Black Actors Who Died Before They Turned 45

The entertainment industry has been profoundly shaped by talented Black actors whose careers were tragically cut short. From child stars who grew up in the public eye to leading men who defined a generation of cinema, these performers left behind a body of work that continues to inspire audiences today. While their lives ended before the age of 45, their contributions to television, film, and culture remain significant. This list honors the memory of these talented men by revisiting their professional milestones and the roles that made them household names.

Cameron Boyce

Cameron Boyce was a prominent young actor who rose to fame as Luke Ross on the Disney Channel series ‘Jessie’. He later starred in the popular ‘Descendants’ film franchise as Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil. His career also included a role in the film ‘Grown Ups’ alongside Adam Sandler and voice work for ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’. Outside of acting, he was known for his extensive philanthropic work with various non-profit organizations. Boyce passed away at the age of 20 due to complications from epilepsy.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman was a transformative actor who became a global icon for his portrayal of T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther’. Before his superhero fame, he earned praise for playing real-life legends like Jackie Robinson in ’42’ and James Brown in ‘Get on Up’. His final film performance in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination. Boseman was celebrated for his dignity, craft, and the cultural impact of his work on and off the screen. He was 43 years old when he passed away from colon cancer in 2020.

Chance Perdomo

Chance Perdomo was a British-American actor who gained international recognition for his role as Ambrose Spellman in the Netflix series ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. He received a BAFTA nomination for his performance in the 2018 film ‘Killed by My Debt’. Most recently, he starred as Andre Anderson in the superhero spin-off series ‘Gen V’ on Amazon Prime Video. Perdomo’s career was marked by his versatile acting style and charismatic presence on screen. He died in 2024 at the age of 27 following a motorcycle accident.

The Notorious B.I.G.

Christopher Wallace, famously known as The Notorious B.I.G., was a pivotal figure in 1990s hip-hop who also made appearances in television. He guest-starred as himself in the police drama ‘New York Undercover’, performing in a memorable club scene. His life and career have been the subject of numerous films and documentaries, including the biopic ‘Notorious’. Wallace was known for his storytelling ability and lyrical prowess, which translated into a compelling on-screen presence during his music videos and television spots. He was 24 years old when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997.

De’Angelo Wilson

De’Angelo Wilson was an actor and musician best known for his breakout role as DJ Iz in the 2002 film ‘8 Mile’. He delivered a memorable performance in the biopic ‘Antwone Fisher’, playing the younger version of the titular character’s friend. His filmography also includes roles in ‘The Salon’ and ‘Mercy Street’, where he demonstrated his talent for dramatic storytelling. Wilson was recognized for his ability to bring emotional depth to his characters on the big screen. He died at the age of 29 in 2008.

Eazy-E

Eric Wright, known professionally as Eazy-E, was a rapper and actor who was instrumental in the rise of gangsta rap with the group N.W.A. He appeared in the 1993 comedy film ‘Who’s the Man?’ and was featured in numerous music-related television projects. His likeness and life story served as the foundation for the character Ryder in the video game ‘Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas’. Wright was also a prominent figure in several documentaries exploring the history of the West Coast music scene. He died in 1995 at the age of 30 due to complications from AIDS.

Gary Coleman

Gary Coleman became a household name as a child star playing Arnold Jackson on the long-running sitcom ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. His famous catchphrase, “Whatcha talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”, became a staple of 1970s and 80s pop culture. Beyond his most famous role, he starred in films like ‘On the Right Track’ and ‘The Kid with the Broken Halo’. Coleman also made numerous guest appearances on shows such as ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘The Ben Stiller Show’. He was 42 years old when he passed away following a fall in his home in 2010.

Heavy D

Heavy D, born Dwight Arrington Myers, was an influential rapper and actor who achieved success in both music and film. He appeared in the 1999 drama ‘The Cider House Rules’ and the Ben Stiller action-comedy ‘Tower Heist’. His television work included a recurring role on the sitcom ‘Living Single’ and appearances on ‘The Tracy Morgan Show’. Heavy D also performed the theme songs for popular shows like ‘In Living Color’ and ‘MADtv’. He was 44 years old when he died from a pulmonary embolism in 2011.

Lamont Bentley

Lamont Bentley was a television staple during the late 1990s, best known for playing Hakeem Campbell on the hit sitcom ‘Moesha’. He reprised the character in the spin-off series ‘The Parkers’, solidifying his place in African American pop culture. Bentley also showcased his dramatic acting skills in the horror anthology ‘Tales from the Hood’ and played a role in the biopic ‘The Temptations’. His career spanned over a decade, with numerous guest appearances on shows like ‘South Central’ and ‘NYPD Blue’. He was 31 years old when he died in a car accident in 2005.

Lee Thompson Young

Lee Thompson Young captured hearts as the titular character in the Disney Channel original series ‘The Famous Jett Jackson’. He successfully transitioned from a teen star to an adult actor, appearing in the film ‘Friday Night Lights’ as Chris Comer. Young later secured a starring role as Detective Barry Frost on the TNT police procedural ‘Rizzoli & Isles’. His other notable credits included guest spots on ‘Smallville’ and ‘Scrubs’, where he showcased his range in both drama and comedy. Young was 29 years old at the time of his passing in 2013.

Merlin Santana

Merlin Santana began his acting career as a child, notably appearing as Stanley in ‘The Cosby Show’. He achieved widespread recognition for his role as Romeo Santana on ‘The Steve Harvey Show’, where he became a fan favorite. His television credits also included appearances on ‘Sister, Sister’ and ‘Moesha’, as well as a recurring role in ‘Under One Roof’. Santana transitioned into film with a role in the Eddie Murphy comedy ‘Showtime’. He was 26 years old when he was killed in Los Angeles in 2002.

Moses J. Moseley

Moses J. Moseley was an actor and model who gained a following for his role on the hit AMC series ‘The Walking Dead’. He portrayed one of Michonne’s iconic pet zombies, a role that became a recognizable part of the show’s early imagery. Beyond his work on the zombie drama, he appeared in films such as ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ and television series like ‘Watchmen’. Moseley was also a published writer and professional model who worked on various commercial projects. He was 31 years old when he passed away in 2022.

Nelsan Ellis

Nelsan Ellis was a classically trained actor who gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of Lafayette Reynolds on the HBO series ‘True Blood’. His performance was so compelling that the show’s creators deviated from the source material to keep his character alive throughout the series. Ellis also appeared on the big screen in films like ‘The Butler’, where he played Martin Luther King Jr., and the James Brown biopic ‘Get on Up’. He was known for his incredible emotional range and ability to inhabit complex, often flamboyant characters. Ellis passed away at the age of 39 in 2017.

Nipsey Hussle

Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, was a Grammy-nominated rapper, entrepreneur, and actor who left a lasting legacy in his community. He made his film debut in the semi-autographical movie ‘I Tried’ and later appeared in the 2010 film ‘Caged Animal’. Hussle also played a role in the television series ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ and produced several music-related documentaries. He was deeply committed to activism and economic empowerment in his hometown of Los Angeles. Hussle was 33 years old when he was fatally shot in 2019.

Pop Smoke

Bashar Barakah Jackson, known as Pop Smoke, was a prominent rapper who began to establish himself as an actor before his untimely death. He made his feature film debut in the sports drama ‘Boogie’, where he played the lead character’s rival, Monk. His performance was praised for its authenticity and natural charisma, hinting at a promising future in Hollywood. Pop Smoke’s music also heavily influenced the aesthetic and energy of the film’s soundtrack. He was 20 years old when he was fatally shot during a home invasion in 2020.

Sam Sarpong

Sam Sarpong was a multi-talented British-American actor, model, and host who worked extensively in the fashion and entertainment industries. He was a co-host for the MTV show ‘Yo Momma’ alongside Wilmer Valderrama and appeared in the film ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’. His television credits included roles in ‘ER’, ‘Bones’, and ‘American Crime Story’. Sarpong was also a high-profile model, serving as the face of Tommy Hilfiger for several years. He died at the age of 40 in 2015.

Takeoff

Kirsnick Khari Ball, known as Takeoff, was a member of the influential hip-hop trio Migos who also ventured into acting. He made his television debut with a guest appearance as himself in the critically acclaimed FX series ‘Atlanta’. Takeoff also contributed to various television projects through voice work and musical performances that featured a theatrical element. His distinct voice and calm demeanor made him a standout figure in the modern entertainment landscape. He was 28 years old when he was fatally shot in Houston in 2022.

Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur was a legendary rapper and actor who made a significant impact on cinema during the 1990s. He earned critical acclaim for his performance as Bishop in the gritty urban drama ‘Juice’. Shakur also starred opposite Janet Jackson in ‘Poetic Justice’ and appeared in the basketball film ‘Above the Rim’. His final film roles were released posthumously, including the crime thriller ‘Gang Related’ and the drug-addiction drama ‘Gridlock’d’. He was 25 years old when he was fatally shot in Las Vegas.

Windell Middlebrooks

Windell Middlebrooks was a versatile actor known for both his comedic timing and his dramatic presence. He is perhaps most recognizable for his long-running role as the “Miller High Life guy” in a series of popular television commercials. On the small screen, he played Kirby Morris in ‘The Suite Life on Deck’ and Curtis Brumfield in ‘Body of Proof’. His guest appearances included roles in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and ‘Entourage’. Middlebrooks was 36 years old when he died suddenly from a pulmonary embolism in 2015.

Please share your favorite performances from these talented actors in the comments.