African-American Actresses Who Are Taller Than 5’9″

Height is often an important quality for performers in the entertainment world, helping them command attention on screen and stage. Several African American actresses, many of whom are five feet nine inches or taller, have challenged typical casting expectations. They’ve used their height and talent to create memorable and strong characters in film and television, and this list celebrates some of those influential women and their distinctive presence.

Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie is a celebrated basketball player who has also found success as an actress and entertainer. At six feet five inches tall, she’s appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including comedic roles in films like ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Uncle Drew.’ She’s also lent her voice to animated series, such as ‘The Proud Family’ on Disney Channel. Her height and athletic skills have made her a well-known personality in both the sports world and the entertainment industry.

Aisha Tyler

Aisha Tyler is a talented actress and director, notable for her height of six feet. She became well-known for playing Dr. Charlie Wheeler on the show ‘Friends,’ and she’s a prolific voice actress, best known as Lana Kane in ‘Archer.’ Throughout her career, she’s also appeared in dramatic series like ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘Ghost Whisperer,’ and has worked as a host, making her one of Hollywood’s most recognizable tall actresses.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones is a hilarious and towering comedian, standing at six feet tall. She first gained widespread recognition as a performer and writer on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Since then, she’s appeared in movies like the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Coming 2 America’, often using her impressive stature to amplify her comedy. She remains a popular and influential figure in comedy today, working in film, television, and stand-up.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is an actress and model known for her impressive height of six feet one inch. She’s most famous for playing Elektra Abundance in the popular and highly-regarded series ‘Pose’, where she was praised for her portrayal of a strong, complicated leader within the ballroom community. In addition to ‘Pose’, she’s also appeared in ‘American Gods’ and several fashion programs. Her height and dignified demeanor have made her a prominent figure on television today.

Kim Wayans

Kim Wayans, from the well-known Wayans family, is a six-foot-tall actress who first became popular on the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’ with a variety of funny characters. She’s since proven her range as a dramatic actress, earning praise for her role in the film ‘Pariah’. You might also recognize her from TV shows like ‘In the House’ and ‘New Girl’. For decades, Kim has consistently worked as both a comedic and serious performer.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox is a groundbreaking actress who stands six feet tall. She became widely known for playing Sophia Burset in ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ which earned her a historic Emmy nomination – she was the first openly transgender actress nominated in an acting category. Since then, she’s appeared in films such as ‘Promising Young Woman’ and the series ‘Inventing Anna.’ Her height and her work as an advocate have solidified her place as an important figure in today’s entertainment industry.

Sydney Tamiia Poitier

Sydney Tamiia Poitier, the daughter of acclaimed actor Sidney Poitier, has built a successful career of her own in Hollywood. Standing at five feet eleven inches tall, she’s appeared in films like Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Death Proof,’ as well as television shows including ‘Knight Rider’ and ‘Carter.’ Throughout her career, she’s also worked on a number of independent films, forging a unique path while honoring her father’s legacy.

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams is best known for hosting her talk show, but she’s also an actress. Standing at 5’11”, she’s appeared in movies like ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Think Like a Man Too’, playing a character based on her public image. She’s also been in the TV movie ‘The Santa Con’ and made several guest appearances playing herself. For over ten years, her strong personality and impressive stature made her a major presence on daytime TV.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks is a well-known personality who began her career as a fashion model, standing at 5’10”. She later transitioned into acting, appearing in movies like ‘Higher Learning’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’, and even starred in the TV movie ‘Life Size’ with Lindsay Lohan. She’s also famous for creating and hosting the long-running hit show ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Her height and unique look contributed to her success as one of the most recognizable models-turned-actresses.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a remarkably versatile performer who has achieved success as both a musician and an actress. Standing at five feet ten inches, she’s won a Grammy Award and received an Oscar nomination for her performance as Matron Mama Morton in the film ‘Chicago’. Known for her roles in popular shows like ‘Living Single’ and ‘The Equalizer’, as well as films such as ‘Bringing Down the House’ and ‘Girls Trip’, she’s consistently proven her talent across a wide range of genres.

Zendaya

Zendaya, who is 5’10”, has quickly become a major actress known for her talent and influence. She started her career on the Disney Channel’s ‘Shake It Up’ and has since starred in popular films like the ‘Spider-Man’ movies and the critically acclaimed series ‘Euphoria’. Her roles in ‘Dune’ and its sequel have established her as a leading star in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Zendaya is also a fashion icon, recognized for her height and unique style.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore is a five-foot-ten actor who became well-known for playing Angel Evangelista in the TV series ‘Pose’. Their work on the show highlighted the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS epidemic in New York City. Moore has also acted in films like ‘Queen & Slim’ and lent their voice to ‘Steven Universe Future’. More recently, they appeared in the blockbuster film ‘Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom’. Beyond their acting, Moore is celebrated for their unique appearance and commitment to using their platform for social change.

Natasha Rothwell

Natasha Rothwell is a talented actress and writer known for her height – she’s five feet ten inches tall. She became popular playing Kelli on the HBO series ‘Insecure’ and received critical acclaim for her role in ‘The White Lotus’. She’s also been in big movies like ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ and lent her voice to animated films like ‘Wonka’ and ‘Wish’. Her great comedic skills and striking presence make her a popular choice for roles in both TV and film.

Bria Samoné Henderson

Bria Samoné Henderson is an actress known for her roles in television dramas. She’s currently playing Dr. Jordan Allen on the hit show ‘The Good Doctor’, where her character is portrayed as a strong and capable professional in a challenging hospital setting. She also played activist Margaret Sloan Hunter in the miniseries ‘Mrs. America’. At five feet ten inches tall, Henderson often brings a natural sense of authority and confidence to her performances.

Damaris Lewis

Damaris Lewis is an actress and model who is six feet tall. She began her acting career with a notable role in Spike Lee’s film ‘BlacKkKlansman’ and is also recognized for playing Blackfire in the series ‘Titans’. She’s appeared in the film ‘Fatale’ and has been featured in music videos for several popular artists. Her height and natural athleticism make her well-suited for physically demanding roles.

Heather Headley

Heather Headley is an award-winning singer and actress, standing at 5’10”. She’s famous for her Broadway performances in shows like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Aida’, and more recently for her role as Helen Decatur in the Netflix series ‘Sweet Magnolias’. She also appeared on ‘Chicago Med’ as Gwen Garrett. Known for her height and strong voice, she’s a captivating performer in both theater and television.

Julia Pace Mitchell

Julia Pace Mitchell is a television and film actress who stands at 5’10”. She’s widely recognized for her role as Sofia Dupre on the popular soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’. She also appeared in the film ‘Notorious’ as Janie Thompson, and has made guest appearances on shows like ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Cold Case’. Her height and ability to convey emotion have made her a familiar and memorable presence on television for many years.

Kellita Smith

Kellita Smith is a seasoned television actress who stands at 5’10”. She’s best known for her role as Wanda McCullough on ‘The Bernie Mac Show,’ and she also played Warren in the series ‘Z Nation’ for multiple seasons. Throughout her career, she’s appeared in shows like ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ and a number of independent films. Smith is highly regarded for her versatility, skillfully performing in both action-packed scenes and comedic roles.

Nika King

Nika King is an actress and comedian known for her impressive height of five feet ten inches. She became widely recognized for playing Leslie Bennett in the hit series ‘Euphoria’, where she powerfully portrayed the lead character’s mother. While she’s also appeared in comedies like ‘2 Broke Girls’ and ‘Greenleaf’, Nika brings a strong and believable quality to her dramatic roles, partly thanks to her stature and commanding presence.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a groundbreaking entertainer, known for her remarkable talent and impressive height of five feet nine and a half inches. She was a true pioneer, becoming only the second African American to receive an Academy Award nomination for her role in the film ‘Pinky.’ She also captivated audiences in ‘Member of the Wedding,’ performing in both the Broadway play and the movie version. Throughout her distinguished career, her talent and presence helped her overcome racial obstacles and pave the way for others.

Michael Michele

Michael Michele is a well-known actress who often plays elegant characters in TV dramas. She became popular for her role as Dr. Cleo Finch on the hit show ‘ER’ and has also appeared in series like ‘Homicide Life on the Street’ and ‘Dynasty’. She’s also been in films, including ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ and ‘Ali’. Standing at five feet nine inches, she’s been a consistent presence in dramatic roles for many years.

Adepero Oduye

I’ve been a fan of Adepero Oduye for years. She’s a really striking actress – tall, at 5’9″, and incredibly talented. Most people probably first noticed her in ‘Pariah,’ which was amazing and got her a ton of well-deserved attention. She’s been in some huge films too, like ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘The Big Short,’ and even dipped into the Marvel world with ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.’ It’s no surprise she’s a favorite with directors who really care about strong performances and a powerful on-screen presence.

Tamara Taylor

Tamara Taylor is a Canadian-American actress best known for playing Dr. Camille Saroyan on the TV show ‘Bones’. She’s also appeared in ‘Altered Carbon’, ‘Law & Order Organized Crime’, and the film ‘Serenity’ (based on ‘Firefly’), as well as ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. Standing at 5’9”, Taylor is frequently cast as authoritative figures like scientists and high-ranking officials, often due to her height and professional presence.

Iman

Iman is a world-renowned model and actress who stands five feet nine inches tall. She’s become a fashion icon, and has also starred in popular films like ‘Out of Africa’ and ‘Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country,’ as well as ‘No Way Out’ with Kevin Costner. Beyond acting, she’s hosted ‘Project Runway Canada’ and appeared in fashion documentaries. Her height and striking beauty have made her a lasting presence in popular culture worldwide.

Laura Harrier

Laura Harrier is a quickly rising Hollywood star who stands at 5’9″. She’s best known for playing Liz Allan in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and for her role as Patrice Dumas in ‘BlacKkKlansman’. She also had a leading part in the Netflix series ‘Hollywood’, created by Ryan Murphy. Her height and timeless beauty have made her a well-known face in both movies and the fashion industry.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a celebrated actress with a career spanning decades. She’s best known for creating the role of Deena Jones in the Broadway hit ‘Dreamgirls,’ earning a Tony nomination. Many also remember her as Dee Mitchell from the TV show ‘Moesha.’ Most recently, she won an Emmy Award for her popular role as Barbara Howard in the comedy ‘Abbott Elementary.’ Standing at five feet nine inches tall, Ralph’s talent and energetic personality have made her a favorite among audiences of all ages.

Kim Coles

Kim Coles is a comedic actress best known for playing Synclaire James Jones on the sitcom ‘Living Single’. Standing at five feet nine inches tall, she first gained recognition on the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’. Throughout her career, she’s also appeared on game shows and reality TV, including ‘Celebrity Mole’. Her height and physical comedy skills were key to making her character on ‘Living Single’ so lovable.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique is an award-winning actress and comedian who stands five feet nine inches tall. She won an Oscar for her moving role as Mary Lee Johnston in the film ‘Precious.’ Before landing the role, she began her career doing stand-up comedy and later starred in the sitcom ‘The Parkers.’ She’s also been in films like ‘Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins’ and ‘Almost Christmas.’ Mo’Nique is known for her strong, distinctive voice and her skill at performing both funny and dramatic roles.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is a highly accomplished performer, standing at 5’9″ and achieving the rare EGOT status – winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She first gained recognition on ‘American Idol’ and then won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Dreamgirls’. She’s also appeared in films like ‘Sex and the City’ and portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biopic ‘Respect’. Currently, she hosts ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’, where her height and engaging personality connect with viewers every day. Throughout her career, she’s become known for her incredible voice and her successful move into acting.

Coco Jones

Coco Jones is a singer and actress who first became known as a child star on Disney Channel, appearing in projects like ‘Let It Shine’ and ‘Good Luck Charlie’. She’s now receiving a lot of praise for her role as Hilary Banks in the drama series ‘Bel-Air’. Many viewers appreciate how she’s brought a fresh, more complex take to the character. Standing at five feet nine inches tall, and with a striking appearance, Coco Jones is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces on television.

Amber Stevens West

Amber Stevens West is a television actress who stands 5’9″ tall. She’s best known for her roles in comedy series like ‘Greek’, where she played Ashleigh Howard, as well as ‘The Carmichael Show’ and ‘Run the World’. She’s also appeared in films like ‘22 Jump Street’ and ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. Her height and talent for comedy have helped her build a successful career in sitcoms.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

As a film buff, I’ve always been impressed by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. She’s a really powerful dramatic actress – standing at five foot nine, she just commands the screen! You probably know her from her incredible work in ‘King Richard’, which earned her an Oscar nomination for playing Oracene Price. But she’s been consistently great for years, both on TV with shows like ‘Lovecraft Country’ and ‘When They See Us’, and in films like ‘The Help’ and ‘Ray’. She’s truly become a mainstay in quality television and movies, and for good reason!

Gina Ravera

Gina Ravera is a television and film actress known for playing strong characters, often in crime and drama series. Many viewers recognize her as Irene Daniels from the hit show ‘The Closer’. She’s also appeared in films like ‘Soul Food’ and ‘The Rat Pack’, and had roles on popular nineties shows such as ‘ER’ and ‘Time of Your Life’. At five feet nine inches tall, she brings a commanding presence to her work, making her a consistent and dependable performer in procedural dramas.

Justine Skye

Justine Skye is a singer and actress known for her roles in the TV show ‘Grown-ish’ (as Annika) and films like ‘Already Gone’ and ‘Tales’. She’s also a fashion icon, frequently featured in campaigns for well-known brands. At five feet nine inches tall, and with her contemporary style, she’s becoming a major influencer and a rising star in entertainment.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne is a rising star who first gained recognition for her role in the acclaimed film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. Since then, she’s proven her versatility with roles in action movies like ‘The Old Guard’, comedies like ‘Coming 2 America’, and the popular film ‘Dont Worry Darling’, where she acted alongside a well-known cast. Standing at five feet nine inches tall, Layne is quickly becoming a highly sought-after actress in Hollywood thanks to her striking presence and ability to convey emotion.

Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd is a successful television actress who stands at 5’9″. She’s best known for her work on shows like ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Blindspot’, and recently gained recognition for her role as Raffi Musiker in ‘Star Trek: Picard’. Throughout her career, she’s appeared in many popular series, including ‘The Glades’ and ‘Daredevil’. Her height and athletic physique often lead to her being cast as detectives or characters involved in action-packed storylines.

Ryan Michelle Bathe

Ryan Michelle Bathe is a versatile actress who stands at 5’9″ tall. She’s known for her roles in a variety of shows, including the popular dramas ‘This Is Us’ and ‘Boston Legal’, as well as the comedies ‘First Wives Club’ and ‘The Endgame’. Bathe has also appeared in the films ‘One for the Money’ and ‘Sylvie’s Love’. Her height and engaging personality make her a consistently strong performer.

Sydelle Noel

I’m a huge fan of Sydelle Noel! She’s an incredible actress who really brings her roles to life. Standing at 5’9″, she’s naturally athletic – she used to be a professional runner, which I think really helped her when she played Cherry Bang in ‘GLOW’. You could totally see that physicality in her wrestling scenes! And of course, she was amazing as a member of the Dora Milaje in ‘Black Panther’. She just has this amazing presence and strength that makes her perfect for those powerful roles.

Share your favorite performances from these talented actresses in the comments.

2026-02-16 00:19