Black Actors You Didn’t Know Were Leo

Leos are born between July 23 and August 22, and plenty of well-known Black actors fall under that window. Below are the male actors whose birthdays place them in the Leo camp, presented in order of birth date, with quick snapshots of their careers—roles, awards, and projects you might know them from. Use this as a handy reference for who starred where and when, and which performances put them on the map. Dates and credits are included so you can connect each name with specific work.

Kelvin Harrison, Jr.

Kelvin Harrison Jr., born July 23 in New Orleans, earned acclaim with ‘Luce’ and ‘Waves’. He portrayed B.B. King in ‘Elvis’ and starred as Chevalier de Saint-Georges in ‘Chevalier’. Harrison appeared in ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ and ‘Cyrano’. He has also worked in series such as ‘Genius: Aretha’.

Eriq La Salle

Eriq La Salle, born July 23 in Hartford, is known for Peter Benton on ‘ER’. He has directed episodes of network series, including crime procedurals and dramas. La Salle appeared in films like ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Logan’. He continues to work behind the camera as a director and producer.

Marlon Wayans

Marlon Wayans, born July 23 in New York City, rose to prominence with ‘The Wayans Bros.’ and films like ‘Scary Movie’. He co-wrote and starred in ‘White Chicks’ and led comedies such as ‘A Haunted House’. Wayans also took on dramatic turns, including ‘Requiem for a Dream’. He continues to produce stand-up specials and television projects.

Kadeem Hardison

Kadeem Hardison, born July 24 in Brooklyn, became widely known as Dwayne Wayne in ‘A Different World’. He later starred in series such as ‘Between Brothers’ and ‘K.C. Undercover’. Film roles include ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ and ‘Def by Temptation’. Hardison has directed episodes of television and continued steady guest work.

Rick Fox

Rick Fox, born July 24 in Toronto and raised in the Bahamas, transitioned from the NBA to acting with roles in ‘Oz’ and ‘Greenleaf’. He has appeared in films like ‘He Got Game’ and numerous TV guest spots. Fox has produced digital media projects and esports ventures. His on-screen work spans dramas, sitcoms, and reality series.

D.B. Woodside

Born July 25 in New York City, D.B. Woodside played Amenadiel on ‘Lucifer’. He previously starred as Wayne Palmer on ’24’ and appeared in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. Woodside’s credits also include ‘Suits’ and ‘Parenthood’. He has worked across network and streaming projects for two decades.

Bokeem Woodbine

Bokeem Woodbine, born July 26 in New York City, earned wide praise for ‘Fargo’ (Season 2). He appeared in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and ‘Queen & Slim’. Woodbine’s television credits include ‘Wu Assassins’ and ‘Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.’. He began acting in the early 1990s with roles in ‘Strapped’ and ‘Jason’s Lyric’.

John David Washington

Born July 28 in Los Angeles, John David Washington first gained major attention as the lead in ‘BlacKkKlansman’. He headlined Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ and later starred in ‘Beckett’ and ‘Amsterdam’. Before acting full-time, he played professional football with the Sacramento Mountain Lions. He has also appeared on stage in Broadway’s ‘The Piano Lesson’.

Ato Essandoh

Ato Essandoh, born July 29 in Schenectady, has appeared in ‘Chicago Med’ and ‘Elementary’. His film credits include ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Jason Bourne’, and ‘Garden State’. Essandoh is also a playwright and co-founder of an experimental theater company. He frequently works in prestige dramas and thrillers.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne, born July 30 in Augusta, Georgia, earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. He became globally recognized as Morpheus in ‘The Matrix’ franchise. On television, he co-starred in ‘Black-ish’ and portrayed Jack Crawford in ‘Hannibal’. His stage work includes a Tony Award for ‘Two Trains Running’.

Terry Crews

Born July 30 in Flint, Michigan, Terry Crews is widely known for ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. He appeared in films such as ‘White Chicks’, ‘The Expendables’ series, and ‘Idiocracy’. Before acting, Crews played in the NFL as a defensive end and linebacker. He later became the host of ‘America’s Got Talent’.

Aml Ameen

Aml Ameen, born July 30 in London, starred in ‘Kidulthood’ and appeared in ‘The Maze Runner’. He led the series ‘Sense8’ and portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’. Ameen wrote, directed, and starred in the holiday film ‘Boxing Day’. He also played characters in shows like ‘I May Destroy You’.

Wesley Snipes

Born July 31 in Orlando, Florida, Wesley Snipes broke out with ‘New Jack City’ and cemented his action-star status with ‘Passenger 57’. He led Marvel’s pre-MCU success with the ‘Blade’ trilogy, which influenced late-1990s comic-book cinema. Snipes trained in martial arts from a young age, integrating that into his choreography. His filmography also includes ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ and ‘U.S. Marshals’.

Van Vicker

Van Vicker, born August 1 in Accra, is a prominent Ghanaian actor known for leading roles across West African cinema. He has starred in dozens of Nollywood and Ghallywood features. Vicker also directs and produces films through his company. His titles have circulated widely across African and diaspora markets.

Leon Thomas III

Born August 1 in Brooklyn, Leon Thomas III gained recognition on ‘Victorious’. He has writing and production credits in music, while maintaining acting roles in projects like ‘Insecure’. Thomas appeared in ‘Detroit’ and the series ‘The Equalizer’. His work spans acting, songwriting, and voice roles.

Michael Ealy

Michael Ealy, born August 3 in Washington, D.C., gained recognition with ‘Barbershop’ and ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’. He led series like ‘Almost Human’ and appeared in ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘The Intruder’. Ealy has worked across genres—from thrillers to romantic dramas—on both film and TV. He also starred opposite Sanaa Lathan in ‘The Perfect Guy’.

Isaiah Washington

Born August 3 in Houston, Texas, Isaiah Washington is well known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His film credits include ‘Clockers’, ‘Get on the Bus’, and ‘Out of Sight’. He later appeared in series like ‘The 100’ and ‘P-Valley’. Washington’s career spans independent features and major network television.

Marques Houston

Marques Houston, born August 4 in Los Angeles, acted in ‘You Got Served’ and ‘Somebody Help Me’. He first gained TV recognition with ‘Sister, Sister’ (recurring) and ‘Cuts’. Houston has produced and starred in made-for-TV and streaming films. He balances acting with a recording career and behind-the-scenes producing.

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams, born August 5 in Chicago, is best known for playing Dr. Jackson Avery on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His stage work includes a Tony-nominated performance in ‘Take Me Out’. Williams has appeared in films such as ‘The Cabin in the Woods’ and ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’. He also directs and produces projects for television and digital platforms.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Born August 6 in New York City, Leslie Odom Jr. won a Tony Award for ‘Hamilton’. On screen, he appeared in ‘One Night in Miami…’, ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, and ‘Harriet’. Odom has released multiple studio albums alongside his acting work. He continues to bridge Broadway, film, and television.

Chico Benymon

Chico Benymon, born August 7 in Chicago, is best known for ‘Half & Half’. His film work includes roles in independent features and television movies. Benymon has also produced music and performed in stage productions. He continues to guest-star across sitcoms and dramas.

Harold Perrineau

Born August 7 in Brooklyn, New York, Harold Perrineau is known for ‘Lost’ and HBO’s ‘Oz’. He appeared in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ as Link. Perrineau has led the horror series ‘From’. Additional credits include ‘Romeo + Juliet’ and the dark comedy ‘Claws’.

Jimmy Jean-Louis

Born August 8 in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, Jimmy Jean-Louis gained international attention as “the Haitian” on ‘Heroes’. He has starred in francophone and anglophone productions, bridging markets in Europe, Africa, and the U.S. Film credits include ‘Phat Girlz’ and ‘Joy’. He is active in philanthropy through the organization Hollywood Unites for Haiti.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith, born August 9 in Los Angeles, starred in ‘The Get Down’. His film roles include ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’, ‘All the Bright Places’, and ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’. He appeared in ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ as Simon. Smith has performed on stage, including ‘Yen’ off-Broadway.

Michael Dapaah

Michael Dapaah, born August 10 in London, is an actor-comedian known for the mockumentary series ‘SWIL’ (‘Somewhere in London’). He gained widespread recognition through the character Big Shaq and viral sketches. Dapaah has appeared in British television and online productions. His work mixes scripted comedy with music and digital shorts.

Jacob Latimore

Born August 10 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jacob Latimore headlines the series ‘The Chi’. His film credits include ‘Detroit’, ‘Collateral Beauty’, and ‘Sleight’. Latimore began as a singer before transitioning to leading roles on television. He has also appeared in ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ and ‘Candy Jar’.

Duane Martin

Duane Martin, born August 11 in New York City, is known for ‘All of Us’ and the basketball film ‘Above the Rim’. He appeared in ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ and ‘Deliver Us from Eva’. Martin has produced and starred in television comedies and dramas. His career includes recurring roles across network series.

LaKeith Stanfield

Born August 12 in San Bernardino, California, LaKeith Stanfield earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He played memorable roles in ‘Sorry to Bother You’, ‘Get Out’, and ‘Uncut Gems’. On television, he co-starred in ‘Atlanta’ as Darius. His early breakout came with the indie film ‘Short Term 12’.

Affion Crockett

Affion Crockett, born August 12 in Fayetteville, is a comedian-actor known for ‘In the Flow with Affion Crockett’. He has appeared in films including ‘A Haunted House’ and ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’. Crockett is also recognized for impressions and sketch performances. His credits span stand-up specials and recurring TV roles.

Lamorne Morris

Lamorne Morris, born August 14 in Chicago, became widely recognized as Winston on ‘New Girl’. He starred in ‘Woke’ and appeared in films like ‘Game Night’ and ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’. Morris has also hosted game shows and worked in voice acting. His recent credits include the heist comedy ‘The Exchange’.

Carl Lumbly

Carl Lumbly, born August 14 in Minneapolis, is recognized for Marcus Dixon on ‘Alias’. He voiced Martian Manhunter in numerous DC animated projects. Lumbly’s film work includes ‘Men of Honor’ and ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ as Isaiah Bradley. His career spans stage, television, and voice acting.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson, born August 15 in Los Angeles, co-created and starred in the long-running sitcom ‘Black-ish’. The role earned him multiple Emmy nominations and led to the spinoffs ‘Grown-ish’ and ‘Mixed-ish’. He has hosted awards shows and game series, expanding his TV footprint beyond acting. Earlier film credits include ‘Hustle & Flow’ and ‘The Departed’.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, born August 18 in Jersey City, rose to fame on ‘The Cosby Show’. He later starred in ‘The Resident’ and ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Warner has directed television episodes and released spoken-word music. His career includes long-running roles and guest arcs across major networks.

Y’lan Noel

Born August 19 in Brooklyn, Y’lan Noel is known for ‘Insecure’, where he played Daniel King. He headlined ‘The First Purge’, expanding into action-horror. Noel has also appeared in ‘A Lot of Nothing’ as a lead. His work spans television drama and feature films.

Clarence Williams III

Born August 21 in New York City, Clarence Williams III became a 1960s TV fixture with ‘The Mod Squad’. His film credits span ‘Purple Rain’, ‘Half Baked’, and ‘Reindeer Games’. Williams also guest-starred on numerous series, including ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Justified’. He trained at the Actors Studio and worked extensively on stage.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

Born August 22 in London, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is recognized for roles in ‘Lost’ and ‘Oz’. His film work includes ‘The Mummy Returns’, ‘Suicide Squad’, and ‘Pompeii’. He wrote and directed the autobiographical film ‘Farming’. He speaks multiple languages and has portrayed characters across diverse genres.

Keith Powers

Keith Powers, born August 22 in Sacramento, portrayed Ronnie DeVoe in ‘The New Edition Story’. He co-starred in the series ‘Famous in Love’ and appeared in ‘Straight Outta Compton’. Powers has led romantic dramas on streaming platforms, including ‘The Perfect Find’. He began as a model before transitioning to acting.

Brandon Quintin Adams

Brandon Quintin Adams, born August 22 in Topeka, is remembered for ‘The Sandlot’ and ‘The Mighty Ducks’. He appeared on sitcoms like ‘Moesha’ and ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Adams has voice and motion-capture credits in video games. His early career included notable child-actor roles that carried into adulthood.

Share any other Leo actors we should include in the comments!