Black Actresses You Won’t Believe Are Turning 40 Next Year

Time seems to move differently in Hollywood, where stars often maintain a youthful glow that defies the calendar. As we approach 2026, a remarkable generation of Black actresses born in 1986 is preparing to celebrate their 40th birthdays. These women have grown up on our screens, evolving from child stars and teen idols into award-winning powerhouses and industry veterans. This list highlights the incredible talent entering a new decade of life and artistry next year.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

This Philadelphia native recently captivated the world with her Oscar-winning performance in ‘The Holdovers’. Before taking home the Academy Award, she built a formidable resume with standout roles in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘The Lost City’. Her background in classical vocal performance and theater laid the foundation for her scene-stealing presence on screen. She reaches this milestone age in May.

Jurnee Smollett

audiences first fell in love with her as a child prodigy in the critically acclaimed film ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She successfully navigated the transition to adult stardom with powerful performances in ‘The Great Debaters’ and the hit HBO horror drama ‘Lovecraft Country’. Her portrayal of Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’ further solidified her status as a versatile action star. She turns 40 in October.

Amber Riley

Best known for her powerhouse vocals as Mercedes Jones on ‘Glee’, this actress has conquered both television and the stage. She made history by winning the Olivier Award for her lead role in the West End production of ‘Dreamgirls’. Her career continues to flourish with appearances in various television movies and musical competitions. She celebrates her big day in February.

Jodie Turner-Smith

This British actress gained international attention with her striking performance in the crime drama ‘Queen & Slim’. She has since taken on regal roles, including a bold portrayal of the titular queen in the psychological thriller series ‘Anne Boleyn’. Her commanding screen presence has made her a favorite in both the fashion and film worlds. She enters her fourth decade in September.

Wunmi Mosaku

A Nigerian-born British actress, she has delivered compelling performances in ‘Lovecraft Country’ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Loki’. Her ability to inhabit diverse characters has earned her a BAFTA TV Award and critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. She consistently chooses complex roles that challenge narratives and showcase her range. She turns 40 in July.

Kyla Pratt

For a generation of fans, she is the iconic voice of Penny Proud from ‘The Proud Family’ and the star of the sitcom ‘One on One’. She spent her childhood and teenage years anchoring major franchises like ‘Dr. Dolittle’ alongside Eddie Murphy. She has seamlessly transitioned into adult roles while reprising her voice work for the Disney+ revival of her classic animated series. She celebrates her birthday in September.

Cassie Ventura

Bursting onto the scene with her hit single ‘Me & U’, she quickly expanded her repertoire to include acting. She demonstrated her dance and acting abilities in the high-energy sequel ‘Step Up 2: The Streets’ and the romantic comedy ‘The Perfect Match’. While she has focused on her family in recent years, her contributions to 2000s pop culture remain memorable. She turns 40 in August.

Amber Stevens West

Many recognize her as the energetic Ashleigh Howard from the college drama series ‘Greek’. She has maintained a steady presence in comedy with roles in ‘The Carmichael Show’ and ‘Run the World’. Her career highlights her ability to balance lighthearted sitcom humor with more grounded dramatic work. She reaches this milestone in October.

Antonia Thomas

This British actress became a breakout star with her role as Alisha Daniels in the cult sci-fi series ‘Misfits’. She gained wider recognition in the United States as Dr. Claire Browne in the popular medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’. Her charm and dramatic capability have made her a beloved figure in television across two continents. She celebrates her 40th birthday in November.

Sasheer Zamata

A comedian and actress, she rose to prominence as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has since utilized her comedic timing in the sitcom ‘Home Economics’ and the Marvel series ‘Agatha All Along’. Her work often explores social themes through a sharp and witty lens. She enters her next decade in May.

Kiely Williams

As a member of the girl groups 3LW and The Cheetah Girls, she was a staple of 2000s Disney Channel entertainment. She starred in the ‘Cheetah Girls’ movie franchise and later appeared in the comedy ‘The House Bunny’. Her career defined a specific era of teen pop culture that remains nostalgic for many fans. She turns 40 in July.

Mishael Morgan

This Trinidadian-Canadian actress made history as the first Black woman to win the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. She is best known for her dual roles as Hilary Curtis and Amanda Sinclair on ‘The Young and the Restless’. Her dynamic performances have made her a central figure in the world of daytime television. She turns 40 in July.

Sal Stowers

After winning cycle 9 of ‘America’s Next Top Model’, she successfully transitioned into a full-time acting career. She became a fan favorite as Lani Price on the long-running soap opera ‘Days of Our Lives’. Her journey from reality television competition to dramatic acting highlights her persistence and talent. She reaches this milestone in January.

Candiace Dillard Bassett

While widely known for her time on ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’, she is also a trained actress and singer. Her acting credits include roles in the independent film ‘Water in a Broken Glass’ and the series ‘The Hush’. She continues to balance her reality television fame with scripted performance opportunities. She celebrates her birthday in December.

AzMarie Livingston

Gaining initial fame on ‘America’s Next Top Model’, she broke into acting with a recurring role on the hit series ‘Empire’. She played the character Chicken, becoming a recognizable face in the show’s ensemble cast. Her unique look and charisma have allowed her to navigate both the modeling and acting industries. She turns 40 in December.

Juliet Ibrahim

A powerhouse in the West African film industry, this Ghanaian actress has starred in countless Nollywood and Ghallywood productions. Her filmography includes popular titles like ‘Crime to Christ’ and ’30 Days in Atlanta’. She is also a producer and entrepreneur who has significantly influenced the African entertainment landscape. She reaches the 40 milestone in March.

Linda Ejiofor

This Nigerian actress became a household name for her role as Bimpe Adekoya in the long-running M-Net TV series ‘Tinsel’. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in movies such as ‘The Meeting’, which earned her an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination. Her natural acting style has made her one of Nollywood’s most beloved talents. She celebrates her birthday in July.

Bisola Aiyeola

After gaining immense popularity as the first runner-up of ‘Big Brother Naija’, she solidified her status as a top-tier actress. She has delivered memorable performances in high-grossing films like ‘Sugar Rush’ and ‘Simple Lie’. Her versatility allows her to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles within the Nigerian film industry. She turns 40 in January.

Kiki Omeili

Known for her versatility, this Nigerian actress and medical doctor gained fame for her role as Lovette in the series ‘Lekki Wives’. She produced and starred in the thriller ‘Run’, which showcased her ability to tackle intense subject matter. Her transition from medicine to the screen is a testament to her passion for the arts. She enters her next decade in May.

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