The Most Wholesome African-American Actresses of All Time
The history of cinema and television has been deeply enriched by African-American actresses who have brought integrity, grace, and a sense of moral groundedness to their roles. These women have often chosen characters that challenge stereotypes, emphasizing family values, resilience, and community leadership. From the pioneers of the Golden Age of Hollywood to the stars of modern television, their collective body of work serves as an inspiration for viewers across generations. This list highlights actresses celebrated for their positive public images and their commitment to portraying wholesome, impactful stories.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson was a legendary figure in American entertainment known for her unwavering commitment to portraying strong and dignified Black women. Throughout her seven-decade career, she famously refused to accept roles that she felt were demeaning or promoted negative stereotypes. Her performance in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and remains a benchmark for dramatic excellence. In 2016, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to the arts and civil rights.
Phylicia Rashād
Phylicia Rashad is best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’, a character often cited as the definitive matriarch of American television. She made history as the first Black actress to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Beyond her acting career, she has served as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University. Rashad is frequently recognized for her elegance and her role as a mentor to younger performers in the industry.
Ruby Dee
Ruby Dee was a prolific actress and a dedicated civil rights activist who often worked alongside her husband, Ossie Davis. She originated the role of Ruth Younger in the stage production of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and later reprised it in the film version. Her career spanned over 60 years, during which she received an Emmy, a Grammy, and an Oscar nomination for ‘American Gangster’. She was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing her lifetime of artistic achievement and social advocacy.
Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel was a trailblazing performer who became the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in ‘Gone with the Wind’. In addition to her film work, she was a professional singer-songwriter and a pioneer in radio broadcasting. She appeared in over 300 films, often bringing humor and a strong presence to her supporting roles during a highly restrictive era in Hollywood. Her legacy is defined by her ability to break racial barriers and pave the way for future generations of Black actors.
Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters was a versatile performer who transitioned from a successful career in jazz and blues to Broadway and film. She was the second African American to be nominated for an Academy Award, specifically for her role in the 1949 film ‘Pinky’. Waters also became the first Black woman to star in her own television variety show, ‘The Ethel Waters Show’. Later in life, she became a regular performer with the Billy Graham Crusades, reflecting her deep personal faith and commitment to gospel music.
Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carroll broke major television barriers by starring in ‘Julia’, where she played a widowed nurse raising her son. This role was significant for being one of the first to portray a Black woman in a non-stereotypical, professional capacity on a major network. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Claudine’, which focused on the struggles and triumphs of a single mother. Carroll’s career was marked by her sophistication and her ability to navigate both musical theater and dramatic television.
Della Reese
Della Reese gained widespread acclaim as Tess on the long-running series ‘Touched by an Angel’, where she portrayed a wise and compassionate heavenly supervisor. Before her success on television, she was a renowned gospel and jazz singer with several hit records to her name. She was also an ordained minister, eventually founding her own church in Los Angeles called Understanding Principles for Better Living. Her career was characterized by themes of faith, hope, and the importance of spiritual guidance.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett is celebrated for her portrayals of real-life historical figures, including Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ and Coretta Scott King in ‘Betty & Coretta’. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in Afro-American studies and later earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama. Known for her poise and physical discipline, she has become a staple of major film franchises, including her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’. Bassett’s public image is one of professionalism and unwavering dedication to her craft.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis is the first African-American actor to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” having won an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tony Awards. She is widely respected for her roles in films like ‘The Help’ and ‘Fences’, where she portrays women of deep emotional complexity and strength. Davis is also an advocate for human rights and has spoken openly about her childhood experiences with poverty to inspire others. Her production company, JuVee Productions, focuses on creating inclusive narratives for underrepresented voices.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer rose to international fame after winning an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Help’. She is known for choosing roles that highlight the intelligence and resilience of women, such as her portrayal of Dorothy Vaughan in ‘Hidden Figures’. Spencer has also ventured into children’s literature, authoring a book series titled ‘The Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective’. Her public persona is frequently described as warm and supportive, and she is often involved in philanthropic efforts.
Regina King
Regina King began her career as a child actress on the sitcom ‘227’ before transitioning into a highly successful film and television career. She won an Academy Award for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and multiple Emmys for her work in ‘American Crime’ and ‘Watchmen’. King has also established herself as a prominent director, helming episodes of various television series and the film ‘One Night in Miami…’. She is frequently cited for her versatility and her ability to portray grounded, relatable characters.
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard is one of the most honored actresses in television history, with four Primetime Emmy Awards to her name. She has appeared in a wide range of projects, from the historical drama ’12 Years a Slave’ to the family-friendly ‘The Lion King’ as the voice of Sarabi. Woodard is also a co-founder of Artists for a New South Africa, an organization dedicated to advancing democracy and equality. Her career is built on a foundation of socially conscious roles and a commitment to global humanitarian issues.
Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield gained critical acclaim for her titular role in ‘The Josephine Baker Story’, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award. She has since become known for playing elegant and formidable maternal figures, such as Lady Mae Greenleaf in the series ‘Greenleaf’. Her career includes numerous roles in family-centered films like ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’. Whitfield is often praised for her classic style and the sophisticated presence she brings to the screen.
Chandra Wilson
Chandra Wilson is best known for her long-standing role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her performance has earned her multiple Emmy nominations and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition to her work in front of the camera, Wilson is an accomplished stage actress and has directed numerous episodes of her hit show. She is a vocal advocate for the Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Association, using her platform to raise awareness for the condition.
Loretta Devine
Loretta Devine is recognized for her distinctive voice and her frequent portrayals of kind-hearted and nurturing characters. She was a member of the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’ before finding success in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. She won an Emmy Award for her recurring role as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Devine’s career is marked by a consistent presence in family-oriented comedies and dramas.
Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis is often referred to as the “Mother of Black Hollywood” due to her frequent roles as a maternal figure in films and television. She is a mainstay on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’, where she plays the comedic and lively grandmother, Ruby Johnson. Lewis is also an accomplished Broadway performer and a voice actress, notably voicing Mama Odie in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She is an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, sharing her personal journey to help reduce stigma.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sheryl Lee Ralph first rose to fame for her Tony-nominated role as Deena Jones in the original Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls’. She later became a household name on the sitcom ‘Moesha’ and more recently won an Emmy for her role in ‘Abbott Elementary’. Ralph is the founder of the DIVA Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness for HIV/AIDS. Her career has consistently blended entertainment with activism and a focus on positive community representation.
Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is a record-breaking actress and singer who has won six Tony Awards, more than any other performer. While primarily known for her work on Broadway, she has also starred in ‘Private Practice’ and the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. She is classically trained and frequently performs with major orchestras around the world. McDonald is recognized for her incredible vocal range and her commitment to portraying complex, dignified women in both musical and dramatic settings.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross is a Golden Globe-winning actress known for her lead roles in the long-running series ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She is the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross and has carved out her own successful path in the entertainment industry. Ross is frequently celebrated for her comedic timing and her role as a fashion icon who promotes self-acceptance. She is also a producer and an advocate for gender and racial equity in Hollywood.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi gained prominence playing Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ before starring in her own spin-off series, ‘Grown-ish’. She is a Harvard University graduate and is widely recognized for her activism regarding education and voting rights. Shahidi has worked with various organizations to encourage civic engagement among young people. Her professional life is characterized by a balance between her acting career and her dedication to social change.
Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson on ‘Black-ish’, where she displayed comedic talent from a young age. At 14, she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history for her film ‘Little’. She has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her acting and her contributions to the industry. Martin continues to use her production company, Genius Productions, to create stories that center on Black youth.
Tamera Mowry-Housley
Tamera Mowry-Housley first achieved fame alongside her twin sister in the popular 1990s sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’. She later served as a co-host on the daytime talk show ‘The Real’, where she won a Daytime Emmy Award. Mowry-Housley is known for her family-oriented brand, which includes lifestyle blogging and appearing in Hallmark Channel movies. She often shares her experiences with motherhood and marriage to provide a positive example for her followers.
Tia Mowry
Tia Mowry rose to stardom starring in ‘Sister, Sister’ and later gained acclaim for her role in the series ‘The Game’. She has built a successful lifestyle brand that includes cookbooks, a YouTube channel, and a line of wellness products. Mowry has also starred in several family-centric sitcoms, such as ‘Instant Mom’ and ‘Family Reunion’. Her public image is centered on health, parenting, and maintaining a wholesome family life.
Holly Robinson Peete
Holly Robinson Peete is an actress and singer known for her roles on ’21 Jump Street’ and ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’. She is a dedicated advocate for autism awareness and founded the HollyRod Foundation with her husband, Rodney Peete. The foundation provides support for families living with autism and Parkinson’s disease. Peete has also written several books, including children’s literature that focuses on understanding neurodiversity.
Raven-Symoné
Raven-Symoné began her career as a child star on ‘The Cosby Show’ before becoming a Disney Channel icon with ‘That’s So Raven’. She has spent decades in the public eye, maintaining a successful career as an actress, singer, and television host on ‘The View’. Currently, she stars in and executive produces the revival series ‘Raven’s Home’. Her career is noted for its longevity and her ability to lead family-friendly programming.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer had her breakout role in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’, portraying a young spelling bee champion. Since then, she has navigated a diverse career in music, film, and television, including hosting her own talk show. Palmer is known for her transparent and authentic relationship with her fans on social media. She often uses her platform to discuss social issues and to encourage self-confidence in young women.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah is a multi-talented artist who began her career as a pioneering female rapper before moving into acting. She starred in the hit sitcom ‘Living Single’ and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’. Latifah is known for playing strong, independent characters and for her philanthropic work through various charities. Her image is one of empowerment and versatility across different entertainment mediums.
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood, often known simply as Brandy, is a Grammy-winning singer who starred in the successful sitcom ‘Moesha’. She made history as the first Black woman to play Cinderella in the 1997 television movie ‘Cinderella’, produced by Whitney Houston. Throughout her career, she has maintained a reputation for her vocal talent and her work in family-oriented television. She continues to act on stage and screen, including a run as Roxie Hart in ‘Chicago’ on Broadway.
Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams is a versatile performer who has achieved success in music, theater, and television. She was the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss America and later earned multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations. She is well-known for her roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’, where she played sophisticated and often complex characters. Williams is also a frequent performer on Broadway, known for her vocal prowess and professional poise.
Erika Alexander
Erika Alexander is best known for her role as the clever and ambitious lawyer Maxine Shaw on ‘Living Single’. She also appeared as Cousin Pam on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘Get Out’. Alexander is a co-founder of Color Farm Media, a company focused on bringing diverse stories to the forefront of entertainment. She is an active voice in political advocacy and social justice initiatives.
Kim Fields
Kim Fields grew up in the spotlight, starring as Tootie on ‘The Facts of Life’ and later as Regine Hunter on ‘Living Single’. She has transitioned into directing, helming numerous episodes of sitcoms like ‘Kenan & Kel’ and ‘Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’. Fields recently returned to the screen in the Netflix series ‘The Upshaws’. Her career is a testament to successful child-to-adult transitions in the industry while maintaining a family-friendly image.
Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks gained fame for her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She earned a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’, a role she reprised in the 2023 film. Brooks is a graduate of Juilliard and is known for her advocacy regarding body positivity and representation. She often uses her platform to celebrate theater and the arts.
Quvenzhané Wallis
Quvenzhané Wallis became the youngest person to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’. She later starred in the titular role of the 2014 remake of ‘Annie’. Wallis has also become a published author, writing a series of books for young readers. She continues to balance her education with her acting career, representing a new generation of talent.
Anika Noni Rose
Anika Noni Rose is a Tony Award-winning actress who provided the voice for Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess, in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She has appeared in significant film projects like ‘Dreamgirls’ and television series such as ‘The Good Wife’. Rose is celebrated for her vocal abilities and her work in theater. She was named a Disney Legend in 2011 for her contributions to the company’s legacy.
Esther Rolle
Esther Rolle was a stage and television actress best known for her role as Florida Evans on ‘Maude’ and the spin-off ‘Good Times’. She was a founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company and was deeply committed to portraying realistic and positive Black families. Rolle famously fought for the inclusion of a father figure in ‘Good Times’ to ensure a stable family dynamic was depicted. Her career was marked by her integrity and her focus on community-building through the arts.
Isabel Sanford
Isabel Sanford became an icon for her role as Louise “Wheezy” Jefferson on the long-running sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’. She was the first African-American woman to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Before her television success, she was an accomplished stage performer with the American Negro Theater. Sanford’s work helped normalize the depiction of affluent Black families in American media.
Marla Gibbs
Marla Gibbs is widely recognized for her role as Florence Johnston on ‘The Jeffersons’ and later for starring in ‘227’. She is a multi-talented artist who has also pursued careers in singing and comedy. Gibbs founded the Crossroads Arts Academy and Theatre in Los Angeles to provide training and opportunities for Black performers. Her long career has been defined by her comedic timing and her dedication to her community.
Ja’Net DuBois
Ja’Net DuBois was a versatile actress and singer best known for her role as Willona Woods on ‘Good Times’. She also composed and sang “Movin’ on Up,” the iconic theme song for ‘The Jeffersons’. DuBois won two Emmy Awards for her voiceover work on the animated series ‘The PJs’. Her career spanned theater, film, and television, always marked by a vibrant and positive energy.
Roxie Roker
Roxie Roker was a pioneer in television, known for her role as Helen Willis on ‘The Jeffersons’. Her character was part of the first interracial couple to be featured prominently on a major American sitcom. Before her television career, she was a successful stage actress and an advocate for the arts in New York City. She is also remembered as the mother of musician Lenny Kravitz.
Juanita Moore
Juanita Moore was a distinguished actress of the stage and screen, best known for her role in the 1959 film ‘Imitation of Life’. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She was a member of the Ebony Showcase Theatre and helped break down racial barriers in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. Moore was respected for the dignity and emotional depth she brought to her characters.
Beah Richards
Beah Richards was an actress, poet, and playwright who received an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. She won two Emmy Awards during her career, including one for her role in the series ‘The Practice’. Richards was known for her powerful stage presence and her involvement in the civil rights movement. Her work often focused on themes of racial equality and the importance of heritage.
Lena Horne
Lena Horne was a groundbreaking actress, singer, and dancer who refused to take roles that were racially stereotypical. She was the first Black woman to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio, MGM. Horne was a staunch civil rights activist who participated in the March on Washington and refused to perform for segregated audiences. Her legacy is one of immense talent used as a tool for social change.
Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey was an acclaimed singer and actress who won a Tony Award for her starring role in an all-Black production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’. In 1975, she was appointed as a special ambassador to the United Nations by President Gerald Ford. She wrote several books, including her autobiography and collections of personal wisdom. Bailey was known for her warm personality and her ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds.
Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Carmen Jones’. She was a world-renowned singer who performed in elite nightclubs across the globe. Despite the systemic challenges of her era, she became a symbol of elegance and talent in Hollywood. Her life and career paved the way for future Black leading ladies in the film industry.
Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt was a multi-talented performer known for her distinctive voice and her role as Catwoman in the ‘Batman’ television series. She was a vocal advocate for social justice and was blacklisted in the United States for several years after criticizing the Vietnam War. Kitt was a polyglot who spoke several languages and performed internationally throughout her life. Her career was defined by her independence and her commitment to her personal convictions.
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols was best known for her role as Uhura on ‘Star Trek’, a character that broke new ground for Black women in science fiction. She famously considered leaving the show but was encouraged to stay by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who called her role vital for representation. Later, she worked with NASA to recruit women and minority astronauts for the space program. Her legacy combines entertainment with a significant impact on real-world scientific diversity.
Mary Alice
Mary Alice was an acclaimed actress of stage and screen, winning a Tony Award for her role in ‘Fences’. She was well-known to television audiences as Leticia “Lettie” Bostic on ‘A Different World’. Her film credits include playing the Oracle in ‘The Matrix Revolutions’. She was known for the quiet strength and wisdom she brought to her diverse array of characters.
Irma P. Hall
Irma P. Hall is a veteran actress often cast in maternal and grandmotherly roles, most notably in the film ‘Soul Food’. She won a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in ‘The Ladykillers’. Before becoming a professional actress at the age of 36, she worked as a teacher for many years. Hall is beloved for her portrayals of the matriarchal figures that anchor many family dramas.
Madge Sinclair
Madge Sinclair was a Jamaican-American actress known for her regal and commanding presence. she played Queen Aoleon in ‘Coming to America’ and provided the voice of Queen Sarabi in ‘The Lion King’. Sinclair won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the series ‘Gabriel’s Fire’. Her career was marked by her ability to portray authority and grace in every role she took.
Clarice Taylor
Clarice Taylor was a veteran actress best known for her role as Anna Huxtable, the grandmother on ‘The Cosby Show’. She had a long and distinguished career in theater and was a member of the New York Shakespeare Festival. Taylor also appeared on ‘Sesame Street’ for many years as the character Harriet. Her work was characterized by a warm and nurturing screen presence that appealed to viewers of all ages.
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