African-American Actors Who Were Everywhere in the 2010s

The 2010s marked a transformative era for African-American actors in Hollywood, characterized by a surge in leading roles and unprecedented critical recognition. From the expansion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the rise of prestige television on streaming platforms, these performers became ubiquitous faces on screens large and small. This decade saw a significant shift in storytelling, allowing for more nuanced and diverse portrayals of the Black experience across every major genre.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan emerged as a powerhouse leading man during the 2010s, beginning with his breakout performance in the 2013 drama ‘Fruitvale Station’. He became a global star by leading the ‘Creed’ franchise, where he portrayed the son of the legendary Apollo Creed. In 2018, his role as the antagonist Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’ received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and complexity. He also ventured into production and starred in the legal biopic ‘Just Mercy’ at the end of the decade.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman became a cultural icon in the 2010s through his portrayal of T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He first appeared in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ before starring in the 2018 phenomenon ‘Black Panther’, which became a milestone for representation. Beyond superhero roles, Boseman specialized in playing historical figures, including Jackie Robinson in ’42’ and James Brown in ‘Get on Up’. He also portrayed Thurgood Marshall in the 2017 legal drama ‘Marshall’.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali achieved historic success in the 2010s, becoming the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award for acting. He earned his first Oscar for his supporting role in the 2016 film ‘Moonlight’ and a second for 2018’s ‘Green Book’. On television, he was a central figure in the early seasons of ‘House of Cards’ and led the third season of ‘True Detective’. His presence was also felt in major franchises like ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’ and ‘Alita: Battle Angel’.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown became a dominant force on television throughout the 2010s, earning multiple Emmy Awards. He gained significant attention for his portrayal of Christopher Darden in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. This success was followed by his starring role as Randall Pearson on the long-running NBC drama ‘This Is Us’. On the big screen, he appeared in high-profile projects such as ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Waves’.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie spent much of the 2010s as a key member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, debuting as Sam Wilson in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. He appeared in numerous sequels, eventually assuming the mantle of Captain America by the decade’s end. Outside of the MCU, he starred in the 2017 historical drama ‘Detroit’ and the science fiction film ‘IO’. He also took on a lead role in the second season of the Netflix series ‘Altered Carbon’.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield became one of the most versatile actors of the decade after debuting in ‘Short Term 12’. He gained mainstream popularity for his eccentric role as Darius on the FX series ‘Atlanta’. Stanfield appeared in several of the decade’s most significant films, including ‘Get Out’, ‘Sorry to Bother You’, and ‘Uncut Gems’. His ability to navigate between surreal comedy and intense drama made him a frequent presence in independent cinema.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, balanced a massive music career with a prolific acting schedule in the 2010s. He created and starred in the critically acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’, which won him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. On the big screen, he played a young Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ and voiced Simba in the 2019 remake of ‘The Lion King’. He also had a notable appearance in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and ‘The Martian’.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart transitioned from a successful stand-up comedian to one of the highest-grossing movie stars of the 2010s. He starred in a string of commercial hits including ‘Ride Along’, ‘Get Hard’, and ‘Central Intelligence’. His box office dominance continued with the revival of the ‘Jumanji’ franchise, where he played Franklin “Mouse” Finbar. Hart’s comedic energy made him a staple of the decade’s buddy-cop and ensemble comedy genres.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx maintained a high level of visibility in the 2010s, beginning with his lead role in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’. He portrayed the villain Electro in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ and starred in the action thriller ‘White House Down’. Foxx also explored dramatic territory in ‘Just Mercy’ alongside Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, he became a familiar face on television as the host of the game show ‘Beat Shazam’.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington continued his run as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors with several major roles in the 2010s. He earned Academy Award nominations for his performances in ‘Flight’, ‘Fences’, and ‘Roman J. Israel, Esq.’. He also found commercial success leading the action-packed ‘The Equalizer’ and its sequel. Washington directed ‘Fences’ as well, bringing the August Wilson play to a global cinematic audience.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson remained one of the most prolific actors in the world during the 2010s, largely due to his role as Nick Fury. He appeared in nearly every major installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe throughout the decade. Jackson also continued his collaboration with Quentin Tarantino in ‘The Hateful Eight’ and ‘Django Unchained’. His voice work and frequent appearances in action films like ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’ kept him constantly in the public eye.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker appeared in several of the decade’s most important cultural milestones, including ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’. He joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as Saw Gerrera in ‘Rogue One’ and played the elder statesman Zuri in ‘Black Panther’. Whitaker also took on a leading role in the television series ‘Godfather of Harlem’ as Bumpy Johnson. His work in the 2010s often focused on authoritative and historical figures.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle spent the 2010s playing Colonel James Rhodes, also known as War Machine, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. On the television side, he starred as Marty Kaan in the dark comedy ‘House of Lies’ for five seasons. He also portrayed jazz legend Miles Davis in the 2015 biographical film ‘Miles Ahead’, which he also directed. Cheadle ended the decade with a lead role in the 1980s-set comedy series ‘Black Monday’.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry rose to prominence mid-decade with his role as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles on ‘Atlanta’. This breakout led to a flurry of roles in major films like ‘Widows’, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and ‘Joker’. He also provided the voice for Jefferson Davis in the animated hit ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. Henry’s rapid ascent made him one of the most sought-after character actors of the late 2010s.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke became an overnight sensation for his portrayal of M’Baku in the 2018 film ‘Black Panther’. He reprised the role in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, cementing his place in the MCU. In 2019, he took on a dual lead role in Jordan Peele’s horror hit ‘Us’. His physical presence and comedic timing quickly established him as a rising star in the latter half of the decade.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II began his rapid rise to stardom with a role in the Netflix musical drama ‘The Get Down’. He quickly transitioned to blockbusters, playing the villain Black Manta in 2018’s ‘Aquaman’. In 2019, he delivered an Emmy-winning performance as Cal Abar in the HBO limited series ‘Watchmen’. He also appeared in major films like ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Us’ during this period.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Dre in the 2015 biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’. He followed this success with a lead role in the action series ’24: Legacy’, taking over the franchise’s mantle. Hawkins appeared in blockbusters like ‘Kong: Skull Island’ and the action-thriller ‘6 Underground’. He also maintained a presence in prestigious theater and film adaptations like ‘BlacKkKlansman’.

O’Shea Jackson Jr.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. made a massive debut playing his own father, Ice Cube, in the 2015 hit ‘Straight Outta Compton’. He proved his range by starring in the indie dark comedy ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and the heist thriller ‘Den of Thieves’. In 2019, he joined the ‘Godzilla’ franchise in ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ and appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Long Shot’. His work in the 2010s established him as a versatile talent beyond his famous lineage.

Trevante Rhodes

Trevante Rhodes became a breakout star following his performance as the adult Chiron in the Oscar-winning film ‘Moonlight’. This role led to high-profile parts in the Netflix thriller ‘Bird Box’ and the action film ‘The Predator’. He also starred in the war drama ’12 Strong’ and appeared in several prominent fashion campaigns. Rhodes was frequently praised for his intense screen presence and physical transformations.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright was a constant presence in both film and television during the 2010s, most notably as Bernard Lowe in ‘Westworld’. He played the role of Beetee in ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise, appearing in three of the four films. On the big screen, he also appeared in ‘The Goldfinch’ and provided voice work for ‘The Good Dinosaur’. Wright’s reputation for intellectual and complex characters remained strong throughout the decade.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito experienced a career resurgence in the 2010s, largely due to his iconic role as Gus Fring in ‘Breaking Bad’. He reprised this role in the prequel series ‘Better Call Saul’, further developing the character’s backstory. Esposito also appeared in the ‘Maze Runner’ film series and the live-action ‘The Jungle Book’. By the end of the decade, he joined ‘The Mandalorian’ as the formidable Moff Gideon.

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael K. Williams continued to be a staple of prestige television in the 2010s following his success on ‘The Wire’. He starred as Chalky White in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and delivered a powerful performance in the limited series ‘The Night Of’. In 2019, he received critical acclaim for his role in ‘When They See Us’, depicting the father of one of the Central Park Five. He also appeared in films such as ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Assassin’s Creed’.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was a prolific actor throughout the 2010s, often playing authoritative and stoic figures. He was a central cast member of the science fiction series ‘Fringe’ and later starred in the long-running police drama ‘Bosch’. Reddick also became synonymous with the ‘John Wick’ franchise, playing the hotel concierge Charon in every installment. His distinct voice and commanding presence made him a favorite in both live-action and voice roles.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher spent nearly the entire 2010s starring as Captain Raymond Holt in the comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. His deadpan delivery and comedic timing earned him multiple Emmy nominations and turned the character into a fan favorite. Before this, he starred in the drama ‘Men of a Certain Age’ early in the decade. Braugher’s work during this period showcased his ability to excel in both high-stakes drama and ensemble comedy.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews was an omnipresent figure in 2010s entertainment, balancing acting with hosting duties. He starred as Sergeant Terry Jeffords on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ for the duration of the decade. Crews also appeared in the ‘Expendables’ action franchise and had a memorable role in ‘Deadpool 2’. Additionally, he became the host of ‘America’s Got Talent’, further increasing his visibility to a broad audience.

Mike Colter

Mike Colter became a central figure in the Marvel television universe by playing the titular character in ‘Luke Cage’. He first appeared as the character in ‘Jessica Jones’ before leading his own series and the crossover event ‘The Defenders’. Colter also had recurring roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and its spin-off ‘The Good Fight’. At the end of the decade, he began starring in the supernatural drama series ‘Evil’.

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams was a mainstay on television throughout the 2010s for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Beyond his work on the long-running medical drama, he appeared in the horror film ‘The Cabin in the Woods’. Williams was also highly visible as an activist, receiving the BET Humanitarian Award in 2016. He provided the voice and motion capture for the lead character in the 2018 video game ‘Detroit: Become Human’.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick gained immense popularity in the 2010s as the lead character James “Ghost” St. Patrick in the Starz series ‘Power’. The show became a massive hit, running for six seasons and spawning an entire television universe. Hardwick also appeared in films such as ‘For Colored Girls’ and the science fiction film ‘Sorry to Bother You’. His performance in ‘Power’ made him one of the most recognizable faces on cable television.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard spent a large portion of the 2010s starring as Lucious Lyon in the musical drama ‘Empire’. The show was a cultural phenomenon during its early seasons, making Howard a central figure in network television. He also appeared in the thriller ‘Prisoners’ and the 2013 film ‘The Best Man Holiday’. Howard’s role in ‘Empire’ defined his career during this decade, earning him several award nominations.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter became a breakout star in the late 2010s for his role as Pray Tell on the FX series ‘Pose’. His performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019. Porter was also a major presence on Broadway before his television success, winning a Tony for ‘Kinky Boots’. His red carpet appearances and advocacy made him a prominent cultural figure toward the decade’s end.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo was a versatile character actor throughout the 2010s, appearing in several critically acclaimed films. He had roles in ‘Lincoln’, ‘Selma’, and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, often playing complex supporting characters. On television, he became well known for his role as Victor Strand in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. Domingo also appeared in the 2016 film ‘The Birth of a Nation’ and the HBO series ‘Euphoria’.

Keith David

Keith David maintained a steady presence in the 2010s through a combination of live-action roles and voice work. He starred in the series ‘Greenleaf’ as Bishop James Greenleaf and had a memorable recurring role in the final season of ‘Community’. His voice was heard in numerous animated projects and documentaries, as well as the ‘Halo’ video game series. David’s long career continued to thrive with roles in films like ‘Cloud Atlas’.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne remained a heavy hitter in the 2010s, appearing in major film franchises and television hits. He played Perry White in ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. On television, he starred in the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ and the psychological thriller ‘Hannibal’. He also joined the ‘John Wick’ franchise as the Bowery King, appearing in the second and third chapters.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance delivered one of the most acclaimed television performances of the decade in 2016. He won an Emmy for portraying Johnnie Cochran in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Vance also appeared in films such as ‘Terminator Genisys’ and ‘The Mummy’ during this period. His late-decade work included a role in the film ‘Ben Is Back’ and voice work for ‘Isle of Dogs’.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs was a consistent face on television in the 2010s, beginning the decade on ‘Private Practice’. He later took on the lead role in the detective drama ‘Murder in the First’. In the latter half of the decade, he began starring as Billy Baker in the sports drama ‘All American’. Diggs also reprised his famous role in ‘The Best Man Holiday’ in 2013.

Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut appeared in several television series and films during the 2010s, often as a romantic or professional lead. He starred in the medical procedural ‘Rosewood’ and had a recurring role in ‘Goliath’. On the big screen, he was a central part of the ensemble cast in ‘The Best Man Holiday’. He also appeared in the thriller ‘The Perfect Guy’ and the action film ‘Heist’.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore continued his long run on ‘Criminal Minds’ as Derek Morgan for much of the 2010s. After leaving the series in 2016, he quickly transitioned to another lead role in the action drama ‘S.W.A.T.’. Moore remained one of the most recognizable stars on procedural television throughout the decade. He also provided the voice for Cyborg in several DC animated movies.

Blair Underwood

Blair Underwood maintained a high level of activity in the 2010s across various television genres. He had major roles in ‘The Event’, ‘Ironside’, and the thriller series ‘Quantico’. Underwood also appeared in the Netflix miniseries ‘When They See Us’ as attorney Bobby Burns. His consistent work in both network and streaming projects made him a familiar presence for television audiences.

Common

Common, the rapper and actor, appeared in numerous action and drama films throughout the 2010s. He had a notable role in the 2014 civil rights film ‘Selma’, for which he also won an Oscar for the song ‘Glory’. He appeared as a villain in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and had a role in ‘Suicide Squad’. Common also starred in the western series ‘Hell on Wheels’ for several seasons.

Ludacris

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges was a staple of the 2010s blockbuster scene, primarily through the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. He appeared as Tej Parker in ‘Fast Five’, ‘Fast & Furious 6’, ‘Furious 7’, and ‘The Fate of the Furious’. Outside of the high-octane franchise, he appeared in the romantic comedy ‘New Year’s Eve’. He also served as the host for the revival of the reality show ‘Fear Factor’.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson was another key member of the ‘Fast & Furious’ ensemble, appearing in all the decade’s installments as Roman Pearce. He also continued his role in the ‘Transformers’ franchise with ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’. Gibson released a series of successful R&B albums during this time while maintaining his film career. His comedic chemistry with his co-stars made him a highlight of the decade’s action cinema.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube had a very successful decade as both an actor and a producer. He starred in the ’21 Jump Street’ films as Captain Dickson and led the ‘Ride Along’ franchise alongside Kevin Hart. As a producer, he was instrumental in the success of the 2015 biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’. He also appeared in ‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’, reprising his role as Calvin Palmer.

Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams moved from child stardom into adult roles during the 2010s. He gained significant attention for his role as Noah in the fifth season of ‘The Walking Dead’. He also starred in the 2014 satirical film ‘Dear White People’ and the series ‘Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders’. Williams ended the decade with a lead role in the action-comedy series ‘Whiskey Cavalier’.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan-Michael Key became a comedic superstar in the 2010s, primarily through the sketch show ‘Key & Peele’. The show’s success led to numerous film roles, including ‘Keanu’ and ‘The Disaster Artist’. Key also appeared in ‘The Predator’ and provided voice work for ‘Toy Story 4’ and ‘The Lion King’. His ability to transform into various characters made him a constant presence in comedy.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs rose to fame mid-decade with his dual role in the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’. He quickly transitioned to screen work, appearing in the film ‘Wonder’ and the series ‘Black-ish’. In 2018, he wrote, produced, and starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘Blindspotting’. By the end of the decade, he was cast as the lead in the television adaptation of ‘Snowpiercer’.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. gained international recognition for his Tony-winning portrayal of Aaron Burr in ‘Hamilton’. Following this success, he appeared in the 2017 remake of ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. He also starred in the 2019 biopic ‘Harriet’ alongside Cynthia Erivo. Odom Jr. balanced his acting career with a successful recording career throughout the latter half of the decade.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome became a breakout star with his performance in the 2016 Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’. He followed this with a transformative role as Korey Wise in the 2019 miniseries ‘When They See Us’. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award, making him the first Afro-Latino to win for acting. Jerome’s work in the 2010s was noted for its emotional vulnerability and intensity.

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore gained critical notice for his lead role in the 2015 indie film ‘Dope’. He became a major star by providing the voice for Miles Morales in the 2018 animated hit ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. On television, he starred in the Netflix series ‘The Get Down’ and the Hulu series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’. Moore’s career in the 2010s was defined by his association with innovative and musical storytelling.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin became a household name as a child actor in 2016 for his role as Lucas Sinclair on ‘Stranger Things’. The show became one of the decade’s biggest streaming hits, keeping him in the spotlight for several years. He also appeared in the miniseries ‘The New Edition Story’ as a young Ricky Bell. McLaughlin represented the rise of a new generation of Black talent during the 2010s.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson spent the majority of the 2010s starring as Andre “Dre” Johnson on the ABC sitcom ‘Black-ish’. The show was a significant hit, known for tackling social and racial issues through a comedic lens. Anderson received multiple Emmy nominations for his role and became a staple of network television. He also hosted the game show ‘To Tell the Truth’ and appeared in several films early in the decade.

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