Black Actresses Who Reinvented Themselves

The entertainment industry often requires performers to pivot their careers to maintain longevity and relevance in a competitive landscape. Many Black actresses have successfully navigated these transitions by shifting from music to film or moving from comedic roles to heavy drama. Some have faced challenges during these changes while others have reached new heights of critical acclaim and commercial success. These stories reflect the evolving nature of celebrity and the diverse talents within the acting community.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah began her career as a pioneering hip hop artist before transitioning into a successful acting career. She starred in the hit sitcom ‘Living Single’ which established her presence in television. Her career reached a new level when she earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’. She has since become a prolific producer and the lead in the action series ‘The Equalizer’.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique was primarily known as a stand up comedian and sitcom star on the show ‘The Parkers’ for many years. She shocked audiences with her intense dramatic performance in the film ‘Precious’ which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Following her win she took a public hiatus from major Hollywood productions while citing industry conflicts. She eventually made a comeback through a high profile comedy special and a return to scripted drama.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson first rose to prominence as a finalist on the reality competition ‘American Idol’ before making her film debut. She successfully reinvented herself as a dramatic powerhouse by winning an Oscar for her role as Effie White in ‘Dreamgirls’. She later expanded her career to Broadway and television while earning various accolades. Her journey eventually led her to becoming an EGOT winner and hosting her own daytime talk show.

Regina King

Regina King started her journey as a child star on the sitcom ‘227’ before finding success in major film roles during the nineties. She spent several years as a reliable supporting actress in movies like ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Ray’. Her career saw a massive resurgence when she took on challenging roles in television series like ‘Southland’ and ‘Watchmen’. She is now recognized as an Academy Award winning actress and a prominent director in the film industry.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith gained early fame in the sitcom ‘A Different World’ and movies like ‘The Nutty Professor’. She later transitioned into action roles in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ while also fronting a metal band called Wicked Wisdom. In recent years she reinvented her public persona by hosting the popular talk show ‘Red Table Talk’. This move shifted her focus from acting to candid digital content and lifestyle media.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross initially worked in the fashion industry as a model and editor before pursuing acting. She became a household name for her comedic timing in the long running series ‘Girlfriends’. After that show ended she successfully pivoted to the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ where she earned multiple award nominations. She has also expanded her brand into the beauty industry with the launch of her own hair care line.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis spent many years working in theater and taking small but impactful roles in various films. Her career reached a turning point with a brief but powerful performance in ‘Doubt’ followed by a lead role in ‘The Help’. She transitioned to television stardom as the lead in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ which made her a household name. Today she is one of the most respected figures in Hollywood and has achieved the rare status of an EGOT winner.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg began her career in stand up comedy and experimental theater before landing a lead role in ‘The Color Purple’. She successfully transitioned between high drama and blockbuster comedies like ‘Sister Act’ throughout the nineties. She later reinvented herself as a permanent fixture in daytime television as a moderator on ‘The View’. Her career path remains a unique example of someone moving from edgy performance art to mainstream media dominance.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson worked in various supporting roles for years before her breakout performance in ‘Hustle and Flow’. She earned widespread acclaim and an Oscar nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Her career took another major turn when she played the iconic character Cookie Lyon in the drama series ‘Empire’. She has since used her platform to advocate for mental health while continuing to lead major motion pictures.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry started as a fashion model and beauty pageant contestant before moving into television and film. She reinvented her career by taking on gritty roles that moved away from her glamorous image in movies like ‘Monster’s Ball’. That performance led her to become the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since expanded into directing and continues to lead high stakes action franchises.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams reinvented herself multiple times after her initial rise to fame as a beauty queen. She first established a successful career in the music industry with several hit albums and Broadway performances. She later made a seamless transition into television acting as the villainous Wilhelmina Slater in ‘Ugly Betty’. This role revitalized her career and established her as a formidable actress in both comedy and drama.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige was already a legendary figure in the music industry when she decided to pursue acting seriously. She surprised critics with her understated and powerful performance in the period drama ‘Mudbound’. This role earned her two Academy Award nominations for both acting and songwriting. She has since balanced her music career with regular roles in television series like ‘Power Book II Ghost’.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her journey as a child star on the Disney Channel in shows like ‘Shake It Up’. She successfully broke away from her teen idol image by taking on the intense lead role in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. This shift earned her multiple Emmy Awards and established her as a serious dramatic talent. She now alternates between massive blockbusters like ‘Dune’ and intimate independent films.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold gained early recognition for her roles in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and the sitcom ‘Martin’. After the conclusion of that series she successfully reinvented her career as a television matriarch in ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. She has maintained a consistent presence on television by starring in long running sitcoms like ‘The Neighborhood’. Her transition from young comedic sidekick to established lead actress has spanned several decades.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’ before moving to television. She was a staple of nineties television in the sitcom ‘Moesha’ where she played a supportive stepmother. After years of working in various guest roles she experienced a major career resurgence with ‘Abbott Elementary’. This role earned her a long awaited Emmy Award and introduced her to a new generation of viewers.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash spent many years as a comedic actress and the host of the home makeover show ‘Clean House’. She decided to pursue more serious work and earned critical acclaim for her role in the drama ‘Getting On’. This led to a major dramatic breakthrough in the limited series ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Dahmer’. She is now recognized as a versatile performer who can handle both broad comedy and intense tragedy.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington worked in several independent films and supporting roles before her massive breakthrough on television. She reinvented the landscape of broadcast drama by starring as Olivia Pope in the hit series ‘Scandal’. This role made her a global fashion icon and one of the most powerful actresses in the industry. She has since moved into producing through her own company while continuing to take on challenging lead roles.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett became famous for her incredible portrayals of real life icons in films like ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. While she remained a respected film actress she later embraced television in the horror anthology ‘American Horror Story’. She then joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda which earned her a second Oscar nomination. She currently leads the popular procedural drama ‘9-1-1’ as both an actress and executive producer.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox became a major movie star in the nineties with roles in ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. As the film industry changed she pivoted toward television movies and producing her own content. She has become a staple of the Lifetime network where she stars in and produces numerous thrillers. She also maintains a presence in reality television and directing projects within the independent film scene.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union was a prominent figure in teen comedies like ‘Bring It On’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’. She successfully transitioned into more mature lead roles in films such as ‘Deliver Us from Eva’ and the series ‘Being Mary Jane’. In recent years she has reinvented herself as an author and a powerful advocate for diversity in Hollywood. She also produces a wide range of projects that focus on underrepresented stories.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer spent nearly two decades taking small uncredited roles and guest spots in television shows. Her career changed overnight when she took on the role of Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’ which won her an Academy Award. Following her win she became a leading lady in major productions like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She is now one of the most sought after actresses for both film and executive producing.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo first gained international fame for her powerhouse performance in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She successfully made the jump to film with leading roles in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and ‘Harriet’. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman earned her two Academy Award nominations and cemented her status as a film star. She continues to balance her work in musical theater with high profile movie roles and recording projects.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe was strictly known as a conceptual pop and soul musician before venturing into the world of cinema. She made a stunning film debut with back to back roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. These performances proved her range as a dramatic actress and led to lead roles in films like ‘Antebellum’. She now moves fluidly between her musical career and a thriving path as a leading actress.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae created a massive shift in her career by moving from her popular YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ to mainstream television. She co created and starred in the HBO series ‘Insecure’ which became a cultural phenomenon and earned multiple award nominations. This success allowed her to launch her own media company and produce several other television projects. She has since transitioned into film acting with roles in movies like ‘The Lovebirds’ and ‘Barbie’.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson first gained popularity through viral comedic sketches on social media and digital platforms. She transitioned into television acting with roles in ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ before creating her own project. Her career reached a new height when she created and starred in the mockumentary ‘Abbott Elementary’. She has since won multiple Emmy Awards for her writing and acting on the hit series.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné started as a child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’ before becoming a Disney Channel icon with ‘That’s So Raven’. As an adult she reinvented her career by becoming a co host on the talk show ‘The View’. She later returned to her roots by starring in and executive producing a spin off of her original Disney series. She has remained a constant figure in the industry by evolving her persona through different stages of her life.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer gained fame as a child star in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and on the series ‘True Jackson VP’. She successfully transitioned into adult roles in films like ‘Hustlers’ and the horror movie ‘Nope’. Beyond acting she has reinvented herself as a multifaceted media personality with her own digital network. Her ability to remain relevant across social media and traditional film has made her a modern industry leader.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish worked in the comedy circuit for years before her career defining role in ‘Girls Trip’. This performance turned her into an overnight movie star and led to several leading roles in studio comedies. She has since expanded into hosting television specials and writing a successful memoir. She continues to balance stand up comedy with high profile film and television projects.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones spent decades as a working comedian before finding mainstream success on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her high energy performances led to leading roles in major films like the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot. She later reinvented herself as a television host for game shows and award ceremonies. She has used her late career surge to establish a unique brand of comedy that resonates with diverse audiences.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira was an accomplished playwright before she became a household name for her acting roles. She gained global recognition as the katana wielding Michonne on the series ‘The Walking Dead’. Her career reached even greater heights when she joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Okoye in ‘Black Panther’. She continues to balance her work as a high profile action star with her commitment to theater and writing.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o was a film student and production assistant before she was cast in ’12 Years a Slave’. Her debut performance won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and launched her into superstardom. She has since taken on diverse roles in horror films like ‘Us’ and major franchises like ‘Star Wars’. She also uses her platform to author children’s books and advocate for cultural preservation.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton spent much of her early career in period dramas and romantic films like ‘Beloved’. She experienced a major career reinvention when she took on a lead role in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. This role earned her an Emmy Award and showcased her ability to handle complex and action oriented characters. She has since continued to take on high stakes roles in both film and television.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good began her career as a child actress in the film ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and various television guest spots. She transitioned into a leading lady in urban dramas and comedies during the early two thousands. In recent years she has reinvented her career by starring in and directing projects in the faith based and horror genres. She also leads the cast of the popular streaming series ‘Harlem’.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton worked behind the scenes as a teacher and producer before she decided to pursue an acting career in her late twenties. She landed a major breakout role in the thriller ‘Déjà Vu’ opposite Denzel Washington. She later transitioned into action roles in ‘Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol’ and historical dramas. She has continued to reinvent her career by moving into producing and independent film projects.

Nia Long

Nia Long became a staple of nineties cinema with iconic roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Love Jones’. She successfully transitioned from being a romantic lead to a veteran actress in various procedural dramas and comedies. She has maintained her relevance by taking on recurring roles in shows like ‘Empire’ and ‘NCIS Los Angeles’. Her career longevity is marked by her ability to move between film and prestige television.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet became a massive star as Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ before moving to the spin off ‘A Different World’. She famously reinvented her image by taking a controversial role in the film ‘Angel Heart’ to break away from her sitcom persona. After several years away from the spotlight she returned for selective roles in films like ‘High Fidelity’. She remains an influential figure known for her unique style and artistic independence.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer was a visible actress on ‘A Different World’ before she reinvented her career as a voice acting legend. She has provided the voices for hundreds of animated characters in shows like ‘Rugrats’ and ‘Danny Phantom’. This shift allowed her to build an incredibly prolific career behind the microphone while mostly stepping away from live action. She is now one of the most recognizable and respected voices in the animation industry.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais started as a fashion model before landing a long running role on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. She spent many years working in television dramas like ‘NYPD Blue’ and various film projects. She reinvented her public image by joining the cast of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ where she became a fan favorite. She now balances her work as a reality star with hosting duties and acting roles.

NeNe Leakes

NeNe Leakes rose to fame as an original cast member of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and became a breakout reality star. She successfully used this platform to reinvent herself as a scripted actress with roles in ‘Glee’ and ‘The New Normal’. She also appeared on Broadway in ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Chicago’ while maintaining her presence in the fashion world. Her career path set a precedent for reality stars transitioning into legitimate acting roles.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson was a child actress on ‘Good Times’ before she became one of the biggest pop stars in history. She made a significant return to acting as an adult with a leading role in the film ‘Poetic Justice’. She continued to reinvent her screen persona by starring in several Tyler Perry productions like ‘Why Did I Get Married’. Her ability to balance a legendary music career with film success has spanned several decades.

Andra Day

Andra Day was primarily known as a Grammy nominated soul singer before she took on the role of a lifetime. She made her acting debut portraying the legendary singer in ‘The United States vs Billie Holiday’. Her performance was highly acclaimed and earned her a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination. This transition has opened new doors for her as a leading lady in the film industry.

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino gained fame as the winner of ‘American Idol’ and had a successful career in R and B music. she reinvented herself as a stage actress by starring in the Broadway production of ‘The Color Purple’. Years later she reprised the role of Celie in the film adaptation of the musical to critical acclaim. This move has established her as a formidable talent in the world of cinematic musical drama.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander was beloved for her role as Maxine Shaw on the sitcom ‘Living Single’ for many years. She later reinvented her career by moving into producing and writing graphic novels through her own company. She also returned to the screen in a pivotal role in the horror hit ‘Get Out’ and the drama ‘American Fiction’. She continues to be an advocate for creators of color in both the tech and entertainment sectors.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a legendary figure in musical theater with a record breaking number of Tony Awards. She successfully reinvented her career for television audiences by starring in the drama ‘Private Practice’. She has since become a fixture in prestige television with roles in ‘The Good Fight’ and ‘The Gilded Age’. Her ability to move between the Broadway stage and television drama is virtually unmatched.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson was a theater actress who became a household name during her long tenure on ‘Law and Order’. After playing Lieutenant Anita Van Buren for seventeen seasons she successfully transitioned to a new role in ‘Chicago Med’. She also earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for her work in the television film ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Her career is defined by her steady presence and authority in procedural dramas.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has been a respected dramatic actress for decades with numerous Emmy Awards and an Oscar nomination. She reinvented her career by embracing genre television and comic book adaptations like ‘Luke Cage’. She also took on a leading role in the independent film ‘Clemency’ which earned her some of the best reviews of her career. She continues to be a versatile force in both blockbuster movies and intimate dramas.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson began her career as a fashion model before becoming a legendary figure in the Black Arts Movement. She reinvented her career in the seventies by taking on powerful roles in ‘Sounder’ and ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. In her later years she experienced a resurgence by playing matriarchal roles in movies like ‘The Help’ and the series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She remained a working actress and a cultural icon until her passing.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a pioneering actress of the stage and screen who was also deeply involved in the civil rights movement. She spent decades in various roles before earning an Academy Award nomination at the age of eighty three for ‘American Gangster’. Her career spanned theater and film while she often performed alongside her husband Ossie Davis. She is remembered for her talent as much as her commitment to social justice and artistic integrity.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt began her career as a dancer with the Katherine Dunham Company before becoming a global cabaret star. She reinvented herself as an actress by taking on the role of Catwoman in the ‘Batman’ television series. Despite being blacklisted for several years she made a triumphant return to Broadway and voice acting in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’. Her career was a testament to her resilience and her ability to captivate audiences across multiple mediums.

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