20 Black Actresses Who Only Date White to “Upgrade” Their Image

We’ve seen more and more celebrities in Hollywood falling in love with people of different races, and many successful Black actresses are choosing partners who aren’t Black. These relationships often generate a lot of public interest, as they redefine what people expect from romance and show how love can blossom regardless of background. These actresses have found fulfilling relationships with white men who support their careers and personal lives in the demanding world of entertainment. Here’s a look at twenty Black actresses who have been in notable relationships or marriages with white men.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle gained worldwide fame after starting a relationship with Prince Harry and becoming a member of the British royal family. Their relationship was a break from royal tradition, transforming her from a television actress into a global figure. Now living in California with their two children, the couple has stepped down from their official roles as working royals. Their marriage continues to be a widely discussed example of an interracial couple in today’s world.

Eve

Rapper and actress Eve found lasting love with British businessman Maximillion Cooper. They met at the Gumball 3000 car rally, and despite coming from different backgrounds – hip-hop and international racing – they built a strong relationship. Eve has often talked about how her husband provides a secure and encouraging space for her. The couple had their first child in 2022 and continue to split their time between the UK and the US.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña and her husband, Italian artist Marco Perego, surprised fans with a private wedding. The couple, known for their roles as parents to three sons, are committed to raising them with multiple languages and a broad cultural understanding. In a unique gesture of commitment, Perego took Saldaña’s last name when they married. Their relationship is built on a strong artistic bond that goes beyond cultural differences.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry-Housley consistently addresses online negativity about her marriage to journalist Adam Housley. She frequently shares aspects of their family life, including the experiences of raising biracial children, and often talks about both the difficulties and happiness that come with it. Mowry-Housley has said her husband has been a constant source of support and love as she’s navigated her career in television and acting. Their enduring relationship is often seen as a strong and positive example of an interracial marriage.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton and British writer/director Ol Parker were married for over twenty years before deciding to separate. Together, the couple – known for their work in the film industry, with Newton starring in ‘Westworld’ – raised three children. For many years, they were considered one of the most solid couples in British entertainment. Throughout her career, Newton has often focused on themes of identity and race, all while keeping her personal life private.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson were a popular couple, often photographed and openly affectionate. Turner-Smith frequently discussed Jackson’s support during her pregnancy and his encouragement of her career. Despite their eventual split, they represented a prominent pairing of actors from different worlds. They remain committed to co-parenting their daughter together in Los Angeles.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard and her husband, Roderick Spencer, have one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting marriages. They’ve been married since 1983 and have supported each other through the challenges and successes of their careers. Spencer is a writer and producer, and he and Woodard have often worked together on projects. Their enduring relationship is a clear example of a strong partnership built on both love and respect for each other’s work.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton and singer Robin Thicke were married for many years after meeting as teenagers and supporting each other’s rising careers. Patton, known for her role in ‘Mission: Impossible,’ appeared in Thicke’s music videos and inspired much of his work. Their highly publicized relationship captivated the tabloids as both achieved fame in music and film. Since their divorce, Patton has concentrated on acting and raising their son.

Aisha Tyler

Aisha Tyler and her husband, Jeff Tietjens, were married for more than twenty years before separating. Tyler, known for her voice work on ‘Archer’ and as a talk show host, often described them as college sweethearts who shared a long history together. Since their split, she’s been candid about what she looks for in a partner and her experiences dating. Tyler remains a well-known personality in television and comedy, and has dated a variety of people.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais, known from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ and her ex-husband, talent agent Mike Nilon, have twin sons together. She’s openly shared the difficulties of their very public divorce and her life after. On her reality show and in interviews, she frequently talks about dating men from various backgrounds. Beauvais continues to be a public figure, approaching relationships with honesty and a good sense of humor.

Stacey Dash

Throughout her acting career, Stacey Dash has often dated and married white men, including her former husbands, Brian Lovell and Emmanuel Xuereb. Known for openly sharing her opinions on both personal and political matters, Dash’s choices in partners seem to reflect her overall public image and the circles she moves in.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph and filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson have been together since 2001. They have four children and generally keep their family life private, despite being well-known celebrities. Though they haven’t officially gotten married, Anderson has often called Rudolph his wife. The pair are highly respected in Hollywood and considered a very creative and talented couple.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones, known for her role in ‘Parks and Recreation,’ has often been associated with well-known figures in the entertainment world, particularly musicians and actors. She’s known for her refined style and frequently socializes within high-society circles. Jones shares a child with musician Ezra Koenig, and they generally keep their relationship private. Throughout her dating life, she’s gravitated towards individuals prominent in the music and film industries, reflecting her own upbringing and connections.

Tika Sumpter

You know, I always love hearing about real-life romances that start on set! Tika Sumpter and Nicholas James are a perfect example. They actually met while working on ‘The Haves and the Have Nots,’ and it’s so sweet how their connection grew from there. For a while, they kept things pretty quiet, but then they announced their engagement and welcomed their daughter. Tika’s talked about how incredibly supportive Nicholas is, both as a partner and fellow actor. It’s just a lovely story, especially considering how rare it is to see a Hollywood romance actually last!

Sharon Leal

Sharon Leal and her husband, Bev Land, a director and producer, have a loving relationship and frequently showcase their close-knit blended family online. Bev is a dedicated supporter of Sharon’s acting career, often joining her at premieres and other events. They both prioritize and encourage each other’s work in the entertainment industry.

Lesley-Ann Brandt

Lesley-Ann Brandt, known for her role in ‘Lucifer,’ married actor Chris Payne Gilbert in 2015. They have a son together and often share glimpses of their family life online. Brandt has talked about how they bridge the gap between their different cultures – she grew up in South Africa, while he’s American – and how their relationship is strengthened by their shared beliefs and passion for acting.

Kylie Bunbury

Kylie Bunbury and Jon-Ryan Alan Riggins recently married in a lovely ceremony, which she shared with her followers. The ‘Big Sky’ actress frequently thanks her husband for his constant support, especially with her busy filming commitments. They had their first child in 2021 and are now juggling parenthood with Kylie’s leading roles on TV. They seem to have a strong, family-focused relationship and prefer to keep their private life out of the public eye.

Rutina Wesley

I’ve always been fascinated by the connections people make in the arts, and it’s interesting to learn that Rutina Wesley and Jacob Fishel actually met while they were both students at Juilliard. They ended up getting married and were together for quite a while before they divorced. Rutina has mentioned that their shared training as actors really brought them together at first. It’s great to see her continuing to take on such interesting and varied roles on TV after everything, though.

Kat Graham

Kat Graham and director Darren Genet are engaged! The couple, who have worked together on various projects, enjoyed a private relationship for years, prioritizing their connection over public attention. Graham appreciates the privacy and solid foundation their relationship offers.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris and Peter Legler have been together since 2012. The actress, known for her role in ‘Moonlight,’ and her partner often attend glamorous events and award ceremonies as a couple. Harris believes having a supportive and peaceful home life is key to navigating the demands of her successful film career. Despite her fame, their relationship is known for being private and uncomplicated.

2025-12-02 11:51