African-American Actresses Who Are Surprisingly Short

Movie magic often uses camera angles and visual illusions to make actors seem bigger on screen. Interestingly, many celebrated African-American actresses have a powerful and captivating presence despite not being particularly tall. Their talent and skill have allowed them to become major stars, and fans are often surprised to learn how short some of these award-winning actresses actually are.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson, originally from Philadelphia, is a rising star who created and stars in the popular sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’. Standing at just under five feet tall, she’s won Emmy Awards and widespread praise for her work, which has brought fresh energy to network comedy. Brunson cleverly uses her height as part of her comedic performance while playing the cheerful teacher, Janine Teagues.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for many years, even though she’s only five feet tall. She first became well-known in the early 1990s with appearances on TV shows like ‘A Different World’. She’s also starred in popular movies such as ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘The Matrix Reloaded’. More recently, she gained attention for hosting ‘Red Table Talk’, a talk show known for discussing challenging topics.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a talented singer and actress known for her unique style – she’s only five feet tall! She easily moved from making music to acting, earning praise for her work in films like ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. In ‘Hidden Figures’, she stood out as a NASA engineer, acting alongside experienced stars. Monáe continues to thrive, successfully juggling her music career with prominent roles in movies such as ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson started her career as a young model and quickly gained popularity as an actress on Disney Channel. Known for her role as Zuri Ross in ‘Jessie’ and ‘Bunk’d’, she became a familiar face to many. Now pursuing more mature acting roles, she’s also become well-known on social media and in the fashion industry. Because she began working so young, she already has a lot of experience.

Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keshia Knight Pulliam is best known for playing Rudy Huxtable, the youngest daughter, on the hit show ‘The Cosby Show’. Standing at five feet tall, she’s also famous for being the youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy Award. Since then, Pulliam has continued acting, appearing in films like ‘Madea Goes to Jail’ and several TV movies. She’s still remembered fondly for her memorable role as a child on television.

Lil’ Kim

Lil’ Kim is famous for her innovative work in hip-hop, but she’s also acted in movies like ‘She’s All That’ and ‘Zoolander’. Though she’s only four feet eleven inches tall, her powerful stage presence and daring style often overshadow her small size. She’s a lasting cultural figure who has inspired many female artists.

Cynthia Erivo

As a film lover, I’m constantly amazed by Cynthia Erivo. She’s a truly incredible performer – a phenomenal singer and actress, and surprisingly, she’s only five foot one! Most people know her from the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple,’ which won her a Tony, but I was completely blown away by her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in ‘Harriet,’ earning her two Oscar nominations. She just completely owns any role she takes on, proving that talent really does come in all sizes – or in her case, a small but mighty package!

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown is an actress and host widely recognized for playing Shirley Bennett on the popular comedy ‘Community’. Standing at 5’1″, she’s built a successful career with many roles in television, animation, and family films. People often highlight her excellent comedic timing and her naturally warm and engaging presence on screen.

Sherri Shepherd

Sherri Shepherd is a comedian and actress who is five feet one inch tall. She became well-known as a co-host on ‘The View’ and for her role in the sitcom ‘Less than Perfect’. She’s also been in several movies and competed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Now, she hosts her own daytime talk show, where her lively personality shines.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback is a rising star in Hollywood, known for her powerful and emotionally resonant performances. Despite being just over five feet tall, she’s already earned critical acclaim for her work in films like ‘Judas and the Black Messiah,’ where she acted alongside Daniel Kaluuya, and reached a huge international audience with the blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’

Nia Long

As a lifelong movie fan, I’ve always admired Nia Long. She’s been a constant presence in Black cinema since the ’90s, and it’s amazing to look back at films like ‘Boyz n the Hood,’ ‘Love Jones,’ and the whole ‘Best Man’ series – she was fantastic in all of them! She’s only five foot two, but she’s had such a consistently strong career for over three decades, working steadily in both TV and movies. I think a big part of why she’s so beloved is not just her beauty, but her ability to play characters who feel real and empowering.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz, the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, is a successful actress who has made a name for herself in popular films and television. Standing at 5’2″, she’s known for her roles in franchises like ‘X-Men’, ‘Divergent’, and ‘The Batman’, where her performance as Catwoman was particularly praised for being both strong and nuanced. She’s also earned recognition for her work on the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’.

Halle Bailey

As a film fan, I was completely blown away by Halle Bailey as Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’! She’s not very tall – around five foot two – but her voice is just incredible, and honestly, it’s what first got me hooked on her talent. Most people probably first discovered her with Chloe x Halle, but she’s really proven she can act too. Seeing her in ‘The Color Purple’ really cemented her as a true star – she’s a fantastic singer and actress!

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a celebrated comedian and actress, standing at 5’2”. She’s famous for her sharp, funny observations and has appeared in popular shows like ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Black-ish’. She’s also a well-known voice actor, having worked on films like the ‘Ice Age’ series. Throughout her career, Sykes has earned a reputation as one of the most hilarious women in comedy.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good started acting when she was very young and is five feet two inches tall. She successfully moved from child roles to adult parts in films like ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘Think Like a Man’. Over the years, she’s appeared in a wide variety of movies, including horror, romantic comedies, and action films like ‘Shazam!’. Known for her fashion sense, Meagan Good has been a consistent and recognizable face in Hollywood for many years.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné has been a familiar face on TV since she was very young. Standing at 5’2″, she became famous for her role in the popular Disney Channel show ‘That’s So Raven’, where she showed off her talent for physical comedy. Beyond television, she’s also had a successful career in music, theater, and as a talk show host. Remarkably, she’s one of the few child stars who has continued to work steadily and avoid controversy as an adult.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer, an Academy Award-winning actress, is five feet two inches tall. She won an Oscar for her performance in ‘The Help’ and was also nominated for awards for her roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. Known for being able to seamlessly play both funny and serious characters, Spencer is a highly respected and popular actress who consistently delivers excellent work.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a highly respected choreographer, actress, and director known for her work in both dance and television. Standing at just five foot two, she became famous for playing the demanding dance instructor, Lydia Grant, on the show ‘Fame,’ often pushing her students to “give her sweat.” Beyond acting, Allen has successfully directed and produced popular shows like ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ solidifying her legacy as a prominent figure in the entertainment world.

Jasmine Guy

Jasmine Guy is famous for playing Whitley Gilbert on the TV show ‘A Different World’. Standing at 5’2”, she perfectly embodied the role of a sophisticated southern character, becoming a memorable figure from 1990s television. Beyond acting, she’s a skilled dancer with experience in many stage performances. She continues to work in television, with appearances in shows like ‘The Vampire Diaries’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet first gained fame playing Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later in its spin-off, ‘A Different World’. Though petite at five feet two inches tall, she quickly became a style icon, known for her relaxed and free-spirited fashion. Bonet has also appeared in films like ‘Angel Heart’ and ‘High Fidelity’, and has always cultivated a cool and enigmatic image throughout her career.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a British actress with Zimbabwean roots, standing at 5’2″. She’s celebrated for her powerful and award-winning portrayal of Maeve Millay in the HBO series ‘Westworld’. She’s also appeared in well-known films like ‘Crash’, earning a BAFTA Award for her work, and ‘Mission: Impossible 2’. Newton is admired for her grace and skill at playing challenging, emotional characters.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose is known for voicing Tiana in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’. Standing at 5’2″, she’s also a successful stage actress who won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway production of ‘Caroline, or Change’. In addition to her voice work and stage performances, Rose has appeared in films like ‘Dreamgirls’ and the TV show ‘The Good Wife’.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin first became well-known for her role as Diane Johnson on the popular TV show ‘Black-ish’. At just five feet two inches tall, she broke records by becoming the youngest person ever to executive produce a major movie, ‘Little’. She’s received several NAACP Image Awards for both her acting and producing. Martin is a great example of the exciting new wave of young people in Hollywood who are taking charge of their own stories.

Camille Winbush

Camille Winbush is famous for playing Vanessa Thomkins on ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. She’s five feet two inches tall and essentially grew up on television with her co-stars. Since then, she’s continued acting, appearing in shows like ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’, and has also worked as a talented voice actress and singer.

Regina King

Regina King is an award-winning actress and director, standing at 5’3″. She’s known for her compelling performances, including an Academy Award win for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk.’ On television, she’s earned Emmy Awards for her roles in shows like ‘American Crime,’ ‘Seven Seconds,’ and ‘Watchmen.’ More recently, King has also found success as a director, making her feature film debut with ‘One Night in Miami’.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first became well-known for her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. Standing at 5’3”, she’s since appeared in highly praised films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. Beyond acting, Stenberg is a passionate activist who speaks openly about important social issues, and she often chooses roles that allow her to share diverse and impactful stories.

Ruth Negga

I’m such a fan of Ruth Negga! She’s an Ethiopian-Irish actress, not very tall at five foot three, but absolutely captivating on screen. I was completely moved by her performance in ‘Loving’ – it was so understated yet incredibly powerful, and she even earned an Academy Award nomination for it! You might also recognize her from TV shows like ‘Preacher’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ – she really brings her characters to life. What I admire most is how much emotion she can convey just with her eyes and without saying much at all – it’s truly remarkable.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is well-known for her roles as Zoey Johnson in the TV shows ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Grown-ish’. At just over five feet tall, she’s become a leading voice for young people. She successfully juggles her work as an actress with her studies at Harvard University and her dedication to social causes. Recently, she also portrayed Tinker Bell in the movie ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain, who comes from a family with a strong background in music, is five feet three inches tall. She’s well known for her roles on the Disney Channel’s ‘A.N.T. Farm’ and in the popular ‘Descendants’ movies, where she particularly shined as the villain Uma, showing off her singing and dancing skills. She also played the superhero Lightning in the series ‘Black Lightning’.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley became famous playing Mercedes Jones on the TV show ‘Glee’. Standing at 5’3″, she was celebrated for her incredibly strong singing voice during her time on the series. She later won season seventeen of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and performed in ‘Dreamgirls’ in London’s West End. No matter where she performs, Riley commands attention with her captivating stage presence.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is an acclaimed actress best known for playing Poussey Washington in the Netflix hit ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Standing at 5’3”, she also won an Emmy Award for her work on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Wiley is praised for her ability to portray characters with both strength and emotional depth, especially in challenging dramatic roles, and remains a popular choice for complex parts on television.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly respected actress known for her powerful and dignified performances. Standing at 5’3″, she’s received an Academy Award nomination and has won four Emmy Awards over the course of her successful career. She’s delivered memorable performances in films like ‘Cross Creek’, ‘Passion Fish’, and ‘12 Years a Slave’.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson, a groundbreaking African-American actress who stood five feet three inches tall, passed away recently. Throughout her remarkable career, which lasted over seventy years, she became famous for playing powerful women in films like ‘Sounder’ and ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.’ She received an honorary Academy Award for her contributions and continued working until her death, leaving behind an incredible legacy.

Taraji P. Henson

I’ve always been blown away by Taraji P. Henson – she just completely owns every scene she’s in, which is amazing considering she’s only five-foot-four! Most people probably remember her Oscar nod for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ but for me, it was Cookie Lyon on ‘Empire’ that really cemented her as a legend. And then seeing her lead that incredible cast in ‘Hidden Figures’? Proof she can handle anything. It’s cool to see she’s also a writer and really uses her platform to talk about mental health, too – she’s a total inspiration.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is well-known for being in incredible shape and giving powerful performances. Standing at 5’4″, she’s particularly remembered for her amazing portrayal of Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. More recently, her role as Queen Ramonda in the ‘Black Panther’ movies won her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Bassett has a naturally dignified presence that often makes people perceive her as being taller than she is.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is a world-renowned singer and actress, standing at 5’4″. She started her career as a child on the TV show ‘Good Times’ and later starred in films such as ‘Poetic Justice’ and ‘The Nutty Professor II’. Her work in music and dance has inspired many artists over the years, and she continues to be a major pop culture icon.

Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige, known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, is five foot four. She’s become a successful actress, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Mudbound’ and currently starring in the popular series ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. Just like her music, her acting is full of genuine emotion.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a rising star who’s found success in both independent films and big-budget blockbusters. Standing at 5’4″, she’s become widely recognized for her roles as Valkyrie in the Marvel movies and in the ‘Creed’ films. Her work in movies like ‘Sorry to Bother You’ and ‘Passing’ demonstrates her ability to play a variety of characters. People consistently highlight her captivating presence on screen.

Rashida Jones

I’m a huge fan of Rashida Jones! She’s seriously funny and so talented – not just as an actress, but as a writer and director too. She’s about five foot four, and I first really loved her in shows like ‘The Office’ and ‘Parks and Recreation’. But it’s cool to know she’s done so much more, like writing for ‘Black Mirror’ and even directing a documentary about her dad, the legendary Quincy Jones! She’s constantly working on new projects, which is awesome.

Tisha Campbell

As a longtime fan of comedy, I’ve always loved Tisha Campbell! She’s been making us laugh for years, and at 5’4″, she’s a powerhouse performer. Most people probably know her best as Gina from ‘Martin’ or Jay on ‘My Wife and Kids’ – she just has incredible chemistry with whoever she’s working with. Plus, she can really sing! It’s great to see she’s still busy with TV work and often gets asked to host awards shows, too.

Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is a hugely influential rapper and producer, standing just over five feet tall. Though famous for her music, she’s also known for her innovative and movie-like music videos, which have shaped the look of hip-hop for more than twenty years. Recently, she made history as the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Karrueche Tran

Karrueche Tran started her career as a stylist and model and later became a successful actress. Standing at 5’1″, she’s best known for her role as Virginia Loc in the TNT series ‘Claws’. She’s also won Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the digital drama ‘The Bay’ and has successfully transitioned from a tabloid figure to a respected actress.

Lauren London

Lauren London first gained recognition in the movie ‘ATL’ and is 5’2″ tall. Since then, she’s been in TV shows like ‘The Game’ and films including ‘This Christmas.’ Her recent role in ‘You People’ brought her work to a wider audience on streaming platforms. London is celebrated for her genuine acting and strong ties to the culture of Los Angeles.

Please share your thoughts on these talented actresses in the comments.

2026-02-06 17:50