African-American Actresses Who’ve Influenced Pop Culture the Most

African-American actresses have shaped the landscape of global entertainment through groundbreaking performances and social advocacy. From the pioneers of the early 20th century to the dominant stars of modern cinema, these women have dismantled barriers and redefined excellence on screen. Their work spans across genres, from high-stakes drama to transformative comedy, often reflecting the cultural shifts of their respective eras. This list highlights the careers of those who have achieved critical acclaim, commercial success, and lasting cultural influence.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback gained significant attention for her role as Darlene in the television series ‘The Deuce’. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Deborah Johnson in the film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, earning a BAFTA nomination. Her performance in the limited series ‘Swarm’ showcased her ability to lead a psychological thriller with intensity. Fishback is also a playwright and poet, often incorporating her creative writing into her performance preparation. She continues to be recognized as a rising force in dramatic storytelling.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks rose to prominence playing Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She transitioned to Broadway with a Tony-nominated performance as Sofia in the musical ‘The Color Purple’. Brooks reprised this role in the 2023 film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. In addition to her acting, she has been an advocate for body positivity and representation within the fashion and entertainment industries. She also stars as Leota Adebayo in the superhero series ‘Peacemaker’.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph first gained major recognition for her Tony-nominated role in the Broadway production of ‘Ghost’. She transitioned to film with a breakout performance in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’, playing Lady Reed alongside Eddie Murphy. Randolph reached a career milestone in 2023 for her role as Mary Lamb in ‘The Holdovers’, sweeping the major awards season. She won the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress for that performance. She also has a recurring role in the popular series ‘Only Murders in the Building’.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson first achieved viral success through her self-produced Instagram series ‘Girl Who Has Never Been on a Nice Date’. She went on to create, executive produce, and star in the hit mockumentary ‘Abbott Elementary’. For her work on the show, she became the first Black woman to be nominated for three comedy Emmy Awards in a single year. She won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Brunson is credited with revitalizing the network sitcom format for modern audiences.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. At the age of 14, she became the youngest person ever to produce a major Hollywood film with the comedy ‘Little’. She founded her own production company, Genius Productions, to create more opportunities for diverse storytelling. Martin has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her acting and entrepreneurial efforts. Her influence is particularly significant among Gen Z audiences as a mogul in the making.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first broke out as Dawn Chambers in the acclaimed period drama ‘Mad Men’. She later starred in the independent film ‘Chi-Raq’, directed by Spike Lee, which showcased her range as a lead actress. Parris joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the adult Monica Rambeau in the series ‘Wandavision’. She reprised this role in the blockbuster film ‘The Marvels’, further cementing her status in major franchises. Her career is marked by a balance of prestige television and high-profile cinematic roles.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi gained widespread fame playing Zoey Johnson on the series ‘Black-ish’. The popularity of her character led to the successful spin-off ‘Grown-ish’, which followed her character’s journey through college. Beyond acting, Shahidi is a prominent activist and Harvard University graduate who focuses on voter registration and social justice. She was cast as Tinker Bell in the live-action film ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’, marking a milestone for representation in Disney classics. She continues to use her platform to bridge the gap between Hollywood and social advocacy.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child star in the film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. She became a household name with the Nickelodeon series ‘True Jackson, VP’, for which she was one of the highest-paid child stars on television. Palmer has since transitioned into mature roles in projects like the film ‘Hustlers’ and Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’. She made history as the first Black woman to star in her own talk show, ‘Just Keke’, and won an Emmy for her work on ‘Turnt Up with the Taylors’. Her versatile career includes music, hosting, and voice acting.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who achieved fame for her role as Celie in the Broadway revival of ‘The Color Purple’. This performance earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy Award. She moved into film with starring roles in ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’ and ‘Harriet’, the latter of which earned her two Academy Award nominations. Erivo is known for her vocal range and her portrayal of historical figures, including Aretha Franklin in the series ‘Genius’. She was cast as Elphaba in the cinematic adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe initially gained fame as a Grammy-nominated musician before successfully transitioning into acting. She made her film debut with two high-profile roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and the Academy Award-winning ‘Moonlight’. Monáe later starred in the psychological thriller ‘Antebellum’ and the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. Her artistic style often blends Afrofuturism and social commentary, influencing both the music and film industries. She is celebrated for her unique aesthetic and commitment to diverse representation.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on the third season of ‘American Idol’. She made her film debut as Effie White in ‘Dreamgirls’, a role that earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Hudson is an EGOT winner, having secured an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony throughout her career. She portrayed Aretha Franklin in the biopic ‘Respect’, a role personally chosen for her by the Queen of Soul herself. Currently, she hosts her own syndicated talk show, ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique began her career as a stand-up comedian before starring in the hit sitcom ‘The Parkers’. she received universal acclaim for her harrowing performance as Mary Lee Johnston in the film ‘Precious’. This role earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, along with several other major industry honors. Mo’Nique is recognized for her influence in the “Queens of Comedy” tour and her advocacy for fair pay in Hollywood. She recently returned to the screen with a celebrated role in the series ‘BMF’.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine is a veteran actress known for her distinctive voice and prolific career in film, television, and theater. She originated the role of Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls’. On television, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her recurring role as Adele Webber on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Devine has appeared in numerous beloved films, including ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. Her consistent presence in Black cinema has made her a staple of the industry for decades.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield is a celebrated actress whose career spans over four decades. She achieved critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Josephine Baker in the television film ‘The Josephine Baker Story’. Whitfield is also well-known for her roles in films such as ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘A Thin Line Between Love and Hate’. More recently, she starred as the formidable matriarch Lady Mae Greenleaf in the drama series ‘Greenleaf’. Her performances are often noted for their elegance, authority, and emotional depth.

Tisha Campbell

Tisha Campbell became a television icon through her role as Gina Waters-Payne on the hit sitcom ‘Martin’. She followed this success by starring as Janet “Jay” Marie Kyle in the comedy series ‘My Wife and Kids’. Campbell’s early career included roles in classic films such as ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and the ‘House Party’ franchise. She is also a talented singer, having released a self-titled R&B album in the early 1990s. Her comedic timing and chemistry with her co-stars have left a lasting mark on 90s and 2000s pop culture.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is widely recognized for her role as Pamela James on the sitcom ‘Martin’. She earned further acclaim for her portrayal of the strict but loving mother, Rochelle, on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. Arnold has won multiple NAACP Image Awards for her work in television comedy. She currently stars as Tina Butler in the CBS sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’. Her long-standing career and ability to portray relatable, strong-willed characters have made her a favorite among television audiences.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira achieved international fame for her portrayal of Michonne on the horror drama series ‘The Walking Dead’. She further solidified her status as an action icon by playing Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Gurira is also an award-winning playwright, best known for her Tony-nominated play ‘Eclipsed’. Her work often focuses on African stories and female empowerment, bringing complex narratives to global audiences. She continues to balance her work as both a high-profile actress and a respected writer.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet became a pop culture sensation playing Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. Her character was so popular that it led to the spin-off series ‘A Different World’, which focused on life at a fictional Historically Black College. Bonet took a controversial turn in the film ‘Angel Heart’, which challenged her “girl next door” image. She has remained an influential figure in fashion and culture, known for her bohemian aesthetic and private lifestyle. Her impact on television representation during the 1980s continues to be celebrated.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan has starred in several of the most influential Black romantic dramas of the late 90s and early 2000s. She is best known for her leading roles in ‘Love & Basketball’ and ‘The Best Man’. Lathan earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She has also ventured into voice acting, providing the voice for Donna Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’ and ‘Family Guy’. Her career is characterized by a mix of commercial hits and prestigious theatrical work.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union rose to fame with her breakout role in the teen cheerleading film ‘Bring It On’. she went on to star in a string of successful romantic comedies, including ‘Deliver Us from Eva’ and ‘Think Like a Man’. Union earned critical praise for her leading role in the drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’, which explored the life of a successful news anchor. Beyond acting, she is a best-selling author and a vocal advocate for survivors of sexual assault and LGBTQ+ rights. She remains a prominent figure in both the entertainment and activist spheres.

Nia Long

Nia Long is a staple of Black cinema, known for her roles in culturally significant films like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Friday’. She gained further acclaim for her performances in ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Love Jones’, which are considered classics of the romantic genre. Long also had a successful television career, with notable roles on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ and ‘Third Watch’. Her enduring career and consistent presence in high-quality projects have made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation. She is often cited as a definitive beauty icon of the 1990s.

Vivica A. Fox

Vivica A. Fox had a massive breakout year in 1996 with starring roles in the blockbusters ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Set It Off’. She continued her success with roles in ‘Soul Food’ and Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’. Fox has appeared in numerous television series, including ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ and ‘Empire’. In addition to acting, she has established herself as a producer and entrepreneur within the beauty industry. Her high-energy performances and versatility have sustained her career for over three decades.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah began her career as a pioneering female rapper before transitioning into a multi-hyphenate entertainer. She starred in the beloved sitcom ‘Living Single’, which is credited with influencing the structure of many ensemble comedies that followed. Her performance as Matron “Mama” Morton in the film ‘Chicago’ earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Latifah has since starred in numerous films, hosted her own talk show, and currently leads the action series ‘The Equalizer’. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop and Hollywood history.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith first gained attention on the sitcom ‘A Different World’ before moving into major film roles. She starred in hits such as ‘The Nutty Professor’, ‘Set It Off’, and ‘The Matrix’ sequels. Smith is also the creator and host of the influential talk show ‘Red Table Talk’, which won a Daytime Emmy Award. Her career includes work as a producer, director, and singer for the heavy metal band Wicked Wisdom. She has been a consistent presence in the media for her artistic contributions and her public discussions on family and wellness.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall is best known for her comedic genius, specifically her role as Brenda Meeks in the ‘Scary Movie’ film franchise. She transitioned into more dramatic and lead comedic roles in films like ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Girls Trip’. Hall made history as the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for ‘Support the Girls’. She has hosted major events, including the Academy Awards, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer. Her career is marked by her ability to elevate every project with her sharp timing and range.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her innovative YouTube series ‘The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl’. This success led her to create, write, and star in the HBO hit series ‘Insecure’, which earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Rae has since transitioned into film, appearing in ‘The Photograph’ and ‘Barbie’. She is also an entrepreneur, founding Hoorae Media to support diverse creators and businesses. Her rise from digital content creator to major Hollywood mogul has inspired a new generation of storytellers.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is a Golden Globe-winning actress known for her iconic roles in television comedy. She first gained fame as Joan Clayton on the long-running series ‘Girlfriends’, which became a cultural touchstone for Black women. She later starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on ‘Black-ish’, earning multiple Emmy nominations and an NAACP Image Award. Ross is also celebrated as a fashion icon and an advocate for hair care through her brand, Pattern Beauty. She is the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross, but she has established a distinct and successful legacy of her own.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She successfully transitioned to mature roles, becoming the youngest person to win two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress for her work in ‘Euphoria’. Zendaya has also starred in major cinematic franchises, including ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Dune’. Her influence extends to the fashion world, where she is considered a global style icon and brand ambassador. She is frequently cited as one of the most influential entertainers of the Gen Z era.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is best known for her role as the witty lawyer Maxine Shaw on the classic sitcom ‘Living Single’. Her character became a symbol of professional success and independence for Black women in the 1990s. Alexander has had a long career in television and film, including a notable role in the horror hit ‘Get Out’. She is also a writer and producer, co-founding Color Farm Media to focus on diverse content. Her portrayal of Maxine Shaw remains one of the most referenced and beloved characters in television history.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashad became “The Mother of the Nation” through her role as Clair Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. Her portrayal of a successful attorney and matriarch redefined the image of Black motherhood on television. Rashad made history as the first Black actress to win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. She has continued to work in prestigious projects, including the ‘Creed’ film series and ‘This Is Us’. Rashad also served as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington achieved superstardom for her role as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’. This role made her the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years and earned her multiple Emmy nominations. Washington has also starred in acclaimed films such as ‘Ray’, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘The Last King of Scotland’. She is a dedicated activist and producer, working through her company Simpson Street to champion underrepresented voices. Her work in ‘Scandal’ is credited with changing the landscape of television for Black actresses.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained critical recognition for her Academy Award-nominated role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. She became a massive pop culture figure playing the formidable Cookie Lyon on the musical drama series ‘Empire’. Henson also starred as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson in the hit biographical film ‘Hidden Figures’. She has been vocal about mental health awareness, founding the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to support the Black community. Her career is defined by her dynamic energy and her ability to lead both dramas and comedies.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is one of the most decorated actresses in Hollywood, known for her warmth and dramatic range. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Minny Jackson in ‘The Help’. Spencer received further Oscar nominations for her performances in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She has successfully transitioned into executive producing, often focusing on projects that highlight untold historical narratives. Her consistent success has made her one of the most bankable and respected actresses in the industry.

Regina King

Regina King began her career as a teen on the sitcom ‘227’ before evolving into an elite actress and director. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and four Primetime Emmy Awards. Her leading role in the limited series ‘Watchmen’ was widely praised for its depth and social commentary. King made her feature film directorial debut with ‘One Night in Miami…’, which received multiple Oscar nominations. She is regarded as one of the most versatile and talented figures in modern cinema.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 as the first, and currently only, Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Monster’s Ball’. She has starred in major blockbusters, including the ‘X-Men’ franchise as Storm and as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’. Berry has also ventured into directing with the film ‘Bruised’, in which she also played the lead role. Her career has been marked by high-profile roles that have challenged industry standards for women of color. She remains a global icon and a trailblazer for representation in leading film roles.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is the first Black actress to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” winning an Oscar, an Emmy, and two Tonys. She gained international fame for her lead role as Annalise Keating in the legal drama series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her performance in the film ‘Fences’ earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Davis also achieved EGOT status in 2023 after winning a Grammy for the audiobook of her memoir, ‘Finding Me’. She is widely considered one of the greatest living actors in the world.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is renowned for her powerful portrayals of real-life women, most notably Tina Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win. She has maintained a prominent career in both film and television, starring in the ‘American Horror Story’ anthology and ‘9-1-1’. Bassett received a second Oscar nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. In 2024, she was honored with an Honorary Academy Award for her legendary contributions to the film industry.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is one of the most honored actresses in television history, with four Emmy Awards and eighteen nominations. She is known for her immense range in films like ‘Passion Fish’, ‘Cross Creek’, and ’12 Years a Slave’. Woodard also starred as the lead in the acclaimed independent film ‘Clemency’, which earned her a BAFTA nomination. She has been a consistent presence in both prestige cinema and popular television, including roles in ‘Luke Cage’ and ‘See’. Her career is distinguished by her dedication to character-driven storytelling.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is a legendary entertainer and one of the few individuals to achieve EGOT status. She made a massive film debut in ‘The Color Purple’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Goldberg won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Oda Mae Brown in ‘Ghost’. She became a global superstar through the ‘Sister Act’ franchise and has hosted the Academy Awards multiple times. Since 2007, she has been a moderator on the long-running daytime talk show ‘The View’.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became the face of the blaxploitation genre in the 1970s, starring in films like ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’. She was the first Black woman to headline an action film, portraying strong, independent characters who fought back against injustice. Grier experienced a career resurgence in the 1990s when Quentin Tarantino cast her in the title role of ‘Jackie Brown’. Her performance in that film earned her Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations. She remains a seminal figure in cinema history for redefining the female action hero.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols broke significant racial barriers as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on the original ‘Star Trek’ series. Her role was one of the first times a Black woman was portrayed in a position of authority on American television. Martin Luther King Jr. famously encouraged her to stay on the show, citing her character as a vital symbol of progress. Beyond the screen, Nichols worked with NASA to recruit women and minority astronauts for the space program. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and entertainers alike.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt was a multi-talented performer known for her distinctive voice and “cat-like” persona. She gained television fame as Catwoman in the 1960s series ‘Batman’, succeeding Julie Newmar. Kitt was a prolific singer, famous for hits like ‘Santa Baby’, and a successful stage actress. She faced a temporary career setback in the United States after speaking out against the Vietnam War at the White House. Despite this, she returned to achieve great success on Broadway and in voice acting, most notably as Yzma in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll made history as the first Black woman to star in her own television series, ‘Julia’, in a non-stereotypical role. She was a pioneering figure on Broadway, becoming the first Black woman to win the Tony Award for Best Actress for ‘No Strings’. Carroll also earned an Academy Award nomination for her leading role in the film ‘Claudine’. Later in her career, she became a fashion icon for her role as Dominique Deveraux on the prime-time soap opera ‘Dynasty’. Her career was dedicated to breaking barriers and portraying sophisticated, complex Black women.

Juanita Moore

Juanita Moore is best remembered for her heartbreaking performance as Annie Johnson in the 1959 film ‘Imitation of Life’. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, making her only the fifth Black performer to be nominated for an Oscar. The film dealt with complex themes of race and passing, and Moore’s performance was widely cited as its emotional core. She continued to work in film and television for several decades, appearing in projects like ‘The Singing Nun’. Her work in ‘Imitation of Life’ remains a landmark moment in cinematic history.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee was a legendary actress and a prominent civil rights activist who worked alongside her husband, Ossie Davis. She originated the role of Ruth Younger in the play and film versions of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. Dee received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 83 for her role in ‘American Hero’. Throughout her career, she won an Emmy, a Grammy, and received the National Medal of Arts. Her life was characterized by a seamless blend of artistic excellence and social justice advocacy.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson was a transformative figure in Hollywood who famously refused to take roles that she felt were demeaning to Black women. She gained critical acclaim for her performance in the film ‘Sounder’, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Tyson won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the lead character in ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. She was also a recipient of the Tony Award for ‘The Trip to Bountiful’ and an Honorary Academy Award. Her career spanned seven decades and focused on portraying women of great strength and dignity.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was a pioneering actress and singer who became the first African-American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. This historic nomination was for her title role in the 1954 musical film ‘Carmen Jones’. Dandridge was a major star of the nightclub circuit and appeared in films like ‘Porgy and Bess’ and ‘Island in the Sun’. Despite her talent and fame, she faced significant racial discrimination within the Hollywood studio system. Her life and career have since been the subject of numerous books and the biographical film ‘Introducing Dorothy Dandridge’.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters was a trailblazing blues singer and actress who achieved several “firsts” for Black women in entertainment. She was the first Black woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award and the second to be nominated for an Academy Award. Waters starred in the landmark film ‘Pinky’ and the Broadway play and subsequent film ‘The Member of the Wedding’. She was also the first Black woman to have her own radio show and to star in her own television special. Her influence on American jazz, pop, and gospel music is considered foundational.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne was a legendary singer, actress, and civil rights activist who signed a long-term contract with MGM in the 1940s. She starred in several musical films, most notably ‘Stormy Weather’ and ‘Cabin in the Sky’. Horne was known for her refusal to play stereotypical roles, which often led to her scenes being filmed so they could be easily cut for screenings in the South. She was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, participating in the March on Washington. Her long career in music and film made her a symbol of elegance and resistance.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American to win an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in ‘Gone with the Wind’. Despite facing racial segregation and being barred from the film’s premiere, she paved the way for future generations of Black actors. Throughout her career, she appeared in over 300 films, although she only received credit for 80 of them. Her legacy is defined by her resilience and trailblazing success during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She was posthumously honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Please share your thoughts on which of these legendary actresses has had the greatest impact on your favorite films and shows in the comments.