African-American Actors Who Were Everywhere in the 2000s

The 2000s represented a pivotal era for African-American male actors in Hollywood, marked by historic Academy Award wins and unprecedented commercial success. This decade saw performers transition from supporting roles to leading massive franchises and critically acclaimed biopics. From the emergence of future superstars to the peak years of industry legends, these men were featured consistently across major film releases and television series. Their collective work helped shape the cultural landscape of the new millennium through versatile storytelling and high-profile performances.

Will Smith

Will Smith established himself as a dominant force in Hollywood throughout the 2000s. He earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the legendary boxer in ‘Ali’. His commercial appeal remained strong with massive hits such as ‘I, Robot’ and the superhero film ‘Hancock’. He also showcased his dramatic range in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, earning another nomination for Best Actor. This decade marked the height of his status as one of the world’s most bankable leading men.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington began the decade by winning the Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Detective Alonzo Harris in ‘Training Day’. He continued to lead high-stakes productions, appearing in the revenge thriller ‘Man on Fire’ and the heist film ‘Inside Man’. Washington also made his directorial debut during this period with the film ‘Antwone Fisher’. In 2007, he delivered a highly praised performance as the real-life figure Frank Lucas in ‘American Gangster’. He remained a consistent presence at the center of both critical and commercial successes throughout the decade.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson maintained an incredibly prolific schedule during the 2000s with roles in various genres. He reprised his iconic role as the Jedi Master Mace Windu in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy. Jackson also starred in the cult favorite ‘Snakes on a Plane’ and voiced the character Frozone in ‘The Incredibles’. In 2008, he made his first appearance as Nick Fury in ‘Iron Man’, laying the foundation for his future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His presence was a recurring element in both independent cinema and major blockbuster releases.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx experienced a breakthrough decade, highlighted by his 2004 performance in the biopic ‘Ray’. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles, becoming one of the few actors to achieve this honor. During the same year, he received a supporting actor nomination for his role in the thriller ‘Collateral’. He later starred in high-profile projects such as ‘Miami Vice’ and the musical ‘Dreamgirls’. Foxx successfully transitioned from a television comedian to a premier dramatic actor during this era.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman became one of the most recognizable voices and faces in cinema throughout the 2000s. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2004 drama ‘Million Dollar Baby’. Freeman also joined the ‘Batman’ franchise as Lucius Fox, appearing in both ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘The Dark Knight’. He continued to lend his gravity to various projects, including the documentary ‘March of the Penguins’. His consistent work during this period solidified his reputation as a respected elder statesman of Hollywood.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle earned widespread recognition for his versatility in both independent and mainstream films during the 2000s. He received an Oscar nomination for his powerful performance in the 2004 film ‘Hotel Rwanda’. Cheadle was also a key member of the ensemble cast in the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy throughout the decade. He appeared in the Academy Award-winning drama ‘Crash’ and the historical film ‘Talk to Me’. By the end of the decade, he was cast to take over the role of James Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker reached a career pinnacle in the mid-2000s with his portrayal of Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. This performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, along with numerous other prestigious accolades. Earlier in the decade, he starred in the suspenseful thriller ‘Panic Room’ and the crime drama ‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’. He also had a significant recurring role on the acclaimed television series ‘The Shield’. Whitaker’s presence was felt in both intense character studies and large-scale ensemble pieces.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard saw a significant rise in his profile during the mid-2000s. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as DJay in ‘Hustle & Flow’. During the same period, he was part of the ensemble cast of the Best Picture winner ‘Crash’. Howard also appeared in the biographical film ‘Ray’ and the musical drama ‘Idlewild’. In 2008, he played James Rhodes in the original ‘Iron Man’, contributing to one of the biggest films of the decade.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy enjoyed a period of major commercial success and critical resurgence in the 2000s. He voiced the beloved character Donkey in the ‘Shrek’ franchise, which began in 2001 and continued through multiple sequels. Murphy earned an Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe for his role as James ‘Thunder’ Early in ‘Dreamgirls’. He also starred in family-oriented hits like ‘Daddy Day Care’ and ‘The Haunted Mansion’. Despite some experimental projects, his influence on comedy and family entertainment remained substantial.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock expanded his career beyond stand-up comedy to become a significant presence in film and television during the 2000s. He voiced the character Marty the Zebra in the hugely successful ‘Madagascar’ animated series. Rock created and narrated the semi-autobiographical sitcom ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, which ran for four seasons. He also wrote, directed, and starred in films such as ‘Head of State’ and ‘I Think I Love My Wife’. His cultural commentary and comedic timing made him a household name throughout the decade.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac became a television and film mainstay during the 2000s after years of success in stand-up. He starred in his eponymous sitcom, ‘The Bernie Mac Show’, which aired from 2001 to 2006 and earned several awards. On the big screen, he was a memorable member of the crew in the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy. Mac also took on leading roles in comedies such as ‘Mr. 3000’ and ‘Guess Who’. His distinct comedic voice and physical presence made him a favorite among audiences until his passing in 2008.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence continued his streak of box-office hits well into the 2000s. He starred in the massive comedy ‘Big Momma’s House’ in 2000 and later returned for its sequel. In 2003, he teamed up again with Will Smith for the high-octane action sequel ‘Bad Boys II’. Lawrence also found success in the ensemble road comedy ‘Wild Hogs’ alongside John Travolta. His ability to lead physical comedies made him a reliable star for major studios throughout the decade.

Ice Cube

Ice Cube successfully transitioned from a rap icon to a major movie star and producer during the 2000s. He launched the popular ‘Barbershop’ franchise in 2002, which spawned sequels and a spin-off. Cube also moved into family-friendly territory with the commercial hit ‘Are We There Yet?’ in 2005. He continued to work in the action genre with films like ‘XXX: State of the Union’. His production company, Cube Vision, was instrumental in creating diverse content throughout the era.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer became a ubiquitous face in 2000s comedy following the success of ‘The Original Kings of Comedy’. He played the fan-favorite character Eddie in the ‘Barbershop’ series, providing much of the films’ humor. Cedric appeared in numerous other projects, including ‘Serving Sara’ and the animated hit ‘Ice Age’. He also took on a leading role in the 2005 film ‘The Honeymooners’, a reimagining of the classic sitcom. His warm persona and consistent output kept him in high demand for both film and voice-over work.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs was a frequent leading man in romantic dramas and musicals throughout the 2000s. He starred in the urban romance ‘Brown Sugar’ in 2002 and appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Chicago’. In 2005, he reprised his stage role in the movie version of ‘Rent’. Diggs also found major success on television, starring in the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ spin-off ‘Private Practice’. His charm and versatility allowed him to move easily between the stage, cinema, and television.

Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut remained a prominent figure in African-American cinema during the 2000s. He starred in the romantic comedy ‘Two Can Play That Game’ and the holiday film ‘The Perfect Holiday’. Chestnut also took on action and drama roles in films like ‘Ladder 49’ and ‘The Game Plan’. He was often cast as the romantic lead or the dependable supporting character in major studio releases. His consistent presence in the ‘Best Man’ era helped him maintain a steady career throughout the decade.

Michael Ealy

Michael Ealy rose to fame in the early 2000s with his breakout role as Ricky Nash in ‘Barbershop’. He continued to gain popularity with roles in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ and the thriller ‘Never Die Alone’. Ealy also received critical acclaim for his performance in the television movie ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his lead role in the Showtime series ‘Sleeper Cell’. His striking presence made him one of the most sought-after young actors of the mid-2000s.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore transitioned from a long-running soap opera career to prime-time television stardom in the 2000s. After leaving ‘The Young and the Restless’, he joined the cast of the crime drama ‘Criminal Minds’ in 2005. His portrayal of Derek Morgan became a central part of the show’s long-running success. Moore also appeared on the big screen in the 2005 hit ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. He became a recognizable face to millions of viewers as a staple of procedural television.

Derek Luke

Derek Luke made a significant impact early in the decade with his title role in the 2002 film ‘Antwone Fisher’. Directed by Denzel Washington, the performance earned Luke an Independent Spirit Award. He followed this success with roles in the sports drama ‘Friday Night Lights’ and the action film ‘Biker Boyz’. In 2009, he portrayed Sean Combs in the biographical film ‘Notorious’. Luke was often chosen for roles that required emotional depth and a strong screen presence.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor emerged as a powerhouse dramatic actor during the 2000s. He gained international attention for his lead role in the 2002 thriller ‘Dirty Pretty Things’. Ejiofor appeared in a wide range of films, from the romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’ to the science fiction hit ‘Serenity’. He delivered a standout performance in ‘Children of Men’ and starred alongside Denzel Washington in ‘American Gangster’. His ability to master complex characters across different genres established him as a premier talent.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne remained a heavy hitter in the industry throughout the 2000s. He reprised his iconic role as Morpheus in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ in 2003. Fishburne also appeared in critically acclaimed dramas like ‘Mystic River’ and ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. In 2008, he joined the cast of the long-running series ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ as Dr. Raymond Langston. His authoritative presence continued to command attention in both film and television.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson successfully moved from a music career into a steady film career during the 2000s. He made his acting debut in the 2001 film ‘Baby Boy’, directed by John Singleton. Gibson then joined the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ and became a series regular. He also played a significant role in the ‘Transformers’ film series starting in 2007. His transition into action cinema was highly successful, making him a recognizable face in major summer blockbusters.

Ludacris

Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges established himself as a legitimate actor during the 2000s. He made a memorable appearance in ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’ before appearing in the Academy Award-winning ‘Crash’. His performance in ‘Hustle & Flow’ further demonstrated his range as a dramatic actor. Ludacris continued to balance his music career with roles in films like ‘RocknRolla’ and ‘Max Payne’. He became one of the most successful rappers to make the permanent leap into Hollywood.

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou earned significant critical acclaim throughout the 2000s for his powerful performances. He received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for the 2002 film ‘In America’. He earned a second nomination for his role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘Blood Diamond’ in 2006. Hounsou also appeared in major blockbusters like ‘Gladiator’ and ‘The Island’. His ability to portray strength and vulnerability made him a frequent choice for high-profile dramatic roles.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright was a staple of both independent cinema and major franchises during the 2000s. He won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role in the 2003 miniseries ‘Angels in America’. Wright appeared in the political thriller ‘Syriana’ and portrayed Felix Leiter in the 2006 James Bond film ‘Casino Royale’. He also played Muddy Waters in ‘Cadillac Records’ and appeared in ‘Quantum of Solace’. His reputation for immersive character work made him one of the most respected actors of the decade.

Yasiin Bey

Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, showcased his acting talents in several prominent 2000s films. He starred in the 2003 heist movie ‘The Italian Job’ and the action-drama ’16 Blocks’ alongside Bruce Willis. He received critical praise and an Emmy nomination for his role in the television movie ‘Something the Lord Made’. He also appeared in ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ and ‘Be Kind Rewind’. His work during this period highlighted his versatility across comedy and drama.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J maintained a strong acting presence throughout the 2000s in both film and television. He appeared in action films like ‘S.W.A.T.’ and the romantic comedy ‘Last Holiday’ with Queen Latifah. He also starred in the thriller ‘Mindhunters’ and the drama ‘Edison’. In 2009, he landed the lead role of Sam Hanna on the series ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’. This role would go on to define his career for the next decade and beyond.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews became a recognizable comedic and action star during the 2000s. He had a memorable role in the 2004 comedy ‘White Chicks’ and played the father in the sitcom ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Crews also appeared in films like ‘The Longest Yard’ and ‘Idiocracy’, where he played President Camacho. He balanced these comedic roles with action parts in films such as ‘Street Kings’. His high energy and physical comedy made him a breakout star of the decade.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson transitioned from a child star to a comedy institution during the 2000s. In 2003, he joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he would eventually become the longest-serving cast member. During this decade, he also starred in the live-action film ‘Fat Albert’. He appeared in supporting roles in ‘Barbershop 2: Back in Business’ and ‘Snakes on a Plane’. Thompson’s work on late-night television made him a constant presence in American households.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson was one of the most prolific actors of the 2000s, appearing in dozens of projects. He had significant roles in films like ‘Hustle & Flow’, ‘The Departed’, and ‘Transformers’. Anderson also starred in his own sitcom, ‘All About the Andersons’, and joined the cast of ‘Law & Order’ as Detective Kevin Bernard. He was equally comfortable in broad comedies like ‘Scary Movie 3’ and ‘Kangeroo Jack’. His constant work across genres made him one of the most visible actors of the era.

Mekhi Phifer

Mekhi Phifer was a major star of both film and television during the 2000s. He starred alongside Eminem in the 2002 film ‘8 Mile’, which was a massive cultural and commercial success. Phifer also joined the cast of the long-running medical drama ‘ER’ as Dr. Greg Pratt, a role he held for over six years. He appeared in the horror remake ‘Dawn of the Dead’ and the musical ‘Honey’. His steady presence on a hit television show ensured he remained a household name.

Larenz Tate

Larenz Tate continued to build his filmography with several key roles during the 2000s. He was part of the ensemble cast for the Academy Award-winning film ‘Crash’ in 2004. Tate also portrayed the music legend Quincy Jones in the biopic ‘Ray’. He starred in the action-drama ‘Waist Deep’ and the film ‘A Man Apart’ with Vin Diesel. His ability to lead urban dramas and join prestigious ensembles kept him active throughout the decade.

Hill Harper

Hill Harper found massive success on television during the 2000s. He landed the lead role of Dr. Sheldon Hawkes on the procedural ‘CSI: NY’ in 2004, a character he played for the rest of the decade. Before his television success, he appeared in films like ‘The Skulls’ and ‘Love, Sex & Eating the Bones’. Harper also became a best-selling author during this period, expanding his influence beyond acting. He was a consistent presence in the television landscape throughout the era.

Blair Underwood

Blair Underwood maintained a high-profile career in both television and film during the 2000s. He had a memorable recurring role as Dr. Robert Leeds on ‘Sex and the City’. Underwood also starred in the dramas ‘LAX’ and ‘Dirty Sexy Money’ during the mid-to-late 2000s. On the big screen, he appeared in ‘Rules of Engagement’ and ‘Madea’s Family Reunion’. His sophisticated image and dramatic talent made him a staple for network television leads.

Ving Rhames

Ving Rhames remained a significant action and drama star throughout the 2000s. He reprised his role as Luther Stickell in ‘Mission: Impossible II’ and ‘Mission: Impossible III’. Rhames starred in the 2004 remake of ‘Dawn of the Dead’ and the gritty drama ‘Baby Boy’. He also provided the voice for Cobra Bubbles in ‘Lilo & Stitch’. His commanding voice and physical presence were utilized across a wide variety of film projects.

Wesley Snipes

Wesley Snipes continued his run as a major action star in the early 2000s. He starred in ‘Blade II’, directed by Guillermo del Toro, which was a significant box-office success in 2002. He followed this with the third installment, ‘Blade: Trinity’, in 2004. Snipes also starred in the boxing drama ‘Undisputed’ and several action thrillers like ‘Liberty Stands Still’. Although his film output slowed toward the end of the decade, his impact on the superhero genre was substantial.

Omar Epps

Omar Epps transitioned from a successful film career to major television stardom in the 2000s. He starred in the classic sports romance ‘Love & Basketball’ in 2000. In 2004, he began his long-running role as Dr. Eric Foreman on the hit medical drama ‘House’. This role earned him multiple NAACP Image Awards and kept him on prime-time television for the rest of the decade. He also appeared in films like ‘Alfie’ and ‘Against the Ropes’ during this period.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. was featured in many high-profile films during the first half of the 2000s. He appeared in the historical epic ‘Pearl Harbor’ and the comedy ‘Snow Dogs’. Gooding Jr. earned praise for his portrayal of the title character in the 2003 drama ‘Radio’. He also starred in ‘American Gangster’ alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. His career during the 2000s was marked by a prolific output across various genres and styles.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan became a major comedic star during the 2000s through both sketch comedy and sitcoms. He was a regular cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ until 2003, where he created several iconic characters. In 2006, he began starring as Tracy Jordan on the critically acclaimed series ’30 Rock’. He also appeared in films such as ‘The Longest Yard’ and ‘Are We There Yet?’. His unique comedic persona made him one of the most recognizable figures in television comedy.

Columbus Short

Columbus Short emerged as a rising star in the latter half of the 2000s. He gained significant fame for his lead role in the 2007 dance film ‘Stomp the Yard’. Short also appeared in the biographical drama ‘Cadillac Records’, portraying the musician Little Walter. He had roles in the horror film ‘Quarantine’ and the action-comedy ‘The Losers’ which went into production late in the decade. His skills as both a dancer and actor made him a versatile performer during this era.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso appeared in several major film projects throughout the 2000s. He played a lead role in the hit film ‘Stomp the Yard’ and appeared in the 2009 blockbuster ‘Avatar’. Alonso also featured in the fourth installment of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as the villain Fenix Calderon. Earlier in the decade, he had roles in ‘Jarhead’ and ‘This Christmas’. His presence in high-budget action and drama films made him a recognizable face by the end of the decade.

Common

Common transitioned from a successful music career to a steady acting career during the mid-2000s. He made his film debut in the action thriller ‘Smokin’ Aces’ in 2006. He followed this with roles in ‘American Gangster’ and the action hit ‘Wanted’ alongside Angelina Jolie. Common also appeared in the 2009 film ‘Terminator Salvation’ and the comedy ‘Date Night’. His ability to play both intense and charismatic characters led to a rapid ascent in Hollywood.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher was a consistent presence in 2000s television and film. He starred in the medical drama ‘Gideon’s Crossing’ and won an Emmy for his role in the miniseries ‘Thief’. Braugher also appeared in the 2007 horror film ‘The Mist’ and ‘Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer’. Toward the end of the decade, he began starring in the series ‘Men of a Certain Age’. His reputation for gravitas and technical skill made him a frequent choice for authority figure roles.

Michael Jai White

Michael Jai White was a prominent figure in the action and martial arts genres during the 2000s. He appeared in the 2001 film ‘Exit Wounds’ and played a key role in ‘Why Did I Get Married?’. In 2008, he had a memorable part in the blockbuster ‘The Dark Knight’ as the mob boss Gambol. He capped off the decade by writing and starring in the cult hit ‘Black Dynamite’. White remained one of the few actors who consistently performed his own high-level martial arts stunts.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie began his rise to stardom with several key roles in the 2000s. He made his film debut in the 2002 drama ‘8 Mile’ as the antagonist Papa Doc. He appeared in the Academy Award-winning ‘Million Dollar Baby’ and starred in Spike Lee’s ‘She Hate Me’. In 2008, he delivered a breakthrough performance as Sergeant Sanborn in ‘The Hurt Locker’. This decade provided the foundation for his future status as a major leading man in the industry.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba became a major star through his work on both sides of the Atlantic during the 2000s. He gained massive critical acclaim for his role as Stringer Bell on the HBO series ‘The Wire’ from 2002 to 2004. Elba appeared in the 2007 film ‘American Gangster’ and starred in the thriller ‘Obsessed’ in 2009. He also had a recurring role on the American version of ‘The Office’. By the end of the decade, he had established himself as a versatile actor capable of leading both dramas and thrillers.

Jesse L. Martin

Jesse L. Martin was a staple of television and theater during the 2000s. He played Detective Ed Green on ‘Law & Order’ for nearly a decade, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the franchise. In 2005, he reprised his original Broadway role as Tom Collins in the film version of the musical ‘Rent’. Martin also appeared in the independent film ‘The Cake Eaters’. His work on network television made him a constant presence throughout the decade.

Wood Harris

Wood Harris delivered several iconic performances during the 2000s. He starred as Avon Barksdale on the critically acclaimed series ‘The Wire’, a role that defined much of his career. Harris also played the legendary Julius Campbell in the 2000 sports drama ‘Remember the Titans’. He took on the lead role of Ace in the 2002 crime film ‘Paid in Full’. His ability to portray complex figures in urban dramas made him a respected figure in the industry.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle reached the height of his cultural influence during the 2000s. He created and starred in ‘Chappelle’s Show’ starting in 2003, which became a massive phenomenon. On the big screen, he appeared in the 2002 comedy ‘Undercover Brother’. He also produced and starred in the documentary film ‘Dave Chappelle’s Block Party’ in 2005. His work during this decade had a profound impact on comedy and social commentary.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon was a ubiquitous presence in youth culture and film during the 2000s. He starred in the 2002 hit ‘Drumline’ and the romantic comedy ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’ in 2003. Cannon also hosted his own sketch comedy show, ‘The Nick Cannon Show’, and created ‘Wild ‘n Out’ for MTV. He appeared in the film ‘Bobby’ and voiced characters in ‘Monster House’. His ability to host, act, and produce made him one of the busiest young stars of the era.

Tell us which of these 2000s icons was your favorite by sharing your thoughts in the comments.