African-American Actresses Who Revolutionized Hollywood

African American actresses have fundamentally reshaped the landscape of Hollywood through their exceptional talent and boundary-breaking performances. These women navigated systemic challenges to secure lead roles and critical acclaim while paving the way for future generations. From the Golden Age of cinema to the modern streaming era their contributions span every genre and medium. This list honors the trailblazers who transformed the industry and redefined what is possible on the silver screen.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy Award for her performance as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She appeared in over three hundred films throughout her extensive career often portraying domestic workers during a time of limited opportunities. Her victory at the Oscars in 1940 marked a significant milestone in cinematic history despite the segregated conditions of the era. She also enjoyed a successful career in radio and television as the lead in ‘Beulah’.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first Black woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Carmen Jones’. She began her career as a singer and performer before transitioning into prominent film roles that challenged racial stereotypes. Her talent and screen presence made her a major star during the 1950s and an icon of the era. She paved the way for future leading ladies by proving that Black actresses could command a mainstream box office audience.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a pioneering performer who refused to accept roles that were demeaning or stereotyped. She signed a long term contract with MGM and appeared in classic musical films such as ‘Stormy Weather’ and ‘Cabin in the Sky’. Beyond her work on screen she was a dedicated civil rights activist who fought against Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination in the entertainment industry. Her elegance and vocal talent made her one of the most celebrated entertainers of the twentieth century.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a powerhouse of stage and screen known for her roles in films like ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She spent decades working alongside her husband Ossie Davis as both a performer and a prominent civil rights activist. Her career included significant projects such as ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘American Gangster’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She received numerous accolades including an Emmy and a Grammy for her vast contributions to the arts.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was known for portraying strong and resilient Black women in a career that spanned seven decades. She gained widespread recognition for her role in ‘Sounder’ and her legendary performance in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Tyson was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and an honorary Academy Award for her impact on the industry. She consistently chose roles that celebrated the dignity and humanity of Black life.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols broke racial barriers on television with her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in ‘Star Trek’. Her character was one of the first Black women to be featured in a non-stereotypical lead role on a major television series. She famously participated in one of the first interracial kisses on American television which was a landmark moment for the medium. Outside of acting she worked with NASA to recruit more women and minority astronauts for the space program.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll made history as the first Black woman to star in her own television series ‘Julia’ where she did not play a domestic worker. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Claudine’ and later starred as the elegant Dominique Deveraux in ‘Dynasty’. Throughout her career she challenged the industry to see Black women as multifaceted and sophisticated leads. Her work opened doors for countless actresses in both television dramas and comedies.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became the face of the blaxploitation genre in the 1970s with starring roles in ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. She was one of the first female action stars in Hollywood history and performed many of her own stunts. Her career saw a major resurgence when she starred in the title role of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown’. She is widely regarded as an icon of female empowerment and a pioneer for women in the action genre.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most respected actresses of her generation with a career defined by versatility and depth. she has received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Cross Creek’ and has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work in television. Her filmography includes standout performances in ‘Passion Fish’ and ’12 Years a Slave’. She is frequently cited as an actor who brings immense gravitas and emotional authenticity to every role she inhabits.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status by winning an Emmy and Grammy and Oscar and Tony. She burst onto the scene with her acclaimed performance in ‘The Color Purple’ and later won an Academy Award for ‘Ghost’. Her work in ‘Sister Act’ made her one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood during the early 1990s. She has also spent years as a prominent television personality and comedian.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is renowned for her powerful portrayals of real life women including Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. Her career includes iconic roles in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’. She recently received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Her commanding presence and athletic physique have made her a unique force in both dramas and blockbuster action films.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first Black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Oscar and Emmy and Tony in competitive categories. She rose to mainstream fame with her role in ‘The Help’ and led the successful legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her performance in ‘Fences’ earned her an Academy Award and solidified her status as a premier dramatic talent. She continues to produce and star in high profile projects that center the experiences of Black women.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 when she became the first and currently only Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. Before her historic win she starred in ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’ and appeared in the ‘X-Men’ franchise as Storm. She has successfully transitioned between intense indie dramas and large scale commercial blockbusters. Her career remains a benchmark for achievement in the modern film industry.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer gained worldwide fame and an Academy Award for her breakthrough role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’. She has since become a frequent Oscar nominee with acclaimed performances in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer is known for her ability to bring humor and heart to complex supporting roles that often steal the show. She has also expanded her career into executive producing several of her own projects.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson became a household name for her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit musical drama ‘Empire’. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and starred as Katherine Johnson in ‘Hidden Figures’. Her dynamic range allows her to excel in both high stakes drama and broad comedy. She is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness within the Black community.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child actress on ‘227’ before evolving into a highly respected director and Academy Award winning performer. She won an Oscar for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and has earned multiple Emmy Awards for her work in ‘American Crime’ and ‘Watchmen’. Her directorial debut ‘One Night in Miami’ received critical acclaim and several award nominations. She is recognized as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Hollywood.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington achieved major stardom as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. Her role marked the first time in nearly forty years that a Black woman led a major network drama series. She has appeared in films such as ‘Ray’ and ‘Django Unchained’ and produced the acclaimed miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. Washington is also a prominent activist and a regular participant in political and social discourse.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won an Academy Award for her very first feature film role in ’12 Years a Slave’. She has since become a global star with roles in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy and as Nakia in ‘Black Panther’. Her dual performance in the horror film ‘Us’ earned her widespread critical praise and several industry awards. She is celebrated for her fashion sense and her commitment to telling diverse African stories.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is the only actress to appear in four of the highest grossing films of all time. She is a mainstay of major franchises including ‘Avatar’ and ‘Star Trek’ and the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series. Her ability to blend physical performance with emotional depth has made her a favorite of top tier directors. She consistently advocates for better representation of Latinas and Black women in the science fiction genre.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention with her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ before creating and starring in the HBO hit ‘Insecure’. Her work has been instrumental in bringing authentic and relatable Black millennial experiences to the forefront of television. She has since starred in films like ‘The Photograph’ and ‘Barbie’ while running her own production company. Rae is dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented creators in the industry.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a child star on Disney Channel to a critically acclaimed actress and fashion icon. She became the youngest person to win two Emmy Awards for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in ‘Euphoria’. Her film career includes major roles in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and the ‘Dune’ series. She is widely considered one of the most influential young celebrities in the world today.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is best known for her lead roles in the long running sitcoms ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She has won a Golden Globe Award and earned numerous Emmy nominations for her comedic timing and relatable performances. Beyond acting she is a successful entrepreneur and a prominent voice in the fashion industry. She follows in the footsteps of her mother Diana Ross while carving out her own distinct legacy.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a pioneer who transitioned from blues singing to becoming a celebrated stage and film actress. She was the second African American ever nominated for an Academy Award for her role in ‘Pinky’. She also made history as the first Black woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award in 1962. Her performance in ‘The Member of the Wedding’ remains one of the most respected pieces of acting from the mid twentieth century.

Beah Richards

Beah Richards was a distinguished poet and playwright who earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. She was a frequent collaborator with other civil rights icons and used her art to advocate for social change. Her career included significant roles in films like ‘In the Heat of the Night’ and ‘Beloved’. She was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame for her enduring impact on the craft.

Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore is best remembered for her heartbreaking performance in the 1959 version of ‘Imitation of Life’. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress making her the fourth Black performer to be nominated. She spent her career challenging the industry to provide more substantial roles for Black women beyond domestic characters. Her work in ‘Imitation of Life’ is still studied today for its exploration of race and identity.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi talented actress and dancer and choreographer and director who rose to fame in the series ‘Fame’. She has been a major force behind the scenes as a producer and director on shows like ‘A Different World’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her dance academy has trained generations of young performers and she has received numerous honorary degrees for her contributions to the arts. She remains a vital figure in shaping the careers of Black dancers and actors.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah successfully transitioned from a pioneering hip hop artist to a major Hollywood star. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’ and has led numerous films such as ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Bring Down the House’. She is also a prolific producer and starred in her own long running sitcom ‘Living Single’. Her career demonstrates the power of versatility and cross media appeal.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith gained early fame in the series ‘A Different World’ before starring in films like ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘Set It Off’. She appeared in ‘The Matrix’ sequels as Niobe and has voiced characters in the successful ‘Madagascar’ franchise. In recent years she has become a digital pioneer with her popular talk show ‘Red Table Talk’. She has consistently used her platform to discuss issues related to family and mental health.

Nia Long

Nia Long is a staple of Black cinema with iconic roles in films like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Love Jones’ and ‘The Best Man’. Her performances helped define a new era of Black romantic dramas and comedies in the 1990s. She has also had a prolific career in television appearing in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Empire’. Long is celebrated for her longevity in the industry and her status as a cultural icon.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox had a breakout year in 1996 with starring roles in the blockbusters ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She became a prominent figure in both action films and romantic comedies like ‘Two Can Play That Game’. Her career spans decades of work in film and television and reality programming. She is known for her business acumen and her ability to maintain a consistent presence in the entertainment world.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union rose to fame with her role in the teen classic ‘Bring It On’ and has remained a leading lady ever since. She starred in the hit drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ and has appeared in films like ‘Bad Boys II’ and ‘Think Like a Man’. She is a vocal advocate for survivors of sexual assault and a prominent supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Her career is marked by both commercial success and a commitment to social activism.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a British African actress who has starred in major Hollywood productions such as ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ and ‘Crash’. She received widespread acclaim and an Emmy Award for her role as Maeve Millay in the series ‘Westworld’. Her filmography includes a variety of complex roles in both independent films and large scale blockbusters. She is an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and has spoken candidly about her experiences in the industry.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a classically trained actress who gained international fame as Eve Moneypenny in the ‘James Bond’ franchise. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in the Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’. Her diverse career includes roles in ’28 Days Later’ and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series. She is recognized for her ability to disappear into a wide range of intense and varied characters.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became a global star through her role as Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead’ and as Okoye in ‘Black Panther’. In addition to her acting career she is an award winning playwright who wrote the Tony nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. Her work often focuses on the lives of African women and the complexities of the African diaspora. She serves as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and is a leading voice for gender equality.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after actresses with roles in ‘Creed’ and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. She first gained critical attention for her work in ‘Dear White People’ and the historical drama ‘Selma’. She is known for choosing projects that challenge traditional narratives and explore intersectional identities. Thompson is also a producer who works to increase diversity both in front of and behind the camera.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who achieved major success on Broadway before transitioning to film. She won a Tony Award for her role in ‘The Color Purple’ and earned two Academy Award nominations for ‘Harriet’. Her talent as both a singer and an actress has made her a unique force in the entertainment industry. She is currently working on several high profile projects including the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a celebrated musician who has made a significant impact as an actress in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. She has starred in the psychological thriller ‘Antebellum’ and the ensemble mystery ‘Glass Onion’. Her artistic vision often incorporates elements of afrofuturism and social commentary. She is known for her bold fashion choices and her commitment to representing the LGBTQ+ community.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child star in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and has evolved into a multi hyphenate entertainer. She has starred in various television series including ‘Scream Queens’ and ‘True Jackson, VP’. Her performance in the film ‘Hustlers’ received critical praise and she has become a viral sensation for her personality and hosting skills. She is the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin rose to fame as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ and quickly made history as a producer. At the age of fourteen she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history with her film ‘Little’. She runs her own production company and is focused on creating content for young diverse audiences. Her success at such a young age has redefined what is possible for the next generation of Black creators.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for her debut film role in ‘Dreamgirls’. She has since starred in films like ‘Sex and the City’ and portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biopic ‘Respect’. Hudson achieved EGOT status in 2022 after winning a Tony Award as a producer. She currently hosts her own successful daytime talk show and remains a prominent figure in the music industry.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a Tony Award winning actress known for her work on stage and in film. She made history as the voice of Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ which was Disney’s first Black princess. Her film credits include ‘Dreamgirls’ and she has appeared in television series like ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’. She is a versatile performer who continues to champion diverse representation in animation and live action roles.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’ and has had a long career in television. She recently won an Emmy Award for her role as Barbara Howard in the hit comedy ‘Abbott Elementary’. Throughout her career she has been a tireless advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and founded the Diva Foundation. Her recent resurgence has introduced her legendary talent to a whole new generation of viewers.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash is an Emmy Award winning actress known for her versatility in both comedy and drama. She starred in the long running series ‘Reno 911!’ and received critical acclaim for her roles in ‘Getting On’ and ‘When They See Us’. Recently she won an Emmy for her performance in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She is celebrated for her comedic timing and her ability to bring profound empathy to dramatic characters.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba gained international fame for her role as Suzanne Crazy Eyes Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won two Emmy Awards for this role making her one of the few actors to win in both the comedy and drama categories for the same character. She earned another Emmy for her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’. Aduba is recognized for her incredible range and her dedication to complex character studies.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained attention for her role in ‘Mad Men’ and has since become a rising star in major franchises. She starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘Chi-Raq’ and the independent hit ‘Dear White People’. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau in ‘WandaVision’ and the film ‘The Marvels’. Her career is marked by a mix of prestigious dramatic work and high profile blockbuster roles.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch is a British actress who made history as the first woman and person of color to hold the 007 designation in ‘No Time to Die’. She has appeared as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’ and starred in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’. Her performances often emphasize strength and resilience and modern femininity. She continues to break barriers for Black women in the action and thriller genres.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw earned critical acclaim for her starring role in the period drama ‘Belle’ which explored race and class in eighteenth century England. She has appeared in various high profile projects including ‘Beyond the Lights’ and the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’. She currently stars in the series ‘Loki’ and is known for her graceful and nuanced performances. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian Irish actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Loving’. She is known for her work in the series ‘Preacher’ and her acclaimed performance in the film ‘Passing’. Her ability to convey deep emotion through subtle expressions has made her a favorite of critics and independent filmmakers. She has also had a successful stage career including a celebrated run as Hamlet.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a legendary performer who holds the record for the most Tony Awards won by a single performer with six wins. While primarily known for her stage work she has had a significant impact on television and film. She starred in the series ‘Private Practice’ and appeared in the live action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Her presence in the industry has helped elevate the standards of musical theater and dramatic performance for decades.

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