African-American Actresses Who Have Famous Parents

The entertainment industry often sees talent passed down through generations within prominent families. Many African-American actresses have built successful careers in film and television while following in the footsteps of their famous parents. These women have navigated the pressures of the spotlight to establish their own unique identities in Hollywood. From award winning veterans to rising stars they represent a significant legacy of artistic achievement. This list explores the diverse group of performers who share a connection to legendary figures in music acting and sports.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph is the daughter of legendary singer Minnie Riperton and music producer Richard Rudolph. She first gained widespread recognition as a versatile cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her film career includes prominent roles in comedies like ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Grown Ups’. She has also lent her voice to numerous animated projects including the series ‘Big Mouth’. Her mother Minnie Riperton was famous for her five octave vocal range and the hit song ‘Lovin You’.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is the daughter of music icon Diana Ross and music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein. She is best known for her leading roles in the hit sitcoms ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. Throughout her career she has earned multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Golden Globe Award. She is also a successful entrepreneur and a vocal advocate for diversity in the fashion and beauty industries. Her mother Diana Ross remains one of the most successful female artists in the history of popular music.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz is the daughter of rock musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. She has appeared in major film franchises such as ‘X-Men First Class’ and ‘The Batman’. Her television work includes a critically acclaimed role in the series ‘Big Little Lies’. She has successfully transitioned from supporting parts to leading roles in both independent films and blockbusters. Both of her parents were major cultural icons during the 1980s and 1990s.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones is the daughter of legendary producer Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton. She rose to fame with her roles in the television comedies ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recreation’. In addition to acting she is an accomplished screenwriter and producer who co-wrote the film ‘Celeste and Jesse Forever’. She has also directed documentaries including one about her father’s extraordinary life and career. Her work spans across multiple genres including comedy drama and animation.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is the daughter of director and producer Stan Lathan and dancer Eleanor McCoy. She has starred in many beloved films such as ‘Love and Basketball’ and ‘The Best Man’. Her stage work earned her a Tony Award nomination for her performance in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She has also provided the voice for the character Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’. Her father Stan Lathan is a prolific director known for his work on numerous sitcoms and comedy specials.

Sydney Tamiia Poitier

Sydney Tamiia Poitier is the daughter of the legendary actor Sidney Poitier and actress Joanna Shimkus. She followed her father into the acting profession and has appeared in several notable film and television projects. Her credits include roles in the series ‘Joan of Arcadia’ and the film ‘Death Proof’ directed by Quentin Tarantino. She has also made guest appearances on popular shows like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0’. Her father was the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Lilies of the Field’.

Bianca Lawson

Bianca Lawson is the daughter of actor Richard Lawson and the stepdaughter of fashion designer Tina Knowles. She has enjoyed a long career in television with recurring roles on ‘Saved by the Bell The New Class’ and ‘Pretty Little Liars’. She is also well known for her portrayal of Darla on the drama series ‘Queen Sugar’. Her father Richard Lawson has appeared in many films and television shows since the 1970s. Through her family connections she is also the stepsister of singers Beyoncé and Solange Knowles.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete is the daughter of actor and producer Matt Robinson and schoolteacher Dolores Robinson. she rose to stardom in the late 1980s with her role as Sergeant Judy Hoffs on ’21 Jump Street’. Since then she has appeared in numerous sitcoms and reality television shows including ‘Hangin with Mr. Cooper’. She is also a dedicated activist and author focusing on autism awareness and Parkinson’s disease research. Her father Matt Robinson was the original actor to play the character Gordon on ‘Sesame Street’.

Corinne Foxx

Corinne Foxx is the daughter of Academy Award winning actor and musician Jamie Foxx. She began her career in the entertainment industry as a model before moving into acting and producing. She has appeared in films such as ’47 Meters Down Uncaged’ and ‘Safety’. Additionally she co-hosts the musical game show ‘Beat Shazam’ alongside her father. Her work continues to expand as she produces various projects under her own production company.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith is the daughter of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. She made her acting debut at a young age appearing alongside her father in the film ‘I Am Legend’. In addition to acting she has achieved significant success as a singer and songwriter with multiple chart topping hits. She also co-hosts the popular talk show ‘Red Table Talk’ where she discusses social and personal issues. Both of her parents are major stars who have dominated the box office for decades.

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie is the daughter of music superstar Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey. She gained international fame as a reality television personality on the series ‘The Simple Life’. Over the years she has expanded her career into acting with roles in shows like ‘Chuck’ and ‘Great News’. She is also a highly successful fashion designer and the creative director of her own brand. Her father Lionel Richie is a multi Grammy Award winner known for his solo hits and his work with the Commodores.

Sofia Richie

Sofia Richie is the daughter of Lionel Richie and Diane Alexander. While she is primarily recognized for her work in the fashion industry she has also made appearances on television. She has featured in episodes of reality programs such as ‘Candidly Nicole’ and ‘The Kardashians’. Her social media presence has made her a major influencer in the beauty and lifestyle sectors. She is the younger sister of Nicole Richie and frequently collaborates with high profile global brands.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick

Rhonda Ross Kendrick is the daughter of singer Diana Ross and Motown founder Berry Gordy. She is an actress and singer who earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her role on the soap opera ‘Another World’. In addition to her acting work she has toured extensively as a jazz vocalist and songwriter. She often performs with her family and remains active in the legacy of Motown. Her biological father Berry Gordy is the visionary who discovered many of the greatest musical acts in history.

Olivia Washington

Olivia Washington is the daughter of Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington. She has built a strong reputation as a talented actress in both television and film. Her notable credits include roles in the series ‘Mr. Robot’ and the film ‘The Little Things’. She has also appeared on stage in various theatrical productions across the country. Her father Denzel Washington is one of the most respected and decorated actors in the history of cinema.

True Whitaker

True Whitaker is the daughter of Forest Whitaker and Keisha Nash Whitaker. She has pursued acting with a role in the television series ‘Godfather of Harlem’. She is also a student and social media personality who frequently shares insights into her life. Her family has a deep connection to the arts and she continues to develop her craft in the industry. Her father has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over thirty years.

Bella Murphy

Bella Murphy is the daughter of Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell Murphy. She made her major film debut in the comedy sequel ‘Coming 2 America’ playing the role of Omma. She expressed a passion for acting from a young age and worked closely with her father on the project. Her performance was praised for its energy and comedic timing. She is part of a large family of siblings who are also active in the creative arts.

Laila Ali

Laila Ali is the daughter of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and Veronica Porché Ali. While she is most famous for her undefeated career as a professional boxer she has also established herself as an actress and television host. Her acting credits include guest appearances on shows like ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’. She has also appeared as a contestant on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and hosted several lifestyle programs. Her father Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest athletes and humanitarian figures of the twentieth century.

Rain Pryor

Rain Pryor is the daughter of the iconic comedian Richard Pryor and Shelley Bonus. She is an accomplished actress and singer who rose to fame on the sitcom ‘Head of the Class’. She is also well known for her award winning one woman show ‘Fried Chicken and Latkes’ which explores her dual heritage. In addition to her performing career she is an author and a motivational speaker. Her father Richard Pryor was a groundbreaking comedian who changed the landscape of American humor.

Anika Poitier

Anika Poitier is the daughter of Sidney Poitier and Joanna Shimkus. She is an actress and filmmaker who has appeared in films such as ‘Swordfish’ and ‘The Devil Cats’. In addition to her work in front of the camera she has directed several short films and independent projects. She belongs to a family that has left an indelible mark on the history of international cinema. Her sister Sydney Tamiia Poitier is also a successful actress in the industry.

Lori Harvey

Lori Harvey is the daughter of Marjorie Harvey and the stepdaughter of comedian Steve Harvey. She has made a significant impact as a model and has appeared in several music videos and television specials. She frequently appears on her stepfather’s talk shows and has become a major figure in the beauty and skincare industry. Her stepfather Steve Harvey is a famous comedian and the host of the game show ‘Family Feud’. She has built a massive following as a fashion icon and entrepreneur.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer is the daughter of actor Don Francks and Lili Red Eagle. She is a prolific actress and voice artist who became famous for her role as Winifred Freddie Brooks on ‘A Different World’. She has provided the voice for hundreds of animated characters in shows like ‘Rugrats’ and ‘Inspector Gadget’. In addition to her acting work she is a talented singer and songwriter who has released several albums. Her father Don Francks was a well known Canadian actor and musician who appeared in numerous films.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is the daughter of photographer Afshin Shahidi and actress Keri Shahidi. She achieved widespread fame for her starring role as Zoey Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. This role led to her own successful spin off series titled ‘Grown-ish’. She is also a dedicated activist and student who has been recognized for her leadership and social engagement. Her father Afshin Shahidi was the long time personal photographer for the legendary musician Prince.

Cymphonique Miller

Cymphonique Miller is the daughter of rapper and entrepreneur Master P and the sister of Romeo Miller. She starred in her own television series ‘How to Rock’ on the Nickelodeon network. In addition to her acting career she is a singer and songwriter who has released multiple R&B and pop tracks. She has also performed voice work for several animated television shows. Her father Master P is the founder of No Limit Records and a pioneer of the independent music industry.

Vanessa Simmons

Vanessa Simmons is the daughter of Joseph Rev Run Simmons and Valerie Vaughn. She rose to prominence on the reality television series ‘Run’s House’ which documented her family life. She has appeared in films such as ‘Dysfunctional Friends’ and the soap opera ‘Guiding Light’. Additionally she is a successful entrepreneur and the co-founder of a popular footwear brand. Her father is a founding member of the legendary hip hop group Run-D.M.C.

Zonnique Pullins

Zonnique Pullins is the daughter of singer Tameka Tiny Harris and the stepdaughter of rapper T.I. She began her career as a member of the teenage girl group OMG Girlz. As an actress she has appeared in the television series ‘Tales’ and various reality programs. She continues to release music as a solo artist and is a prominent figure on social media. Her mother Tiny Harris is a member of the Grammy winning R&B group Xscape.

Ashley Calloway

Ashley Calloway is the daughter of actress Vanessa Bell Calloway and Dr. Anthony Calloway. She has appeared in films such as ‘Crimson Tide’ and ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She also starred alongside her mother in the reality series ‘Saints & Sinners’. She continues to work in the entertainment industry while managing other professional ventures. Her mother Vanessa Bell Calloway is a veteran actress known for her role in the film ‘Coming to America’.

Reginae Carter

Reginae Carter is the daughter of rapper Lil Wayne and reality star Toya Johnson. She began her entertainment career as a member of the teenage R&B group known as OMG Girlz. As an actress she has appeared in television films such as ‘Pride and Prejudice Atlanta’ and ‘Dear Santa I Need a Date’. She often features in reality television programs that document her personal life and family connections. Her father is widely recognized as one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generation

Nona Gaye

Nona Gaye is the daughter of the soul legend Marvin Gaye and Anna Gordy Gaye. She began her career in the music industry before transitioning into acting with significant roles in major motion pictures. She is well known for playing Zee in the science fiction sequels ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’. Her filmography also includes the biographical drama ‘Ali’ where she appeared alongside Will Smith. Her father Marvin Gaye was one of the most influential figures in the history of Motown Records.

Shari Belafonte

Shari Belafonte is the daughter of the legendary singer and activist Harry Belafonte and Marguerite Byrd. She is a versatile actress and model who achieved fame in the 1980s with her role on the television series ‘Hotel’. She has appeared in numerous films and has also worked as a voice actress for animated programs. More recently she has held a recurring role on the critically acclaimed drama ‘The Morning Show’. Her father Harry Belafonte was a pioneering artist who helped popularize Caribbean music globally.

Gina Belafonte

Gina Belafonte is the daughter of Harry Belafonte and Julie Robinson. She is an actress and producer who has appeared in films such as ‘BlacKkKlansman’ directed by Spike Lee. In addition to her acting roles she is a dedicated social activist and the co-founder of a non-profit organization. She has produced several documentaries that focus on social justice and the civil rights movement. Her family has a long history of combining artistic talent with political engagement.

Lauryn McClain

Lauryn McClain is the daughter of Michael McClain and Shontell McClain. She is an actress and singer best known for her role in the television series ‘Step Up High Water’. She also provided the voice for Freddie Facilier in the animated series ‘Descendants Wicked World’. Like her sister Sierra she has balanced a career in both the music and television industries. Her family remains very active in the Atlanta entertainment scene.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain is the daughter of Michael McClain and Shontell McClain. she became a household name as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘A.N.T. Farm’. Her career has since expanded into major roles in the film franchise ‘Descendants’ and the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’. She is also an accomplished singer who has contributed to various movie soundtracks. Her parents have been instrumental in managing and supporting the careers of all their talented daughters.

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