African-American Actresses Who Are Sci-Fi Geeks
The history of science fiction has been deeply enriched by the contributions of African American actresses who bring depth and nuance to speculative worlds. These performers often explore complex themes of futurism and technology while navigating the unique challenges of the genre. From starship bridges to post apocalyptic landscapes these women have become icons for fans around the globe. Their work continues to inspire new generations of viewers to imagine a more inclusive and diverse future in cinema and television.
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols portrayed the character Nyota Uhura in the original ‘Star Trek’ television series and multiple feature films. Her performance was a landmark moment for representation in the science fiction genre during the nineteen sixties. She later collaborated with NASA to recruit women and minority candidates for the astronaut corps to bridge the gap between fiction and reality. Her career was defined by a commitment to expanding the boundaries of human exploration through storytelling and activism.
Sonequa Martin-Green
Sonequa Martin-Green made history as the first Black woman to lead a series in her franchise as Michael Burnham. She starred in ‘Star Trek Discovery’ and explored themes of identity and diplomacy across the galaxy. The actress previously gained fame for her role in the post apocalyptic series ‘The Walking Dead’ as a survivalist named Sasha. Her contributions to speculative media have made her a prominent figure in the modern science fiction community.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldana has appeared in some of the most successful science fiction franchises in cinematic history. She played the character Uhura in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films and the warrior Gamora in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ series. The actress also starred as Neytiri in the ‘Avatar’ film series which features advanced alien worlds and biological technology. Her consistent presence in high profile genre projects highlights her status as a leading figure in space travel narratives.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson has become a fixture in speculative fiction through her roles in major film and television productions. she played the character Valkyrie in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ and starred in the dystopian series ‘Westworld’. The actress also appeared in the science fiction thriller ‘Annihilation’ which deals with alien ecosystems and biological mutations. Her work often involves complex characters who navigate strange and technologically advanced environments.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as the ancient and wise Maz Kanata using motion capture technology. She also played the character Nakia in the ‘Black Panther’ films which feature the highly advanced technology of Wakanda. The actress starred in the horror and science fiction hybrid ‘Us’ where she portrayed dual roles in a subterranean world. Her versatility allows her to inhabit fantastical characters while maintaining a grounded and emotional presence.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith entered the world of high concept science fiction as the pilot Niobe in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’. She reprised her role decades later in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ to help lead the human resistance. The actress also appeared in the series ‘Gotham’ which explores the origins of comic book lore and speculative technology. Her involvement in these projects has solidified her connection to the cyberpunk and action genres.
Regina King
Regina King starred in the acclaimed series ‘Watchmen’ as Angela Abar who is a masked detective in an alternate history. The show blended science fiction elements with social commentary and complex timelines. She also appeared in the film ‘Enemy of the State’ which focuses on high tech surveillance and government conspiracies. Her career demonstrates a strong interest in projects that use speculative elements to examine the real world.
Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira became a household name for her role as Michonne in the long running series ‘The Walking Dead’. She transitioned into the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as the leader of the Dora Milaje in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Avengers Infinity War’. Her characters often rely on a combination of traditional weaponry and advanced futuristic technology to protect their communities. She has also worked as a playwright to bring diverse perspectives to different forms of storytelling.
Letitia Wright
Letitia Wright gained international recognition for her role as the genius inventor Shuri in the ‘Black Panther’ film series. Her character is responsible for the most advanced technological breakthroughs in the fictional nation of Wakanda. She also appeared in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode titled ‘Black Museum’ which explores the dark side of digital consciousness. Her work frequently highlights the intersection of science and humanity in the modern era.
Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe Newton portrayed the sentient android Maeve Millay in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Her character arc involves gaining consciousness and fighting for the liberation of artificial beings in a futuristic theme park. She also appeared in ‘Solo A Star Wars Story’ as the skilled thief Val during a heist on a remote planet. Her performances often focus on the emotional interior lives of characters in highly technical settings.
Freema Agyeman
Freema Agyeman played the role of Martha Jones in the long running British science fiction series ‘Doctor Who’. She traveled through time and space as a companion to the Doctor and eventually became a defender of Earth. The actress later starred in the series ‘Sense8’ which explores the psychic connections between individuals across the globe. Her career has been marked by several significant roles in genre defining television programs.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Gugu Mbatha-Raw starred in the ‘Black Mirror’ episode ‘San Junipero’ which features a digital afterlife and virtual reality. she also appeared in the film ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ as a physicist who studies the fourth dimension and space travel. The actress joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Ravonna Renslayer in the series ‘Loki’ where she manages a timeline monitoring organization. Her roles often center on the ethics of advanced technology and time manipulation.
Candice Patton
Candice Patton is best known for her role as Iris West in the superhero and science fiction series ‘The Flash’. Her character navigates a world filled with metahumans and time travelers while managing a digital news organization. She has also appeared in several crossover events that involve multiple universes and futuristic threats. Her work on the series has made her a staple of the comic book and speculative fiction community for several years.
Nicole Beharie
Nicole Beharie starred in the supernatural and science fiction series ‘Sleepy Hollow’ as Lieutenant Abbie Mills. The show blended historical mystery with modern speculative elements and ancient prophecies. She also appeared in an episode of ‘Black Mirror’ that explores the impact of virtual reality gaming on personal relationships. Her ability to handle complex and imaginative scripts has led to a variety of roles in the genre.
Gina Torres
Gina Torres portrayed the character Zoe Washburne in the cult classic science fiction series ‘Firefly’ and the film ‘Serenity’. She later appeared in ‘The Matrix’ sequels as a member of the human resistance living in the underground city of Zion. The actress also voiced several characters in animated projects related to ‘DC Comics’ and ‘Star Wars’. Her commanding screen presence has made her a favorite among fans of space westerns and cyberpunk.
Rosario Dawson
Rosario Dawson has a long history with speculative fiction and comic book adaptations. She played the live action version of Ahsoka Tano in ‘The Mandalorian’ and her own self titled series ‘Ahsoka’. The actress also portrayed Claire Temple across several ‘Marvel’ television series that involve enhanced individuals in urban settings. She is a self described fan of the genre and has even co created her own comic book series.
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard appeared in the film ‘Star Trek First Contact’ as a woman who helps develop the first warp drive engine. She also played a significant role in the series ‘Luke Cage’ which features individuals with superhuman abilities in modern New York. The actress starred in the dystopian series ‘See’ which imagines a future where humanity has lost the sense of sight. Her participation in these projects adds a level of gravitas to the speculative worlds she inhabits.
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett starred in the science fiction thriller ‘Strange Days’ as a bodyguard in a world where memories can be recorded and replayed. She also played the Queen Mother Ramonda in the ‘Black Panther’ films which showcase a futuristic African society. The actress appeared in the film ‘Contact’ as a government official dealing with the first communication from an extraterrestrial intelligence. Her filmography includes several roles that explore the social and political implications of technology.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry played the mutant Storm in the ‘X Men’ film series and explored the concept of human evolution through genetic powers. She also starred in the series ‘Extant’ as an astronaut who discovers she has become pregnant after a solo space mission. The actress appeared in ‘Cloud Atlas’ which features multiple interconnected timelines including a futuristic setting in Neo Seoul. Her work in these films has made her a prominent figure in mainstream science fiction and fantasy.
Zazie Beetz
Zazie Beetz portrayed the lucky mercenary Domino in the film ‘Deadpool 2’ which is part of a larger superhero universe. She also starred in an episode of the anthology series ‘Black Mirror’ that focuses on invasive technology and media culture. The actress appeared in the film ‘Joker’ which is a dark reimagining of a classic comic book antagonist. Her career continues to involve projects that blend grounded drama with speculative and fantastical elements.
Sanaa Lathan
Sanaa Lathan took on the lead role of Lex Woods in the film ‘Alien vs Predator’ where she battled two iconic extraterrestrial species. Her character became a rare survivor in a story that combined two major science fiction franchises. She has also provided voice work for animated series that parody and pay homage to genre tropes. Her role as a strong protagonist in a space horror setting remains a significant part of her professional legacy.
Michaela Coel
Michaela Coel appeared in two different episodes of ‘Black Mirror’ including the space themed parody ‘USS Callister’. She also joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ in ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ as a member of the elite fighting force. Her work often involves unique and subversive takes on established genre conventions. She is recognized for her creative vision and her ability to inhabit diverse roles within speculative fiction.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo starred in the film ‘Chaos Walking’ which is set on a planet where all living creatures can hear each other’s thoughts. She also appeared in ‘Needle in a Timestack’ which explores the ethics of time travel and its impact on personal relationships. The actress is known for her powerful performances in projects that require a deep emotional connection to high concept premises. Her move into science fiction highlights her interest in exploring the human condition through different lenses.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe has built an entire artistic identity around the concept of the android through her music and short films. She starred in the film ‘Hidden Figures’ which tells the true story of Black women who were essential to the early space program. The actress also appeared in the series ‘Homecoming’ which involves memory manipulation and corporate conspiracies. She even published a collection of science fiction stories titled ‘The Memory Librarian’ that expands on her afrofuturist themes.
Amandla Stenberg
Amandla Stenberg gained early fame as Rue in the dystopian film ‘The Hunger Games’. She has since moved into the ‘Star Wars’ universe as a lead actress in the series ‘The Acolyte’ which explores the era of the High Republic. The actress also starred in ‘The Darkest Minds’ where she played a teenager with powerful abilities in a world where children are feared. Her career reflects a strong interest in young adult science fiction and epic space narratives.
Teyonah Parris
Teyonah Parris joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as the adult version of Monica Rambeau in ‘WandaVision’. Her character eventually gained superpowers after passing through a dimensional barrier and appeared in the film ‘The Marvels’. She also starred in ‘They Cloned Tyrone’ which is a science fiction mystery that involves government experiments and underground labs. Her work often combines elements of mystery and advanced technology.
Tika Sumpter
Tika Sumpter plays the character Maddie Wachowski in the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ films which combine live action with alien characters. The movies feature high tech gadgets and interdimensional travel based on a popular video game franchise. She also appeared in the series ‘The Haves and the Have Nots’ and has expressed a desire to work more in the science fiction genre. Her role in a major family friendly franchise has introduced her to a broad audience of genre fans.
Simone Missick
Simone Missick is best known for her role as Misty Knight in the ‘Marvel’ television series ‘Luke Cage’ and ‘The Defenders’. Her character is a detective who eventually receives a high tech bionic arm after losing her limb in the line of duty. She also starred in the series ‘Altered Carbon’ which is set in a future where human consciousness can be transferred between bodies. Her roles often involve playing tough and capable women in technologically advanced or superpowered worlds.
Naomie Harris
Naomie Harris starred in the post apocalyptic horror film ’28 Days Later’ as a survivor named Selena. She also played the character Eve Moneypenny in the ‘James Bond’ franchise which frequently features advanced gadgets and global threats. The actress appeared in the film ‘Rampage’ as a scientist dealing with genetically modified animals that threaten a city. Her career includes several projects that deal with scientific disasters and the survival of the human race.
Lashana Lynch
Lashana Lynch joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Maria Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’ and later appeared in an alternate universe as Captain Marvel herself. She also starred in the ‘James Bond’ film ‘No Time to Die’ as a new agent who uses high tech gear on international missions. The actress appeared in ‘The Woman King’ and has expressed an interest in roles that challenge traditional perceptions of women in action and science fiction. Her presence in major franchises has made her a recognizable face in speculative cinema.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer starred in the science fiction horror film ‘Nope’ which involves an encounter with an unidentified flying object. She also provided the voice for the character Izzy Hawthorne in the animated film ‘Lightyear’ which is a space adventure. The actress has been involved in several projects that explore different facets of the genre from alien encounters to planetary exploration. Her energetic performances bring a modern feel to classic science fiction concepts.
Dominique Fishback
Dominique Fishback played a lead role in the film ‘Transformers Rise of the Beasts’ as a researcher who discovers ancient robotic life on Earth. She also appeared in the film ‘Project Power’ which features a pill that grants temporary superpowers to its users. The actress is known for her grounded acting style which helps to humanize high concept and action oriented plots. Her involvement in these large scale productions has established her as a rising star in the genre.
Aisha Tyler
Aisha Tyler has been a vocal fan of science fiction and video game culture throughout her career. She voiced a character in the long running animated series ‘Archer’ which often parodies genre tropes and includes futuristic technology. The actress has also appeared in the series ‘Criminal Minds’ and has hosted major gaming events like the ‘Ubisoft’ press conference at ‘E3’. Her personal interest in technology and speculative storytelling is well known to her fans.
Kellita Smith
Kellita Smith starred as Roberta Warren in the series ‘Z Nation’ which takes place in a world overrun by a zombie apocalypse. Her character leads a group of survivors across the country to find a cure for the virus. The show incorporates various science fiction elements including genetic experimentation and futuristic cults. Her role as a strong and decisive leader has made her a favorite among fans of the survivalist and horror subgenres.
Rutina Wesley
Rutina Wesley played the role of Tara Thornton in the series ‘True Blood’ which focuses on the coexistence of humans and supernatural beings. She also appeared in the television adaptation of the post apocalyptic video game ‘The Last of Us’. The actress has a history of working on projects that involve speculative and fantastical elements in grounded settings. Her performances often explore the trauma and resilience of characters living in extraordinary circumstances.
Dominique Thorne
Dominique Thorne made her debut in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Riri Williams who is a genius inventor also known as Ironheart. Her character builds her own suit of high tech armor that rivals the technology created by Tony Stark. She appeared in the film ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ and is set to star in her own dedicated television series. Her role highlights the next generation of scientific minds within the superhero and science fiction landscape.
Wunmi Mosaku
Wunmi Mosaku played the character Hunter B fifteen in the ‘Marvel’ series ‘Loki’ which explores time travel and alternate realities. She also appeared in the series ‘Lovecraft Country’ which blends historical drama with cosmic horror and science fiction. The actress has a reputation for choosing roles that offer complex perspectives on identity within fantastical worlds. Her work continues to bring her into contact with some of the most imaginative scripts in modern television.
Indya Moore
Indya Moore appeared in the science fiction thriller ‘Escape Room Tournament of Champions’ which features elaborate and deadly puzzle rooms. They also starred in the series ‘Pose’ and has since become involved in more genre leaning projects. The actress has expressed an interest in using speculative fiction to explore diverse identities and futures. Their presence in the genre helps to broaden the scope of representation in modern science fiction films.
Tracie Thoms
Tracie Thoms appeared in the film ‘Looper’ which is a science fiction thriller involving time travel and organized crime. She also filmed a pilot for a ‘Wonder Woman’ television series and has been part of several projects with speculative elements. The actress is a frequent participant in television shows that feature crime solving and procedural drama with occasional supernatural twists. Her versatility allows her to fit into various types of imaginative storytelling.
Penny Johnson Jerald
Penny Johnson Jerald is a veteran of the ‘Star Trek’ franchise having played Kasidy Yates in ‘Star Trek Deep Space Nine’. She also stars as Doctor Claire Finn in the series ‘The Orville’ which is a tribute to classic space exploration shows. The actress has spent a significant portion of her career portraying characters who live and work in the far reaches of space. Her long term commitment to the genre has made her a respected figure among science fiction fans.
Tell us which of these talented actresses has your favorite science fiction role in the comments.