Afro-American Actresses Who Are Married to White Men

The entertainment industry has long been a place where diverse backgrounds and cultures intersect through the bond of marriage. Many prominent African American actresses have built lasting relationships with white spouses while navigating successful careers in film and television. these unions often highlight the personal lives of stars who find love outside of their own ethnic backgrounds. This list showcases several notable performers who have shared their lives with white partners in high profile marriages. Each entry provides details about their professional achievements and their significant relationships within the public eye.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly respected actress who has earned numerous accolades throughout her lengthy career. She married writer and producer Roderick Spencer in 1983 and the couple has remained together for over four decades. They share two children and have often collaborated on various creative projects in the industry. Woodard is known for her powerful performances in films such as ’12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Cross Creek’. Her television work includes a memorable role in the series ‘Luke Cage’.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry Housley first rose to fame starring alongside her twin sister in the popular sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’. She married former news correspondent Adam Housley in 2011 after dating for several years. The couple has two children and they frequently document their family experiences on digital platforms. Tamera served as a cohost on the talk show ‘The Real’ for several seasons before pursuing other lifestyle ventures. She continues to act in various television movies and scripted programs.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana has established herself as a major star in massive film franchises like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. She married Italian artist Marco Perego in 2013 during a private ceremony held in London. The couple chose to respect each other’s heritage by adopting each other’s surnames as a symbol of their unity. They are raising three sons together in a multilingual and artistic household. Saldana remains one of the most successful and highest grossing actresses in Hollywood today.

Eve

Eve is a Grammy Award winning musician and actress who initially gained fame as a rapper in the late nineties. She married British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper in 2014 at the conclusion of an international motor rally. The couple shares one biological son and Eve is also a stepmother to Cooper’s four children from a previous marriage. She moved to London to be with her husband while continuing her work in the entertainment world. Eve recently starred in the television drama ‘Queens’ which showcased her musical and acting talents.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle was a successful actress best known for her role in the legal drama series ‘Suits’. She married Prince Harry in 2018 in a ceremony that captured international attention at Windsor Castle. Following their wedding she transitioned away from her acting career to focus on royal duties and later philanthropic work. The couple eventually moved to California to establish their own production company and charitable foundation. They have two children and continue to work on various media projects for major streaming platforms.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph is a celebrated comedian and actress who became a household name through ‘Saturday Night Live’. She has been in a long term relationship with director Paul Thomas Anderson since 2001. Although they often refer to each other as husband and wife they maintain a relatively private personal life. The couple has four children together and resides in Los Angeles. Rudolph has starred in numerous films including the hit comedy ‘Bridesmaids’ and the series ‘Loot’.

Aya Sumika

Aya Sumika is an actress who is best recognized for her role as Agent Liz Warner in the television series ‘Numb3rs’. She married her high school sweetheart Trevor John in 2007. After her time in the acting world she transitioned into the world of design and business alongside her husband. The couple cofounded a successful lifestyle and home goods brand based in New York. They have one daughter together and continue to focus on their entrepreneurial ventures.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais is an actress and television personality who first gained fame on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’. She was married to talent agent Mike Nilon from 2001 until 2011. The couple had twin sons during their marriage and they have continued to coparent since their divorce. Beauvais has appeared in major films like ‘Coming to America’ and is a regular cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’. She also spent several years as a cohost on the daytime talk show ‘The Real’.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams is a multi talented performer who has achieved success in music and acting. She married businessman Jim Skrip in 2015 after meeting him while on vacation in Egypt. This marked her third marriage and the couple often shares updates about their life together in New York. Williams is famous for her roles in television series such as ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. She also continues to perform on Broadway and release music for her global fan base.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton is an actress known for her leading roles in films such as ‘Deja Vu’ and ‘Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol’. She was married to singer Robin Thicke from 2005 until 2015 after being together since their teenage years. The couple shares a son and their relationship was a frequent topic in entertainment news. Following their divorce Patton has continued to focus on her acting career in both film and television. She has recently appeared in several independent films and streaming series.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is an Academy Award winning actress who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades. She was married to French actor Olivier Martinez from 2013 to 2016. The couple met while filming the movie ‘Dark Tide’ and they have one son together. Berry is recognized for her roles in the ‘X-Men’ franchise and her historic win for the film ‘Monster’s Ball’. She remains active in the industry as both a lead actress and a director.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton is a British actress who has starred in many critically acclaimed Hollywood productions. She was married to director and screenwriter Ol Parker from 1998 until 2022. The couple has three children together and they often appeared at industry events as a family. Newton is well known for her roles in films like ‘Crash’ and her award winning work in the series ‘Westworld’. She has been a vocal advocate for various social and political causes throughout her career.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet gained early fame as Denise Huxtable on the classic sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’. She was married to actor Jason Momoa from 2017 until their separation was announced in early 2022. The couple had been together for over a decade before officially marrying and they share two children. Bonet is also known for her previous marriage to musician Lenny Kravitz with whom she shares daughter Zoe Kravitz. She has maintained a selective acting career with roles in ‘High Fidelity’ and ‘Enemy of the State’.

Robin Givens

Robin Givens is an actress who rose to prominence during the eighties with her role in ‘Head of the Class’. She was briefly married to Svetozar Marinkovic in 1997. Givens has had a long career in the entertainment industry with appearances in various television shows and films. She is also recognized for her role in the movie ‘Boomerang’ alongside Eddie Murphy. In recent years she has appeared in recurring roles on series like ‘Riverdale’ and ‘Batwoman’.

Kim Wayans

Kim Wayans is an actress and comedian who is part of the famous Wayans entertainment family. She is married to actor and writer Kevin Knotts who is white. The couple has been together for many years and has collaborated on several creative projects including a series of children’s books. Wayans is best known for her versatile characters on the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’. She has also earned praise for her dramatic work in the film ‘Pariah’.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a legendary stand up comedian and actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows. She married Alex Niedbalski in 2008 and the couple has since welcomed fraternal twins. Sykes often incorporates stories about her marriage and family life into her comedy routines. She has had a successful career with roles in ‘The Upshaws’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. Sykes is also a prolific voice actress in many popular animated films.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley is an actress who gained widespread recognition for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She married writer Lauren Morelli in 2017 after meeting on the set of the show. The couple welcomed their first child together in 2021. Wiley has also received critical acclaim for her performance in the dystopian series ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She continues to be a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ community within Hollywood.

Denise Vasi

Denise Vasi is an actress and model who is best known for her role in the series ‘Single Ladies’. She married director Anthony Mandler in 2012 during a ceremony held in the wine country of California. The couple has two children and Vasi often shares insights into her wellness and parenting journey online. She also appeared in the long running soap opera ‘All My Children’ earlier in her career. Vasi currently focuses on her lifestyle brand and digital content creation.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba is a highly decorated actress known for her versatile roles in television and theater. She married filmmaker Robert Sweeting in 2020 during a private ceremony that was not revealed to the public until a year later. The couple welcomed their first child in 2023. Aduba earned multiple Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Suzanne Warren in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has since starred in other major projects such as ‘In Treatment’ and ‘Mrs. America’.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith is an actress and model who made a significant impact with her role in the film ‘Queen & Slim’. She married actor Joshua Jackson in 2019 and the couple has one daughter. They were often seen together at major red carpet events during their marriage which lasted until 2023. Turner-Smith has also starred in the title role of the miniseries ‘Anne Boleyn’. She continues to work on high profile film projects and fashion campaigns.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is a global superstar known for her incredible vocal range and successful music career. She was married to music executive Tommy Mottola from 1993 until 1998. During their marriage Carey achieved massive commercial success with multiple chart topping albums. She has also pursued an acting career with roles in films such as ‘Precious’ and ‘The Butler’. Carey remains one of the best selling music artists of all time with a lasting influence on pop culture.

Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley is an actress who rose to fame for her role as Tara Thornton in the series ‘True Blood’. She was married to actor Jacob Fishel from 2005 until 2014. After her time on ‘True Blood’ she took on a leading role in the acclaimed drama series ‘Queen Sugar’. Wesley has also appeared in various theater productions and guest roles on television. She is known for her intense and emotional performances on screen.

Amber Stevens West

Amber Stevens West is an actress who first gained attention for her role in the series ‘Greek’. She married her former costar Andrew J. West in 2014. The couple has two daughters and often shares photos of their family life on social media. West has also starred in the sitcom ‘The Carmichael Show’ and the series ‘Run the World’. She continues to work steadily in both television comedies and dramas.

Aisha Tyler

Aisha Tyler is a multi talented actress, comedian, and director with a career spanning several decades. She was married to attorney Jeff Tietjens from 1992 until 2017. Tyler is well known for her voice work in the animated series ‘Archer’ and her role on ‘Criminal Minds’. She also served as a cohost on ‘The Talk’ for six seasons. In addition to acting she has directed several television episodes and short films.

Donna Summer

Donna Summer was a legendary singer and actress often referred to as the Queen of Disco. She married musician Bruce Sudano in 1980 and the couple remained together until her death in 2012. They had two daughters together and collaborated on various musical projects during their long marriage. Summer appeared in films such as ‘Thank God It’s Friday’ and had a successful career in music television. Her legacy continues to influence the music industry and pop culture.

Tina Turner

Tina Turner was an iconic performer who achieved global superstardom as a singer and actress. She married German music executive Erwin Bach in 2013 after a relationship that lasted nearly three decades. The couple lived together in Switzerland where they enjoyed a private and peaceful life. Turner starred in the film ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ and her life story was the subject of a successful biopic and Broadway musical. She remained married to Bach until her passing in 2023.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera was an actress and singer who gained massive popularity for her role as Santana Lopez in the series ‘Glee’. She was married to actor Ryan Dorsey from 2014 until 2018. The couple had one son together and continued to coparent after their divorce. Rivera also appeared in the series ‘Step Up High Water’ and released several musical projects. She was widely praised for her talent and her impact on television representation.

Iman

Iman is a world famous supermodel and actress who has been a pioneer in the fashion industry. She married legendary musician and actor David Bowie in 1992 in a private ceremony in Switzerland. The couple remained married until Bowie’s death in 2016 and they share one daughter. Iman has appeared in several films including ‘Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country’ and ‘Out of Africa’. She also founded a highly successful cosmetics line for women of color.

Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis is a British singer and actress who rose to international fame after winning ‘The X Factor’. She married her long term partner Dennis Jauch in 2019 during a beautiful ceremony in Italy. The couple welcomed their first child in 2022 and they are active in various animal welfare causes. Lewis made her film debut in the musical ‘Walk on Sunshine’ and has appeared on Broadway in ‘Cats’. She continues to release music and perform for audiences around the world.

Leslie Uggams

Leslie Uggams is a veteran actress and singer with a career that has spanned over six decades. She married Grahame Pratt in 1965 at a time when interracial marriages were still facing significant social challenges. The couple has remained married for nearly sixty years and they have two children. Uggams is famous for her role in the landmark miniseries ‘Roots’ and more recently in the ‘Deadpool’ film franchise. She continues to perform on stage and television with great success.

Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey was a renowned actress and singer who became a legendary figure in American entertainment. She married jazz drummer Louie Bellson in 1952 just days after they met in London. The couple remained married until Bailey’s death in 1990 and they adopted two children together. Bailey won a Tony Award for her performance in the all black production of ‘Hello, Dolly!’. She was also known for her work in films like ‘Carmen Jones’ and her many television appearances.

Roxie Roker

Roxie Roker was an actress best known for her role as Helen Willis on the classic sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’. She was married to television producer Sy Kravitz from 1962 until 1985. Their marriage was notable as it mirrored her television role which featured one of the first interracial couples on prime time television. Roker and Kravitz are the parents of famous musician and actor Lenny Kravitz. She had a distinguished career on stage and television until her passing in 1995.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She has been married three times including a marriage to Dutch cinematographer David Claessen from 1986 to 1988. Her third marriage was to Lyle Trachtenberg from 1994 to 1995. Goldberg is famous for her roles in films such as ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘Sister Act’. She has been a moderator on the talk show ‘The View’ for many years.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is primarily known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time but she has also pursued acting. She married Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian in 2017 in a star studded ceremony in New Orleans. The couple has two daughters and often shares their family adventures and business ventures online. Williams has appeared as herself in films like ‘Ocean’s 8’ and ‘Glass Onion’. She continues to be a prominent figure in sports, fashion, and entertainment.

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