Most Famous Black Actresses of All Time

Black actresses have profoundly impacted the world of film for generations, delivering memorable performances and changing how Black women are seen on screen. From the early days of Hollywood to today’s biggest movies, these talented women have broken barriers and redefined representation in entertainment – not just in film, but also on stage and television. This collection honors the most iconic actresses who have left a lasting legacy in the industry.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was a groundbreaking performer, famous for being the first African American to win an Academy Award. She won for her memorable role as Mammy in the 1939 classic, ‘Gone with the Wind’. Appearing in over 300 films, she was also a gifted singer and songwriter. McDaniel’s success paved the way for other Black actors during Hollywood’s golden age.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was a groundbreaking film star, famously becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She earned this historic nomination for her role in the 1954 musical ‘Carmen Jones,’ and also appeared in films like ‘Island in the Sun’ and ‘Porgy and Bess.’ Throughout her career, she successfully balanced her film work with performances as a nightclub singer. Dandridge is celebrated today as a true pioneer who broke down racial barriers in Hollywood.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a celebrated actress who spent seven decades bringing strong Black women to life on screen. She earned praise for performances in films like ‘Sounder’ and ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,’ often portraying characters with grace and a connection to history. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including an honorary Oscar and multiple Emmys, recognizing her exceptional talent.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a talented actress and dedicated activist who appeared in many important films and plays. She became well-known for playing Ruth Younger in the 1961 movie ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ Over her impressive career, she received several awards, including a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Ruby Dee was admired for her work as an artist and her commitment to social justice, making her a significant figure in American culture.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a talented actress and singer who was a pioneer for Black performers, becoming one of the first to sign a long-term contract with a major film studio. She starred in popular movies like ‘Cabin in the Sky’ and ‘Stormy Weather’ in the 1940s. In addition to her film work, she was a celebrated jazz singer and a committed activist for civil rights. By appearing on screen, she helped change how Black women were represented in Hollywood, moving beyond harmful stereotypes.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a remarkably talented entertainer, famous for her unique voice and captivating performances. She’s best remembered for playing Catwoman in the 1960s ‘Batman’ TV show and for roles in films like ‘Anna Lucasta.’ Throughout her long career, she excelled in music, theater, film, and television, and remained a beloved and influential figure thanks to her distinctive personality and willingness to speak her mind.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll was a groundbreaking actress who achieved several historic firsts. She famously starred in ‘Julia,’ becoming the first Black woman to lead her own television series in a non-domestic role. She also earned an Academy Award nomination for her work in the 1974 film ‘Claudine,’ and later became well-known for her role as Dominique Deveraux on the popular soap opera ‘Dynasty.’ Throughout her career, Carroll was admired for her elegance and for challenging racial stereotypes on television.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is widely considered one of the most talented and celebrated actresses of her time. She’s won four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. She’s known for her roles in films like ‘Cross Creek,’ ‘Passion Fish,’ and ‘12 Years a Slave,’ and remains a strong force in both independent and mainstream movies.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is a highly accomplished performer, having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award – a rare feat known as EGOT status. She first became famous for her role in the 1985 film ‘The Color Purple’ and has since starred in both funny and serious movies, including ‘Ghost’ and the ‘Sister Act’ films. For many years, she has also been a host on the daytime talk show ‘The View’.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is celebrated for bringing remarkable and compelling characters to life, whether they’re based on real people from history or entirely fictional. She earned an Oscar nomination for her unforgettable performance as Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. Throughout her career, she’s starred in popular films like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and the ‘Black Panther’ movies, becoming well-known for her strong and captivating presence on screen and her impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has made history as the first Black actor to win an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tony Awards – the ‘Triple Crown of Acting’. She’s well-known for her powerful performances in films like ‘Doubt’, ‘The Help’, and ‘Fences’, and for her leading role as Annalise Keating in the hit TV series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Many consider her one of the most gifted and impactful actors of our time.

Halle Berry

As a critic, I’ve always been impressed by Halle Berry’s range. She truly broke ground when she won the Best Actress Oscar for ‘Monster’s Ball,’ becoming the first African American woman to ever receive that honor. Beyond that landmark achievement, she’s consistently delivered strong performances in huge films – think Storm in the ‘X-Men’ franchise, or her memorable turn as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’. She’s a consistently captivating presence, seamlessly moving between action, drama, and even science fiction – a real testament to her versatility.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is widely known after winning an Academy Award for her role in ‘The Help.’ She’s been nominated for Oscars several more times for her work in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water.’ Throughout her career, she’s taken on diverse roles in both movies and TV, and is celebrated for the emotional depth and genuine quality she brings to every character.

Regina King

As a movie lover, I’ve always been impressed by Regina King. It’s amazing to see how she’s grown from a talented child actress into a truly celebrated star and director. Her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ was incredible – she absolutely deserved that Oscar! And she’s consistently delivered amazing work on TV too, racking up Emmy Awards. I remember loving her in ‘Jerry Maguire’ years ago, and more recently, her work in ‘Watchmen’ was just phenomenal. She’s really become a major creative force in Hollywood, and I can’t wait to see what she does next, both as an actress and behind the camera.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson became a household name playing Cookie Lyon on the TV show ‘Empire’. She’s also earned critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for her work in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, and a starring role in the hit film ‘Hidden Figures’. Known for her vibrant and powerful acting, Henson is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o became a global star after winning an Oscar for her first film role in ’12 Years a Slave.’ Since then, she’s appeared in popular movies like ‘Black Panther’ and the horror film ‘Us,’ and she’s also done voice work for the newer ‘Star Wars’ films and ‘The Jungle Book.’ Beyond acting, Lupita is known for her sense of style and her commitment to seeing more diversity in movies.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is well-known for her leading role as Olivia Pope in the popular TV show ‘Scandal’. She’s also appeared in highly-regarded films like ‘Ray’, ‘The Last King of Scotland’, and ‘Django Unchained’. Her work in the limited series ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ demonstrated her talent as a dramatic performer. Beyond acting, Washington is committed to activism and works as a producer in the entertainment world.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah started her career as a groundbreaking hip hop artist and later became a highly successful actor. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the movie ‘Chicago’ and has starred in popular films like ‘Set It Off,’ ‘Bring Down the House,’ and ‘Last Holiday.’ Today, she leads the cast of the TV series ‘The Equalizer’ and continues to be a remarkably talented and versatile figure in entertainment.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to prominence on ‘American Idol’ and then won an Academy Award for her first movie role in ‘Dreamgirls’. Since then, she’s continued to impress audiences with her incredible singing and acting in films like ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘Respect’. She’s also found success on Broadway and has earned several Grammy Awards for her music. This makes her one of the rare artists to achieve the coveted EGOT – winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique began her career doing stand-up comedy and later moved into television and movies. She gained significant praise and won an Academy Award for her powerful performance in the 2009 film ‘Precious.’ She also starred in the popular sitcom ‘The Parkers’ for multiple seasons. Mo’Nique is celebrated for her confident personality and her work in both comedy and dramatic acting.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of popular blaxploitation films. She’s most remembered for her powerful leading roles in movies like ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. Later, her career experienced a comeback when she appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Jackie Brown’. Grier is now recognized as a trailblazer for women in action films.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a British actress who has starred in both big-budget Hollywood films and highly praised independent movies. Some of her well-known roles include appearances in ‘Mission: Impossible 2’, ‘Crash’, and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’. She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Maeve Millay in the TV series ‘Westworld’. Newton is celebrated for her powerful acting and her work as a human rights advocate.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a British actress who became famous for playing Tia Dalma in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies. She received an Academy Award nomination for her moving performance in the 2016 film ‘Moonlight’ and is also well-known for playing Eve Moneypenny in multiple ‘James Bond’ films, including ‘Skyfall’. Harris is celebrated for her skill and ability to portray challenging and nuanced characters.

Sophie Okonedo

Sophie Okonedo is a celebrated actress with a long and successful career in film, television, and theater. She’s known for her powerful and nuanced performances, and has received major accolades including an Academy Award nomination for ‘Hotel Rwanda’ and a Tony Award for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She’s also appeared in popular TV shows like ‘The Slap’, ‘Ratched’, and ‘Slow Horses’.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga is an acclaimed Irish-Ethiopian actress known for her roles in both theater and film. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the 2016 movie ‘Loving’ and has also appeared in popular TV shows like ‘Preacher’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. She remains a highly sought-after actress, working on a variety of projects from independent films to large-scale productions.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a remarkably talented performer who has excelled on stage and screen. She first gained widespread recognition in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple,’ earning her a Tony Award. She’s since been nominated for two Academy Awards for her work in ‘Harriet,’ including for an original song from the film. More recently, she’s starred in the series ‘Genius: Aretha’ and will appear in the upcoming movie adaptation of ‘Wicked’.

Zendaya

Zendaya started her career as a young performer on Disney Channel and quickly moved on to bigger roles in movies and TV. She made history as the youngest two-time Emmy winner for her leading role in the series ‘Euphoria’. She’s also starred in popular films like the ‘Spider-Man’ movies, ‘Dune’, and ‘The Greatest Showman’. Known around the world for her style, Zendaya is considered one of Hollywood’s most influential young stars.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first became well-known with her web series, ‘Awkward Black Girl,’ and then went on to create and star in the acclaimed HBO show ‘Insecure,’ for which she also wrote and earned several Emmy nominations. She’s also appeared in films like ‘The Photograph,’ ‘The Lovebirds,’ and ‘Barbie.’ Rae is a leading voice in entertainment today, celebrated for championing diverse stories and representation.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a popular actress celebrated for her funny performances and characters that many people can connect with. She’s best known for playing Joan Clayton on the TV show ‘Girlfriends’ and Rainbow Johnson on ‘black-ish’. Her work on ‘black-ish’ won her a Golden Globe and she’s been nominated for several Emmys. Beyond acting, she’s also a producer and a fashion icon.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a celebrated actress and playwright best known for her roles as Michonne in ‘The Walking Dead’ and Okoye in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. She’s also a successful playwright, earning a Tony Award nomination for her play ‘Eclipsed’. Gurira often plays strong, physically active characters in her work.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright became a globally recognized actress thanks to her role as Shuri in the Marvel movies, including the hugely successful ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She’s also appeared in the popular series ‘Black Mirror’ and the film ‘Death on the Nile’, and is now considered a rising star in Hollywood.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is now a prominent actress in Hollywood, successfully appearing in both smaller, independent films and large blockbuster franchises. She’s gained recognition for her work in movies like ‘Creed’ and ‘Passing,’ the ‘Thor’ films as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the series ‘Westworld.’ Thompson is known for being a versatile performer who often takes on roles that delve into challenging and thought-provoking subjects.

Janelle Monáe

Okay, let me tell you about Janelle Monáe – she’s seriously impressive. She’s not just a fantastic musician; she’s proven herself as a really compelling actress too. I first noticed her in those incredible films, ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’ – both were Oscar winners, remember? But she hasn’t stopped there. She’s tackled everything from the chilling ‘Antebellum’ to the clever mystery ‘Glass Onion,’ and she just disappears into each role. What I really appreciate is how unique and creative she is – she brings something special to every project.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz is a talented and versatile actress who’s found success in big-budget films and popular TV shows. You might know her from roles like Bonnie in ‘Big Little Lies’ or as Catwoman in ‘The Batman.’ She’s also appeared in the ‘Divergent’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series, and is known for her unique style and ability to excel in both serious and action-packed roles.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer started her career as a young actress, gaining recognition in projects like the film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and the TV show ‘True Jackson, VP’. Since then, she’s successfully moved into more mature roles in films such as ‘Hustlers’ and the popular horror movie ‘Nope’. Keke is a multi-talented performer, working as an actress, musician, and host across many different types of entertainment. She’s well-known and loved for her engaging personality and versatility.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union first gained recognition as an actress in the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in popular teen movies like ‘Bring It On’. She later became well-known for her role in the TV drama ‘Being Mary Jane’, which earned her positive reviews. Throughout her career, she’s starred in films such as ‘Bad Boys II’, ‘Deliver Us from Eva’, and ‘Think Like a Man’. In addition to acting, Union is a successful author and actively speaks out about important social issues within the entertainment industry.

Nia Long

Nia Long is a well-known actress who gained popularity in the 1990s with roles in films like ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘The Best Man’, and ‘Love Jones’. She’s also appeared in popular TV shows such as ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Empire’. Long is still highly regarded in the entertainment industry for her dedication to her craft and her contributions to Black film.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith started her acting career on the TV show ‘A Different World’ and then went on to star in several popular films, including ‘The Nutty Professor,’ ‘Set It Off,’ and the ‘Matrix’ movies. She’s also appeared on the TV series ‘Gotham’ and hosted the widely-watched Facebook Watch show ‘Red Table Talk.’ For more than thirty years, she’s been a prominent figure in the entertainment world.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox became a household name thanks to her memorable performances in hit movies like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She also appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ as Vernita Green. Throughout her long career, she’s worked consistently in television, films, and reality shows, often taking on prominent roles in action and dramatic projects.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan is a popular actress known for starring in romantic movies like ‘Love and Basketball’ and ‘The Best Man.’ She’s also shown her range in action films such as ‘Alien vs. Predator’ and as a voice actor on ‘The Cleveland Show.’ Lathan received a Tony Award nomination for her work in the play ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ and is consistently praised for her believable and captivating performances.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall first became well-known for her funny work in the ‘Scary Movie’ films. She’s gone on to star in popular comedies like ‘The Best Man Holiday’ and ‘Girls Trip’. More recently, she received praise and awards for her role in the independent film ‘Support the Girls’. Many consider her one of the most gifted comedic and dramatic actresses working today.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

As a huge fan of great performers, I’ve always been impressed with Sheryl Lee Ralph. She first blew me away as Deena Jones in ‘Dreamgirls’ on Broadway – and deservedly got a Tony nomination! She’s been a consistent presence on TV for years, with memorable roles in shows like ‘Moesha’ and ‘Instant Mom.’ But honestly, it’s been amazing to see her career really take off again with ‘Abbott Elementary,’ where she absolutely killed it and rightfully won an Emmy. She’s a true legend, a real pro who’s given so much to both stage and screen.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a highly accomplished performer – she’s an actress, dancer, choreographer, and director. She first gained widespread recognition for playing Lydia Grant on the TV show ‘Fame,’ a role she also choreographed. Throughout her career, she’s directed many episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ where she also appears as an actress. Allen has won several Emmy Awards and is a well-respected leader in the world of performing arts.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is a highly accomplished actress, famous for being in the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’. She’s appeared in many popular movies like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’, and has also had notable television roles, including an Emmy-winning performance on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and a leading role in ‘The Carmichael Show’. She’s recognized for her unique voice and her talent for bringing genuine emotion to the characters she plays.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder is a versatile and acclaimed actress who has delivered compelling performances in many popular TV shows and movies. She’s best known for her roles in series like ‘The Shield’, ‘Warehouse 13’, and ‘NCIS: New Orleans’, and has also appeared in films such as ‘Avatar’, ‘Bagdad Cafe’, and ‘The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’. Her work has earned her multiple Emmy Award nominations.

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is a celebrated actress and singer, famous for winning an unprecedented six Tony Awards. Though she’s best known for her Broadway performances, she’s also appeared in films like ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Respect,’ and on television shows including ‘Private Practice’ and ‘The Gilded Age.’ Many consider her one of the most talented performers in American theater history.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is well-known for playing the smart and funny Maxine Shaw on the TV show ‘Living Single’. She also had an early role as Cousin Pam on the classic show ‘The Cosby Show’. More recently, she’s appeared in the critically acclaimed films ‘Get Out’ and ‘American Fiction’. A versatile actress and producer, she continues to work in film and television.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin first gained recognition playing Diane Johnson on the popular TV show ‘black-ish,’ earning her widespread praise. She then made history as the youngest person ever to be an executive producer in Hollywood, with her film ‘Little.’ Her achievements have been celebrated with multiple NAACP Image Awards and are establishing her as a powerful force in the entertainment industry. Martin embodies a new wave of incredibly talented Black women shaping the future of entertainment.

Please share which of these incredible actresses has inspired you the most in the comments.

2025-12-28 05:52