Black Actors Who Are Atheists

The landscape of Hollywood is filled with diverse perspectives on spirituality and belief systems. While many actors are vocal about their religious upbringing several prominent Black male actors have openly identified as atheists or nonreligious. These performers navigate their careers with a focus on humanism and secular values. This list highlights those who have publicly shared their lack of belief in a higher power or organized religion.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman has often stated that he considers god to be a human invention meant to explain the unexplainable. He appeared in the documentary series ‘The Story of God with Morgan Freeman’ where he looked at global belief systems. Through his work and interviews he has expressed that humans are the creators of deity rather than the other way around. His calm and thoughtful approach to secularism has made him a notable voice in the nonreligious community.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover is a multitalented actor and musician who has openly identified as an atheist in various interviews. He rose to fame in the comedy series ‘Community’ and later created the acclaimed show ‘Atlanta’. Glover has discussed his lack of religious upbringing and how it shaped his worldview. His work often explores existential themes without relying on traditional religious frameworks.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock is a legendary comedian and actor known for his sharp social commentary and roles in films like ‘Top Five’. He has frequently used his standup platform to question religious dogmas and institutions. Rock has confirmed in interviews that he does not subscribe to any religious faith. He often highlights the contradictions he perceives within organized religion through his comedy.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor is a British actor who gained international fame for his role in the film ’12 Years a Slave’. He was raised in a family that did not place a heavy emphasis on religious practice. Ejiofor has identified as an atheist and often discusses his humanist approach to life. He focuses on the human experience and connection rather than spiritual guidance.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is well known for his roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Luther’. He has stated that while he is not a religious person he respects the beliefs of others. Elba identifies as irreligious and prefers to find meaning through his work and personal relationships. He has often mentioned that he does not follow any specific theological doctrine.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele is a director and actor who became a household name with the sketch show ‘Key and Peele’. He transitioned into filmmaking with the horror hit ‘Get Out’ which explored deep social issues. Peele has spoken about his atheist beliefs and how they influence his storytelling. He often uses his platform to examine the human psyche from a secular perspective.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya is an Oscar winning actor who starred in the film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He has spoken about his upbringing and his decision to move away from religious traditions. Kaluuya identifies as an atheist and values a secular understanding of the world. His performances often carry a weight of realism that reflects his grounded worldview.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry is best known for his role as Paper Boi in the series ‘Atlanta’. He has shared that he does not subscribe to any religious faith or organized spiritual group. Henry focuses on the craft of acting and the importance of human empathy in his work. He identifies as an atheist and has mentioned his preference for secular living.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield is an actor recognized for his unique roles in ‘Sorry to Bother You’ and ‘Knives Out’. He has expressed his views on religion and spirituality in several public forums. Stanfield identifies as an atheist and often explores philosophical questions through his artistic choices. He maintains a nonreligious lifestyle and values personal freedom of thought.

Tyler, the Creator

Tyler, the Creator is a rapper and actor who has appeared in the show ‘Kidding’. He has been very vocal about his atheism throughout his career and in his song lyrics. He often mocks the idea of a higher power and encourages his fans to think for themselves. His public persona is built on a foundation of self reliance and secular values.

Vince Staples

Vince Staples is a musician and actor who recently starred in ‘The Vince Staples Show’. He has frequently stated that he is an atheist and does not believe in a higher power. Staples often discusses the role of religion in society with a critical and detached eye. He prefers to navigate life through logic and personal observation rather than faith.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle is an acclaimed actor known for his role in ‘Hotel Rwanda’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has described himself as an atheist who does not participate in religious rituals. Cheadle focuses his energy on activism and humanitarian efforts rather than spiritual pursuits. He has been a consistent voice for secularism and rationalism in the entertainment industry.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs is a Tony winning actor who originated the roles of Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in ‘Hamilton’. He has mentioned in interviews that he was raised in a secular environment and does not hold religious beliefs. Diggs identifies as an atheist and often brings a rational perspective to his creative projects. He values the power of community and art over religious structure.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito is famous for his portrayal of Gus Fring in the series ‘Breaking Bad’. He has spoken about his philosophical views and his identification as an atheist or agnostic. Esposito focuses on the present moment and the reality of human behavior in his acting process. He does not rely on religious doctrine to guide his moral or professional life.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is a versatile actor known for his roles in ‘Westworld’ and ‘The Batman’. He has identified as an atheist and often discusses the importance of science and reason. Wright brings a thoughtful and intellectual approach to his characters that reflects his secular mindset. He is known for his advocacy for education and critical thinking.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke gained fame for his role as M’Baku in the film ‘Black Panther’. He has stated that he is not a religious person and does not belong to any church. Duke identifies as an atheist and prefers to view the world through a lens of humanism. He emphasizes the importance of culture and community without the need for spiritual oversight.

Jerrod Carmichael

Jerrod Carmichael is a comedian and actor who starred in ‘The Carmichael Show’. He came out as an atheist during his standup specials and has been very open about his lack of faith. Carmichael explores the tension between his religious family and his personal secular beliefs in his work. He uses his platform to challenge traditional views on religion and morality.

Hannibal Buress

Hannibal Buress is a standup comedian and actor known for his role in ‘Broad City’. He has frequently referenced his atheism in his comedy sets and interviews. Buress takes a humorous and often skeptical approach to the concept of religion. He prefers to live a life based on observation and personal experience rather than faith.

Roy Wood Jr.

Roy Wood Jr. is a comedian and actor who served as a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show’. He has identified as an atheist and often incorporates his views into his political and social commentary. Wood explores the intersections of race and religion from a secular standpoint. He values the use of satire to expose the flaws in religious and political institutions.

Wyatt Cenac

Wyatt Cenac is an actor and writer known for his work on ‘The Daily Show’ and ‘People of Earth’. He has spoken about his lack of religious belief and his identification as an atheist. Cenac often uses his subtle and dry wit to comment on the role of faith in modern society. He remains a prominent figure in the secular comedy scene.

Brandon T. Jackson

Brandon T. Jackson is an actor and comedian who appeared in the film ‘Tropic Thunder’. He has discussed his journey away from religion and his current identification as an atheist. Jackson often talks about the freedom he feels after leaving organized faith behind. He focuses on his career and personal growth from a nonreligious perspective.

Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin is an actor and comedian known for ‘Malcolm and Eddie’. He has been very public about his atheism and often discusses it in his comedy specials. Griffin challenges the necessity of religion for leading a moral life. He advocates for a world where people think for themselves and question established dogmas.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor was a legendary comedian and actor whose work in ‘Silver Streak’ influenced generations. He often spoke about his skepticism regarding religion and his identification as an atheist. Pryor used his comedy to critique the hypocrisy he saw within religious organizations. His legacy includes a brave and honest approach to secularism in the face of social pressure.

Wole Soyinka

Wole Soyinka is a Nobel Prize winning writer and actor who has appeared in several film productions like ‘Kongi’s Harvest’. He is a staunch atheist who has written extensively about the dangers of religious fanaticism. Soyinka advocates for a secular society where reason and human rights take precedence. He has been an influential voice for nonbelievers in Africa and around the world.

Baron Vaughn

Baron Vaughn is an actor and comedian known for his role in the series ‘Grace and Frankie’. He has identified as an atheist and often discusses the topic on his podcasts and in his standup. Vaughn explores the complexities of being a nonbeliever in a predominantly religious society. He brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to the secular community.

Adrian Lester

Adrian Lester is a British actor known for the series ‘Hustle’ and his extensive theater work. He has stated in interviews that he does not believe in a god and identifies as an atheist. Lester focuses on the reality of the human condition and the power of storytelling to connect people. He maintains a secular outlook on both his life and his professional career.

Lennie James

Lennie James is an actor and writer famous for his role as Morgan Jones in ‘The Walking Dead’. He has identified as an atheist and has spoken about his lack of religious faith in several interviews. James prefers to find meaning in the world through his relationships and his artistic endeavors. He brings a grounded and realistic energy to his diverse range of characters.

Paterson Joseph

Paterson Joseph is a prolific British actor who appeared in the show ‘Peep Show’. He is an outspoken atheist who has participated in many discussions about secularism. Joseph believes that morality and ethics can exist independently of religious doctrine. He often highlights the importance of rational thought and humanism in his public appearances.

David Harewood

David Harewood is an actor known for his roles in ‘Homeland’ and ‘Supergirl’. He has stated that he is an atheist and does not follow any religious path. Harewood focuses on mental health advocacy and using his platform for social change from a secular perspective. He values a worldview based on science and human experience.

Lucian Msamati

Lucian Msamati is a British Tanzanian actor who appeared in ‘Game of Thrones’. He has identified as an atheist and often discusses the role of culture versus religion in his life. Msamati believes in the power of the arts to provide a sense of purpose without needing spiritual backing. He remains a respected voice in both the theater and film communities for his secular stance.

Ariyon Bakare

Ariyon Bakare is an actor known for his roles in ‘His Dark Materials’ and ‘Life’. He has spoken about his atheist beliefs and how they shape his understanding of the universe. Bakare finds beauty in the natural world and the scientific explanation of existence. He brings a thoughtful and secular perspective to the characters he portrays on screen.

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is a Ghanaian British actor who won an Olivier Award for his role in the stage production about Tina Turner. He has identified as an atheist and often discusses his secular worldview in interviews. Holdbrook-Smith focuses on the tangible aspects of life and the importance of human connection. He maintains that a meaningful life does not require a religious foundation.

Paapa Essiedu

Paapa Essiedu is an actor known for his acclaimed performance in ‘I May Destroy You’. He has mentioned in public forums that he does not subscribe to any religious faith. Essiedu identifies as an atheist and values a worldview that is rooted in human reality. He uses his work to explore complex social and personal themes from a nonreligious angle.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa is a Scottish Rwandan actor famous for his roles in ‘Sex Education’ and ‘Doctor Who’. He has spoken about his lack of religious belief and his identification with secularism. Gatwa prefers to navigate his life and career through personal values and a focus on community. He brings a vibrant and grounded energy to his work that reflects his nonreligious outlook.

Alfred Enoch

Alfred Enoch is an actor known for the ‘Harry Potter’ series and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. He has stated that he does not follow any religious doctrine and identifies as an atheist. Enoch focuses on his education and his acting career as the primary drivers of his life. He values a rational and secular approach to understanding the world around him.

Kingsley Ben-Adir

Kingsley Ben-Adir is an actor known for his portrayal of Malcolm X in ‘One Night in Miami’. He has mentioned his secular worldview and his lack of religious affiliation in several interviews. Ben-Adir focuses on the historical and human aspects of his roles rather than spiritual ones. He identifies as an atheist and maintains a grounded perspective on his rising success.

Jordan Bolger

Jordan Bolger is an actor known for his roles in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘The Woman King’. He has spoken about his secular beliefs and his identification as an atheist. Bolger finds purpose in his artistic pursuits and his connections with other people. He does not rely on religious faith to provide meaning or direction in his life.

Damson Idris

Damson Idris is a British actor known for his lead role in the series ‘Snowfall’. He has mentioned in various interviews that he is not a religious person and identifies as an atheist. Idris focuses on his work ethic and the reality of the characters he portrays. He values a worldview that is based on logic and the human experience.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was a highly respected actor known for his roles in ‘The Wire’ and the ‘John Wick’ series. He identified as an atheist and often spoke about his philosophical and secular views on life. Reddick brought a unique intensity and gravitas to his performances that was deeply rooted in a humanistic understanding. He remained a committed nonbeliever throughout his successful and diverse career.

Richard Ayoade

Richard Ayoade is a British actor and director famous for his role as Maurice Moss in ‘The IT Crowd’. He has consistently identified as an atheist and often brings a cynical and secular humor to his work. Ayoade has written several books that explore his nonreligious perspectives on life and filmmaking. He continues to be a prominent voice in the British comedy and film scenes.

Please share your thoughts about these actors and their views on secularism in the comments.