African-American Actresses Who Got Second Chances In Hollywood

The journey to stardom in the entertainment industry is rarely a straight line and many talented performers face significant obstacles before finding lasting success. For many African American actresses the path involves navigating periods of inactivity, industry biases, or personal setbacks that could have ended their careers prematurely. These women demonstrated remarkable resilience by reinventing themselves and proving their talent to a new generation of audiences. Their stories of professional redemption and late stage breakouts serve as a testament to the power of persistence in Hollywood.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams rose to prominence as the first African American Miss America before a photo scandal forced her resignation from the position. She successfully pivoted to a recording career with several hit albums that established her as a vocal powerhouse. Her acting career flourished later with a prominent role in the film ‘Eraser’ and a celebrated television turn in ‘Ugly Betty’. She proved her resilience by building a lasting legacy in both the music and television industries over several decades.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique won an Academy Award for her powerful performance in ‘Precious’ but later claimed she was blackballed by the industry for her refusal to promote the film for free. She spent several years away from mainstream Hollywood projects while performing stand up comedy and hosting her own talk show. Her return to the spotlight came through a high profile Netflix special and a leading role in the series ‘BMF’. This resurgence marked a new chapter in her career as she reconciled with major industry figures.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson was famously eliminated from the third season of ‘American Idol’ despite being a fan favorite. She transitioned to acting and won an Academy Award for her debut film role in ‘Dreamgirls’. This massive success allowed her to release multiplatinum albums and star in various films like ‘Respect’. She eventually became one of the few individuals to achieve EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph gained initial fame as the original Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’ during the early eighties. While she worked steadily in television shows like ‘Moesha’, her career reached new heights later in life. She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Barbara Howard in the hit comedy ‘Abbott Elementary’. Her current success represents a significant professional renaissance that has introduced her to a new generation of viewers.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a teenager on the sitcom ‘227’ before moving into supporting film roles in the nineties. She spent years working consistently but often flew under the radar in ensemble casts. Her career underwent a major transformation when she began directing and taking on powerful lead roles in ‘Southland’ and ‘American Crime’. She eventually won an Academy Award for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and became a highly respected filmmaker.

Tisha Campbell

Tisha Campbell was a staple of nineties television through her starring role on the hit sitcom ‘Martin’. Her career faced a public setback following legal disputes and the end of that series. She successfully returned to television with a long running role on ‘My Wife and Kids’ and later appeared in ‘Dr. Ken’. She continues to work frequently in both scripted television and hosting duties for major award shows.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold started as a child actor in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ before gaining widespread fame alongside Tisha Campbell in ‘Martin’. After that series concluded she found success again as the matriarch in the sitcom ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. This role solidified her status as a reliable comedic lead in the television industry. She currently stars in the popular series ‘The Neighborhood’ which has further extended her long lasting career.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good was a prolific child actor who appeared in films like ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and various television commercials. Many child stars struggle to find work as adults but she managed to transition into a successful leading lady. She starred in several hit films including ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Deliver Us from Eva’. Her recent work in the series ‘Harlem’ demonstrates her ability to maintain a presence in Hollywood across multiple decades.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer became a household name as a child star in the film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She navigated the difficult transition to adult roles by diversifying her portfolio to include music and television hosting. She experienced a massive career surge with her performance in the film ‘Hustlers’ and the leading role in ‘Nope’. Her ability to reinvent herself has made her one of the most versatile entertainers working today.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union became a star in the early two thousands with roles in ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Bad Boys II’. After a period where her film opportunities seemed to slow down she found a second wave of success on television. She led the popular drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ for several seasons which revitalized her standing in the industry. She has since balanced acting with production work and writing several successful books.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox achieved massive blockbuster success in the late nineties with ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. When major studio offers decreased she transitioned into the world of independent film and reality television. She built a prolific career by starring in and producing numerous projects for cable networks. Her consistent work ethic has kept her in the public eye for over thirty years.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet was one of the most famous young actresses in the world during her time on ‘The Cosby Show’. She stepped away from the spotlight for extended periods to focus on her family and personal life. She made a notable return to the screen in films like ‘Enemy of the State’ and the television series ‘Ray Donovan’. Her infrequent but impactful performances have maintained her status as a cult icon in Hollywood.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield won an Emmy for her portrayal of Josephine Baker in the early nineties which set a high bar for her career. She worked steadily in various roles but saw a major resurgence when she was cast as Lady Mae in ‘Greenleaf’. This role provided her with a complex character that showcased her range to a modern audience. She continues to be a sought after talent for both television dramas and feature films.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett first captured hearts as a young girl in the film ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and the sitcom ‘Full House’. She spent several years in supporting roles before finding a major resurgence as a lead actress in ‘Underground’. Her career reached even greater heights when she was cast as Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’. She has successfully transitioned from a talented child performer to a critically acclaimed adult star.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais gained fame as a model before landing a long running role on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. She worked consistently in television and film but found a new type of stardom in the reality television sphere. Joining ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ introduced her to a broader audience and led to a hosting position on ‘The Real’. She has used this second wave of fame to secure more acting roles and launch various business ventures.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander became a television icon for her portrayal of Maxine Shaw on the hit sitcom ‘Living Single’. After the show ended she focused on writing and producing while taking smaller acting roles. She experienced a significant acting comeback with a chilling role in the film ‘Get Out’ and a recurring part in ‘Run the World’. Her career now encompasses acting and successful entrepreneurial efforts in the comic book industry.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields was a massive star as a child on ‘The Facts of Life’ and later as an adult on ‘Living Single’. She took a break from the front of the camera to focus on directing numerous television episodes. She returned to the spotlight by joining ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ and later starring in the comedy ‘The Upshaws’. This return to acting has reminded audiences of her comedic timing and longevity.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete rose to fame on the police drama ’21 Jump Street’ during the late eighties. She followed this with a long run on the sitcom ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’. While she remained active in hosting and reality television she eventually returned to scripted work in various Hallmark films. Her ability to stay relevant across different genres has defined her enduring career.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith started her career on ‘A Different World’ before becoming a major film star in ‘The Nutty Professor’. After a period of focusing on her family and music she returned to acting with a prominent role in the series ‘Gotham’. She found a new level of influence by creating the talk show ‘Red Table Talk’. This platform allowed her to connect with fans in a personal way while continuing her film career in projects like ‘Girls Trip’.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. Despite this historic win she faced several professional challenges with films that did not perform well critically or commercially. She managed to revitalize her career by moving into action roles like ‘John Wick Chapter 3’ and directing her own projects. Her recent work shows her continued relevance as both a lead actress and a filmmaker.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg had an incredible start to her career with ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Ghost’. She faced several career lulls and controversies that temporarily impacted her standing in Hollywood. She found a massive second act as a moderator on the daily talk show ‘The View’. This position has kept her at the center of the cultural conversation while she continues to take select acting roles.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer spent nearly twenty years playing minor roles and bit parts in various films and television shows. Her breakthrough finally came at the age of forty when she won an Academy Award for ‘The Help’. This late start in leading roles led to multiple nominations and starring positions in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She is now one of the most prolific and respected actresses in the industry.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis worked primarily in theater and small film roles for most of her early career. She gained widespread recognition after a brief but powerful scene in the film ‘Doubt’. This led to her starring role in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ which made her a household name. She eventually became the first African American woman to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson moved to Hollywood as a single mother with only seven hundred dollars in her pocket. She worked in many supporting roles before her breakout performance in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Her career exploded when she was cast as Cookie Lyon in the drama series ‘Empire’. Since then she has been a leading force in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Color Purple’ musical.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish struggled with homelessness and personal hardships while trying to make it as a stand up comedian. She had small roles for many years before her star making turn in the film ‘Girls Trip’. This performance launched her into the mainstream and led to a series of successful movies and a memoir. She is now a prominent figure in both comedy and film production.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones spent decades performing stand up comedy in relative obscurity before being hired by ‘Saturday Night Live’ in her late forties. This late stage career break led to major film roles in projects like ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Coming 2 America’. She has since become a popular host and a frequent guest on various television programs. Her success is a testament to the power of perseverance in the entertainment industry.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba was on the verge of quitting acting and applying for law school when she received the call for ‘Orange is the New Black’. Her performance as Crazy Eyes earned her two Emmy Awards and completely changed her career trajectory. She has since moved into leading roles in television dramas like ‘In Treatment’ and prestigious theater productions. Her story is often cited as a prime example of the importance of timing in Hollywood.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton had significant roles in the late nineties and early two thousands but felt her career had stalled due to industry pressures. She experienced a massive resurgence when she was cast as Maeve Millay in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. This role earned her an Emmy Award and reminded audiences of her immense talent. She has since been more selective with her roles and vocal about her experiences in the industry.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross initially faced the challenge of establishing her own identity apart from her famous mother Diana Ross. She found early success on the sitcom ‘Girlfriends’ but struggled to find a following lead role once the show ended. Her career reached a new peak when she was cast in ‘Black-ish’ which earned her several awards and nominations. She is now recognized as a fashion icon and a leading comedic voice in Hollywood.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine was one of the original stars of ‘Dreamgirls’ on Broadway but did not appear in the film adaptation. She built a career through consistent work in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. She found a new generation of fans through her Emmy winning role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She remains one of the most hardworking and recognizable faces in television and film today.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has maintained a career for over four decades through a variety of challenging roles in independent and mainstream films. While she has always been respected she saw a significant career boost with her role in the film ’12 Years a Slave’. This performance led to a new wave of opportunities in high profile television projects like ‘Luke Cage’ and ‘See’. She remains a pillar of excellence who continues to find complex characters in every stage of her professional life.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a pioneer who refused to take roles that she felt were demeaning to women of color. After several periods where work was scarce due to her high standards she experienced a major late career resurgence. Her role in ‘The Help’ and her recurring part in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ introduced her to a new generation of fans. She continued to work and receive honors until her passing and left a legacy of integrity and talent.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett became a major star in the nineties after her iconic portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She experienced a period where leading roles in major films were less frequent but she successfully pivoted to television. Her roles in ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘9 1 1’ have kept her at the forefront of the industry for many years. She recently received an honorary Academy Award to celebrate her long and impactful career.

Gabrielle Dennis

Gabrielle Dennis worked in various supporting roles on sitcoms and dramas for over a decade. She achieved a major career breakthrough when she was cast as Whitney Houston in the miniseries ‘The Bobby Brown Story’. This performance showcased her range and led to starring roles in ‘The Game’ and ‘The Upshaws’. She is now recognized as a versatile actress capable of handling both heavy drama and sharp comedy.

Retta

Retta spent many years performing stand up comedy and taking small uncredited roles in television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her breakout role as Donna Meagle on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. This success led to a leading role in the drama series ‘Good Girls’ which allowed her to show her dramatic capabilities. She has successfully transitioned from a touring comedian to a prominent television star.

Adina Porter

Adina Porter was a veteran of the New York theater scene who had many guest appearances on television but lacked a breakout role. Her career reached a turning point when she was cast in ‘True Blood’ and later in ‘The 100’. She became a frequent collaborator on ‘American Horror Story’ which earned her an Emmy nomination and established her as a reliable character actress. She is now one of the most recognizable faces in modern prestige television.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis Taylor worked steadily in film and television for twenty years before receiving widespread critical acclaim. Her performance in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’ and the series ‘Lovecraft Country’ elevated her professional standing significantly. She reached a new height of fame with her Academy Award nominated role in ‘King Richard’. Her late career surge has made her one of the most sought after dramatic actresses in Hollywood.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder built a reputation as a powerhouse character actress through her work in ‘The Shield’ and ‘ER’. After those shows ended she continued to find success in major franchises like ‘Avatar’ and ‘NCIS New Orleans’. Her longevity is a result of her ability to portray authoritative and deeply emotional characters with ease. She remains a consistent presence in the industry with a career that spans several decades.

Khandi Alexander

Khandi Alexander first gained fame as a dancer and choreographer before transitioning into acting on ‘NewsRadio’. She earned critical praise for her intense performance in the miniseries ‘The Corner’ which led to a long run on ‘CSI Miami’. After leaving that series she found a significant second act as Olivia Pope’s mother on the hit show ‘Scandal’. Her ability to command the screen has kept her in high demand for prestige drama projects.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her record breaking run as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on ‘Law and Order’. After the show concluded she proved her versatility by winning an Emmy for the television movie ‘Lackawanna Blues’. She returned to a leading television role in the drama ‘Chicago Med’ where she has starred for many seasons. Her career is a prime example of how to maintain success and relevance in the competitive world of television.

Tell us which of these inspiring career resurgences surprised you the most in the comments.