The Greatest Non-White Male Actors in Hollywood

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Hollywood’s success is built on the talent of performers from diverse backgrounds, who have brought richness and worldwide popularity to movies and TV. The actors highlighted below have starred in huge hits, received significant awards, and changed what viewers look for in entertainment. They’ve excelled in all kinds of roles – from serious dramas to action-packed adventures and hilarious comedies – and continue to inspire how stories are told and who gets to tell them.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is a highly acclaimed actor with two Oscars and a long history of memorable roles. Films like ‘Training Day,’ ‘Glory,’ and ‘Malcolm X’ are often studied and celebrated in the film world. He’s also a successful director, notably adapting August Wilson’s work in ‘Fences.’ Even after decades in the industry, Washington continues to attract audiences to theaters and perform on stage.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman is an Academy Award-winning actor, famous for his role in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ and numerous other nominations. He’s instantly recognizable for his unique voice, which he’s lent to many documentaries, including ‘March of the Penguins’, and other significant projects. Throughout his career, Freeman has brought to life both real and imagined characters in beloved films like ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, ‘Se7en’, and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. Beyond acting, he’s also a producer, co-founding a company that supports film and television production.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most commercially successful actors of all time, thanks to his work in major franchises like ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Star Wars’. He’s received a special Academy Award honoring his long and impactful career. Known for his frequent collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino – including films like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Django Unchained’ – Jackson continues to take on both big-budget roles and smaller, independent projects in film and television.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe is a highly acclaimed actor known for his roles in popular films like ‘The Last Samurai,’ ‘Inception,’ and ‘Godzilla.’ He’s successfully worked in both Japanese and American entertainment, appearing in films and on stage in both countries. He even received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in ‘The King and I’ on Broadway, and frequently balances work between Japanese and Hollywood productions.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali has won two Academy Awards, for his roles in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. He’s also known for his work on TV shows like ‘True Detective’ and ‘House of Cards’. Now, he’s taking on a leading role in the Marvel movie ‘Blade’, a significant step in his career. Beyond acting, Ali is a spoken word artist and has written a memoir about his journey through sports, theater, and film.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya is an award-winning actor, best known for his role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ which earned him an Academy Award. He first gained attention with ‘Black Mirror’ and later starred in popular films like ‘Get Out’ and ‘Nope’. Beyond acting, Kaluuya has also worked behind the scenes as a producer for both live-action and animated movies, and his career includes work in British television, theater, and writing.

Ke Huy Quan

Ke Huy Quan recently won an Oscar for his role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, marking a triumphant return to acting. He first became known as a child actor in films like ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and ‘The Goonies’. After stepping away from performing, he worked behind the camera as a stunt coordinator and assistant director. Now, he’s back in front of the camera, appearing in popular film and television series.

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun is a highly acclaimed actor known for his roles in a variety of projects. He gained recognition for his work on ‘The Walking Dead’ and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Minari,’ followed by praise for ‘Beef.’ He’s also a talented voice actor in animated films and the series ‘Invincible.’ Beyond acting, Yeun is a producer focused on telling stories about immigrants and different cultures, working on both independent and large-scale studio films.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel is a versatile actor known for his roles in both mainstream and independent films. He gained early recognition starring in ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Lion’. More recently, he’s led projects like ‘The Green Knight’ and even directed and starred in ‘Monkey Man’. Patel often prepares for roles with action training and frequently appears in adaptations of classic stories.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed is a highly acclaimed actor, winning an Emmy for his work on ‘The Night Of’ and earning an Academy Award nomination for ‘Sound of Metal’. Beyond acting, he’s also a musician, releasing music as Riz MC, and a producer with his own film company. Ahmed is a strong voice for diversity in the entertainment industry, particularly promoting inclusive casting and better representation of Muslims in film and television. He’s known for roles in projects like ‘Rogue One’, ‘Nightcrawler’, and the short film ‘The Long Goodbye’.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek is an Academy Award-winning actor, best known for his role in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and the series ‘Mr. Robot’. He’s also appeared in popular franchises like ‘James Bond’ and ‘Night at the Museum’. Beyond acting in live-action films and TV, Malek does voice work for video games and animated projects. He frequently partners with fashion and tech companies to promote his films.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is known for starring in the ‘Creed’ movies and playing Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’. He recently directed his first feature film, ‘Creed III’. Beyond acting, Jordan also runs a production company focused on diverse stories and helping new voices in the industry. He started his career with roles in popular TV shows like ‘The Wire’ and ‘Friday Night Lights’.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker is an Academy Award-winning actor, known for his roles in films like ‘The Last King of Scotland’, ‘Bird’, ‘Arrival’, and ‘Black Panther’. Beyond acting, he’s also a producer and founded an organization dedicated to promoting peace and building stronger communities around the world. He often focuses on projects that bring attention to important social issues.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier broke barriers as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award, earning the Best Actor prize for ‘Lilies of the Field.’ He starred in groundbreaking films like ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ and also worked as a director and author, writing popular memoirs. Poitier’s work paved the way for countless Black actors and performers in American film.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba first gained recognition on TV with his role in ‘The Wire,’ and later became internationally known for leading the series ‘Luther.’ He’s since starred in prominent films like ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,’ ‘Beasts of No Nation,’ and ‘Pacific Rim.’ Beyond that, he’s appeared in popular franchises like ‘Fast and Furious’ and ‘Thor.’ Elba is also a producer and pursues music as a DJ and recording artist.

Will Smith

Will Smith transitioned from his early success on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ to a successful film career, starring in popular movies like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’. He’s been nominated for several Academy Awards and finally won one for his performance in ‘King Richard’. Throughout his career, Smith has skillfully moved between action, comedy, and dramatic roles, consistently attracting large audiences worldwide. Beyond acting, he also works as a producer for both films and streaming shows, and creates content for online platforms.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx is an Academy Award-winning actor, best known for his role as Ray Charles in the movie ‘Ray’. He’s also appeared in popular films like ‘Collateral’, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘Baby Driver’. Beyond acting, Foxx has a successful music career, releasing albums and working with other artists. He’s also involved in television, both as a host and producer, and produces feature films.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle is a highly respected actor known for powerful performances in films like ‘Hotel Rwanda’, ‘Crash’, and the ‘Avengers’ series. He also starred in and directed the film ‘Miles Ahead,’ and led the show ‘House of Lies.’ Beyond acting, Cheadle dedicates his time to important environmental and humanitarian causes, and he enjoys working with both independent and major studio projects.

John Boyega

John Boyega became famous for his role in the recent ‘Star Wars’ films. He’s also received critical acclaim for his work in ‘Small Axe’ and starred in the popular film ‘Attack the Block’. Beyond acting, Boyega runs a production company and is dedicated to helping young people break into the creative industries. He balances big-budget movies with smaller, independent projects.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa is known for his leading role in ‘Aquaman’ and his early work on ‘Game of Thrones’. He’s also a creator and star of the series ‘See’ and frequently appears in action and adventure films. Beyond acting, Momoa is a passionate advocate for protecting our oceans and supporting indigenous communities. He also produces projects that highlight exciting practical stunts and celebrate Pacific Islander culture.

Simu Liu

I was so excited to see Simu Liu as Shang-Chi after loving him in ‘Kim’s Convenience’! What a star. It’s amazing how dedicated he is – he actually does a lot of his own stunts, and he’s trained in martial arts for these roles. But he’s more than just an actor; I’ve read his writing about being an immigrant and figuring out who he is, and it’s really powerful. Plus, he’s a huge advocate for getting more Asian North American voices heard and helps mentor up-and-coming talent, which is awesome.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung Chiu-wai is a celebrated actor famous for his frequent work with director Wong Kar-wai on films like ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Chungking Express’. He’s also appeared in Hollywood films, including ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Throughout his career, Leung has received prestigious acting awards from film festivals in Asia and Europe, and has starred in both critically acclaimed independent films and large-budget historical movies.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada is a successful actor who works in both Japanese and English-language films and TV shows. He’s known for his roles in movies like ‘The Last Samurai’, ‘Sunshine’, and ‘John Wick’, as well as series such as ‘Westworld’ and ‘Shōgun’. Sanada’s background is in theater, where he specialized in both action and classical acting techniques. He also works behind the scenes, producing and consulting on projects that combine Japanese history with stories for a global audience.

Song Kang-ho

Song Kang-ho is one of South Korea’s most celebrated actors, known for his roles in acclaimed films like ‘Parasite’, ‘Memories of Murder’, and ‘The Host’. He often works with director Bong Joon-ho and other leading filmmakers in Korea. Song has won best actor awards at several important film festivals in Asia and Europe, and his performances have played a key role in bringing Korean cinema to a wider international audience.

Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan was a celebrated actor who appeared in globally popular films like ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Life of Pi’, and ‘The Lunchbox’. He seamlessly moved between Bollywood and Hollywood, and was recognized with national awards in India for his work. Khan was known for his ability to portray characters with subtle emotions and careful attention to detail.

John Cho

John Cho is well-known for his roles in the ‘Harold and Kumar’ movies and the thriller ‘Searching.’ He also famously played Sulu in the ‘Star Trek’ films and received praise for his performance in ‘Columbus.’ Beyond acting, Cho writes essays and a novel for younger audiences, and he’s a strong voice for better Asian American representation, actively supporting arts programs in the community.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan became a worldwide star by combining incredible martial arts skills with humor and thrilling, real-life stunts. He’s known for leading popular Hollywood movies like ‘Rush Hour’, ‘Shanghai Noon’, and ‘The Karate Kid’. Chan is famous for doing his own stunts and even created a stunt team that has trained performers throughout Asia. Beyond performing, he also produces and directs films through his production companies in Hong Kong and China.

Jet Li

Jet Li first became famous for his action films in China, then successfully moved to Hollywood, appearing in movies like ‘Lethal Weapon 4’, ‘Romeo Must Die’, and ‘The Expendables’. Before becoming an actor, he was a highly trained wushu athlete. Throughout his career, he’s starred in both action-packed and historically-based films, often performing in multiple languages. Beyond acting, Li also established a charity that provides aid during disasters and supports mental health programs.

Chow Yun-fat

Chow Yun-fat gained worldwide fame through his films with director John Woo, and later starred in popular Hollywood movies like ‘The Replacement Killers’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’. He’s known for both action-packed roles and dramatic performances, as seen in ‘Anna and the King’. Chow Yun-fat has worked in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, appearing in films across different industries. He’s particularly recognized for his long-standing relationships with Hong Kong directors and his consistent success at the Asian box office.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen is known for bringing exciting, modern fight scenes to a wider audience. He’s gone on to appear in major Hollywood films like ‘Rogue One’, ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’, and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. A highly skilled martial artist himself, Yen often directs the action sequences in his movies. He’s fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, and also produces films through his own production company. Beyond performing, he’s a safety advisor and helps set choreography standards for stunts in films around the world.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor is a highly praised actor, known for his powerful performance in ’12 Years a Slave’ and roles in blockbuster films like ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘The Lion King’. He received formal training at the National Youth Theatre and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Beyond acting, Ejiofor is also a writer and director, having directed the feature film ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’. He’s a versatile performer with experience in both classic Shakespearean plays and modern dramas.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac is a versatile actor known for his roles in a wide range of films and series, including critically acclaimed projects like ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’, ‘Ex Machina’, ‘Dune’, and ‘Moon Knight’. Before becoming a prominent actor, he received training at the prestigious Juilliard School. Isaac is fluent in both English and Spanish and also creates music that sometimes features in his work. Beyond acting, he’s a producer, collaborating with both independent and major production companies on film and television projects.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal first gained recognition for his role in ‘Game of Thrones’ and has since become a leading actor in popular shows like ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He’s known for appearing in both action-packed and dramatic movies, and continues to be a regular face on high-quality television. Beyond screen work, Pascal has a background in theater, performing in both classic and modern plays in New York City. He also actively works with filmmakers from Latin America and supports programs that promote arts education.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson first became famous as a professional wrestler, then successfully moved into acting, starring in major film franchises like ‘Fast and Furious’, ‘Jumanji’, and ‘Black Adam’. Beyond acting, he runs a production company creating movies and shows. He also works with various brands focused on fitness, drinks, and sports. Johnson often teams up with the same directors and stunt professionals on different projects.

Omar Sy

As a movie fan, I first really noticed Omar Sy in ‘The Intouchables’ – what a performance! He quickly made a splash in Hollywood with big films like ‘Jurassic World’, ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’, and ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. But honestly, I think ‘Lupin’ is where he really shines. That series blew up globally thanks to streaming, and it’s amazing to see him working seamlessly in both French and English, jumping between projects in Europe and the US. And it’s not just about the acting either – I admire that he’s dedicated to supporting youth and cultural initiatives back in France and West Africa. He’s a genuinely talented and well-rounded guy.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal started his career in Mexican films before gaining international recognition with projects like ‘Y tu mamá también’, ‘Mozart in the Jungle’, and ‘Werewolf by Night’. He’s also a strong supporter of Latin American cinema, co-founding a production company dedicated to showcasing filmmakers from the region. Bernal comfortably works in both Spanish and English, appearing in everything from small independent films to big studio productions. Beyond acting, he actively participates in the film community by judging at festivals and helping new directors get their start.

Share your favorites and the names you would add to the list in the comments.

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2025-11-02 16:51