Black Actors You Won’t Believe Are Turning 60 Next Year

Next year brings a big birthday for a surprising group of Black actors who began working in the late 80s and early 90s and went on to anchor major TV shows and films across genres. Many of them are best known for long-running procedural hits, scene-stealing supporting turns, or distinctive voice roles that fans still quote today. From network staples to cult favorites to Nollywood and South African standouts, they’ve each built steady résumés that span multiple decades. Here are some names hitting the milestone, along with quick snapshots of what they’ve done on screen.

Hill Harper

An Ivy League–educated performer and author, Hill Harper broke out on television with ‘CSI: NY’ as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes and later joined ‘The Good Doctor’ as Dr. Marcus Andrews. He has also appeared in films such as ‘He Got Game’, ‘Beloved’, and the thriller ‘The Skulls’. On television, he added ‘Limitless’ to his credits along with guest roles across network and cable series. Outside acting, he has written bestselling books and been active in civic initiatives and public service.

Gary Dourdan

Gary Dourdan became widely known for playing Warrick Brown on ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’, one of the most watched series of its era. Before that he starred on ‘A Different World’ and later worked across international features and TV movies. His film credits include ‘Alien: Resurrection’ and appearances in independent thrillers and action projects. He has also pursued music, contributing songs and live performances alongside his screen work.

Gary Anthony Williams

Gary Anthony Williams has an extensive voice career that includes Uncle Ruckus on ‘The Boondocks’, roles in ‘Rick and Morty’ and ‘American Dad!’, and major video games. On camera he recurred on ‘Boston Legal’ and appeared in features like ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows’. He’s been a regular in improv and sketch circles, including The Black Version in Los Angeles. Williams also directs and produces, adding behind-the-scenes credits to his résumé.

Roger Cross

Roger Cross is a Jamaican-Canadian actor best known for playing Curtis Manning on ’24’ and lead roles on ‘Continuum’ and ‘Dark Matter’. His television work includes recurring parts on ‘Arrow’, ‘The Strain’, and numerous TV movies. In features, he has appeared in action, thriller, and sci-fi projects produced in Canada and the United States. Cross also does voice work for animation and games, rounding out a steady genre-focused career.

Vusi Kunene

Vusi Kunene is a South African screen and stage actor recognized for memorable television antagonists and dramatic leads. He is known to viewers for roles in series such as ‘Isidingo’ and other prime-time dramas. Kunene has appeared in South African and international films, bringing formal theatre training to his screen performances. He remains a regular presence in high-profile productions across the country’s major broadcasters.

Luthuli Dlamini

Luthuli Dlamini is a Zimbabwe-born, South Africa–based actor with credits spanning soap operas, sitcoms, and dramas. He earned wide recognition for prominent roles on leading South African channels. Dlamini’s stage background includes classical and contemporary work that informed his television performances. He frequently appears in productions that reach audiences across regional markets in southern Africa.

Tell us which names surprised you most and share any other living actors you want added to this turning-60 list in the comments.