Coolest Black Actresses Of All Time

The history of cinema and television has been profoundly shaped by the contributions of Black actresses who have broken barriers and redefined storytelling. These women have delivered iconic performances across a variety of genres ranging from intense dramas to high energy action films. Their influence extends beyond the screen as they have paved the way for future generations through their artistry and advocacy. This list celebrates the careers and achievements of some of the most influential actresses to ever grace the screen.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge became the first African American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Carmen Jones’. She began her career as a singer and dancer in the duo the Dandridge Sisters before moving into film roles. Her work in ‘Porgy and Bess’ further established her as a major star in Hollywood during the mid twentieth century. She broke numerous racial barriers in the entertainment industry and remains a symbol of classic elegance.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a pioneering actress and singer who signed a significant contract with MGM at a time when Black performers were rarely featured in major roles. She starred in films such as ‘Cabin in the Sky’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ which showcased her incredible vocal talent and screen presence. Throughout her career she refused to play stereotypical roles and became an active voice in the civil rights movement. Her work spanned film and Broadway and television over several decades of the twentieth century.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was an iconic actress and activist known for her collaborations with her husband Ossie Davis. She delivered a powerful performance as Ruth Younger in the original Broadway production and film version of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Her long career included an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘American Gangster’ which she filmed later in her life. She was a central figure in the civil rights movement and used her platform to advocate for social justice.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was celebrated for her portrayal of strong and resilient Black women throughout her seven decade career. She received critical acclaim for her roles in ‘Sounder’ and ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Her commitment to portraying dignified characters helped change the representation of Black women on screen and stage. She was a recipient of many honors including an honorary Academy Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll made history as the first Black woman to star in her own television series ‘Julia’ where she did not play a domestic worker. She later earned an Academy Award nomination for her leading role in the film ‘Claudine’. Her career also included a memorable role as Dominique Deveraux in the hit prime time soap opera ‘Dynasty’. She was a versatile performer who succeeded in film and television and musical theater.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became the face of the blaxploitation genre in the 1970s through her roles in films like ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. She portrayed powerful female characters who took control of their own narratives and fought against injustice. Her career saw a major resurgence when she starred in the title role of Quentin Tarantino’s film ‘Jackie Brown’. She remains an enduring icon of action cinema and female empowerment in film history.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actresses of her generation with a career spanning over four decades. She has appeared in a wide range of projects including ‘Cross Creek’ and ‘Passion Fish’ and ’12 Years a Slave’. Her television work is equally impressive with roles in series like ‘St. Elsewhere’ and ‘Luke Cage’. She has received numerous accolades for her ability to bring depth and humanity to every character she portrays.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is known for her powerful portrayals of real life figures such as Tina Turner in the film ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She has delivered standout performances in movies like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’. Her presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’ garnered her widespread acclaim and major award nominations. She is celebrated for her intensity and grace and command of the screen in every role.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve the EGOT status by winning an Emmy and Grammy and Oscar and Tony. She rose to fame with her breakout performance in ‘The Color Purple’ and later won an Academy Award for ‘Ghost’. Her comedic talent shone through in popular films such as ‘Sister Act’ and its sequel. She has spent many years as a moderator on the talk show ‘The View’ while continuing to act in various projects.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history as the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She has starred in massive blockbusters like the ‘X Men’ series where she played the character Storm. Her career includes a wide variety of roles in films such as ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’ and ‘John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum’. She remains a highly influential figure in Hollywood and a prominent advocate for diversity in the film industry.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first Black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting by winning an Oscar and Emmy and Tony. She gained significant recognition for her roles in films like ‘The Help’ and ‘Fences’. Her performance as Annalise Keating in the television series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ earned her widespread critical praise. She continues to lead powerful projects such as ‘The Woman King’ and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for her standout performance in the film ‘The Help’. She has since become a staple in Hollywood with acclaimed roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Her ability to play both comedic and dramatic characters with equal skill has made her a highly sought after actress. She also produces projects through her own production company to tell diverse and impactful stories.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child actress on the sitcom ‘227’ before transitioning into a successful film career. She won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and multiple Emmys for her work in ‘Watchmen’ and ‘American Crime’. Her directorial debut ‘One Night in Miami’ received critical acclaim and showed her talent behind the camera. She is recognized as one of the most versatile and talented figures in modern entertainment.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is best known for her role as Cookie Lyon on the hit television series ‘Empire’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ showcased her ability to lead a major historical drama with depth and emotion. She continues to be a prominent figure in both film and television while advocating for mental health awareness.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o made a stunning film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’ which resulted in her winning an Academy Award. She has played significant roles in the ‘Black Panther’ films and the horror movie ‘Us’. Her voice work in the ‘Star Wars’ films and ‘The Jungle Book’ has also been widely praised. She is celebrated for her fashion sense and her commitment to bringing African stories to a global audience.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington gained widespread fame for her role as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. She has appeared in successful films such as ‘Ray’ and ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and ‘Django Unchained’. Her work on the miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ earned her further acclaim as both an actress and producer. She is an active voice in social and political issues and uses her platform for advocacy.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a child star on the Disney Channel to a critically acclaimed actress in mature roles. She won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Her film work includes major roles in the ‘Spider Man’ franchise and the ‘Dune’ series. She is also a prominent figure in the fashion world and a producer on many of her own projects.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is best known for her leading roles in the popular television series ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Blackish’. She has won several awards for her comedic timing and her portrayal of relatable and complex women. Her work extends into the beauty industry with the launch of her own hair care line. She is celebrated for her unique sense of style and her positive influence in the media.

Nia Long

Nia Long became a household name through her roles in classic films like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Friday’. She has had a long and successful career in television with recurring roles on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ and ‘Empire’. Her performances in romantic dramas such as ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Love Jones’ established her as a prominent leading lady. She continues to work steadily in both independent and mainstream film projects.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a British actress known for her work in both film and television. She delivered an award winning performance in the film ‘Crash’ and starred in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Her roles in ‘Mission Impossible 2’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ showcased her range as a performer. She is also an advocate for human rights and has spoken out on various social issues.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris gained international recognition for her role as Tia Dalma in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films. She received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in the movie ‘Moonlight’. Her work as Eve Moneypenny in several ‘James Bond’ films brought her to the attention of a wide global audience. She is known for her ability to transform into diverse characters across different genres.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha Raw is a talented British actress who gained fame for her starring role in the period drama ‘Belle’. She has appeared in various projects including the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ and the film ‘Beyond the Lights’. Her work in the series ‘The Morning Show’ and the ‘Loki’ television series has further solidified her status as a versatile star. She is admired for her graceful performances and her choice of impactful stories.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a prominent actress known for her roles in independent films and major blockbusters. She starred in the ‘Creed’ film series and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie. Her performances in ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’ showcased her commitment to unique and socially relevant projects. She is also a producer who works to increase representation and diversity within the entertainment industry.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is an actress and playwright who rose to fame as Michonne on the series ‘The Walking Dead’. She gained further global recognition for her role as Okoye in the ‘Black Panther’ films and the ‘Avengers’ series. Her plays have been produced on Broadway and have received numerous awards and nominations. She is a powerful voice for women’s rights and serves as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright became a breakout star for her role as Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film ‘Black Panther’. She has appeared in other notable projects such as the series ‘Black Mirror’ and the film ‘Death on the Nile’. Her performance in the ‘Small Axe’ anthology series earned her critical praise for her dramatic range. She continues to lead major franchises while exploring complex characters in independent cinema.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention through her popular web series ‘Awkward Black Girl’. She went on to create and star in the hit series ‘Insecure’ which earned her several award nominations. Her film work includes roles in ‘The Photograph’ and ‘The Lovebirds’ and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’. She is also a successful producer and businesswoman who focuses on creating opportunities for underrepresented voices.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is a versatile actress best known for her comedic roles in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the independent film ‘Support the Girls’. Her work in ‘Girls Trip’ was a major box office success and further established her as a leading comedic talent. She has also taken on dramatic roles in projects like ‘The Hate U Give’ and the series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish had a breakout performance in the comedy ‘Girls Trip’ which made her a household name. She has since starred in numerous films including ‘Night School’ and ‘The Kitchen’ and ‘Haunted Mansion’. Her stand up comedy specials and her book have also contributed to her massive popularity. She won an Emmy Award for her work as a host on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and continues to be a prominent figure in entertainment.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with roles in ‘Bring It On’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’. She starred in the long running television series ‘Being Mary Jane’ for several seasons. Her film career includes successful projects like ‘Bad Boys II’ and ‘Think Like a Man’. She is also a best selling author and an advocate for survivors of assault and social justice issues.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith began her career on the sitcom ‘A Different World’ before moving into major film roles. She starred in films such as ‘Set It Off’ and ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘The Matrix’ sequels. Her work as a host on the talk show ‘Red Table Talk’ has garnered significant attention and won an Emmy Award. She is also a producer and businesswoman who has been active in Hollywood for over three decades.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox became a major star in the mid 1990s with roles in blockbusters like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She is well known for her performance in the Quentin Tarantino film ‘Kill Bill Vol. 1’. Her career spans across film and television with numerous roles in both dramas and comedies. She has also become a prolific producer of television movies and remains a recognizable figure in popular culture.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah transitioned from a successful career in hip hop to becoming an Academy Award nominated actress. She received critical praise for her role as Matron Mama Morton in the film ‘Chicago’. Her work in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Last Holiday’ and ‘Girls Trip’ has shown her range as a performer. She currently stars in the television series ‘The Equalizer’ and continues to be a powerful influence in the entertainment world.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on the reality competition show ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for her film debut in ‘Dreamgirls’. She has since starred in films like ‘Sex and the City’ and the biopic ‘Respect’ where she played Aretha Franklin. Her powerful voice has led to a successful music career and roles on Broadway. She is an EGOT winner and currently hosts her own daily talk show.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She transitioned to film with standout roles in ‘Widows’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’. Her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic ‘Harriet’ earned her two Academy Award nominations for acting and songwriting. She continues to lead major projects including the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo is a British actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Hotel Rwanda’. She has appeared in a variety of films such as ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and ‘Death on the Nile’. Her television work includes acclaimed performances in series like ‘Tsunami The Aftermath’ and ‘Ratched’. She is also a celebrated stage actress who has won a Tony Award for her work on Broadway.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

Marianne Jean Baptiste is a British actress who made history as the first Black British woman to be nominated for an Academy Award. She received this honor for her breakthrough performance in the film ‘Secrets and Lies’. She is well known for her long running role on the television series ‘Without a Trace’. Her career includes a wide range of roles in both independent cinema and mainstream television productions.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is an Ethiopian Irish actress who received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Loving’. She has appeared in various television series including ‘Preacher’ and ‘Agents of Shield’. Her performance in the film ‘Passing’ was highly praised by critics for its subtlety and depth. She is known for her expressive acting and her work in both period dramas and modern stories.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch gained global recognition for her role as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’. She made history as the first female 007 in the ‘James Bond’ film ‘No Time to Die’. Her performance in ‘The Woman King’ showcased her physical talent and emotional range as a warrior. She continues to take on high profile roles in major franchises while maintaining a strong presence in British television.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained attention for her role in the independent film ‘Dear White People’. She went on to star in the television series ‘Mad Men’ and the film ‘Chiraq’. Her role as Monica Rambeau in the series ‘Wandavision’ and the film ‘The Marvels’ has made her a prominent figure in superhero cinema. She is celebrated for her charisma and her ability to lead both dramatic and action oriented projects.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne had a breakout performance in the critically acclaimed film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She has since appeared in major projects such as ‘The Old Guard’ and ‘Coming 2 America’. Her work in ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ and ‘Native Son’ further demonstrated her range as an actress. She is considered one of the most exciting young talents in Hollywood today with a promising future in film.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multifaceted artist who successfully transitioned from a music career to acting. She delivered standout performances in the Academy Award winning films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Her leading role in the thriller ‘Antebellum’ and the sequel ‘Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery’ showed her ability to carry a film. She is known for her unique aesthetic and her commitment to exploring themes of identity and social justice in her work.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba became famous for her role as Suzanne Crazy Eyes Warren in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won two Emmy Awards for this performance making her one of the few actors to win in both comedy and drama categories for the same role. Her work in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’ and the series ‘In Treatment’ further showcased her immense talent. She is also an accomplished stage actress with multiple Broadway credits to her name.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks rose to fame for her role as Tasha Taystee Jefferson in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She received a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in ‘The Color Purple’. Her portrayal of Sofia in the film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ earned her an Academy Award nomination. She is celebrated for her powerful voice and her ability to bring humor and heart to her characters.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a legendary performer who has won more Tony Awards than any other actor in history. While primarily known for her stage work she has had significant roles in television series like ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Good Fight’. Her film appearances include ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and the biopic ‘Respect’. She is a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry known for her incredible vocal range and acting depth.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson is best known for her long running role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the hit medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She has received multiple Emmy Award nominations for her performance on the series which has lasted for two decades. Before her television success she was an active performer in New York musical theater. She has also directed numerous episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and other television projects.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is a veteran actress known for her roles in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. She was part of the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’ and has had a prolific career in television. Her role in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress. She continues to work steadily in both film and television providing a wealth of memorable performances.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her long tenure as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the television series ‘Law and Order’. She has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance in the television movie ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Her career includes significant stage work and a leading role in the series ‘Chicago Med’. She is recognized for her authoritative presence and her ability to bring gravity to every role she takes on.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a Guyanese American actress known for her work in high profile television series such as ‘The Shield’ and ‘NCIS New Orleans’. She has appeared in notable films including ‘Bagdad Cafe’ and ‘Avatar’ and ‘The Mortal Instruments City of Bones’. Her distinctive voice and commanding screen presence have made her a staple in dramatic storytelling. She has received multiple Emmy Award nominations for her diverse and impactful performances.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’ for which she received a Tony nomination. She has had a long career in television with roles in ‘Moesha’ and ‘Ray Donovan’. Her performance in the comedy series ‘Abbott Elementary’ earned her an Emmy Award and brought her renewed national recognition. She is a prominent activist and a respected veteran of both the stage and screen.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a Tony Award winning actress known for her role in the Broadway production of ‘Caroline or Change’. She starred in the film ‘Dreamgirls’ and made history as the voice of Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. Her television work includes roles in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’ and the miniseries ‘Roots’. She is celebrated for her beautiful singing voice and her versatility across different mediums of entertainment.

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