Black Actors You Won’t Believe Are Turning 70 Next Year

The entertainment industry is filled with talented performers who seem to defy the aging process through their energy and continued relevance on screen. Several prominent Black male actors born in 1956 are set to reach the milestone age of 70 in 2026. These men have shaped television and cinema for decades with roles that range from comedic icons to dramatic heavyweights. Their upcoming birthdays mark a celebration of their enduring legacies and sustained contributions to the arts.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton became a household name for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries ‘Roots’. He solidified his status in pop culture history as Geordi La Forge in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and its subsequent film adaptations. Generations of children also recognize him as the beloved host of the long-running educational program ‘Reading Rainbow’. His career spans decades of acting and directing with a focus on literacy and education advocacy.

Keith David

Keith David possesses one of the most distinct and commanding voices in the entertainment industry. He delivered memorable performances in cult classics like ‘The Thing’ and ‘They Live’ during the 1980s. His acting range extends to serious drama with roles in Academy Award-winning films such as ‘Platoon’ and ‘Crash’. He also maintains a prolific career as a voice actor for animated series and video games.

Arsenio Hall

Arsenio Hall changed the landscape of late-night television as the host of his popular talk show during the early 1990s. He gained significant acting recognition for his comedic chemistry with Eddie Murphy in the hit film ‘Coming to America’. His role as Semmi remains one of his most iconic performances and he reprised the character in the long-awaited sequel. Hall continues to perform stand-up comedy and appear in various television projects.

David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier rose to prominence as a versatile cast member of the sketch comedy series ‘In Living Color’. He demonstrated his dramatic acting chops in the film adaptation of ‘A Soldier’s Story’ early in his career. The actor has found immense success on Broadway and earned a Tony Award for his performance in ‘A Soldier’s Play’. Grier remains a constant presence in both television sitcoms and major motion pictures.

Clifton Powell

Clifton Powell built a reputation for playing intense and authoritative characters across film and television. He is widely recognized for his comedic portrayal of Pinky in the ‘Friday’ film franchise. His dramatic work includes a supporting role as Jeff Brown in the biopic ‘Ray’ alongside Jamie Foxx. The actor has accumulated over one hundred credits and remains a staple in urban cinema and television dramas.

Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. delivered a legendary performance as Senator Clay Davis in the acclaimed HBO series ‘The Wire’. He frequently collaborates with director Spike Lee on projects such as ’25th Hour’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’. His distinctive delivery of a specific catchphrase has become a notable part of television history. The actor continues to secure significant roles in high-profile films and television series.

Vondie Curtis-Hall

Vondie Curtis-Hall is a respected actor and director known for his role as Dr. Dennis Hancock in the medical drama ‘Chicago Hope’. He wrote and directed the cult classic film ‘Gridlock’d’ which starred Tupac Shakur and Tim Roth. His acting credits include intense performances in ‘Die Hard 2’ and the Netflix series ‘Daredevil’. He balances his time between working in front of the camera and directing television episodes.

Michael Wright

Michael Wright is best known for his explosive portrayal of Eddie King Jr. in the musical drama ‘The Five Heartbeats’. He delivered a chilling performance as the prisoner Omar White in the HBO prison drama ‘Oz’. His intensity on screen helped him secure roles in films like ‘The Principal’ and ‘Sugar Hill’. Wright remains a celebrated figure for his ability to play complex and volatile characters.

T.K. Carter

T.K. Carter established himself as a talented comedic actor with his role as Nauls in the sci-fi horror classic ‘The Thing’. He brought warmth and humor to the role of Mike Fulton in the sitcom ‘Punky Brewster’ during the 1980s. His career includes appearances in ‘Good Morning, Miss Bliss’ and the miniseries ‘The Corner’. Carter continues to act and perform stand-up comedy throughout the country.

Montel Williams

Montel Williams is widely recognized for his long-running daytime talk show but began his career in the military before turning to entertainment. He starred as the lead character in the television drama series ‘Matt Waters’ where he played a science teacher. His acting resume includes recurring roles on ‘JAG’ and appearances in ‘All My Children’. Williams focuses much of his current energy on health advocacy and charitable work.

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