Black Actresses Who Were Never Married

Many accomplished Black actresses have chosen to prioritize their careers or personal freedom over traditional legal marriage. These women have built impressive legacies in film and television while charting their own unique paths in their personal lives. Their relationship statuses range from committed long-term partnerships to happy singledom. The following list highlights talented Black actresses who have never tied the knot.

Oprah Winfrey

This media mogul has become one of the most influential women in the world through her talk show and acting roles. She delivered an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘The Color Purple’ and produced numerous successful projects. Oprah has been in a committed relationship with Stedman Graham since the mid-1980s. She has frequently stated that their decision not to marry is a key reason their relationship has lasted so long.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross gained massive popularity for her roles in the long-running sitcoms ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She is the daughter of music legend Diana Ross and has carved out her own distinct path in Hollywood. The actress often speaks about the joy of living life on her own terms without societal pressure. She remains a fashion icon and an inspiration for women embracing single life.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is best known for her comedic timing in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise and the hit film ‘Girls Trip’. She has successfully transitioned into dramatic roles while maintaining her reputation as a fan favorite. Hall keeps her dating life extremely private and rarely discusses her relationships in the media. She once jokingly famously failed a background check for a nunnery on television.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has captivated audiences with her powerful performances in ‘Empire’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She was previously engaged to former NFL player Kelvin Hayden before they ended their relationship in 2020. The actress focuses heavily on her mental health advocacy and her production company. She continues to be a dominant force in Hollywood without a spouse.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for her supporting role in ‘The Help’. She is known for her close friendships within the industry and her versatility across genres. Spencer has never been married and keeps her romantic life completely out of the spotlight. She focuses her energy on acting, writing children’s books, and producing content.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a hip-hop pioneer who successfully transitioned into an A-list actress with films like ‘Chicago’ and ‘Set It Off’. She currently stars in the hit action series ‘The Equalizer’ on CBS. The entertainer has been in a long-term partnership with Eboni Nichols for many years. Although they share a child together, they have never legally married.

Naomie Harris

British actress Naomie Harris received critical acclaim for her role in the Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’. She also gained global fame as Moneypenny in the Daniel Craig era of James Bond films. Harris is notoriously private about her personal life and rarely appears on red carpets with a partner. She prioritizes her craft and maintains a low profile outside of her work.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o burst onto the scene with an Oscar-winning performance in ’12 Years a Slave’. She has since starred in the ‘Black Panther’ franchise and the horror hit ‘Us’. The actress has had high-profile relationships but has never walked down the aisle. She remains focused on her international career and philanthropic efforts.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a playwright and actress best known for her roles in ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Black Panther’. She wrote the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’ and continues to advocate for African arts. Gurira keeps her personal life shielded from the public eye. There is no record of her ever being married.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a dynamic singer and actress who starred in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Glass Onion’. She identifies as non-binary and has been open about her fluid sexuality. Monáe prefers to keep the details of her romantic partnerships ambiguous and private. She focuses on creating art that challenges societal norms.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has built an impressive resume with roles in ‘Creed’, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, and ‘Westworld’. She is known for her eclectic style and willingness to take on complex characters. Thompson has been linked to various artists and musicians but remains unmarried. She often speaks about the importance of privacy in the age of social media.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who is just an Oscar away from achieving EGOT status. She garnered acclaim for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman and her role in the film adaptation of ‘Wicked’. Erivo is a dedicated fitness enthusiast who shares her training journey online. She has not married and focuses intensely on her stage and screen career.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel created and starred in the groundbreaking series ‘I May Destroy You’ and ‘Chewing Gum’. She is celebrated for her fearless storytelling and unique voice in the television landscape. Coel guards her privacy fiercely and does not discuss her dating life publicly. She dedicates herself to writing, directing, and acting.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ and won an Oscar for her debut film role in ‘Dreamgirls’. She was engaged to David Otunga for ten years and they share a son named David. The couple split in 2017 without ever getting married. Hudson has since achieved EGOT status and hosts her own talk show.

Tyra Banks

Supermodel and businesswoman Tyra Banks created the ‘America’s Next Top Model’ empire. She shares a son named York with her former partner Erik Asla. Banks has had several long-term relationships but has never legally wed. She continues to expand her business ventures and television presence.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is one of the most recognizable supermodels in history and has appeared in shows like ‘Empire’. She surprised the world by announcing the birth of her two children later in life. Campbell has been engaged previously but never married. She remains a dominant figure in the fashion industry.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan became a romantic comedy icon with her role in the classic film ‘Love & Basketball’. She has enjoyed a steady career in film and television for over two decades. Lathan has chosen to keep her dating life out of the tabloids. She focuses on her work and her well-being rather than societal expectations of marriage.

Nia Long

Nia Long has been a beloved actress since her breakout roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The Best Man’. She has two sons from two different long-term relationships. Long was engaged to coach Ime Udoka but they separated after a highly publicized scandal. She has stated in interviews that marriage is not a priority for her.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has appeared in major franchises ranging from ‘Star Wars’ to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She adopted a daughter as a single mother in 2014. Dawson was in a high-profile relationship with Senator Cory Booker for several years. The couple ended their relationship amicably and she remains unmarried.

Leslie Jones

Comedian Leslie Jones broke barriers as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She is known for her energetic stand-up and her commentary on the Olympics. Jones wrote a memoir where she candidly discussed her dating struggles and life as a single woman. She embraces her independence and continues to tour globally.

Kym Whitley

Kym Whitley is a sitcom veteran known for her roles in ‘Young & Hungry’ and ‘The Parkers’. She adopted her son Joshua as a single parent and documented the experience on a reality show. Whitley often uses her dating experiences as material for her comedy. She has built a strong support village without a husband.

Yvonne Orji

Yvonne Orji gained fame for her role as Molly on the hit HBO series ‘Insecure’. She is a devout Christian who has been open about her decision to remain a virgin until marriage. Orji incorporates her Nigerian-American upbringing into her stand-up comedy specials. She is currently single and focuses on her writing and performing.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga earned an Academy Award nomination for her subtle and powerful performance in the film ‘Loving’. The Irish-Ethiopian actress dated fellow actor Dominic Cooper for several years. They continued to work together on the show ‘Preacher’ even after their split. Negga remains unmarried and keeps a low profile in London.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw has starred in acclaimed projects such as ‘Belle’, ‘Beyond the Lights’, and ‘Loki’. She is a British actress who carefully guards her private life from the press. There are no public records of her dating history or marriage. She lets her diverse body of work speak for itself.

Freema Agyeman

Freema Agyeman is best known for playing Martha Jones in the long-running sci-fi series ‘Doctor Who’. She also starred in the medical drama ‘New Amsterdam’ for several seasons. Agyeman has never married and rarely discusses her personal life in interviews. She splits her time between acting projects in the UK and the US.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright became a global star through her role as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She carries the ‘Black Panther’ franchise and has received critical praise for ‘The Silent Twins’. The Guyanese-British actress is deeply religious and focuses on her faith and career. She has not been publicly linked to a spouse.

Zendaya

Zendaya is one of the biggest stars in the world thanks to ‘Euphoria’, ‘Dune’, and ‘Spider-Man’. She is in a high-profile relationship with actor Tom Holland. Despite the intense media attention on their romance, the couple is not married. She started as a child star and has transitioned into a two-time Emmy winner.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer is a multi-talented entertainer who has been in the industry since childhood. She shares a son named Leo with her former partner Darius Jackson. The couple garnered significant media attention surrounding their separation. Palmer remains unmarried and focuses on her KeyTV network and acting roles.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri swept the awards season for her breakout role in the hit series ‘The Bear’. She started her career as a comedy writer and voice actor. Edebiri maintains a fun and slightly mysterious public persona. She has not shared any information regarding a marriage or husband.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Holdovers’. She has a background in opera and musical theater which informs her powerful vocal performances. Randolph has worked steadily in television and film without a public partner. She is currently enjoying the peak of her career.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback has earned praise for her roles in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and ‘Swarm’. She is known for her intense method acting and poetic writing style. Fishback keeps her romantic life completely offline. She focuses entirely on her craft and artistic expression.

Weruche Opia

Weruche Opia gained recognition for her scene-stealing role in ‘I May Destroy You’. The British-Nigerian actress also starred in the comedy ‘Bad Education’. She is the daughter of a veteran broadcaster but keeps her own private life quiet. Opia has never been reported to be married.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim is a Ugandan-British actress and composer who has won two Olivier Awards. She appeared in the action epic ‘The Woman King’ alongside Viola Davis. Atim is also a model and a singer with a commanding stage presence. She remains unmarried and dedicated to the arts.

Florence Kasumba

Florence Kasumba portrays the fierce warrior Ayo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She is a German-Ugandan actress who has worked extensively in both European and American productions. Kasumba is very protective of her family life. She has never announced a marriage to the public.

Pearl Mackie

Pearl Mackie played the companion Bill Potts in ‘Doctor Who’ alongside Peter Capaldi. She was the first openly gay companion in the history of the show. Mackie has continued to work in theater and television drama. She keeps her personal relationships out of the headlines.

Mandip Gill

Mandip Gill is another alumni of ‘Doctor Who’ who played the companion Yaz for several years. She has worked in radio and television in the UK. Gill has not shared details about a spouse or partner. She frequently attends conventions and interacts with fans solely about her work.

T’Nia Miller

T’Nia Miller is known for her striking roles in ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ and ‘Years and Years’. She often plays complex and authoritative characters. The British actress keeps her dating life extremely private. There is no record of her having a husband.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell is a rising fashion icon and actress known for ‘Bones and All’ and ‘Waves’. She was briefly linked to singer Harry Styles in the media. Russell prefers to keep an air of mystery around her personal life. She focuses on avant-garde fashion and challenging film roles.

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier gained fame as the love interest in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and ‘BlacKkKlansman’. She started her career as a model before transitioning to acting. Harrier has been engaged previously but never married. She is a regular fixture at major fashion weeks.

Kiki Layne

Kiki Layne made a stunning film debut in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She also starred as an immortal warrior in the action film ‘The Old Guard’. Layne focuses on choosing roles that highlight black excellence. She has not walked down the aisle.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has been famous since her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. She is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and intersectional feminism. Stenberg identifies as non-binary and gay. She has dated several people publicly but remains unmarried.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi grew up on screen playing Zoey Johnson in ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Grown-ish’. She famously attended Harvard University while maintaining her acting career. Shahidi is very focused on social justice and political activism. She keeps her dating life private and is not married.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid began her career with a role in the Academy Award-winning film ’12 Years a Slave’. She currently stars as the younger sister in the hit HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Reid is a student at USC and balances her studies with filming. She has stated she is too young to be thinking about marriage.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin made history as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood for the film ‘Little’. She grew up before audiences’ eyes on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Martin is focused on building her production empire. She is a young adult who is not married.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram received an Emmy nomination for her role in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. She also played an Inquisitor in the ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ series. Ingram is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama. She keeps her personal life very private.

Erin Kellyman

Erin Kellyman is a British actress known for ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ and ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. She often plays rebellious characters in fantasy and sci-fi settings. Kellyman is openly gay and advocates for representation. She has not married.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne stars as Riri Williams in the Marvel series ‘Ironheart’. She made her film debut in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ alongside Kiki Layne. Thorne is a rising star who is focused on her place in the superhero genre. She keeps her romantic life offline.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley is a vocal powerhouse best known for her role as Mercedes Jones on ‘Glee’. She won an Olivier Award for her performance in ‘Dreamgirls’ on the West End. Riley was previously engaged but the relationship ended before a wedding took place. She continues to release music and act in TV movies.

Lizzo

Lizzo is a four-time Grammy winner who has also acted in ‘Hustlers’ and her own reality show. She is a classically trained flutist who champions body positivity. Lizzo is currently in a relationship with Myke Wright. Despite their commitment, the couple is not married.

Susan Wokoma

Susan Wokoma is a British writer and actress known for ‘Enola Holmes’ and ‘Chewing Gum’. She has a background in comedy and often steals the show in supporting roles. Wokoma is very private about her life outside of the industry. She has never been reported to have a husband.

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