The Absolute Best African-American Actors of the Past 10 Years

The past decade has seen a remarkable surge in powerful performances and creative storytelling led by African-American men in the entertainment industry. From veteran stars solidifying their legacies to emerging talents redefining modern cinema, these actors have navigated diverse genres ranging from historical dramas to superhero blockbusters. Their contributions have garnered critical acclaim and major awards while shifting cultural narratives on a global scale. This list highlights the individuals whose work between 2014 and 2024 has made a significant impact on film and television.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has continued to demonstrate his immense range over the last ten years with acclaimed performances in ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ and ‘Fences’. His portrayal of Troy Maxson in ‘Fences’ earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also revisited his role as Robert McCall in the successful ‘The Equalizer’ franchise, proving his enduring appeal as an action lead. In ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’, he delivered a transformative performance as an idealistic defense attorney navigating a complex legal system. These roles highlight his status as one of the most respected figures in cinematic history.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali achieved historic success during this period, winning two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor within three years. He first garnered widespread recognition for his role as Juan in the 2016 film ‘Moonlight’. Shortly after, he starred as Dr. Don Shirley in ‘Green Book’, further cementing his place as a leading talent in Hollywood. Ali also ventured into television, taking on the lead role in the third season of the anthology series ‘True Detective’. His performance in the science fiction drama ‘Swan Song’ showcased his ability to carry emotionally complex, introspective narratives.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson remains one of the most prolific actors in the industry, maintaining a heavy workload across major franchises and independent films. Over the last decade, he has continued his long-running role as Nick Fury in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’, appearing in titles like ‘Captain Marvel’ and the series ‘Secret Invasion’. He also collaborated with Quentin Tarantino in ‘The Hateful Eight’, where he played the pivotal character Major Marquis Warren. In 2022, he received an Honorary Academy Award for his lifetime contributions to film. Jackson’s voice work in ‘The Incredibles 2’ also brought his signature presence to a younger generation of viewers.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx has displayed his versatility by moving seamlessly between high-octane action, legal dramas, and animated features. He received critical praise for his role as Walter McMillian in the 2019 legal drama ‘Just Mercy’. Foxx provided the lead voice for the Academy Award-winning Pixar film ‘Soul’, which explored themes of life and purpose. He also returned to the superhero genre as Electro in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’, reprising his character for a new audience. More recently, he starred in the courtroom drama ‘The Burial’, based on a true story of a funeral home owner’s legal battle.

Will Smith

Will Smith reached a career milestone by winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in ‘King Richard’. This performance was noted for its depth and served as a highlight of his recent dramatic work. He also starred in the live-action adaptation of ‘Aladdin’, where he took on the iconic role of the Genie. Smith continued his success in the action genre with ‘Bad Boys for Life’, which became one of the highest-grossing films of 2020. His work in the historical drama ‘Emancipation’ further showcased his commitment to challenging, physically demanding roles.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman left an indelible mark on cinema through his portrayal of iconic figures and fictional heroes. He became a global cultural icon for his role as King T’Challa in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’, specifically in the 2018 blockbuster ‘Black Panther’. Boseman also delivered powerful performances in historical biopics, playing Thurgood Marshall in ‘Marshall’ and James Brown in ‘Get on Up’. His final film role in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win. Even in his final years, he starred in Spike Lee’s ‘Da 5 Bloods’, portraying a fallen soldier whose presence haunts his former squad.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright has been a consistent presence in both film and television, known for his intellectual approach to character building. He starred as Bernard Lowe in the HBO series ‘Westworld’, a role that earned him multiple Primetime Emmy nominations. In 2023, he received widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in ‘American Fiction’. Wright also joined the ‘The Batman’ franchise as Commissioner James Gordon, offering a grounded take on the classic character. His work in the ‘Wes Anderson’ film ‘The French Dispatch’ further illustrated his ability to handle stylized and complex dialogue.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has experienced a significant rise in prominence over the last decade, transitioning from a respected character actor to a leading man. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the film ‘Rustin’. On television, he became a standout in the series ‘Euphoria’, winning an Emmy for his role as Ali. Domingo also appeared in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ as Mister. His recent lead role in the prison drama ‘Sing Sing’ has been noted for its emotional authenticity and vulnerability.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown became a household name through his deeply emotional performance as Randall Pearson in the NBC series ‘This Is Us’. This role earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. On the big screen, he delivered a compelling performance in the drama ‘Waves’ and played a key role in ‘Black Panther’. In 2023, he received an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in ‘American Fiction’. Brown is recognized for his ability to convey complex internal conflicts with subtle and expressive acting.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan has evolved into one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading men while also moving into directing. He is best known for starring as Adonis Creed in the ‘Creed’ trilogy, and he made his directorial debut with the third installment. His performance as Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’ is often cited as one of the most compelling portrayals of a villain in superhero cinema. Jordan also took on the lead role in the legal drama ‘Just Mercy’, portraying real-life attorney Bryan Stevenson. He continues to expand his portfolio with projects like the action-thriller ‘Without Remorse’.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield is known for his eccentric and captivating choices in both independent and mainstream projects. He gained initial fame for his role as Darius in the FX series ‘Atlanta’, where he brought a unique comedic and philosophical energy. Stanfield received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as William O’Neal in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He also starred in the satirical thriller ‘Sorry to Bother You’, which explored themes of capitalism and racial identity. His recent work includes the lead role in the fantasy series ‘The Changeling’ and the Biblical comedy-drama ‘The Book of Clarence’.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry has built a reputation for bringing humanity and depth to every role he inhabits. He rose to prominence as Paper Boi in ‘Atlanta’, earning critical praise for his nuanced portrayal of a rising rapper. In 2023, he received an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role alongside Jennifer Lawrence in ‘Causeway’. Henry has also been active in the superhero genre, appearing in ‘Eternals’ and providing the voice for Jefferson Davis in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. His performance in the thriller ‘Widows’ showed his ability to play menacing and intense characters.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has rapidly become a major star in both high-budget franchises and prestige dramas. He won an Emmy Award for his role as Cal Abar in the HBO limited series ‘Watchmen’. On the big screen, he played the primary antagonist Black Manta in ‘Aquaman’ and its sequel. He also took on the role of Morpheus in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and played Bobby Seale in ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’. His lead performance in the 2021 horror film ‘Candyman’ helped modernize a classic genre icon for a new generation.

John David Washington

John David Washington transitioned from a professional football career to becoming a sought-after actor within the last decade. He first gained major attention for his role as Ricky Jerret in the HBO series ‘Ballers’. His breakout film performance came in Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman’, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Washington later starred as the lead in Christopher Nolan’s high-concept action film ‘Tenet’. He continued to showcase his dramatic range in the intimate Netflix drama ‘Malcolm & Marie’ and the period piece ‘Amsterdam’.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie has become a central figure in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’, graduating from the role of Sam Wilson to becoming the new Captain America. This journey was chronicled in the Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Outside of superheroes, Mackie starred in the science fiction thriller ‘Synchronic’ and the action film ‘Outside the Wire’. He also took on a leading role in the television adaptation of the video game ‘Twisted Metal’. His versatility allows him to balance physical action roles with grounded, dramatic performances.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito has remained one of the most acclaimed character actors in the industry, often sought after for his commanding presence. He continued his iconic portrayal of Gustavo Fring in ‘Better Call Saul’, the prequel to ‘Breaking Bad’. Esposito also joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as Moff Gideon in ‘The Mandalorian’, a role that earned him multiple Emmy nominations. He appeared in the Netflix experimental series ‘Kaleidoscope’ and the crime drama ‘Godfather of Harlem’. His ability to portray sophisticated and dangerous antagonists has made him a staple of modern television.

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo experienced a significant career resurgence with his powerhouse performance in Spike Lee’s 2020 film ‘Da 5 Bloods’. His portrayal of Paul, a veteran suffering from PTSD, was widely considered one of the best performances of that year. Lindo also starred in the legal drama ‘The Good Fight’ for several seasons, playing Adrian Boseman. He appeared in the Western ‘The Harder They Fall’ as the legendary lawman Bass Reeves. His recent work continues to showcase his gravitas and ability to anchor complex ensemble casts.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke rose to international fame after his breakout performance as M’Baku in ‘Black Panther’. He reprised this role in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, becoming a fan-favorite within the franchise. Duke also starred in Jordan Peele’s psychological horror film ‘Us’, playing the dual roles of Gabe Wilson and Abraham. He took on a more dramatic lead role in the independent film ‘Nine Days’, which explored the concepts of existence and the human spirit. Recently, he appeared in the action-comedy ‘The Fall Guy’ alongside Ryan Gosling.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance earned significant acclaim for his portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. This performance won him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series. He later starred in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’, for which he won another Emmy Award. Vance has also appeared in films like ‘Ben Is Back’ and the photograph-focused drama ‘The Photograph’. His career over the last decade has been defined by his ability to play authoritative yet deeply empathetic characters.

Andre Braugher

The late Andre Braugher remained a beloved and respected figure in television throughout the last decade of his life. He was best known for his role as Captain Raymond Holt on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, where he delivered a deadpan comedic performance. Braugher received four Emmy nominations for this role, showcasing his talent for blending humor with emotional sincerity. He also appeared in the legal drama ‘The Good Fight’ during its final season. His performance in the film ‘She Said’ demonstrated his continued ability to handle serious, investigative subject matter.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins gained major recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Dre in the 2015 biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’. Following this success, he took on the lead role in the series ’24: Legacy’, continuing the legacy of the popular action franchise. Hawkins starred in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’, where he displayed his vocal and dance abilities. He also appeared in the monster film ‘Kong: Skull Island’ and the Shakespearean adaptation ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. Recently, he starred in the 2023 musical film version of ‘The Color Purple’ as Harpo.

Kelvin Harrison, Jr.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. has become one of the most promising young actors of his generation through a series of intense dramatic roles. He gained critical attention for his lead performances in ‘Luce’ and ‘Waves’, both released in 2019. He portrayed Fred Hampton in ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ and took on the title role in the historical drama ‘Chevalier’. Harrison also appeared in the musical biopic ‘Elvis’ as B.B. King. His work is characterized by a high level of emotional maturity and a willingness to take on challenging characters.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome made a massive impact with his dual performance in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Moonlight’. He followed this with a transformative role as Korey Wise in the Netflix limited series ‘When They See Us’. This performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. In 2023, he starred in the surrealist comedy-drama series ‘I’m a Virgo’, created by Boots Riley. Jerome is recognized for his intense physical commitment and his ability to convey profound vulnerability.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. successfully transitioned from his Tony-winning stage career to a prominent presence in film. He received two Academy Award nominations for ‘One Night in Miami…’, one for his acting as Sam Cooke and another for writing the original song ‘Speak Now’. He starred in the mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ as scientist Lionel Toussaint. Odom also appeared in the historical drama ‘Harriet’ and the ‘Sopranos’ prequel film ‘The Many Saints of Newark’. His recent work includes a lead role in the horror sequel ‘The Exorcist: Believer’.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs has utilized his background in theater and music to create a diverse filmography over the past ten years. He wrote, produced, and starred in the critically acclaimed 2018 film ‘Blindspotting’, which explored gentrification and racial identity. Diggs also starred in the television adaptation of ‘Snowpiercer’ for four seasons, playing the lead character Andre Layton. He voiced Sebastian in the live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’ and appeared in the series ‘The Good Lord Bird’. His creative output remains focused on socially conscious storytelling and innovative genres.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope has achieved rapid success in both television and film following a distinguished career on Broadway. He earned an Emmy nomination for his lead role in the Netflix limited series ‘Hollywood’. In 2022, he received a Golden Globe nomination for his powerful performance in the film ‘The Inspection’, based on the director’s real-life experiences in the Marines. Pope also appeared in the series ‘Pose’, which focused on the ballroom culture of New York City. He is known for his expressive acting style and his ability to lead emotionally heavy narratives.

Jovan Adepo

Jovan Adepo first gained significant attention for his role as Cory Maxson in the 2016 film ‘Fences’, starring alongside Denzel Washington. He went on to star in the horror-action film ‘Overlord’ and the limited series ‘When They See Us’. Adepo received an Emmy nomination for his role as Will Reeves/Hooded Justice in the HBO series ‘Watchmen’. He also appeared in the sprawling Hollywood epic ‘Babylon’ and the television adaptation of ‘The Stand’. His career is marked by a selection of roles that often explore historical and supernatural themes.

Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams has successfully transitioned from a child star to an acclaimed adult actor. He received widespread praise and a Golden Globe Award for his role as Gregory Eddie in the mockumentary sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’. Before this, he appeared in the satirical film ‘Dear White People’ and had a recurring role on ‘The Walking Dead’. Williams also starred in the criminal drama ‘Detroit’, directed by Kathryn Bigelow. His performance in ‘Abbott Elementary’ has revitalized his career and made him a central figure in modern television comedy.

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore broke through with his lead role in the 2015 independent film ‘Dope’, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He became internationally known for voicing Miles Morales in the Academy Award-winning ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and its sequel. Moore also starred in the Netflix series ‘The Get Down’, which chronicled the rise of hip-hop in the 1970s. He portrayed Raekwon in the series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’, showing his range in biographical drama. His career reflects a blend of high-profile voice work and grounded live-action roles.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin rose to global stardom as Lucas Sinclair in the Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. As he matured, he began taking on more diverse film roles, including the lead in ‘Concrete Cowboy’ alongside Idris Elba. He also appeared in the sports drama ‘Shooting Stars’, portraying a young Dru Joyce III. McLaughlin has been praised for his growth as an actor within the ‘Stranger Things’ ensemble as the show’s stakes have intensified. He continues to be a prominent young voice in the industry, balancing major television work with independent film projects.

Ashton Sanders

Ashton Sanders gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of the teenage Chiron in the 2016 Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’. Following this breakout role, he starred in the dystopian action film ‘Captive State’ and the drama ‘Native Son’. He played the lead role of Bobby Diggs (RZA) in the series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’, a performance that spanned three seasons. Sanders also appeared alongside Denzel Washington in ‘The Equalizer 2’. His work often features intense, internal characters that require a high degree of emotional nuance.

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge has maintained a steady career with notable roles in both film and television. He portrayed MC Ren in the biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and starred in the television series ‘Underground’. Hodge received praise for his lead performance in the prison drama ‘Clemency’ and his role as Jim Brown in ‘One Night in Miami…’. He joined the ‘DC Extended Universe’ as Hawkman in the film ‘Black Adam’. His versatility is evident in his ability to play historical figures, superheroes, and complex dramatic leads.

Trevante Rhodes

Trevante Rhodes became a breakout star after playing the adult version of Chiron in ‘Moonlight’. His performance was lauded for its physical presence and underlying tenderness. Following ‘Moonlight’, he appeared in the action film ‘The Predator’ and the Netflix hit ‘Bird Box’. Rhodes also took on the challenging role of Mike Tyson in the limited biographical series ‘Mike’. His career has been defined by his ability to portray characters who struggle with their identities under a tough exterior.

Mike Colter

Mike Colter is best known for his portrayal of the title character in the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’. He first appeared as the character in ‘Jessica Jones’ before leading two seasons of his own show and the crossover series ‘The Defenders’. Colter also stars as David Acosta in the supernatural drama series ‘Evil’, which has received critical acclaim. On the big screen, he appeared in the action film ‘Plane’ alongside Gerard Butler. His career is characterized by his strong screen presence and his success in the action and supernatural genres.

Jabari Banks

Jabari Banks stepped into the spotlight with his debut role as Will Smith in ‘Bel-Air’, the dramatic reimagining of the classic sitcom. His performance has been praised for balancing the charisma of the original character with the dramatic weight of the new series. Since the show’s premiere in 2022, Banks has become a rising star to watch in the television industry. He has used his platform to explore music and fashion while maintaining the lead role in the successful series. His rapid ascent marks him as one of the most significant new talents of the last few years.

William Jackson Harper

William Jackson Harper gained widespread recognition for his role as Chidi Anagonye in the NBC comedy series ‘The Good Place’. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination and established him as a talented comedic and dramatic actor. He starred in the horror film ‘Midsommar’ and the romantic comedy anthology series ‘Love Life’. Harper also took on a leading role in the mystery series ‘The Resort’ and appeared in ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. In 2024, he received significant praise for his performance in the Netflix series ‘A Man in Full’.

Lamorne Morris

Lamorne Morris spent much of the last decade starring as Winston Bishop in the popular sitcom ‘New Girl’. Since the show’s conclusion, he has expanded into film with roles in ‘Game Night’ and ‘Yesterday’. He starred in the series ‘Woke’, which blended live-action with animation to discuss social issues. In 2024, he received critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his role as Witt Farr in the fifth season of ‘Fargo’. His ability to transition from broad comedy to tense, dramatic storytelling has defined his recent career path.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key transitioned from his legendary sketch comedy series ‘Key & Peele’ to a prolific career in film and television. He has become a sought-after voice actor, appearing in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’, ‘Toy Story 4’, and ‘The Lion King’. In live-action, he starred in the musical comedy series ‘Schmigadoon!’ and the film ‘Wonka’. Key also appeared in the action film ‘The Predator’ and the Netflix series ‘Friends from College’. His career over the last decade highlights his incredible comedic timing and his versatility as an entertainer.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick is best known for his lead role as James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick in the Starz series ‘Power’. His performance anchored the show for six seasons and helped it become a massive cultural phenomenon. Following the end of the series, he starred in the Zack Snyder film ‘Army of the Dead’ on Netflix. Hardwick also appeared in the horror film ‘Spell’ and the thriller ‘The Mother’. He is recognized for his commanding screen presence and his ability to play morally ambiguous characters.

Michael Kenneth Williams

The late Michael K. Williams continued to deliver iconic performances throughout the last decade of his life. He starred as Freddy Knight in the acclaimed limited series ‘The Night Of’, earning an Emmy nomination. He also played Montrose Freeman in ‘Lovecraft Country’, a role that garnered him further critical praise and another posthumous Emmy nomination. In film, he appeared in ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘Inherent Vice’, and ‘Motherless Brooklyn’. His work was consistently noted for its raw honesty and his ability to represent marginalized voices with dignity.

Lance Reddick

The late Lance Reddick was a mainstay of modern film and television, known for his distinct voice and authoritative demeanor. Over the last decade, he was a key fixture in the ‘John Wick’ franchise, playing the concierge Charon. He also starred as Chief Irvin Irving in the long-running police drama ‘Bosch’. Reddick appeared in the ‘Resident Evil’ series and provided voice work for the ‘Destiny’ video game franchise. His final performances, including his role in the series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’, continue to showcase his professional range.

Bokeem Woodbine

Bokeem Woodbine experienced a major career breakthrough with his role as Mike Milligan in the second season of ‘Fargo’. This performance earned him an Emmy nomination and led to more high-profile opportunities. He played the villainous Shocker in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and starred in the series ‘Underground’. Woodbine also appeared in the films ‘Queen & Slim’ and ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. His ability to play cool, calculated characters has made him a favorite for directors seeking a strong supporting presence.

Wood Harris

Wood Harris has remained a consistent force in film and television, often appearing in major dramatic projects. He joined the ‘Creed’ franchise as Tony ‘Little Duke’ Evers, a role he played across all three films. Harris also starred in the series ‘Empire’ and the miniseries ‘The New Edition Story’. In 2021, he took on a recurring role in the series ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’. His career continues to be defined by his grounded acting style and his ability to fit into diverse ensemble casts.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy experienced a major critical comeback with his lead role in the 2019 film ‘Dolemite Is My Name’. His portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore earned him a Golden Globe nomination and reminded audiences of his dramatic and comedic range. He followed this success by returning to one of his most famous roles in ‘Coming 2 America’. Murphy also appeared in the Netflix comedy ‘You People’ and the holiday film ‘Candy Cane Lane’. Recently, he reprised his iconic role as Axel Foley in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock expanded his career beyond stand-up comedy over the last decade with more serious dramatic and directorial work. He wrote, directed, and starred in the 2014 film ‘Top Five’, which was highly praised by critics. Rock also took on a lead dramatic role in the fourth season of ‘Fargo’, playing mob boss Loy Cannon. He starred in the horror reboot ‘Spiral: From the Book of Saw’, which he also executive produced. His recent work shows a clear interest in challenging his public image by taking on grittier, more complex roles.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors rose to prominence with his breakout role in the 2019 film ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’. He quickly moved into major projects, starring in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’, which earned him an Emmy nomination. Majors joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Kang the Conqueror, appearing in ‘Loki’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’. He also starred as the antagonist in ‘Creed III’ and played a pilot in the historical drama ‘Devotion’. His career has been marked by a rapid ascent into the top tier of Hollywood leading men.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard spent a significant portion of the last decade starring as Lucious Lyon in the hit musical drama ‘Empire’. His performance as the ruthless music mogul was a central part of the show’s massive success over six seasons. Howard also appeared in films such as ‘The Best Man Holiday’ and the thriller ‘Prisoners’. Following the conclusion of ‘Empire’, he has appeared in independent projects like ‘The System’. His work continues to be defined by his intense screen presence and unique acting choices.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs has maintained a strong presence in television, most notably starring in the drama series ‘All American’. For five seasons, he played Billy Baker, a role that allowed him to explore themes of fatherhood and mentorship. He also starred in the crime drama ‘Murder in the First’ and made guest appearances in ‘Empire’. Diggs returned to his musical roots with a stint in ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ on Broadway during this decade. He continues to be a versatile performer across various entertainment mediums.

Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut has been a consistent lead in several television procedurals and dramas over the past ten years. He starred in the title role of the medical drama ‘Rosewood’ and joined the cast of ‘The Resident’. Chestnut also appeared in the series ‘Our Kind of People’ and reprised his role in ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’ limited series. In film, he appeared in the thriller ‘When the Bough Breaks’. His career is characterized by his reliability as a leading man and his enduring popularity with audiences.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle has balanced his long-running role in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ with acclaimed work in television and independent film. He starred as Marty Kaan in the series ‘House of Lies’, winning a Golden Globe for the role during its run. Cheadle also led the series ‘Black Monday’, which earned him multiple Emmy nominations for his performance as Maurice Monroe. He directed and starred in the Miles Davis biopic ‘Miles Ahead’, showcasing his skills behind the camera. Recently, he appeared in the film ‘White Noise’ and continued his role as James Rhodes in ‘Secret Invasion’.

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