Black Actresses Who Battled Cancer

Cancer is a disease that does not discriminate and it has affected some of the most talented women in Hollywood. The following list highlights Black actresses who have faced this difficult diagnosis with strength and grace. Many of these women used their platforms to advocate for early detection and better healthcare resources for women of color. Their stories serve as a testament to their resilience and determination in the face of life-threatening illness.

Pam Grier

The star of ‘Foxy Brown’ faced a terrifying diagnosis in 1988 when doctors found stage four cervical cancer. She was given a grim prognosis of only eighteen months to live but chose to fight the disease with vigorous treatment. Grier combined Western medicine with Eastern therapies to help her body recover from the aggressive illness. Her survival defied the odds and allowed her to continue a legendary career in film and television. She remains an advocate for health awareness and emphasizes the importance of paying attention to one’s body.

Wanda Sykes

This celebrated comedian and actress discovered her condition after undergoing cosmetic breast reduction surgery in 2011. Pathology reports revealed she had ductal carcinoma in situ which is a non-invasive form of breast cancer. Sykes opted for a bilateral mastectomy to minimize the chances of the disease returning or spreading. She shared her story publicly to encourage other women to prioritize their health and screenings. Her career has continued to thrive with roles in ‘Black-ish’ and her own stand-up specials.

Diahann Carroll

The groundbreaking star of ‘Julia’ was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 after a routine examination. She underwent nine weeks of radiation therapy and became a staunch activist for screening and prevention. Carroll formed a group of celebrity survivors to speak out about the importance of mammograms for women of color. She lived for two more decades before passing away from cancer complications in 2019. Her legacy involves breaking barriers in Hollywood as well as in health advocacy.

Erica Ash

Known for her comedic timing in ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ and ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’ this actress fought a private battle with breast cancer. She passed away in 2024 at the young age of forty-six after a long struggle with the disease. Her family described her as a woman who possessed genuine zest for life and touched countless people. Friends and colleagues paid tribute to her talent and kindness following the news. Her work remains a testament to her vibrant spirit and skill as a performer.

Madge Sinclair

Fans remember her regal presence in ‘Coming to America’ and as the voice of the Queen in ‘The Lion King’. Sinclair battled leukemia for thirteen years while maintaining a steady career in television and film. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in ‘Gabriel’s Fire’ despite her ongoing health struggles. The actress died in 1995 at the age of fifty-seven following a bone marrow transplant. Her contributions to the arts paved the way for future generations of Black actresses.

Roxie Roker

Best known as Helen Willis on the long-running sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’ this actress broke ground in one of television’s first interracial couples. She battled breast cancer largely out of the public eye during her later years. Roker continued to work in the industry and support her son Lenny Kravitz until her passing in 1995. Her death highlighted the need for cancer awareness within the African American community. She remains an icon of television history.

Hattie McDaniel

McDaniel made history as the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She passed away from breast cancer in 1952 at the age of fifty-seven. Her final wish to be buried in the Hollywood Memorial Park Cemetery was initially denied due to segregation policies. A cenotaph was later placed there in her honor to rectify the injustice. Her struggle against illness and systemic racism defines her enduring legacy.

Eartha Kitt

The legendary singer and actress who played Catwoman in the 1960s ‘Batman’ series faced colon cancer late in her life. She was diagnosed in 2006 and approached the disease with her characteristic strength and vitality. Kitt continued to perform and appear in public events despite her condition. She passed away in 2008 at her home in Connecticut. Her career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on cabaret and theater.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

This actress from ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Shameless’ was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ at the age of fifty-two. She underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery to treat the early-stage cancer. Calloway turned her experience into a platform for advocacy and urged women to keep up with their medical appointments. She emphasized that vanity should not stop anyone from saving their own life. Her story serves as a powerful reminder about the value of early detection.

Ruby Dee

A giant of the stage and screen known for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ this actress was also a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in the 1970s and successfully treated the disease while continuing her activism and acting work. Dee lived a long and impactful life before passing away from natural causes at age ninety-one. She often spoke about resilience and the importance of taking care of one’s body. Her survival story inspired many women during an era when the disease was less discussed.

Diana Sands

Sands was a dynamic actress acclaimed for her role in the original stage and film versions of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma which is a rare cancer of the smooth muscle. The disease tragically cut her life short in 1973 at the age of thirty-nine. She was engaged to marry musician Kurt Baker at the time of her death. Her potential was limitless and critics often speculate on the heights she would have reached.

Barbara McNair

This singer and actress hosted her own variety show and starred in films like ‘They Call Me Mister Tibbs!’. McNair battled throat cancer in her later years which eventually spread to other parts of her body. She passed away in 2007 at the age of seventy-two. Her career broke racial barriers in television hosting during the 1960s. She remained active in the industry until her health began to decline significantly.

Danielle Spencer

Famous for playing the tattletale little sister Dee on ‘What’s Happening!!’ this actress faced her own health crisis in 2014. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy to remove the disease. Spencer has also battled spinal stenosis which led to paralysis and a long recovery journey. She remains a symbol of perseverance for child stars navigating adulthood challenges. Her openness about her struggles has helped fans understand the reality of medical hardships.

Rosalind Cash

Cash was known for her strong characters in films such as ‘The Omega Man’ and ‘Uptown Saturday Night’. She resisted stereotypical roles throughout her career and maintained a dignified screen presence. The actress died of cancer in 1995 at the age of fifty-six. She kept her illness private and worked until shortly before her death. Her dedication to her craft and her refusal to compromise her integrity left a lasting impact.

Please let us know which of these actresses inspired you the most in the comments.