Black Actresses Who Died at the Height of Their Fame

The entertainment industry has mourned many talented Black actresses who passed away while their careers were flourishing or while they remained cultural icons. These women left behind significant legacies through their performances on stage and screen. Their contributions helped break barriers and paved the way for future generations of performers in Hollywood. This list honors their memory and explores the impact they had during their time in the spotlight.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first African American woman to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She earned this historic recognition for her powerful performance in the 1954 film ‘Carmen Jones’. Throughout the 1950s she remained a major star of the stage and screen appearing in productions like ‘Island in the Sun’. Her life was cut short in 1965 when she died at the age of 42. She left behind a legacy that paved the way for many generations of Black performers in Hollywood.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah was a globally recognized singer and actress who transitioned successfully from music to major film roles. She gained critical acclaim for her performance in the action film ‘Romeo Must Die’ alongside Jet Li. Shortly after completing work on the supernatural horror film ‘Queen of the Damned’ she tragically passed away in a plane crash. At the time of her death she was one of the most successful young stars in the entertainment industry. Her influence remains visible today in both the R&B music scene and film culture.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was an international superstar known for her powerful voice and successful acting career. She delivered an iconic performance in the 1992 film ‘The Bodyguard’ which became a massive box office success. Her work in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ further established her as a leading lady in Hollywood. She was in the middle of a career resurgence and had just completed filming ‘Sparkle’ when she passed away in 2012. Her sudden death shocked the world and marked the end of an era for popular music and film.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera became a household name for her role as Santana Lopez on the hit musical television series ‘Glee’. She received numerous accolades for her performance and was praised for providing representation for the LGBTQ+ community. Rivera also appeared in films such as ‘At the Devil’s Door’ and held a recurring role on the series ‘Step Up’. She tragically passed away in 2020 while on a boating trip with her son. Her talent and impact on television history continue to be recognized by fans and colleagues alike.

Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas was a beloved television actress best known for her roles on popular sitcoms during the 1980s and 1990s. She played Justine Phillips on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later became a series regular as Myra Monkhouse on ‘Family Matters’. She was also appearing on the daytime soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’ when she fell ill. Thomas passed away in 1998 at the young age of 30 after a battle with a rare form of cancer. Her vibrant energy and comedic timing made her a favorite among television audiences.

Tara Correa-McMullen

Tara Correa-McMullen was a rising star known for her recurring role on the television drama ‘Judging Amy’. She also made a notable film appearance in the 2005 basketball drama ‘Rebound’. Her career was just beginning to take off when she was tragically killed in a shooting incident at the age of 16. The young actress was highly regarded by her castmates and industry professionals for her natural talent. Her death was seen as a significant loss for the future of the acting community.

Diana Sands

Diana Sands was an accomplished actress who rose to fame for her role in the stage and film versions of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She earned multiple Tony Award nominations and was considered one of the leading dramatic actresses of her generation. Sands was cast in the lead role of the film ‘Claudine’ but was forced to withdraw due to her declining health. She passed away in 1973 at the age of 39 while at the peak of her creative powers. Her contributions to theater and film remain a vital part of Black entertainment history.

Minnie Riperton

Minnie Riperton was a gifted singer and actress known for her incredible vocal range and the hit song ‘Lovin’ You’. She made several television appearances and was a prominent figure in the music and entertainment industry during the 1970s. Despite a serious illness she continued to record music and perform for her fans with great dedication. Riperton passed away in 1979 at the age of 31 while her career was still highly active. She is remembered for her unique voice and her bravery in the face of health challenges.

Yvette Wilson

Yvette Wilson was a comedic actress who gained fame for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the sitcom ‘Moesha’. She later reprised this popular character on the spin-off series ‘The Parkers’ for several seasons. Wilson also appeared in successful films like ‘Friday’ and ‘House Party 2’ during the height of the urban comedy era. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 48 after a battle with kidney disease and cervical cancer. Her contributions to 1990s television comedy made her a recognizable and well-liked figure.

Natalie Desselle-Reid

Natalie Desselle-Reid was an actress who became well known for her roles in comedic films and television series. She starred alongside Halle Berry in the 1997 cult classic film ‘B.A.P.S.’ and appeared in the ‘Madea’ film franchise. She was also a series regular on the sitcom ‘Eve’ where she played the character Janie Egins. Desselle-Reid passed away in 2020 at the age of 53 following a private battle with colon cancer. Her comedic talent and memorable performances left a lasting impression on her fans.

Galyn Görg

Galyn Görg was an actress and dancer known for her roles in major action films and science fiction television series. She appeared as Angie in the 1990 film ‘RoboCop 2’ and had a memorable role in ‘Point Break’. Her television credits included work on ‘Twin Peaks’ and ‘Star Trek Deep Space Nine’. She was still actively working in the industry when she passed away in 2020 just one day before her 56th birthday. Görg was celebrated for her versatility as both a performer and an athlete.

Suzzanne Douglas

Suzzanne Douglas was an award-winning actress known for her extensive work in film television and theater. She starred as Jerri Peterson on the long-running sitcom ‘The Parent Hood’ throughout the 1990s. Her film roles included ‘Tap’ where she starred opposite Gregory Hines and the acclaimed miniseries ‘When They See Us’. She was a highly respected figure in the acting community and was known for her dedication to her craft. Douglas passed away in 2021 at the age of 64 while still an active presence in the industry.

Shirley Hemphill

Shirley Hemphill was a stand-up comedian and actress who rose to fame as Shirley Wilson on the sitcom ‘What’s Happening!!’. She became one of the most recognizable faces on television during the late 1970s and later starred in her own series titled ‘One in a Million’. Hemphill continued to perform stand-up comedy and make guest appearances on various television shows throughout her career. She passed away in 1999 at the age of 52. Her bold comedic style helped break barriers for Black female comedians in mainstream media.

Mabel King

Mabel King was a powerful actress and singer who gained national fame for her role as Mama Thomas on ‘What’s Happening!!’. She also delivered a definitive performance as Evillene the Wicked Witch of the West in the stage and film versions of ‘The Wiz’. Her career spanned several decades and included numerous Broadway credits and television guest spots. King was a prominent figure in the entertainment world until her health began to decline. She passed away in 1999 at the age of 66 leaving behind a legacy of iconic performances.

Nell Carter

Nell Carter was a powerhouse of stage and screen who won a Tony Award for her performance in the musical ‘Ain’t Misbehavin”. She became a major television star as the lead character in the sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’ which ran for six seasons. Carter also appeared in films like ‘The Grass Harp’ and provided voice work for various animated projects. She was still active in the theater community and planning new projects at the time of her death. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 54.

Madge Sinclair

Madge Sinclair was a respected Jamaican-born actress who found great success in American film and television. She is widely remembered for providing the voice of Queen Sarabi in the animated classic ‘The Lion King’. Her television work included an Emmy-winning role in ‘Gabriel’s Fire’ and a long tenure on the medical drama ‘Trapper John, M.D.’. Sinclair also played the mother of Prince Akeem in the comedy ‘Coming to America’. She passed away in 1995 at the age of 57 while her career was still highly successful.

Paula Kelly

Paula Kelly was an accomplished dancer and actress who appeared in many influential films and television series. She earned Emmy nominations for her work on ‘Night Court’ and the miniseries ‘The Women of Brewster Place’. Her film credits included ‘Sweet Charity’ and ‘The Spook Who Sat by the Door’. Kelly was a trailblazer who worked with major directors and choreographers throughout her lengthy career. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 77 while remaining a revered figure in the performing arts.

Ja’Net DuBois

Ja’Net DuBois was a multitalented actress and singer best known for her role as Willona Woods on the sitcom ‘Good Times’. She also co-wrote and sang the iconic theme song for the television series ‘The Jeffersons’. Her career included work in films such as ‘I’m Gonna Git You Sucka’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle’. DuBois won two Emmy Awards for her voice-over work on the animated series ‘The PJs’. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 74 after decades of consistent success in the industry.

Clarice Taylor

Clarice Taylor was a veteran actress of the stage and screen who became famous for her role as Anna Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. She was a founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company and had a long history of performing in groundbreaking theater productions. Her work on television earned her an Emmy nomination and made her a beloved figure to audiences of all ages. Taylor also appeared in films like ‘Play Misty for Me’ alongside Clint Eastwood. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 93.

Helen Martin

Helen Martin was a character actress who enjoyed a late-career surge in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s. She was best known for playing the nosy neighbor Pearl Shay on the hit sitcom ‘227’. Martin also had memorable roles in films such as ‘Hollywood Shuffle’ and ‘Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood’. She was a consistent presence on television for many years and was working right up until her final years. She passed away in 2000 at the age of 90.

Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle was a highly respected actress who became a household name as Florida Evans on the sitcoms ‘Maude’ and ‘Good Times’. She was a staunch advocate for authentic representation of Black families on television during her career. Rolle won an Emmy Award for her role in the television movie ‘Summer of My German Soldier’. She also appeared in major films such as ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘Rosewood’. She passed away in 1998 at the age of 78 shortly after completing her final film role.

Beah Richards

Beah Richards was a distinguished actress and poet who received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. She won multiple Emmy Awards during her career including one just days before her death for her guest role on ‘The Practice’. Her work spanned decades and included significant roles in films like ‘In the Heat of the Night’ and ‘Beloved’. Richards was also a noted civil rights activist who used her platform to advocate for social change. She passed away in 2000 at the age of 80.

Rosetta LeNoire

Rosetta LeNoire was an actress and theater producer who became famous for her role as Mother Winslow on ‘Family Matters’. She founded the AMAS Repertory Theatre which focused on multi-ethnic casting and diversity in the performing arts. Her career on Broadway and television spanned over six decades and earned her the National Medal of Arts. She was a beloved figure on the set of her long-running sitcom and a mentor to many young actors. LeNoire passed away in 2002 at the age of 90.

Theresa Merritt

Theresa Merritt was an actress and singer who starred in the television sitcom ‘That’s My Mama’ during the 1970s. She was also a celebrated theater performer who received a Tony Award nomination for her role in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Merritt appeared in several major films including ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Billy Madison’. Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence made her a standout performer in every project she joined. She passed away in 1998 at the age of 75 after a long and successful career.

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford was a pioneering actress best known for her role as Louise Jefferson on the sitcoms ‘All in the Family’ and ‘The Jeffersons’. She became the first African American woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her career included many years of work in theater before she found mainstream success on television. Sanford remained a popular figure in Hollywood and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 86.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a legendary actress and civil rights activist whose career spanned more than seven decades. She starred in landmark productions such as ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘American Gangster’ late in her life. Dee was a recipient of the Grammy Emmy and Tony Awards as well as the National Medal of Arts. She was an active performer and public speaker until her final years. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 91 while still being regarded as royalty in the acting world.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a barrier-breaking actress who became the first Black woman to star in her own television series ‘Julia’ in a non-stereotypical role. She won a Tony Award for her work in the musical ‘No Strings’ and received an Academy Award nomination for the film ‘Claudine’. Later in her career she became famous for her role as Dominique Deveraux on the prime-time soap opera ‘Dynasty’. Carroll was a style icon and a trailblazer for Black women in the entertainment industry for over sixty years. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 84.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was an iconic actress known for her portrayals of strong Black women in film and television. She received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Sounder’ and won three Emmy Awards for her work in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Tyson was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and an honorary Academy Award for her lifelong contributions to the arts. She published her memoir just days before she passed away in 2021 at the age of 96. Her career remained active and influential until the very end of her life.

Della Reese

Della Reese was a singer and actress who achieved great success in the music industry before becoming a television star. She is widely remembered for her starring role as Tess on the long-running drama series ‘Touched by an Angel’. Reese was also the first Black woman to guest host ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’. Her career included numerous film roles and a successful career as an ordained minister. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 86 after a career that spanned seven decades.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols was a trailblazing actress who gained international fame as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on the original ‘Star Trek’ series. Her role was one of the first times a Black woman was shown in a position of authority on television. Nichols later worked with NASA to recruit minority and female personnel for the space agency. She continued to appear in ‘Star Trek’ films and remained a beloved figure at fan conventions around the world. She passed away in 2022 at the age of 89.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was a talented actress and singer who became the first African American to win an Academy Award. She received the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Mammy in the 1939 film ‘Gone with the Wind’. McDaniel appeared in over 300 films during her career although many of her roles were uncredited. She also found success on the radio starring in the series ‘Beulah’ during the late 1940s. She passed away in 1952 at the age of 59 at the height of her radio career.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a versatile performer who found success as a blues singer and a dramatic actress. She was the second African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film ‘Pinky’. Waters also starred in the Broadway production and film version of ‘The Member of the Wedding’. She became the first Black woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award in 1962. She passed away in 1977 at the age of 80 after a career that broke numerous racial barriers.

Teresa Graves

Teresa Graves was an actress and singer who became the first Black woman to star in her own hour-long television drama ‘Get Christie Love!’. She originally gained fame as a regular performer on the sketch comedy show ‘Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In’. Graves also appeared in films like ‘Vampira’ and ‘That Man Bolt’ during the 1970s. She eventually retired from show business to focus on her religious faith but remained a pioneer for female action stars. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 54.

Lillian Randolph

Lillian Randolph was an actress and singer who was a prominent figure on radio and in film for several decades. She is best remembered for her role as Annie in the holiday classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Randolph also provided the voice for the character Mammy Two Shoes in the ‘Tom and Jerry’ cartoons. She appeared in television series such as ‘The Amos and Andy Show’ and later in the miniseries ‘Roots’. She passed away in 1980 at the age of 81 while still active in the industry.

Amanda Randolph

Amanda Randolph was an actress and singer who became a well-known face on early television. She was the first Black woman to star in a regularly scheduled television show with the 1948 series ‘The Amanda Randolph Show’. She also had recurring roles on ‘The Amos and Andy Show’ and ‘Make Room for Daddy’. Randolph was a successful radio performer before making the transition to the screen. She passed away in 1967 at the age of 70 while continuing to work in the entertainment business.

Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore was a distinguished actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 1959 film ‘Imitation of Life’. Her performance in the film is considered one of the most significant in the history of American cinema. Moore appeared in dozens of films and television shows over a career that lasted more than fifty years. She was a member of the Cambridge Players and worked extensively in the theater as well. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 99.

Marpessa Dawn

Marpessa Dawn was an American-born actress and dancer who achieved international fame for her role in the film ‘Black Orpheus’. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Dawn became a major star in Europe and appeared in several French films and stage productions. She continued to perform in theater and film throughout her life while living in France. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 74.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was a world-renowned entertainer and actress who became a superstar in Europe during the 1920s. She starred in films such as ‘ZouZou’ and ‘Princess Tam Tam’ which made her one of the most photographed women in the world. Baker was also a significant figure in the French Resistance during World War II and a civil rights activist in the United States. She returned to the stage for a series of successful comeback performances shortly before her death. She passed away in 1975 at the age of 68.

Please share which of these incredible women inspired you the most by leaving your thoughts in the comments.