The Best Black Actors in History of TV

Television history has been profoundly shaped by the contributions of Black male actors who have delivered some of the most memorable and influential performances on screen. These performers have broken racial barriers and expanded the possibilities for representation across every genre from procedural dramas to groundbreaking sitcoms. Their work has earned numerous awards and set new standards for excellence in the medium of television. This list celebrates fifty of the most impactful actors whose careers have defined the landscape of TV over many decades.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in the gritty police drama ‘Homicide Life on the Street’. He later showcased his incredible comedic range as the stoic Captain Raymond Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. Throughout his career he received multiple Emmy Awards and nominations for his work in both drama and comedy. Braugher was known for his powerful voice and a presence that commanded every scene he entered.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones is widely recognized for his powerful voice and commanding stage and screen presence. On television he delivered a standout performance in the miniseries ‘Roots’ as the older Alex Haley. He also starred in the drama series ‘Gabriels Fire’ where he played a former policeman seeking justice. Throughout his career he garnered numerous accolades for his work in various television specials and series.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman began his rise to stardom with a notable stint on the educational children’s show ‘The Electric Company’. On that program he played several characters including Easy Reader which helped him gain national visibility. While he is primarily known for his film work his early television roles provided a strong foundation for his legendary career. His distinct voice and calm demeanor made him a household name long before his Oscar winning roles.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington rose to prominence as Dr Chandler in the medical drama ‘St Elsewhere’. This role allowed him to showcase his talent for six seasons before he became a major movie star. His performance on the show was praised for its intelligence and charisma in a diverse ensemble cast. Washington is often cited as one of the greatest actors who transitioned successfully from a regular television role to global cinematic superstardom.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne has maintained a strong presence on television throughout his long and successful career. He played the lead role in the crime drama ‘CSI Crime Scene Investigation’ and delivered a chilling performance as Dr Hannibal Lecter in the series ‘Hannibal’. He also starred in the sitcom ‘Blackish’ as the family patriarch Pops. His ability to move between intense drama and family comedy demonstrates his remarkable versatility as an actor.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba gained international fame for his portrayal of the complex drug kingpin Stringer Bell in ‘The Wire’. He continued his television success with the lead role in the British crime drama ‘Luther’ where he played a brilliant but troubled detective. His performance in ‘Luther’ earned him a Golden Globe Award and solidified his status as a leading man. Elba remains one of the most sought after actors in both television and film today.

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael K Williams delivered one of the most iconic performances in television history as Omar Little in ‘The Wire’. His portrayal of the complex and principled character was praised for its depth and authenticity. He later starred as Chalky White in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and earned critical acclaim for his work in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’. Williams was celebrated for his ability to bring humanity to marginalized characters.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito is best known for his chilling portrayal of Gus Fring in the acclaimed series ‘Breaking Bad’. He reprised this role in the prequel ‘Better Call Saul’ earning multiple award nominations for his performance. Esposito has also appeared in other major television projects including ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Boys’. His precision and intensity have made him one of the most recognizable villains in modern television.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K Brown became a household name for his role as Randall Pearson in the hit drama ‘This Is Us’. He earned multiple Emmy Awards for his work on the show as well as for his portrayal of Christopher Darden in ‘The People v OJ Simpson’. Brown is known for his incredible emotional range and his ability to deliver deeply moving performances. He continues to be a prominent figure in prestige television dramas.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover is a multi talented artist who created and starred in the critically acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’. He first gained popularity on television as Troy Barnes in the comedy series ‘Community’. In ‘Atlanta’ he explored surrealism and social issues while earning multiple Emmy Awards for acting and directing. Glover is recognized for his unique creative vision and his ability to blend different genres seamlessly.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter delivered a groundbreaking performance as Pray Tell in the drama series ‘Pose’. His work on the show earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Porter is celebrated for his powerful acting and his impact on representation for the LGBTQ community on television. He has also appeared in other television projects including ‘American Horror Story’ where he displayed his dramatic range.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B Vance is highly respected for his work in both television movies and regular series. He won an Emmy Award for his compelling portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in ‘The People v OJ Simpson’. Vance also starred for several seasons in ‘Law and Order Criminal Intent’ as Assistant District Attorney Ron Carver. His commanding delivery and intellectual approach to his roles have made him a staple of dramatic television.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle has enjoyed a prolific television career alongside his success in film. He starred as Marty Kaan in the comedy drama ‘House of Lies’ for which he received several award nominations. He also led the cast of ‘Black Monday’ where he played a high stakes trader in the eighties. Cheadle is known for his sharp wit and his ability to lead complex character driven series.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker brought his immense talent to the small screen with roles in shows like ‘The Shield’ and ‘Godfather of Harlem’. In ‘Godfather of Harlem’ he portrays the legendary crime boss Bumpy Johnson with quiet intensity. His presence on television has always been marked by a high level of gravitas and commitment to his characters. Whitaker remains one of the most prestigious actors to work regularly in television dramas.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali delivered standout performances in television series before winning multiple Academy Awards for his film work. He played the manipulative Remy Danton in ‘House of Cards’ and the villainous Cornell Stokes in ‘Luke Cage’. He also led the third season of ‘True Detective’ as a detective dealing with memory loss. Ali is praised for his subtle and nuanced acting style which brings great depth to his television roles.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome made a massive impact with his role in the limited series ‘When They See Us’. He won an Emmy Award for his heart wrenching portrayal of Korey Wise in the acclaimed project. His performance was widely regarded as one of the best of the year and brought him international recognition. Jerome has continued to seek out challenging and socially relevant roles in television.

David Harewood

David Harewood is a British actor who gained significant fame in American television for his role in ‘Homeland’. He played David Estes the Director of the CIA Counterterrorism Center with great authority. He later became a fan favorite for his dual role as J’onn J’onzz and Hank Henshaw in the series ‘Supergirl’. Harewood is known for his versatility and his ability to anchor major genre television shows.

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce is best known for his role as Detective Bunk Moreland in the classic series ‘The Wire’. He followed this with a lead role in ‘Treme’ where he played a trombonist in post Katrina New Orleans. Pierce also appeared in ‘Suits’ as a powerful attorney and in the series ‘Jack Ryan’. He is celebrated for his authentic performances and his deep connection to the characters he portrays.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was a mainstay of prestigious television dramas known for his stoic and professional characters. He played Cedric Daniels in ‘The Wire’ and Phillip Broyles in the science fiction series ‘Fringe’. Later in his career he starred as Chief Irvin Irving in ‘Bosch’ and appeared in the ‘Resident Evil’ series. Reddick was highly respected for his consistent excellence and his ability to bring weight to every role.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright has delivered numerous powerful performances in television throughout his distinguished career. He won an Emmy Award for his role in the miniseries ‘Angels in America’ and starred in the HBO series ‘Boardwalk Empire’. He later gained even more acclaim for his complex role as Bernard Lowe in the science fiction drama ‘Westworld’. Wright is known for his intellectual depth and his precise acting style.

Keith David

Keith David is a prolific actor with a career spanning decades of television and film work. He starred in the series ‘Greenleaf’ as Bishop James Greenleaf and had a memorable role in the final season of ‘Community’. His deep and resonant voice has also made him a legendary figure in television narration and voice acting. David is recognized for his ability to play both authoritative figures and comedic characters with ease.

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton became a cultural icon through his roles in ‘Roots’ and ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’. He played the young Kunta Kinte in ‘Roots’ and the engineer Geordi La Forge in the long running science fiction series. He also hosted and produced ‘Reading Rainbow’ for over twenty years earning numerous awards for educational programming. Burton is widely respected for his lifelong commitment to storytelling and education through television.

Sherman Hemsley

Sherman Hemsley became a television legend for his portrayal of George Jefferson in ‘The Jeffersons’. His energetic and comedic performance made the character one of the most recognizable figures in sitcom history. He later starred in the sitcom ‘Amen’ as Deacon Ernest Frye where he continued to entertain audiences. Hemsley is remembered for his unique physical comedy and his ability to lead a successful long running series.

Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx was a pioneer of television comedy known for his lead role in ‘Sanford and Son’. His portrayal of Fred Sanford was groundbreaking and helped pave the way for future Black sitcoms. Foxx was a legendary stand up comedian who brought his sharp wit and timing to the small screen. His influence on the genre of television comedy remains significant many decades after his show first aired.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume gained fame for his role as the sharp tongued butler Benson DuBois on the sitcom ‘Soap’. The character was so popular that it led to the successful spin off series ‘Benson’ where the character entered politics. Guillaume won Emmy Awards for his work on both shows and later voiced Rafiki in ‘The Lion King’ projects. He also had a notable role in the drama series ‘Sports Night’ showcasing his range beyond comedy.

Avery Brooks

Avery Brooks made television history as Captain Benjamin Sisko in ‘Star Trek Deep Space Nine’. He was the first Black actor to lead a ‘Star Trek’ series and his performance was praised for its depth and leadership. Before this he was well known for his role as Hawk in ‘Spenser For Hire’ and its spin off ‘A Man Called Hawk’. Brooks is also a respected stage actor and educator who brought great gravitas to his television work.

Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Kotto was a powerful presence on television most notably in the series ‘Homicide Life on the Street’. He played Lieutenant Al Giardello providing a strong and moral leadership to the ensemble cast. Kotto had a long career in film before becoming a regular on television where his dramatic intensity was highly valued. He is remembered as one of the most formidable actors of his generation.

Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman has had a long and varied career in television starting with his role in ‘Peyton Place’. He became well known to a new generation for his role as Colonel Taylor in ‘A Different World’ and later appeared in ‘The Wire’. More recently he earned acclaim for his work in ‘Women of the Movement’ and ‘In Treatment’. Turman is celebrated for his longevity and his consistent ability to deliver high quality performances.

Lennie James

Lennie James is a British actor who became a major star in American television through his role as Morgan Jones in ‘The Walking Dead’. He later moved to the spin off series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ where he continued to lead the cast. He also starred in the acclaimed British series ‘Line of Duty’ and created the show ‘Save Me’. James is known for his intense and emotional acting style that resonates with audiences.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo has delivered several prestigious performances in television movies and limited series. He starred in the miniseries ‘Les Miserables’ as Javert and played the lead in ‘Lawmen Bass Reeves’. His work often focuses on historical or complex dramatic figures and he is known for his immense dedication to his craft. Oyelowo is considered one of the most talented actors working in the industry today.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has become a prominent figure in television with his role as Victor Strand in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He also won an Emmy Award for his guest performance in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Domingo is known for his charismatic screen presence and his ability to play complex and often morally ambiguous characters. His work spans across stage and screen making him a versatile and respected performer.

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo is a veteran actor who has delivered powerful performances in various television projects. He starred in the legal drama ‘The Good Fight’ as Adrian Boseman where he received critical praise. Lindo has also appeared in several television movies and limited series throughout his long career. His commanding voice and intense acting style make him a standout in every project he joins.

Clarke Peters

Clarke Peters is widely recognized for his role as Lester Freamon in the acclaimed series ‘The Wire’. He also had a major role in ‘Treme’ where he explored the culture of New Orleans as a Big Chief. Peters has appeared in many other series including ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘His Dark Materials’. He is known for his understated yet powerful performances and his ability to bring wisdom to his characters.

Reg E. Cathey

Reg E Cathey was a respected character actor known for his deep voice and soulful performances. He played Norman Wilson in ‘The Wire’ and Freddy Hayes in ‘House of Cards’ for which he won an Emmy Award. Cathey also appeared in the series ‘The Knick’ and ‘Luke Cage’ where he delivered memorable turns. He was highly regarded by his peers for his professionalism and the warmth he brought to his roles.

Michael Boatman

Michael Boatman became a familiar face on television through his roles in ‘China Beach’ and the sitcom ‘Spin City’. In ‘Spin City’ he played Carter Heywood and was praised for his portrayal of an openly gay Black man in a major comedy. He later had a long running role in ‘The Good Wife’ and its spin off ‘The Good Fight’. Boatman is known for his sharp comedic timing and his ability to handle dramatic material.

Jesse L. Martin

Jesse L Martin is best known for his long tenure as Detective Ed Green on the procedural drama ‘Law and Order’. He later showcased his musical and dramatic talents as Joe West in the superhero series ‘The Flash’. Martin has a strong background in musical theater which he has occasionally brought to his television roles. He is recognized for his likability and his steady presence in long running series.

Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle rose to fame as Dr Peter Benton in the iconic medical drama ‘ER’. His performance as the talented but demanding surgeon was a central part of the show’s success for many seasons. He has also moved into directing for television working on various high profile series. La Salle remains a respected figure in the industry for his contributions to one of the most popular shows in TV history.

Blair Underwood

Blair Underwood gained early fame as Jonathan Rollins in the legal drama ‘LA Law’. He has maintained a steady career in television with roles in ‘In Treatment’ and ‘Quantico’. Underwood is known for his leading man charisma and his ability to play a wide variety of professional characters. He has received multiple award nominations for his work in both series and television movies.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard became a major television star for his role as Lucious Lyon in the musical drama ‘Empire’. The show was a massive hit and Howard’s performance as the ruthless music mogul was central to its popularity. He has also appeared in various other series and television movies over the years. Howard is known for his intense and often unpredictable acting style.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson transitioned from film to become a major television star in the sitcom ‘Blackish’. He played Andre Johnson for eight seasons and received multiple Emmy nominations for his comedic performance. He has also starred in ‘Law and Order’ as Detective Kevin Bernard and hosted several game shows. Anderson is recognized for his versatility and his ability to anchor both comedies and dramas.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan became a comedy star through his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before moving to ’30 Rock’. In ’30 Rock’ he played a fictionalized version of himself named Tracy Jordan and earned an Emmy nomination. He later starred in his own series ‘The Last OG’ where he balanced comedy with more grounded themes. Morgan is known for his unique comedic voice and his ability to deliver memorable one liners.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx starred in his own sitcom ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ for five seasons during the late nineties. This role allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and musical talent before he became an Oscar winning movie star. His work on the show helped establish him as a major talent in the entertainment industry. Foxx has since returned to television as a host and producer of various successful programs.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence created and starred in the hit sitcom ‘Martin’ which became a cultural phenomenon in the nineties. He played multiple characters on the show and displayed his incredible range as a physical comedian. The series remains highly influential in the world of television comedy and helped launch Lawrence into movie stardom. He is remembered as one of the most energetic and funny performers of his era.

Will Smith

Will Smith became a global superstar starting with his lead role in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’. The sitcom was a massive success and allowed Smith to showcase both his comedic skills and his dramatic potential. His performance on the show is still celebrated for its charm and its impact on popular culture. Smith’s transition from television to film remains one of the most successful in the history of the medium.

Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans was a key member of the groundbreaking sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’. He later starred in the family sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’ and the television reboot of ‘Lethal Weapon’. Wayans is known for his sharp wit and his ability to create iconic comedic characters. His influence on television comedy is significant through both his acting and his writing.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac starred in ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ which was based on his successful stand up comedy career. The show was praised for its unique style and Mac’s direct addresses to the audience which he called America. He earned multiple award nominations for his performance as a reluctant but loving father figure. Mac is remembered for his distinct comedic voice and his authentic presence on screen.

Michael Ealy

Michael Ealy has led several television series including the drama ‘Sleeper Cell’ and the science fiction show ‘Almost Human’. He is known for his striking screen presence and his ability to play both romantic leads and intense dramatic characters. He also appeared in the series ‘The Following’ and ‘Stumptown’ where he continued to demonstrate his range. Ealy remains a consistent and popular performer in American television.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick gained major recognition for his lead role as James Ghost St Patrick in the hit series ‘Power’. His performance as the complex drug kingpin trying to go legitimate was the heart of the show for six seasons. Before ‘Power’ he appeared in the series ‘Being Mary Jane’ and several other television projects. Hardwick is praised for his physical presence and his ability to convey deep emotion.

Hill Harper

Hill Harper is well known for his long running roles in ‘CSI NY’ and ‘The Good Doctor’. He played Dr Sheldon Hawkes in the crime procedural and later portrayed Dr Marcus Andrews in the medical drama. Harper is recognized for his intelligence and his steady performances in ensemble casts. He has also written several books and is active in various social and political causes outside of acting.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore became a television star through his long tenure on the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’. He later moved to primetime as a lead in ‘Criminal Minds’ where he played Derek Morgan for eleven seasons. He currently stars as Hondo in the action series ‘SWAT’ where he continues to lead a successful procedural. Moore is known for his charisma and his popularity with television audiences worldwide.

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