African-American Actresses Who Are Sci-Fi Geeks

As a sci-fi fan, I’ve always been amazed by the incredible contributions of Black actresses to the genre. They don’t just appear in these futuristic worlds, they really bring something special – a depth and complexity that makes the stories so much richer. Whether they’re commanding starships or surviving in post-apocalyptic settings, these women have become true icons for fans like me. And honestly, their work is a huge inspiration, making me hopeful for a more inclusive and diverse future for sci-fi on screen.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols is best known for playing Nyota Uhura in the original ‘Star Trek’ series and movies. Her role was groundbreaking for diversity in science fiction during the 1960s. Later, she worked with NASA to encourage women and minorities to become astronauts, turning the show’s vision of the future into a reality. Throughout her career, Nichols dedicated herself to pushing the limits of exploration, both through her acting and her activism.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green is a groundbreaking actress who became the first Black woman to star as the lead in a ‘Star Trek’ series, playing Michael Burnham. Before ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ where she tackled themes of identity and galactic diplomacy, she was known for her role as the resourceful Sasha in ‘The Walking Dead.’ Through her work in science fiction and fantasy, she’s become a well-respected figure in the genre.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana is known for her roles in hugely popular science fiction movies. She’s played iconic characters like Uhura in the newer ‘Star Trek’ films, Gamora in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series, and Neytiri in the ‘Avatar’ films, which are set on amazing alien worlds. Her work in these big-budget projects confirms her as a major star in space-themed storytelling.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is now a well-known face in science fiction and fantasy thanks to her roles in popular movies and TV shows. She’s famous for playing Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring in the series Westworld. Thompson also appeared in the sci-fi thriller Annihilation, which explores alien worlds and genetic changes. Her characters are often complex individuals dealing with unusual, high-tech settings.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has become known for her roles in science fiction and fantasy films. She first appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ series as Maz Kanata, a character brought to life using motion capture. She then played Nakia in the ‘Black Panther’ movies, set in the technologically advanced nation of Wakanda. In the horror-sci-fi film ‘Us,’ Nyong’o impressively played two different characters in a world beneath the surface. She’s a versatile actress who can convincingly portray imaginative characters while still feeling relatable and emotionally authentic.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith became known for science fiction with her role as Niobe in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’, and she returned to the series decades later in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ to fight for humanity. She also starred in ‘Gotham’, a show about the beginnings of Batman’s world and futuristic technology. These roles have established her as a prominent figure in both cyberpunk and action films and television.

Regina King

Regina King is known for her roles in thought-provoking projects like the series ‘Watchmen,’ where she played Angela Abar, a masked detective in a reimagined version of history. The show combined science fiction with discussions about society and featured a complicated storyline. She also starred in the movie ‘Enemy of the State,’ which explores themes of government secrets and advanced technology tracking people. Throughout her career, King has consistently chosen roles in stories that use imaginative concepts to shed light on real-world issues.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is well-known for playing Michonne on the popular TV show ‘The Walking Dead.’ She then joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, becoming the leader of the Dora Milaje in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War.’ Her characters are often skilled in both classic weapons and high-tech tools, using them to defend their people. Beyond acting, Gurira is also a playwright who strives to share a variety of stories and viewpoints.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright became well-known worldwide for playing Shuri, the brilliant inventor, in the ‘Black Panther’ movies. As Shuri, she’s the creator of Wakanda’s most cutting-edge technology. She also starred in an episode of ‘Black Mirror’ called ‘Black Museum,’ which looks at the potentially harmful side of technology and artificial intelligence. Throughout her work, Wright often explores how science and technology impact people’s lives.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is known for her roles in science fiction, most notably as Maeve Millay in ‘Westworld’. In the series, she plays an android who becomes aware of herself and fights for the freedom of other artificial beings within a futuristic park. She also played Val, a talented thief, in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, participating in a robbery on a distant planet. Throughout her work, Newton often brings depth and emotion to characters who exist in technologically advanced worlds.

Freema Agyeman

Freema Agyeman is known for playing Martha Jones in the popular British sci-fi show ‘Doctor Who,’ where she journeyed with the Doctor through time and space and ultimately helped protect Earth. She later appeared in ‘Sense8,’ a series about people around the world connected by their minds. Throughout her career, Agyeman has consistently taken on important roles in groundbreaking television shows.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw is known for roles exploring complex themes of technology and time. She gained recognition for her part in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero,’ which depicts a virtual afterlife, and played a scientist studying space and other dimensions in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’ More recently, she joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Ravonna Renslayer in ‘Loki,’ a character who oversees an organization responsible for monitoring timelines.

Candice Patton

Candice Patton is famous for playing Iris West on the popular superhero show ‘The Flash’. As Iris, she deals with the challenges of a world full of people with superpowers and time travelers, all while running a news website. She’s also been a key part of big crossover episodes featuring different universes and futuristic dangers. Thanks to her work on the show, she’s become a well-known figure among fans of comics and science fiction.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie is known for her work in shows with imaginative storylines. She played Lieutenant Abbie Mills in the series ‘Sleepy Hollow,’ which combined historical mysteries with science fiction and ancient predictions. She also guest-starred in an episode of ‘Black Mirror’ that examined how virtual reality games can affect relationships. Beharie’s skill with challenging and creative scripts has allowed her to take on diverse roles in the science fiction and supernatural genres.

Gina Torres

Gina Torres is well known for playing Zoe Washburne in the popular sci-fi show ‘Firefly’ and the movie ‘Serenity’. She also had a role in ‘The Matrix’ sequels, playing a member of the human resistance in the city of Zion. Beyond live-action roles, Torres has lent her voice to animated projects for both ‘DC Comics’ and ‘Star Wars’. Fans especially appreciate her strong and captivating performances in science fiction, particularly space westerns and cyberpunk stories.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson is well-known for her work in science fiction and comic book projects. She famously played Ahsoka Tano in both ‘The Mandalorian’ and the ‘Ahsoka’ series. She also appeared as Claire Temple in several Marvel TV shows featuring characters with superpowers in city environments. A longtime fan of the genre herself, she’s even helped create her own comic book series.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is known for her roles in science fiction and fantasy. She played a key part in ‘Star Trek First Contact’ as an engineer who helped create warp drive, and later appeared in ‘Luke Cage’ as a character in a world of superheroes. More recently, she starred in the series ‘See,’ which depicts a future where people are blind. Woodard consistently brings a sense of depth and importance to the imaginative worlds of these shows and films.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has a history of appearing in thought-provoking science fiction films. She played a bodyguard in ‘Strange Days,’ a thriller set in a world where memories can be shared like recordings. More recently, she was known for her role as Queen Ramonda in the ‘Black Panther’ movies, set in a technologically advanced African nation. She also appeared in ‘Contact’ as a government representative responding to first contact with alien life. Throughout her career, Bassett has often taken roles that examine how technology impacts society and politics.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is well-known for her role as Storm in the ‘X-Men’ movies, where she portrayed a character with genetically-based powers exploring the idea of human evolution. She also played an astronaut who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a solo trip to space in the series ‘Extant.’ Berry’s appearance in ‘Cloud Atlas,’ a film with stories spanning different eras – including a futuristic Neo Seoul – has solidified her place as a leading actress in popular science fiction and fantasy.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz is known for her roles in popular projects like ‘Deadpool 2’, where she played the character Domino, and an episode of ‘Black Mirror’ that explores the impact of technology. She also appeared in the film ‘Joker’, a darker take on the classic villain. Throughout her career, Beetz has consistently chosen roles that combine realistic stories with elements of science fiction and fantasy.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan starred as Lex Woods in ‘Alien vs Predator,’ facing off against both Aliens and Predators. Her character was one of the few to survive the clash between these two famous science fiction worlds. She’s also done voice work for animated shows that playfully reference and celebrate classic sci-fi and horror themes. Her performance as a resilient lead in a space horror film continues to be a defining role in her career.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel has starred in popular science fiction shows like ‘Black Mirror,’ including the episode ‘USS Callister,’ and the Marvel film ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ where she played a skilled warrior. She’s known for bringing a fresh and unconventional approach to familiar genres and for her talent in playing a wide range of characters in imaginative and thought-provoking stories.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo has appeared in thought-provoking science fiction films like ‘Chaos Walking,’ set on a planet where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts, and ‘Needle in a Timestack,’ which examines the complicated ethics of time travel and how it affects relationships. Known for her emotionally resonant performances, Erivo consistently delivers powerful acting in films with imaginative concepts, and her work in science fiction shows her dedication to exploring what it means to be human in unique and compelling ways.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is known for exploring themes of artificial intelligence and identity through her work, including her music and films. Beyond her artistic projects, she’s also a celebrated actress, appearing in the critically acclaimed film ‘Hidden Figures,’ which highlights the contributions of Black women to the space race. She’s also starred in the series ‘Homecoming,’ a suspenseful show about memory and secrets. Monáe further developed her futuristic vision with ‘The Memory Librarian,’ a collection of science fiction stories.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first became well-known for her role as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. More recently, she’s become a lead actress in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’, set during the High Republic era. She also starred in ‘The Darkest Minds’ as a teen with special powers in a world that fears children like her. Throughout her career, Stenberg has consistently appeared in young adult science fiction and large-scale space stories.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris became part of the Marvel universe playing the grown-up Monica Rambeau in the series ‘WandaVision’. Her character developed superpowers after traveling through a portal to another dimension and later appeared in the movie ‘The Marvels’. Parris also starred in the science fiction mystery film ‘They Cloned Tyrone’, which features secret government research and hidden laboratories. Many of her roles blend intriguing mysteries with futuristic technology.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter is known for playing Maddie Wachowski in the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ movies, which blend real-life action with animated characters and futuristic technology. These films are based on the popular ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ video game series and involve traveling between different dimensions. Sumpter also starred in the TV series ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ and is hoping to do more science fiction projects. Her work in the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ films has helped her reach a wider audience of sci-fi fans.

Simone Missick

Simone Missick is an actress famous for playing Misty Knight in the Marvel shows ‘Luke Cage’ and ‘The Defenders’. Her character is a detective who gets a powerful, artificial arm after losing her arm while working. Missick also appeared in ‘Altered Carbon’, a series set in the future where people can move their minds into different bodies. She frequently plays strong, resourceful women in stories that involve technology or superpowers.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is known for roles in thrilling, often disaster-focused films. She played Selena, a survivor in the post-apocalyptic horror movie ’28 Days Later,’ and became a familiar face as Eve Moneypenny in the ‘James Bond’ series, known for its high-tech gadgets and worldwide danger. Harris also starred in ‘Rampage’ as a scientist facing a city-wide threat from genetically altered animals. Throughout her career, she’s often taken on roles involving scientific crises and the struggle for human survival.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch is a well-known actress who has become a prominent figure in blockbuster films. She first appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel,’ and even played an alternate version of Captain Marvel herself. She also starred in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’ as a modern, tech-savvy agent. Lynch’s work in films like ‘The Woman King’ demonstrates her desire to portray strong, unconventional female characters in action and sci-fi, and has established her as a recognizable face in the world of speculative cinema.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer appeared in the sci-fi horror film ‘Nope,’ about a mysterious encounter with a flying object. She also voiced the character Izzy Hawthorne in the animated space adventure ‘Lightyear.’ Palmer has worked on a variety of projects within the science fiction genre, covering everything from aliens to space exploration. She brings a fresh, energetic style to these classic sci-fi themes.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback starred in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ as a scientist who uncovers evidence of ancient robots on Earth. She also acted in ‘Project Power,’ a film centered around a pill that temporarily gives people superpowers. Fishback is praised for her realistic performances, which bring authenticity to even the most fantastical or action-packed stories. Her work in these major films is quickly making her a prominent name in the genre.

Aisha Tyler

Aisha Tyler is a longtime enthusiast of science fiction and video games. She’s known for her voice work on the animated show ‘Archer,’ which playfully spoofs the genre and features futuristic gadgets. In addition to her role on ‘Criminal Minds,’ Tyler has also hosted prominent gaming events, such as Ubisoft’s press conference at E3. Her fans are well aware of her genuine passion for technology and imaginative stories.

Kellita Smith

Kellita Smith played Roberta Warren in the TV series ‘Z Nation,’ set during a zombie apocalypse. As a key character, she guides a group of people across the country in search of a cure. The show blends zombie horror with sci-fi themes like genetic engineering and unusual cults. Smith’s portrayal of a powerful and determined leader has earned her a dedicated following among fans of survival and horror stories.

Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley is known for her roles in shows with supernatural or fantastical themes, like ‘True Blood’ where she played Tara Thornton, and the adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. She often portrays characters dealing with difficult experiences and finding strength in unusual situations, all within realistic settings.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe playing Riri Williams, a brilliant inventor who goes by the name Ironheart. Her character creates her own advanced suit of armor, comparable to the technology Tony Stark developed. She first appeared in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and will lead her own TV series. Thorne’s role showcases a new generation of talented scientists in the worlds of superheroes and science fiction.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku is an actress known for her roles in popular series like ‘Loki’ – a show about time travel and different versions of reality – and ‘Lovecraft Country,’ which combines historical fiction with science fiction and horror. She often chooses characters that allow her to explore themes of identity in unique and imaginative settings. Her talent keeps her involved in some of the most creative television projects today.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is known for their role in the thriller ‘Escape Room Tournament of Champions,’ which centers around dangerous and complex puzzles. They also starred in the acclaimed series ‘Pose’ and have since focused on projects within the science fiction and fantasy genres. Moore is passionate about using these genres to tell stories about different identities and imagine new possibilities. Their work is helping to bring more diversity to science fiction films and television.

Tracie Thoms

Tracie Thoms is known for her work in imaginative and thrilling projects, including the science fiction film ‘Looper,’ which deals with time travel and crime. She was also involved in a pilot for a ‘Wonder Woman’ TV show and often appears in crime and mystery dramas, sometimes with a supernatural element. Her ability to play diverse roles makes her a great fit for shows with unique and creative storylines.

Penny Johnson Jerald

Penny Johnson Jerald is a well-known actress in the science fiction world, especially for her roles in space-themed shows. She’s famous for playing Kasidy Yates on ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ and currently stars as Doctor Claire Finn on ‘The Orville,’ a series inspired by classic space exploration programs. Throughout her career, she’s often played characters who live and work in outer space, earning her a dedicated following among science fiction enthusiasts.

Tell us which of these talented actresses has your favorite science fiction role in the comments.

2026-02-10 07:55