Black Actresses You Might Not Know Have Passed Away

The world of entertainment has been shaped by the incredible talents of Black women who broke barriers and defined generations of cinema and television. Many of these stars became household names while others worked tirelessly as character actors to bring depth to every role they inhabited. It is easy to lose track of time and miss the news when a beloved figure leaves us. This collection honors the legacies of these remarkable performers who are no longer with us. From pioneers of the Golden Age of Hollywood to sitcom icons of the 90s, their contributions continue to resonate with audiences today.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols broke major barriers in television history with her portrayal of Lieutenant Uhura in ‘Star Trek’. Her role as a communications officer on the bridge of the Enterprise was one of the first times a Black woman was cast in a position of authority on American TV. She famously considered leaving the show until Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged her to stay because of what her presence represented. Nichols later dedicated much of her life to recruiting women and minorities for NASA to ensure space exploration reflected the diversity of humanity.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a tour de force who refused to take roles that she felt demeaned Black women. She gained immense acclaim for her performance in ‘Sounder’ and her Emmy-winning turn in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Her career spanned decades and included memorable roles in ‘Roots’ and ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’. She continued working well into her nineties and earned new fans with her role in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Tyson passed away just days after releasing her memoir.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll shattered conventions when she starred in ‘Julia’ as the first Black woman to lead a TV sitcom in a non-stereotypical role. She later brought glamour and villainy to the primetime soap opera ‘Dynasty’ as the unforgettable Dominique Deveraux. Her stage work was equally impressive and she won a Tony Award for her performance in ‘No Strings’. Carroll paved the way for future generations of actresses by demanding roles that showcased sophistication and complexity.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt possessed a unique voice and stage presence that made her an international star in music and film. She is widely remembered as one of the most iconic performers to play Catwoman in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series. Her career faced challenges after she spoke out against the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon. She eventually made a triumphant return to Broadway and later found success voice acting in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a powerhouse actress and civil rights activist who often appeared alongside her husband Ossie Davis. Her career included significant roles in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’ where she brought dignity to every character. She received an Academy Award nomination later in life for her performance in ‘American Gangster’. Dee used her platform to fight for racial equality and opened doors for artists of color in the theater world.

Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle is best remembered for her no-nonsense portrayal of Florida Evans on the hit sitcoms ‘Maude’ and ‘Good Times’. She fought behind the scenes to ensure the show depicted the Black family dynamic with respect and realism. Her dramatic talents were also recognized with an Emmy Award for her role in the television movie ‘Summer of My German Soldier’. Rolle brought a sense of strength and maternal warmth to the screen that resonated with millions of viewers.

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford created one of the most enduring sitcom characters in history as Louise “Weezy” Jefferson on ‘The Jeffersons’. She made history in 1981 by becoming the first African American actress to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her comedic chemistry with Sherman Hemsley anchored the show for eleven successful seasons. Sanford continued to make guest appearances on television shows well into her later years.

Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker broke ground on television as Helen Willis in ‘The Jeffersons’ by being part of the first interracial couple shown on primetime TV. Her portrayal helped normalize interracial marriage for American audiences during a time when it was still controversial. She was an accomplished stage actress before moving to television and was also the mother of musician Lenny Kravitz. Roker remained active in the industry and community service until her passing.

Madge Sinclair

Madge Sinclair brought a regal presence to her roles in ‘Coming to America’ and the television miniseries ‘Roots’. She provided the voice for the Queen in the original animated classic ‘The Lion King’. Sinclair won a Primetime Emmy Award for her performance in the drama series ‘Gabriel’s Fire’. Her commanding voice and dignified demeanor made her a perfect fit for roles requiring authority and grace.

Ja’Net DuBois

Ja’Net DuBois was a vibrant force known for her role as the gossipy neighbor Willona Woods on ‘Good Times’. She also composed and sang “Movin’ On Up” which served as the iconic theme song for ‘The Jeffersons’. Her voice work earned her two Emmy Awards for the animated series ‘The PJs’. DuBois remained a beloved figure in Hollywood and frequently mentored young actors throughout her life.

Mary Alice

Mary Alice was a Tony and Emmy award-winning actress known for her quiet intensity and emotional depth. She replaced Gloria Foster as the Oracle in ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ and delivered a memorable performance. Fans of ‘A Different World’ remember her fondly as Leticia “Lettie” Bostic. Her work in the original Broadway production of ‘Fences’ set a high standard for the role of Rose Maxson.

Rosalind Cash

Rosalind Cash was a strong character actress who refused to play stereotypical roles throughout her career. She starred in the cult sci-fi classic ‘The Omega Man’ opposite Charlton Heston. Her television credits were extensive and included a significant run on the soap opera ‘General Hospital’. Cash was known for her integrity and her ability to bring intelligence to every script she accepted.

Beah Richards

Beah Richards was a poet and playwright as well as a celebrated actress who received an Oscar nomination for ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. She often played matriarchal figures who offered wisdom and guidance to the protagonists. Her performance as the mother in the 1998 film ‘Beloved’ was one of her final and most poignant roles. Richards was a dedicated activist who used her art to address social justice issues.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel holds a permanent place in history as the first African American to win an Academy Award. She won Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’ despite being segregated from her co-stars at the ceremony. Her career was restricted by the racial prejudices of the era but she opened the door for everyone who followed. McDaniel was also a talented radio performer and singer before her film career took off.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was a dazzling talent who became the first African American woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her performance in ‘Carmen Jones’ showcased her singing and acting abilities to a global audience. Despite her immense talent she struggled to find roles that matched her status in a segregated Hollywood. Her tragic life and career have since been the subject of numerous biopics and tributes.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters began her career as a blues singer before transitioning into a highly successful acting career. She was the first African American to star in her own television show and the first to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Waters received critical acclaim for her work in the film ‘Pinky’ and the play ‘The Member of the Wedding’. Her contributions bridged the gap between the Harlem Renaissance and mainstream Hollywood entertainment.

Butterfly McQueen

Butterfly McQueen is most famous for her role as Prissy in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She possessed a distinctive high-pitched voice that often led to her being cast in maid roles which she resented. McQueen eventually left Hollywood to pursue other interests and dedicated much of her life to community service. She passed away following a tragic accident in her home.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a legendary entertainer who refused to play roles that depicted Black women as subservient. She was the first Black performer to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. Her signature song “Stormy Weather” became synonymous with her sophisticated persona. Horne was an active participant in the civil rights movement and attended the March on Washington.

Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey was a beloved singer and actress who won a Tony Award for the all-Black production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’. She hosted her own variety show on television and was a frequent guest on talk shows. Bailey was appointed as a “special ambassador of love” by President Richard Nixon. Her warmth and humor made her a favorite among audiences for decades.

Della Reese

Della Reese began as a gospel and jazz singer before finding massive success as a television actress. She is best known to modern audiences as the wise angel Tess on the long-running series ‘Touched by an Angel’. Her chemistry with co-star Roma Downey was the heart of the show for nine seasons. Reese was also an ordained minister and brought her spiritual depth to her acting work.

Clarice Taylor

Clarice Taylor is instantly recognizable to sitcom fans as Anna Huxtable from ‘The Cosby Show’. She played the mother of Dr. Cliff Huxtable and brought a wonderful mix of humor and wisdom to the role. Taylor also had a recurring role on ‘Sesame Street’ as the grandmother of the character David. She was a dedicated stage actress who toured with the Negro Ensemble Company.

Virginia Capers

Virginia Capers won a Tony Award for her portrayal of the matriarch in the Broadway musical ‘Raisin’. She appeared in numerous films including ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ as the nurse. Capers founded the Lafayette Players West to help give African American performers more opportunities in Los Angeles. Her commanding voice made her a sought-after character actress.

Mabel King

Mabel King was a larger-than-life presence known for her role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the movie ‘The Wiz’. She also played the mother on the sitcom ‘What’s Happening!!’ where she famously coined the catchphrase regarding her son’s behavior. Her background in gospel music gave her a powerful singing voice that she used in stage productions. King passed away in 1999 after a long battle with diabetes.

Shirley Hemphill

Shirley Hemphill was a stand-up comedian who found fame as the waitress Shirley Wilson on ‘What’s Happening!!’. Her brash humor and quick wit made her a breakout star of the show. She later starred in her own sitcom ‘One in a Million’ and made appearances on various other programs. Hemphill was a regular performer at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles throughout her career.

Yvette Wilson

Yvette Wilson is fondly remembered as Andell Wilkerson from the sitcom ‘Moesha’ and its spin-off ‘The Parkers’. She brought a relatable and down-to-earth energy to the role of the best friend and lounge owner. Wilson started her career as a stand-up comedian and appeared in movies like ‘Friday’. She passed away at a young age after battling cervical cancer.

Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas played the memorable role of Myra Monkhouse on the hit sitcom ‘Family Matters’. She was also known for her role as Justine Phillips on ‘The Cosby Show’. Thomas was a rising star with immense potential when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She passed away in 1998 at the age of 30 surrounded by her family and friends.

Denise Dowse

Denise Dowse was a prolific character actress best known for playing Vice Principal Mrs. Teasley on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’. She also had a recurring role as Judge Rebecca Damsen on the drama ‘The Guardian’. Dowse was a respected director in the theater community and worked tirelessly to mentor young actors. Her face was familiar to TV viewers due to her hundreds of guest appearances.

Paula Kelly

Paula Kelly was an accomplished dancer and actress who appeared in the film version of ‘Sweet Charity’. She earned an Emmy nomination for her role on the sitcom ‘Night Court’. Kelly posed for Playboy in a pictorial that she described as a celebration of her body and art. Her work often fused her dance background with dramatic acting.

Gloria Foster

Gloria Foster delivered a mesmerizing performance as the Oracle in the first two ‘The Matrix’ films. She was a highly respected stage actress who won three Obie Awards during her career. Her commanding presence and distinct voice made her performances unforgettable. Foster passed away from complications of diabetes before she could complete her role in the third Matrix film.

Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore received an Academy Award nomination for her heartbreaking performance in the 1959 version of ‘Imitation of Life’. Her role as a mother whose light-skinned daughter rejects her is considered one of the most emotional performances in film history. Moore continued to work in film and television for decades after her Oscar nod. She was a trailblazer who proved Black actresses could handle heavy dramatic material.

Fredi Washington

Fredi Washington was a pioneering actress during the Harlem Renaissance who famously starred in the original ‘Imitation of Life’ in 1934. Her light complexion often caused casting difficulties as she was considered too light for some Black roles and refused to pass as white. She became a civil rights activist and was one of the founders of the Negro Actors Guild. Washington eventually left Hollywood to focus on journalism and advocacy.

Theresa Merritt

Theresa Merritt starred in the television adaptation of ‘That’s My Mama’ in the 1970s. She received a Tony nomination for her performance in August Wilson’s ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Her career spanned film, television, and the stage where she was known for her powerful vocal delivery. Merritt often played motherly figures with a tough but loving exterior.

Vonetta McGee

Vonetta McGee was a leading lady of the blaxploitation era who starred in ‘Blacula’ and ‘Shaft in Africa’. She worked alongside Clint Eastwood in ‘The Eiger Sanction’ and was known for her beauty and screen presence. McGee later had a recurring role on ‘L.A. Law’ as the wife of a major character. She was married to actor Carl Lumbly until her passing.

Suzzanne Douglas

Suzzanne Douglas starred as the matriarch in the WB sitcom ‘The Parent ‘Hood’ alongside Robert Townsend. She gave a critically acclaimed performance in the film ‘Tap’ with Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr. Douglas was also a talented jazz vocalist and an advocate for the arts in education. She passed away in 2021 after a battle with cancer.

Marion Ramsey

Marion Ramsey delighted audiences with her soft-spoken voice that could turn into a roar as Officer Laverne Hooks in the ‘Police Academy’ movies. She was a Broadway veteran who starred in the original production of ‘Eubie!’. Ramsey was a dedicated HIV/AIDS activist and frequently performed in charity benefits. Her comedic timing and vocal talents made her a standout in the ensemble cast.

Lynne Thigpen

Lynne Thigpen was a familiar face to children of the 90s as “The Chief” on the game show ‘Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?’. She won a Tony Award for her role in ‘An American Daughter’ and had a major role in the drama series ‘The District’. Her deep and authoritative voice made her perfect for roles requiring leadership. Thigpen died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage in 2003.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera rose to fame as Santana Lopez on the musical comedy-drama series ‘Glee’. Her character’s journey as an Afro-Latina navigating her identity resonated with millions of fans worldwide. Rivera was a talented singer and dancer who received numerous award nominations for her work. Her tragic death in a boating accident at a young age shocked the entertainment world.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is primarily known as one of the greatest singers of all time but she also had a successful acting career. She starred in the massive blockbuster ‘The Bodyguard’ and produced family favorites like ‘The Princess Diaries’. Her performance in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ showcased her ability to handle ensemble comedy and drama. Houston remains a cultural icon whose influence crosses all mediums of entertainment.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah was a rising superstar in both music and film before her untimely death in a plane crash. She starred in the action film ‘Romeo Must Die’ and played the title role in ‘Queen of the Damned’. Casting directors had lined her up for major roles in the ‘Matrix’ sequels which demonstrated her potential as an action star. Her legacy continues to influence fashion and music decades later.

Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole was a legendary singer who also appeared in various television shows and films. She acted in the biopic ‘Livin’ for Love: The Natalie Cole Story’ where she portrayed herself. Her guest appearances on shows like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ demonstrated her range as a performer. Cole passed away in 2015 leaving behind a rich musical and artistic legacy.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul but she also made one of the most memorable cameos in film history in ‘The Blues Brothers’. She reprised the role in the sequel and appeared in various television specials throughout her career. While music was her primary focus her charisma on screen was undeniable. Franklin’s cultural impact earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a world-renowned poet and author who also had a significant acting career. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in ‘Look Away’ and appeared in the miniseries ‘Roots’. Angelou directed the film ‘Down in the Delta’ later in her career. Her voice and presence commanded attention in every medium she touched.

Tara Correa-McMullen

Tara Correa-McMullen showed immense promise as a recurring character on the TV drama ‘Judging Amy’. She played a gang member in the show which tragically mirrored the circumstances of her real-life death. The young actress was killed in a shooting incident at the age of 16. Her potential was cut short just as her career was beginning to gain traction.

Please let us know in the comments which of these talented women you remember most fondly or if there are others who should be honored.