Black Actresses Who’ve Played the Same Character Over 25+ Years

Longevity in a single role is rare, and these performers made history by returning to the same character across decades, sequels, revivals, and even new platforms—sometimes moving between live-action and animation while keeping the portrayal consistent. Below are standout examples, each showing how a character can live on through reboots, reunions, and franchise expansions led by the same actress.

Nichelle Nichols – Nyota Uhura in ‘Star Trek’

Nichols introduced Nyota Uhura on the original series and continued as the Enterprise’s communications officer through multiple feature films with the classic crew. Her film appearances solidified Uhura as a core member of the original cast across TV and cinema. She also voiced Uhura in the franchise’s animated entries, extending the same characterization to a new format. The role’s continuity helped establish Uhura as a landmark figure in science-fiction television and film.

Whoopi Goldberg – Guinan in ‘Star Trek’

Goldberg first portrayed Guinan, the El-Aurian barkeep of Ten Forward, on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and later reprised the role on ‘Star Trek: Picard’. The return connected storylines and relationships from the earlier series to the newer chapter centered on Jean-Luc Picard. Her appearances bridged eras within the same continuity and deepened the franchise’s long-running lore. The character’s reintroduction brought back key dynamics with Starfleet figures tied to the Enterprise.

Cree Summer – Susie Carmichael in ‘Rugrats’

Summer originated Susie Carmichael on ‘Rugrats’ and continued the role in spin-offs and franchise revivals. She voiced Susie on ‘All Grown Up!’ and returned again for the CG-animated ‘Rugrats’ reboot on streaming. The character has remained a steady presence across multiple series formats, maintaining family and friend dynamics central to the show. Casting for the revival explicitly listed Summer’s return as Susie.

Shari Headley – Lisa McDowell in ‘Coming to America’

Headley played Lisa McDowell in ‘Coming to America’ and reprised the role in the long-awaited sequel ‘Coming 2 America’. The production confirmed her return alongside other original cast members during the sequel’s development. Her character’s arc continues within the same film universe, reconnecting key relationships from the original story. Trade and studio announcements documented the ensemble’s returning roles.

Vanessa Bell Calloway – Imani Izzi in ‘Coming to America’

Calloway originated Imani Izzi in ‘Coming to America’ and came back for ‘Coming 2 America’. Reports during production confirmed her casting among returning performers. The sequel preserves the character’s place within Zamunda’s royal and social circles. Industry coverage recorded her return for the follow-up film.

Dawnn Lewis – LaBarbara Conrad in ‘Futurama’

Lewis voices LaBarbara Conrad in ‘Futurama’ and returned with the ensemble for the series revival. The revived seasons list her among the recurring voices tied to the original continuity. New episodes continued LaBarbara’s family storylines with Hermes within the same animated universe. Official cast lists and episode guides document her ongoing participation.

Marla Gibbs – Florence Johnston in ‘The Jeffersons’

Gibbs starred as Florence Johnston on ‘The Jeffersons’ and later reprised the role live during ABC’s ‘Live in Front of a Studio Audience’. The special recreated classic episodes with a contemporary cast while including Gibbs as Florence. Coverage of the broadcast highlighted her in-character cameo for a new audience. The appearance reconnected the role to a new generation via a live network event.

Debbi Morgan – Angie Hubbard in ‘All My Children’

Morgan played Dr. Angie Hubbard on ‘All My Children’ and uniquely continued the same character on ‘Loving’ and its retooled follow-up ‘The City’. She later returned to Angie in the show’s online revival. Her portrayal is notable for crossing multiple series within the same soap opera universe. Casting histories detail her multi-show tenure as Angie over decades of daytime television.

Alison Sealy-Smith – Ororo “Storm” Munroe in ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’

Sealy-Smith voiced Storm in the original ‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ and reprised the role in ‘X-Men ’97’. She also voiced the character in Marvel’s anthology series ‘What If…?’. The revival and new projects keep the same performer attached to Storm across decades of animated entries. Credits and press materials confirm her ongoing association with the character.

Got another long-running portrayal I should add? Drop your picks in the comments and tell me who I missed!