The Tallest African-American Actresses in Hollywood

Tall actresses have long commanded a significant presence in Hollywood, breaking traditional casting molds and bringing a unique physicality to their roles. This list highlights African-American actresses who have made their mark on the screen while standing significantly above average height. From professional athletes turned performers to award-winning stars of film and television, these women represent a diverse range of talent. The following entries are ordered by height to showcase the most prominent tall figures in the entertainment industry.

Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie is a retired professional basketball player who successfully transitioned into various acting roles in film and television. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, she often utilizes her height in both comedic and athletic capacities on screen. She appeared in the 2012 romantic comedy ‘Think Like a Man’ and the 2018 sports comedy ‘Uncle Drew’. Her television credits include guest appearances on popular sitcoms such as ‘Sister, Sister’ and ‘The Game’.

Venus Williams

While primarily recognized for her legendary tennis career, Venus Williams has established several acting credits in major Hollywood productions. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall, she has appeared as herself and in scripted roles in shows like ‘New Girl’ and ‘The Simpsons’. In 2022, she made a notable cameo in the mystery film ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Her commanding physical presence is a hallmark of both her sporting and on-screen appearances.

Aisha Tyler

Aisha Tyler is a prolific actress, director, and comedian known for her extensive work in television. At 6 feet tall, she stands out in roles such as Dr. Charlie Wheeler in ‘Friends’ and Andrea Marino in ‘Ghost Whisperer’. She is also widely recognized for voicing Lana Kane in the long-running animated series ‘Archer’. Her height has often been a topic of discussion in her stand-up comedy and talk show hosting duties.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones gained international fame as a cast member and writer on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Standing 6 feet tall, she brought a high-energy physical comedy style to the 2016 reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’. She also starred in the 2021 sequel ‘Coming 2 America’ as Mary Junson. Beyond film, she has hosted various award shows and appeared in numerous television specials.

Macy Gray

Macy Gray is an R&B singer and actress who has appeared in several high-profile films since the early 2000s. Standing 6 feet tall, she made her film debut in the award-winning drama ‘Training Day’. She also appeared as herself in ‘Spider-Man’ and took on a role in the musical film ‘Idlewild’. Her unique voice and stature have made her a distinctive presence in the entertainment industry.

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams is a former media personality and actress who has appeared in several film and television projects. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, she played the role of Gail in the 2012 film ‘Think Like a Man’. She also appeared in the 2004 comedy ‘The Cookout’ and provided voice work for the animated series ‘Worldgirl’. Her height and personality were central to her long career in broadcast media.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama has appeared in several scripted television programs, often playing herself to promote various social initiatives. Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, she made a guest appearance on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’ during its sixth season. She also appeared in the series finale of the comedy ‘Black-ish’. Her presence on screen typically focuses on her real-world role as a public figure and advocate.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks transitioned from a world-renowned supermodel to a successful actress and television producer. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, she starred in the cult classic film ‘Coyote Ugly’ and the Disney movie ‘Life-Size’. She also had a recurring role as Jackie Ames on the sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Banks later became a household name as the creator and host of ‘America’s Next Top Model’.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is an Academy Award-nominated actress and musician with a career spanning decades. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, she gained critical acclaim for her role as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton in the musical ‘Chicago’. She has led numerous films including the action drama ‘Set It Off’ and the comedy ‘Last Holiday’. Currently, she stars in the television series ‘The Equalizer’.

Zendaya

Zendaya has become one of the most prominent actresses of her generation through roles in major film franchises and television dramas. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, she plays Chani in the ‘Dune’ film series and MJ in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy. She won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Her height is frequently noted during her high-fashion red carpet appearances.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion is a Grammy-winning rapper who has expanded her career into acting. Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall, she made a guest appearance as herself in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’. She also appeared in the 2023 musical comedy ‘Dicks: The Musical’. Her stature and stage presence have become integral parts of her public persona.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on ‘American Idol’ before winning an Oscar for her debut film role. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she portrayed Effie White in the musical ‘Dreamgirls’. She later played the title role in the Aretha Franklin biopic ‘Respect’. In addition to her film work, she has starred on Broadway and hosts her own daytime talk show.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige is a legendary singer who has earned critical respect as a dramatic actress. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 2017 film ‘Mudbound’. She currently stars as Monet Tejada in the television series ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. Her transition into acting has been marked by several powerful performances in both film and television.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique is a comedian and actress who reached a career pinnacle with her role in the 2009 film ‘Precious’. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. Earlier in her career, she starred in the popular UPN sitcom ‘The Parkers’. She continues to work in film and recently returned to stand-up comedy specials.

Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson made history as a supermodel before taking on various acting roles in Hollywood. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she appeared in films such as ‘Ashanti’ and ‘The Meteor Man’. Her television credits include guest roles on ‘Martin’ and ‘Law & Order’. She remains a significant figure in the history of both fashion and entertainment.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a tennis icon who has frequently appeared in films and television shows throughout her career. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she had a cameo in the 2015 film ‘Pixels’ and appeared in ‘Ocean’s Eight’. She has also provided voice work for ‘The Legend of Korra’. Her on-screen roles often play on her status as one of the greatest athletes in history.

Toccara Jones

Toccara Jones first gained public attention as a contestant on ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she has since appeared in various television projects and films. She had a role in the 2012 film ‘Think Like a Man’ and has appeared in several reality television series. Her height helped her establish a successful career in plus-size modeling alongside her acting work.

Tamara Tunie

Tamara Tunie is widely recognized for her long-standing role on the procedural drama ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she played Medical Examiner Melinda Warner for many seasons. Her film work includes roles in ‘Flight’ alongside Denzel Washington and the musical biopic ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’. She is also an accomplished stage actress with numerous Broadway credits.

Lorraine Toussaint

Lorraine Toussaint is a versatile actress known for her commanding performances in television and film. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she gained widespread recognition for her role as Yvonne ‘Vee’ Parker in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She appeared in the historical drama ‘Selma’ and the television series ‘The Village’. Toussaint has maintained a steady career in the industry for over three decades.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is an Academy Award-nominated actress with a diverse body of work. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she received critical acclaim for her role as Oracene ‘Brandy’ Price in ‘King Richard’. Her television work includes a prominent role in the HBO series ‘Lovecraft Country’. She also appeared in the miniseries ‘When They See Us’ and the 2023 film ‘The Color Purple’.

Michael Michele

Michael Michele is an actress known for her roles in high-profile television dramas and films. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she played Dr. Cleo Finch on the long-running series ‘ER’. Her film credits include the romantic comedy ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ and the biographical drama ‘Ali’. She also appeared in the reboot of the soap opera ‘Dynasty’.

Lela Rochon

Lela Rochon became a household name in the mid-1990s with her breakout role in ‘Waiting to Exhale’. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she portrayed Robin Stokes in the popular drama. She also appeared in the sports film ‘Any Given Sunday’ and the action movie ‘Knock Off’. Rochon has remained a recognizable figure in Hollywood through her work in both movies and television.

Cynthia Kaye McWilliams

Cynthia Kaye McWilliams is an actress known for her work in television dramas and voice acting. Standing 5 feet 9 inches tall, she appeared in the series ‘The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey’ and ‘Bosch’. She has also provided voices for various animated projects and video games. Her television career includes recurring roles in shows like ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier is a legendary actress who became an icon of the 1970s blaxploitation genre. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she starred in influential films like ‘Foxy Brown’ and ‘Coffy’. She experienced a career resurgence in the late 1990s with the title role in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown’. Her height and physical presence helped define the strong female archetypes she portrayed.

Nicole Ari Parker

Nicole Ari Parker is an actress known for her work in film and long-running television series. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she starred as Teri Joseph in the drama series ‘Soul Food’. Her film credits include roles in ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Remember the Titans’. More recently, she joined the cast of the ‘Sex and the City’ revival, ‘And Just Like That…’.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a Tony-nominated actress and singer who has enjoyed a long career in entertainment. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she currently stars as Barbara Howard in the hit comedy ‘Abbott Elementary’. Her previous work includes the film ‘Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit’ and the television series ‘Moesha’. She originated the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’.

Joy Bryant

Joy Bryant is an actress and former fashion model who transitioned into film in the early 2000s. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she is best known for her role as Jasmine Trussell in the drama series ‘Parenthood’. Her film credits include ‘Antwone Fisher’, ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin”, and ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’. She has also appeared in several television series, including ‘For Life’.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was one of the best-selling music artists of all time who also found major success as an actress. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she made her film debut in the massive hit ‘The Bodyguard’. She also starred in ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ during the 1990s. Her final film role was in the 2012 musical drama ‘Sparkle’.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais is an actress and television personality who first gained fame on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she played Francesca ‘Fancy’ Monroe on the sitcom for five seasons. Her film work includes ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. She is also known to modern audiences as a cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’.

Dola Rashad

Condola Rashad is an actress known for her acclaimed work on both the stage and screen. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she plays Kate Sacker in the drama series ‘Billions’. She has received multiple Tony Award nominations for her performances in Broadway plays like ‘Saint Joan’ and ‘Stick Fly’. Her film credits include the 2012 television movie ‘Steel Magnolias’.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland is a singer and actress who rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she has appeared in films such as the horror movie ‘Freddy vs. Jason’. More recently, she starred in the Netflix film ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ and the legal thriller ‘Mea Culpa’. She has also served as a judge on various international versions of ‘The X Factor’.

Yaya DaCosta

Yaya DaCosta is an actress and model who first appeared on ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she transitioned into a successful acting career with a major role in ‘Chicago Med’. She also starred as Whitney Houston in the television biopic ‘Whitney’ and appeared in the film ‘The Butler’. Her work spans various genres in both television and independent film.

Penny Johnson Jerald

Penny Johnson Jerald is a veteran actress known for her prominent roles in science fiction and drama. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, she played Sherry Palmer on the thriller series ’24’. She currently stars as Dr. Claire Finn in the series ‘The Orville’. Her career also includes a significant role on ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ as Kasidy Yates.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is an actress and author known for her roles in iconic teen comedies and television dramas. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she had her breakout role in the cheerleading film ‘Bring It On’. She later starred in the series ‘Being Mary Jane’ and the action show ‘L.A.’s Finest’. Union has also been a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion in the film industry.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is an actress and director best known for her leading roles in popular television sitcoms. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she played Joan Clayton in ‘Girlfriends’ and Dr. Rainbow Johnson in ‘Black-ish’. She has won several NAACP Image Awards and a Golden Globe for her comedic work. Ross is also the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox is an actress and producer who became a major star in the 1990s. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she had leading roles in the blockbuster films ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She also appeared as Vernita Green in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’. Fox has remained active in the industry, appearing in numerous television movies and reality programs.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is an actress known for her performances in romantic dramas and action films. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she starred in the classic film ‘Love & Basketball’ and the science fiction movie ‘Alien vs. Predator’. She has also provided the voice for Donna Tubbs in ‘The Cleveland Show’. Her work has earned her several critical accolades, including a Tony Award nomination.

Tasha Smith

Tasha Smith is an actress, director, and acting coach known for her frequent collaborations with Tyler Perry. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she played Angela Williams in ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ and its sequel. She also had a recurring role in the musical drama series ‘Empire’. Smith has recently shifted her focus toward directing episodes of major television shows.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time due to her roles in several blockbuster franchises. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she plays Neytiri in the ‘Avatar’ films and Gamora in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series. She also portrayed Uhura in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot trilogy. Her career is characterized by physically demanding roles in major science fiction and action productions.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is an actress and playwright who gained international fame through her work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she portrays Okoye in ‘Black Panther’ and various ‘Avengers’ films. She is also well known for her role as Michonne in the television series ‘The Walking Dead’. As a playwright, she wrote the Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’.

Adina Porter

Adina Porter is a character actress known for her roles in various critically acclaimed television series. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she has appeared in multiple seasons of the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’. She also played Indra in the science fiction drama ‘The 100’. Her career includes roles in ‘True Blood’ and ‘The Newsroom’, showcasing her range across different genres.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is an actress known for her authoritative presence and long career in television. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she played Claudette Wyms on the gritty police drama ‘The Shield’. She has also had major roles in ‘NCIS: New Orleans’ and the film ‘Avatar’. Pounder has received several Emmy Award nominations for her work in various dramatic series.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid is a young actress who has appeared in several major film and television projects. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she had her breakout role as Meg Murry in the 2018 film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. She also plays Gia Bennett in the drama series ‘Euphoria’ and appeared in ‘The Last of Us’. Reid has quickly established herself as a rising star in the industry.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith is a singer and actress who began her career in film at a young age. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she made her acting debut alongside her father in the film ‘I Am Legend’. She also provided voice work for the animated movie ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’. In recent years, she has focused primarily on her music career and hosting the talk show ‘Red Table Talk’.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Salli Richardson-Whitfield is an actress and director with an extensive history in television. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she starred as Allison Blake in the science fiction series ‘Eureka’. Her film credits include ‘I Am Legend’ and ‘Low Down Dirty Shame’. She has since become a prolific television director, helming episodes for numerous high-profile series.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton is an actress who gained prominence through roles in major action and drama films. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she starred in ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ and the film ‘Precious’. She also played the lead female role in the fantasy film ‘Warcraft’. Her career includes work in both big-budget studio projects and independent films.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson is an actress and activist with a diverse filmography spanning over two decades. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she has appeared in films such as ‘Rent’, ‘Sin City’, and ‘Top Five’. She currently stars as the title character in the Disney+ series ‘Ahsoka’. Dawson has also provided voices for various animated DC Comics projects as Wonder Woman.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise is an actress known for her emotionally charged performances in dramatic films. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she starred in ‘Set It Off’, ‘Beloved’, and ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. She also had a lead role in the television series ‘Hit the Floor’. Elise has received several awards and nominations for her work in African-American cinema.

Ciara

Ciara is a singer and dancer who has also established a career as an actress. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she recently appeared in the 2023 film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Her previous acting credits include the film ‘That’s My Boy’ and the television movie ‘Mama, I Want to Sing!’. She continues to balance her work in the music industry with occasional film roles.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Vanessa Bell Calloway is a veteran actress with a career spanning several decades in film and television. Standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she is widely remembered for her role as Princess Imani Izzi in ‘Coming to America’. She has appeared in the television series ‘Shameless’ and the drama ‘Saints & Sinners’. Calloway remains an active figure in the industry with numerous recurring roles on television.

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