African-American Actresses Who Were Never Married

Many prominent African American actresses have achieved monumental success in Hollywood while choosing to navigate their personal lives without marriage. These women have focused on their craft and business ventures while breaking barriers in the film and television industries. Their careers span various genres from dramatic cinema to comedic television series and award winning musical performances. By maintaining their independence they have become role models for many aspiring performers who value professional achievement and personal autonomy. This list explores several acclaimed stars who have never legally wed during their decades in the spotlight.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah began her career as a rapper before transitioning into a powerhouse actress and producer. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Matron Mama Morton in the musical film ‘Chicago’. Despite her high profile public life she has never entered into a legal marriage. She continues to lead successful projects like the television series ‘The Equalizer’. Latifah remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry known for her versatility and business acumen.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks rose to fame as a supermodel before becoming a successful television personality and actress. She is the creator and host of the long running reality competition ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Banks has starred in films like ‘Life-Size’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’ throughout her expansive career. While she has been in several high profile relationships and has a son she has never been married. She remains a dominant force in media as a producer and entrepreneur.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is widely recognized for her comedic timing and dramatic depth in numerous films. She gained early fame for her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise. Hall has since starred in acclaimed projects such as ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘Support the Girls’. Throughout her successful career in Hollywood she has remained single and has never walked down the aisle. She continues to be one of the most sought after actresses in the comedy genre.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is a highly decorated actress who won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Help’. She has built an impressive filmography with roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer is known for her consistent work ethic and her ability to bring complex characters to life. She has never been married and often speaks about her fulfillment with her career and friendships. Her talent continues to earn her critical acclaim and major industry awards.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a celebrated actress known for her leading roles in popular television sitcoms. She gained massive popularity starring as Joan Clayton in ‘Girlfriends’ and later as Rainbow Johnson in ‘Black-ish’. Ross has won multiple awards for her comedic performances and her influence on fashion. She has been vocal about her status as a single woman who has never married and finds joy in her independent lifestyle. Her work continues to inspire audiences across different generations.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is a versatile actress who has excelled in both film and television. She received an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and won a Golden Globe for ‘Empire’. Henson has played iconic roles in movies like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Hustle and Flow’. Although she has been engaged in the past she has never officially married. She remains a powerful advocate for mental health and a leading star in Hollywood.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to prominence as a finalist on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for ‘Dreamgirls’. she has since established herself as a multi talented performer in music and film. Hudson has starred in ‘Sex and the City’ and the biopic ‘Respect’ where she portrayed Aretha Franklin. While she was in a long term relationship for many years she has never been married. She currently hosts her own successful daytime talk show.

Nia Long

Nia Long became a household name with her roles in classic Black cinema during the nineties. She is well known for her performances in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The Best Man’. Long has maintained a steady career in both movies and television series like ‘Empire’. Despite several high profile relationships and long term partnerships she has never chosen to marry. She continues to be celebrated for her timeless beauty and acting talent.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a talented actress and playwright who gained international fame in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. She is best known for playing Okoye in ‘Black Panther’ and Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’. Gurira has also written several acclaimed plays that have appeared on Broadway. She has never been married and focuses much of her time on her acting and activism. Her work consistently highlights strong female characters and African stories.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o made a stunning film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’ which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has since starred in major blockbusters like ‘Us’ and ‘Black Panther’. Nyong’o is also recognized for her work on stage and as a voice actress in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise. She has never been married and keeps her private life away from the tabloid spotlight. She remains one of the most influential and respected actresses of her generation.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child star in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and has grown into a versatile entertainer. She has starred in various television shows including ‘Scream Queens’ and ‘True Jackson VP’. Palmer has also found success in the music industry and as a television host. She has never been married and frequently discusses her journey of self discovery and independence. Her energetic personality makes her a favorite among fans and critics alike.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a visionary artist who has made a significant impact as both a singer and an actress. She earned critical praise for her roles in the films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe is known for her unique style and her ability to blend different genres of music and storytelling. She has never been married and has often spoken about her identity and personal freedom. Her artistic contributions continue to challenge traditional norms in entertainment.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley is best known for her role as Mercedes Jones on the popular musical series ‘Glee’. Her powerful vocals and acting ability earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast. She has also found great success on the stage winning an Olivier Award for her performance in ‘Dreamgirls’ in London. Riley has never been married and continues to work on various music and acting projects. She remains a prominent figure in the musical theater community.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major star through her roles in independent films and massive franchise movies. She has appeared in ‘Dear White People’ and the ‘Creed’ series as well as the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. Thompson is known for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the film industry. She has never been married and is very selective about sharing details regarding her personal life. Her performances are consistently praised for their depth and intelligence.

Yvonne Orji

Yvonne Orji is a comedian and actress who rose to fame playing Molly Carter on the series ‘Insecure’. Her performance on the show earned her an Emmy nomination and established her as a talented comedic actress. Orji has also released a stand up special and written a book about her life and faith. She has never been married and has been open about her decision to wait for the right partner. She continues to develop new projects for television and film.

Robin Thede

Robin Thede is a groundbreaking comedian, writer, and actress who created ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’. She was the first Black woman to serve as head writer for a late night talk show. Thede has appeared in various television series and films while maintaining a successful career behind the scenes. She has never been married and focuses her energy on creating opportunities for other Black women in comedy. Her work has received multiple Emmy nominations and critical acclaim.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback is a rising star known for her powerful performances in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and the series ‘Swarm’. She has been praised for her ability to portray emotionally complex and challenging characters. Fishback is also a talented playwright and poet who incorporates her writing skills into her acting work. She has never been married and is considered one of the most promising young actresses in the industry. Her dedication to her craft has earned her numerous award nominations.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became a breakout star for her role as Diane Johnson on the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’. She made history as the youngest person to ever produce a major Hollywood film with the movie ‘Little’. Martin has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her acting and entrepreneurial efforts. Given her young age she has never been married and remains focused on building her production empire. She is a prominent role model for young Black girls aspiring to work in entertainment.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid gained widespread recognition for her leading role in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She has since appeared in the acclaimed series ‘Euphoria’ and the movie ‘The Invisible Man’. Reid is known for choosing roles that highlight important social issues and diverse experiences. She has never been married and balances her acting career with her studies at the University of Southern California. Her talent and maturity have made her a standout performer in Hollywood.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a Disney Channel star to one of the most influential actresses of her time. She has won two Emmy Awards for her leading role in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Zendaya also stars in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and the ‘Dune’ films which have solidified her status as a global icon. She has never been married and is often celebrated for her fashion sense and public persona. Her career continues to reach new heights with every project she takes on.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained attention as Rue in the film ‘The Hunger Games’. Since then she has starred in impactful movies like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. Stenberg is also an activist who uses her platform to speak on issues of race and gender. She has never been married and continues to explore diverse roles in the film industry. Her performances are often noted for their emotional honesty and strength.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is best known for her role as Zoey Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ and its spin off ‘Grown-ish’. She is also a vocal activist and a graduate of Harvard University. Shahidi has expanded her career into producing and has been involved in several high profile fashion campaigns. She has never been married and continues to be a leading voice for her generation. Her work both on and off screen is focused on empowerment and social change.

Lovie Simone

Lovie Simone rose to prominence for her role as Zora Greenleaf in the drama series ‘Greenleaf’. She has also starred in the films ‘Selah and the Spades’ and ‘The Craft: Legacy’. Simone is recognized for her intense acting style and her ability to carry complex narratives. She has never been married and is steadily building a diverse portfolio of work in Hollywood. Her talent has positioned her as a significant young actress to watch in the coming years.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz gained widespread fame for her role as Vanessa on the acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’. She has also appeared in major films such as ‘Deadpool 2’ and ‘Joker’ playing pivotal characters. Beetz is known for her naturalistic acting style and her presence in both independent and mainstream cinema. Although she has been in a long term relationship for many years she has never been married. She continues to be a favorite among directors for her unique screen presence.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who has won Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards. She is best known for her role in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’ and the film ‘Harriet’. Erivo has also starred in the television series ‘Genius’ as Aretha Franklin. She has never been married and remains focused on her expansive career in music and acting. Her immense vocal talent and dramatic range have made her a top star in the industry.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning is an actress known for her leading role as Samantha White in the series ‘Dear White People’. She began her career with roles in ‘Bratz’ and the series ‘Hit the Floor’. Browning has received praise for her portrayal of complex social dynamics and racial identity. She has never been married and is active in using her platform for social justice and wellness. Her career continues to grow as she takes on more challenging roles in television.

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye gained critical acclaim for her breakout performance in the independent film ‘Pariah’. She has also appeared in major films like ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘The Big Short’. Oduye is known for her subtle and powerful acting style in both movies and television. She has never been married and maintains a low profile outside of her professional work. Her contributions to independent cinema have earned her several prestigious award nominations.

Retta

Retta is a comedian and actress who is best known for her role as Donna Meagle on ‘Parks and Recreation’. She also starred in the popular drama series ‘Good Girls’ as Ruby Hill. Retta began her career in stand up comedy before finding success in television and film. She has never been married and often jokes about her single life in her comedic routines. Her charismatic personality has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones is a comedic force who gained massive popularity as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has starred in films like the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and ‘Coming 2 America’. Jones is also known for her enthusiastic social media presence and her work as a television host. She has never been married and frequently discusses her experiences as a single woman in her comedy. Her bold and energetic style continues to win over audiences worldwide.

Loni Love

Loni Love is a comedian and television host who was a co host on the talk show ‘The Real’. She has appeared in several films and television series throughout her career. Love is also an author who has written about her journey to success in the entertainment world. While she has been in a long term relationship for several years she has never been married. She remains a popular figure in daytime television and the stand up comedy circuit.

Golden Brooks

Golden Brooks is best known for her role as Maya Wilkes on the long running sitcom ‘Girlfriends’. She has appeared in numerous television shows and films during her career in Hollywood. Brooks is also a writer and producer who has developed her own projects. She has never been married although she has a daughter from a previous relationship. Her work on ‘Girlfriends’ remains a significant part of Black television history.

Jill Marie Jones

Jill Marie Jones rose to fame playing the character Toni Childs on the hit series ‘Girlfriends’. Her comedic timing and glamorous persona made her a fan favorite on the show. Jones has since appeared in various television series and independent films. She has never been married and continues to work in the industry while maintaining her privacy. Her portrayal of Toni Childs is still widely celebrated by fans of the series today.

Monica Calhoun

Monica Calhoun is a respected actress known for her roles in classic films like ‘The Best Man’ and ‘The Players Club’. She has a long career in both film and television that dates back to her childhood. Calhoun is often praised for her ability to play relatable and strong female characters. She has never been married and is a devoted mother to her son. Her performances in the ‘The Best Man’ franchise are considered some of her best work.

Bianca Lawson

Bianca Lawson has had a remarkably long career in television appearing in shows like ‘Saved by the Bell’ and ‘Queen Sugar’. She is famously known for her youthful appearance and her ability to play teen roles for many years. Lawson has also appeared in popular series such as ‘Pretty Little Liars’ and ‘Teen Wolf’. She has never been married and keeps her personal life very private. Her consistent work in television has made her a recognizable face to many viewers.

Kat Graham

Kat Graham is an actress, singer, and dancer best known for her role as Bonnie Bennett on ‘The Vampire Diaries’. She has appeared in several films including ‘All Eyez on Me’ and ‘The Holiday Calendar’. Graham is also involved in humanitarian work and serves as a high profile supporter for the UN Refugee Agency. While she has been engaged in the past she has never officially married. She continues to release music and star in various film projects.

Serayah

Serayah gained fame for her role as Tiana Brown on the musical drama series ‘Empire’. She is both an actress and a singer who has performed on major stages around the world. Serayah has also appeared in several independent films and television projects since her breakout role. She has never been married and focuses on her dual career in music and acting. Her style and talent have made her a notable figure in the younger generation of stars.

Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny is an actress and singer best known for her leading role in the musical series ‘Star’. she has also appeared in the series ‘Grown-ish’ and the film ‘The Fire Inside’. Destiny began her career in a girl group before transitioning into full time acting. She has never been married and has been in high profile relationships within the industry. Her talent and striking looks have earned her a significant following on social media.

Ajiona Alexus

Ajiona Alexus is an actress known for her roles in the series ’13 Reasons Why’ and ‘Empire’. She also starred in the film ‘Breaking In’ alongside Gabrielle Union. Alexus began her career as a child actress and has successfully transitioned into adult roles. She has never been married and continues to take on diverse projects in television and film. Her performances are often noted for their emotional intensity and screen presence.

Please share your favorite performance from these talented women in the comments.