African-American Actresses Who Succeeded Against the Odds

The history of cinema is filled with stories of incredible talent overcoming systemic barriers to reach the pinnacle of their profession. African American actresses have faced unique challenges including limited roles and institutionalized discrimination while striving for excellence in their craft. These performers transformed the landscape of film and television through sheer talent and unwavering determination. Their journeys provide inspiration for aspiring artists who face similar hurdles in the entertainment industry today.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American person to win an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She dealt with extreme racial prejudice throughout the 1930s and was often limited to playing domestic workers. During the awards ceremony she was forced to sit at a segregated table away from her colleagues. Her career persevered through these obstacles and established a legacy for Black women in cinema.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge became the first African American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Carmen Jones’. She achieved stardom during an era of intense segregation in the United States. Despite her talent she often faced restrictions on where she could stay or eat while traveling for work. Her trailblazing career helped shift the perception of Black leading ladies in Hollywood.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was known for her commitment to portraying strong and dignified Black women throughout her long career. She famously refused to take roles that she felt were demeaning or reinforced negative stereotypes. Her performance in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ earned her critical acclaim and two Emmy Awards. She remained a powerful force in the industry for over seven decades until her passing.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg rose from a difficult childhood and periods of homelessness to become one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status. She gained international fame for her role in ‘The Color Purple’ which earned her an Oscar nomination. Her versatile talent allowed her to transition between stand up comedy and dramatic acting. She continues to be a prominent figure in media and television hosting.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett established herself as a powerhouse actress through her intense portrayals of real life icons. Her performance as Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. She faced periods of limited opportunities despite her obvious skill and physical presence. She eventually joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis grew up in extreme poverty before becoming one of the most respected actresses of her generation. She is currently the most nominated African American actress in Academy Award history. Her work in ‘Fences’ earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She achieved the rare feat of winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry broke a major glass ceiling when she became the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. This historic win came for her role in the film ‘Monster’s Ball’. She spent years working in television and film before achieving this level of critical recognition. Her career includes major roles in franchises like ‘X-Men’ and ‘John Wick’.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer worked behind the scenes as a production assistant for years before getting her big break. She gained widespread recognition and an Academy Award for her role in ‘The Help’. Following this success she continued to earn nominations for her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She is now one of the most consistent and sought after character actresses in Hollywood.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson moved to Hollywood as a single mother with very little money to pursue her acting dreams. She worked a variety of odd jobs while auditioning for small roles in television shows. Her breakout role in ‘Hustle & Flow’ eventually led to an Oscar nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She later achieved massive television success as Cookie Lyon in the series ‘Empire’.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child actress on the sitcom ‘227’ before transitioning into a major film star. She successfully navigated the difficult shift from television to high profile dramatic film roles. Her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also found significant success as a director and producer in recent years.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson first rose to fame as a contestant on ‘American Idol’ where she was unexpectedly eliminated. She used that platform to land the role of Effie White in the film version of ‘Dreamgirls’. This debut film performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has since expanded her career into Broadway and successful music ventures.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae bypassed traditional Hollywood gatekeepers by creating her own content on the internet. Her web series caught the attention of major networks and led to the creation of the hit show ‘Insecure’. She used her platform to highlight the everyday experiences of Black women in Los Angeles. She is now a major producer and actress with her own media company.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique started her career in stand up comedy before moving into television sitcoms and films. She delivered a harrowing and critically acclaimed performance in the independent film ‘Precious’. This role earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has been vocal about her struggles with the industry regarding fair pay and treatment.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph spent decades as a consistent performer on stage and screen before winning an Emmy. She originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’. Throughout the 1990s she was a staple on television in shows like ‘Moesha’. Her recent success in ‘Abbott Elementary’ has brought her career to a new peak of recognition.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish survived a challenging childhood in the foster care system before finding her voice in comedy. She spent years living in her car while trying to establish herself in the Los Angeles comedy scene. Her breakout performance in ‘Girls Trip’ made her a household name almost overnight. She has since starred in numerous films and hosted high profile award shows.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige transitioned from a legendary music career into a serious acting profession. She overcame personal struggles with addiction and trauma to find peace and success in her craft. Her performance in ‘Mudbound’ earned her dual Oscar nominations for acting and original song. She currently stars in the successful television drama ‘Power Book II: Ghost’.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga grew up in Ireland and faced challenges as a person of color in the local acting industry. She eventually moved to the United Kingdom and later the United States to expand her opportunities. Her role in ‘Loving’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She is highly regarded for her work in both Shakespearean theater and modern cinema.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won an Academy Award for her very first feature film role in ’12 Years a Slave’. She was born in Mexico and raised in Kenya before moving to the United States for her studies. Despite the pressure of her early success she has carefully chosen roles in films like ‘Us’. She also provides the voice and motion capture for characters in the ‘Star Wars’ universe.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira was born in the United States but raised in Zimbabwe where she developed her passion for storytelling. She is an accomplished playwright as well as a popular screen actress. Many fans recognize her as Michonne from the television series ‘The Walking Dead’. She also portrays the fierce warrior Okoye in the ‘Black Panther’ film franchise.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson began her career in professional theater and small independent films. She gained significant attention for her roles in ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Creed’. Her versatility allowed her to move into massive blockbusters like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She is known for advocating for more inclusive casting and diverse stories in Hollywood.

Zendaya

Zendaya started her career as a child star on the Disney Channel before making a difficult transition to adult roles. She broke records as the youngest person to win two Emmy Awards for Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Her performance in ‘Euphoria’ solidified her status as a serious dramatic talent. She also stars in major film franchises including ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Dune’.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a British actress who achieved stardom through her incredible vocal and acting range. She won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She transitioned to film with major roles in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and ‘Harriet’. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman earned her two Academy Award nominations in the same year.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis became the youngest person ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She was only nine years old when she received the nomination for ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’. She beat out thousands of other girls to land the role during an open casting call. Since then she has continued to act in films like ‘Annie’ and various television projects.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin rose to fame as a child star on the hit comedy series ‘Black-ish’. At the age of fourteen she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history for the film ‘Little’. She founded her own production company to create more opportunities for diverse young talent. Her success demonstrates a keen business sense alongside her acting abilities.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross established her own identity as an actress despite being the daughter of a music legend. she starred in the long running sitcom ‘Girlfriends’ which became a cultural touchstone. Her later work in ‘Black-ish’ earned her several Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win. She is also recognized as a fashion icon and a vocal advocate for women in the arts.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash spent many years as a comedic actress and television host before being recognized for her dramatic depth. She suffered personal tragedies early in life that influenced her drive to succeed. Her performance in ‘When They See Us’ earned her critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. She recently won an Emmy for her role in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor worked steadily for decades in film and television as a highly reliable supporting actress. She received long overdue mainstream recognition for her role in ‘King Richard’. This performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She is known for her intense preparation and powerful screen presence in every role she takes.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph began her journey in musical theater before transitioning to film and television. She gained critical attention for her role in the film ‘Dolemite Is My Name’. Her performance in ‘The Holdovers’ led to a sweep of the major acting awards including the Oscar. She continues to be a versatile performer in both comedy and drama.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks found fame for her role as Tasha Jefferson in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has spoken openly about the difficulties of finding roles as a plus-size Black woman in Hollywood. She earned a Tony nomination for her performance in the Broadway musical ‘The Color Purple’. She later reprised the role of Sofia in the 2023 film version and received an Oscar nomination.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley faced initial rejection when she auditioned for ‘American Idol’ early in her career. She persevered and landed the role of Mercedes Jones on the hit musical series ‘Glee’. Her powerful voice and acting won her a Screen Actors Guild Award along with the rest of the cast. She has since moved into theater and won an Olivier Award for her work in ‘Dreamgirls’ in London.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained notice for her role in the period drama ‘Mad Men’. She went on to star in the acclaimed independent film ‘Chi-Raq’ directed by Spike Lee. Her career reached new heights when she was cast as Monica Rambeau in the series ‘WandaVision’. She later appeared in the film ‘The Marvels’ as part of the cinematic universe.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch is a British actress who overcame the competitive nature of the London acting scene. She gained international fame for her role in ‘Captain Marvel’ as Maria Rambeau. She made history by playing the first female 007 agent in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’. Her career focuses on portraying strong and physically capable women.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris grew up in a single parent household in London and studied at the University of Cambridge. She achieved major success in the United Kingdom before moving into Hollywood films. She is well known for her role as Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond series. Her performance as a struggling mother in ‘Moonlight’ earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo is a British actress of Nigerian and Jewish descent who has worked extensively in theater and film. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Hotel Rwanda’. Her career spans across international productions and high profile stage plays. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has spoken out about the abuse and exploitation she faced as a young actress in the industry. She maintained a successful career with roles in films like ‘Crash’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. Her performance as Maeve Millay in ‘Westworld’ won her an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continues to be a leading voice for reform and safety in Hollywood.

Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey Sidibe was an amateur actress when she was cast in the lead role of the film ‘Precious’. Her debut performance was met with universal acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She broke traditional Hollywood beauty standards and became a prominent figure in the industry. Since her debut she has appeared in several seasons of ‘American Horror Story’.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is considered one of the most accomplished and versatile actresses in American history. She has received numerous Emmy Awards and an Oscar nomination over her long career. Her work spans across independent films and major studio productions like ‘Star Trek: First Contact’. She is a frequent collaborator with socially conscious filmmakers and playwrights.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine was part of the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’ before moving into film. She spent years building a reputation as a dependable and talented character actress. She won an Emmy Award for her guest role on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her career includes dozens of roles in beloved films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder was born in Guyana and moved to the United States to pursue her acting career. She is known for her authoritative presence and has played many law enforcement and medical professionals. Her role as Claudette Wyms in ‘The Shield’ earned her multiple award nominations. She is also a prolific voice actress in animated series and video games.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson holds the record for the longest running character portrayed by an African American actor in a television drama. She played Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’ for seventeen seasons. Beyond television she is a highly decorated stage actress with multiple Tony nominations. She won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her role in ‘Lackawanna Blues’.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson worked in theater and as a bank teller while trying to land a steady acting job. She was eventually cast as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the long running series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her performance has earned her multiple Emmy nominations and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She has also transitioned into directing episodes for the series and other television projects.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba was on the verge of quitting acting to go to law school when she was cast in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won two Emmy Awards for playing the same character in both the comedy and drama categories. Her success on television led to major roles on Broadway and in films. She is recognized for her incredible range and transformative acting style.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler began her career in the Atlanta arts scene through performance art and theater. She gained mainstream recognition for her powerful role in the film ‘Till’. Her performance was widely cited as one of the best of the year by major critics groups. She continues to work in both television and independent cinema.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold began her career as a child actress in the film ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. She became a household name playing Pam on the hit sitcom ‘Martin’. Throughout her career she has maintained a steady presence in the world of television comedy. She currently stars in the popular sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her role as Maxine Shaw on the influential sitcom ‘Living Single’. She started her career in film before becoming a staple of 1990s television. She has since expanded her career into writing and producing graphic novels and podcasts. Her recent film work includes a significant role in ‘American Fiction’.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a British actress who gained international acclaim for the period drama ‘Belle’. She has navigated the industry by taking diverse roles in science fiction and historical dramas. Her performance in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ became a cultural phenomenon. She currently stars in the series ‘The Morning Show’.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback is an actress and playwright who gained attention for her role in ‘The Deuce’. she received a BAFTA nomination for her performance in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She also starred in the lead role of the series ‘Swarm’ which earned her an Emmy nomination. Her work often focuses on complex and emotionally demanding characters.

Yetide Badaki

Yetide Badaki immigrated to the United States from Nigeria to pursue her dream of acting. She worked in regional theater for many years before landing her breakout television role. She is widely known for portraying the goddess Bilquis in the series ‘American Gods’. She is a vocal advocate for African stories and representation in science fiction.

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye received critical acclaim for her breakout performance in the independent film ‘Pariah’. She has appeared in major films like ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘The Big Short’. Her career is marked by a selection of deeply personal and artistic projects. She also recently appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor began her career in the music and dance world before transitioning into professional acting. She earned widespread critical praise for her lead role in the film ‘A Thousand and One’. This performance demonstrated her depth as a dramatic actress and won several independent film awards. She continues to balance her work in film with her career as a director and musician.

Share your favorite performances from these incredible women in the comments.