African-American Actresses Everyone Loves

The landscape of modern cinema and television has been profoundly shaped by the contributions of talented African American actresses. These performers have broken barriers and earned the highest accolades in the entertainment industry through their dedication and versatility. From legendary icons who paved the way to rising stars who are redefining genres, their influence is felt across global audiences. This list celebrates the careers and achievements of twenty five actresses who have left an indelible mark on culture. Their work continues to inspire future generations of artists and storytellers around the world.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis achieved the prestigious EGOT status after winning a Grammy Award for the audiobook of her memoir titled ‘Finding Me’ in 2023. She gained widespread recognition for her powerful role as Aibileen Clark in the 2011 film ‘The Help’ which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Davis later won an Oscar for her performance as Rose Maxson in the 2016 film ‘Fences’ based on the play by August Wilson. She also starred as the formidable Annalise Keating in the legal thriller series ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ for six seasons. Her career continues to flourish with recent projects like the historical epic ‘The Woman King’ where she portrayed a general.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is widely celebrated for her portrayals of strong female figures throughout her decades long career. She received critical acclaim for her role as Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ and earned an Academy Award nomination. In 2023 she made history by receiving an Oscar nomination for her role as Queen Ramonda in ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ which was a first for a performer in a Marvel film. Bassett received an Honorary Academy Award in 2024 to celebrate her significant contributions to the film industry. She currently stars as Athena Grant in the emergency drama series ‘911’ where she also serves as an executive producer.

Regina King

Regina King transitioned from a child star on the sitcom ‘227’ to a highly respected director and Academy Award winning actress. She won an Oscar for her performance as Sharon Rivers in the 2018 film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ directed by Barry Jenkins. King has also found significant success in television with four Primetime Emmy Awards for her roles in series like ‘American Crime’ and ‘Seven Seconds’ as well as the limited series ‘Watchmen’ where she played Angela Abar. Her directorial debut for a feature film came with the 2020 drama ‘One Night in Miami’ which received multiple award nominations. She remains a prominent figure in Hollywood both in front of and behind the camera.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson gained international fame for her role as Cookie Lyon on the musical drama series ‘Empire’ which earned her a Golden Globe Award. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Queenie in the 2008 film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ alongside Brad Pitt. Henson also starred as the mathematician Katherine Johnson in the 2016 biographical drama ‘Hidden Figures’ which celebrated the contributions of Black women at NASA. In 2023 she appeared in the musical film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ where she portrayed the character Shug Avery. Her career is characterized by a wide range of roles in both comedic and dramatic productions.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer rose to prominence after winning an Academy Award for her role as Minny Jackson in the 2011 period drama ‘The Help’ which established her as a major talent. She earned subsequent Oscar nominations for her performances in ‘Hidden Figures’ and the fantasy film ‘The Shape of Water’ directed by Guillermo del Toro. Spencer has also made significant contributions to television with her lead role in the series ‘Truth Be Told’ where she plays a true crime podcaster. She recently starred in the biographical miniseries ‘Self Made’ as the entrepreneur Madam C J Walker who was a pioneering figure in American history. Her work often highlights important historical figures and complex modern characters.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is best known for her role as Olivia Pope in the political thriller series ‘Scandal’ which ran for seven seasons on ABC. Her performance in the series earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations and made her a household name. She also starred in the 2012 film ‘Django Unchained’ directed by Quentin Tarantino and the 2016 HBO film ‘Confirmation’ where she portrayed Anita Hill. Washington has expanded her career into producing through her company Simpson Street which was behind the Hulu miniseries ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ in which she also starred. She remains an influential figure in the industry and is active in various philanthropic and social causes.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won an Academy Award for her film debut as Patsey in the 2013 historical drama ’12 Years a Slave’ which brought her instant international acclaim. She later joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Nakia in the ‘Black Panther’ films where she played a pivotal member of the Wakandan royal guard. Nyong’o also delivered a dual performance in the 2019 psychological horror film ‘Us’ directed by Jordan Peele where she played both Adelaide Wilson and her double Red. Her work extends to the stage and voice acting as she voiced the character Maz Kanata in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. She is recognized for her versatility and her commitment to diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

Zendaya

Zendaya began her career as a child actor on the Disney Channel before successfully transitioning to mature and complex roles in film and television. She made history by becoming the youngest person to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series twice for her role as Rue Bennett in ‘Euphoria’ on HBO. Her film career includes playing MJ in the ‘Spider Man’ trilogy within the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring in the science fiction epic ‘Dune’ as Chani. In 2024 she led the sports drama ‘Challengers’ which further showcased her range as a leading dramatic actress and producer. She is also a prominent figure in the fashion industry and is known for her influential style.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry made history in 2002 when she became the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in ‘Monster’s Ball’ where she played Leticia Musgrove. She has enjoyed a prolific career in blockbuster franchises including her role as Storm in the ‘X Men’ film series and as a Bond girl in ‘Die Another Day’ alongside Pierce Brosnan. Berry also starred in the 2004 film ‘Catwoman’ and more recently in the action sequel ‘John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum’ with Keanu Reeves. In 2020 she made her directorial debut with the sports drama ‘Bruised’ in which she also portrayed an MMA fighter. Her enduring career spans several decades and encompasses a wide variety of film genres.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first gained attention for her YouTube web series ‘Awkward Black Girl’ which she created and starred in during the early 2010s. She then co created and starred in the HBO series ‘Insecure’ which received numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations over its five season run. Rae has transitioned into film with roles in the 2020 romantic drama ‘The Photograph’ and the satirical comedy ‘American Fiction’ which was released in 2023. She also voiced Jess Drew in the animated film ‘Spider Man Across the Spider Verse’ and appeared as President Barbie in the 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’ directed by Greta Gerwig. Through her production company Hoorae Media she continues to create opportunities for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is widely recognized for her lead roles in popular television sitcoms including her portrayal of Joan Clayton on ‘Girlfriends’ during the 2000s. She later starred as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the ABC series ‘Blackish’ for eight seasons which earned her a Golden Globe Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Ross has expanded her career into film with roles in the 2020 musical drama ‘The High Note’ where she played a legendary singer. She is also an entrepreneur and the founder of the hair care brand Pattern Beauty which focuses on products for curly and coily hair. Her comedic timing and advocacy for representation have made her a beloved figure in the media landscape.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on the third season of ‘American Idol’ and quickly established herself as a powerhouse vocalist and actress. She won an Academy Award for her film debut as Effie White in the 2006 musical ‘Dreamgirls’ which showcased her exceptional singing talent. Hudson achieved EGOT status in 2022 after winning a Tony Award as a producer for the musical ‘A Strange Loop’ which followed her previous Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy wins. She portrayed the legendary Aretha Franklin in the 2021 biopic ‘Respect’ for which she received widespread critical praise. Currently she hosts her own syndicated talk show called ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ where she interviews a variety of celebrity guests.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status with wins across the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards. She received an Academy Award for her role as Oda Mae Brown in the 1990 romantic thriller ‘Ghost’ and was nominated for her film debut in ‘The Color Purple’ directed by Steven Spielberg. Goldberg is also famous for her role as Deloris Van Cartier in the ‘Sister Act’ films which became major commercial successes in the early 1990s. Since 2007 she has been a regular moderator on the daytime talk show ‘The View’ where she discusses current events and social issues. Her long career also includes voice work in ‘The Lion King’ and a recurring role in ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’ as Guinan.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard is a highly decorated actress with an extensive career that spans film, television, and theater over several decades. She has won four Primetime Emmy Awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the 1983 film ‘Cross Creek’ which remains a career highlight. Woodard gained further acclaim for her roles in films such as ‘Passion Fish’ and ’12 Years a Slave’ where she portrayed Mistress Harriet Shaw. In 2019 she received critical praise for her lead performance in the prison drama ‘Clemency’ where she played a death row warden. She also appeared as Mariah Dillard in the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’ and continues to be a staple of American drama.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union began her career with supporting roles in several teen films during the late 1990s including ’10 Things I Hate About You’ and ‘She’s All That’ which were popular hits. She achieved breakout success as Isis in the 2000 cheerleading comedy ‘Bring It On’ and later starred in ‘Bad Boys II’ alongside Will Smith. Union led the successful drama series ‘Being Mary Jane’ on BET for five seasons where she played a broadcast journalist navigating her personal and professional life. She has also authored several books including her memoir ‘We’re Going to Need More Wine’ which details her life experiences. More recently she starred in the 2022 animated film ‘Strange World’ and the drama ‘The Inspection’ which received positive reviews.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson first gained significant attention for her role in the 2014 film ‘Dear White People’ and the drama ‘Selma’ directed by Ava DuVernay. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie in ‘Thor Ragnarok’ and reprised the role in subsequent films including ‘Avengers Endgame’ and ‘Thor Love and Thunder’ in 2022. Thompson has also starred in the ‘Creed’ trilogy as Bianca Taylor and the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ where she played Charlotte Hale. In 2021 she received critical acclaim for her performance in the period drama ‘Passing’ which explored racial identity in the 1920s. She is known for choosing diverse and challenging roles that push the boundaries of contemporary cinema.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is an accomplished actress and playwright who gained international fame for her role as Michonne on the popular television series ‘The Walking Dead’ for several seasons. She is also well known for her portrayal of Okoye the general of the Dora Milaje in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers Infinity War’ among others. As a playwright she wrote the Tony Award nominated play ‘Eclipsed’ which featured an all Black and all female cast and creative team on Broadway. In 2024 she returned to her role as Michonne in the related series ‘The Walking Dead The Ones Who Live’ which she also helped create. Her work consistently emphasizes the strength and complexity of Black women in both fictional and historical contexts.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a powerhouse performer who achieved critical acclaim on Broadway for her role as Celie in the revival of ‘The Color Purple’ for which she won a Tony Award. She transitioned to film with significant roles in ‘Widows’ and the 2019 biopic ‘Harriet’ where she portrayed the historical icon Harriet Tubman and received two Academy Award nominations. Erivo also starred as the legendary singer Aretha Franklin in the third season of the anthology series ‘Genius’ in 2021. She stars as Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked’ which is scheduled for release in late 2024 and 2025. Her career is marked by her exceptional vocal range and her ability to tackle deeply emotional roles.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her career as a child actress with a breakout role in the 2006 film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ where she played a young spelling bee champion. She has since built a multifaceted career that includes music, hosting, and acting in diverse projects like the series ‘Scream Queens’ and the film ‘Hustlers’ with Jennifer Lopez. In 2022 she received widespread praise for her lead role as Emerald Haywood in the science fiction horror film ‘Nope’ directed by Jordan Peele. Palmer also became the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for her work on ‘Password’ in 2023. She continues to be a prominent social media figure and a versatile entertainer in the modern era.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a celebrated musician and actress who first entered the film industry with standout roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and the Academy Award winning ‘Moonlight’ in 2016. She continued to showcase her acting talent in the 2020 horror film ‘Antebellum’ and the mystery sequel ‘Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery’ where she played a dual role. Monáe is known for her unique artistic vision and her ability to blend social commentary with science fiction themes in both her music and film work. In 2023 she released her fourth studio album ‘The Age of Pleasure’ while continuing to pursue complex roles in television and cinema. Her presence in Hollywood is characterized by her creative originality and her advocacy for the LGBTQ community.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson rose to prominence through her comedic content on social media and her work with BuzzFeed before creating her own television projects. She is the creator, executive producer, and lead star of the mockumentary sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’ which premiered in 2021 and became a major critical success. Brunson made history by winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series and later won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2024. Her work on the show has been credited with revitalizing the network sitcom and providing a heartfelt look at the American public school system. She continues to be one of the most influential new voices in television comedy today.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a veteran actress of stage and screen who originated the role of Deena Jones in the 1981 Broadway musical ‘Dreamgirls’ for which she received a Tony nomination. She enjoyed a long career in television with roles on sitcoms like ‘Moesha’ and ‘Instant Mom’ before finding renewed fame in the 2020s. In 2022 she won her first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard on ‘Abbott Elementary’ where she plays a veteran teacher. Ralph is also an advocate for health awareness and founded the Diva Foundation to raise funds for HIV and AIDS education. Her career exemplifies longevity and resilience in the entertainment industry.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin became a household name for her role as Diane Johnson on the hit sitcom ‘Blackish’ where she starred for eight seasons starting at a young age. She made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest person to executive produce a major Hollywood film with the comedy ‘Little’ in which she also starred alongside Regina Hall. Martin has won numerous NAACP Image Awards for her acting and producing work and continues to develop new projects through her production company Genius Entertainment. She has also branched out into voice acting with roles in animated films like ‘PAW Patrol The Movie’ and ‘Spirit Untamed’ which were released in 2021. She represents a new generation of young Black women taking control of their own narratives in Hollywood.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained attention for her role as Dawn Chambers in the AMC drama series ‘Mad Men’ and her breakout performance in the 2014 film ‘Dear White People’ as Colandrea Coco Conners. She earned critical acclaim for her lead role in the 2015 film ‘Chi Raq’ directed by Spike Lee and later starred in the 2018 drama ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ alongside Regina King. Parris entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the adult Monica Rambeau in the 2021 series ‘WandaVision’ and reprised the role in the 2023 film ‘The Marvels’ where she starred alongside Brie Larson. She also appeared in the 2021 horror sequel ‘Candyman’ and the Netflix mystery film ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ in 2023. Her career continues to grow with a diverse array of roles in high profile television and film projects.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri is a rising star who gained widespread recognition for her role as Sydney Adamu in the critically acclaimed comedy drama series ‘The Bear’ which premiered in 2022. For her performance she won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award in early 2024. Edebiri is also a talented writer and voice actress who provides the voice for Missy on the animated series ‘Big Mouth’ and appeared in the 2023 comedy film ‘Bottoms’ which she also helped develop. She voiced April O’Neil in the 2023 animated film ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem’ and joined the voice cast of ‘Inside Out 2’ as Envy in 2024. Her quick wit and naturalistic acting style have made her one of the most popular talents of her generation.

Please share your favorite performances from these incredible actresses in the comments.