Black Actresses Who Influenced Audiences The Most

Black actresses have fundamentally shaped the landscape of cinema and television through groundbreaking performances that challenged stereotypes and expanded the scope of storytelling. These women navigated an industry that often marginalized them: yet they carved out spaces for complex, diverse, and powerful narratives. From the Golden Age of Hollywood to the modern era of streaming dominance, their contributions extend beyond entertainment into the realm of cultural advocacy and social change. They have opened doors for future generations while delivering some of the most memorable characters in screen history. This list celebrates the performers who have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American to win an Academy Award: taking home the Best Supporting Actress statue for her role as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’. Although her roles were often confined to domestic servitude due to the racial prejudices of the era, she brought a dignity and commanding presence to her characters that transcended the script. Her victory in 1940 shattered a significant glass ceiling in Hollywood and sparked conversations about race and representation that continue today. McDaniel faced immense criticism from both white and Black communities during her career, but her resilience laid the groundwork for every Black actress who followed. She remains a monumental figure in the history of American entertainment.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was a pioneer of Black glamour and the first African American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance in ‘Carmen Jones’ showcased her extraordinary talent as a singer and actress: transforming her into an international sex symbol. Dandridge fought tirelessly against the limited roles available to Black women, often refusing to play characters that she felt were demeaning. Her career was tragically cut short, but her impact on the industry was profound, proving that Black women could lead major studio productions. She paved the way for future stars to be viewed as romantic leads and dramatic powerhouses.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was renowned for her refusal to accept roles that she believed were demeaning to Black women: choosing instead to portray characters of strength, dignity, and depth. Her breakthrough role in ‘Sounder’ earned her an Oscar nomination, while her portrayal of the title character in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ won her two Emmy Awards. Tyson’s career spanned seven decades, during which she became a symbol of artistic integrity and excellence. She brought attention to the history and humanity of the African American experience through her work in film, television, and theater. Her influence is evident in the careers of countless actresses who view her as the matriarch of Black Hollywood.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll broke racial barriers in 1968 when she starred in ‘Julia’, becoming the first African American actress to lead a TV series in a non-stereotypical role. Unlike the maids and servants Black actresses were typically relegated to, her character was a widowed nurse and mother: presenting a sophisticated image of Black womanhood to mainstream America. She later brought her elegance and fire to the prime-time soap opera ‘Dynasty’ as the iconic Dominique Deveraux. Carroll was an EGOT nominee who seamlessly moved between stage, screen, and recording studios throughout her illustrious career. Her legacy is defined by her glamour, poise, and determination to redefine how Black women were viewed on screen.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a powerhouse of stage and screen who inextricably linked her artistic career with her activism for civil rights. Alongside her husband Ossie Davis, she championed racial equality while delivering stellar performances in films like ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’. Her work often highlighted the struggles and triumphs of African American families, bringing a sense of realism and passion to every role. Late in her career, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘American Gangster’, proving her talent was timeless. Dee’s influence extends far beyond acting: she is remembered as a conscience of the artistic community.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt captivated audiences with her distinct voice, sharp wit, and undeniable charisma: becoming an international star in music, theater, and film. She is perhaps best remembered as the first Black woman to achieve mainstream success as Catwoman in the 1960s ‘Batman’ series, where she brought a unique feline grace to the role. Kitt was unafraid to speak her mind, famously facing professional backlash after criticizing the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon. Despite being blacklisted for a period, she returned to the spotlight with renewed vigor, earning accolades for her voice work in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’. Her legacy is one of fierce independence and refusal to be silenced.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status: winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She burst onto the scene with her heartbreaking performance in ‘The Color Purple’, which earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Goldberg later won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Ghost’, becoming the second Black woman to win an acting Oscar after Hattie McDaniel. Her career has spanned stand-up comedy, dramatic acting, and hosting, specifically as the long-time moderator of ‘The View’. She opened doors for Black women in comedy and proved that unconventional leads could carry major box office hits.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is celebrated for her intense portrayals of strong, complex women: most notably her Oscar-nominated turn as Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She brings a regal presence to every project, whether she is playing historical figures like Betty Shabazz or fictional queens in ‘Black Panther’. Her work in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ challenged ageist and sexist tropes regarding romance on screen. Bassett has maintained a high level of relevance and acclaim for decades, recently receiving an Honorary Academy Award for her career contributions. She remains a standard-bearer for physical and emotional discipline in acting.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 as the first—and to date, the only—Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her raw performance in ‘Monster’s Ball’. Her diverse filmography ranges from blockbuster franchises like ‘X-Men’ and ‘John Wick’ to intimate dramas like ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’. Berry has navigated the highs and lows of Hollywood with grace: consistently fighting for roles that showcase her range beyond her physical beauty. She has also moved into directing, taking control of her narrative behind the camera with ‘Bruised’. Her historic win remains a pivotal moment in Oscar history that inspired a generation of actresses.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of her generation: achieving the Triple Crown of Acting with competitive Oscar, Emmy, and Tony wins. Her performances in ‘Fences’, ‘The Help’, and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ display an emotional depth and technical precision that captivate audiences and critics alike. On television, she redefined the legal drama lead as Annalise Keating in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, earning the first Best Actress Emmy for a Black woman in a drama series. Davis is also a vocal advocate for pay equity and representation within the industry. Her production company focuses on centering stories from underrepresented voices.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became a cinema icon in the 1970s as the face of the Blaxploitation genre: starring in films like ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. She was the first female action star to headline her own movies: portraying tough, assertive women who took justice into their own hands. Her characters overturned the passive stereotypes often assigned to women of color, influencing the action genre for decades to come. Quentin Tarantino revitalized her career in the 90s with ‘Jackie Brown’, paying homage to her status as a film legend. Grier’s work proved that female leads could be physically capable, sexually liberated, and commercially viable.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most prolific and honored actresses in American history: with four Emmy Awards and an Academy Award nomination to her name. She has moved seamlessly between film, television, and theater: delivering grounded performances in projects like ‘Cross Creek’, ‘Miss Evers’ Boys’, and ‘Luke Cage’. Woodard is known for her ability to convey complex emotions with subtle expressions: earning her the reputation of an actor’s actor. Her extensive body of work covers virtually every genre, from science fiction to historical drama. She has been a consistent presence in Hollywood for decades, anchoring productions with her reliability and skill.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-hyphenate force who has influenced audiences as an actress, dancer, choreographer, director, and producer. She gained fame as Lydia Grant in the film and television series ‘Fame’, where her catchphrase about the cost of success became legendary. Allen has been instrumental in increasing diversity behind the camera: directing and producing hundreds of episodes of television, including ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘A Different World’. Her work on ‘A Different World’ was particularly influential in boosting enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She continues to train the next generation of dancers through her renowned dance academy.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah successfully transitioned from a groundbreaking hip-hop artist to an A-list Hollywood actress and producer. Her performance in ‘Chicago’ earned her an Academy Award nomination: showcasing her incredible versatility as a musical and dramatic talent. She starred in the hit sitcom ‘Living Single’, which is often cited as a precursor to ‘Friends’ and celebrated for its depiction of successful Black friends in the 90s. As a producer and lead in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Beauty Shop’, she created projects that resonated deeply with urban audiences. Her warm, commanding screen presence has made her a beloved figure in entertainment for over three decades.

Regina King

Regina King evolved from a child star on ‘227’ to one of the most acclaimed actors and directors working today. She dominated the limited series category at the Emmys with wins for ‘American Crime’ and ‘Seven Seconds’ before winning an Oscar for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King has also made significant strides behind the camera: making her feature directorial debut with ‘One Night in Miami…’, which earned three Oscar nominations. Her career trajectory demonstrates a rare longevity and ability to reinvent oneself in a fickle industry. She is celebrated for her grounded realism and ability to convey immense strength in vulnerability.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is known for her electric energy and ability to disappear into a wide variety of roles. She became a cultural phenomenon as Cookie Lyon in the TV series ‘Empire’, a role that earned her a Golden Globe and showcased her flair for high drama. Henson also demonstrated her dramatic range as Katherine Johnson in the critical and commercial hit ‘Hidden Figures’. She has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in the Black community: launching a foundation to provide resources and support. Her journey from character actress to leading lady serves as an inspiration for perseverance.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer spent years playing small roles before her breakout performance as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’ won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Since then, she has become a box office staple: earning two additional Oscar nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer is known for her ability to play both comedic and deeply dramatic roles with equal effectiveness. She has also stepped into the horror genre with ‘Ma’, proving her capability as a solo lead in a thriller. Her success story is a testament to the idea that talent will eventually be recognized.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington shifted the television landscape with her portrayal of Olivia Pope in ‘Scandal’: becoming the first African American woman to headline a network drama in nearly 40 years. The show’s massive success demonstrated the commercial viability of Black female leads and created the “Gladiator” cultural phenomenon. Washington brought a complexity to the character that challenged traditional notions of the anti-hero. Beyond ‘Scandal’, she has produced and starred in acclaimed projects like ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ and ‘Django Unchained’. She is also deeply involved in political activism and works to increase civic engagement.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o captivated the world with her film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her success sparked important global conversations about colorism and beauty standards in the media. She has since starred in blockbusters like ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Star Wars’, as well as the horror hit ‘Us’, where she played dual roles to critical acclaim. Nyong’o is a fashion icon and an author: writing books that encourage children to love their own skin. Her international background and eloquence have made her a unique and influential voice in Hollywood.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae pioneered the “web series to TV star” pipeline with her YouTube series ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’. She translated that success into the hit HBO series ‘Insecure’: which she created, wrote, and starred in. Rae’s work provides a fresh, authentic look at the lives of modern Black millennials in Los Angeles: exploring friendship, romance, and professional struggles. She has leveraged her platform to champion other Black creators through her production company, Hoorae. Rae represents a new generation of moguls who own their content and control their narratives.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross has established herself as a comedy icon: first as Joan Clayton on ‘Girlfriends’ and later as Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’. Her performance on ‘Black-ish’ earned her a Golden Globe award: making her the first Black woman to win in the comedy category since Debbie Allen in 1983. Ross brings a distinct physical comedy and fashion sense to her roles that sets her apart from her peers. She has also launched a hair care line, Pattern Beauty, addressing a gap in the market for curly hair products. As the daughter of Diana Ross, she has successfully carved out her own legendary status in the industry.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ but solidified her star power with her role as Effie White in ‘Dreamgirls’. Her show-stopping performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress: making her one of the few debut film actresses to win the honor. Hudson has since achieved EGOT status: winning awards for her music, television producing, and theater work. She portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biopic ‘Respect’, handpicked by the Queen of Soul herself. Her journey reflects the power of resilience and the crossover potential of musical talent in film.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has been a consistent presence in international cinema for decades: starring in films like ‘Crash’, ‘Beloved’, and ‘Mission: Impossible 2’. She reclaimed the Zimbabwean spelling of her name later in her career: sparking a conversation about identity and the anglicization of ethnic names in Hollywood. Her role as the sentient android Maeve Millay in ‘Westworld’ earned her an Emmy Award and showcased her ability to portray complex, evolving characters. Newton has been an outspoken advocate for victims of sexual abuse within the industry. Her work bridges the gap between British and American cinema.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a British actress who has made a significant impact on global audiences through her diverse roles. She received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for her harrowing portrayal of a mother struggling with addiction in ‘Moonlight’. Harris also reinvented the character of Moneypenny in the James Bond franchise: bringing a field-agent capability to the role previously defined by desk work. She has starred in genre films like ’28 Days Later’ and blockbusters like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Her ability to shift between gritty independent dramas and massive action franchises highlights her incredible range.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time due to her integral roles in three major franchises: ‘Avatar’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, and ‘Star Trek’. She has become the face of sci-fi cinema: often performing under heavy makeup or motion capture technology to bring alien characters to life. Saldana has advocated for greater representation of Latinx and Black women in science fiction and action films. Her physical discipline and background in dance contribute to her effectiveness as an action star. She continues to break box office records while producing content that highlights American Latino stories.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a force in both acting and playwriting: best known for her iconic role as Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead’. She brought a fierce physicality and emotional depth to the character: making her a fan favorite in the zombie apocalypse genre. Gurira also stars as Okoye, the general of the Dora Milaje, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ‘Black Panther’ films. As a playwright, her work ‘Eclipsed’ made history on Broadway with an all-Black, female creative team and cast. She uses her platform to advocate for gender equality and arts education in Africa.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel exploded onto the international scene with her series ‘Chewing Gum’ and the critically acclaimed ‘I May Destroy You’. As the writer, director, and star of her projects, she retains total creative control: tackling difficult subjects like consent and trauma with nuance and dark humor. Her work has challenged industry norms regarding how sexual assault is depicted on screen. Coel became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series. Her refusal to compromise her ownership rights during negotiations with Netflix has set a new precedent for creator rights.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has built a dynamic career oscillating between indie darlings and major blockbusters. She revitalized the ‘Rocky’ franchise with her role as Bianca in ‘Creed’: playing a character with her own agency and progressive hearing loss. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she plays Valkyrie: a role that has allowed her to explore themes of leadership and sexuality. Thompson is known for her thoughtful selection of roles that often deconstruct race and gender identity, such as in ‘Passing’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’. She is also active in production: working to ensure diverse hiring practices on her sets.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse vocalist and actress who is just a Tony Award shy of an EGOT. She gained massive acclaim for her role in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’ before transitioning to film with ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and ‘Widows’. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic ‘Harriet’ earned her two Oscar nominations: one for acting and one for original song. Erivo is known for her intense preparation and physical transformation for roles. She continues to push boundaries by taking on iconic roles, such as Elphaba in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian-Irish actress known for her subtle, soulful performances. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Loving’: where she played Mildred Loving, a woman whose marriage changed American laws on interracial unions. Negga brings a quiet intensity to her work: whether in the comic book adaptation ‘Preacher’ or the Shakespearean drama ‘Hamlet’. Her performance in ‘Passing’ was widely praised for its delicate handling of racial identity in the 1920s. She consistently chooses projects that challenge the audience to look closer at the human condition.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is one of the most recognizable character actresses in Hollywood: known for her distinctive, breathy voice. She was part of the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’ and gained film fame in ‘Waiting to Exhale’. Her role as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ earned her an Emmy Award: cementing her status in the television pantheon. Devine has an extensive credit list that includes ‘Boston Public’, ‘The Carmichael Show’, and ‘Crash’. She is often the heart of the ensemble casts she joins: bringing warmth and humor to every performance.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union began her career as a teen movie icon in films like ‘Bring It On’: where her character demanded credit for her squad’s cultural contributions. She successfully transitioned to adult roles with ‘Being Mary Jane’ and ‘L.A.’s Finest’. Union has become a significant voice for workplace equality and transparency in Hollywood: famously speaking out against toxic environments. Her memoirs and advocacy work focus on survivorship, fertility struggles, and raising Black children in America. She remains a vital figure in pushing for systemic change within the entertainment industry.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is affectionately known as “The Mother of Black Hollywood” due to her frequent roles as a matriarch in films and TV. She has starred in ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, ‘Think Like a Man’, and the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Lewis is also a mental health advocate: openly discussing her journey with bipolar disorder to reduce stigma in the Black community. Her memoir and viral internet videos display her candid humor and wisdom. She brings a theatrical, larger-than-life energy to her roles that makes her an unforgettable presence on screen.

Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle is best remembered for her role as Florida Evans on the 1970s sitcoms ‘Maude’ and ‘Good Times’. She portrayed a strong, no-nonsense mother holding her family together in a Chicago housing project: a role that resonated with millions of viewers. Rolle was protective of the show’s image: often fighting with producers to ensure the characters were portrayed with dignity rather than buffoonery. She was an early advocate for realistic and respectful depictions of Black families on television. Her work paved the way for future family sitcoms that tackled social issues.

Share your favorite performance by one of these iconic actresses in the comments!