African-American Actresses Who Are Taller Than You Think

The physical stature of actors is often obscured by camera angles, platform shoes, and clever framing on set. While many viewers assume Hollywood stars are of average height, several prominent African-American actresses possess a commanding presence that extends beyond their acting range. From former athletes to fashion models turned performers, these women have used their height to bring authority and grace to their most iconic roles. This list highlights actresses whose actual height might surprise fans who are only used to seeing them on the silver screen.

Lisa Leslie

While primarily known as a legendary WNBA star, Lisa Leslie has established a significant presence in the entertainment industry standing at 6’5”. She made her big-screen debut in the film ‘Uncle Drew’ where she played the character Betty Lou alongside other basketball icons. Leslie also appeared in ‘Think Like a Man’ and has guest-starred on numerous television shows including ‘Sister, Sister’ and ‘The Game’. Her height was a defining feature of her athletic career and continues to give her a commanding screen presence. She remains one of the tallest African-American women to successfully transition from professional sports into the world of acting.

Aisha Tyler

Aisha Tyler stands at an impressive six feet tall, a height she has often joked about during her stand-up comedy specials. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Dr. Charlie Wheeler in ‘Friends’ and later as Andrea Marino in ‘Ghost Whisperer’. Tyler also voiced the character Lana Kane in the long-running animated series ‘Archer’, where her height was a recurring characteristic. Beyond acting, she has had a successful career as a host on ‘The Talk’ and ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’. Her stature often makes her one of the tallest women on any red carpet or television set.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones is a comedic powerhouse who stands exactly six feet tall, frequently utilizing her physical presence for comedic effect. She rose to international fame as a cast member and writer on ‘Saturday Night Live’ before starring in the 2016 reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’. Jones has also appeared in ‘Coming 2 America’ and provided her voice for ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2’. Her height and energetic personality have made her a standout performer in both live television and feature films. She has often spoken publicly about how her stature influenced her early confidence and her eventual career path.

Macy Gray

Macy Gray is a Grammy Award-winning singer and actress who stands at an impressive six feet tall. Though she is globally recognized for her unique raspy voice, she has built a solid filmography with roles in ‘Training Day’ and ‘The Paperboy’. Gray also made appearances in the original ‘Spider-Man’ and the musical film ‘Idlewild’. Her height often surprises fans who are more familiar with her vocal work than her physical presence on stage or screen. She continues to balance her iconic music career with diverse roles in both independent and mainstream cinema projects.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks is a pioneer in the fashion and entertainment world who stands at 5’10”. Before becoming a household name as the creator of ‘America’s Next Top Model’, she transitioned into acting with a recurring role in ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. She later starred in the cult classic ‘Life-Size’ and the box office hit ‘Coyote Ugly’. Banks has utilized her height and modeling background to build an expansive media empire that includes acting, hosting, and producing. Her physical stature helped launch her career on international runways before she successfully conquered Hollywood.

Zendaya

Zendaya is one of the most prominent actresses of her generation and stands at 5’10”. She first rose to fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’ before transitioning to mature roles in ‘Euphoria’ and the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. Her height is often noted during public appearances and red-carpet events where she frequently wears high heels to accentuate her stature. Zendaya has become a fashion icon, often using her height to showcase intricate couture designs in ‘Dune’ and other high-profile projects. Her commanding presence has made her a favorite for both blockbuster action films and intense television dramas.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a multi-talented performer who stands at 5’10” and has maintained a dominant presence in Hollywood for decades. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Matron Mama Morton in the hit musical ‘Chicago’. Latifah also starred in the classic heist film ‘Set It Off’ and the long-running sitcom ‘Living Single’. Her height contributes to the authoritative and strong characters she often portrays, such as in the action series ‘The Equalizer’. She is widely respected as a pioneer for women in both the hip-hop community and the film industry.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion is a global superstar who stands at 5’10” and has recently expanded her career into professional acting. She made a memorable appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’ and guest-starred in the drama ‘P-Valley’. Her height, which she frequently references in her music, has earned her the nickname “Thee Stallion” from a young age. She has also appeared as a judge on the ballroom competition series ‘Legendary’ and hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’. As she continues to take on more scripted roles, her physical presence remains a significant and celebrated part of her public persona.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais is a Haitian-American actress and television personality who stands at 5’9”. She is best known for her role as Francesca “Fancy” Monroe on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ and for appearing in the 1988 film ‘Coming to America’. Beauvais has also appeared in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ and the long-running crime drama series ‘NYPD Blue’. Her height helped her launch a successful modeling career before she transitioned into full-time acting and hosting. She has served as a co-host on the talk show ‘The Real’ and remains a primary cast member on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique is an Academy Award-winning actress and comedian who stands at 5’9”. She delivered a haunting, critically acclaimed performance in the film ‘Precious’, for which she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Before her dramatic turn, she was a central figure in the sitcom ‘The Parkers’ and a member of ‘The Queens of Comedy’ tour. Her height and confident demeanor have been hallmarks of her stand-up routines and television roles for years. She continues to be a powerful voice in the entertainment industry, known for her incredible versatility across both comedy and drama.

Tell us which of these actresses’ heights surprised you the most in the comments.