African-American Actresses Everyone Loves

African American actresses have dramatically changed the world of film and television. Through hard work and incredible talent, they’ve overcome obstacles and achieved great success. From the pioneers who opened doors to the new stars pushing boundaries today, their impact is felt by audiences everywhere. This collection honors the careers and accomplishments of twenty-five actresses who have truly shaped our culture, and continue to inspire artists and storytellers worldwide.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis reached EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award—after receiving a Grammy in 2023 for narrating her memoir, ‘Finding Me.’ She first gained widespread acclaim for her role in the 2011 film ‘The Help,’ which earned her an Oscar nomination. Davis later won an Academy Award for her performance in the 2016 film ‘Fences,’ adapted from the play by August Wilson. She also starred as the complex Annalise Keating in the hit series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ for six seasons. More recently, she’s continued to succeed with films like ‘The Woman King,’ where she played a powerful general.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is a highly respected actress known for playing powerful women over her long career. She gained widespread praise and an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 film ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It.’ In 2023, she made history as the first performer in a Marvel movie to receive an Oscar nomination, for her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ In 2024, she received an Honorary Academy Award recognizing her lasting impact on the film industry. Currently, she stars as Athena Grant in the drama series ‘911,’ where she also works behind the scenes as an executive producer.

Regina King

Regina King started her career as a child actor on the sitcom ‘227’ and has become a celebrated actress and director. She won an Academy Award for her role in Barry Jenkins’ 2018 film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk.’ King has also achieved great success on television, winning four Primetime Emmy Awards for her work on shows like ‘American Crime,’ ‘Seven Seconds,’ and the limited series ‘Watchmen,’ where she played Angela Abar. She made her feature film directorial debut with the 2020 drama ‘One Night in Miami,’ which earned numerous award nominations. Regina King continues to be a major force in Hollywood, both as a performer and a filmmaker.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is a well-known actress who became famous for playing Cookie Lyon on the TV show ‘Empire,’ a role that won her a Golden Globe. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in the 2008 film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ with Brad Pitt. Henson also played mathematician Katherine Johnson in the 2016 movie ‘Hidden Figures,’ which highlighted the achievements of Black women at NASA. More recently, in 2023, she starred as Shug Avery in the film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple.’ Throughout her career, Henson has successfully taken on diverse roles in both funny and serious projects.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer became a well-known actress after winning an Academy Award for her performance as Minny in the 2011 film ‘The Help.’ This role proved she was a major talent, and she went on to receive Oscar nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and Guillermo del Toro’s ‘The Shape of Water.’ She’s also starred in television, notably as a true crime podcaster in the series ‘Truth Be Told,’ and recently portrayed entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker in the miniseries ‘Self Made.’ Throughout her career, Spencer often brings to life both important figures from the past and complicated characters we see today.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is widely recognized for playing Olivia Pope in the hit ABC series ‘Scandal,’ which ran for seven seasons. Her work on the show brought her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and made her a well-known actress. She’s also appeared in popular films like Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’ (2012) and the HBO movie ‘Confirmation’ (2016), where she played Anita Hill. Beyond acting, Washington is a producer with her company, Simpson Street, which created the Hulu miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere,’ also starring Washington. She continues to be a prominent and impactful figure in the entertainment world, and is dedicated to supporting important social and charitable causes.

Lupita Nyong’o

As a film lover, I was completely blown away by Lupita Nyong’o from the moment I saw her in ’12 Years a Slave’ – she deserved that Oscar, honestly! That role launched her career internationally, and it’s been incredible to watch her since. She’s become such a fantastic presence in blockbuster films like ‘Black Panther,’ where she really shone as Nakia. But it’s her range that truly impresses me – she’s not afraid to take on challenging roles, like the dual performance she gave in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us,’ which was just masterful. And it’s not just on screen; she’s a talented voice actress too – I loved her as Maz Kanata in the newer ‘Star Wars’ films. She’s a true talent, and I really appreciate how committed she is to bringing diverse and important stories to life.

Zendaya

Zendaya started her acting career as a child on Disney Channel and has since become known for taking on challenging and complex roles in both movies and TV. She’s a history-maker, having won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series twice – at a very young age – for her performance as Rue in HBO’s ‘Euphoria’. Beyond television, she’s starred as MJ in the popular ‘Spider-Man’ films and played Chani in the epic sci-fi movie ‘Dune’. In 2024, she took the lead in the sports drama ‘Challengers’, proving her talent as a dramatic actress and producer. She’s also a fashion icon, celebrated for her impactful and influential style.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry achieved a landmark moment in 2002 by becoming the first African American woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress, recognized for her performance in ‘Monster’s Ball.’ She’s known for her work in major film series, including her portrayal of Storm in the ‘X-Men’ movies and as a Bond girl opposite Pierce Brosnan in ‘Die Another Day.’ Berry has also starred in films like ‘Catwoman’ (2004) and the action-packed ‘John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum’ with Keanu Reeves. More recently, in 2020, she directed and starred in the sports drama ‘Bruised,’ playing an MMA fighter. Throughout her decades-long career, Berry has consistently taken on diverse roles across many different genres.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first became well-known for her online series ‘Awkward Black Girl,’ which she wrote, starred in, and released in the early 2010s. She then co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Insecure,’ which was nominated for multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards throughout its five seasons. Rae has since expanded into film, appearing in the 2020 romantic drama ‘The Photograph’ and the 2023 comedy ‘American Fiction.’ She also lent her voice to the animated film ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ and played President Barbie in the 2023 hit movie ‘Barbie,’ directed by Greta Gerwig. Through her production company, Hoorae Media, she continues to champion diverse voices in Hollywood.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a well-known actress, famous for her leading roles in hit TV comedies like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She played Dr. Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ for eight seasons, earning a Golden Globe and several Emmy nominations. Beyond television, she’s appeared in films, including the 2020 musical drama ‘The High Note’, where she played a famous singer. Ross is also a successful entrepreneur, founding Pattern Beauty, a hair care line designed for curly and textured hair. Her talent for comedy and commitment to diverse representation have made her a popular and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson became well-known as a contestant on ‘American Idol’ and quickly proved herself as a remarkably talented singer and actress. She won an Academy Award for her first film role in the 2006 musical ‘Dreamgirls,’ highlighting her incredible vocal abilities. In 2022, she reached EGOT status – winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award – after producing the Tony-winning musical ‘A Strange Loop.’ Hudson powerfully portrayed Aretha Franklin in the 2021 film ‘Respect,’ earning widespread acclaim for her performance. Today, she hosts her own talk show, ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show,’ where she interviews famous guests.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is a highly accomplished entertainer, one of the few to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award – a feat known as EGOT status. She won an Oscar for her performance in the 1990 film ‘Ghost’ and was nominated for an award early in her career for ‘The Color Purple.’ Many also know her from the hugely popular ‘Sister Act’ movies released in the early 1990s. Since 2007, she’s been a regular host on the daytime talk show ‘The View,’ where she talks about current events and important social topics. Throughout her extensive career, she’s also lent her voice to ‘The Lion King’ and had a memorable recurring role as Guinan in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a celebrated actress who has worked consistently in film, television, and theater for many years. She’s won four Emmy Awards and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the 1983 film ‘Cross Creek,’ a standout performance in her career. She’s also known for her work in films like ‘Passion Fish’ and ’12 Years a Slave,’ where she played Mistress Harriet Shaw. More recently, she earned praise for her leading role in the 2019 prison drama ‘Clemency,’ and she’s also appeared as Mariah Dillard in the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage.’ Woodard remains a prominent figure in American drama.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union started her acting career in the late 1990s with small roles in popular teen movies like ’10 Things I Hate About You’ and ‘She’s All That.’ She gained wider recognition playing Isis in the 2000 comedy ‘Bring It On,’ and went on to appear in ‘Bad Boys II’ with Will Smith. Union then starred as a journalist in the BET drama series ‘Being Mary Jane,’ which ran for five seasons and explored the challenges of balancing work and personal life. In addition to acting, she’s also a published author, having written her memoir, ‘We’re Going to Need More Wine,’ about her life. Recently, she’s appeared in the animated film ‘Strange World’ (2022) and the critically acclaimed drama ‘The Inspection’.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson first became well-known for her work in the films ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Selma’. She then joined the Marvel universe, playing Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ and later appearing in ‘Avengers: Endgame’ and ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’. Beyond Marvel, Thompson has starred as Bianca Taylor in the ‘Creed’ movies and as Charlotte Hale in the series ‘Westworld’. In 2021, she received praise for her performance in ‘Passing’, a film about racial identity in the 1920s. She’s recognized for consistently choosing interesting and complex roles in her films and TV shows.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a highly talented actress and playwright best known for her roles as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and Okoye in several Marvel films, including ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. She also wrote ‘Eclipsed’, a critically acclaimed play nominated for a Tony Award, notable for its all-Black and all-female cast and creative team. In 2024, she reprised her role as Michonne in the new series ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’, which she also helped develop. Throughout her career, Gurira consistently highlights the power and depth of Black women, both in stories and in history.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a remarkably talented performer who first gained widespread recognition for her Tony Award-winning performance as Celie in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple.’ She then made a successful move to film, appearing in movies like ‘Widows’ and playing Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic ‘Harriet,’ which earned her two Academy Award nominations. In 2021, she portrayed Aretha Franklin in the third season of the series ‘Genius.’ Currently, she’s starring as Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked,’ expected to be released in late 2024 or 2025. Throughout her career, Erivo has consistently impressed audiences with her powerful voice and her ability to bring complex characters to life.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer started her acting career as a child, gaining recognition for her role as a spelling bee champion in the 2006 film ‘Akeelah and the Bee.’ Since then, she’s become a successful entertainer in many areas, including music, hosting, and acting in shows like ‘Scream Queens’ and the movie ‘Hustlers’ alongside Jennifer Lopez. In 2022, she received critical acclaim for her leading role in Jordan Peele’s horror film ‘Nope.’ In 2023, Palmer made history as the first Black woman to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show, thanks to her work on ‘Password.’ She remains a popular figure on social media and a talented all-around performer.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a well-known singer and actress who gained recognition with memorable performances in the 2016 films ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight’ (an Academy Award winner). She’s continued to impress audiences with her acting, appearing in the horror movie ‘Antebellum’ and the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’, where she played two different characters. Monáe is celebrated for her distinctive artistic style, often combining social issues with science fiction in her work. In 2023, she released her fourth album, ‘The Age of Pleasure,’ and continues to take on challenging roles in TV and film. She’s become a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for her creativity and her support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson first gained attention creating funny content online and working at BuzzFeed. She then went on to create, produce, and star in the hit mockumentary sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary,’ which debuted in 2021 and quickly earned critical acclaim. Brunson made Emmy Award history with wins for both Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (in 2024). ‘Abbott Elementary’ is praised for bringing fresh life to traditional network sitcoms and offering a touching portrayal of public schools in America. She remains a leading voice in television comedy.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a highly experienced actress known for her work on stage and television. She first gained recognition for creating the role of Deena Jones in the original 1981 Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls,’ earning a Tony Award nomination. After a successful career with roles in shows like ‘Moesha’ and ‘Instant Mom,’ she experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. In 2022, she finally won a Primetime Emmy Award for her supporting role as veteran teacher Barbara Howard on the hit comedy ‘Abbott Elementary.’ Beyond acting, Ralph is a dedicated health advocate and founded the Diva Foundation to support HIV and AIDS education. Her long and successful career is a testament to her talent and perseverance in the entertainment world.

Marsai Martin

As a movie buff, I’ve been so impressed watching Marsai Martin grow up on screen! Most people probably first know her as Diane from ‘Blackish,’ where she was fantastic for eight seasons, starting when she was really young. But what really blew me away was when she became the youngest person ever to executive produce a major movie – ‘Little’ – and starred in it too! She’s racked up a bunch of NAACP Image Awards for both her acting and producing, and she’s constantly working on new stuff through her production company, Genius Entertainment. And it’s not just live-action; she’s also done voice work in animated films like ‘PAW Patrol The Movie’ and ‘Spirit Untamed.’ It’s just amazing to see a young Black woman like her taking charge and creating her own stories in Hollywood – she’s definitely a star to watch!

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first became well-known for her work on the TV series ‘Mad Men’ and her memorable performance in the 2014 film ‘Dear White People’. She received praise for her leading role in Spike Lee’s 2015 film ‘Chi Raq’ and later appeared in the acclaimed 2018 drama ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ with Regina King. More recently, Parris joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Monica Rambeau in the 2021 series ‘WandaVision’ and returned for the 2023 film ‘The Marvels’ alongside Brie Larson. She’s also starred in the horror sequel ‘Candyman’ (2021) and the Netflix mystery film ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ (2023). Parris continues to build a successful career with a variety of prominent roles in both television and film.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is quickly becoming a major star, thanks to her breakout role as Sydney Adamu in the popular and highly-rated series ‘The Bear,’ which debuted in 2022. In early 2024, she received prestigious awards – an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award – for her performance. Beyond acting, Edebiri is a skilled writer and voice actress, known for voicing Missy in the animated series ‘Big Mouth.’ She also appeared in the 2023 comedy film ‘Bottoms,’ where she contributed to the development of the story. In 2023, she voiced April O’Neil in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem’ and in 2024, joined the cast of ‘Inside Out 2’ as the character Envy. Her sharp humor and realistic acting have made her a standout talent for her generation.

Please share your favorite performances from these incredible actresses in the comments.

2025-12-29 03:49