Black Actresses You Won’t Believe Are Turning 50 Next Year

Hollywood constantly redefines what longevity looks like as talent shines brighter with experience. A remarkable group of black actresses is preparing to celebrate their fiftieth birthdays in the coming year while appearing to have barely aged a day. These women have built enduring legacies across film and television with careers that span several decades of entertainment history. Their upcoming milestone serves as a testament to their sustained relevance and the grace with which they navigate an evolving industry.

Naomie Harris

This British actress has delivered powerful performances in everything from blockbuster franchises to intimate dramas. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in the critically acclaimed film ‘Moonlight’. Audiences also recognize her as the fearless Eve Moneypenny in the recent James Bond films, starting with ‘Skyfall’. Her versatility extends to the fantasy genre, where she played the mysterious Tia Dalma in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series. She continues to be a force in Hollywood with a youthful energy that defies her age.

Rashida Jones

Known for her sharp wit and comedic timing, this actress became a household name through beloved sitcoms. She famously played Ann Perkins in ‘Parks and Recreation’ and Karen Filippelli in ‘The Office’. Beyond acting, she is a talented writer and director who contributed to the screenplay for ‘Toy Story 4’. Her career continues to flourish with roles in Apple TV+ series like ‘Silo’ and ‘Sunny’.

Kandi Burruss

While she first rose to fame as a member of the R&B group Xscape, she has built a massive empire in television. She became the longest-serving cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’, showcasing her life and business ventures to millions. Her songwriting talents earned her a Grammy for the hit TLC song ‘No Scrubs’. She has also appeared in acting roles in series like ‘The Chi’ and ‘Insecure’.

Marsha Thomason

This British star gained significant attention in the United States with her role as Nessa Holt in the series ‘Las Vegas’. She captivated audiences as the mysterious Naomi Dorrit in the hit show ‘Lost’. Crime drama fans appreciate her long-running performance as FBI agent Diana Berrigan in ‘White Collar’. She continues to work steadily in television, recently appearing in the British crime drama ‘The Bay’.

Shar Jackson

Best known for her role as the fun-loving Niecy Jackson on the hit 90s sitcom ‘Moesha’, she remains a nostalgic favorite. She showcased her comedic chops in the cult classic film ‘Good Burger’ alongside Kenan and Kel. Over the years, she has appeared in various reality television shows and guest-starred on series like ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. Her early work defined a specific era of black teen television culture.

Kellie Shanygne Williams

For nine seasons, she was a staple of American television as Laura Winslow on the iconic sitcom ‘Family Matters’. Her character’s evolution from the object of Steve Urkel’s affection to his eventual wife was a central storyline of the series. Since the show ended, she has made appearances on shows like ‘What About Joan’ and ‘Eve’. She remains a beloved figure for anyone who grew up watching TGIF in the 1990s.

Rochelle Aytes

This actress has maintained a consistent presence in primetime television with roles in several popular dramas. She starred as April Malloy in the sudsy ABC series ‘Mistresses’ for four seasons. Her film credits include the comedy ‘White Chicks’ and Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’. Recently, she has taken on the role of Nichelle Carmichael in the action-packed series ‘S.W.A.T.’.

Maia Campbell

She captured hearts in the 1990s as the vibrant Tiffany Warren on the sitcom ‘In the House’, starring alongside LL Cool J. Her early career included a role in the drama series ‘South Central’ and an appearance in John Singleton’s ‘Poetic Justice’. Although she stepped away from the spotlight for some time, her contributions to 90s television remain memorable. She was considered one of the most promising young talents of her generation.

Nikki Amuka-Bird

A stage and screen powerhouse, this Nigerian-born British actress has worked with some of the industry’s top directors. She starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s thrillers ‘Old’ and ‘Knock at the Cabin’. Television viewers know her from the psychological crime drama ‘Luther’ and the HBO comedy ‘Avenue 5’. Her commanding screen presence has made her a go-to actress for complex and dramatic roles.

Rhona Bennett

While many know her as a current member of the legendary group En Vogue, she has a solid acting resume. She played Nicole on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ and had a lead role in the sci-fi comedy ‘Homeboys in Outer Space’. Her career began as a Mouseketeer on ‘The All-New Mickey Mouse Club’, showcasing her dual talents early on. She continues to tour and perform while maintaining her presence in the entertainment industry.

Sophina Brown

This television veteran has been a reliable presence in procedural dramas for two decades. She had a major role as Nikki Betancourt in the CBS series ‘Numb3rs’ and played Raina Troy in the legal drama ‘Shark’. More recently, she appeared in the Lena Waithe series ‘Twenties’ and the sci-fi adaptation ‘Kindred’. Her ability to play authoritative and intelligent characters has kept her in high demand.

Kellee Stewart

She is a comedic actress who stole scenes as Stephanie in the TBS sitcom ‘My Boys’. Film audiences know her from the ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ franchise and the romantic comedy ‘Guess Who’. She has also expanded into drama with roles in ‘Midnight, Texas’ and ‘All American’. Her work often highlights her quick wit and relatable charm.

Melyssa Ford

Originally famous as a premier video vixen in the early 2000s, she successfully transitioned into acting and hosting. She starred in the reality series ‘Blood, Sweat & Heels’, which documented her life in New York City. Her acting credits include roles in ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Three Can Play That Game’. She has since become a prominent media personality and podcaster.

April Parker Jones

She has delivered standout performances in multiple Tyler Perry productions and primetime dramas. She is best known for her role as Natalie Henning in the soap opera ‘If Loving You Is Wrong’. Sci-fi fans recognize her as Colonel Lauren Haley from the series ‘Supergirl’ and Darcy in ‘Jericho’. Her recent work includes a recurring role in the dramatic reboot ‘Bel-Air’.

Tell us which of these actresses amazed you the most with their ageless beauty in the comments.