The Most Underrated Black Actresses of the 21st Century

Over the past twenty years, many talented Black actresses have made a significant impact on film, television, and theater, but they aren’t always the first names people mention. This list celebrates those performers who have consistently delivered strong work, showcasing their versatility and skill in roles that have been both groundbreaking and influential.

This guide features prominent actors in popular TV dramas and action movies, as well as those who also write or produce. For each performer, you’ll find details on their most important roles, awards, training, and career highlights – helping you discover what to watch and see where they’ve made their mark.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a highly acclaimed actress, winning an Emmy for her role in ‘Westworld’ and a BAFTA for ‘Crash’. She’s known for her work in a variety of popular and critically praised films, including ‘Mission Impossible II’, ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, and ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’, showcasing her versatility in genres like science fiction, drama, and large-scale franchise movies.

She’s collaborated with acclaimed directors like Jonathan Demme, Ron Howard, and Lisa Joy, and has created and narrated documentaries about important social topics. Beyond her film work, Newton is a dedicated humanitarian who frequently speaks about the importance of diversity and inclusion in media.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris is a versatile actress who has earned critical acclaim, including Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations for her role in ‘Moonlight’. She’s also known for her work in major action franchises like the James Bond films (‘Skyfall’, ‘Spectre’, ‘No Time to Die’). Earlier in her career, she gained recognition in films like ‘28 Days Later’ and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ series, demonstrating her ability to excel in both independent dramas and large-scale blockbusters.

Trained at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Harris is a versatile actor who works in theatre and film. She has received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to the dramatic arts. Harris frequently focuses on telling important cultural stories and enjoys working with up-and-coming filmmakers.

Gugu Mbatha Raw

Gugu Mbatha Raw has earned acclaim for her roles in films like ‘Belle’ and ‘Beyond the Lights,’ where she played complex and well-developed characters. More recently, she’s become a familiar face on television, with significant parts in popular series such as ‘Loki’ and high-profile streaming dramas like ‘The Morning Show’ and ‘Surface’.

She’s an accomplished actress, having appeared in Shakespeare plays with the Royal Shakespeare Company and worked with acclaimed film directors like Gina Prince Bythewood and Amma Asante. Beyond acting, she’s a UN Refugee Agency Goodwill Ambassador, using her public voice to support their work.

Carmen Ejogo

Carmen Ejogo is known for her thoughtful and well-researched portrayals of historical figures, notably Coretta Scott King in the films ‘Boycott’ and ‘Selma’. She’s also proven versatile with roles in a variety of genres, including the mystery series ‘True Detective’, the fantasy film ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’, and the horror movie ‘It Comes at Night’.

Naomi Ejogo creates original music for specific projects and also works on film soundtracks, drawing on her experience as both an actress and a musician. She’s worked in British television and major American movies, easily transitioning between smaller independent films and big-budget franchises.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained recognition with her role in ‘Chi-Raq’ and then reached a wider audience with ‘WandaVision,’ where she played Monica Rambeau and became part of the Marvel universe. She’s since starred in Nia DaCosta’s ‘Candyman’ and ‘The Marvels,’ successfully blending her work in independent films with major superhero projects.

As a film fan, I’ve been consistently impressed with Antoinette Parris. She’s a seriously talented actor – a Juilliard grad who’s already popped up in great shows like ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Mad Men’. What I really appreciate, though, is that she actively seeks out projects with Black directors and producers, and she’s a vocal advocate for more diversity *behind* the camera – I’ve even seen her on panels discussing it at film festivals. It’s clear she’s committed to making real change in the industry.

Aunjanue Ellis Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis Taylor is a highly acclaimed actress, recognized for her work in projects like ‘King Richard’ – for which she received an Oscar nomination – as well as ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. She’s also performed on Broadway and appeared in notable films including ‘Ray’ and ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’.

Ellis Taylor is celebrated for her thorough preparation, diving deep into research and real-life experiences when playing historical characters. She also dedicates time to mentoring aspiring performers, sharing her professional knowledge through community arts programs.

KiKi Layne

I’ve been really impressed with KiKi Layne. She burst onto the scene with such a strong, moving performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk,’ and then completely surprised me by jumping into action mode with ‘The Old Guard.’ She’s clearly not afraid to take on diverse roles – from the comedy of ‘Coming 2 America’ to the more intense, artistic projects like ‘Native Son’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling.’ It’s cool to see an actor willing to explore so many different genres.

Layne graduated from the Theatre School at DePaul University and currently juggles creative studio work with independent film projects. She also supports Black artists and creators through fashion and beauty campaigns, and has gained recognition within the industry by presenting awards at high-profile events.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett has received Emmy recognition for her work on ‘Lovecraft Country’ and showcased her action skills in ‘Birds of Prey’. She’s also known for roles in shows like ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘Underground’, where she often played strong characters in stories that combined different genres and real historical events.

I’ve been following Jurnee Smollett for years, and it’s amazing to see how consistently great she is – she really started young and has worked everywhere, from regular network shows to those really high-end cable series and big movies. But she’s not just a talented actress; I also admire that she uses her platform to champion important causes like health, education, and pushing for more diversity both on screen and behind the camera. She’s always willing to speak up about making the industry a more inclusive place, which is fantastic.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback has received praise for her acting, particularly for her leading role in ‘Swarm,’ which earned her several award nominations. She’s proven versatile, appearing in critically acclaimed films like ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ as well as blockbuster action movies like ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.’

Fishback is a multi-talented artist – a playwright and spoken word performer. She created and performed a one-woman show called ‘Subverted’ and frequently refined her work in New York theaters. She enjoys working with directors who value her experience as both a writer and performer.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz has received Emmy recognition for her work on ‘Atlanta’ and has appeared in blockbuster films like ‘Deadpool 2’ and ‘Joker’. She skillfully combines voice acting roles, such as in ‘Invincible’, with projects in independent films and various anthology series.

Beetz is fluent in both German and English and spent her childhood moving between Berlin and New York, giving her broad appeal for international roles. She’s also a champion of sustainable fashion and often participates in European film festivals with projects that cross international boundaries.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson is a prominent actress known for her roles in blockbuster franchises like ‘Thor Ragnarok’ and ‘Avengers Endgame,’ as well as the ‘Creed’ films. She’s also established herself in television and film with critically acclaimed performances in shows like ‘Westworld’ and ‘Dear White People.’

Thompson creates work through Viva Maude, a company dedicated to amplifying diverse perspectives, and also executive produces certain projects. She frequently partners with musicians to create music for films and supports emerging filmmakers through programs with the film academy.

Sonequa Martin Green

Sonequa Martin-Green made history as the first Black woman to star in a leading role on a ‘Star Trek’ show with ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’ She had previously gained a dedicated fanbase through her work on ‘The Walking Dead,’ which helped launch her into this groundbreaking science fiction role.

She regularly attends franchise events and supports educational charities that reflect the hopeful, inclusive spirit of ‘Star Trek.’ She’s also broadened her work through brand collaborations and voice acting in both video games and animated projects.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright is an award-winning actress, best known for her role as Shuri in the ‘Black Panther’ films. She’s also appeared in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘Black Museum’ as the lead, and starred in the dramatic film ‘Aisha’. She previously received the BAFTA Rising Star Award.

Wright owns and operates 3.16 Productions, a company focused on creating stories that are both inspiring and address important social issues. Originally from Guyana, she moved to London as a child and pursued formal training in screen acting in the UK, which led to appearances in British television shows.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch has quickly become a celebrated actress, winning the BAFTA Rising Star Award and gaining recognition for her significant roles in major films. She was a key figure in the James Bond film ‘No Time to Die’, played a powerful warrior in ‘The Woman King’, and charmed audiences as Miss Honey in ‘Matilda The Musical’.

Lynch received her initial training at ArtsEd in London, which prepared her for both stage and screen work. She began her career in British television before appearing in large, international franchises. She’s also passionate about supporting arts education, frequently participating in school visits and discussions about careers in acting for aspiring young performers.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel is the talented creator and star of the award-winning series ‘I May Destroy You,’ for which she won an Emmy for her writing. She’s also known for her role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and previously starred in and created ‘Chewing Gum,’ which started as a stage play.

Coel studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and her background in poetry and prose deeply influences her screenwriting. She also frequently speaks to people in the film and television industry about protecting creators’ rights and how projects are developed, offering useful advice to new writers.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba has won multiple Emmy Awards for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and has received critical acclaim for her performances in ‘Mrs. America’ and ‘Painkiller’. In addition to her television success, she’s also a seasoned stage actress with Broadway experience and has starred in several successful limited-run TV series.

Aduba is a classically trained singer who has performed the national anthem at large sporting events. She’s also a passionate advocate for mental health, working with organizations to improve access to care.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is known for her roles as Okoye in the ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers’ movies, as well as a main character in ‘The Walking Dead’. Beyond acting, she’s a successful playwright; her plays ‘Eclipsed’ and ‘The Convert’ have been performed in prominent theaters, including on Broadway.

Danai Gurira is a co-founder of Love Our Girls, an organization dedicated to helping women and girls around the world, and she also works as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. Her creative work frequently explores connections between African narratives and those of the African diaspora, using both theater and film.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie gained recognition for her performance in ‘Miss Juneteenth’ and also starred in ‘Monsters and Men’. Before that, she was the lead in the TV series ‘Sleepy Hollow’ and had notable roles in ‘Shame’ and ‘42’, often portraying characters rooted in historical settings or complex personal stories.

Rosario Dawson received her training at Juilliard and also participated in study abroad programs in the UK. In addition to acting, she records music for certain projects and has written articles on wellbeing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance within the entertainment industry.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan first gained widespread recognition in the film ‘Love & Basketball’ and continued her success with ‘The Best Man’ movies and ‘Something New’. More recently, she’s appeared in TV shows like ‘The Affair’ and made her directorial debut with ‘On the Come Up’.

As a total film buff, I’ve always admired Regina Lathan. She’s a seriously talented actress, having trained at the Yale School of Drama, and she’s incredibly versatile – she does stage work, voice acting, you might even recognize her from ‘The Cleveland Show’! But what really impresses me is that she dedicates time to helping others, mentoring young women hoping to break into the film industry and lending her expertise as a jury member at big film festivals. It’s fantastic to see someone so accomplished giving back.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is a versatile actress known for her roles in films like ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘Girls Trip,’ and critically acclaimed performances in ‘Support the Girls.’ She’s also a sought-after host for award shows and continues to star in both comedic and dramatic projects for both streaming and movie theaters.

I’m a big fan of Hall! She went to NYU for journalism, and it’s awesome to see her often taking the lead in her own projects. Beyond her work, she’s really committed to giving back – she supports scholarships and local health programs, and I love that she’s actively working with Black-owned production companies to help new comedic talent get their start. It’s great to see someone use their platform like that!

Let us know in the comments who else you’d suggest adding to this list, and tell us about performances you think deserve more attention.

2025-10-06 06:31