African-American Actresses Who’ve Influenced Pop Culture the Most

African-American actresses have profoundly impacted entertainment worldwide, both through their incredible performances and their work as advocates for change. From the very first trailblazers to today’s biggest stars, these women have broken down walls and set new standards for acting. They’ve excelled in all kinds of roles – from intense dramas to hilarious comedies – and often their work has captured the spirit of the times. This is a look at the careers of those who have earned praise, achieved success, and left a lasting mark on our culture.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback first became well-known for her work as Darlene on the TV show ‘The Deuce’. She then received praise for her role as Deborah Johnson in the film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, which earned her a BAFTA nomination. More recently, she captivated audiences with her intense performance leading the psychological thriller ‘Swarm’. Beyond acting, Fishback is a talented playwright and poet, and often uses her writing to help her prepare for roles. She’s quickly becoming a prominent and respected figure in the world of dramatic acting.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks first became well-known for her role as Taystee Jefferson in the Netflix hit ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She then achieved success on Broadway, receiving a Tony nomination for her performance as Sofia in ‘The Color Purple’. Brooks continued in this role for the 2023 movie version of ‘The Color Purple’, earning her an Academy Award nomination. Beyond acting, she’s a strong voice for body positivity and better representation in fashion and entertainment. Currently, she also plays Leota Adebayo in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph first became well-known for her performance in the Broadway play ‘Ghost’, which earned her a Tony nomination. She then made a strong impression in the film ‘Dolemite Is My Name’, acting alongside Eddie Murphy. In 2023, Randolph achieved a major career high with her role as Mary Lamb in ‘The Holdovers’, winning the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress. She’s also appeared in the hit series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson first gained attention with her popular Instagram series, ‘Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date’. She then created, produced, and starred in the acclaimed mockumentary ‘Abbott Elementary’. This work earned her the distinction of being the first Black woman nominated for three comedy Emmys in one year, and she ultimately won Emmys for both Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Many believe Brunson has successfully updated the traditional network sitcom for today’s viewers.

Marsai Martin

As a critic, I’ve been consistently impressed by Marsai Martin. Most know her as the hilarious Diane Johnson from ‘Black-ish,’ but she’s so much more than that. At just 14 years old, she made history as the youngest person to ever produce a major film – the comedy ‘Little’ – and that’s just the beginning. She launched her own production company, Genius Productions, because she’s passionate about bringing diverse stories to the screen. It’s no surprise she’s already racked up multiple NAACP Image Awards, recognizing both her acting talent and her business savvy. Honestly, she’s a real inspiration, and I think she’s going to be a major force in Hollywood – a true mogul in the making, especially for Gen Z.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained recognition for her role as Dawn Chambers on the popular TV show ‘Mad Men’. She then demonstrated her acting skills in Spike Lee’s film ‘Chi-Raq’. More recently, she became known to a wider audience as Monica Rambeau in the Marvel series ‘Wandavision’ and the film ‘The Marvels’, solidifying her place in major film and television franchises. Throughout her career, Parris has successfully moved between critically acclaimed television and large-scale movie projects.

Yara Shahidi

I’ve been such a fan of Yara Shahidi ever since she first appeared as Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’! It was so great to see her character get its own spin-off with ‘Grown-ish,’ following Zoey through college. But she’s so much more than just an actress – she’s incredibly dedicated to making a difference, graduating from Harvard while also working on important issues like voter registration and social justice. And seeing her cast as Tinker Bell in the live-action ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ felt like a really important moment for representation in Disney films. I really admire how she consistently uses her voice and platform to connect her work in Hollywood with her passion for making the world a better place.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer started her career as a young actress in the movie ‘Akeelah and the Bee.’ She became widely known for her role in the Nickelodeon show ‘True Jackson, VP,’ where she was one of the highest-earning young stars on TV. Since then, she’s taken on more adult roles in films like ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Nope.’ Palmer made history by hosting ‘Just Keke,’ the first talk show led by a Black woman, and she won an Emmy Award for ‘Turnt Up with the Taylors.’ Throughout her career, she’s also proven her talent as a singer, host, and voice actress.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a remarkably talented performer who first gained widespread recognition for playing Celie in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. This role won her both a Tony Award and a Grammy Award. She then transitioned to film, appearing in movies like ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and ‘Harriet’, for which she received two Academy Award nominations. Erivo is celebrated for her incredible singing voice and her ability to bring historical figures to life, as seen in her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in the series ‘Genius’. Most recently, she has been cast as Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Wicked’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe first became well-known as a musician, even receiving a Grammy nomination. She then successfully moved into acting, making her film debut in the critically acclaimed movies ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’ (which won an Academy Award). She went on to star in the thrillers ‘Antebellum’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Monáe’s work often combines futuristic themes with social issues, and she’s known for her distinctive style and dedication to inclusivity in both music and film.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson first became well-known as a contestant on ‘American Idol’. She then launched a successful acting career, winning an Oscar for her performance in ‘Dreamgirls’. She’s achieved rare status as an EGOT winner – having earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Hudson also powerfully portrayed Aretha Franklin in the movie ‘Respect’, a role Franklin specifically requested she play. Today, she continues to entertain audiences as the host of ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique started her career as a stand-up comedian and later became known for her role in the sitcom ‘The Parkers’. She gained widespread praise for her powerful performance in the film ‘Precious’, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and numerous other awards. Mo’Nique is also celebrated for her work on the “Queens of Comedy” tour and her efforts to promote fair wages in Hollywood. Recently, she’s returned to acting with a well-received role in the series ‘BMF’.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is a highly experienced actress with a recognizable voice and a long, successful career in movies, TV, and on stage. She first played the role of Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway show ‘Dreamgirls’ and later won an Emmy Award for her work as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. She’s been in many popular films, like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, and has been a consistent and important figure in Black filmmaking for decades.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield is a highly respected actress with a career lasting over forty years. She won an Emmy Award and widespread praise for her performance as Josephine Baker in the TV movie ‘The Josephine Baker Story’. She’s also known for her roles in films like ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’. More recently, she played the powerful Lady Mae Greenleaf in the series ‘Greenleaf’. Whitfield’s acting is often praised for being graceful, commanding, and deeply moving.

Tisha Campbell

Tisha Campbell is a well-known actress who first gained fame playing Gina Waters-Payne on the popular sitcom ‘Martin’. She continued her success with the comedy series ‘My Wife and Kids’. Earlier in her career, she appeared in memorable films like ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and the ‘House Party’ movies. Beyond acting, Campbell is a singer and released an R&B album in the 1990s. Her great comedic skills and on-screen chemistry with other actors made her a beloved figure in 90s and 2000s entertainment.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is a well-known actress, most famously recognized for her roles as Pamela James in ‘Martin’ and Rochelle in ‘Everybody Hates Chris.’ She’s won several NAACP Image Awards for her comedic work on television. Currently, she stars as Tina Butler in the CBS sitcom ‘The Neighborhood.’ Throughout her career, audiences have consistently connected with her portrayals of strong, down-to-earth characters.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira became a well-known actress for her roles as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and Okoye in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’, establishing herself as a prominent action star. Beyond acting, Gurira is a celebrated playwright, with her play ‘Eclipsed’ receiving a Tony Award nomination. Her writing frequently explores African narratives and empowers women, sharing these important stories with audiences around the world. She successfully juggles both a thriving acting career and her passion for writing.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet first gained fame as Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. The character was so well-loved that it spawned the spin-off ‘A Different World’, which followed students at a Black college. Bonet later surprised audiences with a more mature role in the film ‘Angel Heart’, moving away from her innocent image. She’s continued to be a style icon and a private figure, and is still remembered for the positive impact she had on representation on television in the 1980s.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is a well-known actress who became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s with memorable roles in romantic comedies like ‘Love & Basketball’ and ‘The Best Man’. Beyond film, she’s a respected stage actress, receiving a Tony Award nomination for her performance in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She’s also a voice actor, having played Donna Tubbs on the animated series ‘The Cleveland Show’ and ‘Family Guy’. Throughout her career, Lathan has successfully balanced mainstream popularity with critically acclaimed work.

Gabrielle Union

I first really noticed Gabrielle Union when she was kicking it in ‘Bring It On’ – she was instantly magnetic! From there, she totally owned the rom-com world with films like ‘Deliver Us from Eva’ and ‘Think Like a Man’. But she’s so much more than just funny; her work in ‘Being Mary Jane’ was seriously powerful, and she really dug deep into the complexities of a woman navigating success and life. And it’s amazing to see how she uses her platform – she’s a bestselling author and a really strong voice for important causes like supporting sexual assault survivors and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. She’s a true force, both on screen and off.

Nia Long

Nia Long is a celebrated actress and a prominent figure in Black film, famous for her roles in movies like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Friday’. She’s also well-known for her romantic leads in beloved films such as ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Love Jones’. Beyond film, Long has had a successful television career, appearing in popular shows like ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Third Watch’. Throughout her long and impressive career, she’s earned a reputation as one of the most respected actresses of her generation and is often remembered as a beauty icon of the 1990s.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox became a major star in 1996 with leading roles in the hit movies ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She continued to thrive with appearances in films like ‘Soul Food’ and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’. Beyond movies, Fox has also been a regular on TV shows such as ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Empire’. She’s also built a career as a producer and businesswoman in the beauty world. Thanks to her energetic performances and ability to play diverse roles, she’s enjoyed a successful career spanning over thirty years.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah started her career as a groundbreaking female rapper and later became a successful actress, producer, and talk show host. She’s best known for her role in the popular sitcom ‘Living Single,’ which paved the way for many ensemble comedies. Her performance in the movie ‘Chicago’ earned her an Oscar nomination, and she’s continued to star in numerous films and now leads the action series ‘The Equalizer.’ Queen Latifah is celebrated as a major influence in both hip-hop and Hollywood.

Jada Pinkett Smith

I first really noticed Jada Pinkett Smith when she was on ‘A Different World’ – she was fantastic! Then she made the jump to movies and starred in some truly iconic films like ‘The Nutty Professor’, ‘Set It Off’, and even the ‘Matrix’ sequels. But she’s so much more than an actress! She created ‘Red Table Talk’, which is a really important and insightful show – it even won an Emmy. And people might not realize she’s also a producer, director, and used to front a heavy metal band called Wicked Wisdom! She’s consistently been in the public eye, and I admire her openness about family and well-being alongside all her creative work.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is a highly talented comedic actress, most famous for playing Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ films. She’s successfully moved into more dramatic roles and leading comedic parts in movies like ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Girls Trip’. In 2018, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for her work in ‘Support the Girls’. Hall is also a skilled host, having led events like the Academy Awards, proving her versatility. Throughout her career, she consistently brings a unique wit and impressive range to every project she’s involved in.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first became well-known for her web series, ‘The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl’ on YouTube. This led to her creating, writing, and starring in the popular HBO show ‘Insecure,’ for which she received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. More recently, she’s appeared in films like ‘The Photograph’ and ‘Barbie.’ Beyond acting, Rae is a successful entrepreneur, having founded Hoorae Media to help support diverse voices in the creative world. Her journey from online creator to a powerful figure in Hollywood has become a source of inspiration for many new storytellers.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is an award-winning actress best known for her memorable roles in TV comedies. She first became popular playing Joan Clayton on the hit show ‘Girlfriends,’ which resonated deeply with Black women. Later, she starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish,’ receiving numerous Emmy nominations and an NAACP Image Award. Beyond acting, Ross is a style icon and a champion of hair care, with her own brand, Pattern Beauty. While she’s the daughter of music legend Diana Ross, Tracee has built a successful and unique career for herself.

Zendaya

Zendaya started her career as a young performer on the Disney Channel show ‘Shake It Up.’ She’s since become a highly acclaimed actress, making history as the youngest two-time Emmy winner for her role in ‘Euphoria.’ Beyond television, she’s appeared in blockbuster films like ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Dune.’ Zendaya is also a major fashion influencer, recognized as a style icon and working with leading brands. She’s widely considered one of the most important entertainers for her generation, Gen Z.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is famous for playing the smart and funny lawyer Maxine Shaw on the popular 90s sitcom ‘Living Single’. Maxine became an icon for Black women, representing career success and self-reliance. Throughout her career, Alexander has appeared in many TV shows and films, including the acclaimed horror movie ‘Get Out’. She’s also a writer and producer, and co-founded Color Farm Media, a company dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive stories. Even today, her character, Maxine Shaw, is still considered one of the most memorable and well-loved in television history.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashad is widely known as “The Mother of the Nation” thanks to her iconic role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. Her depiction of a successful lawyer and family leader changed how Black mothers were seen on TV. She also broke barriers by becoming the first Black actress to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play, for her performance in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Rashad has continued to excel in acclaimed projects like the ‘Creed’ movies and ‘This Is Us’, and she previously served as Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington became a major star thanks to her role as Olivia Pope in the hit TV series ‘Scandal’. This groundbreaking role made her the first Black woman to lead a network drama in almost four decades and brought her several Emmy nominations. Beyond television, Washington has appeared in popular and critically acclaimed films like ‘Ray’, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘The Last King of Scotland’. She’s also a passionate activist and producer, using her company, Simpson Street, to support diverse and underrepresented storytellers. Many believe her work on ‘Scandal’ significantly changed television, creating more opportunities for Black actresses.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is a highly acclaimed actress, earning an Academy Award nomination for her work in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.’ She became a household name playing the strong and unforgettable Cookie Lyon on the TV series ‘Empire,’ and starred as real-life NASA pioneer Katherine Johnson in the popular film ‘Hidden Figures.’ Beyond acting, Henson is a passionate advocate for mental health, and founded the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide support within the Black community. Throughout her career, she’s proven her versatility and captivating presence in both dramatic and comedic roles.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is a highly acclaimed and award-winning actress celebrated for her captivating performances and ability to portray a wide range of emotions. She won an Academy Award for her memorable role as Minny in ‘The Help’ and has been nominated for Oscars multiple times, including for her work in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Beyond acting, Spencer has become a successful producer, particularly drawn to stories about lesser-known events in history. Her consistent achievements have solidified her reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and respected stars.

Regina King

Regina King started her acting career as a teenager on the TV show ‘227’ and has since become a highly respected actress and director. She’s won an Oscar for her role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and has also received four Primetime Emmy Awards. Her powerful performance in the series ‘Watchmen’ earned widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and insightful look at social issues. King recently made her directorial debut with the film ‘One Night in Miami…,’ which was nominated for several Academy Awards. She’s now considered one of the most skilled and adaptable talents working in film today.

Halle Berry

As a film lover, I’ll never forget Halle Berry’s historic Oscar win in 2002 for ‘Monster’s Ball’ – she was the first Black woman to ever receive that honor, and it’s incredible that, even now, she remains the only one. Beyond that incredible moment, she’s been a constant presence in some huge films, like ‘X-Men’ where she absolutely owned the role of Storm, and of course, being a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’. But she hasn’t stopped at acting; she even directed and starred in ‘Bruised’! Throughout her career, Halle has consistently taken on roles that pushed boundaries and challenged how women of color are seen in Hollywood. She’s a true icon and a pioneer, really paving the way for more representation in leading roles.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has made history as the first Black actress to win an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tony Awards – a feat known as the “Triple Crown of Acting.” She became a household name playing Annalise Keating in the TV series ‘How to Get Away with Murder.’ Davis won an Academy Award for her role in the film ‘Fences’ and completed her EGOT – winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony – in 2023 with a Grammy for the audiobook version of her memoir, ‘Finding Me.’ Many consider her to be one of the best actors working today.

Angela Bassett

As a movie fan, I’ve always been blown away by Angela Bassett’s performances, especially her incredible take on Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ – she deserved all the awards, including that Oscar nomination and Golden Globe win! She’s just consistently great, whether it’s on the big screen or in shows like ‘American Horror Story’ and ‘9-1-1’. Then, she absolutely killed it as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ earning her another Oscar nod. And honestly, the Honorary Academy Award she received in 2024? Totally deserved – she’s a legend and has given so much to the world of film.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly decorated actress, having won four Emmy Awards from a total of eighteen nominations throughout her career. She’s celebrated for her versatility, delivering powerful performances in films like ‘Passion Fish’, ‘Cross Creek’, and ‘12 Years a Slave’. Woodard also gave a standout performance in the critically acclaimed film ‘Clemency’, earning a BAFTA nomination. She’s consistently appeared in both critically praised films and popular TV shows, including ‘Luke Cage’ and ‘See’, and is known for her commitment to telling compelling stories through complex characters.

Whoopi Goldberg

As a movie critic, I’ve always been impressed by Whoopi Goldberg’s incredible range. She burst onto the scene with a stunning performance in ‘The Color Purple,’ immediately earning an Oscar nomination. Then, she won an Academy Award for her charming and hilarious role in ‘Ghost’ – a truly deserved win! Of course, she became a household name thanks to the wildly popular ‘Sister Act’ films. Beyond acting, she’s a fantastic host, having led the Academy Awards ceremony several times. And for over fifteen years now, she’s been a consistently engaging voice as a moderator on ‘The View’. It’s rare to see someone achieve EGOT status, and Whoopi Goldberg absolutely deserves her place among the greats.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier rose to fame in the 1970s as a leading star of ‘blaxploitation’ films, appearing in movies like ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown.’ She was a pioneer as the first Black woman to star in an action movie, playing powerful, self-reliant characters who stood up to wrongdoing. Grier’s career was revitalized in the 1990s when Quentin Tarantino chose her for the lead role in ‘Jackie Brown,’ a performance that earned her Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. Today, she’s remembered as a hugely influential figure in film, having redefined the image of the female action hero.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols was a pioneer who overcame racial barriers with her role as Lieutenant Uhura on the original ‘Star Trek.’ She was one of the first Black women shown in a position of power on American TV. Martin Luther King Jr. urged her to continue playing Uhura, recognizing the character as an important sign of progress. Nichols also worked with NASA, helping to recruit more women and minorities to become astronauts. Her impact continues to inspire people in both science and entertainment today.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a remarkably talented singer, actress, and performer, instantly recognizable for her unique voice and playful, cat-like style. She became a household name in the 1960s playing Catwoman on the ‘Batman’ television show, taking over the role from Julie Newmar. Though her career faced a brief challenge after she publicly opposed the Vietnam War during a White House event, she ultimately returned to prominence, enjoying success on Broadway and as a voice actor – most famously as the villain Yzma in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a groundbreaking performer who shattered racial barriers in entertainment. She famously starred in ‘Julia’, becoming the first Black woman to lead her own television series in a role that wasn’t based on stereotypes. A Broadway star, she won a Tony Award for ‘No Strings’ – a first for Black actresses. Carroll also received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘Claudine’ and later became a style icon as Dominique Deveraux on ‘Dynasty’. Throughout her career, she consistently portrayed strong, nuanced Black women, paving the way for future generations.

Juanita Moore

As a film lover, I always think of Juanita Moore when discussing truly powerful performances, and her role as Annie Johnson in ‘Imitation of Life’ from 1959 is unforgettable. It’s honestly heartbreaking, and she deservedly received an Oscar nomination – she was only the fifth Black performer ever to be nominated! The film tackled some really difficult issues surrounding race and identity, and everyone agreed Moore was the emotional center of it all. She kept working steadily in film and TV for years after, even appearing in ‘The Singing Nun’, but that performance in ‘Imitation of Life’? It’s a landmark moment in cinema, and still resonates today.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a celebrated actress and a dedicated activist in the Civil Rights Movement, often working with her husband, Ossie Davis. She first played the iconic role of Ruth Younger in both the stage and movie versions of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Late in her career, at age 83, she received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘American Hero’. Throughout her long and successful career, Dee earned an Emmy and a Grammy, and was also honored with the National Medal of Arts. She beautifully combined her talent as an artist with her commitment to social justice.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a groundbreaking actress in Hollywood known for her commitment to portraying Black women with strength and respect, refusing roles that felt stereotypical or degrading. She received an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in ‘Sounder’ and won two Emmy Awards for her leading role in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.’ Tyson also earned a Tony Award for ‘The Trip to Bountiful’ and received an Honorary Academy Award, recognizing her remarkable seven-decade career dedicated to dignified and strong female characters.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was a groundbreaking actress and singer, famously becoming the first African-American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She earned this historic nomination for her leading role in the 1954 film ‘Carmen Jones’. A popular performer in nightclubs, Dandridge also starred in movies like ‘Porgy and Bess’ and ‘Island in the Sun’. Despite her talent and success, she experienced considerable racial prejudice in Hollywood. Her life story has been documented in several books and the biographical film ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a pioneering singer and actress who broke barriers for Black women in the entertainment industry. She achieved many historic milestones, including being the first Black woman nominated for an Emmy Award and the second for an Academy Award. Waters was known for her roles in the important film ‘Pinky’ and the Broadway play and film adaptation of ‘The Member of the Wedding.’ She also made history as the first Black woman to host her own radio show and television special. Her work is considered hugely influential in the development of American jazz, pop, and gospel music.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a celebrated singer, actress, and activist who became a star at MGM in the 1940s. She appeared in popular musicals like ‘Stormy Weather’ and ‘Cabin in the Sky’. Horne was committed to avoiding roles that relied on harmful stereotypes, and because of this, some of her scenes were filmed in a way that allowed them to be removed in Southern states. She actively supported the Civil Rights Movement, even marching in Washington D.C. Throughout her long and successful career, Horne became known as an icon of both grace and strength.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African-American to win an Oscar, receiving the award for her performance as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’. Despite facing discrimination – she wasn’t even allowed at the film’s premiere – she opened doors for other Black actors and actresses. Throughout her career, McDaniel appeared in over 300 films, though she only received official credit for about 80. She’s remembered for her strength and groundbreaking achievements during Hollywood’s Golden Age, and was honored after her death with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

We’d love to hear which classic actresses you think have made the biggest difference in the movies and TV shows you enjoy. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

2026-01-16 19:56