Black Actresses Who Were Foreign Stars Before Making It Big in Hollywood

Talent often transcends borders and language barriers to capture the attention of audiences worldwide. Many celebrated Black actresses established impressive careers in their home countries before finding success in the American film industry. These performers honed their craft in the United Kingdom or Canada and eventually brought their unique skills to major Hollywood productions. Their journeys demonstrate the universal appeal of compelling storytelling and exceptional acting ability. The following list highlights these remarkable women and the international foundations that launched their global stardom.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton began her illustrious career in the United Kingdom with notable roles in British films. She garnered critical acclaim for her performance in the Australian coming-of-age drama ‘Flirting’ alongside Nicole Kidman. Her early work demonstrated a sophisticated range that eventually caught the eye of American casting directors. This foundation paved the way for her major Hollywood roles in blockbusters like ‘Mission: Impossible 2’ and the hit series ‘Westworld’.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris was a familiar face on British television long before she became an international star. She starred in the popular children’s science fiction series ‘The Tomorrow People’ during the nineties. Her stage training in London helped her develop the intense discipline required for complex dramatic roles. Harris later transitioned to Hollywood with massive success in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise and as Moneypenny in the James Bond films.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo established herself as a powerhouse vocalist and actress on the British stage. She gained immense recognition for her performance in the original London production of ‘The Color Purple’. Her transition to the Broadway transfer of the show earned her a Tony Award and opened the doors to the American film industry. Erivo has since starred in major motion pictures such as ‘Harriet’ and ‘Wicked’ while maintaining her reputation as a triple threat.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o honed her acting skills in Kenya where she starred in the television series ‘Shuga’. Her early work in Nairobi included directing and producing which gave her a holistic understanding of filmmaking. She attended the Yale School of Drama to further refine her craft before her breakout role in ’12 Years a Slave’. That debut performance earned her an Academy Award and solidified her status as a premier Hollywood talent.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo built a respected career in British theater and television dramas before crossing the Atlantic. She appeared in various Royal Shakespeare Company productions and popular UK shows like ‘Doctor Who’. Her ability to convey deep emotion helped her secure a pivotal role in the film ‘Hotel Rwanda’. That performance earned her an Oscar nomination and introduced her incredible talent to a much wider American audience.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira spent her formative years in Zimbabwe where she began to develop her artistic voice. She is an acclaimed playwright who created productions that explore the African female experience. Her intensity and physical prowess were evident long before she was cast in ‘The Walking Dead’. Gurira leveraged her international background to bring depth to her role as Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw performed in prestigious venues like the Manchester Royal Exchange and appeared in British period dramas. She gained early attention for her role in the science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’ as the sister of a companion. Her classic training allowed her to seamlessly transition into American films like ‘Belle’ and ‘Beyond the Lights’. She continues to work on both sides of the Atlantic in high-profile projects.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright started her career with guest roles in popular British television series such as ‘Top Boy’ and ‘Doctor Who’. She earned recognition as a “Star of Tomorrow” by industry publications in London for her raw talent. Her compelling performance in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode titled ‘Black Museum’ showcased her range to global viewers. This momentum propelled her into the role of Shuri in the massive global hit ‘Black Panther’.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga worked extensively in Irish and British theater productions before making waves in Hollywood. She appeared in the Irish drama series ‘Love/Hate’ and the British sci-fi show ‘Misfits’. Her unique look and quiet intensity made her a standout performer in independent European cinema. She eventually received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Loving’ after moving into American film.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch made her debut in the British drama film ‘Fast Girls’ about a competitive sprint relay team. She worked steadily in UK television with roles in shows like ‘Silent Witness’ and ‘Death in Paradise’. Her grounded presence and physical capability prepared her for action-heavy roles in the United States. Lynch achieved global fame as the new 007 in ‘No Time to Die’ and as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel began her career on the stage in the West End production of ‘The Lion King’. She became a household name in Britain for her long-running role on the soap opera ‘Hollyoaks’. Her striking presence and acting ability helped her secure the role of Missandei in ‘Game of Thrones’. That part served as her major introduction to American audiences and led to roles in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel exploded onto the scene with her British sitcom ‘Chewing Gum’ which she wrote and starred in. She honed her voice as a poet and playwright in the London arts scene. Her fearless storytelling in the drama ‘I May Destroy You’ garnered massive critical acclaim in the United States. Coel has since appeared in major Hollywood films like ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.

Thuso Mbedu

Thuso Mbedu was already a two-time International Emmy nominee for her work in the South African drama ‘Is’thunzi’. Her performances in her home country were praised for their emotional depth and vulnerability. She caught the attention of American director Barry Jenkins who cast her in ‘The Underground Railroad’. That role marked her major US debut and established her as a significant dramatic talent.

Pearl Thusi

Pearl Thusi was a well-known media personality and actress in South Africa before seeking international roles. She hosted various television programs and starred in local films like ‘Kalushi’. Her charisma led to a regular role on the American thriller series ‘Quantico’. Thusi continues to bridge the gap between African cinema and Hollywood productions with her versatile skill set.

Nomzamo Mbatha

Nomzamo Mbatha built a massive following in South Africa through her role in the soap opera ‘Isibaya’. She used her platform to advocate for human rights while continuing to build her acting portfolio. Her comedic timing and dramatic flair helped her land a role in ‘Coming 2 America’. She successfully transitioned from being a national icon in South Africa to a rising star in Hollywood.

Florence Kasumba

Florence Kasumba established a successful career in Germany appearing in numerous television shows and films. She is well known to German audiences for her work in the long-running crime series ‘Tatort’. Her striking look and commanding presence made her a perfect fit for the role of Ayo in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. She has since reprised that role in multiple Marvel projects while maintaining her career in Europe.

Carmen Ejogo

Carmen Ejogo began her career hosting a Saturday morning children’s show in the United Kingdom. She acted in various British television mini-series before moving into film work. Her versatility allowed her to play Coretta Scott King in two separate American productions including ‘Selma’. Ejogo has maintained a steady presence in major Hollywood films like ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste made history as the first Black British actress to receive an Academy Award nomination. She earned this distinction for her role in the Mike Leigh film ‘Secrets & Lies’. Her success in the UK led to a prominent role in the American television series ‘Without a Trace’. She remains a respected figure in both the London theater world and the Hollywood film industry.

Cush Jumbo

Cush Jumbo won an Evening Standard Theatre Award for her one-woman show in London. She was a regular on the British series ‘Torchwood’ and ‘Vera’ before heading to the United States. Her breakout American role came in the legal drama ‘The Good Wife’ and its spinoff ‘The Good Fight’. Jumbo continues to alternate between prestigious stage roles in the UK and screen roles in the US.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith worked as a model in London before transitioning into acting. She appeared in British music videos and small projects before finding her footing in television. Her breakout role came in the American film ‘Queen & Slim’ which showcased her regal presence. She has since taken on major roles in projects like ‘Without Remorse’ and ‘The Acolyte’.

Kirby Howell-Baptiste

Kirby Howell-Baptiste began her career in the London theater scene and with sketch comedy groups. She appeared in British television shows before moving to Los Angeles to pursue further opportunities. Her comedic background helped her land roles in ‘The Good Place’ and ‘Barry’. She has become a ubiquitous presence in American streaming series thanks to her versatility and charm.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku won a BAFTA TV Award for her performance in the British drama ‘Damilola, Our Loved Boy’. She built a robust resume in the UK with roles in ‘Luther’ and ‘Vera’. Her talent for playing complex characters led to her casting in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’. Mosaku is now a recognized face in Hollywood with roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Freema Agyeman

Freema Agyeman became a sci-fi icon in the United Kingdom for her role as Martha Jones in ‘Doctor Who’. She continued to work in British legal dramas like ‘Law & Order: UK’ for several years. She eventually crossed over to American television with a lead role in ‘The Carrie Diaries’. Agyeman gained further US popularity as a series regular on the medical drama ‘New Amsterdam’.

Adjoa Andoh

Adjoa Andoh was a veteran of the British stage and screen long before her recent global fame. She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and had a long stint on the medical drama ‘Casualty’. American audiences embraced her as the sharp-tongued Lady Danbury in ‘Bridgerton’. She remains one of the most respected character actresses working in the industry today.

Golda Rosheuvel

Golda Rosheuvel spent decades working in British theater including roles at the Globe and the Old Vic. She is a celebrated singer and actress who appeared in UK television shows like ‘Silent Witness’. Her international breakthrough came when she was cast as Queen Charlotte in ‘Bridgerton’. The role allowed her to showcase the regal command she developed during her extensive stage career.

Sheila Atim

Sheila Atim is a Ugandan-British actress who made her name in the London theater world. She won an Olivier Award for her performance in the musical ‘Girl from the North Country’. Her striking features and intense acting style caught the attention of American casting directors. She has since appeared in major films like ‘The Woman King’ and ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.

Sharon D. Clarke

Sharon D. Clarke is a legendary figure in British theater with multiple Olivier Awards to her name. She starred in the long-running medical drama ‘Holby City’ for several years. Her powerful voice and acting chops have recently brought her to American screens. She appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’ and the Broadway revival of ‘Caroline, or Change’.

Ashley Madekwe

Ashley Madekwe started her career in British films and the television series ‘Secret Diary of a Call Girl’. She is a Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate who honed her skills in London. Her move to the United States led to a starring role in the popular drama ‘Revenge’. She continues to work in both American and British television productions.

Marsha Thomason

Marsha Thomason became known in the UK for her roles in ‘Pie in the Sky’ and ‘Playing the Field’. Her engaging screen presence helped her transition to US projects in the early 2000s. She starred in the Eddie Murphy film ‘The Haunted Mansion’ and the hit series ‘Lost’. Thomason found long-term success as a regular on the American show ‘White Collar’.

Lenora Crichlow

Lenora Crichlow starred in the cult favorite British supernatural drama ‘Being Human’. Her performance as a ghost garnered her a loyal fanbase and critical praise in the UK. She leveraged this success to secure roles in American sitcoms like ‘Back in the Game’. Crichlow continues to be a reliable talent in both dramatic and comedic American productions.

Antonia Thomas

Antonia Thomas was a breakout star of the British sci-fi comedy ‘Misfits’. She also appeared in the Netflix series ‘Lovesick’ which gained a cult following globally. Her ability to play empathetic characters led to a lead role in the American medical hit ‘The Good Doctor’. She spent several seasons on the show before returning to work on projects in London.

Georgina Campbell

Georgina Campbell won a BAFTA TV Award for her role in the drama ‘Murdered by My Boyfriend’. She worked steadily in British television including a prominent role in ‘Broadchurch’. Her transition to Hollywood included the lead role in the horror hit ‘Barbarian’. Campbell has quickly become a sought-after talent for American thriller and horror films.

Simona Brown

Simona Brown appeared in acclaimed British mini-series such as ‘The Little Drummer Girl’. She trained at the Identity School of Acting in London which has produced many stars. Her psychological intensity was perfectly utilized in the Netflix thriller ‘Behind Her Eyes’. The success of that show introduced her to a massive global and American audience.

Zawe Ashton

Zawe Ashton was a well-known face on British television for her role in the comedy ‘Fresh Meat’. She is also a playwright and director who has contributed significantly to the UK arts scene. Her unique style and comedic timing led to roles in films like ‘Velvet Buzzsaw’. She recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a villain in ‘The Marvels’.

Ella Balinska

Ella Balinska trained at the Guildford School of Acting and appeared in British television shows like ‘Casualty’. Her athleticism and combat skills were key assets early in her career. She was catapulted to Hollywood fame as one of the leads in the 2019 ‘Charlie’s Angels’ reboot. Balinska has since starred in the ‘Resident Evil’ series for Netflix.

Grace Jones

Grace Jones began her career as a supermodel in Paris before becoming a music and film icon. She starred in French films and became a fixture of the European disco scene. Her striking androgynous look led to roles in American films like ‘Conan the Destroyer’ and ‘A View to a Kill’. Jones remains a legendary figure who transcended national boundaries to become a global superstar.

Tamara Taylor

Tamara Taylor was born in Toronto and began her career working in Canadian television and commercials. She honed her craft in the vibrant Toronto film industry before moving south to Los Angeles. She found massive success as Dr. Cam Saroyan on the long-running series ‘Bones’. Taylor has continued to secure major roles in American sci-fi and crime dramas.

Kandyse McClure

Kandyse McClure built a solid career in Canada appearing in shows like ‘Da Vinci’s Inquest’. She was a regular presence in Vancouver-based productions throughout the early 2000s. Her role as Dualla in the reimagined ‘Battlestar Galactica’ brought her international acclaim. McClure remains a fixture in genre television produced in both Canada and the US.

Amanda Brugel

Amanda Brugel established herself as a versatile actress in the Canadian film and television industry. She appeared in numerous local productions and comedy series before her international breakout. Her role as Rita in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ brought her global recognition and acclaim. She continues to advocate for Canadian talent while working on major US streaming series.

Taylor Russell

Taylor Russell started her acting journey in Vancouver appearing in Canadian television movies and series. She gained critical attention for her role in the Netflix reboot of ‘Lost in Space’. Her performance in the film ‘Waves’ solidified her status as a rising star in Hollywood. Russell is now a fashion icon and leads major international film projects.

Kylie Bunbury

Kylie Bunbury began her career with roles in Canadian productions and co-productions. She gained traction with a role in the series ‘Twisted’ shortly after entering the US market. Her lead performance in the baseball drama ‘Pitch’ proved she could carry a network television show. Bunbury continues to be a lead actress in American primetime thrillers like ‘Big Sky’.

Sarah Jeffery

Sarah Jeffery performed in musical theater and television in her native Vancouver. She appeared in the series ‘Rogue’ which filmed locally but aired internationally. Her singing and acting talents helped her land a role in the Disney Channel’s ‘Descendants’ franchise. She later starred in the reboot of ‘Charmed’ for American network television.

Vinessa Antoine

Vinessa Antoine worked extensively in Canadian television including a lead role in ‘Being Erica’. She was a familiar face on daytime television after joining the cast of ‘General Hospital’. She made history as the first Black Canadian actress to lead a primetime drama in Canada with ‘Diggstown’. Her work has bridged the gap between the Canadian and American television markets.

Enuka Okuma

Enuka Okuma was a staple of Canadian teen dramas like ‘Fifteen’ early in her career. She received multiple Gemini Award nominations for her work in Vancouver-based police procedurals. Her role in the American series ‘Rookie Blue’ introduced her to a wider US audience. She continues to work steadily as a voice actress and screen actress in Hollywood.

Clare-Hope Ashitey

Clare-Hope Ashitey made an incredible debut in the British film ‘Shooting Dogs’ while taking a gap year. She gained international attention for her role in the dystopian thriller ‘Children of Men’. After completing her university studies in the UK she returned to acting full-time. She later starred in the American crime drama series ‘Seven Seconds’ for Netflix.

Tell us which of these talented actresses is your favorite in the comments.