African-American Celebrities Who Became Actresses – And Delivered

The entertainment industry frequently sees performers transition from one artistic discipline to another. Many prominent figures established their fame in the worlds of music, fashion, or pageantry before pursuing professional acting careers. These individuals have successfully proven their versatility by securing leading roles and winning prestigious awards. The following list highlights African American celebrities who made the jump to the screen and consistently provided memorable performances.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah began her career as a successful hip hop artist before transitioning into television and film. She starred in the sitcom ‘Living Single’ for five seasons while simultaneously building a presence in motion pictures. Her performance in the musical ‘Chicago’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She has since led numerous films such as ‘Last Holiday’ and produced several projects for television. Her career serves as a blueprint for musicians seeking longevity in the acting world.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige earned the title of Queen of Hip Hop Soul before establishing herself as a serious dramatic actress. She received widespread critical acclaim for her role in the film ‘Mudbound’ which resulted in two Academy Award nominations. On the small screen she has played major roles in series like ‘Power Book II Ghost’ and ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Her transition into acting allowed her to demonstrate a range of emotional depth that mirrors the themes in her music. She continues to be a sought after talent for both period dramas and contemporary thrillers.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson first rose to prominence as a contestant on the reality competition ‘American Idol’. She made her film debut in the musical drama ‘Dreamgirls’ where she played the character Effie White. This role earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and catapulted her to Hollywood stardom. She later took on the lead role of Aretha Franklin in the biographical film ‘Respect’. Her career is marked by her ability to handle demanding vocal performances alongside complex character work.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé established her fame as a member of Destiny’s Child and a solo artist before appearing in several films. She played Foxxy Cleopatra in ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’ and starred in the musical ‘Dreamgirls’ as Deena Jones. Her work in ‘Cadillac Records’ saw her portray the legendary singer Etta James to positive reviews. She also lent her voice to the character Nala in the remake of ‘The Lion King’. These roles showcased her star power and her ability to anchor large scale cinematic productions.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe was known for her conceptual albums and distinct fashion sense before landing major film roles. She made a significant impact with her performances in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’ during the same awards season. These films highlighted her ability to portray both historical figures and vulnerable contemporary characters. She later took on leading roles in the thriller ‘Antebellum’ and the mystery ‘Glass Onion’. Her acting career is defined by a selection of diverse and thought provoking projects.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks built a global brand as a supermodel before expanding into acting and television hosting. she appeared in the film ‘Higher Learning’ and played a living doll in the television movie ‘Life Size’. Her performance in ‘Coyote Ugly’ helped the film become a commercial success in the early two thousands. She also appeared in several episodes of the sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ during the peak of her modeling career. Her transition proved that fashion icons could successfully cross over into mainstream entertainment.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was one of the best selling musical artists of all time before she made her acting debut. She starred alongside Kevin Costner in the massive commercial hit ‘The Bodyguard’. She followed this success with leading roles in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. Her final film appearance was in the remake of ‘Sparkle’ where she also served as an executive producer. Her filmography remains influential for its depiction of professional Black women in lead roles.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson began her career as a child actress on shows like ‘Good Times’ and ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ before becoming a pop icon. She returned to acting as an adult in the film ‘Poetic Justice’ starring alongside Tupac Shakur. She later appeared in several Tyler Perry films including ‘Why Did I Get Married’ and its sequel. Her performance in ‘For Colored Girls’ showed her ability to handle intense ensemble drama. She has successfully balanced her legendary music career with a steady presence in film.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams became a public figure as the first African American Miss America before launching a successful music and acting career. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Wilhelmina Slater on the television series ‘Ugly Betty’. She also joined the cast of ‘Desperate Housewives’ and starred in films like ‘Eraser’ and ‘Soul Food’. Her extensive work on Broadway includes performances in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ and ‘Into the Woods’. She is frequently praised for her comedic timing and sophisticated screen presence.

Jill Scott

Jill Scott transitioned from a career in neo soul music to becoming a respected dramatic and comedic actress. She took on the lead role in the television series ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ which was filmed on location in Botswana. Her film credits include ‘Why Did I Get Married’ and the biographical film ‘Get on Up’ about James Brown. She also starred in the television movie ‘Steel Magnolias’ alongside other prominent Black actresses. Her acting work is often noted for its warmth and authenticity.

Erykah Badu

Erykah Badu is a singer and songwriter who has made selective but memorable appearances in film. She appeared in ‘The Cider House Rules’ and earned a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination as part of the ensemble cast. Her role in ‘Blues Brothers 2000’ showcased her musical talents within a cinematic context. She also played a significant part in the film ‘What Men Want’. Her presence on screen is characterized by the same unique energy found in her musical performances.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a world renowned pianist and singer who has taken on several significant acting roles. She made her film debut in the action movie ‘Smokin’ Aces’ as a contract killer. She went on to star in ‘The Nanny Diaries’ and the film adaptation of ‘The Secret Life of Bees’. These roles demonstrated her ability to move between different genres including action and drama. She has consistently balanced her recording schedule with selective acting opportunities.

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino rose to fame after winning ‘American Idol’ and later transitioned to the Broadway stage. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Celie in the musical version of ‘The Color Purple’. She reprised this role in the film adaptation of the musical which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Her performance was praised for its emotional intensity and vocal power. She has also appeared in various television projects and biographical films about her own life.

Eve

Eve was a chart topping rapper before she moved into acting with her own sitcom titled ‘Eve’. She appeared in the ‘Barbershop’ film franchise as the character Terri Jones. Her filmography also includes roles in ‘The Cookout’ and the action film ‘xXx’. She recently starred in the television series ‘Queens’ which focused on a group of former hip hop stars. Her career shows a successful evolution from the music industry to consistent television work.

MC Lyte

MC Lyte is a hip hop pioneer who has built a long career as an actress and voiceover artist. She has appeared in numerous television series including ‘Half and Half’ and ‘Queen of the South’. Her film work includes roles in ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘Sylvie’s Love’. She is also a prolific voice actress for various animated series and award shows. Her transition into acting has allowed her to remain a visible figure in the industry for decades.

Diana Ross

Diana Ross transitioned from being the lead singer of The Supremes to a highly successful solo artist and actress. She made her film debut as Billie Holiday in ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ and received an Academy Award nomination. She followed this with starring roles in ‘Mahogany’ and the musical film ‘The Wiz’. Her television movies like ‘Out of Darkness’ earned her praise for tackling complex subject matter. She remains one of the most iconic examples of a singer becoming a legitimate movie star.

Andra Day

Andra Day was primarily known as a soul singer before landing the title role in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’. Her performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination. She underwent a significant physical transformation to portray the legendary singer. She has since appeared in the film ‘The Deliverance’ directed by Lee Daniels. Her rapid ascent in the acting world has established her as a major dramatic talent.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey first became famous as one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle. She landed the lead role of Ariel in the live action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. This role made her a global star and showcased her ability to lead a major studio franchise. She also appeared in the musical film ‘The Color Purple’ as the younger version of Nettie. Her acting career continues to grow alongside her successful solo music career.

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor began her career as a singer and dancer before taking on more substantial acting roles. She appeared in ‘Stomp the Yard 2 Homecoming’ and the ‘Madea’ film series. Her performance in the independent film ‘A Thousand and One’ earned her significant critical praise and several awards. She also appeared in ‘Coming 2 America’ and ‘The Book of Clarence’. Her work in recent years has established her as a versatile actress capable of carrying heavy dramatic narratives.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland achieved worldwide fame with Destiny’s Child before pursuing a solo music and acting career. She starred in the horror film ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ and the romantic comedy ‘The Seat Filler’. On television she has appeared in ‘Empire’ and led several television movies for the Lifetime network. She recently starred in and produced the legal thriller ‘Mea Culpa’. Her screen presence has evolved from supporting roles to leading and producing her own content.

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams transitioned from the girl group Destiny’s Child to a career in musical theater and television. She has starred in Broadway productions of ‘Aida’ and ‘The Color Purple’. She also appeared in the sitcom ‘Half and Half’ and played a role in the film ‘What My Husband Doesn’t Know’. Her work in theater has been particularly well received by critics and audiences alike. She continues to balance her musical roots with frequent stage and screen performances.

Letoya Luckett

Letoya Luckett was an original member of Destiny’s Child before launching a solo career and becoming a frequent actress. She starred in the film ‘Preacher’s Kid’ and had a recurring role in the television series ‘Treme’. She also appeared in ‘Single Ladies’ and played a major role in the series ‘Greenleaf’. Her film work includes the romantic comedy ‘Killers’ and several independent projects. She has successfully maintained a steady acting career for over a decade.

Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton was a member of the girl group 3LW before she transitioned fully into acting. She played Lil’ Kim in the biographical film ‘Notorious’ which served as her breakout role. She is perhaps best known for her long running role as Tasha St. Patrick in the hit series ‘Power’. She also starred in the musical television series ‘Queens’ and appeared in the film ‘Fame’. Her career is a prime example of a singer finding even greater success in the acting industry.

Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks became the youngest winner of ‘American Idol’ and later moved into film and theater. She made her film debut in the lead role of the remake of ‘Sparkle’. She has also appeared on Broadway in the musicals ‘In the Heights’ and ‘Waitress’. Her film credits include ‘Left Behind’ and several holiday themed television movies. She continues to work in both independent films and various television projects.

Ashanti

Ashanti was a dominant force in R and B music during the early two thousands before moving into acting. She starred in the film ‘Coach Carter’ alongside Samuel L. Jackson and played the lead in ‘John Tucker Must Die’. She also appeared as Dorothy in the television movie ‘The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz’. Her horror credits include a role in ‘Resident Evil Extinction’. She has continued to act in various independent films and television series throughout her career.

Monica

Monica is a Grammy winning singer who has made several appearances in film and television since the nineties. She appeared in the film ‘Love Song’ and had a role in the drama ‘ATL’. On television she appeared in episodes of ‘Living Single’ and ‘Felicity’. She has also been a regular presence on reality television while maintaining her acting credits. Her career shows the enduring popularity of stars who rose to fame during the teen pop era.

Ciara

Ciara established herself as a pop and R and B star before taking on acting roles. She appeared in the film ‘All You’ve Got’ and played a role in the musical ‘Mama I Want to Sing’. She also had a part in the comedy film ‘That’s My Boy’ starring Adam Sandler. Recently she appeared in the musical film ‘The Color Purple’ in a supporting role. She has balanced her high profile music and fashion career with occasional screen roles.

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson made history as the first Black model on the cover of American Vogue before she began acting. She appeared in films such as ‘Ashanti’ and ‘The Meteor Man’. Her television credits include roles in ‘Law and Order’ and ‘Lois and Clark The New Adventures of Superman’. She also appeared in several reality series and documentaries about the fashion industry. Her transition helped pave the way for future models to find work in Hollywood.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a legendary jazz singer and nightclub performer who became one of the first Black film stars under a major studio contract. She starred in the musicals ‘Cabin in the Sky’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ during the nineteenforties. She was known for her elegant screen presence and powerful vocal performances. Despite the challenges of racial segregation in Hollywood she maintained a high profile career for decades. She also received a Tony Award nomination for her work on Broadway.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a versatile entertainer who excelled in singing and acting across multiple platforms. She is famously known for playing Catwoman in the ‘Batman’ television series of the nineteen sixties. Her distinctive voice and delivery made her a popular choice for both live action and animated roles. She voiced the villain Yzma in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ and appeared in films like ‘Boomerang’. Her career spanned more than six decades in theater and film.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was a world famous dancer and singer who became a major film star in Europe. She starred in films such as ‘Zouzou’ and ‘Princess Tam Tam’ during the nineteen thirties. She was the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture. While she spent much of her career in France her influence on entertainment and civil rights remains significant. Her performances were celebrated for their charisma and groundbreaking artistic style.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a blues and jazz singer who became a pioneer for Black actresses in Hollywood and on television. She was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Pinky’. She also starred in the television series ‘Beulah’ and the Broadway play ‘The Member of the Wedding’. Her career broke many barriers for those who followed in her footsteps.

Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey was a celebrated singer and comedian who found great success on the stage and screen. She won a Tony Award for her performance in the all Black production of ‘Hello Dolly’. Her film credits include ‘Carmen Jones’ and ‘Porgy and Bess’. She also hosted her own variety show on television in the early nineteen seventies. She was known for her quick wit and engaging personality in every role she played.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph first gained fame as an original member of the Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’. She moved into television and starred as Dee Mitchell in the popular sitcom ‘Moesha’. Her film career includes roles in ‘The Distinguished Gentleman’ and ‘Sister Act 2 Back in the Habit’. She recently won an Emmy Award for her performance as Barbara Howard in the series ‘Abbott Elementary’. She has successfully maintained a high level of visibility in the industry for over forty years.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a singer and actress who has worked extensively in film and musical theater. She voiced Princess Tiana in the animated film ‘The Princess and the Frog’ making her a permanent part of cinematic history. Her live action roles include the film ‘Dreamgirls’ and the television series ‘The Good Wife’. She won a Tony Award for her performance in ‘Caroline or Change’ on Broadway. She is frequently cast in roles that allow her to showcase both her acting range and her vocal ability.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is primarily known for her historic success in musical theater where she has won six Tony Awards. She has also built a substantial career in television and film. She starred in the series ‘Private Practice’ and appeared in the film ‘Beauty and the Beast’ as Madame de Garderobe. Her performance in the television movie ‘Wit’ earned her an Emmy nomination. She is widely considered one of the most talented and versatile performers of her generation.

Leslie Uggams

Leslie Uggams began her career as a singer and became a household name through her variety show appearances. She earned critical acclaim for her role as Kizzy in the groundbreaking miniseries ‘Roots’. More recently she gained a new generation of fans for her role as Blind Al in the ‘Deadpool’ film franchise. She also appeared in the television series ‘Empire’ and the film ‘American Fiction’. Her career has spanned over seven decades in various areas of entertainment.

Chloe Bailey

Chloe Bailey rose to fame as a singer in the duo Chloe x Halle before pursuing a solo career and acting roles. She starred in the television series ‘Grown ish’ for several seasons. Her film work includes the thriller ‘Jane’ and the musical film ‘Praise This’. She also appeared in the streaming series ‘Swarm’ where she received positive reviews for her performance. She continues to be a prominent figure in both the music and acting industries.

Lizzo

Lizzo is a multi platinum singer and flautist who has started to explore acting in recent years. She provided a voice for the animated film ‘UglyDolls’ and appeared in the film ‘Hustlers’ alongside Jennifer Lopez. She also appeared in an episode of the series ‘The Mandalorian’ as Duchess Bombardier. She hosted and executive produced the reality competition series ‘Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls’. Her transition into acting has allowed her to bring her signature personality to the screen.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion is a global rap superstar who has recently begun to take on acting roles. She made a guest appearance in the series ‘P Valley’ playing a character she also inspired. She appeared in the musical comedy film ‘Dicks The Musical’ and hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has expressed a strong interest in pursuing more dramatic and comedic roles in the future. Her presence in film and television continues to expand alongside her music career.

Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle is a legendary soul singer who has enjoyed a long second career as an actress. She starred in her own sitcom ‘Out All Night’ and appeared in the film ‘A Soldier’s Story’. She had a recurring role in ‘A Different World’ as Adele Wayne. She also appeared in ‘American Horror Story Freak Show’ and the film ‘Idlewild’. Her acting is often characterized by the same charisma that defines her musical performances.

Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight is a music icon who has made many appearances in film and television over several decades. She starred in the film ‘Pipe Dreams’ for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. She appeared in ‘The First Family’ and had guest roles in series like ‘Empire’ and ‘Star’. Her film credits also include the romantic comedy ‘I Can Do Bad All by Myself’. She remains a respected figure in both the music and acting communities.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul but she also made notable appearances in film. She provided one of the most famous musical sequences in ‘The Blues Brothers’ and reprised her role in the sequel. She often appeared as herself in various television specials and series. Her influence on the film industry was later celebrated in the biographical film ‘Respect’. She showed a natural talent for comedic timing in her limited screen roles.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner was a rock and roll legend who delivered several powerful performances in film. She played the Acid Queen in the film version of the musical ‘Tommy’. Her most famous role was Aunty Entity in ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ where she also provided the hit theme song. She appeared as herself in the biographical film ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ during the concert sequences. Her screen presence was noted for being just as high energy as her stage shows.

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton is a chart topping R and B singer who has built a steady career in television movies. She has starred in numerous projects for the Lifetime network including ‘Toni Braxton Unbreak My Heart’. She appeared in the film ‘Kingdom Come’ and the reality series ‘Braxton Family Values’. She also starred on Broadway in productions of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Aida’. Her acting work has allowed her to tell diverse stories on the small screen.

Dionne Warwick

Dionne Warwick is a legendary singer who has appeared in films and television series since the nineteen sixties. She starred in the film ‘Slaves’ and appeared in several episodes of ‘The Love Boat’. She also hosted the popular music show ‘Solid Gold’ for many years. More recently she has become a popular figure on social media and appeared in various documentaries. Her career illustrates the enduring appeal of a classic entertainer.

Yaya DaCosta

Yaya DaCosta first gained fame as a runner up on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ before becoming a successful actress. She starred as April Sexton in the long running medical drama ‘Chicago Med’. Her film credits include ‘The Kids Are All Right’ and the biographical film ‘Whitney’ where she played Whitney Houston. She also appeared in ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’ and the series ‘Our Kind of People’. She has successfully transitioned from reality television to a respected career in dramatic acting.

Eva Marcille

Eva Marcille won the third cycle of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and transitioned into a career in acting and television. She played the character Tyra Hamilton on the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’. Her film work includes ‘I Think I Love My Wife’ and several television movies. She also joined the cast of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and the series ‘All the Queen’s Men’. Her career demonstrates how modeling can serve as a successful entry point into the acting world.

Share your favorite performances from these talented stars in the comments.