Sharon D. Clarke

Sharon D. Clarke is a legendary figure in British theater who has recently taken on significant television roles. She played a recurring character in ‘Doctor Who’ that became a fan favorite during the Thirteenth Doctor’s era. Her performance in the drama ‘Showtrial’ earned her widespread praise for its authority and nuance. Clarke brings a level of gravitas and experience to her roles that anchors the productions she appears in. Her transition from the West End stage to the screen has introduced her immense talent to a global audience.

Tamara Lawrance

Tamara Lawrance delivered a chilling performance in ‘The Silent Twins’ as one half of the isolated Gibbons sisters. She starred in the BBC adaptation of ‘The Long Song’ which dealt with the complexities of slavery in Jamaica. Her stage work includes leading roles at the National Theatre in London. Lawrance is known for her intense preparation and ability to disappear completely into difficult roles. She selects projects that are often psychologically demanding and historically significant.

Charmaine Bingwa

Charmaine Bingwa joined the cast of ‘The Good Fight’ as a brilliant and tough lawyer. She starred alongside Will Smith in the historical thriller ‘Emancipation’ as the protagonist’s wife. Her background includes writing and directing her own web series which garnered industry attention. Bingwa brings a focused intensity to her performances that rivals her more experienced co-stars. She is rapidly becoming a sought-after talent for dramatic television series in the United States.

Kylie Bunbury

Kylie Bunbury led the cast of the baseball drama series ‘Pitch’ where she played the first woman in Major League Baseball. She stars in the crime thriller series ‘Big Sky’ as a private detective investigating disappearances. Her film credits include the comedy ‘Game Night’ where she displayed her ability to hold her own in an ensemble cast. Bunbury possesses a natural athleticism and charm that makes her an ideal lead for broadcast dramas. She consistently delivers grounded performances in high-concept television shows.

Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny gained fame as one of the lead singers in the musical drama series ‘Star’. She stars in the biographical sports film ‘The Fire Inside’ about boxer Claressa Shields. Her recurring role in ‘Grown-ish’ allowed her to explore the challenges of young adulthood and college life. Destiny combines her musical talents with her acting skills to create dynamic and multi-talented characters. She is positioning herself as a leading lady capable of carrying major studio films.

Lovie Simone

Lovie Simone received rave reviews for her lead performance in the teen drama ‘Selah and the Spades’. She starred in the horror sequel ‘The Craft: Legacy’ as one of the four central witches. Her role in the family drama series ‘Greenleaf’ allowed her to grow up on screen over several seasons. Simone brings a raw and authentic energy to her portrayals of modern teenagers. She effectively captures the nuances of coming-of-age stories with maturity beyond her years.

Kirby Howell-Baptiste

Kirby Howell-Baptiste appeared in ‘The Sandman’ as the compassionate anthropomorphic personification of Death. She had a memorable arc in the thriller series ‘Killing Eve’ as a former assistant turned assassin. Her comedic skills were on display in the fantasy sitcom ‘The Good Place’. Howell-Baptiste moves effortlessly between genre television and grounded comedy. She creates distinct and memorable characters regardless of her screen time in a project.

DeWanda Wise

DeWanda Wise commanded the screen as Nola Darling in the modern adaptation of ‘She’s Gotta Have It’. She played a pilot in the blockbuster ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ cementing her status as an action star. Her performance in the comedy ‘Someone Great’ highlighted her chemistry and timing within an ensemble. Wise brings a confident and charismatic energy to every project she undertakes. She is also expanding her career into producing to create more opportunities for Black women.

Betty Gabriel

Betty Gabriel delivered one of the most unsettling performances of the decade in the horror film ‘Get Out’. She starred in the limited series ‘Clickbait’ as a woman trying to uncover the truth about her husband. Her role in the action film ‘The Purge: Election Year’ showcased her physical capability in stunt-heavy sequences. Gabriel has a unique ability to convey hidden secrets and suppressed emotions with her eyes. She remains a favorite casting choice for directors in the thriller and horror genres.

Shahadi Wright Joseph

Shahadi Wright Joseph terrified audiences with her dual role in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’. She voiced the character of Young Nala in the photorealistic remake of ‘The Lion King’. Her career began on Broadway where she played a young Nala in the stage musical. Wright Joseph displays a maturity and poise that rivals actors twice her age. She is poised to transition from child stardom to serious adult roles in the coming years.

Ebony Obsidian

Ebony Obsidian plays a central role in the long-running drama series ‘Sistas’. She had a supporting role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ that contributed to the film’s emotional texture. Her work in the independent film ‘Premature’ demonstrated her ability to lead a romantic drama. Obsidian brings a relatable and down-to-earth quality to her characters. She has built a loyal fanbase through her consistent work in television dramas.

Bresha Webb

Bresha Webb stars in the comedy series ‘Run the World’ which focuses on a group of friends in Harlem. She appeared in the thriller ‘A Fall from Grace’ which showcased her dramatic range. Her voice work includes roles in animated sitcoms like ‘HouseBroken’. Webb is known for her quick wit and ability to improvise in comedic settings. She consistently steals scenes with her energetic delivery and expressive facial acting.

Yaya DaCosta

Yaya DaCosta led the medical drama ‘Chicago Med’ for several seasons as a dedicated nurse. She received praise for her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the biographical film ‘Whitney’. Her return to television in ‘Our Kind of People’ allowed her to play a wealthy entrepreneur. DaCosta brings a regal presence and emotional depth to her dramatic roles. She has successfully transitioned from reality television roots to becoming a respected dramatic actress.

Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley is best known for her role as Tara Thornton in the vampire drama ‘True Blood’. She currently stars in the drama series ‘Queen Sugar’ as a journalist and activist. Her stage training is evident in the way she handles complex monologues and emotional arcs. Wesley consistently delivers powerful performances that explore themes of trauma and resilience. She remains a staple of premium cable television dramas.

Simone Missick

Simone Missick played the first Black female superhero on television in ‘Luke Cage’ as Misty Knight. She leads the legal drama ‘All Rise’ as a judge seeking justice in a flawed system. Her performance in the sci-fi series ‘Altered Carbon’ showcased her action capabilities. Missick brings a sense of authority and moral centeredness to her characters. She excels at playing women who are competent and powerful in their professional fields.

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier played the love interest in the superhero film ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. She starred in the satirical drama ‘BlacKkKlansman’ as a student activist in the 1970s. Her role in the miniseries ‘Hollywood’ allowed her to explore the Golden Age of cinema. Harrier combines classic movie star glamour with modern acting sensibilities. She chooses roles that often comment on social issues and historical representation.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram earned an Emmy nomination for her supporting role in the limited series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. She played the villainous Inquisitor Reva in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. Her performance in ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ demonstrated her comfort with Shakespearean dialogue. Ingram brings a fierce intensity and physical presence to her roles. She has quickly risen from drama school graduate to starring in massive global franchises.

Jasmine Cephas Jones

Jasmine Cephas Jones originated two roles in the cultural phenomenon ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway. She starred in the dramedy series ‘Blindspotting’ which earned her critical acclaim. Her role in the miniseries ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ showcased her dramatic versatility on screen. Cephas Jones brings a lyrical quality to her acting that stems from her musical theater background. She excels at playing complex women who are navigating difficult life transitions.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris plays the superhero Monica Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe appearing in ‘WandaVision’ and ‘The Marvels’. She delivered a standout performance in Spike Lee’s satire ‘Chi-Raq’. Her role in ‘Dear White People’ established her as a talented comedic and dramatic actress. Parris commands attention with her confident delivery and emotional range. She seamlessly transitions between indie darlings and massive blockbuster spectacles.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King became a breakout star in the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She received critical praise for her role in the historical drama ‘The Birth of a Nation’. Her recent work includes the period drama series ‘Lessons in Chemistry’. King brings a sharp intelligence and vulnerability to the characters she portrays. She consistently holds her own against veteran actors in high-stakes dramatic scenes.

Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney played Venus Williams in the biographical drama ‘King Richard’. She appeared in the horror series ‘The Passage’ as a young girl essential to saving humanity. Her film debut occurred in the drama ‘Fences’ alongside Denzel Washington. Sidney handles heavy dramatic material with a naturalism that is rare for young performers. She chooses projects that allow her to portray real-life figures and complex fictional characters.

Demi Singleton

Demi Singleton portrayed Serena Williams in the acclaimed film ‘King Richard’. She stars in the crime drama series ‘Godfather of Harlem’ as the daughter of a crime boss. Her Broadway debut as Young Nala in ‘The Lion King’ prepared her for the demands of acting. Singleton brings a spirited energy and determination to her on-screen roles. She is emerging as a significant talent in both television and film biographies.

Pippa Bennett-Warner

Pippa Bennett-Warner stars in the intense crime drama ‘Gangs of London’ as a key player in the criminal underworld. She appeared in the psychological thriller series ‘Chloe’ which explored social media obsession. Her stage background includes extensive work with the Donmar Warehouse and the National Theatre. Bennett-Warner brings a cool sophistication and edge to her characters. She is a prominent fixture in British television who is gaining traction internationally.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter plays a lead role in the family adventure franchise ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’. She produced and starred in the romance film ‘Southside with You’ as Michelle Obama. Her role in the soap opera ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ showcased her ability to sustain a character over many years. Sumpter balances commercial family films with more intimate independent projects. She is a multifaceted talent who creates her own opportunities as a producer.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good has been a staple in Hollywood for decades but often receives less credit than her longevity warrants. She currently stars in the comedy series ‘Harlem’ as an ambitious anthropology professor. Her film credits include the hit comedy ‘Think Like a Man’ and the action movie ‘Day Shift’. Good brings a relatable charm and veteran timing to every role she accepts. She continues to evolve from child star to leading lady with grace and consistency.

Damaris Lewis

Damaris Lewis played the villainous Blackfire in the superhero series ‘Titans’. She appeared in the crime drama ‘BlacKkKlansman’ in a supporting capacity. Her background as a model informs the poise and physical presence she brings to the screen. Lewis creates characters who are often regal and intimidating. She is effectively carving out a niche in the action and fantasy television landscape.

Jerrika Hinton

Jerrika Hinton is best known for her role as Dr. Stephanie Edwards in the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She starred in the conspiracy thriller series ‘Hunters’ as a federal agent. Her work in the drama ‘Here and Now’ allowed her to explore themes of identity and adoption. Hinton brings a sharp wit and intellectual energy to her performances. She excels at playing professional women who are dealing with high-pressure situations.

Masali Baduza

Masali Baduza starred in the dystopian romance series ‘Noughts + Crosses’ which flipped racial power dynamics. She appeared in the historical action film ‘The Woman King’ as part of the warrior unit. Her performance in the thriller ‘Slumber Party Massacre’ showed her ability to lead a genre film. Baduza possesses a natural vulnerability that makes audiences root for her characters. She is a rising South African talent making waves in international productions.

Tracy Ifeachor

Tracy Ifeachor played a major role in the vampire drama ‘The Originals’ as a powerful witch. She starred in the action series ‘Treadstone’ which was set in the Jason Bourne universe. Her recent work includes the sci-fi series ‘Invasion’. Ifeachor brings a physical intensity and dramatic weight to her roles in genre television. She consistently delivers compelling performances in high-concept science fiction and fantasy settings.

Jade Eshete

Jade Eshete gained a cult following for her role as Farah Black in the eccentric series ‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’. She voiced a lead character in the animated series ‘Batman: The Long Halloween’. Her performance in the surreal comedy showed her ability to handle bizarre and complex dialogue. Eshete brings a unique energy and toughness to her characters. She stands out in ensemble casts due to her distinct screen presence and charisma.

Let us know in the comments which of these talented actresses you would like to see in more leading roles.