Greatest Black TV Actresses of All Time

Black women have shaped the landscape of television with groundbreaking performances and undeniable talent. These actresses moved beyond stereotypical roles to create complex and memorable characters that resonate with audiences worldwide. Their work spans comedy and drama while earning critical acclaim across decades of broadcast history. This list celebrates the performers who broke barriers and set new standards for excellence on the small screen.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a pioneer who refused to take roles that she felt were demeaning to Black women. She captivated audiences with her portrayal of a 110-year-old former slave in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Her performance in that television movie earned her two Emmy Awards and established her as a dramatic force. Tyson continued to grace the screen in productions like ‘Roots’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ until her passing. She left an indelible mark on the industry through her commitment to dignity and artistic integrity.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll shattered racial barriers when she starred in the sitcom ‘Julia’ in the late 1960s. She played a widowed nurse and marked the first time a Black woman starred in a non-stereotypical role on primetime television. Carroll later demonstrated her impressive range as the glamorous Dominique Deveraux in the soap opera ‘Dynasty’. Her career paved the way for future generations of Black actresses to lead their own series. She remains a symbol of elegance and resilience in Hollywood history.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is widely recognized for her powerful command of the screen and deep emotional range. She starred as Annalise Keating in the hit legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. That role made her the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Davis brings a raw intensity to every project she undertakes including her work in ‘Scandal’ crossovers and television movies. Her status as an EGOT winner further solidifies her legendary standing in entertainment.

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford created one of the most iconic comedic characters in television history as Louise Jefferson. She starred alongside Sherman Hemsley in the long-running sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’ for over a decade. Sanford made history in 1981 by becoming the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her distinct voice and impeccable timing made her a beloved figure in American households. She remains the only Black woman to win that specific comedy category to this day (Note: Quinta Brunson won for writing/acting but lead actress comedy is rare territory).

Esther Rolle

Esther Rolle is best remembered for her portrayal of the stern but loving matriarch Florida Evans. She originated the character on ‘Maude’ before leading the spinoff series ‘Good Times’. Rolle fought constantly for better scripts that would portray the Black family with pride rather than buffoonery. Her dramatic chops lifted the sitcom format into something more poignant and socially relevant. She remains a symbol of strength and integrity in the history of television sitcoms.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard holds the distinction of being one of the most decorated African American actresses in Emmy history. Her extensive television resume includes standout roles in ‘Hill Street Blues’ and ‘St. Elsewhere’. She captivated modern audiences as a complex villain in the superhero series ‘Luke Cage’. Woodard possesses the ability to elevate any material she is given with her subtle and grounded acting style. She consistently delivers award-worthy performances across multiple genres.

Regina King

Regina King transitioned from a child star to one of the most respected actresses in the industry. She won consecutive Emmy Awards for her riveting work in the anthology series ‘American Crime’. King later starred in the critically acclaimed superhero drama ‘Watchmen’ where she played a masked vigilante. Her career began with the sitcom ‘227’ and has evolved into a powerhouse run of dramatic excellence. She commands the screen with a quiet intensity that draws viewers into her characters’ inner lives.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-talented force who conquered television as an actress and a choreographer. She is most famous for her role as the tough dance teacher Lydia Grant in the series ‘Fame’. Allen influenced generations of artists by portraying a woman who demanded excellence and discipline. She later became a prolific director and producer for shows like ‘A Different World’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Her contributions to the medium extend far behind the camera as well as in front of it.

Marla Gibbs

Marla Gibbs mastered the art of the sarcastic comeback as the maid Florence Johnston on ‘The Jeffersons’. Her chemistry with the cast was so undeniable that she received her own spinoff series titled ‘227’. Gibbs played the lead role of Mary Jenkins and showcased her ability to anchor a sitcom. She continued to make guest appearances on shows well into her eighties and nineties. Her comedic timing remains a blueprint for character actors in the sitcom genre.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols broke ground in science fiction television as Lieutenant Uhura on ‘Star Trek’. Her presence on the bridge of the Enterprise showed a Black woman in a position of authority and technical expertise. Nichols participated in one of the first interracial kisses on scripted US television which was a major cultural moment. She used her platform to recruit diverse astronauts for NASA in the years following the show. Her legacy extends beyond entertainment into the realm of social change and civil rights.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is known for her soft voice and her powerful acting abilities. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role as Adele Webber in the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Devine was also a core cast member of the show ‘The Carmichael Show’ and lent her voice to ‘The PJs’. She originated the role of Lorell in ‘Dreamgirls’ on stage and brought that same energy to her screen roles. Audiences love her for her warmth and her ability to play both comedic and dramatic mothers.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis earned the nickname The Mother of Black Hollywood due to her frequent matriarchal roles. She starred as the grandmother Ruby Johnson in the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’ for eight seasons. Lewis brings a theatrical energy and immense vocal talent to every scene she inhabits. Her earlier television credits include ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘A Different World’. She is a dynamic performer who can switch from hilarity to heartbreak in a single moment.

Jackée Harry

Jackée Harry became a television sensation with her role as Sandra Clark on the sitcom ‘227’. She made history as the first African American to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her glamorous and flirtatious character stole every scene she was in. Harry later starred in the popular sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’ as the fun-loving mother Lisa Landry. She remains a beloved figure in the comedy world and continues to work in soap operas.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg brought her unique charisma to television in the role of Guinan on ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. She provided wisdom and guidance to the crew of the Enterprise in a role written specifically for her. Goldberg later became a staple of daytime television as the moderator of ‘The View’. She has also produced and starred in numerous television specials and movies throughout her career. Her EGOT status confirms her immense contribution to the arts across all platforms.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah transitioned seamlessly from a rap pioneer to a television superstar. She starred as Khadijah James in the iconic nineties sitcom ‘Living Single’. The show celebrated female friendship and professional success long before similar shows aired. She later took on the lead role in the action drama ‘The Equalizer’ on CBS. Latifah brings a cool confidence and natural authority to every character she plays.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett dominates the screen with her regal presence and physical fitness. She delivered intense performances in several seasons of the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. Bassett currently stars as a police sergeant in the hit procedural drama ‘9-1-1’. Her portrayal of Tina Turner in film is legendary but her television work is equally acclaimed. She commands attention and respect whenever she appears on screen.

Nell Carter

Nell Carter used her powerful singing voice and comedic timing to lead the sitcom ‘Gimme a Break!’ in the 1980s. She played the role of a housekeeper named Nell Harper who became a mother figure to a grieving family. Carter received Emmy nominations for her energetic and heartfelt performance. Her background in Broadway theater was evident in the musical numbers often incorporated into the show. She was a distinctive talent who left a lasting impression on the sitcom format.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is celebrated as one of the funniest women in television comedy. She played the memorable role of Pam James on the sitcom ‘Martin’ where her banter was a highlight. Arnold later portrayed the strict but loving matriarch Rochelle in ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Her ability to deliver sharp dialogue and physical comedy makes her a fan favorite. She continues to work steadily in sitcoms like ‘The Neighborhood’.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields grew up on television screens starring as the roller-skating Tootie Ramsey in ‘The Facts of Life’. She spent nine years on the show as her character matured from a child into a young woman. Fields later joined the cast of ‘Living Single’ as the sophisticated Regine Hunter. Her work in two iconic sitcoms cements her place in television history. She has also directed numerous episodes of television comedies.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams revitalized her career with her role as the scheming Wilhelmina Slater in ‘Ugly Betty’. She brought a perfect mix of villainy and vulnerability to the fashion editor character. Williams later joined the cast of ‘Desperate Housewives’ as the wealthy Renee Perry. Her performances are marked by impeccable poise and sharp wit. She is a multi-talented performer who excels in musical and dramatic roles alike.

Jasmine Guy

Jasmine Guy created an unforgettable character with the southern belle Whitley Gilbert on ‘A Different World’. Her performance evolved from a snobbish comic relief into a complex and sympathetic lead. Guy displayed incredible range as her character navigated romance and professional growth at a historically Black college. She later appeared in the supernatural drama ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Her contribution to ‘A Different World’ remains a cultural touchstone.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer is a prolific actress who gained initial fame as the free-spirited Winifred Brooks on ‘A Different World’. She brought a unique bohemian energy to the ensemble cast. Summer later became a legend in the world of voice acting for animation. She has voiced characters in countless shows including ‘Rugrats’ and ‘Batman Beyond’. Her distinctive rasp and versatility have made her one of the most successful voice artists in the business.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet captured hearts as the eclectic Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. Her popularity was so immense that the spinoff ‘A Different World’ was originally created around her character. Bonet brought a cool and rebellious fashion sense that influenced eighties trends. She appeared in recurring roles on shows like ‘Ray Donovan’ in her later career. Her portrayal of Denise remains an enduring symbol of cool for many viewers.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson created a cultural phenomenon with her role as Cookie Lyon on the drama ‘Empire’. Her portrayal of the music mogul ex-wife was fierce and fashion-forward. Henson won a Golden Globe for the role and became the breakout star of the series. She previously starred as Detective Joss Carter in the crime thriller ‘Person of Interest’. Henson brings an electric energy to her roles that makes them impossible to ignore.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington changed the landscape of modern television as Olivia Pope in ‘Scandal’. She was the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly forty years. Her character was a brilliant crisis manager who navigated complex political and romantic webs. Washington brought sophistication and emotional depth to the fast-paced Shonda Rhimes series. Her performance opened doors for more diverse casting in lead roles across major networks.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross proved her comedic chops as Joan Clayton in the long-running series ‘Girlfriends’. She later starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’ for eight seasons. Ross won a Golden Globe for her performance and received multiple Emmy nominations. She brings a physical comedy style that is reminiscent of Lucille Ball. Her work celebrates the joy and complexity of modern Black womanhood.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae transitioned from a web series creator to a premium cable star with ‘Insecure’. She co-created, wrote, and starred in the HBO series that explored the awkward experiences of a contemporary Black woman. Rae earned multiple Emmy nominations for her relatable and charming performance. Her voice offers a fresh perspective on friendship and romance in Los Angeles. She has become a major mogul in the entertainment industry.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel stunned audiences and critics with her drama series ‘I May Destroy You’. She wrote, co-directed, and starred in the show which tackled issues of consent and trauma. Coel won an Emmy for her writing and received massive praise for her acting. She previously created the quirky comedy ‘Chewing Gum’. Her work is known for its fearless honesty and unique narrative structure.

Zendaya

Zendaya made history as the youngest two-time winner of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She stars as Rue Bennett in the gritty teen drama ‘Euphoria’. Her portrayal of a teenager struggling with addiction is raw and heartbreakingly realistic. Zendaya began her career on Disney Channel shows like ‘Shake It Up’. She has quickly evolved into one of the most acclaimed dramatic actresses of her generation.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson revitalized the network sitcom with her mockumentary series ‘Abbott Elementary’. She created the show and stars as the optimistic teacher Janine Teagues. Brunson won an Emmy for writing the pilot and has received acclaim for her acting. Her show highlights the struggles and triumphs of public school teachers with warmth and humor. She represents a new wave of creators who act in their own material.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba was the breakout star of the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She played the character Suzanne Crazy Eyes Warren and won two Emmy Awards for the same role in different categories. Aduba brought humanity and depth to a character that could have easily been a caricature. She later starred as Shirley Chisholm in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’. Her stage background informs her intense and committed screen presence.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton delivered a mesmerizing performance as the android Maeve Millay in ‘Westworld’. Her character evolved from a victim into a revolutionary leader over the course of the series. Newton won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her nuanced portrayal. She has a long career in film but found one of her best roles on television. Her ability to portray artificial intelligence with deep soulfulness was a highlight of the show.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is a comedic powerhouse who also excels in dramatic roles. She starred in the dark comedy series ‘Black Monday’ as a ruthless trader on Wall Street. Hall gained early fame through the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise but has built a solid television resume. She appeared in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Law & Order: LA’ earlier in her career. Her timing and delivery make her a standout in any ensemble cast.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer brought her Oscar-winning talent to television in the limited series ‘Self Made’. She played Madam C.J. Walker and chronicled the life of the trailblazing hair care entrepreneur. Spencer also starred in the drama ‘Truth Be Told’ as a true-crime podcaster. She brings a grounded warmth and intelligence to her characters. Her transition to television has provided her with rich and complex leading roles.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is best known for her commanding role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’. She holds the record for the longest consecutive run for a Black character in a primetime drama. Merkerson appeared in nearly four hundred episodes of the police procedural. She also won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the television movie ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Currently she stars in ‘Chicago Med’ as a hospital administrator.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a veteran character actress known for her intense and authoritative presence. She starred as Detective Claudette Wyms in the gritty police drama ‘The Shield’. Pounder received multiple Emmy nominations for her work on that series and for ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’. She also played a medical examiner on ‘NCIS: New Orleans’ for several seasons. Her voice and demeanor command immediate respect in every scene.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a Broadway legend who has also made a significant impact on television. She starred in the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ spinoff ‘Private Practice’ as Dr. Naomi Bennett. McDonald currently appears in the period drama ‘The Gilded Age’ as a member of the Black elite. She has won more Tony Awards than any other performer but her screen work is equally impressive. She brings a stately elegance and deep emotional reservoir to her roles.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson has played Dr. Miranda Bailey on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ since the show premiered in 2005. Her character evolved from a terrifying resident to the Chief of Surgery. Wilson has received multiple Emmy nominations for her performance as the tough but caring doctor. She has also directed numerous episodes of the long-running medical drama. Her character is the moral center of the show and a fan favorite.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’ playing the adorable Olivia. She later became a Disney Channel icon with her supernatural sitcom ‘That’s So Raven’. The show was a massive hit and showcased her gift for physical comedy and disguises. She returned to the role as an adult in the spinoff ‘Raven’s Home’. She is one of the few child stars to maintain a successful television career into adulthood.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood charmed audiences as the lead in the sitcom ‘Moesha’ for six seasons. She played a teenager navigating high school and family life in Los Angeles. Brandy also made history as the first Black Cinderella in the 1997 television musical produced by Whitney Houston. She later appeared on the show ‘The Game’ and in the musical drama ‘Queens’. Her natural acting style made her a relatable figure for young audiences.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer was the star of the Nickelodeon sitcom ‘True Jackson, VP’ where she played a teen fashion executive. She became the youngest talk show host in history with her program ‘Just Keke’. Palmer transitioned to more mature roles in the horror-comedy series ‘Scream Queens’. She is known for her vibrant personality and quick wit on screen. Her career spans music, film, and television hosting duties.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became an action icon with her role as Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead’. She wielded a katana and survived the zombie apocalypse for several seasons. Gurira is also a celebrated playwright who brings intellectual depth to her physical roles. She reprised her character in the spinoff series ‘The Ones Who Live’. Her intensity and physical capability set a new standard for female action heroes on television.

Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker broke social taboos as Helen Willis on the sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’. She played one half of the first interracial couple to be regular characters on primetime television. Roker brought grace and humor to a role that faced controversy at the time. Her chemistry with Franklin Cover who played her husband was genuine and groundbreaking. She was the mother of musician Lenny Kravitz and a pioneer in representation.

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