Black Actresses Who Are National Treasures

Black actresses have been foundational to the development of modern cinema and television, frequently breaking systemic barriers to deliver iconic performances. From the trailblazing work of the early 20th century to the dominant presence of contemporary stars, these women have garnered the highest accolades in the industry. Their work encompasses a diverse range of genres, demonstrating versatility across stage and screen. These 50 actresses represent a legacy of excellence that has redefined global entertainment.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Gone with the Wind’. Throughout her career, she appeared in over 300 films, though she only received screen credit for about 80 of them. McDaniel was also a professional singer-songwriter, comedian, and stage actress. Her legacy includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to radio. She blazed a trail for future generations of Black performers in a restrictive studio system.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a pivotal figure in jazz, big band, and pop music who successfully transitioned into a celebrated acting career. She was the first Black woman to star in her own television program, ‘The Ethel Waters Show’, which aired in 1939. Waters received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Pinky’. She also earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance in ‘Member of the Wedding’. Her influence spanned multiple decades of American entertainment.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge became the first African American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Carmen Jones’. She was a prominent singer and dancer who performed at high-profile venues like the Cotton Club. Dandridge also starred in the 1959 film adaptation of ‘Porgy and Bess’, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She is remembered as one of the most significant leading ladies of the mid-20th century. Her life was later chronicled in the acclaimed film ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’.

Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore is best remembered for her transformative role as Annie Johnson in the 1959 film ‘Imitation of Life’. This performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her the fourth Black person to be nominated for an Oscar. Beyond this landmark role, she had a prolific career in film and television spanning five decades. Moore was also a dedicated member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Cambridge Players. Her work remains a touchstone for dramatic excellence in classic cinema.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a celebrated actress, playwright, and civil rights activist whose career spanned over seven decades. She originated the role of Ruth Younger in the Broadway production of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and later starred in the film version. Dee received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘American Gangster’ at the age of 83. She was a recipient of the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards, as well as the National Medal of Arts. Her partnership with husband Ossie Davis made them one of the most influential couples in American theater.

Beah Richards

Beah Richards was a distinguished actress and poet who achieved significant acclaim on both stage and screen. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Mrs. Prentice in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. Richards won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her guest appearances on ‘Frank’s Place’ and ‘The Practice’. She was also a Tony Award nominee for her work in the play ‘The Amen Corner’. Her career was defined by her powerful delivery and advocacy for social justice.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a legendary figure whose career spanned seven decades in film, television, and theater. She became the first Black woman to receive an Honorary Academy Award in 2018. Tyson was widely known for her refusal to accept roles that she deemed demeaning or stereotypical. Her performances in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ and ‘Sounder’ earned her significant critical acclaim and multiple awards. She remains a symbol of integrity and excellence in the performing arts.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a groundbreaking performer who broke racial barriers in the television industry. She was the first Black woman to star in her own television series, ‘Julia’, while not playing a domestic worker. Carroll won a Tony Award for Best Actress for her performance in the musical ‘No Strings’. She also earned an Academy Award nomination for her leading role in ‘Claudine’. Later in her career, she became a household name for her role as Dominique Deveraux on the soap opera ‘Dynasty’.

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford is best known for her iconic role as Louise Jefferson on the long-running sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’. In 1981, she became the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Before her television success, she had a robust career in theater and appeared in films such as ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. Her comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Sherman Hemsley made the show a cultural phenomenon. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.

Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle achieved national fame for her role as Florida Evans on the sitcoms ‘Maude’ and ‘Good Times’. She was a founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company and had a deep background in theatrical performance. Rolle won an Emmy Award for her role in the television film ‘Summer of My German Soldier’. She was known for her commitment to portraying strong, principled characters on screen. Her legacy is defined by her advocacy for positive representations of Black families in media.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became the preeminent star of the blaxploitation genre in the 1970s with films like ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. She was often described as cinema’s first female action star, known for playing assertive and resourceful characters. Grier experienced a major career resurgence in the 1990s when she starred in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown’. This performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and widespread critical praise. She also had a recurring role on the television series ‘The L Word’.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most decorated actresses in the industry, possessing four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘Cross Creek’. Woodard has appeared in a wide array of influential films, including ‘Passion Fish’, ’12 Years a Slave’, and ‘Clemency’. She is also a noted stage performer, earning multiple nominations for her work in theater. Her versatility allows her to move seamlessly between heavy drama and character-driven television.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashad is often referred to as “The Mother of the Black Community” due to her role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. In 2004, she became the first Black woman to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She has maintained a prolific career on stage, appearing in ‘Gem of the Ocean’ and ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’. Rashad also directed several high-profile theatrical productions across the United States. She recently gained praise for her role as Mary Anne Creed in the ‘Creed’ film series.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-hyphenate talent who has made significant contributions as an actress, dancer, and director. She rose to international fame for her role as Lydia Grant in the television series ‘Fame’, for which she also served as choreographer. Allen has won five Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe over the course of her career. She is the executive producer and a recurring star of the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Additionally, she founded the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to mentor future generations of performers.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, meaning she has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She made her film debut in ‘The Color Purple’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe. Goldberg won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1990 film ‘Ghost’. She has been a long-time moderator on the daytime talk show ‘The View’. Her filmography also includes the successful ‘Sister Act’ franchise.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is renowned for her powerful portrayals of real-life historical figures, most notably Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. This role earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. She later became the first person to win a Golden Globe for a performance in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Bassett is also a staple of the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series. In 2023, she was honored with an Honorary Academy Award for her contributions to film.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams first gained national attention as the first African American woman to be crowned Miss America. She successfully transitioned into a career as a recording artist and a prolific actress on stage and screen. Williams received critical acclaim for her role as Wilhelmina Slater on the comedy series ‘Ugly Betty’. She also starred in the television drama ‘Desperate Housewives’ and several Broadway productions, including ‘Into the Woods’. Her career is marked by her ability to balance music and high-profile acting roles.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox became a major star in the mid-1990s with roles in blockbuster films like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She also starred in the romantic comedy ‘Booty Call’ and the action thriller ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’. Fox has been a consistent presence on television, appearing in the series ‘Missing’ and ‘Empire’. In addition to acting, she has worked as a producer on various film projects. She remains a prominent figure in American pop culture and independent cinema.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is frequently referred to as “The Mother of Black Hollywood” due to her many roles playing the matriarch in various films. She began her career on Broadway and served as a back-up singer for Bette Midler. Lewis is widely recognized for her role as Ruby Johnson on the sitcom ‘black-ish’. Her film credits include ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, and the voice of Mama Odie in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She is also an accomplished author and mental health advocate.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine was part of the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’, a role that cemented her status in the theater world. She gained mainstream recognition for her performances in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. Devine won a Primetime Emmy Award for her recurring role as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She has appeared in dozens of television shows, including a series regular role on ‘The Carmichael Show’. Her distinct voice and comedic timing have made her a beloved figure in the industry.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a versatile actress known for her commanding presence in both television dramas and blockbuster films. She received multiple Emmy nominations for her role as Detective Claudette Wyms on the police drama ‘The Shield’. Pounder also starred in the films ‘Bagdad Cafe’, ‘Face/Off’, and the ‘Avatar’ franchise. On television, she has had long-running roles on ‘ER’ and ‘NCIS: New Orleans’. She is also an advocate for the arts and has curated several gallery exhibitions.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the long-running series ‘Law & Order’. She played the character for 17 seasons, setting a record for the longest-running Black character on a primetime drama at the time. Merkerson won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in the television film ‘Lackawanna Blues’. She is also an accomplished stage actress with two Tony Award nominations. Currently, she stars in the medical drama ‘Chicago Med’.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the landmark Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’, for which she received a Tony nomination. She starred as the title character’s mother in the 1990s sitcom ‘Moesha’. In 2022, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Barbara Howard on the hit comedy ‘Abbott Elementary’. Ralph has also been a vocal activist for HIV/AIDS awareness for several decades. Her career has seen a significant resurgence, solidifying her status as a veteran talent.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the only Black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tony Awards. She is also an EGOT winner, having secured a Grammy in 2023. Davis received widespread acclaim for her roles in ‘Doubt’, ‘The Help’, and ‘Fences’. She starred as the lead in the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her performances are often cited for their intense emotional depth and technical precision.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She began her career as a model and transitioned into acting with roles in ‘Jungle Fever’ and ‘Boomerang’. Berry played the character Storm in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise and starred as ‘Catwoman’. She also won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge in a television biopic. Berry continues to be a major force as both an actress and a director.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child actress on the sitcom ‘227’ before transitioning into a major film star. She has won four Primetime Emmy Awards and an Academy Award for her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King has starred in critically acclaimed series such as ‘The Leftovers’, ‘Seven Seconds’, and ‘Watchmen’. In 2020, she made her feature film directorial debut with ‘One Night in Miami…’, which received three Oscar nominations. She is recognized as one of the most influential people in the world by various publications.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer rose to fame with her performance in ‘The Help’, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is one of only two Black actresses to receive three Oscar nominations during her career. Her notable film credits include ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘The Shape of Water’, and ‘Fruitvale Station’. Spencer also produced and starred in the limited series ‘Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker’. She is highly regarded for her ability to bring warmth and humanity to complex supporting roles.

Nia Long

Nia Long became a household name in the 1990s through her roles in classic films like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The Best Man’. she also starred in the popular sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ as Beulah “Lisa” Wilkes. Long has had a consistent career in both film and television, including roles in ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Empire’. She won three NAACP Image Awards for her work on the drama series ‘Third Watch’. Her enduring popularity has made her a staple of Black cinema for over three decades.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith began her career on the sitcom ‘A Different World’ before starring in films like ‘Menace II Society’ and ‘The Nutty Professor’. She played Niobe in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’, showcasing her skills in the action genre. Smith is also the co-host of the influential talk show ‘Red Table Talk’, which won a Daytime Emmy Award. She has worked extensively as a producer and was the lead singer of the metal band Wicked Wisdom. Her career is characterized by its diversity across different entertainment mediums.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall first gained recognition for her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She transitioned into more dramatic and lead comedic roles in films like ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘The Best Man Holiday’. In 2018, Hall became the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for ‘Support the Girls’. She has also appeared in the television series ‘Black Monday’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. Hall is praised for her comedic timing and her ability to anchor large ensemble casts.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union rose to prominence with her role in the teen comedy ‘Bring It On’ in 2000. She went on to star in several successful romantic comedies, including ‘Deliver Us from Eva’ and ‘Think Like a Man’. Union received critical acclaim for her lead role in the drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’, which ran for five seasons. She is also a best-selling author and a prominent advocate for women’s rights and survivors of assault. Her career continues to expand with production deals and judging roles on reality competitions.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She became a massive television star through her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the musical drama ‘Empire’, winning a Golden Globe. Henson also starred in the box office hit ‘Hidden Figures’ and the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. She is a recipient of multiple NAACP Image Awards and has been named one of the most influential people in the world. Henson is also known for her public advocacy regarding mental health awareness.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington gained international fame for her role as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe nomination, making her a central figure in television history. She has starred in major films such as ‘Ray’, ‘The Last King of Scotland’, and ‘Django Unchained’. Washington also produced and starred in the acclaimed limited series ‘Little Fires Everywhere’. She is an active participant in political activism and was appointed to the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross first gained a dedicated following as Joan Clayton on the long-running sitcom ‘Girlfriends’. She later starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the comedy series ‘black-ish’, for which she won a Golden Globe Award. Ross is known for her comedic precision and her influential presence in the fashion industry. She has also executive produced several projects, including the spin-off series ‘mixed-ish’. Her work has earned her multiple NAACP Image Awards and several Emmy nominations.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a preeminent figure in American theater, holding a record-breaking six Tony Awards. She has won in all four acting categories, a feat unmatched by any other performer. Beyond Broadway, she has starred in the television dramas ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Gilded Age’. McDonald also won two Emmy Awards and a Grammy, placing her close to achieving EGOT status. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2015.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is a British actress who gained international acclaim for her role in the film ‘Secrets & Lies’. This performance made her the first Black British actress to be nominated for an Academy Award. She is also well known for her long-running role as Vivian Johnson on the television series ‘Without a Trace’. Jean-Baptiste has appeared in numerous high-profile projects, including ‘Broadchurch’ and ‘Homecoming’. She is also a trained musician and composer who has written scores for several films.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 2004 drama ‘Hotel Rwanda’. She is a highly respected stage and screen actress, winning a Tony Award for her performance in the revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Okonedo has appeared in a variety of international productions, including ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘Ratched’. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama. Her work is characterized by a high degree of emotional intensity and versatility.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris gained prominence for her role in the post-apocalyptic film ’28 Days Later’. She reached a global audience playing Eve Moneypenny in the ‘James Bond’ franchise, starting with ‘Skyfall’. Harris received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her performance as Paula in the 2016 film ‘Moonlight’. She has also starred in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series and the biopic ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. In 2017, she was appointed an OBE for her contributions to the film industry.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has had a distinguished career in both British and American cinema, starring in films like ‘Beloved’ and ‘Crash’. She won a BAFTA Award for her performance in ‘Crash’ and a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the series ‘Westworld’. Newton has also appeared in major franchises, including ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ and ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’. She is an outspoken activist for various social causes, particularly those involving women’s rights. Her performances often blend technical grace with deep emotional resonance.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is an Irish-Ethiopian actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Loving’. She has a extensive background in theater, performing with the Royal National Theatre and the Gate Theatre. Negga gained a large following for her role as Tulip Hare in the supernatural series ‘Preacher’. She also received critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for her performance in the 2021 film ‘Passing’. Her work is noted for its subtlety and powerful screen presence.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’. She is a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Nakia in the ‘Black Panther’ films. Nyong’o also starred in the acclaimed horror film ‘Us’ and provided the voice for Maz Kanata in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. She is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and has starred on Broadway in the play ‘Eclipsed’. She is frequently cited as a global fashion icon and a champion for diversity in media.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became a household name playing Michonne on the popular horror drama series ‘The Walking Dead’. She also portrays Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Gurira is an accomplished playwright, having written the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. She is the founder of Love Our Girls, an organization dedicated to highlighting the issues affecting women and girls globally. Her career successfully bridges the gap between massive commercial franchises and high-art theater.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson rose to prominence with her roles in the independent films ‘Mississippi Damned’ and ‘Dear White People’. She gained international stardom playing Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring in the ‘Creed’ franchise. Thompson has also appeared in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ and the critically acclaimed film ‘Passing’. She is a co-founder of the production company Viva Maude and is active in the Time’s Up movement. Her work is often praised for its modern sensibility and range.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention through her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’, which she created and starred in. She went on to co-create, write, and star in the hit HBO series ‘Insecure’, which earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Rae has starred in films such as ‘The Hate U Give’, ‘The Photograph’, and ‘Barbie’. She is also a successful producer, helping to launch several shows through her company Hoorae Media. Her influence extends into the music industry through her record label, Raedio.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba became a breakout star for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. This performance earned her two Emmy Awards, making her one of the few actors to win in both the comedy and drama categories for the same role. She won a third Emmy for her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the limited series ‘Mrs. America’. Aduba is also a veteran of the Broadway stage, appearing in ‘Coram Boy’ and ‘Godspell’. She is recognized for her ability to bring profound humanity to eccentric characters.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in ‘The Color Purple’. She successfully moved into film, receiving two Academy Award nominations for her starring role in ‘Harriet’. Erivo also starred in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and ‘Widows’. She played Aretha Franklin in the anthology series ‘Genius’, earning an Emmy nomination. She is set to star as Elphaba in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks gained widespread recognition for her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She received a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in the 2015 revival of ‘The Color Purple’. In 2023, she reprised the role of Sofia in the film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Brooks also stars in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’ and has worked as a producer. She is a graduate of the Juilliard School and is noted for her powerful vocal and dramatic abilities.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a celebrated musician who has successfully established a high-profile acting career. She made her feature film debut with supporting roles in two Academy Award-nominated films, ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe starred in the lead role of the second season of the series ‘Homecoming’. She also appeared in the 2022 mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, receiving several critics’ choice awards. Her work often explores themes of identity, technology, and social justice.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child star in the film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She became the youngest person to host her own talk show, ‘Just Keke’, and the first Black woman to star in ‘Cinderella’ on Broadway. Palmer has had a prolific career in television, including roles in ‘Scream Queens’ and ‘True Jackson, VP’. She received widespread critical acclaim for her performance in the 2022 film ‘Nope’. In 2023, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her work in the variety series ‘Turnt Up with the Taylors’.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a child model and actress on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She became the youngest two-time winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Euphoria’. Zendaya has starred in major film productions, including the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and the ‘Dune’ series. She is also a prominent figure in the fashion industry and has produced several of her own projects. Her massive global influence and critical success have made her one of the most prominent actresses of her generation.

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