The Most Universally Liked African-American Actresses

The contributions of African-American actresses to the world of cinema and television have shaped modern entertainment through groundbreaking performances and historic milestones. From the pioneers of the Golden Age of Hollywood to the powerhouse performers of today, these women have earned critical acclaim and widespread public admiration. Their work spans genres, from intense dramas and high-stakes action to beloved sitcoms and stage productions. This list highlights fifty actresses who have left an indelible mark on the industry through their talent, leadership, and enduring popularity.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is a highly decorated performer who achieved EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She gained massive recognition for her role in the 2011 film ‘The Help’ and won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Fences’. Davis also became the first African-American woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her recent work includes the lead role in the historical epic ‘The Woman King’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is widely respected for her powerful portrayals of strong, real-life figures, most notably Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. She has maintained a prominent presence in Hollywood for decades, appearing in films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’. Bassett joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther’, a role that earned her an Academy Award nomination. She also stars in the television series ‘9-1-1’ and received an honorary Oscar for her career achievements.

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 ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. King has also earned multiple Emmy Awards for her work in ‘American Crime’, ‘Seven Seconds’, and ‘Watchmen’. In addition to acting, she has moved behind the camera to direct projects like the critically acclaimed film ‘One Night in Miami…’.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer became a household name following her Academy Award-winning performance in the 2011 drama ‘The Help’. She is known for her versatility, starring in films ranging from the sci-fi thriller ‘Snowpiercer’ to the biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Spencer received further Oscar nominations for her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She also took on the lead role in the Apple TV+ series ‘Truth Be Told’ and the limited series ‘Self Made’.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is celebrated for her dynamic performances in both film and television, including her breakout role in ‘Baby Boy’. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Queenie in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Henson became a cultural icon for her role as Cookie Lyon in the musical drama series ‘Empire’. She also starred in the hit biographical film ‘Hidden Figures’ and the 2023 musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history as the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Monster’s Ball’. She is well-known for her portrayal of Storm in the ‘X-Men’ film franchise and for her role as Jinx in the James Bond film ‘Die Another Day’. Berry has also starred in ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’, for which she won an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Her career spans action, drama, and thrillers, including her directorial debut in the film ‘Bruised’.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, with a career spanning stand-up comedy, acting, and hosting. She gained international fame for her role as Celie in ‘The Color Purple’ and won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Ghost’. Goldberg became a comedy staple with the ‘Sister Act’ franchise and has voiced characters in animated classics like ‘The Lion King’. Since 2007, she has been a moderator on the daytime talk show ‘The View’.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a legendary figure whose career lasted over seven decades, focusing on the portrayal of strong Black women. She received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Sounder’ and won three Emmy Awards, including two for ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. Tyson was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and an honorary Academy Award. Her later work included recurring roles in ‘House of Cards’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is regarded as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, holding four Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Cross Creek’ and appeared in modern classics like ’12 Years a Slave’. Woodard is also known for her work in ‘Clemency’, where her performance as a prison warden received critical praise. Her television career includes notable roles in ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘Luke Cage’, and ‘See’.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington gained widespread fame for her role as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. Her performance earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and established her as a major television star. In film, she is recognized for her roles in ‘Ray’ and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’. Washington also produced and starred in the limited series ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ and the film ‘American Son’.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is best known for her lead roles in the long-running television comedies ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. Her performance as Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ earned her several NAACP Image Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Ross has also expanded into film with roles in ‘The High Note’ and ‘American Fiction’. She is widely admired for her fashion influence and her work as an advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her YouTube series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ before creating and starring in the HBO hit ‘Insecure’. Her work on the series earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and solidified her as a leading creative voice. Rae has since starred in films such as ‘The Lovebirds’, ‘The Photograph’, and the blockbuster ‘Barbie’. She also manages her own media company, Hoorae, which focuses on diverse storytelling.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a child star on Disney Channel before transitioning into major film and television roles. She became the youngest person to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series twice for her role in ‘Euphoria’. Zendaya also stars as MJ in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and has a leading role in the ‘Dune’ film series. Her performance in the sports drama ‘Challengers’ further established her as a premier leading actress.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o rose to international stardom after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her debut film role in ’12 Years a Slave’. She is a prominent figure in the ‘Black Panther’ franchise, playing the character Nakia. Nyong’o also received critical acclaim for her dual performance in the horror film ‘Us’ and starred in the thriller ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’. She is also an author and an advocate for the preservation of African culture.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is an actress and playwright who gained global recognition for her role as Michonne on ‘The Walking Dead’. She reached further heights in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, in ‘Black Panther’. Gurira is also a Tony-nominated playwright, known for her work on the stage play ‘Eclipsed’. Her career balance between high-profile action roles and serious theatrical work has made her a respected figure in the industry.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is a versatile actress who first gained fame for her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She has since starred in successful comedies such as ‘The Best Man’ series and the hit film ‘Girls Trip’. Hall received critical acclaim for her performance in the independent film ‘Support the Girls’, for which she won a New York Film Critics Circle Award. She also stars in the television series ‘Black Monday’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a multi-talented artist who transitioned from a successful hip-hop career to becoming an Oscar-nominated actress. She received critical acclaim for her role as Matron Mama Morton in the musical ‘Chicago’. Latifah starred in the popular sitcom ‘Living Single’ and has led films like ‘Last Holiday’ and ‘Bring Down the House’. She currently stars in and executive produces the crime drama series ‘The Equalizer’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a singer, songwriter, and actress who successfully transitioned into film with standout roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’. She took on a leading role in the psychological horror film ‘Antebellum’ and starred in the mystery ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe is known for her unique aesthetic and her ability to tackle complex, socially relevant characters. Her work consistently receives praise for its artistic depth and cultural impact.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a British actress known for her diverse range of roles in both independent and blockbuster films. She gained international attention for her role as Eve Moneypenny in the James Bond films starting with ‘Skyfall’. Harris received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in the Best Picture winner ‘Moonlight’. Her filmography also includes ’28 Days Later’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, and the biographical film ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has had a prolific career in both British and American cinema, starring in films such as ‘Beloved’ and ‘Mission: Impossible 2’. She won a BAFTA Award for her performance in the drama ‘Crash’ and gained widespread acclaim for her role as Maeve Millay in ‘Westworld’. Her work on the sci-fi series earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Newton is also recognized for her roles in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ and the procedural ‘Line of Duty’.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who gained fame on Broadway in the revival of ‘The Color Purple’, for which she won a Tony Award. She successfully moved into film with roles in ‘Widows’ and ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’. Erivo received two Academy Award nominations for ‘Harriet’, both for her leading performance and for the film’s original song. She was also cast as Elphaba in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a British actress who gained critical acclaim for her leading role in the period drama ‘Belle’. she also starred in the romantic drama ‘Beyond the Lights’ and the ‘San Junipero’ episode of the anthology series ‘Black Mirror’. Her film work includes roles in ‘Concussion’, ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’, and ‘Misbehaviour’. Mbatha-Raw currently stars as Ravonna Renslayer in the Disney+ series ‘Loki’ and the thriller series ‘The Girl Before’.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Academy Award for her film debut in ‘Dreamgirls’. She has since starred in movies such as ‘Sex and the City’, ‘The Secret Life of Bees’, and ‘Chi-Raq’. Hudson won a Daytime Emmy for ‘Baba Yaga’ and a Tony as a producer for ‘A Strange Loop’, making her an EGOT recipient. She also portrayed Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biographical film ‘Respect’ and hosts her own daytime talk show.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is a beloved comedic actress best known for her role as Pamela James on the hit sitcom ‘Martin’. She further solidified her television legacy playing the matriarch Rochelle in the semi-autobiographical series ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Arnold has also appeared in various films and currently stars in the CBS comedy ‘The Neighborhood’. Her long-standing career in television comedy has made her a familiar and respected face in entertainment.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her iconic portrayal of Maxine Shaw on the 1990s sitcom ‘Living Single’. Her career began with a role in the film ‘The Long Walk Home’ and a recurring part on ‘The Cosby Show’. In recent years, she appeared in the critically acclaimed horror film ‘Get Out’ and the drama ‘American Fiction’. Alexander is also an activist and co-founder of Color Farm Media, which focuses on diverse content.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise is known for her intense and emotional performances in films such as ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Beloved’. She received widespread acclaim for her leading role in ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and starred alongside Denzel Washington in ‘John Q’ and ‘The Manchurian Candidate’. Elise has also had a successful television career, starring in the series ‘Close to Home’ and ‘Hit the Floor’. Her work is frequently recognized for its depth and authenticity.

Nia Long

Nia Long became a prominent figure in the 1990s with roles in classic films like ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘Friday’, and ‘Love Jones’. She starred in ‘The Best Man’ franchise and the ‘Big Momma’s House’ films. Long’s television credits include ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, ‘Third Watch’, and ‘Empire’. She remains a popular and consistent presence in the industry, recently appearing in ‘You People’ and the series ‘The Best Man: The Final Chapters’.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union began her career with supporting roles in teen films like ’10 Things I Hate About You’ before her breakout in ‘Bring It On’. She has since led numerous films, including ‘Deliver Us from Eva’, ‘Bad Boys II’, and ‘Think Like a Man’. Union starred in the hit drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ for several seasons and the action series ‘L.A.’s Finest’. She is also a best-selling author and a vocal advocate for women’s rights and health.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is recognized for her roles in beloved romantic dramas such as ‘Love & Basketball’ and ‘The Wood’. She provided the voice for Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’ and ‘Family Guy’ for many years. Lathan received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and later starred in the film version. Her recent work includes the film ‘Nappily Ever After’ and a recurring role in the series ‘Succession’.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson is best known for her long-running role as Dr. Miranda Bailey on the medical drama series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She has played the character since the show’s inception in 2005 and has received multiple Emmy Award nominations for her performance. Wilson also directs episodes of the series and has appeared in ‘Private Practice’ and ‘Station 19’ in the same role. Before her television success, she was a prolific stage actress in New York.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson is widely recognized for her role as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on ‘Law & Order’, a character she played for seventeen seasons. She won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in the television film ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Merkerson currently stars as Sharon Goodwin in the drama series ‘Chicago Med’. Her career spans decades of theater, film, and television, earning her a reputation as a versatile and steady performer.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a veteran actress known for her authoritative and nuanced roles in television and film. She received multiple Emmy nominations for her work on ‘The Shield’ as Detective Claudette Wyms and for her role in ‘ER’. Pounder has appeared in blockbuster films like ‘Avatar’ as Mo’at and starred in ‘NCIS: New Orleans’. Her voice work is also well-known, particularly as Amanda Waller in various DC animated projects.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is a prolific actress who originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls’. She is widely known for her film roles in ‘Waiting to Exhale’, ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, and ‘For Colored Girls’. Devine won a Primetime Emmy Award for her recurring role as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She has also starred in the sitcoms ‘The Carmichael Show’ and ‘Family Reunion’.

Jenifer Lewis

Jenifer Lewis is often referred to as the “Mother of Black Hollywood” due to her many roles playing matriarchs in films like ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. She starred as Ruby Johnson in the hit sitcom ‘Black-ish’, earning critical praise for her comedic timing. Lewis has a long history in musical theater and provided the voice for Mama Odie in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She is also an author and an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-talented actress, dancer, and director who rose to fame starring in the television series ‘Fame’. She has received multiple Emmy Awards for her choreography and has been a major creative force behind the scenes as a director and producer. Allen has a recurring role as Dr. Catherine Fox on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and also serves as an executive producer on the show. She is a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors for her contributions to the arts.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashad became a cultural icon for her portrayal of Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’, earning her the title of “The Mother of the Community.” She was the first African-American actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Rashad has appeared in the ‘Creed’ film franchise and the series ‘Empire’. She also served as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a legendary performer known for her distinctive voice and versatile career in music, film, and television. She is famously remembered for her role as Catwoman in the 1960s ‘Batman’ television series. Kitt’s career included success on Broadway and in films such as ‘St. Louis Blues’ and ‘Anna Lucasta’. She later found new fans voicing the villain Yzma in Disney’s ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was a pioneer who became the first African-American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She earned the nomination for her performance in the 1954 musical film ‘Carmen Jones’. Dandridge was also a successful singer and headlined major nightclubs across the world. Her life and career paved the way for future generations of Black actresses in Hollywood.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African-American person to win an Academy Award, receiving the Best Supporting Actress trophy for ‘Gone with the Wind’. She was a prolific actress who appeared in over 300 films, although she was often uncredited. McDaniel was also a talented singer and a radio performer, becoming the first Black woman to sing on radio in the United States. Her legacy remains a significant chapter in the history of American cinema.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became the face of the blaxploitation film genre in the 1970s with starring roles in ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. She experienced a career resurgence when she starred in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown’, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. Grier also appeared in the television series ‘The L Word’ and ‘Smallville’. She is widely regarded as one of the first female action stars in cinema history.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’, earning a Tony Award nomination. She had a long-standing role as Dee Mitchell on the sitcom ‘Moesha’ and appeared in films like ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’. Ralph won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2022 for her role as Barbara Howard in the comedy series ‘Abbott Elementary’. Her career has spanned over four decades in theater, film, and television.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash first gained fame for her comedic work on the style show ‘Clean House’ and the series ‘Reno 911!’. She transitioned into dramatic roles with acclaimed performances in ‘Getting On’ and ‘When They See Us’. Nash won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She also leads the police procedural ‘The Rookie: Feds’ and starred in the series ‘Claws’.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba rose to prominence for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She won two Emmy Awards for the role, becoming one of the few actors to win in both the comedy and drama categories for the same character. Aduba also won an Emmy for her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the limited series ‘Mrs. America’. She has since starred in the series ‘In Treatment’ and the film ‘Origin’.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks gained recognition for her role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson on the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She received a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. Brooks reprised the role of Sofia in the 2023 film adaptation, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also stars in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’ as Leota Adebayo.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph first gained attention for her Tony-nominated performance in the Broadway musical ‘Ghost’. She appeared in films such as ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and ‘The Lost City’ before her massive success in ‘The Holdovers’. Her performance as Mary Lamb in ‘The Holdovers’ earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2024. Randolph also has a recurring role on the mystery-comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris had her breakout role as Dawn Chambers in the acclaimed drama series ‘Mad Men’. She went on to star in the independent film ‘Chi-Raq’ and the 2021 horror film ‘Candyman’. Parris joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau, first appearing in the series ‘Wandavision’ and later in the film ‘The Marvels’. She also starred in the satirical science fiction film ‘They Cloned Tyrone’.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson first gained popularity through her self-produced viral videos and her work at BuzzFeed. She created, writes, and stars in the hit ABC mockumentary ‘Abbott Elementary’ as Janine Teagues. Brunson has won multiple Emmy Awards for the show, including Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her work has been credited with revitalizing the network sitcom format for a modern audience.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a legendary figure in American theater, holding a record-breaking six Tony Awards. She is the only person to win a Tony in all four acting categories. Outside of theater, she is known for her role as Dr. Naomi Bennett on ‘Private Practice’ and Liz Lawrence on ‘The Good Fight’. McDonald also starred as Madame de Garderobe in the live-action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and portrayed Aretha Franklin’s mother in ‘Respect’.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose won a Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical ‘Caroline, or Change’. She is widely recognized as the voice of Tiana, Disney’s first African-American princess, in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. Rose also starred in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’ and the television series ‘The Good Wife’ and ‘Power’. Her career consistently bridges the gap between major film roles and prestigious stage work.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was an esteemed actress and civil rights activist whose career spanned over sixty years. She is perhaps best known for her role as Ruth Younger in both the stage and film versions of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. At the age of 83, she received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘American Gangster’. Dee was a recipient of the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Awards, as well as the National Medal of Arts.

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