The Most Stunning African-American Actresses

The African American community has produced some of the most talented and influential actresses in the history of cinema and television. These women have broken barriers and earned the highest honors in the entertainment industry while captivating audiences with their presence and skill. Their contributions span across genres from intense dramas to blockbuster action films and ground breaking comedies. This list celebrates fifty women who are widely recognized for their remarkable careers and their impact on global culture.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is a highly decorated actress who has achieved the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Academy Award and an Emmy Award and two Tony Awards. She gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance in ‘The Help’ and her lead role in the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her work in ‘Fences’ earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and solidified her status as a premier talent in Hollywood. She continues to take on complex roles that showcase her immense range and emotional depth.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made cinematic history by becoming the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She reached a global audience as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’. Her career includes diverse roles in films like ‘Cloud Atlas’ and ‘John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum’. She remains a prominent figure in the industry as both an actress and a director.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is known for her commanding screen presence and her portrayal of strong real life figures like Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’. Her work on the television series ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘9-1-1’ has earned her numerous awards and a dedicated fan base. She was honored with an Honorary Academy Award in 2024 for her lifelong contributions to the film industry.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child actress on the sitcom ‘227’ before transitioning into a major film and television star. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and has earned multiple Emmy Awards for her work in ‘Seven Seconds’ and ‘Watchmen’. Her directorial debut ‘One Night in Miami’ received critical praise and several award nominations. She is frequently cited as one of the most versatile and influential performers working today.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington rose to international fame for her portrayal of Olivia Pope in the hit political drama series ‘Scandal’. She earned several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for this role which made her a household name. Her film credits include ‘Ray’ and ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘The Last King of Scotland’. Washington is also a producer and activist who uses her platform to advocate for social change and representation in media.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is celebrated for her dynamic performances in both film and television including her iconic role as Cookie Lyon in ‘Empire’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and starred in the critically acclaimed ‘Hidden Figures’. Her career began with roles in ‘Baby Boy’ and ‘Hustle and Flow’ before she became a leading lady in Hollywood. She is also an author and an advocate for mental health awareness in the Black community.

Zendaya

Zendaya started her career on the Disney Channel before transitioning into a critically acclaimed film and television actress. She became the youngest person to win two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in ‘Euphoria’. Her film work includes the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and ‘Dune’ and ‘Challengers’. She is widely recognized as a fashion icon and has been featured on the covers of major magazines like Vogue and Elle.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her breakout role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’. She received additional Oscar nominations for her performances in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Her extensive career includes roles in ‘Fruitvale Station’ and the television series ‘Truth Be Told’. Spencer is also an author of children’s books and a producer who focuses on diverse storytelling.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her YouTube web series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ which led to the creation of her hit HBO series ‘Insecure’. She has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work as a writer and actress on the show. Her film credits include ‘The Photograph’ and ‘Vengeance’ and ‘Barbie’. Rae is also a successful entrepreneur with her own media company and record label.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is best known for her leading roles in the popular sitcoms ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in ‘Black-ish’ and has received numerous Emmy nominations. Before her acting career she worked in the fashion industry as a model and editor. She is the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross and has established herself as a significant talent and style icon in her own right.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union became a star in the late 1990s and early 2000s with roles in ‘Bring It On’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’. She starred in the successful television drama ‘Being Mary Jane’ for several seasons and joined the cast of ‘L.A.’s Finest’. Union is also a best selling author and a prominent activist for women’s rights and racial equality. She continues to be a major presence in both film and television as an actress and producer.

Nia Long

Nia Long is a staple of Black cinema with memorable roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Love Jones’. She has had a long and successful career in television with recurring roles on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Empire’. Long has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry. She is frequently recognized for her enduring career and her status as a cultural icon in the African American community.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is widely recognized for her starring roles in ‘Love and Basketball’ and ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘The Best Man’. She provided the voice for Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’ and appeared in the action film ‘Alien vs. Predator’. Her work on Broadway in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ earned her a Tony Award nomination. She recently made her directorial debut with the film ‘On the Come Up’ while continuing to act in various projects.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall rose to fame through her comedic role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She earned critical acclaim for her performance in ‘Support the Girls’ which made her the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress. Her recent film credits include ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Honk for Jesus Save Your Soul’. Hall is known for her versatility and her ability to excel in both comedy and drama.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good began her career as a child actress and gained recognition for her role in the film ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She became a prominent leading lady in films such as ‘Deliver Us from Eva’ and ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Shazam!’. Her television work includes starring roles in ‘Deception’ and ‘Harlem’. Good has been active in the industry for over three decades and remains a popular figure in film and media.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith started her career on the sitcom ‘A Different World’ and went on to star in films like ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘Set It Off’. She played the character Niobe in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ and voiced Gloria in the ‘Madagascar’ films. She is the co-host of the popular talk show ‘Red Table Talk’ which has won a Daytime Emmy Award. Smith is also a singer and songwriter who fronted the metal band Wicked Wisdom.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer achieved early fame for her role in the film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and the Disney Channel movie ‘Jump In!’. She has since transitioned into adult roles in projects like ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Nope’ and the series ‘Scream Queens’. Palmer made history as the first Black woman to play Cinderella on Broadway and as one of the youngest talk show hosts in television history. She is a multi talented entertainer who works across acting and music and hosting.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson gained critical attention for her roles in independent films like ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Selma’. She achieved mainstream success as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and as Bianca in the ‘Creed’ film series. Her television work includes a prominent role in the HBO science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Thompson is also a producer and a vocal advocate for gender parity and diversity in the film industry.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz is an actress and musician known for her roles in ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘The Batman’ and the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ film series. She has appeared in independent films such as ‘Dope’ and ‘Gemini’ and provided the voice for Catwoman in ‘The Lego Batman Movie’. Kravitz has been the face of major fashion brands like Saint Laurent and Tiffany and Company. She recently made her directorial debut with the psychological thriller ‘Blink Twice’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a celebrated singer and songwriter who has also established a successful acting career. She starred in the Academy Award winning film ‘Moonlight’ and the historical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Her recent film credits include ‘Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery’ and ‘Antebellum’. Monáe is known for her unique artistic vision and her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and racial justice.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris had her breakout role as Dawn Chambers in the acclaimed television series ‘Mad Men’. She went on to star in the film ‘Dear White People’ and played the lead role in ‘Chi-Raq’. Parris joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau in ‘WandaVision’ and ‘The Marvels’. She is recognized for her powerful performances and her commitment to telling authentic Black stories.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne rose to prominence with her starring role in Barry Jenkins’ film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She followed this success with roles in ‘The Old Guard’ and ‘Coming 2 America’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Layne is a graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University and has a strong background in stage acting. She is considered one of the most promising young talents in the film industry today.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became a household name for her role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. At the age of fourteen she became the youngest person to executive produce a major Hollywood film with ‘Little’. She has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her acting and producing work. Martin continues to build her career as an actress and media mogul through her production company Genius Entertainment.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi gained fame for her role as Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ which led to her own spin off series ‘Grown-ish’. She is a graduate of Harvard University and is known for her social activism and work with youth organizations. Her film credits include ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ and ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’. Shahidi is frequently recognized for her intellect and her influence as a role model for young Black women.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first came to prominence as Rue in the blockbuster film ‘The Hunger Games’. She has since starred in critically acclaimed films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything Everything’ and ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Stenberg is also a musician and has been a vocal advocate for intersectional feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. She was named one of Time magazine’s Most Influential Teens in 2015 and 2016.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for her film debut in ‘Dreamgirls’. She has since released successful music albums and starred in films like ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Respect’. Hudson is an EGOT winner having won an Emmy and a Grammy and an Oscar and a Tony Award. She currently hosts her own daily talk show ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a pioneer in hip hop who successfully transitioned into a major film and television star. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’ and has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe and a Grammy. Her filmography includes hits like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Bringing Down the House’ and ‘Girls Trip’. She currently stars in the television series ‘The Equalizer’ and continues to produce numerous projects.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is known as the Queen of Hip Hop Soul and has also achieved great success as an actress. She made history by becoming the first person to be nominated for an Oscar in an acting category and a songwriting category in the same year for ‘Mudbound’. Her television work includes a starring role in ‘Power Book II Ghost’ and the series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Blige is a multiple Grammy winner who has sold millions of records worldwide.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson gained early popularity through her self produced content on Instagram and her work with BuzzFeed. She is the creator and writer and star of the hit mockumentary series ‘Abbott Elementary’. For her work on the show she has won multiple Emmy Awards including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Brunson is recognized for her comedic timing and her ability to create relatable and heartwarming television.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’ for which she received a Tony nomination. She has had a long and successful career in television with roles in ‘Moesha’ and ‘Abbott Elementary’. Her performance as Barbara Howard in ‘Abbott Elementary’ earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Ralph is also an activist and author who has been a prominent voice in the entertainment industry for decades.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash Betts is a versatile actress known for her roles in comedies like ‘Reno 911!’ and ‘Claws’. She earned critical acclaim for her dramatic performances in ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Dahmer Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. Her work on ‘Dahmer’ won her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series. She has hosted various television programs and is a frequent guest on talk shows and award ceremonies.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph first gained recognition for her Tony nominated performance in the Broadway musical ‘Ghost’. She transitioned to film and television with standout roles in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘Only Murders in the Building’. In 2024 she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Holdovers’. Her performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks rose to fame for her role as Tasha Taystee Jefferson on the hit series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She received a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She reprised the role of Sofia in the 2023 film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ and earned an Academy Award nomination. Brooks is also a singer and has appeared in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her role as Maxine Shaw on the classic sitcom ‘Living Single’. She has appeared in numerous films including ‘Get Out’ and ‘American Fiction’ and ‘Deja Vu’. Alexander is also a writer and producer and co founder of the media company Color Farm Media. She has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her work in television and continues to be an influential figure in the industry.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise made her film debut in ‘Set It Off’ and has since become known for her intense dramatic performances. She has starred in films such as ‘Beloved’ and ‘John Q’ and ‘For Colored Girls’. Her work in ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ earned her significant critical praise and a dedicated following. Elise has won several awards including NAACP Image Awards for her contributions to cinema.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most respected actresses of her generation with a career spanning over four decades. She has won four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe and has been nominated for an Academy Award for ‘Cross Creek’. Her film credits include ‘Passion Fish’ and ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Clemency’. Woodard is also a political activist and a founding member of Artists for a New South Africa.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became a cultural icon in the 1970s for her roles in blaxploitation films like ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. She experienced a career resurgence when she starred in Quentin Tarantino’s film ‘Jackie Brown’ which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Her television work includes a recurring role on the series ‘The L Word’. Grier is often cited as cinema’s first female action star and remains a highly influential figure.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashad is best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ which earned her two Emmy nominations. She became the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Her recent work includes the ‘Creed’ film series and the television drama ‘Empire’. Rashad served as the dean of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi talented actress and dancer and choreographer and director. She gained international fame for her role in the television series ‘Fame’ which she also choreographed. Allen has won three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe and has directed numerous episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and other series. She founded the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2020.

Jasmine Guy

Jasmine Guy became a household name for her role as Whitley Gilbert on the ‘The Cosby Show’ spin off ‘A Different World’. She won six consecutive NAACP Image Awards for her performance on the show. Her career includes roles in films like ‘School Daze’ and ‘Harlem Nights’ as well as a recurring role on ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Guy is also an accomplished stage actress and singer who has appeared on Broadway.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams first made history as the first African American woman to be crowned Miss America. She successfully transitioned into a career as a singer and actress with lead roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her film credits include ‘Eraser’ and ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Dance with Me’. Williams has received multiple Emmy and Grammy and Tony Award nominations throughout her illustrious career.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox had her breakout roles in the 1996 films ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She went on to star in ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Kill Bill Volume 1’ and ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’. Fox has appeared in numerous television series including ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Empire’. She is also a producer and has hosted several reality television shows.

Lela Rochon

Lela Rochon is best known for her breakthrough performance as Robin Stokes in the hit film ‘Waiting to Exhale’. She has starred in other notable films such as ‘Harlem Nights’ and ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’ and ‘Any Given Sunday’. Rochon began her career as a model and appeared in several music videos before moving into acting. She has been recognized for her talent and beauty throughout her decades long career.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield began her career in theater before transitioning to film and television. she won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Josephine Baker in the television movie ‘The Josephine Baker Story’. Her film credits include ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’ and ‘Stepmom’. She recently starred in the television series ‘Greenleaf’ as the matriarch Lady Mae Greenleaf.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’. She is well known for her roles in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ and ‘For Colored Girls’. Devine won an Emmy Award for her recurring role as Adele Webber on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She has had a prolific career in both television and film spanning over forty years.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her long running role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the series ‘Law and Order’. She won an Emmy and a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for her performance in the television movie ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Her career includes significant work in theater with two Tony Award nominations. She currently stars as Sharon Goodwin on the medical drama ‘Chicago Med’.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson is widely recognized for her role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She has received four Emmy Award nominations for her performance on the show. Wilson began her career in theater and has appeared in Broadway productions such as ‘Caroline or Change’ and ‘Chicago’. She is also an accomplished director who has helmed numerous episodes of television.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a legendary actress and singer who has won a record breaking six Tony Awards. She is the only person to win a Tony in all four acting categories. Her television work includes a starring role in ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Good Fight’. She has also appeared in films like the 2017 live action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Respect’.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a Tony Award winning actress known for her role in the Broadway production of ‘Caroline or Change’. She voiced Princess Tiana in the Disney animated film ‘The Princess and the Frog’ making her the first Black Disney princess. Her film credits include ‘Dreamgirls’ and ‘For Colored Girls’ and ‘Jingle Jangle A Christmas Journey’. Rose has also appeared in numerous television series like ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter began her career as a model before landing a role on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. She gained fame for her roles in the ‘Ride Along’ films and her portrayal of Michelle Robinson in ‘Southside with You’. She starred in the television series ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ and ‘Mixed-ish’. Sumpter is also a producer and has been featured in several national advertising campaigns.

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