Black Actresses with Zero Major Scandals Over 15+ Years

Hollywood is often synonymous with drama and controversy that extends far beyond the screen. Maintaining a clean public image while navigating decades of fame is a rare achievement in the entertainment industry. The women on this list have managed to sustain successful careers for over 15 years while keeping their names out of the tabloids for negative reasons. They are celebrated for their immense talent and professionalism rather than sensational headlines.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has been a commanding presence in Hollywood since the 1980s. She delivered a legendary performance as Tina Turner in the film ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her career includes powerful roles in ‘Black Panther’ and the television series ‘9-1-1’ where she serves as an executive producer. Bassett received an Honorary Academy Award in 2024 to recognize her decades of contributions to cinema.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status by winning an Emmy and a Grammy and an Oscar and a Tony. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the film ‘The Help’ and led the hit series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ for six seasons. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her transformative performances in movies like ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. Davis continues to be a respected voice for artistic integrity and representation in the industry.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer worked as a character actress for years before her breakout performance in ‘The Help’ won her an Academy Award. She has since starred in successful films such as ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer successfully transitioned into producing and leads the mystery series ‘Truth Be Told’. Her reputation on set is consistently described as warm and professional by her peers.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a teenager on the sitcom ‘227’ and has worked steadily ever since. She won an Academy Award for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and garnered multiple Emmys for her television work. King has also established herself as a formidable director with her feature debut ‘One Night in Miami’. She balances her high-profile career with a dignified private life.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has been a prolific force in the industry since the late 1970s. Her extensive filmography includes acclaimed roles in ‘Cross Creek’ and ’12 Years a Slave’ as well as ‘Crooklyn’. She has won four Primetime Emmy Awards and has been nominated for an Academy Award. Woodard is known for her versatility and her focus on humanitarian work alongside her acting.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-talented artist who has excelled as an actress and dancer and choreographer and director. She became a household name with her role in the television series ‘Fame’ and later produced ‘A Different World’. Allen currently stars in and produces the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her career is defined by her dedication to arts education and mentoring young talent.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah successfully transitioned from a groundbreaking hip-hop artist to a Hollywood superstar. She received an Oscar nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’ and starred in the hit comedy ‘Bringing Down the House’. Her television work includes leading the series ‘The Equalizer’ and ‘Living Single’. She has maintained a widely respected and positive public persona throughout her decades in the spotlight.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall gained initial fame with her comedic timing in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise. She showcased her dramatic range in the film ‘The Hate U Give’ and the independent hit ‘Support the Girls’. Hall consistently works in both film and television while staying out of the tabloids. Her peers frequently praise her humor and collaborative spirit.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross became a television icon through her role as Joan Clayton on the long-running series ‘Girlfriends’. She later starred as Rainbow Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ which earned her a Golden Globe Award. Ross is also a successful business owner with her hair care line Pattern Beauty. She navigates fame with a distinct sense of style and grace.

Nia Long

Nia Long has been a staple in Black cinema since her breakout role in ‘Boyz n the Hood’. She starred in beloved films such as ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Love Jones’ that became cultural touchstones. Her career has remained steady with recent roles in movies like ‘You People’ and ‘Missing’. Long maintains a professional reputation despite being in the industry for over three decades.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is best known for her lead role in the classic sports romance ‘Love & Basketball’. She has delivered strong performances in ‘The Wood’ and ‘Brown Sugar’ as well as the science fiction film ‘Alien vs. Predator’. Lathan recently moved into directing with the film ‘On the Come Up’. She keeps her personal life very private and lets her work speak for itself.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson captured global attention with her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the drama ‘Empire’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Henson is also a mental health advocate who founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. Her career is marked by a transparent and relatable approach to stardom.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is often referred to as The Mother of Black Hollywood due to her extensive resume. She began her career on Broadway before transitioning to television roles in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Black-ish’. Lewis is also the author of a best-selling memoir that details her journey with bipolar disorder. She is celebrated for her vocal talent and her candid storytelling.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls’. She is widely recognized for her Emmy-winning role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and her work in ‘Waiting to Exhale’. Her distinct voice and presence have made her a favorite in both animated and live-action projects. Devine remains a consistently working actress with a pristine reputation.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has maintained a significant international career for over three decades. She won a BAFTA for her role in ‘Crash’ and earned an Emmy for her performance in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. Newton has worked with top directors in films like ‘Beloved’ and ‘Mission: Impossible 2’. She is also an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and survivors of abuse.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris started her career as a child actress in the United Kingdom before achieving international fame. She received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for her role in the film ‘Moonlight’. Harris famously played Moneypenny in the James Bond films ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Spectre’ and ‘No Time to Die’. She is known for her quiet professionalism and intense preparation for her roles.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste became the first black British actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for her role in ‘Secrets & Lies’. She starred in the American television series ‘Without a Trace’ for seven seasons. Her recent work includes the psychological horror film ‘In Fabric’. She consistently delivers grounded and powerful performances on both stage and screen.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a veteran character actress known for her authoritative presence. She starred in the critically acclaimed series ‘The Shield’ and played a spiritual leader in the ‘Avatar’ film franchise. Her extensive voice work includes the role of Amanda Waller in various animated projects. Pounder is also a major patron of the arts and an avid art collector.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson holds the record for the longest-running African American character in primetime drama for her role on ‘Law & Order’. She currently stars in the medical drama ‘Chicago Med’ as Sharon Goodwin. Merkerson has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for her work in the TV movie ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Her career is a testament to longevity and consistent quality.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is primarily known for her unparalleled success on the Broadway stage. She has won six Tony Awards which is more performance wins than any other actor in history. Her television work includes the series ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Good Fight’. McDonald brings the same level of discipline and excellence to her screen roles as she does to the theater.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose made history as the voice of Tiana in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She won a Tony Award for her performance in ‘Caroline, or Change’ and starred in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’. Rose recently starred in the horror anthology series ‘Them’. She is a respected talent who works fluidly across film and television and theater.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield gained international acclaim for her Emmy-winning portrayal of Josephine Baker in ‘The Josephine Baker Story’. She played the villainous Brandi in the cult classic ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’. Whitfield recently garnered a new generation of fans with her role as Lady Mae on the drama series ‘Greenleaf’. She is revered for her elegance and dramatic intensity.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’ in the early 1980s. She experienced a career renaissance with her Emmy-winning role as Barbara Howard on ‘Abbott Elementary’. Ralph has also been a dedicated activist for HIV/AIDS awareness for decades. Her resilience and positivity have made her a beloved figure in the industry.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is a comedy veteran known for her iconic role as Pam in the sitcom ‘Martin’. She also played the matriarch in the popular series ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Arnold currently stars in the sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’ alongside Cedric the Entertainer. Her ability to deliver sharp comedic performances has kept her employed for over thirty years.

Kim Coles

Kim Coles is best known for her role as the bubbly Synclaire James-Jones on the 90s hit ‘Living Single’. She began her career as a comedian on ‘In Living Color’. Coles has since transitioned into hosting and motivational speaking while continuing to act in various projects. She maintains a reputation for spreading positivity and empowerment.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer began her career playing Winifred Brooks on the sitcom ‘A Different World’. She has since become one of the most prolific voice actresses in the business with hundreds of credits. Her voice roles include characters in ‘Rugrats’ and ‘Codename: Kids Next Door’ and ‘Batman Beyond’. Summer is celebrated for her unique voice and her longevity in a niche field.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete rose to fame on the police drama ’21 Jump Street’ in the late 1980s. She starred in the sitcom ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’ and was a relentless advocate during her time as a talk show host. Peete is largely focused on her work with the HollyRod Foundation which supports families affected by autism and Parkinson’s disease. She remains a familiar face in family-friendly television movies.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais gained popularity for her role as Fancy on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. She appeared in the film ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and served as a co-host on the talk show ‘The Real’. Beauvais joined the cast of ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ where she was praised for her composure. She has successfully balanced acting with hosting and reality television.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good began acting as a child and delivered a breakout performance in the acclaimed film ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She transitioned to adult roles with films like ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues’. Good currently stars in the Amazon Prime series ‘Harlem’. She has maintained a steady career presence for over three decades.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson was discovered as a teenager for the film ‘Kids’ and has worked consistently ever since. She starred in the musical ‘Rent’ and appeared in comic book adaptations like ‘Sin City’. Dawson recently joined the Star Wars universe as the title character in the series ‘Ahsoka’. She is also known for her political activism and voting rights advocacy.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is the only actor in history to star in four films that grossed over two billion dollars each. Her major franchises include ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Star Trek’. She demonstrates her range in smaller dramatic projects like the miniseries ‘From Scratch’. Saldana focuses heavily on her craft and avoids public controversies.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Oscar for her debut film role in ‘Dreamgirls’. She later achieved EGOT status after winning a Tony Award as a producer for ‘A Strange Loop’. Her career includes starring in the biopic ‘Respect’ as Aretha Franklin. Hudson now hosts her own daytime talk show where she highlights positive stories.

Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs is a television legend known for her role as Florence Johnston on ‘The Jeffersons’. She later starred in and produced the hit sitcom ‘227’ which was set in Washington D.C. Gibbs continues to make guest appearances in shows like ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Station 19’ well into her 90s. She is an enduring symbol of work ethic and comedic brilliance.

Jackée Harry

Jackée Harry became the first African American to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for ‘227’. She later starred as the adoptive mother in the 90s sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’. Harry currently appears on the long-running soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’. She is considered a comedy icon with a distinct and recognizable style.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her role as the attorney Maxine Shaw on ‘Living Single’. She got her start as a recurring character on the classic sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’. Alexander has recently received acclaim for her role in the film ‘American Fiction’. She is also a writer and producer who creates content through her company Color Farm Media.

Essence Atkins

Essence Atkins has been a reliable comedic actress in television for nearly three decades. She starred in the sitcoms ‘Smart Guy’ and ‘Half & Half’ and ‘Are We There Yet?’. Atkins frequently collaborates with the Wayans family in projects like ‘A Haunted House’. She is known for her professionalism and consistent work in the sitcom format.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett began her career as a child actress with a critically acclaimed role in ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She successfully transitioned to adult roles in series like ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Underground’. Smollett starred as Black Canary in the film ‘Birds of Prey’ and led the cast of ‘Lovecraft Country’. She manages a high-profile career while keeping her personal life relatively low-key.

Sharon Leal

Sharon Leal gained recognition for her role in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’ alongside Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson. She starred in the Tyler Perry film ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ and its sequel. Leal has appeared in TV series such as ‘Supergirl’ and ‘The Good Doctor’. She is a versatile performer with a background in musical theater.

Jill Scott

Jill Scott is a three-time Grammy-winning singer who successfully crossed over into acting. She starred in the HBO series ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ and the ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ films. Scott played the villain Lady Eve in the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’. Her acting career is characterized by warm and authoritative performances.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became a household name leading the hit drama series ‘Scandal’ as Olivia Pope. She appeared in the films ‘Ray’ and ‘Django Unchained’ before dominating television. Washington produces various projects through her production company Simpson Street. She is highly regarding for her intellect and her guarded approach to her private family life.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones is a comedy staple known for her roles in ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recreation’. She creates and produces content including the documentary ‘Quincy’ about her father Quincy Jones. Jones starred in and wrote the film ‘Celeste and Jesse Forever’. She maintains a smart and approachable public image.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph was a key cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ for seven seasons. She starred in the blockbuster comedy ‘Bridesmaids’ and provides voice work for ‘Big Mouth’. Rudolph currently stars in the Apple TV+ series ‘Loot’. She is universally liked in the industry for her musical and comedic talents.

Retta

Retta gained a cult following for her role as Donna Meagle on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She showcased her dramatic chops as one of the leads in the crime comedy-drama ‘Good Girls’. Retta began her career in stand-up comedy before finding success in television acting. She is also a published author of a memoir of essays.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown is best known for playing Shirley Bennett on the cult classic series ‘Community’. She has hosted various shows and frequently appears as a guest on talking head programs. Brown is a vocal advocate for caregivers and serves on the national board of SAG-AFTRA. Her reputation is one of kindness and enthusiastic professionalism.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson had a career that spanned more than seven decades and she remained scandal-free until her passing. She was nominated for an Academy Award for ‘Sounder’ and won multiple Emmys for ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Tyson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for her contributions to the arts. She carefully selected roles that uplifted and humanized Black women throughout her life.

Please share your favorite performance from these talented actresses in the comments.