Black Actors Who Are the Best On-Screen Criers

The ability to deliver a convincing emotional performance is one of the most difficult skills for a dramatic actor to master. These performers have demonstrated a unique capacity to convey profound sadness and vulnerability through on screen tears. Their work often grounds high stakes narratives in a relatable human experience that resonates with audiences. By accessing deep emotional reserves they provide viewers with memorable moments of raw honesty.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown is widely recognized for his emotional range in the television series ‘This Is Us’. He portrays Randall Pearson with a level of vulnerability that frequently leads to powerful crying scenes. His ability to convey anxiety and grief through tears has become a signature element of his acting style. Critics often point to his performance as a standard for male emotional expression on television. This mastery of dramatic delivery has earned him several major industry awards for his work.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington delivers a masterclass in controlled emotion during the film ‘Glory’. His single tear during a pivotal scene became one of the most famous moments in his career. He often uses his eyes to express layers of pain that eventually overflow into visible crying. In movies like ‘Fences’ he demonstrates how tears can communicate the weight of a complicated life. His performances are noted for their technical precision and deep emotional resonance.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan showed his capacity for deep emotional work in the film ‘Fruitvale Station’. His portrayal of Oscar Grant included moments of intense sorrow that anchored the tragic narrative. He also displayed significant vulnerability in ‘Black Panther’ where his character faced deep seated familial pain. Jordan often uses a combination of physical tremors and tears to make his characters feel authentic. His work continues to be praised for its ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya became famous for his tearful expression in the horror film ‘Get Out’. The image of his character crying while in a trance state became a defining visual of modern cinema. He brings a quiet intensity to his emotional scenes that often builds into a powerful release. In ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ he used his emotional range to portray the weight of leadership and sacrifice. His performances are characterized by a profound sense of empathy and focus.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali showcased his ability to cry with subtlety and grace in the film ‘Moonlight’. As Juan he portrayed a tough exterior that hid a deeply compassionate and emotional interior. He often uses tears to signify a moment of personal realization or connection with another character. In ‘Green Book’ he demonstrated how repressed emotions can eventually lead to a moving breakthrough. His acting style is frequently described as soulful and intellectually grounded.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor gave a harrowing performance in ’12 Years a Slave’ that required immense emotional stamina. His character Solomon Northup undergoes incredible trauma which Ejiofor expresses through frequent and realistic crying. He manages to convey a sense of exhaustion and despair through his physical reactions to tragedy. This performance is widely considered one of the most emotionally taxing roles in recent history. He consistently brings a high level of gravitas to every dramatic role he accepts.

Will Smith

Will Smith proved his dramatic capabilities in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ through several emotional scenes. His portrayal of a father struggling to survive with his son included moments of both joyful and painful tears. He often taps into his own experiences as a parent to bring authenticity to his crying on screen. In ‘Seven Pounds’ he explored themes of guilt and redemption through a lens of constant sorrow. Audiences have long appreciated his ability to balance blockbuster charisma with raw dramatic talent.

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield is known for his eccentric and deeply felt performances in films like ‘Short Term 12’. He possesses a unique ability to cry in a way that feels spontaneous and unpolished. This quality adds a sense of realism to his characters who are often dealing with mental health or social pressures. In the film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ he portrayed the internal conflict of an informant with visible emotional distress. His work is often praised for being unpredictable and emotionally honest.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome delivered a breakout performance in the limited series ‘When They See Us’. His portrayal of Korey Wise involved intense scenes of isolation and fear that required significant emotional output. He moved audiences with his ability to show a young man breaking down under the weight of injustice. This role earned him an Emmy Award and solidified his reputation as a powerful dramatic actor. He brings a youthful and raw energy to his depictions of sorrow.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker is an actor who often utilizes his physical presence to convey deep internal turmoil. In ‘The Last King of Scotland’ he showed how power and paranoia can lead to explosive emotional moments. He has a distinctive way of allowing his face to crumple as tears form which adds to the realism of his distress. His performance in ‘The Butler’ also highlighted his skill at portraying the quiet grief of a man watching history change around him. He remains one of the most respected dramatic actors in the industry.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx demonstrated his range as a dramatic actor in the biopic ‘Ray’. He captured the specific emotional struggles of Ray Charles including moments of deep personal loss and addiction. His crying scenes are often integrated into his musical performances to show the source of his art. In ‘Just Mercy’ he portrayed a man on death row with a dignified yet palpable sense of sorrow. His ability to transform into a character includes mastering their specific way of expressing pain.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo brought immense dignity and emotion to his role as Martin Luther King Jr in ‘Selma’. He portrayed the massive burden of the civil rights movement through moments of private weeping and public strength. His crying is often characterized by a sense of moral weight and profound empathy for others. In ‘Queen of Katwe’ he showed a different side of his emotional range as a supportive and caring mentor. He is known for his meticulous preparation and his ability to inhabit the souls of historical figures.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance gave a legendary performance in ‘The People v O J Simpson American Crime Story’. As Johnnie Cochran he balanced a flamboyant public persona with moments of intense private reflection. He has a long history in theater which contributes to his powerful vocal and physical emotional delivery. His work in ‘Lovecraft Country’ also showcased his ability to portray the grief associated with family secrets. He is a versatile actor who can move from humor to heartbreak with ease.

Andre Braugher

Andre Braugher was celebrated for his intense dramatic work in the series ‘Homicide Life on the Street’. He possessed a commanding presence that made his moments of vulnerability even more impactful. His ability to cry while maintaining a sense of authority created a complex and fascinating character. Even in comedic roles like ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ he occasionally used his dramatic skills to ground the show in real emotion. His legacy is defined by his incredible range and his powerful baritone voice.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is known for his intellectual approach to acting and his ability to convey complex emotions. In ‘Angels in America’ he delivered a multifaceted performance that included deep moments of sorrow. He often uses a subtle and internal style of crying that reflects his characters deep thoughts. His work in ‘Westworld’ required him to portray a wide range of emotions as an evolving consciousness. He is considered one of the most gifted and thoughtful actors working today.

Stephan James

Stephan James delivered a heartbreaking performance in the film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. As a man wrongfully imprisoned he had to convey hope and despair through the glass of a visiting room. His tears in this film added to the poetic and tragic nature of the love story. He also showed his dramatic strength in the series ‘Homecoming’ and the film ‘Race’. He is recognized as a rising star with a significant capacity for emotional depth.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry has become a standout performer due to his work in ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Causeway’. He has a way of portraying grief that feels lived in and incredibly heavy. In ‘Causeway’ he played a man dealing with physical and emotional trauma with a quiet and moving intensity. His ability to show tears while trying to maintain a brave face is a hallmark of his style. He consistently brings a sense of humanity and warmth to even the most troubled characters.

Damson Idris

Damson Idris has gained widespread acclaim for his lead role in the series ‘Snowfall’. As Franklin Saint he portrays the gradual hardening of a young man that is punctuated by moments of extreme emotional release. His crying scenes often reflect the loss of his innocence and the toll of his choices. He brings a focused and intense energy to his dramatic work that keeps audiences engaged. He is noted for his physical transformation and his command of the screen.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II showed his emotional depth in the series ‘Watchmen’ and the film ‘Trial of the Chicago 7’. He has a powerful physical presence that makes his moments of weeping feel especially significant. In ‘Watchmen’ he portrayed a character with a godlike perspective who still felt deep human love and sorrow. His ability to convey complex ideas through simple emotional reactions is a key part of his success. He continues to take on challenging roles that test his dramatic range.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo is a versatile actor who has delivered emotional performances in ‘Ma Raineys Black Bottom’ and ‘Euphoria’. He brings a theatrical flair to his work that makes his emotional scenes feel grand and significant. In ‘Euphoria’ he plays a mentor figure whose own past pain is often visible in his eyes and voice. His crying is usually tied to a sense of deep wisdom and the struggle for redemption. He is respected for his ability to command attention in both supporting and lead roles.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke became a household name through ‘Black Panther’ but showed his dramatic range in ‘Nine Days’. In the latter film he played a character who judges souls and eventually experiences a profound emotional awakening. His crying in this role was quiet and deeply moving as he navigated the beauty of human existence. He uses his large frame to create a sense of protective strength that makes his vulnerability more poignant. He is an actor who can balance physical action with deep philosophical reflection.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie has shown his ability to handle heavy dramatic material in films like ‘The Hurt Locker’ and ‘Brother to Brother’. While he is often cast in action roles he possesses a strong capacity for conveying grief and trauma. In ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ he explored the emotional weight of legacy and identity. His crying scenes are often characterized by a sense of frustration and the struggle to do what is right. He brings a relatable and grounded energy to his depictions of emotional stress.

John Boyega

John Boyega delivered a powerful and tearful performance in the ‘Small Axe’ film ‘Red White and Blue’. He portrayed a police officer facing systemic racism within his own department and his own family. His ability to show the internal conflict between his career and his identity was highlighted by his emotional delivery. He also showed great vulnerability in the film ‘Detroit’ as a witness to a horrific event. He is known for his passion and his willingness to take on socially relevant roles.

Ashton Sanders

Ashton Sanders gave a haunting and memorable performance as the teenage Chiron in ‘Moonlight’. His ability to convey a lifetime of repression and loneliness through his eyes and tears was central to the films success. He brings a sensitive and artistic quality to his roles that makes his emotional scenes feel very intimate. In ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’ he continued to show his skill at portraying unique and vulnerable characters. He is a distinctive talent with a focus on deep character study.

Trevante Rhodes

Trevante Rhodes portrayed the adult version of Chiron in ‘Moonlight’ with a powerful combination of strength and sorrow. His performance showed how an emotional person can hide behind a physical exterior until they finally break. The scene where his character finally allows himself to be vulnerable and weep is a highlight of the film. He has since appeared in a variety of roles that utilize his physical presence and his dramatic depth. He is an actor who communicates a lot through silence and subtle facial expressions.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito is often recognized for playing cold and calculating villains but he has a wide emotional range. In ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘Breaking Bad’ he showed flashes of intense emotion that humanized his characters. His crying scenes are usually tied to a moment of total loss or a breakdown of control. He brings a precision to his acting that makes every tear feel earned and significant. He is a veteran performer who continues to find new ways to surprise audiences.

Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman is a legendary actor with a career spanning decades in theater film and television. In ‘Ma Raineys Black Bottom’ he delivered a poignant monologue that led into a deeply moving emotional moment. He has the ability to convey the wisdom of age and the pain of a long life through his crying. His work is often characterized by its authenticity and its connection to the history of Black performance. He remains a powerful force in the industry who can elevate any scene he is in.

Wendell Pierce

Wendell Pierce is best known for his roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Treme’ where he often played complex men in difficult situations. He has a soulful quality to his acting that makes his moments of grief feel very real. In ‘Death of a Salesman’ on Broadway he showed his incredible capacity for sustained emotional work. His crying is often a mix of anger and sadness which reflects the struggles of his characters. He is a highly respected actor who brings a sense of community and culture to his roles.

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael K. Williams was a transformative actor who brought deep humanity to characters like Omar Little in ‘The Wire’. He had a unique ability to show the vulnerability behind a tough exterior which often led to moving crying scenes. In ‘Lovecraft Country’ he explored the trauma of his characters past with raw and painful honesty. His tears were always connected to a deep sense of truth and a life lived on the edge. His legacy is one of incredible talent and a commitment to portraying complex individuals.

Wood Harris

Wood Harris is recognized for his roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Remember the Titans’. He often plays characters who are stoic but he can deliver powerful emotional moments when the story requires it. In ‘The Wire’ his character Avon Barksdale showed moments of quiet reflection and sadness as his world changed. He uses his facial expressions to show the gradual buildup of emotion before it overflows. He is a consistent and reliable performer who adds depth to every project.

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou has a powerful screen presence that he uses to great effect in dramatic roles. In ‘Blood Diamond’ he portrayed a desperate father whose tears for his son were a central emotional anchor of the film. He often plays characters who are pushed to their absolute limits which leads to intense and raw crying. His performance in ‘Amistad’ also showcased his ability to convey the pain of injustice and the hope for freedom. He is an actor who brings a global perspective and immense heart to his work.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard is known for his intense and sometimes volatile emotional range. In ‘Hustle and Flow’ he portrayed a man struggling to find his voice and his tears reflected his desperation and his dreams. He often uses a trembling voice and watery eyes to show a character who is on the verge of a breakdown. His work in ‘Empire’ also featured many dramatic moments where his characters ego and pain collided. He is a charismatic actor who is not afraid to show a wide spectrum of feelings.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr won an Academy Award for ‘Jerry Maguire’ but has also excelled in serious dramatic roles. In ‘Boyz n the Hood’ he delivered a memorable and emotional performance as a young man trying to navigate a dangerous environment. His crying in that film conveyed the frustration and fear of a generation. He has a high energy acting style that makes his emotional releases feel very explosive and honest. He continues to take on a variety of roles that challenge his dramatic abilities.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs has had a successful career in film television and musical theater. While he often plays charming and confident characters he has shown a strong capacity for drama in projects like ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Private Practice’. In ‘The Best Man Holiday’ he delivered a moving performance during a time of group tragedy. His crying is often characterized by a sense of deep personal loss and the importance of friendship. He is a versatile performer who can handle both lighthearted and heavy material.

Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut is a veteran actor who has appeared in many iconic films including ‘Boyz n the Hood’. In ‘The Best Man’ series he showed his ability to portray a man facing deep emotional challenges with his faith and his family. He has a dignified way of crying that shows a character trying to stay strong while being overwhelmed by grief. His performances are often noted for their warmth and their focus on relatable human connections. He remains a popular and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Blair Underwood

Blair Underwood has a long and distinguished career in television and film known for his polished and intense performances. In ‘When They See Us’ he played a lawyer facing a difficult and emotional case. He has the ability to convey the professional and personal toll of his characters work through subtle emotional cues. His crying is usually quiet and controlled which adds to the realism of his portrayals. He is an actor who brings a high level of intelligence and sophistication to his roles.

Hill Harper

Hill Harper is recognized for his long running roles on ‘CSI NY’ and ‘The Good Doctor’. He often plays intelligent and compassionate characters who are faced with difficult moral choices. His emotional scenes are characterized by a sense of deep empathy for the people his character is trying to help. In his dramatic film work he has shown the ability to tap into raw and painful feelings. He is a dedicated actor who is also known for his work as an author and advocate.

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams became a household name on ‘Greys Anatomy’ where he played Dr Jackson Avery for many seasons. He had numerous opportunities to show his emotional range during the shows many medical and personal crises. His crying scenes often reflected the pressure of his profession and the complexities of his relationships. He brings a focused and sincere energy to his dramatic work that makes his characters feel very authentic. He has since moved into theater and film where he continues to explore deep emotional themes.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter is a powerhouse performer who has achieved great success on Broadway and in television. In the series ‘Pose’ he delivered a legendary performance as Pray Tell who faced immense personal and community loss. His crying scenes in the show were often part of a larger exploration of joy and sorrow in the face of adversity. He brings a unique and vibrant energy to his dramatic work that is informed by his theatrical background. He is a trailblazing actor who uses his platform to tell important and emotional stories.

Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams transitioned from a child star in ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ to a respected dramatic and comedic actor. In ‘Abbott Elementary’ he uses a subtle and grounded style but he has shown deep emotion in projects like ‘Dear White People’ and ‘The Walking Dead’. His crying in ‘The Walking Dead’ was especially impactful as it showed his character dealing with extreme survival stress. He has a way of using his expressive face to convey a lot of internal information to the audience. He is a talented actor with a very bright future in the industry.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle is one of the most respected actors of his generation with a wide range of dramatic roles. In ‘Hotel Rwanda’ he gave a powerful performance as a man trying to save lives in the middle of a genocide. His tears in this film were a reflection of the unimaginable stress and the incredible bravery of his character. He has a subtle and precise style that makes his emotional moments feel very grounded and real. He is an actor who can carry a major film with his quiet and intense presence.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman is known for his authoritative voice and his calm demeanor but he has many emotional moments in his career. In ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ he portrayed a man facing the loss of hope with a quiet and moving dignity. His crying is rarely explosive but instead shows a deep and abiding sadness that is very effective. He has a way of making the audience feel his characters pain through a simple look or a change in his tone of voice. He is a cinematic legend whose performances are always deeply human.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne has a commanding presence that he has used in iconic films like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Boyz n the Hood’. In ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ he portrayed a complex and often violent character with moments of deep personal turmoil. He has the ability to show the internal conflict and the eventual breakdown of his characters through powerful emotional scenes. His crying is often tied to a sense of powerlessness or the realization of his own actions. He is a versatile actor who brings a high level of intensity to every role.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most prolific actors in history and is known for his high energy and iconic lines. However he has also delivered many powerful dramatic performances in films like ‘A Time to Kill’ and ‘Jungle Fever’. In ‘A Time to Kill’ his emotional testimony in the courtroom was a highlight of the film and showed his great range. His crying scenes are often a mix of anger and sorrow which reflects the strength of his characters. He is an actor who can dominate the screen while still showing profound vulnerability.

Keith David

Keith David is a veteran actor with a distinctive voice and a long list of credits in film and television. In ‘Greenleaf’ he played a patriarch facing various family scandals and personal crises with a strong emotional core. He has a way of showing the weight of his characters responsibilities through his facial expressions and his tears. His crying is often characterized by a sense of moral struggle and the desire to do right by his family. He is a respected performer who brings a sense of gravity and truth to his work.

Omar Sy

Omar Sy is a major international star who gained worldwide fame for his role in the French film ‘The Intouchables’. He has a natural charisma that he balances with a strong capacity for deep dramatic emotion. In ‘Lupin’ and other projects he has shown the ability to portray a man dealing with loss and the search for justice. His crying is often very relatable and adds a layer of humanity to his more action oriented roles. He is a versatile talent who is making a significant impact in global cinema.

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge has built a strong career with roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘City on a Hill’. In the film ‘Clemency’ he gave a devastating performance as a death row inmate facing his final days. His ability to convey the terror and the quiet resignation of his character through tears was highly praised by critics. He brings a physical and emotional intensity to his work that makes his performances very memorable. He is an actor who consistently chooses challenging and meaningful projects.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins showed his dramatic strength in ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. In ‘Straight Outta Compton’ he portrayed Dr Dre with a focus on the emotional toll of his personal and professional life. He has a focused and sincere style that makes his crying scenes feel very authentic and earned. In his stage work he has also demonstrated a significant capacity for sustained emotional delivery. He is a rising talent who is known for his dedication to his craft.

Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell gave a breakout performance as Eazy E in ‘Straight Outta Compton’ that included very moving emotional scenes. He captured the vulnerability and the fear of a man facing a terminal illness with great sensitivity. He also showed his range in ‘Mudbound’ where he played a veteran dealing with the trauma of war and racism. His crying in these roles was noted for its raw and uninhibited quality. He is an actor who can bring a high level of realism to his portrayals of struggle.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors has quickly become one of the most sought after actors due to his work in ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’. In ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’ he delivered a sensitive and poetic performance that included many quiet emotional moments. He has a unique way of expressing sorrow through his entire body which makes his crying feel very physical. His work is often described as soulful and deeply connected to the themes of the story. He is a major talent who continues to explore the boundaries of dramatic acting.

Tell us which of these actors moved you the most in the comments.