Black Actresses You Won’t Believe Are Turning 60 Next Year

Reaching the age of sixty is a significant milestone that marks a new chapter of wisdom and accomplishment in life. For many women in Hollywood, this age is merely a number as they continue to defy expectations with their youthful energy and enduring talent. The industry is filled with Black actresses who have graced screens for decades and are approaching this diamond jubilee with grace and vitality. Their careers span genres from groundbreaking sitcoms to dramatic cinema, proving that longevity and relevance go hand in hand. Here is a look at the Black actresses who are celebrating their sixtieth birthdays in the coming year.

Halle Berry

This Academy Award-winning actress has remained a dominant force in Hollywood since her breakthrough in the early 1990s. Halle Berry made history as the first African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress for her powerful performance in ‘Monster’s Ball’. Her career includes iconic roles in major franchises, such as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ series and Jinx in the James Bond film ‘Die Another Day’. Beyond action and drama, she has also directed and starred in her own projects, showcasing her versatility behind the camera.

Janet Jackson

Known primarily as a global pop icon, Janet Jackson has also established a significant presence in the world of acting throughout her multi-decade career. She began as a child star on classic sitcoms like ‘Good Times’ and ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ before transitioning to film with a lead role in ‘Poetic Justice’ alongside Tupac Shakur. Her filmography includes standout performances in ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ and ‘For Colored Girls’, where she displayed considerable dramatic range. Jackson remains a cultural titan whose influence extends across music, dance, and cinema.

Garcelle Beauvais

Audiences first fell in love with Garcelle Beauvais during her time as Fancy on the hit sitcom ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. She successfully transitioned into dramatic roles with her portrayal of Valerie Heywood on the gritty police procedural ‘NYPD Blue’. In recent years, she gained a new legion of fans as a cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ and as a co-host on the daytime talk show ‘The Real’. Her career continues to flourish with roles in major films like ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and ‘Coming 2 America’.

Karyn Parsons

Best known for her role as the fashion-obsessed Hilary Banks on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, Karyn Parsons created one of the most memorable characters of 90s television. She starred in the series for its entire six-year run, becoming a household name and a fashion icon for a generation. Following her sitcom success, she appeared in films like ‘Major Payne’ and ‘The Ladies Man’. Parsons has since shifted her focus to writing and producing educational content that highlights unsung heroes of Black history.

Gina Ravera

Gina Ravera garnered critical acclaim for her role as Faith in the classic family drama ‘Soul Food’. She later captivated television audiences as Detective Irene Daniels in the hit TNT crime series ‘The Closer’, where she was a series regular for four seasons. Her acting resume includes appearances in ‘Showgirls’, ‘Kiss the Girls’, and ‘The Great Debaters’. Ravera is known for bringing a grounded intensity to her characters, whether in supporting roles or ensemble casts.

Elise Neal

Elise Neal burst onto the scene with a memorable role in the horror sequel ‘Scream 2’ and the drama ‘Rosewood’. She solidified her status as a television star playing Yvonne Hughley in the popular sitcom ‘The Hughleys’, which ran for four seasons. Her film credits are extensive, including turns in ‘Hustle & Flow’, ‘Money Talks’, and ‘Logan’. Neal continues to be a consistent presence in both television and film, often showcasing her background in dance and physical fitness.

Rachel True

Rachel True became a cult icon for her role as Rochelle in the supernatural horror film ‘The Craft’, which remains a favorite among genre fans. She demonstrated her comedic timing in the cult classic ‘Half Baked’ before landing a lead role in the UPN sitcom ‘Half & Half’. On the show, she played Mona Thorne, a music executive navigating life and family dynamics with her half-sister. True continues to engage with her fanbase through conventions and social media, celebrating her legacy in horror and comedy.

Sommore

Known as the “Diva of Contemporary Comedy,” Sommore has built a legendary career as a stand-up comedian and actress. She gained massive popularity as the only female headliner on the record-breaking ‘The Queens of Comedy’ tour. Her acting credits include memorable roles in the ‘Friday’ franchise, appearing in ‘Friday After Next’, and the comedy ‘Soul Plane’. Sommore continues to tour the country, delivering sharp, hilarious observational humor that resonates with audiences everywhere.

Cheryl ‘Salt’ James

As one-third of the pioneering hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa, Cheryl James helped revolutionize rap music for women. While best known for her musical contributions, she has also appeared in various acting roles, often playing fictionalized versions of herself. The group’s biopic and reality series have kept her in the public eye, highlighting her journey through fame and motherhood. James remains an influential figure in entertainment, celebrating the legacy of her group’s groundbreaking achievements.

Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd has established herself as a versatile television actress with a commanding screen presence. She is well-known for her role as Monique Jeffries in the early seasons of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. Hurd has taken on significant roles in sci-fi and drama, including ‘Star Trek: Picard’, ‘Blindspot’, and ‘Hawaii Five-0’. Her extensive theater background supports her ability to tackle complex, authoritative characters across various genres.

Sharon D. Clarke

This British powerhouse has conquered stage and screen with her immense talent and commanding vocals. Sharon D. Clarke is best known to television audiences for her long-running role as Lola Griffin in the medical drama ‘Holby City’ and her appearance in ‘Doctor Who’. She has won multiple Olivier Awards for her work in London’s West End, including acclaimed performances in ‘Caroline, or Change’ and ‘Death of a Salesman’. Clarke remains one of the most respected talents in the British entertainment industry.

Soledad O’Brien

While primarily known as an award-winning broadcast journalist and executive producer, Soledad O’Brien has appeared in acting roles throughout her career. She has played herself or reporter characters in films such as ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ and television shows like ‘House of Cards’. Her presence adds a layer of realism and authority to the productions she joins. O’Brien continues to run her own production company, focusing on telling diverse and impactful stories.

Karen Malina White

Karen Malina White has been a familiar face on television since the late 80s and early 90s. She is perhaps best known for her role as Charmaine Brown on ‘The Cosby Show’ and its spinoff ‘A Different World’. She later voiced the character Dijonay Jones on the beloved animated series ‘The Proud Family’ and its recent revival. White continues to act in sitcoms and dramas, bringing her distinctive energy and voice to every project.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash became a pop culture icon with her portrayal of Dionne Davenport in the 1995 hit film ‘Clueless’ and its subsequent television adaptation. Her chemistry with the cast and her character’s fashion sense helped define the aesthetic of the era. She has also appeared in films like ‘Mo’ Money’ and ‘View from the Top’, as well as the series ‘Single Ladies’. Dash has remained a public figure through her acting roles and her appearances as a commentator.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet captured the hearts of millions as the free-spirited Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. Her character was so popular that she led the spinoff ‘A Different World’, which depicted life at a historically Black college. Bonet later took on grittier roles in films like ‘Angel Heart’ and ‘Enemy of the State’, shedding her sitcom image. Known for her bohemian style and privacy, she remains a revered figure in Hollywood history.

Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton is an R&B legend who successfully crossed over into acting on Broadway and television. She starred as Belle in the Broadway production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, becoming the first African American woman to play the role. Her acting credits include the film ‘Kingdom Come’ and the Lifetime movie series ‘Fallen Angels Murder Club’. Braxton continues to perform globally while maintaining her status as a reality television star on ‘Braxton Family Values’.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique is a powerhouse comedian and actress who earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her chilling performance in ‘Precious’. She first gained fame as Nikki Parker on the hit sitcom ‘The Parkers’, showcasing her impeccable comedic timing. Her career began in stand-up comedy, where she became a member of ‘The Queens of Comedy’ tour. Mo’Nique continues to tour as a comic and take on dramatic roles that challenge audience expectations.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise is celebrated for her intense and emotionally resonant performances in film. She made her film debut in ‘Set It Off’ and garnered critical acclaim for her role in the adaptation of Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved’. Her filmography includes hits like ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’, ‘John Q’, and ‘For Colored Girls’. Elise is often praised for her ability to convey deep strength and vulnerability in complex dramatic roles.

Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd is a multifaceted entertainer known for her work as a comedian, actress, and talk show host. She spent seven years as a co-host on ‘The View’ and starred in the sitcom ‘Less Than Perfect’ as Ramona Platt. Her acting career includes roles in ’30 Rock’, ‘Ride Along 2’, and her own sitcom ‘Sherri’. Shepherd recently launched her own daytime talk show, solidifying her place as a leading voice in daytime television.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones became a breakout star after joining the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a writer and performer. Her energetic comedy style led to major film roles, including a starring turn in the 2016 reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’. She has hosted ‘Supermarket Sweep’ and brought her stand-up comedy to global audiences through various specials. Jones is known for her physical comedy and unapologetic, high-energy stage presence.

LisaRaye McCoy

LisaRaye McCoy is best known for her role as Diamond in the Ice Cube-directed film ‘The Players Club’. She starred in the sitcom ‘All of Us’, which was produced by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, for four seasons. McCoy also served as the First Lady of the Turks and Caicos Islands during her marriage to the country’s Premier. She remains a fixture in entertainment through her acting roles and appearances on reality television.

Cynthia Bailey

Cynthia Bailey gained widespread fame as a long-running cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’. Before reality TV, she was a highly successful fashion model, appearing on major magazine covers and runways in Paris and New York. She had an early acting role in ‘The Cosby Show’ and has since appeared in films like ‘Without You I’m Nothing’. Bailey continues to act and model while managing her various business ventures.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean-Baptiste received international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her role in the British drama ‘Secrets & Lies’. She became a familiar face to American audiences as Vivian Johnson on the long-running crime drama ‘Without a Trace’. Her career spans theater, film, and television, with recent roles in ‘Homecoming’ and ‘Surface’. Jean-Baptiste is respected for her grounded performances and ability to master diverse accents and characters.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Salli Richardson-Whitfield began her career as an actress with roles in ‘A Low Down Dirty Shame’ and ‘I Am Legend’. She gained a cult following for her lead role in the sci-fi series ‘Eureka’ as Allison Blake. In recent years, she has transitioned into a prolific television director and producer, helming episodes of high-profile series like ‘The Gilded Age’. Her work behind the camera has established her as a major creative force in the industry.

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