Gorgeous Biracial Celebs With One Black Parent

It’s fascinating to discover the family histories of famous people. Many stars have parents from different cultures and countries, and this diverse background often influences who they are, what they do, and what they care about. This collection showcases celebrities with one Black parent and one parent of a different background, including actors, musicians, athletes, and others.

This provides key information about each person’s background, including their family, childhood, and the work they’re famous for. It’s straight to the point – you’ll learn about their upbringing, accomplishments, and where you’ve likely seen them before.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle, whose mother, Doria Ragland, is Black and whose father, Thomas Markle, is white, was raised in Los Angeles. Before becoming known for her advocacy work – particularly on topics like gender equality and social justice – she worked in television.

She first gained recognition through roles in legal dramas, and later became famous for her work on the show ‘Suits’. After marrying Prince Harry, she transitioned away from her royal responsibilities to focus on projects related to mental health, empowering women, and helping local communities.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry’s father, Jerome Berry, was African American, and her mother, Judith Ann Hawkins, is white. Growing up in Ohio, she began her career in pageants before transitioning to acting, where she has enjoyed a successful and lasting career in both movies and television.

She made history as the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress, and has starred in a wide variety of successful movies, from action-packed adventures to powerful dramas. In addition to her acting career, she’s also worked behind the camera as a producer and director, and is a passionate advocate for causes like preventing domestic violence and raising awareness about diabetes.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys was raised in New York City by her father, Craig Cook, who is Black, and her mother, Teresa Augello, who is white. She began learning classical piano as a child, and this training greatly influenced the way she writes songs and performs.

She burst onto the music scene with popular songs, seamlessly mixing R&B and soul. Throughout her career, she’s won many awards, helped start the Keep a Child Alive charity to support those with HIV and AIDS, and written books about being creative and finding your voice.

Zendaya

Zendaya’s father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, is African American and her mother, Claire Stoermer, is Caucasian. Growing up in California, she started her career as a young performer and later transitioned to more significant roles in television and movies.

She’s well-known from her work on Disney Channel and in popular, high-quality TV shows. She’s also moved into movies, collaborated with fashion brands, and started her own production company. Beyond her entertainment career, she’s dedicated to helping young people by supporting educational and arts initiatives.

Drake

Okay, so Drake’s background is really interesting. His dad is Black, a musician himself named Dennis Graham, and his mom, Sandi, is Jewish and white. He actually started out as an actor up in Toronto, which a lot of people don’t know, before he fully committed to music and, well, became the superstar we know today.

He’s a successful artist with popular albums and songs in both rap and R&B. Beyond his own music, he’s built a record label, worked with a wide range of musicians, and invested in various sports and entertainment projects, all with the goal of supporting artists in Canada and internationally.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones comes from a mixed-race background, with a Black father, Quincy Jones, and a white mother, Peggy Lipton. She went to Harvard University and began her career with small acting parts before transitioning into writing and producing.

She first gained popularity through comedic roles on TV, and then broadened her career to include writing scripts, making documentaries, and doing voice-over work. Her projects frequently explore themes of music, technology, and social issues, and she’s also been a producer on multiple award-winning documentary films.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph’s mother, Minnie Riperton, was a celebrated singer, and her father, Richard Rudolph, was a composer. Raised in Los Angeles with a musical upbringing, Maya began her comedy career with an improv group, which eventually opened doors to television work.

She first gained recognition through sketch comedy and has gone on to star in movies, animated films, and shows on streaming platforms. She’s also a frequent voice actor and host, constantly reaching new viewers, and has created and performed in several music-focused projects.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has a diverse background: her mother is Zimbabwean and Black, while her father is British and white. She grew up both in the UK and other countries, and initially pursued dance before becoming an actress.

She’s known for her work in both critically praised independent movies and popular science fiction TV shows. She’s also a vocal advocate for better representation and fairness in the entertainment industry, and actively supports groups working on education and human rights issues.

Halsey

Halsey has a Black father and a white mother. She was raised in New Jersey and first gained attention by posting her music online, eventually leading to a record deal and a successful first album.

Her music mixes pop and alternative sounds, and her songs are often inspired by her own life. She’s worked with a wide range of musicians and producers, also publishing poetry and advocating for reproductive and mental health.

Logic

Logic, whose father is Black and mother is white, was raised in Maryland. He first gained a dedicated following by sharing mixtapes before releasing his official albums.

His songs frequently explore themes of personal identity, struggles with addiction, and overcoming hardship. He’s particularly recognized for a hit song that highlighted a national suicide prevention resource. Beyond music, he’s also an author and creates projects combining stories with musical experiences.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry’s parents are of different races: her mother, Darlene, is Black, and her father, Timothy, is white. Tia and her twin sister began their careers as child actors, eventually starring in a popular sitcom seen around the world.

In addition to her acting career, she’s a successful author, television host, and entrepreneur focused on health and food. She’s known for creating content that’s welcoming for families, with easy-to-follow recipes and a focus on the joys of cooking and bringing people together.

Tamera Mowry

Tamera Mowry and her twin sister share the same parents: a Black mother and a white father. She first became well-known alongside her sister in television, and later expanded her career into hosting and producing.

She’s become well-known as a regular on daytime TV, and has also appeared in many TV movies and shows. Her work frequently focuses on family life and holiday-themed stories, and she’s written books about her experiences with her career, marriage, and raising children.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller’s father is of Caribbean and American Black heritage, while his mother is white. He was born in the UK and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, before going on to study at Princeton University.

He first became well-known for his role in a popular TV series, and then went on to write movies. He’s also a passionate advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights, and has worked as a writer and developer behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton has a Black father and a white mother. She was raised in Los Angeles and initially worked in film production before becoming a successful actress.

She’s acted in both action-packed and dramatic films, working with many well-known directors and alongside talented casts. Beyond acting, she also produces films and helps young women build careers in the film and television industry through mentorship programs.

Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter, whose father was Black and mother was white, grew up in both Michigan and New Jersey. He began his famous baseball career immediately after graduating high school.

He achieved great success as a champion athlete and transitioned into leadership positions within Major League Baseball. Beyond sports, he established a foundation dedicated to helping young people and has also been involved in projects promoting reading for children.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka’s background is a blend of cultures: her father is Black and from Haiti, while her mother is Japanese. She grew up splitting her time between Japan and the United States and began serious tennis training at a very young age.

She quickly became a star in professional tennis, winning major championships and consistently ranking among the top players. Beyond the court, she’s partnered with brands in media and fashion, dedicated herself to causes like earthquake relief and supporting young athletes, and bravely shared her experiences with mental health in sports.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi’s background is a blend of Black and Iranian heritage. She began her career as a young model and actress, and eventually starred in a popular TV show that later followed her character to college.

She started a program to encourage young people to vote and has worked with schools and other groups to make more scholarships available. In addition, she created a media company that highlights stories from communities often overlooked.

Amandla Stenberg

I’ve been following Amandla Stenberg for a while now, and it’s cool to know their background – their mom’s Black and their dad’s Danish. They actually started acting really young, and quickly landed some big parts, first in those popular young adult series and then in some really critically acclaimed TV shows. It’s been awesome watching their career grow!

They’ve created various projects and collaborated on writing and music. They also actively support LGBTQ+ rights and advocate for more inclusive representation in casting and the stories we tell.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw has a diverse heritage, with a Black South African father and a white English mother. She honed her acting skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, starting her career in theatre before moving on to film and television.

As a huge movie buff, I’ve noticed she’s incredibly versatile – she’s worked on everything from beautiful historical dramas to mind-bending sci-fi, and even smaller, independent films. Beyond the screen, she’s clearly passionate about the arts; I’ve read she’s involved with a lot of cultural organizations in the UK and really champions arts education and helping young performers get their start. It’s great to see someone using their platform to give back!

Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe’s father is from Ghana and his mother is from Germany. He had a childhood in both Vienna and Freiburg, and he began his career in entertainment after working as a model.

He’s had a successful career as a television and film actor in both the United States and Europe, and has also hosted numerous international events. Together with his partner, he actively supports charities focused on health and families.

Share your favorites in the comments and tell us who else you would add to the list.

2025-10-13 08:47