Black Actors Who Are National Treasures

The history of cinema and television is defined by performers who bring gravitas and authenticity to the screen. Black actors have contributed some of the most iconic performances in entertainment history while overcoming systemic hurdles. These men represent a legacy of excellence that spans decades and genres from Shakespearean drama to modern blockbusters. Their influence extends beyond the characters they portray as they have paved the way for future generations of talent.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier broke significant barriers in Hollywood during the mid twentieth century. He became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Lilies of the Field’. Throughout his career he maintained a reputation for playing characters with immense dignity and intelligence. His performances in films like ‘Guess Who is Coming to Dinner’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’ challenged racial prejudices and changed the landscape of American cinema forever.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones possessed one of the most recognizable voices in the history of performing arts. He achieved great success on the stage and in film with a career that spanned over six decades. Many audiences know him for his vocal performances as Darth Vader and Mufasa in ‘The Lion King’. He also delivered powerful live action performances in ‘The Great White Hope’ and ‘Field of Dreams’.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman is celebrated for his calm demeanor and authoritative presence in numerous major motion pictures. He gained widespread acclaim for his roles in ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. His deep voice has made him a preferred choice for narration in documentaries and high profile films. He eventually won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘Million Dollar Baby’.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He has received multiple Academy Awards for his work in ‘Glory’ and ‘Training Day’. His ability to transform into complex historical figures like ‘Malcolm X’ has earned him critical respect across the globe. He continues to dominate the box office while maintaining a commitment to serious dramatic work on both screen and stage.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the highest grossing actors of all time thanks to his prolific work ethic. He became a cultural icon following his standout performance in ‘Pulp Fiction’. Since then he has appeared in massive franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe and ‘Star Wars’. His energetic delivery and undeniable screen presence have made him a staple of modern entertainment.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne began his career at a young age in the classic film ‘Apocalypse Now’. He is perhaps most famous for his portrayal of Morpheus in ‘The Matrix’ trilogy. His work spans from gritty dramas like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ to prestigious stage plays. He has received numerous accolades including a Tony Award and multiple Emmy nominations throughout his distinguished career.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker is known for his intense character study and physical dedication to his roles. He won an Academy Award for his terrifyingly realistic portrayal of Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. His filmography includes a diverse range of projects such as ‘Platoon’ and ‘The Butler’. He is also recognized for his work as a director and a humanitarian in addition to his acting prowess.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy transitioned from a standup comedy prodigy to one of the biggest movie stars in the world. He dominated the eighties with hits like ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Coming to America’. His versatility was on full display when he voiced Donkey in ‘Shrek’ and played multiple characters in ‘The Nutty Professor’. He remains a beloved figure in American comedy and earned an Oscar nomination for his role in ‘Dreamgirls’.

Will Smith

Will Smith first achieved fame as a rapper and the star of ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. He quickly became one of the most bankable leading men in Hollywood with blockbusters like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’. His dramatic capabilities were later proven in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and ‘King Richard’. He has maintained a position at the top of the entertainment industry for over thirty years.

Danny Glover

Danny Glover is a veteran actor known for his blend of Everyman charm and dramatic depth. He is internationally recognized for his role as Roger Murtaugh in the ‘Lethal Weapon’ film series. Beyond action cinema he has appeared in significant works such as ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘To Sleep with Anger’. He is also a prominent activist who has used his platform to advocate for various social causes.

Keith David

Keith David is a prolific actor known for his striking voice and commanding physical presence. He has appeared in cult classics such as ‘The Thing’ and ‘They Live’. His voice work is equally legendary with roles in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and ‘Gargoyles’. He remains a consistent and reliable force in both live action and animation.

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo is a powerhouse performer who has collaborated frequently with director Spike Lee. He delivered memorable performances in ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’. His ability to convey complex emotions through a stoic exterior has made him a favorite among critics. He also found success on television with a starring role in ‘The Good Fight’.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle has built a career on versatility and subtle acting choices. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his heartbreaking lead role in ‘Hotel Rwanda’. Many viewers recognize him as War Machine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also starred in the acclaimed series ‘House of Lies’ and ‘Black Monday’.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is often described as an actor who disappears completely into his characters. He gained early fame for his role in the play and miniseries ‘Angels in America’. He has since starred in major projects like ‘Westworld’ and the James Bond franchise. His intelligent approach to performance has made him one of the most respected actors in the industry today.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali has experienced a rapid rise to the top of Hollywood in recent years. He won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his work in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. His screen presence is defined by a quiet intensity and remarkable poise. He has also led the third season of ‘True Detective’ to critical acclaim.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown became a household name due to his emotional performance in the series ‘This Is Us’. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his work on that show and for his role in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. His ability to balance vulnerability with strength has resonated deeply with audiences. He has also made significant moves into feature films like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘American Fiction’.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman left behind a monumental legacy in a relatively short period of time. He portrayed iconic historical figures like Jackie Robinson in ’42’ and James Brown in ‘Get on Up’. He reached global superstardom as King T’Challa in the groundbreaking film ‘Black Panther’. His final performance in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ showcased his immense talent and dedication to the craft.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan first caught the attention of critics with his roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Friday Night Lights’. He achieved leading man status with his powerful performance in ‘Fruitvale Station’. He has since led the ‘Creed’ franchise and played the complex antagonist Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’. He is now recognized as one of the most influential young stars and producers in Hollywood.

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou is a Beninese-American actor who gained international recognition for his role in ‘Amistad’. He received Academy Award nominations for his work in ‘In America’ and ‘Blood Diamond’. His career spans high budget action films and intimate character dramas. He has consistently provided a strong and soulful presence in every project he joins.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor is a British actor known for his incredible range and theatrical background. He received an Academy Award nomination for his devastating lead performance in ’12 Years a Slave’. He has also appeared in a variety of films from ‘Children of Men’ to ‘Doctor Strange’. His work on the London stage has earned him numerous prestigious theater awards.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba became a breakout star in America after playing Stringer Bell in ‘The Wire’. He further cemented his status as a leading man in the BBC series ‘Luther’. He has appeared in major films like ‘Thor’ and ‘Beasts of No Nation’. His charisma and versatility have made him a perennial favorite for a wide array of roles.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo is a highly talented actor who gained widespread acclaim for portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’. He has a strong background in classical theater and was the first Black actor to play an English king in a major production of ‘Henry VI’. His filmography includes diverse roles in ‘The Butler’ and ‘Nightingale’. He continues to take on challenging projects that highlight his deep commitment to the art of acting.

Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr. was a pioneering actor who achieved a historic milestone in the early eighties. He became the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’. He also delivered a legendary performance in the miniseries ‘Roots’. His long career was marked by a wide variety of roles in film and television.

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte was a multi-talented entertainer who excelled as both a singer and an actor. He starred in groundbreaking films such as ‘Carmen Jones’ and ‘Island in the Sun’ during the fifties. Beyond his entertainment career he was a central figure in the civil rights movement. He remained a symbol of artistic excellence and social justice throughout his long life.

Bill Cobbs

Bill Cobbs was a beloved character actor who appeared in over one hundred films and television shows. He was known for playing wise and supportive figures in movies like ‘The Bodyguard’ and ‘Night at the Museum’. His career began later in life but he quickly became a familiar and comforting face on screen. He remained active in the industry well into his eighties.

John Amos

John Amos is a legendary actor who became famous for his roles in iconic television series. He played the patriarch in the sitcom ‘Good Times’ and starred in the landmark miniseries ‘Roots’. His film work includes a memorable role in the comedy ‘Coming to America’. He has always been respected for his strong screen presence and his ability to play both comedy and drama.

Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman is a veteran of the stage and screen who has been working consistently since the sixties. He starred in the classic coming of age film ‘Cooley High’ and later appeared in ‘A Different World’. More recently he earned acclaim for his work in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. He continues to be a highly sought after performer in the modern era.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito is a versatile actor who achieved a new level of fame for his role as Gus Fring in ‘Breaking Bad’. He has been a consistent performer in Spike Lee films such as ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘School Daze’. His ability to play chilling villains and complex authority figures is nearly unmatched. He also voices characters in several popular animated series and video games.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance is a highly respected actor who has found success on Broadway and in Hollywood. He won an Emmy Award for his masterful portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. His film roles include ‘The Hunt for Red October’ and ‘Preacher’s Wife’. He is known for his precise and intellectual approach to every character he plays.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher was known for his incredible gravitas and powerful voice. He first gained major recognition for his role as Detective Frank Pembleton in ‘Homicide Life on the Street’. He later showed his comedic genius as Captain Raymond Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. His passing was a significant loss to the entertainment world where he was universally respected.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton became an educational icon for generations of children as the host of ‘Reading Rainbow’. He first rose to prominence for his role as Kunta Kinte in the miniseries ‘Roots’. He also gained a massive following for playing Geordi La Forge in ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’. He has spent much of his career advocating for literacy and the importance of storytelling.

Billy Dee Williams

Billy Dee Williams is often cited as the epitome of screen charisma and coolness. He became a superstar through his role as Lando Calrissian in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. Before his journey to a galaxy far far away he starred in the classic film ‘Lady Sings the Blues’. He has remained a beloved figure in popular culture for decades.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume was a talented actor and singer who broke ground on television. He is best remembered for his role as the witty butler turned politician in ‘Soap’ and its spinoff ‘Benson’. He also provided the voice for Rafiki in the original ‘The Lion King’. His work earned him multiple Emmy Awards and a place in television history.

Ossie Davis

Ossie Davis was a giant of the American theater and a prominent figure in the film industry. He was a frequent collaborator with Spike Lee appearing in films like ‘Do the Right Thing’. He was also a noted director and playwright who wrote the successful play ‘Purlie Victorious’. Along with his wife Ruby Dee he was a tireless advocate for civil rights.

Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Kotto was known for his imposing physical presence and intense performances. He played a memorable Bond villain in ‘Live and Let Die’ and starred in the science fiction classic ‘Alien’. He also spent several years as a lead on the acclaimed series ‘Homicide Life on the Street’. His work often brought a sense of realism and weight to genre filmmaking.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor was a comedic genius whose influence on the medium cannot be overstated. While he was a legendary standup comedian he also had a successful film career. He starred in hits like ‘Silver Streak’ and ‘Stir Crazy’ alongside Gene Wilder. His work often blended humor with poignant social commentary and personal honesty.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac was a beloved comedian and actor who brought a unique energy to the screen. He starred in the semi-autobiographical sitcom ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ for five seasons. His film roles included the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy and ‘Bad Santa’. He was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to make any character memorable.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx is a rare talent who has succeeded as a comedian an actor and a singer. He won an Academy Award for his incredible transformation into Ray Charles in the film ‘Ray’. He has starred in a wide range of films including ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Collateral’. He remains one of the most versatile and energetic performers in the industry.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie is a classically trained actor who has become a staple of modern blockbusters. He is best known for his role as Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also delivered strong performances in dramatic films like ‘The Hurt Locker’. He currently serves as a leading man in both film and television projects.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has recently risen to the forefront of Hollywood after years of success on the stage. He earned critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his role in ‘Rustin’. He has also been a standout performer in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and ‘Euphoria’. His theatrical background brings a sense of discipline and depth to all of his screen work.

Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert is known for his authoritative voice and dignified screen presence. He played the iconic President David Palmer on the hit series ’24’. Many viewers also recognize him as the longtime spokesperson for Allstate insurance. His career includes a variety of roles in films like ‘Far from Heaven’ and ‘Major League’.

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce is a highly respected character actor with a deep connection to the city of New Orleans. He is best known for his roles as Bunk Moreland in ‘The Wire’ and Antoine Batiste in ‘Treme’. He has a prolific career in theater including an acclaimed run as Willy Loman in ‘Death of a Salesman’. He is frequently praised for his authenticity and emotional range.

Ving Rhames

Ving Rhames is a veteran actor with a commanding presence and a distinctive voice. He is best known for his role as Luther Stickell in the ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise. He also delivered a legendary performance as Marsellus Wallace in ‘Pulp Fiction’. He won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Don King in a television movie.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was known for his elegant posture and his ability to play intensely focused characters. He delivered unforgettable performances in ‘The Wire’ and the ‘John Wick’ series. He was also a mainstay in science fiction television with roles in ‘Fringe’ and ‘Lost’. His distinct voice made him a popular choice for video game characters and narration.

Ernie Hudson

Ernie Hudson became a household name for his role as Winston Zeddemore in the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise. He has maintained a steady career in film and television for several decades. His work includes roles in ‘The Crow’ and the HBO series ‘Oz’. He is celebrated for being a reliable and charismatic performer who elevates every scene he is in.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers was a former professional football player who became an iconic movie star. He is most famous for playing Apollo Creed in the first four ‘Rocky’ films. He also starred in the action classic ‘Predator’ and showed his comedic side in ‘Happy Gilmore’. Later in his career he earned an Emmy nomination for his work in ‘The Mandalorian’.

Bill Duke

Bill Duke is a versatile talent known for his work as both an actor and a director. He appeared in eighties action classics like ‘Predator’ and ‘Commando’. As a director he helmed significant films such as ‘A Rage in Harlem’ and ‘Sister Act 2 Back in the Habit’. He remains an influential figure who has helped shape the careers of many other artists.

Joe Morton

Joe Morton is a talented actor who gained early fame for his lead role in ‘The Brother from Another Planet’. He won an Emmy Award for his powerful performance as Rowan Pope on the series ‘Scandal’. His film credits include ‘Terminator 2 Judgment Day’ and ‘Speed’. He is known for his ability to deliver long and complex monologues with incredible precision.

Wood Harris

Wood Harris is best known for his iconic portrayal of Avon Barksdale in the series ‘The Wire’. He also delivered a memorable performance as Julius Campbell in the film ‘Remember the Titans’. He has continued to work steadily in both film and television including the ‘Creed’ franchise. His grounded and realistic acting style has earned him a loyal following.

Clarke Peters

Clarke Peters is a distinguished actor and writer with a long career on both sides of the Atlantic. He is widely recognized for his role as Lester Freamon in the acclaimed series ‘The Wire’. He also appeared in ‘Treme’ and the film ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri’. His work is characterized by a sense of wisdom and understated power.

Please share your favorite performances from these legendary actors in the comments.