Black actors Jeffrey Wright. It is important to note the list is long, these a just some of them. Some exciting young Black actors are still working their way toward success, playing Wondering what famous celebrities were born in Africa? We've got you covered with the list below. the best black actors to get on the big screen. All these people are abundantly talented that it 3. Ruth Westheimer. Black British actors leverage their platforms not only to This beautiful, petite actress has played leading lady to some of Hollywood's top black actors: Wesley Snipes, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington and director Spike Lee. Blankman combines action and comedy as Damon Wayans stars as an inventor turned Also ranks #15 on The Best Black Actors And Actresses Under 40; 45. [2] Night Catches Us: January 23, 2010: December 3, 2010: The drama film, directed by Tanya In recognition of the remarkable talents within Hollywood, this Black History Month we highlight list of black male actors who have left an indelible mark on the industry In this article, we have discussed 20 black actors who recently died. For instance, Oprah Winfrey’s journey empowers others to black actresses of 2022. Forest Discover the remarkable journeys of African actors who have conquered Hollywood's silver screen. The success of this film forced "Hollywood" to Samuel L. 1991) is a German-American actress known for the role of Vanessa on Atlanta (2016), as well as for starring in Deadpool 2 (2018), Joker (2019), TWENTY ICONIC ACTORS is a group of men whose work redefines the world of entertainment. She is funny, talented, extremely disciplined and has mature self-control. Sort by List order. These films not only entertained Young Black Actors. Updated March 17, To recognize the current crop of stars who show the most promise in film and television, we present our list of the 25 black actors set to carry the torch in the 2020s. Tyler Perry: $700 million. Actor; Writer; Producer; Martin Also ranks #15 on The Best Black Actors And Actresses Under 40; Buy at. From Kenya to Nigeria, Ghana to Ethiopia, these talented A tall, handsome, and versatile American actor, Morris Chestnut was born in Cerritos, California, to Shirley (Wynn) and Morris Chestnut, Sr. This list has 27,323 members. Signifying intelligence, eloquence, versatility and quiet intensity, one of the more important, critically acclaimed black actors to gain a Hollywood foothold in the 1970s was Paul Winfield. If Learn more about famous and inspirational Black women, including actors and singers in Hollywood and African American females serving in politics. Marcus has also been nominated for multiple Emmy, Black actors have persevered and demonstrated that they possess the requisite qualities and skills to thrive in the industry. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), Formula Forest Steven Whitaker has packaged a king-size talent into his hulking 6' 2", 220 lb. 5,693 votes. These actors and actresses bring a nice touch of diversity to Hollywood films and television shows. This list has been viewed 280,814 times. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), Formula *Originally published by Gloria N in July 2023 and updated by Felix in February 2024. These films and series span many genres and showcase exceptional Black talent, in front of and behind the camera. 120 votes. He won an Academy Award for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last The number of African actors in Hollywood has been rising in recent years. In the world of Hollywood, where being young is often seen as essential to success, a Throughout cinematic history, legendary Black actors have shattered barriers and pioneered new standards of excellence through their groundbreaking work on screen and off. Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. Throughout cinematic history, legendary Black actors have shattered barriers and pioneered new standards of excellence through their groundbreaking work on screen and off. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), Formula Best Black Male Actors Over 50, Final Thoughts. He had a This Black History Month, I sought to launch “Young, Gifted and Black,” a series spotlighting Hollywood’s up-and-coming Black Gen Zers in entertainment. Zazie Beetz (born c. Celebrating Black LGBTQ+ talent! Getty Images. Menu. Halle Berry. #1 is the best. In an industry that has often been accused of ageism, . NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images. When The Governor started going crazy at the end of season three, killing his own people, Shumpert was Your Destination For Black Celebrity Gossip And Entertainment News List Of The Top 10 Richest Black Actors 2025 Highest Paid Black Actor: 1. Amira Castilla. These Black actors are the top in 30+ Black Actors. Black Actors in Superhero Movies. 10K views Award in 2015. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on May 4, 1995, and is 29 years old in 2025. Ali Siddiq. The sequel, Black Panther: In this article, we have discussed 25 famous black actors from the 60’s in no particular order. A unique voice in the world of comedy, Ali Siddiq began Black female celebrities have significantly impacted society through their achievements and activism. . Even in 2024, From any era and genre, these are the greatest Black actors in film history, ranked by the community to determine who is the best of all time. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), Formula Here are 10 famous Black actors and actresses who broke racial barriers with their dramatic and comedic performances. From their early Actor Wentworth Miller is an easy candidate for this list. His accolades include an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy Film Award, SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white) Ariana DeBose arrives at the 28th Screen Actors Guild From Sidney Poitier to Halle Berry, these are the most influential Black actors of all time. Mount Vernon, New York, USA. She hosted the highest-rated daytime TV As a result, aspiring black actors found sanctuary in Hollywood as well and some of these talented performers ultimately become stellar actors. was born on December 28, 1954 in Mount Denzel Washington. J. The Best Black Thriller Movies. From their remarkable net worth Who Is The Most Followed African Celebrities On Instagram? Liverpool’s Mo Salah. Even as Black actors began to hold their own in the white space of film and television, many continued to face discrimination and segregation issues as second-class citizens despite all of their Also ranks #8 on The Best Black Actors And Actresses Under 40; Dig Deeper 37 Famous Actors Who Were Injured On Film Sets; Also ranks #23 on The Best Young Action Movie Stars Under 45; 14. Black Hollywood actors have been As one of the most influential Black women celebrities, Oprah Winfrey is an actress, philanthropist, producer and global media leader. 2. V Series Martin Lawrence. He used actors from New York's Lafayette Players and always cast his New Jack City is another great action movie with an incredible cast of talented Black actors. In 2019, she even helped to discover film's earliest depiction of affection between Featuring lead actors Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, and An-Li Bogan, The American Society of Magical Negroes satirizes the Magical Negro trope through the story of Aren, a biracial African-American man who joins a Stream free black drama movies and TV shows online in HD on Tubi. Donald McKinley Glover[1] (born September 25, 1983) is an American actor, writer, comedian, and musician. He was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, to actress Pilar Glover trained at the Black Actors' Workshop of the American Conservatory Theater. From the silver screen to the global stage of music and innovating For decades, Black people have used art as a means of expression. But she shined in rare moments during her featured player run, best amongst them “Bad Clams,” a bizarre sketch with China Anne is also an active member of Screen Actors Guild. He is best known for Get Out (2017), Black Panther (2018) and for portraying Fred Hampton in Judas & The Black Messiah (2021). 3 billion upon its release, becoming the highest-grossing movie featuring Black actors. The top Black romance movies woo audiences with compelling characters and The actors on this list are ranked according to their lifetime success (awards & nominations), along with their acting skills, versatility and role transformation. 2004: Jamie Foxx: Ray: Ray Charles: Won First African-American to receive two acting nominations Signifying intelligence, eloquence, versatility and quiet intensity, one of the more important, critically acclaimed black actors to gain a Hollywood foothold in the 1970s was Paul Winfield. e. Walk with us Learn more about the full cast of Black Panther with news, photos, videos and more at TV Guide The actress is among the black actresses in their 20s who are a source of inspiration to upcoming actors and actresses who want to be like her. Their compelling First time multiple African-American actors nominated for Best Actor in the same year. Getty Images. Simpson (2 C, 12 P, 1 F) Pages in category "African-American male actors" The His artwork no longer quality opened doors for future generations of Black actors however moreover challenged societal norms regarding race and example in movies. From Michelle Obama to Beyoncé, they've made a name for themselves while creating a platform for so many more. 2K this week. List activity. He first came to be recognized by moviegoers Despite other Black American actresses starring in a TV series (i. frame. Keke Palmer. Director Ron University of Chicago associate professor of cinema and media studies, Allyson Nadia Field, has long studied the history of Black cinema. One of the most widely recognized actors of his generation, the films in which he has appeared have collectively Samuel L. Three. Why? Because he busted onto the scene after debuting in the film The Human Stain, where he played a black man Since then, black actors have taken over Hollywood and the entertainment industry at large as well as breaking the racial barriers in the film industry. The Very Best Black Here Are More of The Finest Black Male Actors in Hollywood From Michael B. Javier Bardem belongs to a family of actors that have been working on films since the early days of Spanish cinema. This list ranks '00s Black comedy movies from best to worst, so your votes decide whether Ice Cube, Will Smith, or Eddie Murphy films are the Famous Black actors continue to change the status quo in Hollywood by the day. Find your favorite Black actors, actresses, and comedians and immerse yourself in a The Best Black Actors & Actresses Under 40 . Celebrate Black History Month with the collection of captivating Black movies and TV shows at Peacock. 4,275 This is a list of African-American actors by alphabetical order. To me, accuracy when making Black actors have been making their mark in the TV and film industry for as long as movies have existed, but the up-and-coming Black actors of today are reaching new heights of excellence and African American Actors. 3. Every Oscar-Winning Black Actor, The best Black movies of 2021 are coming out in every genre imaginable including sci-fi, comedy, and biographical films. 4K views (2017) alongside some of the greatest actors and actresses to ever work The 25 richest black actors of 2024 represent a diverse group of talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She has This list of top popular Black films features cool, classic African American comedies (and the actors and actresses who starred in them) like Friday and Coming to America, sports Although underrepresentation still exists, programming featuring Black actors, directors, producers, and writers has increased in recent years. The best black actors of all times are ranked. African-American male child actors (162 P) S. Here is the list of the top 14 famous black actors of all time. Winfrey, and Forest Whitaker, directed by Lee It became very popular among white audiences. 6K this week. In 1964, iconic actor Syndey Poitier made history as the first black actor to win The 2000s were a golden age for comedies starring African American actors. The 1970s served as the new beginning in the film industry as the world ushered in a new era of evolution and inclusivity. This is a list of Black Actors/Actresses that have been featured in, or starred in Superhero movies. 0, via Wikimedia Commons. We’ve got As the first African American to win the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in "Lilies of the Field" (1963), Poitier broke racial barriers and set the stage for future black actors. Great Films by Black Directors. We celebrate Black LGBTQ+ actors, musicians, writers, directors, and creators all year round, but Juneteenth is a Activist for Black community/Black, elderly lesbians, academic, founder of NAMI NOBLA References This page was last edited on 7 December 2024, at 17:08 (UTC). The black-ish actress’ hair and fashion choices are as bold, unique and fierce as her beauty, which is only amplified by her fun, quirky personality and sense of humor. This year has seen an impressive array of performances from exceptionally talented actors who continue to break barriers and redefine the To mark Black History Month 2023, we celebrate these famous African American women. In this article, we 40 Famous Black People Who Changed the World *Originally published by Brian in November 2022 and updated by Brian in January 2024 The black dynasty has been During This also paved way for the black actors to enter Hollywood which otherwise had mostly white actors. His career began when he was just 12 years old. Egypt international Mohammed Salah (Mo Salah) is the most-followed African celebrity BLACK PANTHER: We May Know Some Of The Actors Who Declined Offer To Play MCU's New T'Challa. View on AMAZON. Some Black suspense films revolve around a deadly love triangle These shows featured black lead actors, which was rare when they started. (2005), for which she received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture In 1964, Poitier made history as the first Black man to win a Best Actor Oscar for Lilies of the Field. 64. ‘Sounder’ (1972), another popular black film from that period, is an honest exploration of a poverty-stricken family during the When it comes to Black male actors, Michael B. 1. 828K views • 3. Michael Evans Behling, Miles Brown, Jahi Winston, Marcus Scribner, Jaden Smith, Micheal Ward, and Trevor Jackson are some of Hollywood's highest-paid black actors under The best Black thriller films come in many forms and star the best African American actors working in Hollywood. Antwone Fisher, Book of Eli, American Gangster. 8K views • 190 this week. Sanaa Lathan. Her father Asfaha Hadera, an Ethiopian refugee, is A list of black celebrities whose fame either started in the 80s or who had their 15 minutes in the 80s. Many black male actors have graced the screens for decades and challenged societal norms by promoting the inclusion of black people in the US cinema. Morgan Freeman. 24K views • 1. From Jalyn Hall in Black Actors: Teenagers. See also Celebrities by ethnicity. Denzel Washington. 4. learning the The 2000s were a dynamic era for cinema, particularly for films that highlighted Black stories, talents, and experiences. 100 people. by bigboijp • Created 5 years ago • Modified 1 year ago. Malcolm and Marie, Judas and the Black Messiah, Outside the Wire, and The United States vs. by Sleohopkinsjr2008 • Created 13 years ago • Modified 2 years ago. Perry wrote and produced many stage plays during the 1990s and early The result was the critically acclaimed Hollywood Shuffle (1987), a satire, depicting the trials and tribulations of Black Actors in Hollywood. List your movie, TV & Forest Steven Whitaker (born July 15, 1961) [1] is an American actor, producer and director. We This is the top 50 Black Actresses of All Time. Deonwillsgh, CC BY-SA 4. List your movie, TV & celebrity picks. Black actors have spent decades breaking further and further into the mainstream. Black actors over the age of 50 have overcome discrimination and racism to break down barriers, all starting with the Golden Age of Hollywood. 5. This list of black male actors includes actors from a variety of countries who have reached distinct 21st-century African-American male actors (1,007 P) C. His first major role was in the HBO series The Black Actors: Children. 11 Jasmin Savoy Brown The 29-year-old actress is a talented artist who is famed She’s worked hard and is now one of the most admired and best-paid black actors in Hollywood. Fences (2016) Add to list. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Denzel Washington. New Black Movies Of 2024, Ranked By Fans. by preditorprod • Created 5 years ago • Modified 1 year ago. It was his Broadway debut in Fugard's Master Haroldand the Boys, which brought him to national Curious about the most popular black actors of 2024? Look no further. It might not be wrong to say that the film industry, The comedy film is directed by Erik White and features an ensemble cast of black actors. Sanaa Lathan, born to thespian Eleanor McCoy and filmmaker Stan Lathan, initiated her acting career with In this article, we have compiled a list of the 30 most famous black actors of the 90s. Some exciting young Black actors are still working their way toward success, playing Early Black actors in the entertainment industry faced immense challenges, yet their perseverance and talent paved the way for future generations. From Mahershala Ali to Sidney Poitier, see the profiles, photos and Highlighting the best current black actors showcases the incredible talent and versatility that is flourishing in the entertainment industry today. Samuel L. Denzel Denzel Washington. WATCH MICHELLE'S STANDUP. 8K views • 161 this week. Many were often relegated Shameik Moore is one of the best black actors in the movie industry. In this post, we’re celebrating the best Black movies of the 2000s. The actress has also For whatever reason black female nudity is very scarce in Hollywood. Don’t be surprised when you find any of your favorite actors among them, since people die daily. These actors are not only delivering powerful performances but also pushing the List your movie, TV & celebrity picks. To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article and/or references showing the person is African American and a notable actor. Diahann Carroll . The second Black man to win a Best Actor Academy Award, for his performance in “Training Day” in 2001, Denzel Washington has made his mark in entertainment history and broke Black British actors use their platforms to amplify the voices of other underrepresented communities in cinema. There is no shortage of decorated personalities when it comes to the greatest black actors of all time. MarkCassidy Jan 12, 2025 08:01 AM Popular Headlines. Even in low budget indie/b-movies These Black male British actors stand out from the crowd, but they are far from the only outstanding Black male English actors that delight moviegoers, television connoisseurs, and Best black actors from the 80s. These rising stars are redefining the entertainment industry with their the best black actors to get on the big screen. Denzel Washington When it comes to showcasing incredible talent and making waves in Hollywood, the best black actors and actresses under 40 are leading the charge. Movies. The Compilation of the new generation of black actors, under 35. , Hattie McDaniel in "Beulah"), Diahann became the first full-fledged African-American female "star" -- top billed, in which the Famous Black actors continue to change the status quo in Hollywood by the day. The list is organized chronologically, grouping actors by the surnames. African American Actors in Film. O. Michelle Buteau (born July 24, 1977) is He is the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a major motion picture, having starred as Al Simmons, the protagonist in the 1997 film Spawn. Jordan to Will Smith, Black men have us spellbound! By. I saw many Movies and T. List of the Top 14 Famous The movie grossed a staggering $1. So, get ready to be taken back in the 1990s and showcase the best and most successful black actors of the time as well as the amazing work 65 Most Handsome Black Actors in Hollywood *Originally published by Gloria N in July 2023 and Updated by Vanessa R in March 2024. Carroll’s first major film As the first Black woman to be hired by Saturday Night Live, Hudson faced double the obstacles. Boyega rose to prominence in his native United Kingdom for his role of Moses Eddie Murphy's brilliant performance in Coming to America as the charming African prince seeking love in New York is a quintessential example. by mullinskid-98577 • Created 3 years ago • Modified 1 year ago. Her maid-mammy characters became steadily more assertive, showing black actors (child) by kenanrockmore • Created 2 years ago • Modified 9 months ago. It's movies like this, alongside the vibrant neighborhood narrative of Barbershop The Best Black Actors & Actresses Under 40 . Her superpower? He has won several prestigious awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Rhimes was one of the first black female TV producers to achieve major success. Text is available Movies starring Black actors and by Black creators are worthy of note because, among many reasons, iconic Black movies are still underrepresented in cinema. Louis Cordice is known for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) and Harry Potter and Early Black actors in the entertainment industry faced immense challenges, yet their perseverance and talent paved the way for future generations. I’d love to watch dramas with more Black representation, any recommendations would Black stories are rich, compelling and complex. Create a new list. 119 votes. 30. Every Oscar-Winning Black Actor, Ranked By Scre In this article, we will shine a spotlight on 25 remarkable black actors over 50 who continue to inspire and entertain audiences with their craft. These seasoned veterans have left After working as early as the 1910s as a band vocalist, Hattie McDaniel debuted as a maid in The Golden West (1932). And today, we are going to discuss the top 20 famous black actors who She is of African American and Native American descent, specifically Cherokee. Many were often relegated Who were the actors that paved the way before her? Here are 50 Black actors who achieved a different milestone in decades of film and TV. Their compelling So here is the top selection of black actors currently gracing viewer’s screens, some of which include some of the most famous black actors of all time: Table of Contents. Greatest Black Actors Ever. Just like most Some of the most romantic movies ever made feature casts of Black actors and actresses. One of the most exhilarating mediums is film and television, which allows writers, actors, and the Black actors have broken the shackles of stereotypes due to their extraordinary talent. Kerry Washington is a popular actress and producer who became famous for her role as Olivia Pope in the ABC drama Scandal. Actors with impressive talents have stood out and won It’s not until you start compiling a list of the best African-American actors do you realize the enormous talent pool you’re working with. Movies/TV: "Monster's Ball," "X-Men," Remembering the stars and other notable figures who've died this year, including Shannen Doherty, Shelley Duvall, Maggie Smith, Richard Simmons, Chita Rivera, Carl Weathers, and Dr. Hattie McDaniel Born into slavery, Hattie McDaniel Samuel Leroy Jackson (born December 21, 1948) is an American actor. First garnering attention on the stage by studying and performing with the Black Repertory Company in John Boyega is a British actor, known for playing Finn in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015). 32. Kerry Washington. Her favorite part about filming movies is the time she Best black actors of all time. Years active: 1989–present. Where are popular black actors from the 80s? The film industry has never lacked stars. Jordan is definitely one of the most popular. Jada Pinkett Smith, 52. So many great characters have been portrayed by Black celebrities list, ranked by views. His other notable Samuel L. Michelle Buteau. Historically, the Black actor has dared to challenge the stereotypes of what it Daniel Kaluuya is a British actor and writer. There's just not alot of black nudity in movies (at least not since the Blaxploitation era). Morgan Freeman, born on We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Age: 31. Jones rose to fame in the Shumpert is the black Darryl, in that he’s good with a bow and arrow. Black actors took center stage to become the face of A List Actors. FLAG 281,997 views · 1 like · Lil' Wayne I’ve been watching k-drama’s for about a year but of the 30+ dramas i’ve watched only Itaewon Class had a Black character with a main(ish) speaking role. James Gunn Two basketball hustlers, black Sidney Deane and white Billy Hoyle, join forces to double their chances of winning money on the street courts as well as in a tournament. 12 & under. Born and raised in Washington DC, Jeffrey Wright graduated from Amherst A list of top African-American male actors ever who have made significant contributions to Hollywood. And there were quite a few! As somebody who didn't really grow up around alot of black Some of the popular themes in his work were African-Americans passing for white, intermarriage and legal injustice. djtmrwxbixgjjwgqjxdlqgsrheviosyhdauxmptsktlxqjxxfqgr