African American Actors Who Completely Rebounded From Flops

The film industry is notoriously volatile and even the most celebrated performers encounter projects that fail to resonate with audiences or critics. For many African American actors the path to sustained success involves overcoming significant box office disappointments or critical pans. These resilient men have demonstrated an incredible ability to pivot and secure career defining roles following their lowest professional moments. Their journeys highlight the importance of perseverance and talent in an ever changing cinematic landscape.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington faced a rare professional stumble with the science fiction thriller ‘Virtuosity’ which failed to make a significant impact in 1995. He quickly shifted focus to more grounded dramas and thrillers that showcased his range as a leading man. The actor solidified his comeback by winning an Academy Award for his role in ‘Training Day’ several years later. Washington continues to be a pillar of excellence in Hollywood with a career defined by consistent critical acclaim.

Will Smith

Will Smith experienced a significant career low point with the release of the science fiction film ‘After Earth’ in 2013. This project was met with negative reviews and underperformed at the box office which led to discussions regarding his star power. He successfully regained his momentum through a series of hits including ‘Suicide Squad’ and the live action version of ‘Aladdin’ for Disney. Smith eventually reached a new pinnacle when he earned an Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams in ‘King Richard’.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy suffered a major box office disaster with the release of ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ in 2002. This failure followed a string of other poorly received films that threatened to overshadow his earlier comedic legacy. He staged a massive career resurgence with his performance in the musical ‘Dreamgirls’ which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Murphy recently proved his enduring appeal with successful projects like ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘Coming 2 America’.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx appeared in the high budget military film ‘Stealth’ which became a notorious box office bomb upon its release in 2005. Despite this setback the actor was already in the middle of a massive career surge thanks to his work in several other high profile projects. He cemented his status as an elite talent by winning an Academy Award for his portrayal of the legendary musician in ‘Ray’. Foxx has since navigated a diverse career including blockbusters like ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Spider Man No Way Home’.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan starred in the 2015 reboot of ‘Fantastic Four’ which was panned by critics and rejected by fans of the franchise. This failure could have derailed his rising career but he immediately followed it with a powerhouse performance in ‘Creed’. His portrayal of Adonis Creed turned the film into a massive success and launched a popular new trilogy. Jordan further solidified his place as a superstar by playing the antagonist Killmonger in the cultural phenomenon ‘Black Panther’.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba was part of the ensemble cast in the widely mocked adaptation of ‘Cats’ which became a major talking point for its unusual visual choices. He also starred in the fantasy epic ‘The Dark Tower’ which failed to launch the franchise that the studio had anticipated. Elba quickly bounced back with a standout role as Bloodsport in the successful DC sequel ‘The Suicide Squad’ and the survival thriller ‘Beast’. He remains one of the most sought after actors in both television and film due to his commanding presence and versatility.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker was a key cast member in the science fiction disaster ‘Battlefield Earth’ which is often cited as one of the worst movies ever made. This project was a significant blemish on his otherwise impressive filmography during the early 2000s. He managed a spectacular recovery by delivering a performance as Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. This role earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor and reestablished his reputation as a master of his craft.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. spent several years starring in direct to video projects and poorly received comedies like ‘Boat Trip’ and ‘Snow Dogs’. These films were a sharp contrast to the critical success he enjoyed early in his career after winning an Oscar. He eventually found a major path back to prominence by starring in the acclaimed miniseries ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson American Crime Story’. This performance reminded audiences of his dramatic capabilities and led to more high quality television and film opportunities.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes faced a period of career instability following legal issues and a series of low budget action movies that failed to gain traction. His time away from major Hollywood productions left fans wondering if he would ever return to the limelight. He made a triumphant return to the screen with a performance in the film ‘Dolemite Is My Name’. This role showcased his comedic timing and charisma which led to a part in the successful sequel ‘Coming 2 America’.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence saw a decline in his box office pull during the mid 2000s with films like ‘Rebound’ and ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’ failing to hit the mark. After a period of relative quiet in his film career he returned to his most iconic role for a new generation. The massive success of ‘Bad Boys for Life’ in 2020 proved that his comedic chemistry with Will Smith was still a huge draw for audiences. Lawrence has since continued this momentum with further entries in the franchise and new stand up opportunities.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock wrote and starred in ‘Pootie Tang’ and ‘Bad Company’ which both struggled to find an audience or critical support. While he remained a giant in the world of stand up comedy his transition to leading man in film was often inconsistent. He eventually found the right vehicle for his talents by writing and directing the critically acclaimed film ‘Top Five’. This project served as a creative rebirth and demonstrated his ability to blend social commentary with engaging storytelling.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard experienced a public professional setback when he was replaced in the role of James Rhodes after the first ‘Iron Man’ film. This transition occurred just as the Marvel Cinematic Universe was beginning its historic rise to dominance. He eventually found a massive new audience by starring as Lucious Lyon in the hit musical drama series ‘Empire’. This role made him a household name once again and earned him multiple awards for his intense and charismatic performance.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart starred in ‘Ride Along 2’ and ‘Night School’ which received mediocre reviews despite their success at the box office. Some critics began to express fatigue with his established comedic persona during this period. He successfully pivoted by taking on a more dramatic and nuanced role in ‘The Upside’ alongside Bryan Cranston. This film was a surprise hit and showed that Hart could handle emotional weight in addition to his signature high energy comedy.

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans appeared in several spoof movies like ‘Little Man’ and ‘Dance Flick’ that were criticized for their lowbrow humor. These projects seemed to pigeonhole him into a very specific and increasingly unpopular genre of comedy. He found a new way to connect with audiences by creating and starring in the parody film ‘A Haunted House’ which became a sleeper hit. Wayans eventually transitioned into more grounded work including his own sitcom and the dramatic film ‘Respect’.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has maintained one of the busiest schedules in Hollywood but even he has appeared in duds like the comic book adaptation ‘The Spirit’. This film was a critical and commercial failure that failed to utilize his talents effectively. He remained a mainstay in the industry by continuing his iconic role as Nick Fury in the ‘Avengers’ franchise and collaborating with Quentin Tarantino on ‘The Hateful Eight’. Jackson proved that a few minor misses could never diminish his status as a high grossing star.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman starred in ‘The Poison Rose’ and ‘Ben Hur’ which were both notable flops that failed to capture the magic of his previous work. At an advanced stage in his career these misses could have signaled a slow down for the legendary actor. Instead he continued to provide his iconic voice and presence to successful projects like ‘The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard’. Freeman remains an essential figure in cinema whose presence alone brings a level of prestige to any production.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne went through a period of less visible roles following the conclusion of ‘The Matrix’ trilogy and several smaller films that failed to land. He effectively shifted his focus to television by taking a lead role in the long running procedural ‘CSI Crime Scene Investigation’. This move introduced him to a new demographic and led to his role as Perry White in ‘Man of Steel’. Fishburne also joined the ‘John Wick’ franchise which cemented his place in modern action cinema history.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle starred in the science fiction film ‘Mission to Mars’ which was a critical disappointment during the early stages of his rise. He avoided being defined by this failure by delivering a powerful performance in ‘Hotel Rwanda’ shortly after. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination and established him as one of the finest dramatic actors of his generation. He eventually became a global star through his long standing involvement as War Machine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie was part of the cast of ‘Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter’ which failed to meet box office expectations and was dismissed by many viewers. Despite this unusual project he continued to build a strong reputation through his work in independent films. His career changed significantly when he was cast as Sam Wilson in ‘Captain America The Winter Soldier’. Mackie has now transitioned from a supporting player to the lead in ‘Captain America Brave New World’.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry faced a significant hurdle when he tried to step outside of his own productions to star in the thriller ‘Alex Cross’. The film was meant to launch a new franchise but it was panned by critics and failed to turn a profit. Perry quickly returned to his roots and continued to build his media empire through his own studio and various television series. He eventually earned critical praise for his supporting role in ‘Gone Girl’ which proved he could succeed in high stakes dramatic films.

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker took a long hiatus from the screen after the massive success of the ‘Rush Hour’ franchise and his appearance in ‘Money Talks’. Some of his potential projects during this time fell through which left him out of the public eye for years. He made a memorable return in the Academy Award winning film ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ where he played a supportive friend to the protagonist. This performance showed a more understated side of his talent and reminded Hollywood of his natural screen presence.

Mike Epps

Mike Epps starred in several comedy sequels and spin offs that failed to capture the energy of his earlier work in ‘Next Friday’. Some of these films were released directly to home media and did not receive much critical attention. He experienced a career resurgence by taking on more diverse roles including a part in the musical drama ‘Sparkle’ and the sitcom ‘The Upside’. Epps also received praise for his portrayal of Richard Pryor in the film ‘Dolemite Is My Name’.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs starred in ‘Dylan Dog Dead of Night’ which was a major critical and commercial failure that went largely unnoticed by general audiences. This project was a significant departure from the romantic comedies and dramas that had made him famous. He successfully pivoted to a successful run on the television series ‘Private Practice’ and later ‘All American’. Diggs remains a consistent presence in both film and television while also maintaining a career on Broadway.

Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut appeared in ‘The Game Plan’ and several other films where he played secondary roles that did not fully showcase his leading man potential. There was a period where his film output seemed to stall in favor of smaller television appearances. He staged a major comeback with the sequel ‘The Best Man Holiday’ which was a surprise box office smash. This success led to his own television series ‘Rosewood’ and continued work in high profile dramatic projects.

Omar Epps

Omar Epps was part of the cast in ‘Alfie’ which failed to resonate with audiences and was a disappointment for everyone involved. He moved away from film for a time to take a central role in the hit medical drama ‘House’. This move proved to be incredibly successful as the show became a global phenomenon and ran for eight seasons. Epps has since returned to film and television with a renewed sense of purpose and a solid fan base.

Mekhi Phifer

Mekhi Phifer starred in the horror sequel ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ which was widely panned by critics upon its release. He managed to move past the teen horror genre by securing a lead role in the acclaimed film ‘8 Mile’ alongside Eminem. This was followed by a long stint on the medical drama ‘ER’ where he became a fan favorite character. Phifer has continued to work steadily in various television series and independent film projects.

Michael Jai White

Michael Jai White played the titular character in ‘Spawn’ which was a visual marvel at the time but failed to launch a successful franchise. The actor then spent years working in smaller action films that did not always reach a wide audience. He found a new level of success and cult status by writing and starring in the parody ‘Black Dynamite’. This project showcased his comedic skills and led to a thriving career as an action star and director.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito had many early roles in films that did not necessarily lead to superstardom despite his obvious talent. He spent decades as a character actor appearing in various projects that were often overlooked by mainstream audiences. His career took a massive turn when he was cast as Gus Fring in the series ‘Breaking Bad’. This role transformed him into one of the most recognizable and respected actors in television today.

Bill Bellamy

Bill Bellamy starred in ‘How to Be a Player’ which was a modest success but led to a series of films that failed to elevate his career further. He eventually shifted his focus toward television hosting and stand up comedy where he found a steady audience. Bellamy made a successful return to scripted work with roles in shows like ‘Insecure’ and ‘Self Made’. He has managed to maintain a long career by being adaptable and leaning into his natural comedic strengths.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer was the lead in ‘The Honeymooners’ remake which was a significant box office disappointment and received negative reviews. He did not let this setback define him and continued to work as a successful supporting actor in various hits. He eventually found success as the star and executive producer of the sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’. This show has become a staple of network television and has solidified his legacy as a comedy icon.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac starred in ‘Guess Who’ which received mixed reviews and failed to match the brilliance of his stand up career. While he was already a star this project did not quite capture his unique comedic voice in the way his fans expected. He continued to find success through his highly rated sitcom ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ which ran for several seasons. Mac left behind a legendary legacy that continues to influence comedians and actors long after his passing.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan faced a period of career uncertainty following a serious car accident that required a long and difficult recovery process. Before this he had appeared in ‘Cop Out’ which was a critical failure that was overshadowed by behind the scenes drama. He made a triumphant return to the public eye with a heartfelt appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and a role in ‘The Last O.G.’. Morgan has since returned to voice acting and stand up comedy with his trademark humor intact.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo appeared in ‘Red Tails’ which was a project for George Lucas but failed to make a major impact with critics or at the box office. He quickly moved on to more substantial roles that allowed him to demonstrate his incredible dramatic range. His portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’ was a career defining performance that earned him worldwide acclaim. Oyelowo is now considered one of the most talented actors working in both independent and studio films.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor was part of the cast in the science fiction film ‘2012’ which was a box office hit but a critical disaster for its over the top plot. He maintained his professional standing by alternating between big budget projects and intense dramatic work. He reached a new level of fame and critical respect for his leading role in ’12 Years a Slave’ which won the Oscar for Best Picture. Ejiofor has since joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe while continuing to pursue challenging artistic roles.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali spent many years in small supporting roles and appeared in the poorly received film ‘The Free State of Jones’. His talent was evident but he had not yet found the project that would make him a household name. This changed when he delivered a stunning performance in ‘Moonlight’ which won him his first Academy Award. He followed this with another Oscar for ‘Green Book’ and a lead role in the third season of ‘True Detective’.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown had several small roles in films and television shows that did not immediately lead to major recognition. He appeared in the short lived series ‘Starved’ and other projects that failed to gain a significant following. His breakthrough came when he was cast in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson American Crime Story’ where he played Christopher Darden. This role led to his lead part in the massive hit ‘This Is Us’ and several roles in blockbuster films.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo spent years as a respected stage actor and appearing in small film roles that did not always get much attention. He was part of projects like ‘The Birth of a Nation’ which faced controversy and failed to reach its potential. He eventually gained widespread recognition for his role in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ and his performance in ‘Euphoria’. Domingo has recently become a major awards contender for his leading work in films like ‘Rustin’ and ‘Sing Sing’.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube starred in ‘Ghosts of Mars’ which was a critical and commercial failure that threatened to stall his transition from music to movies. He had already established himself as a force in Hollywood with ‘Friday’ but this science fiction misstep was a notable low point. He pivoted back to comedies and family films with the ‘Barbershop’ and ‘Are We There Yet’ franchises which were successes. Cube eventually became a successful producer and returned to dramatic roots with ‘Straight Outta Compton’.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J appeared in ‘Rollerball’ which was a notorious box office bomb and was panned by both critics and fans. This project could have ended his run as a leading man in action films during the early 2000s. He successfully transitioned to television where he became the face of the long running hit series ‘NCIS Los Angeles’. This role lasted for over a decade and ensured his place as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Ludacris

Ludacris was part of the cast of ‘Gamer’ which failed to find an audience and was criticized for its chaotic style and plot. He did not let this setback affect his rising film career and continued to focus on his recurring role in a major franchise. His character Tej Parker became an essential part of the ‘Fast and Furious’ series which grew into a global phenomenon. Ludacris has since balanced his successful music career with a steady presence in blockbuster cinema.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson starred in the remake of ‘Flight of the Phoenix’ which was a box office disappointment that failed to generate much excitement. He was still establishing himself as a film actor after transitioning from a successful career in music and modeling. He found his footing by joining the ‘Fast and Furious’ and ‘Transformers’ franchises which both became massive global hits. Gibson has maintained a high profile in Hollywood by being a key part of these enduring ensemble casts.

Danny Glover

Danny Glover appeared in several smaller films and direct to video projects that did not match the success of his work in the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series. Some of these later roles led to a period of reduced visibility in mainstream cinema. He experienced a critical resurgence with his performance in the independent film ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’. This role reminded critics and audiences of his enduring talent and ability to anchor emotional stories.

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo appeared in ‘Congo’ which was a critical disappointment despite its moderate success at the box office. He continued to work as a reliable character actor in various projects without always receiving the spotlight he deserved. He staged a major career comeback with his role in the Spike Lee film ‘Da 5 Bloods’ for Netflix. His performance received universal acclaim and sparked significant awards buzz during the year of its release.

Keith David

Keith David was part of the cast for ‘The Chronicles of Riddick’ which was met with mixed reviews and failed to launch a new era for the series. Known for his incredible voice and presence he spent much of his career in supporting roles that often went underappreciated. He found a massive new audience through his work in the hit television series ‘Greenleaf’. Most recently he earned praise for his role in the Jordan Peele horror film ‘Nope’.

Ving Rhames

Ving Rhames starred in the 2012 film ‘Underworld Awakening’ and several other action movies that did not achieve much critical acclaim. While he remained a recognizable face his lead roles in major studio films had become less frequent. He maintained his status as a key player in Hollywood by continuing his role as Luther Stickell in the ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise. These films have remained some of the most successful and critically praised action projects in cinematic history.

Share your favorite career comeback story from this list or tell us about other actors you admire for their resilience in the comments.