African-American Actresses Who Pursued Careers In Other Fields

Many talented women in Hollywood have expanded their horizons beyond the silver screen to establish significant footprints in various industries. These individuals leverage their visibility and resources to build successful businesses and advocate for social change and pursue academic excellence. From beauty empires and media conglomerates to aviation and advocacy these actresses demonstrate remarkable versatility and professional drive. This list highlights prominent African American women who have redefined their careers through entrepreneurship and diverse professional endeavors.

Taraji P. Henson

Known for her roles in ‘Empire’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ Taraji P. Henson ventured into the beauty industry with her brand TPH by Taraji. The line focuses on scalp health and provides affordable hair care solutions for diverse hair textures. She also founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide mental health support in Black communities. Her transition into business and advocacy reflects a commitment to holistic wellness beyond the screen.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross achieved fame in ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Blackish’ before founding the award winning hair care company Pattern Beauty. The brand serves the natural hair community and specifically targets consumers with curly and coily and tight textured hair. She spent ten years developing the products to ensure they met specific industry gaps. Ross also serves as a producer and executive for various television projects that center Black voices.

Marsai Martin

After rising to prominence in ‘Blackish’ Marsai Martin became the youngest person to executive produce a major motion picture with the film ‘Little’. She founded Genius Productions to create content that highlights diverse perspectives and stories for younger audiences. Her business acumen extends to the tech space where she has invested in several lifestyle and media apps. Martin continues to expand her influence as a creative executive while maintaining her acting career.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae gained international recognition with ‘Insecure’ and used her platform to launch a media empire called Hoorae Media. She owns a coffee shop called Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen which serves as a community hub in Los Angeles. Rae also started a record label called Raedio to bridge the gap between music and television production. Her diverse business interests demonstrate a strategic approach to building community wealth and visibility.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith starred in ‘The Matrix’ sequels and established herself as a versatile talent before pursuing music with her metal band Wicked Wisdom. She expanded her career into digital broadcasting by creating the popular talk show ‘Red Table Talk’ on Facebook Watch. Smith also co founded the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation to support urban inner city youth and families. Her career path includes authorship as she released a memoir detailing her life experiences.

Halle Berry

The Oscar winning actress from ‘Monster’s Ball’ entered the wellness industry by launching her digital platform Respin. This brand provides fitness resources and health products and also focuses on holistic living for modern women. Berry spent years researching nutrition and exercise to develop a space that prioritizes physical and mental endurance. She remains active in high level production roles for major studio films.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is famous for her work in ‘Bring It On’ and she successfully transitioned into the fashion and beauty markets. She relaunched her hair care line Flawless by Gabrielle Union and also designed multiple clothing collections for New York and Company. Union is a published author with several best selling books including memoirs and children’s literature. Her business ventures frequently emphasize inclusivity and empowerment for women of color.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi lead the series ‘Grownish’ and balanced her acting career while attending Harvard University to study Social Studies and African American Studies. She founded the production company 7th Sun and focuses on creating socially conscious content. Shahidi is a prominent activist who works with organizations to increase voter turnout among young people. Her work as a scholar and activist informs the roles she chooses to portray on screen.

Queen Latifah

From her early success in ‘Living Single’ to her film roles Queen Latifah has always been a multifaceted business mogul. She co founded Flavor Unit Entertainment which is a production company that manages artists and develops films. Latifah has successfully navigated the music industry and the cosmetic world as a long term face of CoverGirl. Her career spans executive production and real estate investment in her hometown.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry first became a household name in ‘Sister Sister’ and later pivoted toward the culinary and wellness sectors. She published several cookbooks and hosted her own cooking show on the Cooking Channel. Mowry also launched a line of supplements called Anser to promote health and accessibility for women. Her transition into the lifestyle space highlights her passion for family nutrition and self care.

Lupita Nyong’o

The ’12 Years a Slave’ actress expanded her creative reach into the literary world by writing the children’s book ‘Sulwe’. The book addresses colorism and self esteem and became a New York Times best seller. Nyongo also directs music videos and produces documentaries that focus on African history and culture. Her career continues to blend high level acting with impactful storytelling and education.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is an acclaimed performer in ‘Fences’ and she started the production company JuVee Productions with her husband. The company aims to provide opportunities for underrepresented voices in film and television. Davis is also a best selling author who wrote a memoir about her journey from poverty to Hollywood success. She frequently participates in philanthropic efforts to end childhood hunger in America.

Angela Bassett

Known for her role in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ Angela Bassett entered the skincare industry by partnering with Dr. Barbara Sturm. They created a skincare line specifically designed for skin of color to address unique dermatological needs. Bassett also directs episodes of major television shows and serves as an executive producer. Her business ventures reflect a long term commitment to representation and quality.

Regina King

Regina King transitioned from starring in ‘Jerry Maguire’ to becoming one of the most sought after directors in Hollywood. She won accolades for her directorial debut in the film ‘One Night in Miami’ and she continues to helm major television projects. King also operates a production company that focuses on narrative shifts for marginalized communities. Her career evolution showcases her technical expertise behind the camera.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for ‘Living Single’ and she has since become a major figure in the tech and media space. She co founded Color Farm Media to produce diverse content across various digital and traditional platforms. Alexander is also a comic book creator and an active political organizer during national elections. Her work bridges the gap between entertainment and civic engagement.

Victoria Rowell

Victoria Rowell spent years on ‘The Young and the Restless’ and utilized her platform to advocate for foster care reform. She founded the Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan to provide scholarships and arts opportunities to youth in the system. Rowell is a best selling author who has written both fiction and non fiction books about her life. She also works as a producer and director for independent film projects.

Pam Grier

The iconic star of ‘Foxy Brown’ and ‘Jackie Brown’ has led a life full of varied professional interests. Pam Grier became a licensed pilot and spent years working in aviation outside of her acting commitments. She also manages a ranch and is deeply involved in organic farming and environmental conservation. Her career journey reflects a rugged independence and a love for the outdoors.

Karyn Parsons

Karyn Parsons played the memorable character Hilary Banks in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ before focusing on education. She founded Sweet Blackberry which is a non profit organization that produces films about unsung Black heroes for children. Parsons is also an accomplished author of middle grade novels that explore historical themes. Her work centers on bringing overlooked African American history to younger generations.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali grew up on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ and later earned a degree from Harvard University in African American Studies and Government. She has worked extensively in political campaigning and community organizing across the United States. Ali also pursued a music career and released several successful albums and singles. She continues to advocate for reproductive health and civil rights.

Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies is widely recognized for her role in ‘Saved by the Bell’ and she later turned her attention to writing. She has self published several books that explore spirituality and personal growth. Voorhies also spent time working in the music industry as a singer and songwriter. Her creative output remains focused on individual expression and literary exploration.

Danai Gurira

While famous for ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Black Panther’ Danai Gurira is a world renowned playwright. Her plays have appeared on Broadway and have earned numerous awards for their exploration of African identity. Gurira also co founded Almasi Arts to support the dramatic arts in Zimbabwe. She serves as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and focuses on gender equality and human rights.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais starred in ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ and later expanded into the fields of hosting and interior design. She launched a home decor line called Garcelle at Home which features vibrant and cultural aesthetics. Beauvais is also an author who has written children’s books and a personal memoir. She currently serves as a television personality and a producer for unscripted content.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is an EGOT winner who transitioned from film acting to becoming a mainstay in broadcast journalism. She has moderated the talk show ‘The View’ for over a decade and provides commentary on current events. Goldberg is a prolific author of both children’s books and non fiction literature. She also founded a medicinal cannabis company that specifically targets menstrual relief for women.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey began as a news anchor and actress in ‘The Color Purple’ before building a massive media conglomerate. She founded Harpo Productions and the OWN Network which have redefined television programming. Winfrey is a world class philanthropist who established a school for girls in South Africa. Her influence extends into book publishing and health and wellness advocacy.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox is known for ‘Independence Day’ and she successfully launched her own line of hair products and wigs. The Vivica A Fox Hair Collection has become a staple in the beauty industry for high quality synthetic and human hair. She also hosts various television programs and produces independent films. Fox has written books about career longevity and professional confidence.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams made history as Miss America and went on to star in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. She maintained a highly successful parallel career as a recording artist with multiple platinum hits. Williams also launched her own fashion line called V. by Vanessa Williams for the shopping network QVC. Her professional life encompasses theater and music and fashion design.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks transitioned from a modeling career to acting in ‘Higher Learning’ and later becoming a business executive. She created and executive produced ‘Americas Next Top Model’ which became a global franchise. Banks also graduated from an executive program at Harvard Business School and launched an ice cream brand called SMiZE and Dream. She has served as a guest lecturer on personal branding at Stanford University. Her work across media and education showcases her focus on professional development.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Salli Richardson-Whitfield starred in ‘A Low Down Dirty Shame’ and ‘Eureka’ before making a major career shift into directing. She has directed episodes for dozens of high profile series including ‘Queen Sugar’ and ‘The Gilded Age’. Richardson-Whitfield is now considered one of the most prolific female directors in the television industry. Her work behind the camera has earned her executive producer titles on major network shows.

Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay began her career in film as a publicist and occasionally appeared in small roles before becoming a director. She founded ARRAY which is a multi platform media company and arts collective dedicated to amplifying independent films by people of color. DuVernay has created numerous acclaimed series and documentaries that focus on social justice. Her work in film distribution and media strategy has changed the landscape of independent cinema.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones on Broadway and starred in ‘Moesha’ before focusing on health advocacy. She founded the DIVA Foundation which raises awareness for HIV and AIDS prevention and education. Ralph is also an author who writes about her experiences in the entertainment industry and the importance of self care. She currently balances her acting career with her work as a public speaker and activist.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields is known for ‘The Facts of Life’ and ‘Living Single’ and she eventually transitioned into directing and production. She has directed hundreds of episodes of sitcoms and comedy specials for various networks. Fields also launched her own brand of organic coffee called Signature Blends by Kim Fields. Her career includes writing and performing in theatrical productions across the country.

Shari Belafonte

Shari Belafonte starred in the series ‘Hotel’ and developed a secondary career as a professional photographer. Her photographic work has been featured in major magazines and art galleries around the world. Belafonte also works as a voiceover artist and has contributed to numerous animated series and commercials. She is deeply involved in charitable work for the American Cancer Society.

LisaRaye McCoy

LisaRaye McCoy is famous for ‘The Players Club’ and she launched several business ventures including a denim line called the LisaRaye Collection. She served as the First Lady of the Turks and Caicos Islands where she focused on cultural development and tourism. McCoy is also a motivational speaker who travels to share her experiences in business and lifestyle. She continues to produce and star in independent film projects.

Mary J. Blige

The Grammy winning artist and ‘Mudbound’ actress expanded into the wine industry with her brand Sun Goddess. She also launched a fragrance line and has worked as a producer on several documentary projects. Blige is known for her philanthropic work through the FFAWN organization which provides scholarships for women. Her career represents a successful blend of music and film and entrepreneurship.

Nicole Ari Parker

Nicole Ari Parker starred in ‘Soul Food’ and ‘And Just Like That’ and she is also a successful entrepreneur. She created the Gymwrap which is a specialized headwear product designed to protect hairstyles during exercise. Parker works closely with health organizations to promote physical fitness for women of color. She also co founded a non profit organization to support families affected by spina bifida.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland rose to fame in Destinys Child and acted in films like ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ before becoming a published author. She wrote a book specifically for new mothers and has also served as a judge on several international talent competitions. Rowland launched multiple fashion collaborations and has worked as a brand ambassador for major global companies. Her career focuses on music and mentorship and literature.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a world class musician and actress in ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ who entered the beauty world with Keys Soulcare. This lifestyle and skincare brand emphasizes the connection between skin health and internal well being. Keys is a co founder of Keep a Child Alive which provides healthcare to families affected by HIV and AIDS. She also writes musical scores for theatrical productions and remains a leading voice in activism.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for ‘Dreamgirls’ and transitioned into the world of daytime television with ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’. She is an EGOT winner who also authored a book about her health and weight loss journey. Hudson founded the Julian D. King Gift Foundation to support children in need and provide educational resources. Her career continues to expand across music and film and talk show hosting.

Please share which of these multi talented women inspires you the most in the comments.