Most Famous Black Actresses of All Time

Black actresses have shaped film, television, and theatre across generations, opening doors through historic firsts and unforgettable performances. From early trailblazers who broke barriers in Hollywood’s studio era to today’s global headliners, their work spans drama, comedy, action, and everything in between.

This list brings together 50 performers whose careers made a lasting cultural impact. You’ll find Oscar, Emmy, and Tony winners; sitcom icons; action stars; stage powerhouses; and multi-hyphenates who built enduring careers in front of the camera and behind it.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel became the first Black performer to win an Academy Award for acting, recognized for supporting work that redefined visibility during the studio era. She also forged a parallel career in radio and on stage, sustaining a prolific output despite segregated casting practices.

Her screen credits stretch across dozens of films, including appearances in ‘Gone with the Wind’, ‘Show Boat’, and ‘Saratoga’. She later headlined the radio comedy ‘The Beulah Show’, which moved to television and broadened her reach with weekly audiences.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge earned trailblazing leading-lady status and became one of the first Black actresses nominated for a Best Actress Oscar. She balanced musical performances with dramatic roles that expanded what major studios would finance and promote.

Her standout titles include ‘Carmen Jones’ and ‘Porgy and Bess’. Additional film work such as ‘Island in the Sun’ and ‘Bright Road’ helped establish a template for Black female stardom in mid-century Hollywood.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson built a celebrated body of work centered on complex, dignified portrayals that influenced casting and storytelling for decades. She earned multiple Emmys, a Tony Award, and an honorary Academy Award recognizing her lifetime achievements.

Key projects include ‘Sounder’, ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’, and ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’. She also delivered memorable later-career turns in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and acclaimed Broadway revivals.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll broke ground as one of the first Black women to lead a network sitcom and later moved fluidly between stage and prime-time drama. She added a Tony Award to a résumé that included film, television, and concert performance.

Notable work includes ‘Julia’, ‘Dynasty’, and ‘Claudine’. Earlier credits such as ‘Paris Blues’ and ‘Carmen Jones’ underscore her long relationship with music-driven storytelling.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier emerged as a pioneering action headliner whose roles opened space for Black women in genre cinema. She later transitioned into prestige film and television, sustaining her influence across decades.

Signature titles include ‘Coffy’, ‘Foxy Brown’, and ‘Jackie Brown’. On television, she joined ensembles in ‘The L Word’ and appeared in projects like ‘Escape from L.A.’ that extended her action legacy.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg achieved EGOT status with major awards across film, television, stage, and recording. She built a parallel career as a television host and producer, shaping daytime conversation for years.

Her acting highlights include ‘The Color Purple’, ‘Ghost’, and ‘Sister Act’. Notable television work spans ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, ‘The View’, and appearances on ‘Glee’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is known for powerful biographical and dramatic performances supported by multiple Academy and Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win. She has anchored film franchises and headlined network television.

Her film and TV work includes ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’, ‘Black Panther’, and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’. She also stars in ‘9-1-1’ and appeared in ‘American Horror Story’ in recurring roles.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress and has led projects in drama, action, and science fiction. She has also directed, adding behind-the-camera credits to a long feature career.

Her work includes ‘Monster’s Ball’, ‘Die Another Day’, and ‘X-Men’. Additional roles in ‘Gothika’, ‘Catwoman’, and ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ demonstrate range across studio genres.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is an EGOT recipient whose stage and screen performances are widely studied for depth and precision. She has also produced films and series that center underrepresented perspectives.

Her credits include ‘Fences’, ‘The Help’, and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’. On television, she led ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and expanded into franchise storytelling with projects like ‘The Woman King’.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is an Academy Award winner whose supporting and leading roles span historical dramas, thrillers, and fantasy. She has also produced television series and limited-series biographies.

Her performances include ‘The Help’, ‘Hidden Figures’, and ‘The Shape of Water’. On television, she headlined ‘Truth Be Told’ and starred in ‘Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker’.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won an Academy Award early in her film career and has since navigated independent cinema, blockbusters, and voice performance. She maintains a strong connection to stage work and global storytelling.

Her titles include ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘Us’, and ‘Black Panther’. Additional voice and motion-capture roles include ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and ‘The Jungle Book’.

Regina King

Regina King is an Academy Award and multiple Emmy winner whose career spans child acting, prestige television, and feature directing. She has also produced projects that highlight contemporary American narratives.

Her notable work includes ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, ‘Watchmen’, and ‘American Crime’. Earlier roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Jerry Maguire’ broadened her film profile.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner recognized for balancing drama, comedy, and music-industry stories. She has produced films and television across studio and streaming platforms.

Her credits include ‘Hustle & Flow’, ‘Hidden Figures’, and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She led ‘Empire’ and appeared in ‘Person of Interest’ in a pivotal procedural role.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became a major television lead while continuing a steady film career and producing through her company. She has fronted legal, political, and family dramas across formats.

Her work includes ‘Scandal’, ‘Little Fires Everywhere’, and ‘Confirmation’. Film roles include ‘Ray’, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘The Last King of Scotland’.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union built long-running success across teen comedies, romantic dramas, and action ensembles, later expanding into producing and authorship. She has supported emerging creators through development deals.

Her screen appearances include ‘Bring It On’, ‘Bad Boys II’, and ‘Think Like a Man’. She led ‘Being Mary Jane’ and co-starred in ‘L.A.’s Finest’, extending her action credentials to television.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is among the highest-grossing actresses worldwide through leadership in science-fiction and action franchises. She splits time between franchise work and character-driven dramas.

Her credits include ‘Avatar’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, and ‘Star Trek’. She also starred in ‘Colombiana’ and the limited series ‘From Scratch’.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has earned BAFTA and Emmy recognition for layered performances across film and television. She frequently chooses roles that interrogate power structures and identity.

Major projects include ‘Crash’, ‘Mission: Impossible 2’, and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. On television, she won an Emmy for ‘Westworld’ and appeared in ‘Line of Duty’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson moves between indie dramas and global franchises and has produced select projects with frequent collaborators. She often champions innovative release models and underrepresented storytellers.

Her credits include ‘Creed’, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, and ‘Men in Black: International’. She starred in ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Westworld’, expanding her sci-fi profile on television.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is both an acclaimed actress and an award-winning playwright, bringing literary sensibilities to screen roles. Her work spans apocalyptic drama and superhero ensembles.

Her acting includes ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Black Panther’. As a playwright, she wrote ‘Eclipsed’, and additional screen work includes ‘All Eyez on Me’.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright gained international attention through a breakout franchise role and has built a résumé in anthology and biographical drama. She frequently chooses character-centric projects outside franchise work.

Her credits include ‘Black Panther’, ‘Small Axe’, and ‘The Silent Twins’. Additional television appearances include ‘Black Mirror’ and a supporting role in ‘Ready Player One’.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has worked across film, television, and animation while producing unscripted conversation formats. She has navigated action, thriller, and comedy projects over multiple decades.

Her roles include ‘Set It Off’, ‘The Matrix Reloaded’, and ‘Collateral’. She voiced Gloria in ‘Madagascar’ and hosted the talk series ‘Red Table Talk’.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is an Oscar-nominated actress and Grammy-winning recording artist who successfully transitioned into leading film and television roles. She has also produced projects across comedy, drama, and action.

Her performances include ‘Chicago’, ‘Set It Off’, and ‘Girls Trip’. On television, she led ‘Living Single’ and currently stars as Robyn McCall in ‘The Equalizer’.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly decorated actress with multiple Emmys and an Oscar nomination, known for exacting character work in film and television. She has also directed and produced, supporting equity initiatives in the industry.

Her credits include ‘Cross Creek’, ‘Miss Evers’ Boys’, and ’12 Years a Slave’. Television roles span ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘Luke Cage’, and ‘See’, reflecting range across networks and streamers.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan balances film, television, stage, and voice work, with recent directing credits expanding her portfolio. She has sustained leading roles in romance, sports drama, and ensemble comedy.

Her notable titles include ‘Love & Basketball’, ‘Brown Sugar’, and ‘The Best Man’. She headlined ‘Nappily Ever After’ and voices Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’.

Nia Long

Nia Long built a career that bridges coming-of-age dramas, ensemble comedies, and television procedurals. She continues to alternate between film franchises and limited-series thrillers.

Her work includes ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘The Best Man’, and ‘Love Jones’. Television roles include ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, ‘Empire’, and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is an EGOT winner recognized for achievements in film, television, stage, and music. She has combined recording success with screen roles and hosting duties.

Her film debut in ‘Dreamgirls’ earned major awards and launched a screen career that includes ‘Respect’ and ‘The Secret Life of Bees’. She also hosts ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ and mentors performers on competition series.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is a Tony-winning stage star and prominent film and voice actress. She has contributed to landmark musical films and sustained a presence in television drama.

Her credits include voicing Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ and appearing in ‘Dreamgirls’. Television roles include ‘Power’, along with appearances in ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘The Quad’.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is an Academy Award nominee whose work spans independent film, studio releases, and limited series. She also produces projects that center historical figures and communities.

Her credits include ‘King Richard’, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and ‘The Help’. On television she appeared in ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashād is a Tony-winning actress with landmark television roles and a deep stage résumé, including leadership in academic theatre. She remains closely associated with American family sitcom history and contemporary prestige drama.

Her best-known television work includes ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘This Is Us’. Her Tony Award was for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’, and film credits include ‘Creed’ and ‘For Colored Girls’.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is a decorated television mainstay with Emmy and Golden Globe wins, widely identified with long-running procedural leadership. She has also anchored acclaimed cable movies.

She portrayed Lt. Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’ across seasons 4–20, appearing in hundreds of episodes that helped define the series’ ensemble. Additional work includes ‘Lackawanna Blues’ and a continuing role on ‘Chicago Med’.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a Golden Globe winner with leading roles in television comedy and a parallel career as a producer and entrepreneur. She has hosted major live events and launched consumer ventures in beauty.

Her credits include ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘black-ish’. Feature work includes ‘The High Note’ and appearances in ‘The Affair’.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae is an Emmy-nominated creator-actor who scaled from digital series to premium television and feature films. She oversees production and music ventures that incubate new voices.

Her credits include ‘Insecure’, ‘Rap Sh!t’, and ‘The Lovebirds’. She also voiced roles in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ and appeared in ‘Barbie’.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is an actress and producer who moved from child roles to leading television parts while founding a youth-focused production banner. She also engages in educational initiatives alongside screen work.

Her credits include ‘black-ish’ and ‘grown-ish’. Film and voice roles include ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ and ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer is an Emmy winner whose career spans child stardom, hosting, and adult leading roles in film and television. She also records music and produces projects across platforms.

Her credits include ‘Akeelah and the Bee’, ‘Hustlers’, and ‘Nope’. Television work includes ‘Scream Queens’, ‘True Jackson, VP’, and hosting duties on ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Zendaya

Zendaya is an Emmy-winning actress and producer with prominent roles in television, musical features, and global franchises. She transitioned from youth programming into auteur-driven cinema.

Her credits include ‘Euphoria’, ‘Dune’, and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. Additional film work includes ‘The Greatest Showman’ and ‘Challengers’.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid has built a fast-rising career through roles in major films and prestige television. She has earned awards recognition for supporting turns in genre and drama.

Her appearances include ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, ‘The Suicide Squad’, and ‘Missing’. On television, she has roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The Last of Us’.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel is an Emmy-winning writer-actor noted for formally inventive television and feature performances. She develops and stars in projects that examine consent, creativity, and identity.

Her credits include ‘I May Destroy You’ and ‘Chewing Gum’. Film appearances include ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and the musical romance ‘Been So Long’.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is an Academy Award nominee with work spanning intimate drama and large-scale franchises. She trained in theatre and appears in both British and American productions.

Her credits include ‘Moonlight’, ‘Skyfall’, and ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. Additional titles include ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’ and ’28 Days Later’.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw works across British and American film and television, including period pieces and science fiction. She has also starred on stage in classical and contemporary plays.

Her credits include ‘Belle’, ‘Beyond the Lights’, and ‘The Morning Show’. Additional appearances include ‘Doctor Who’, ‘Black Mirror’, and ‘Loki’.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is a multiple Emmy winner whose roles in limited series and ensemble dramedy earned broad recognition. She also appears on stage in musical and straight plays.

Her credits include ‘Orange Is the New Black’, ‘Mrs. America’, and ‘Painkiller’. Additional work includes ‘National Champions’ and voice roles in ‘Steven Universe’.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback is known for layered performances in film and television, often blending social realism with genre elements. She writes and performs spoken-word pieces that inform character choices.

Her work includes ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, ‘The Hate U Give’, and ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. She also led the limited series ‘Swarm’.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall has built a career across broad comedy and grounded dramas while also producing and hosting major events. She frequently anchors ensemble casts with sharp timing.

Her credits include ‘Scary Movie’, ‘Girls Trip’, and ‘Support the Girls’. Television work includes ‘Black Monday’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique is an Academy Award-winning actress and stand-up comedian with roles in film and television. She has headlined specials and hosted talk formats alongside narrative work.

Her credits include ‘Precious’, ‘Phat Girlz’, and ‘The Parkers’. Additional appearances include ‘Bessie’ and ‘Almost Christmas’.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné transitioned from child performer to leading television star and producer, maintaining a long-running relationship with family comedy. She has also released music and appeared in talk formats.

Her credits include ‘The Cosby Show’, ‘That’s So Raven’, and ‘Raven’s Home’. She co-hosted ‘The View’ and appeared in the ‘Cheetah Girls’ franchise.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is a sitcom mainstay and singer with long-running roles across network television. She has also performed on stage in comedies and musicals.

Her credits include ‘Martin’, ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, and ‘The Neighborhood’. Additional appearances include ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ and ‘One on One’.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali began as a child actress and continued into adult roles in film and television while recording music. She has maintained a presence in reunion projects and cable features.

Her known credits include ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Love That Girl!’. Additional appearances include ‘Jawbreaker’ and ‘Glory Road’.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is an Emmy-winning actress and host with acclaimed dramatic and comedic roles. She has anchored reality and competition formats in addition to scripted work.

Her credits include ‘Reno 911!’, ‘Claws’, and ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She also appeared in ‘Selma’ and ‘When They See Us’.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett moved from child actor to leading film and television roles, earning major nominations along the way. She often chooses projects that blend genre storytelling with social themes.

Her credits include ‘Eve’s Bayou’, ‘Birds of Prey’, and ‘Underground’. She also starred in ‘Lovecraft Country’ and appeared in ‘True Blood’.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is a Tony winner and Emmy nominee with achievements in stage musicals and television ensembles. She has brought powerhouse vocals and dramatic presence to both mediums.

Her credits include ‘The Color Purple’, ‘Orange Is the New Black’, and ‘Peacemaker’. Additional appearances include ‘Clemency’ and ‘Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia’.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield is an Emmy-winning actress whose breakout portrayal of Josephine Baker cemented her reputation for commanding lead roles. She trained in theatre and built early credits in prestige television before expanding into features.

Her notable roles include ‘The Josephine Baker Story’, ‘Eve’s Bayou’, and ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’, followed by a signature turn as Lady Mae Greenleaf in ‘Greenleaf’. Additional work includes ‘The Women of Brewster Place’ and a range of cable dramas and limited series.

Share the names and performances you’d add to this list in the comments!