Black Actresses Whose Careers Became Surprisingly Big

The entertainment industry is constantly evolving and giving rise to incredibly talented performers who sometimes seem to appear out of nowhere or finally get their due after years of hard work. It is inspiring to watch Black actresses navigate Hollywood and build empires that extend far beyond acting into producing and directing. Many of these women started with humble beginnings in theater or small television roles before landing the project that skyrocketed them to fame. Their journeys remind us that persistence and raw talent eventually find a way to shine in the spotlight.

Viola Davis

She began her career on the stage and won accolades in theater long before she became a household name in film and television. Her transition to screen acting involved many supporting roles that eventually led to her powerful performance in ‘The Help’. She made history as the first African American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Academy Award and an Emmy Award alongside her Tony Awards. Her lead role in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ solidified her status as a global superstar and powerhouse producer.

Tiffany Haddish

This comedian spent years grinding on the comedy circuit and living in her car while trying to make ends meet. She landed several guest spots on television shows before her scene-stealing performance in ‘Girls Trip’ turned her into an overnight sensation. Her ability to deliver raw and hilarious comedy helped her secure hosting gigs and major film roles alongside established stars. She has since published a best-selling memoir and won a Grammy Award for her comedy album.

Regina King

Audiences first fell in love with her as a teenager on the sitcom ‘227’ where she displayed natural comedic timing. She successfully transitioned from child star to serious adult actor with roles in films like ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Ray’. Her career reached new heights when she won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She has also established herself as a formidable director in both television and film.

Octavia Spencer

She worked in Hollywood for over a decade playing small parts that often involved nurses or service workers. Her big break finally came when she was cast as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’ which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Since that victory she has proven her versatility by starring in thrillers like ‘Ma’ and hidden figure dramas like ‘Hidden Figures’. She now produces her own projects and continues to be a highly sought after talent.

Issa Rae

She started out creating content for YouTube with her popular web series ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’. Her unique voice and relatable humor caught the attention of HBO executives who gave her a platform to create ‘Insecure’. The show became a cultural phenomenon that earned her multiple award nominations and launched her career as a major industry player. She now runs her own media company and stars in major studio films.

Lupita Nyong’o

Her rise to fame was incredibly rapid as she went from being a production assistant to winning an Oscar for her first feature film role. Her devastating performance in ’12 Years a Slave’ captivated audiences and critics alike immediately after her graduation from drama school. She proved she was not a one hit wonder by landing key roles in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise and the massive hit ‘Black Panther’. She continues to challenge herself with complex roles in horror films and Broadway plays.

Zendaya

She began her career as a child model and backup dancer before becoming a major star on the Disney Channel. Unlike many child stars she transitioned seamlessly into mature roles with her Emmy-winning performance in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. She cemented her place in cinema history by starring in blockbusters like ‘Dune’ and the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. Her influence extends to the fashion world where she is regarded as a top style icon.

Taraji P. Henson

She studied drama at Howard University and worked as a secretary at the Pentagon before making her way to Hollywood. Her breakout role in ‘Baby Boy’ showcased her dramatic range and led to a steady stream of work in film and television. She became a global phenomenon for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon in the hit series ‘Empire’ which earned her a Golden Globe. She uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness in the African American community.

Uzo Aduba

She was primarily a theater actress before she auditioned for a show that would change the trajectory of her life. Her portrayal of Suzanne Crazy Eyes Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ was initially meant to be brief but became a series regular role due to her incredible talent. She won two Emmy Awards for the same role in two different categories which is a rare feat in television history. She has continued to shine in dramatic miniseries and major films.

Danai Gurira

She is an accomplished playwright who wrote acclaimed productions like ‘Eclipsed’ before gaining mass recognition as an actress. Her physically demanding role as Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead’ made her an action icon and a fan favorite for years. She expanded her global reach by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the fierce warrior Okoye in ‘Black Panther’. She continues to balance her writing career with high profile acting roles.

Cynthia Erivo

She made a massive splash on Broadway in the revival of ‘The Color Purple’ where she won a Tony Award and a Grammy. Her transition to the big screen was seamless as she delivered a powerful performance in the biopic ‘Harriet’. She earned two Academy Award nominations for acting and songwriting for that specific film. Her career now includes playing the Wicked Witch of the West in the highly anticipated film adaptation of ‘Wicked’.

Quinta Brunson

She gained initial popularity through viral Instagram videos and working at BuzzFeed Video where she showcased her comedic writing. She took control of her career by creating and starring in the sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’ which became a massive critical and commercial success. Her work on the show earned her a historic Emmy Award for writing and acting. She has revitalized the network sitcom format while becoming a powerful voice in comedy.

Ayo Edebiri

She started her journey in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian and a writer for shows like ‘Big Mouth’. Her acting career exploded when she landed the role of Sydney Adamu in the hit culinary drama ‘The Bear’. She swept the awards season by winning a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her nuanced performance. She is now one of the most in-demand young actresses in Hollywood with roles in major animated and live-action films.

Tessa Thompson

Her early career included guest spots on television shows and a role in the indie film ‘Dear White People’ that put her on the map. She quickly moved into franchise territory with major roles in ‘Creed’ and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She balances blockbuster hits with intricate performances in science fiction series like ‘Westworld’. She has also launched her own production company to champion underrepresented voices in cinema.

Laverne Cox

She worked in creative fields and reality television before landing her groundbreaking role on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her performance made her the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. She used her newfound fame to become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in media. She continues to act in films and television while producing documentaries that highlight trans stories.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

She started as a classical opera singer and theater actress who received a Tony nomination for her role in ‘Ghost: The Musical’. Her film career gained momentum with a scene-stealing performance in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ alongside Eddie Murphy. She reached the pinnacle of acting success by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Holdovers’. She continues to showcase her versatility in both comedic and dramatic television series.

Keke Palmer

She has been working in the industry since she was a child with a breakout role in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She successfully navigated the difficult transition from child star to adult actress with roles in ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Nope’. She also became the youngest talk show host in television history and created her own digital network. Her charisma and internet savviness have kept her relevant and busy across multiple entertainment platforms.

Danielle Brooks

She graduated from the prestigious Juilliard School and almost immediately landed a role on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her portrayal of Taystee Jefferson garnered critical acclaim and allowed her to showcase both comedic and dramatic chops. She returned to her theater roots and received a Tony nomination for her role in ‘The Color Purple’. She later reprised that role for the film adaptation and earned an Academy Award nomination.

Michaela Coel

She began by performing poetry at open mic nights before writing and starring in her own sitcom ‘Chewing Gum’. She gained international acclaim and industry power with her searing drama series ‘I May Destroy You’. She served as the writer and director for the show which won her an Emmy Award for writing. She has since joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe and continues to push boundaries in storytelling.

Ruth Negga

She worked steadily in theater and television in the United Kingdom and Ireland before breaking into the American market. Her subtle and moving performance in the film ‘Loving’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She gained a wider fanbase with her role in the comic book adaptation series ‘Preacher’. She continues to alternate between high profile stage productions and complex film roles.

Tell us which of these inspiring actresses is your favorite by leaving a comment below.