Black Actors Who Became Successful Producers to Create More Diverse Roles
The landscape of Hollywood has undergone a significant transformation as many prominent Black actors have moved behind the scenes to take control of their own narratives. By establishing production companies, these individuals have created a platform for stories that were previously overlooked or ignored by mainstream studios. This shift has not only provided more substantial roles for underrepresented performers but has also ensured that diverse perspectives are woven into the fabric of modern entertainment. These actors turned producers continue to influence the industry by championing inclusivity and cultural authenticity in every project they touch.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington established Mundy Lane Entertainment to oversee projects that highlight the Black experience. He produced ‘Fences’ which brought the work of August Wilson to a wider cinematic audience. His efforts continue to provide opportunities for minority actors in prestigious dramatic roles. He remains a powerful advocate for storytelling that honors history and cultural depth.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman co-founded Revelations Entertainment with a mission to produce films that reveal truth and provoke thought. He has served as an executive producer on projects like ‘Invictus’ and the television series ‘Madam Secretary’. His company focuses on diverse casting and stories that challenge global perspectives. Freeman uses his industry influence to ensure that underrepresented voices find a place in mainstream media.
Will Smith
Will Smith launched Westbrook Inc. to manage his extensive production portfolio and develop new creative ventures. He has produced numerous projects including ‘King Richard’ and ‘Cobra Kai’ through his various production banners. His work often focuses on uplifting narratives and providing platforms for emerging talent from diverse backgrounds. Smith remains one of the most prolific actor producers in the modern film industry.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry built a massive studio empire in Atlanta to maintain creative control over his productions. He is responsible for creating ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and the long running series ‘House of Payne’. His production model prioritizes hiring Black crews and actors for a wide range of television and film projects. Perry has redefined the possibilities for independent Black filmmakers in the entertainment landscape.
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx manages Foxxhole Productions to develop a variety of film and television projects. He served as a producer on the legal drama ‘Just Mercy’ which addressed systemic issues in the American justice system. His production efforts often highlight social justice themes and provide significant roles for actors of color. Foxx continues to leverage his fame to bring important stories to the screen.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson has taken on producing roles to help shape the direction of the films he appears in. He served as an executive producer on ‘The Banker’ which tells the true story of pioneering Black businessmen. His involvement in production ensures that the narrative perspective remains authentic to the source material. Jackson uses his veteran status to support projects that might otherwise struggle for financing.
Laurence Fishburne
Laurence Fishburne established Cinema Gypsy Productions to develop projects that reflect a multicultural world. He produced the hit sitcom ‘Blackish’ which explored complex themes of race and identity in America. His company also focuses on historical dramas and adaptations that showcase the depth of Black history. Fishburne remains committed to creating high quality content that educates and entertains.
Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker co-founded Significant Productions to support independent filmmakers and diverse storytelling. He was instrumental in producing ‘Fruitvale Station’ which launched the careers of several prominent Black artists. His company often focuses on socially relevant films that provide a voice to marginalized communities. Whitaker continues to mentor the next generation of creators through his production work.
Danny Glover
Danny Glover co-founded Louverture Films to support cinema from the Global South and the African diaspora. He has produced documentaries and feature films that address international human rights and social struggles. His production house prioritizes artistic integrity and political consciousness over commercial trends. Glover remains a dedicated advocate for global diversity in the film industry.
Don Cheadle
Don Cheadle formed This Radical Spirit to produce content that explores unique and challenging perspectives. He produced and starred in ‘Miles Ahead’ to bring the life of a jazz legend to the big screen. His work often bridges the gap between independent film sensibilities and mainstream appeal. Cheadle focuses on projects that offer complex roles for actors from diverse backgrounds.
Idris Elba
Idris Elba launched Green Door Pictures to champion diversity of thought and experience in the media. He produced the series ‘In the Long Run’ which was inspired by his own upbringing. His company works across film and television to discover and nurture new creative talent. Elba aims to create content that resonates with a global audience while staying true to his roots.
Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan founded Outlier Society to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. He was one of the first major stars to adopt an inclusion rider for all of his production projects. His company has produced films like ‘Without Remorse’ and the series ‘Gen Lock’. Jordan focuses on creating blockbuster opportunities for underrepresented actors and filmmakers.
Sterling K. Brown
Sterling K. Brown established Indian Meadows Productions to champion diversity and regional storytelling. He aims to produce projects that reflect the complexities of the human experience through a Black lens. His company focuses on developing both scripted and unscripted content for various platforms. Brown uses his platform to ensure that varied voices are heard in the development process.
John Boyega
John Boyega founded UpperRoom Productions to focus on African stories and science fiction. He served as a producer on ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ and has sought to develop projects based in West Africa. His company aims to bring high budget genre films to the continent while employing local talent. Boyega remains committed to expanding the global reach of Black led genre cinema.
Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel Kaluuya launched 59% Productions to develop projects with a distinct and provocative point of view. He has partnered with major studios to create films that explore cultural identity and social themes. His production work seeks to provide a platform for unconventional stories that challenge audience expectations. Kaluuya is focused on building a legacy of impactful and diverse cinema.
Lakeith Stanfield
Lakeith Stanfield has ventured into production to support experimental and character driven projects. He served as an executive producer on the film ‘The Harder They Fall’ which reimagined the Western genre with a Black cast. His work often pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and visual style. Stanfield continues to seek out roles and production opportunities that offer unique artistic challenges.
Mahershala Ali
Mahershala Ali established Know Wonder to produce stories that explore the intersection of identity and faith. He is developing several projects that highlight the nuances of the Black experience across different genres. His involvement as a producer allows him to have a greater say in the casting and narrative direction of his films. Ali remains dedicated to bringing soulful and authentic portrayals to the screen.
Anthony Mackie
Anthony Mackie has expanded his career into production to create more opportunities for southern based storytelling. He has worked on projects that highlight the cultural richness of places like New Orleans. His production efforts aim to bring more film industry resources to underrepresented regions. Mackie continues to develop content that showcases the versatility of Black performers.
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo co-founded Yoruba Saxon Productions to create values based content for a global audience. He has produced films like ‘A United Kingdom’ and ‘The Water Man’ to tell diverse historical and family stories. His company focuses on narratives that celebrate the dignity and resilience of the human spirit. Oyelowo is a vocal advocate for systemic change regarding diversity in the film industry.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor has transitioned into writing and directing his own produced projects to ensure creative integrity. He directed and produced ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’ which was filmed on location in Malawi. His work often focuses on international stories that provide a window into different cultures. Ejiofor uses his production platform to tell deeply personal and globally relevant tales.
Courtney B. Vance
Courtney B. Vance launched Bassett Vance Productions alongside his wife to create high quality content for television and film. The company focuses on telling stories that honor the Black experience and highlight historical figures. He has produced several projects that provide substantial roles for seasoned Black actors. Vance remains a respected figure dedicated to excellence in production and performance.
Giancarlo Esposito
Giancarlo Esposito has taken on producing roles to develop projects that reflect his multicultural heritage. He has worked on independent films and television series that offer complex and morally ambiguous characters. His production work often explores themes of authority and identity in modern society. Esposito continues to use his experience to mentor young filmmakers of color.
Morris Chestnut
Morris Chestnut has moved into production to have more control over the types of roles available to Black men in Hollywood. He has served as an executive producer on various television projects and independent films. His goal is to create content that portrays Black characters in a wide variety of professional and personal settings. Chestnut remains a consistent presence in the industry while expanding his behind the scenes influence.
Ice Cube
Ice Cube founded Cube Vision to produce films that resonate with urban audiences and beyond. He is responsible for successful franchises like ‘Friday’ and ‘Barbershop’ which provide numerous roles for Black comedians and actors. His company also produced the critically acclaimed biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’. Ice Cube has proven that stories about Black life can achieve massive commercial success.
LL Cool J
LL Cool J established Rock The Bells to celebrate and preserve hip hop culture through various media formats. He has also produced television projects that showcase the talents of minority performers. His production work often bridges the gap between the music industry and mainstream television. LL Cool J remains an influential figure in creating spaces for Black culture to thrive.
Common
Common founded Freedom Road Productions to develop socially conscious content across film and television. He has produced projects like ‘The Chi’ which provides a nuanced look at life on the South Side of Chicago. His company focuses on stories that promote empathy and understanding through diverse perspectives. Common uses his production platform to advocate for social change and artistic expression.
Ludacris
Ludacris launched Karma’s World Entertainment to create educational and entertaining content for younger audiences. He produced the animated series ‘Karma’s World’ to provide positive representation for young Black girls. His production efforts extend to various media projects that emphasize diversity and self esteem. Ludacris continues to expand his influence as a producer in the children’s media space.
Curtis Jackson
Curtis Jackson established G-Unit Film and Television Inc. into a powerhouse in the cable television industry. He is the executive producer behind the ‘Power’ universe which has created a vast number of roles for diverse actors. His production style focuses on gritty and high stakes narratives that attract a large global audience. Jackson has become one of the most successful and influential producers in modern television.
Michael Jai White
Michael Jai White established Jaigantic Studios to create more opportunities for diverse talent in the action genre. He focuses on producing high quality martial arts and action films that feature minority leads. His studio also aims to provide training and jobs for underrepresented crews in the film industry. White remains a pioneer in bringing diversity to the independent action film market.
Taye Diggs
Taye Diggs has ventured into production to develop projects that showcase the versatility of Black performers in musical and dramatic roles. He has worked on various television and theater projects that prioritize inclusive casting. His production work often focuses on contemporary stories that reflect the modern Black experience. Diggs continues to use his platform to support the development of new creative voices.
Blair Underwood
Blair Underwood has served as a producer on several television and film projects to ensure authentic representation. He has worked on documentaries and dramas that explore significant moments in Black history. His involvement behind the scenes allows him to advocate for more diverse writing rooms and production crews. Underwood remains a dedicated professional committed to elevating the standards of storytelling.
Omari Hardwick
Omari Hardwick has taken on producing roles to help bring independent films with diverse themes to fruition. He focuses on projects that offer poetic and deeply psychological portrayals of Black men. His production work often seeks to bridge the gap between literature and cinema. Hardwick continues to seek out collaborative opportunities that push the boundaries of traditional narratives.
Terrence Howard
Terrence Howard has been involved in producing projects that allow for more experimental and creative freedom. He has worked on independent films that explore complex human emotions and societal structures. His production efforts aim to provide a space for stories that do not fit into standard Hollywood molds. Howard remains an actor and producer interested in the deeper nuances of character and plot.
Robert Townsend
Robert Townsend is a pioneer who began producing his own work to combat stereotypical portrayals of Black people in media. He famously self financed ‘Hollywood Shuffle’ to satirize the industry and create better roles for himself and his peers. His long career as a producer and director has opened doors for generations of Black filmmakers. Townsend remains an influential figure in the movement for independent Black cinema.
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Keenen Ivory Wayans changed the television landscape by producing and creating the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’. This series provided a massive platform for a diverse group of comedians and actors who went on to become stars. He has also produced and directed several successful film franchises that highlight Black humor and culture. Wayans remains a key figure in the history of diverse television production.
Bill Bellamy
Bill Bellamy has moved into production to create more opportunities for Black comedians in the television and film industry. He has produced several comedy specials and series that showcase emerging and established talent. His work focuses on bringing relatable and diverse humor to a wide audience. Bellamy continues to develop new content that celebrates the vibrancy of the Black comedy scene.
Cedric the Entertainer
Cedric the Entertainer co-founded A Bird and a Bear Entertainment to develop a variety of television and film projects. He has produced hit sitcoms like ‘The Soul Man’ and ‘The Neighborhood’ which feature diverse casts and storylines. His company focuses on creating family oriented content that reflects the modern American experience. Cedric uses his influence to ensure that Black stories remain a staple of network television.
Anthony Anderson
Anthony Anderson served as an executive producer on the long running series ‘Blackish’ and its various spin offs. His production work has been instrumental in bringing discussions about race and culture into the mainstream sitcom format. He continues to develop new projects that offer leading roles to actors of color. Anderson remains a powerful force in creating inclusive television content.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart founded Hartbeat to produce a wide range of content across film, television, and digital platforms. His company is responsible for numerous comedy specials and feature films that feature diverse ensembles. He focuses on creating a global brand that prioritizes humor and positive messaging. Hart has become one of the most prolific and commercially successful producers in the entertainment industry.
Chris Rock
Chris Rock has produced numerous projects including the semi-autobiographical series ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. His production work often uses satire and humor to address complex social issues and racial dynamics. He has also produced documentaries and feature films that provide a platform for diverse perspectives. Rock remains a sharp and influential voice in the world of television and film production.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy has been a major producer for decades helping to shape the films that defined his career. He has produced hits like ‘Coming 2 America’ and ‘The Nutty Professor’ which feature large and talented Black casts. His production efforts have consistently proven that films with Black leads can achieve massive international success. Murphy continues to be a legendary figure who advocates for diverse representation in comedy.
Martin Lawrence
Martin Lawrence produced his eponymous sitcom ‘Martin’ which became a cultural touchstone for Black audiences in the nineties. He has also served as a producer on his successful film franchises to ensure they maintain their unique voice. His work has provided significant opportunities for a wide range of Black comedic talent. Lawrence remains a respected producer and actor who has left a lasting impact on television history.
Damon Wayans
Damon Wayans co-created and produced the popular family sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’ to showcase a positive image of Black fatherhood. He has a long history of developing and producing comedy projects that offer unique perspectives on family and society. His work often highlights the importance of relatability and humor in diverse storytelling. Wayans continues to be an influential creator in the television industry.
Winston Duke
Winston Duke has begun producing projects to tell more stories from the perspective of the African diaspora. He is interested in developing genre films and dramas that offer complex roles for Black actors. His production work aims to challenge traditional Hollywood tropes and introduce fresh narratives. Duke remains a rising star who is quickly expanding his influence behind the scenes.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II launched G-Base to produce projects that reflect his artistic vision and commitment to diversity. He is developing several films and series that explore a wide range of genres from science fiction to drama. His goal is to create more leading opportunities for underrepresented talent in high profile projects. He is focused on building a production legacy that prioritizes authentic and impactful storytelling.
John David Washington
John David Washington has entered the world of production to help shepherd projects that offer challenging and diverse roles. He served as an executive producer on the film ‘Malcolm & Marie’ which was filmed during the global pandemic. His production efforts focus on character driven stories that allow for deep emotional exploration. Washington continues to leverage his rising stardom to support independent and diverse filmmaking.
Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo founded Edith Productions to develop theater, film, and television projects that center on marginalized voices. He has produced several works that highlight the experiences of the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. His company focuses on storytelling that is both artistically rigorous and socially relevant. Domingo remains a versatile artist dedicated to expanding the boundaries of representation.
Donald Glover
Donald Glover created and produced the critically acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’ which redefined the television landscape with its surreal and grounded portrayal of Black life. He operates his own creative studio to develop a wide variety of media projects. His production work often experiments with form and narrative to offer unique cultural insights. Glover is one of the most innovative and influential producers working in the industry today.
Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright has been involved in producing independent films and documentaries that address significant social and political issues. He focuses on projects that offer intellectual depth and diverse perspectives on the human condition. His production work often supports the development of stories that might not find a place in the traditional studio system. Wright remains a respected veteran who uses his platform to champion meaningful cinema.
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton established his own production company to create educational and narrative content that inspires curiosity. He served as an executive producer on the long running series ‘Reading Rainbow’ which promoted literacy and diversity. His work often focuses on stories that celebrate history and the power of knowledge. Burton continues to be a leading voice in producing content that enriches the minds of viewers across generations.
Please share your favorite projects produced by these talented actors in the comments.