Millennials’ Favorite Black Actresses

Black actresses have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern entertainment, from leading groundbreaking sitcoms to dominating the global box office. For the Millennial generation, these women have provided representation through iconic characters that defined their adolescence and adulthood. Their work spans decades, covering genres from gritty dramas and high-stakes action to relatable comedies and musicals. This list highlights fifty actresses whose careers and cultural impact have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first Black actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, having won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards. She gained widespread recognition for her powerful performance in the 2011 film ‘The Help’, which earned her an Oscar nomination. For six seasons, she portrayed the formidable defense attorney Annalise Keating in the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Davis also received critical acclaim for her role as Rose Maxson in the 2016 film adaptation of ‘Fences’.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a child actress on the sitcom ‘227’ before transitioning into a prolific film and television career. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2018 drama ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King has secured multiple Emmy Awards for her performances in ‘American Crime’, ‘Seven Seconds’, and the superhero series ‘Watchmen’. In 2020, she expanded her influence by making her feature film directorial debut with the acclaimed ‘One Night in Miami…’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is renowned for her portrayals of real-life historical figures, most notably Tina Turner in the biopic ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She has been a mainstay in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology series, showcasing her versatility across various characters. Bassett joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Since 2018, she has also starred as Athena Grant in the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Queenie in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She became a household name for her portrayal of Cookie Lyon on the musical drama series ‘Empire’, winning a Golden Globe for the role. Henson also starred in the hit biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’ as the mathematician Katherine Johnson. More recently, she appeared in the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ as Shug Avery.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington rose to international prominence starring as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. Her work on the show made her the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years. Washington has also appeared in major films such as ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Ray’, portraying the wives of the titular characters. She served as an executive producer and lead actress in the 2020 miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere’.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’, which challenged traditional stereotypes of Black women. She parlayed that success into the HBO series ‘Insecure’, which she co-created and starred in for five seasons. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of modern friendships and professional life in Los Angeles. Rae has since starred in films like ‘The Lovebirds’ and appeared as President Barbie in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from a Disney Channel star on ‘Shake It Up’ to a critically acclaimed actress and fashion icon. She became the youngest two-time winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Euphoria’. In cinema, she is well-known for playing MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. Zendaya also starred as Chani in the epic science fiction films ‘Dune’ and ‘Dune: Part Two’.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o made her feature film debut in the 2013 historical drama ’12 Years a Slave’, for which she won an Academy Award. She joined the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy as the motion-capture character Maz Kanata and starred as Nakia in ‘Black Panther’. In 2019, she received praise for her dual lead roles in the psychological horror film ‘Us’. Nyong’o also authored the children’s book ‘Sulwe’, which addresses themes of colorism and self-esteem.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson gained early recognition for her roles in independent films like ‘Dear White People’ and the drama ‘Selma’. She reached global stardom as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and subsequent films. Thompson also stars as Bianca in the ‘Creed’ trilogy alongside Michael B. Jordan. Her television work includes a major role as Charlotte Hale in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe began her career as a Grammy-nominated singer before making a successful transition into acting. She starred in two critically acclaimed films in 2016: the Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’ and the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe took on a leading role in the psychological horror film ‘Antebellum’ in 2020. She also appeared in the 2022 mystery ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, receiving high praise for her performance.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union became a teen idol in the late 1990s with roles in films like ‘Bring It On’ and ’10 Things I Hate About You’. She later starred in the action film ‘Bad Boys II’ and led the cast of the drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ for several years. Union has authored several books, including memoirs that discuss her personal life and career in Hollywood. She remains a prominent figure in the industry as both an actress and an activist.

Nia Long

Nia Long is known for her roles in foundational Black cinema, including ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘Friday’, and ‘Love Jones’. She starred in the successful ‘The Best Man’ film franchise, reprising her role in the 2022 limited series ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’. Long had significant television roles in series such as ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Third Watch’. Throughout her career, she has been celebrated as a consistent presence in both film and television.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is best known for her leading role in the 2000 romantic drama ‘Love & Basketball’. She has appeared in several popular films including ‘The Best Man’, ‘Brown Sugar’, and the action-horror film ‘Alien vs. Predator’. Lathan voiced Donna Tubbs in ‘The Cleveland Show’ and its parent series ‘Family Guy’. In recent years, she appeared in the third season of the HBO drama ‘Succession’ and starred in ‘On the Come Up’.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall rose to fame through her comedic performance as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She achieved further commercial success in the 2017 comedy ‘Girls Trip’, which became a massive box office hit. Hall has demonstrated her dramatic range in films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Support the Girls’. She also starred in the Showtime series ‘Black Monday’ and the satirical film ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross first became a household name playing Joan Clayton on the long-running sitcom ‘Girlfriends’. She later starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the ABC sitcom ‘Black-ish’, for which she won a Golden Globe Award. Ross is the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross and has often used her platform to promote diversity in the beauty industry. In 2020, she showcased her singing abilities in the musical drama film ‘The High Note’.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer gained early fame as a child star in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and the Nickelodeon series ‘True Jackson, VP’. She has maintained a steady career in adult roles, appearing in the horror-comedy series ‘Scream Queens’ and the film ‘Hustlers’. In 2022, Palmer received widespread critical acclaim for her leading role in Jordan Peele’s science fiction horror film ‘Nope’. She is also known for her work as a television host and her active presence on social media.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson first went viral for her self-produced comedic content on social media and ‘BuzzFeed’. She reached new heights of fame as the creator, executive producer, writer, and star of the sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’. The show has won multiple Emmy Awards and has been praised for its heart and humor. Brunson also appeared as a series regular on the first season of ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won an Academy Award for her breakout performance as Minny Jackson in the 2011 film ‘The Help’. She has since received Oscar nominations for her roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Spencer led the psychological horror film ‘Ma’ and portrayed Madam C.J. Walker in the miniseries ‘Self Made’. She is recognized for her ability to bring depth to both supporting and leading roles across various genres.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She portrayed the mutant Storm in several ‘X-Men’ films and starred as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’. Berry has headlined action films like ‘Catwoman’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’. She made her directorial debut in 2020 with the sports drama ‘Bruised’, in which she also starred.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah successfully transitioned from a pioneering hip-hop career to becoming an Academy Award-nominated actress. She starred in the beloved 1990s sitcom ‘Living Single’ and appeared in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Bring Down the House’. Her performance in the musical ‘Chicago’ earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Since 2021, she has starred in and executive produced the reboot of the action series ‘The Equalizer’.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox became a major star in the 1990s with roles in ‘Independence Day’, ‘Set It Off’, and ‘Soul Food’. She played the assassin Vernita Green in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’. Fox has also been a prolific actress in television, appearing in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Empire’. In addition to acting, she has produced numerous projects and remained a frequent presence in reality television and independent films.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith began her career on ‘A Different World’ before starring in films like ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘Set It Off’. She played Niobe in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’, reprising the role in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. Smith starred in the medical drama ‘Hawthorne’ and appeared as Fish Mooney in the series ‘Gotham’. She is also the creator and host of the popular talk show ‘Red Table Talk’.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is best known for her comedic roles, particularly as Pamela James on the 1990s sitcom ‘Martin’. She later starred as the family matriarch Rochelle in the semi-autobiographical comedy ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Arnold has continued her success in television with a leading role in the sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’. Her long career has established her as one of the most recognizable faces in American television comedy.

Tisha Campbell

Tisha Campbell rose to fame starring as Gina Waters-Payne on the sitcom ‘Martin’ alongside Martin Lawrence. She had another long-running success playing Janet ‘Jay’ Marie Johnson-Kyle on ‘My Wife and Kids’. Campbell’s film credits include ‘House Party’ and ‘School Daze’, where she showcased her comedic and musical talents. She has remained active in the industry, appearing in guest roles on various sitcoms and hosting award shows.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood, known mononymously as Brandy, starred in the hit UPN sitcom ‘Moesha’ for six seasons. She made history as the first Black actress to play the titular role in the 1997 television film ‘Cinderella’. Brandy has appeared in films like ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer’ and the series ‘The Game’. Recently, she starred in the musical drama series ‘Queens’ and the 2023 holiday film ‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her career as a child on ‘The Cosby Show’ before becoming a Disney Channel icon. She starred in the supernatural sitcom ‘That’s So Raven’, which was one of the network’s highest-rated programs. She also appeared in ‘The Cheetah Girls’ film franchise and later joined the talk show ‘The View’ as a co-host. In 2017, she returned to her most famous role in the spin-off series ‘Raven’s Home’.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry gained fame alongside her twin sister Tamera in the popular 1990s sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’. She later starred in the comedy-drama series ‘The Game’ as Melanie Barnett and in the Netflix series ‘Family Reunion’. Mowry has also appeared in several television movies and authored books on parenting and cooking. Throughout her career, she has remained a prominent figure in family-oriented entertainment.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry starred with her sister Tia in ‘Sister, Sister’ and the Disney Channel movie ‘Twitches’. She ventured into dramatic television with a role on the medical series ‘Strong Medicine’. Mowry served as a co-host on the daytime talk show ‘The Real’ for seven seasons, winning a Daytime Emmy Award. She continues to act in television films and maintains a strong presence as a lifestyle personality and host.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz has built a diverse career across independent films and major Hollywood blockbusters. She starred in the ‘Divergent’ series and the HBO drama ‘Big Little Lies’, which earned her significant praise. Kravitz took on the iconic role of Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, in the 2022 film ‘The Batman’. She also starred in and executive produced the television adaptation of ‘High Fidelity’.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became a global star playing Michonne on the long-running horror drama ‘The Walking Dead’. She gained further fame as Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, in ‘Black Panther’ and several ‘Avengers’ films. Gurira is also an accomplished playwright, having written the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. She recently reprised her role as Michonne in the spin-off series ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin rose to fame as Diane Johnson on the hit ABC sitcom ‘Black-ish’. At the age of 14, she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history with the film ‘Little’, in which she also starred. Martin has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her work on television. She continues to expand her career as a producer and actress through her own production company, Genius Productions.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi gained recognition playing Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ before headlining her own spin-off series, ‘Grown-ish’. Beyond acting, she is known for her activism and was accepted into Harvard University with a recommendation from Michelle Obama. Shahidi appeared in the film ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ and voiced a character in ‘Smallfoot’. She also portrayed Tinker Bell in the 2023 live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish had a breakout year in 2017 with her scene-stealing performance in the comedy ‘Girls Trip’. She became the first Black female stand-up comedian to host ‘Saturday Night Live’ following the film’s success. Haddish has since starred in ‘Night School’, ‘The Kitchen’, and the mystery series ‘The Afterparty’. She won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for her work ‘Black Mitzvah’ in 2021.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph spent seven years as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where she became known for her versatile impressions. She has appeared in numerous successful films including ‘Bridesmaids’, ’50 First Dates’, and ‘Sisters’. Rudolph has lent her voice to many animated projects, such as ‘Big Mouth’ and ‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’. Currently, she stars in and produces the Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Loot’.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first gained international attention for playing Rue in the 2012 film ‘The Hunger Games’. They have since starred in leading roles in ‘The Hate U Give’, ‘Everything, Everything’, and ‘The Darkest Minds’. Stenberg is also known for their vocal activism on social issues and cultural appropriation. Most recently, they joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as the lead in the series ‘The Acolyte’.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for her debut film role in ‘Dreamgirls’. she has since starred in films like ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘The Secret Life of Bees’. In 2021, she portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biographical drama ‘Respect’, receiving critical acclaim for her vocal and acting performance. Hudson is also a host of her own daytime talk show, ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel gained recognition for creating and starring in the E4 sitcom ‘Chewing Gum’. She reached a global audience with her powerful limited series ‘I May Destroy You’, which earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Writing. Coel appeared in ‘Black Mirror’ and had a role in the blockbuster ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She is celebrated for her unique voice and willingness to tackle difficult subject matter in her work.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner who rose to fame in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. She transitioned to film with roles in ‘Widows’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’. Erivo received two Academy Award nominations for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic ‘Harriet’. She is set to star as Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Mildred Loving in the 2016 historical drama ‘Loving’. She had a major role in the television series ‘Preacher’ as Tulip Hare. Negga also received critical acclaim for her performance in the 2021 film ‘Passing’, directed by Rebecca Hall. Her work in theater has also been highly praised, including a Tony-nominated performance in ‘Macbeth’.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw gained critical acclaim for her leading role in the 2013 period drama ‘Belle’. She has appeared in diverse projects such as the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ and the Disney film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. Mbatha-Raw starred as Ravonna Renslayer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Loki’. She also appeared in the Apple TV+ series ‘The Morning Show’ and the thriller ‘Surface’.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is known for her roles as Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond films ‘Skyfall’, ‘Spectre’, and ‘No Time to Die’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Paula in the 2016 film ‘Moonlight’. Harris appeared in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise as Tia Dalma and starred in the action film ‘Rampage’. Her career is marked by a wide range of roles in both blockbuster and independent cinema.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has had a long career with roles in ‘Beloved’, ‘Mission: Impossible 2’, and the Oscar-winning ‘Crash’. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for her portrayal of the android Maeve Millay in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. Newton appeared in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ as Val, marking a milestone in the franchise’s history. She is also recognized for her philanthropic work and activism regarding human rights.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most respected actresses of her generation, with four Emmy Awards and an Oscar nomination. She has appeared in numerous films, including ‘Passion Fish’, ’12 Years a Slave’, and ‘Clemency’. Her television work includes significant roles in ‘St. Elsewhere’, ‘Desperate Housewives’, and the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’. Woodard is frequently cited as an inspiration by younger generations of Black actresses.

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 played the stepmother Dee Mitchell on the 1990s sitcom ‘Moesha’ for several years. Recently, she has experienced a career resurgence as Barbara Howard on ‘Abbott Elementary’, winning an Emmy for the role. Ralph is also an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and has been active in the industry for over four decades.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is best known for voicing Tiana, the first African American Disney Princess, in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She starred in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’ alongside Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé. Rose has a successful theater career, winning a Tony Award for ‘Caroline, or Change’. Her television credits include recurring roles in ‘The Good Wife’, ‘Power’, and ‘The Quad’.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good began her career as a child actress, notably appearing in the 1997 film ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She became a prominent figure in 2000s cinema with roles in ‘You Got Served’, ‘Think Like a Man’, and ‘Stomp the Yard’. Good starred in the television series ‘Deception’ and the follow-up to ‘Minority Report’. More recently, she joined the DC Extended Universe as the superhero form of Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam!’ and its sequel.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is widely recognized for her role as the sharp-witted attorney Maxine Shaw on the sitcom ‘Living Single’. She previously appeared as Cousin Pam on ‘The Cosby Show’ during its later seasons. Alexander had a notable role in the 2017 horror film ‘Get Out’ and appeared in the 2023 film ‘American Fiction’. She is also a co-founder of the multi-platform media company Color Farm Media.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback gained critical attention for her roles in the television series ‘The Deuce’ and the film ‘The Hate U Give’. She received a BAFTA nomination for her performance as Deborah Johnson in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. In 2023, she starred in the psychological thriller series ‘Swarm’, for which she received an Emmy nomination. Fishback is also a playwright and has been praised for her intense and nuanced performances.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright rose to global fame as Shuri, the brilliant scientist and princess, in the ‘Black Panther’ films. She has appeared in other Marvel Cinematic Universe entries, including ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Wright starred in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Black Museum’ and the film ‘The Silent Twins’. In 2020, she received praise for her role in the ‘Small Axe’ anthology series directed by Steve McQueen.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is a rising star known for her role as Sydney Adamu in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama series ‘The Bear’. She won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for her performance in the show’s second season. Edebiri is also a voice actress, taking over the role of Missy in ‘Big Mouth’ and appearing in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. In 2023, she starred in the teen comedy film ‘Bottoms’.

Share your thoughts in the comments.