African-American Actresses Who Are Underrated In Hollywood

Hollywood has many talented performers who often fly under the radar despite their consistent contributions to the industry. These African-American actresses have delivered powerful performances across various genres from intense dramas to hit sitcoms. Many have earned critical praise but frequently lack the widespread recognition afforded to their peers. Highlighting their work brings attention to the depth of talent currently available in the entertainment landscape.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has maintained a steady presence in the industry for several decades. She is known for her work in ‘Cross Creek’ and the television movie ‘Miss Evers Boys’. Her career includes numerous nominations and wins at major award ceremonies. She often takes on supporting roles that provide a foundation for the entire production.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall began her career with roles in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise. She transitioned into more dramatic and comedic leading roles in films like ‘Girls Trip’ and ‘Support the Girls’. Her performance in independent projects has showcased a range that goes beyond her early comedic work. She remains a versatile figure in both television and film.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris first gained significant attention for her role in ‘Mad Men’. She has since starred in ‘Dear White People’ and the superhero film ‘The Marvels’. Her ability to move between period pieces and modern blockbusters demonstrates her flexibility as a performer. She continues to take on complex roles that highlight her presence on screen.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie is recognized for her leading role in the television series ‘Sleepy Hollow’. She also delivered a powerful performance in the independent film ‘Miss Juneteenth’. Her work often explores deep emotional themes and character studies. She has built a reputation for bringing authenticity to every project she joins.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler received widespread critical acclaim for her lead role in the historical drama ‘Till’. She has appeared in several notable projects including ‘The Harder They Fall’ and the miniseries ‘Station Eleven’. Her background in performance art and theater contributes to her distinctive approach to characters. She continues to gain traction within the industry for her intense and grounded performances.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has a long history of impactful roles in films such as ‘Ray’ and ‘The Help’. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘King Richard’. Her work in television includes ‘Lovecraft Country’ where she displayed her dramatic capabilities. She is often cited by critics as one of the most consistent actors working today.

Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renée Elise Goldsberry is well known for her theater work but has a growing film and television presence. She starred in the original cast of ‘Hamilton’ and currently appears in the comedy series ‘Girls5eva’. Her performances often combine musical talent with sharp comedic timing. She has appeared in various dramas including ‘Waves’ and ‘The Good Wife’.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose provided the voice for the first African-American Disney princess in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She has also starred in the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’ and the television series ‘Power’. Her career spans musical theater and dramatic television roles with equal success. She brings a unique elegance and vocal strength to her diverse characters.

Lorraine Toussaint

Lorraine Toussaint is a veteran actress with a career that covers both film and television. She is particularly known for her role in the series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and the film ‘Selma’. Her commanding screen presence often leads to her being cast in powerful or authoritative roles. She has a reputation for elevating the material in every scene she inhabits.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett began her career as a child actor in the film ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She has successfully transitioned into adult roles in projects like ‘Underground’ and ‘Birds of Prey’. Her performance in ‘Lovecraft Country’ earned her significant critical praise. She is recognized for her physical commitment to her roles and her emotional range.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne rose to prominence with her breakout role in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’. She has followed that success with parts in ‘The Old Guard’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Her work often emphasizes nuanced character development and quiet strength. She is considered a rising star who frequently takes on challenging and artistic projects.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback earned critical acclaim for her role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She also starred in the television series ‘The Deuce’ and the film ‘The Hate U Give’. Her lead performance in ‘Swarm’ highlighted her ability to carry a complex and dark narrative. She is known for her meticulous preparation and deep connection to her characters.

Amber Stevens West

Amber Stevens West has appeared in numerous television comedies including ‘Greek’ and ‘The Carmichael Show’. She currently stars in the series ‘Run the World’ where she showcases her comedic leads. Her work in films like ’22 Jump Street’ also demonstrated her ability to hold her own in large ensembles. She remains a consistent presence in the television industry.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good has been a professional actress since childhood with early roles in ‘Friday’ and ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She has starred in various films such as ‘Think Like a Man’ and the ‘Shazam’ franchise. Her career includes a mix of action roles and romantic comedies. She has also branched out into directing and producing her own content.

Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise is known for her powerful dramatic roles in films like ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Beloved’. She has also appeared in several Tyler Perry productions including ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’. Her performances are often characterized by their raw emotional honesty and intensity. She has won several awards for her work in independent cinema.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander is most famous for her role as Maxine Shaw on the sitcom ‘Living Single’. She has continued to work steadily in projects like ‘Get Out’ and the series ‘Run the World’. Her career includes work as a writer and producer alongside her acting roles. She remains a beloved figure in the entertainment community for her sharp wit and longevity.

Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield is a celebrated actress with a career spanning several decades in Hollywood. She won an Emmy for her portrayal of Josephine Baker in ‘The Josephine Baker Story’. More recently she starred in the drama series ‘Greenleaf’ as a powerful matriarch. Her work is often defined by a high level of sophistication and dramatic weight.

Khandi Alexander

Khandi Alexander has appeared in many successful television series including ‘ER’ and ‘CSI: Miami’. She received critical acclaim for her role in the miniseries ‘The Corner’. Her performance in ‘Scandal’ as Mama Pope showcased her ability to play complex villains. She began her career as a dancer and choreographer before moving into full time acting.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine was a member of the original Broadway cast of ‘Dreamgirls’. She has appeared in many popular films such as ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘The Preacher’s Wife’. Her television work includes a long-standing role on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ which earned her an Emmy. She is known for her distinctive voice and her ability to balance comedy and drama.

CCH Pounder

CCH Pounder has a prolific career in television with major roles in ‘The Shield’ and ‘NCIS: New Orleans’. She has also appeared in films like ‘Avatar’ and ‘The Color Purple’. Her work often involves playing intelligent and authoritative characters in procedural dramas. She has received multiple Emmy nominations for her various television performances.

Tamara Tunie

Tamara Tunie is best known for her long tenure as Melinda Warner on ‘Law and Order Special Victims Unit’. she has also appeared in films like ‘Flight’ and ‘The Devil’s Advocate’. Her career includes extensive work in theater as both an actress and a producer. She is a respected veteran of the New York acting scene.

Wendy Raquel Robinson

Wendy Raquel Robinson is a staple of African-American television with major roles in ‘The Steve Harvey Show’ and ‘The Game’. She has consistently worked in comedies and dramas for over twenty years. Her performance as Tasha Mack is widely regarded as one of the most iconic roles in modern sitcom history. She also founded a performing arts school to mentor young artists.

S. Epatha Merkerson

S. Epatha Merkerson held the record for the longest-running cast member on ‘Law and Order’. She has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role in the television film ‘Lackawanna Blues’. Currently she stars in the medical drama ‘Chicago Med’. Her career is defined by her steady presence and authoritative acting style.

Adina Porter

Adina Porter is a frequent collaborator with Ryan Murphy on the series ‘American Horror Story’. She has also appeared in ‘The 100’ and ‘True Blood’. Her performances often involve playing mysterious or morally complex characters. She has received an Emmy nomination for her standout work in television horror.

Paula Patton

Paula Patton gained recognition for her roles in ‘Hitch’ and the musical film ‘Idlewild’. She starred in the action blockbuster ‘Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol’ and the drama ‘Precious’. Her career includes a mix of big-budget action films and smaller character studies. She has also served as a producer on several of her projects.

Joy Bryant

Joy Bryant is known for her long-running role in the television series ‘Parenthood’. She has appeared in films such as ‘Antwone Fisher’ and ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Her career began in the fashion industry before she transitioned into acting. She often portrays characters that are grounded and emotionally relatable.

Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton first became famous as a member of the musical group 3LW. She successfully pivoted to acting with a breakout role as Lil Kim in ‘Notorious’. She later starred in the hit television series ‘Power’ for six seasons. Her work in both film and television has established her as a strong leading lady.

Tichina Arnold

Tichina Arnold is well known for her roles in the sitcoms ‘Martin’ and ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. She has a long history in the industry beginning with her role in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. She currently stars in the comedy series ‘The Neighborhood’. Her comedic timing and expressive performances have made her a fan favorite for decades.

Tisha Campbell

Tisha Campbell rose to fame starring in ‘Martin’ and the ‘House Party’ films. She later led the sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’ for several seasons. Her career includes success in television film and music. She is recognized for her versatility as both a comedic actress and a dramatic performer.

Brandee Evans

Brandee Evans earned widespread attention for her leading role in the drama series ‘P-Valley’. Before becoming an actress she had a successful career as a professional dancer and choreographer. Her performance in ‘P-Valley’ has been praised for its physical and emotional depth. She is considered a breakout talent in the cable television landscape.

Patina Miller

Patina Miller is a Tony Award-winning actress known for her work in ‘Pippin’. She has starred in the political drama ‘Madam Secretary’ and the series ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’. Her film credits include the ‘Hunger Games’ franchise. She is admired for her powerful screen presence and vocal abilities.

Bresha Webb

Bresha Webb has appeared in various comedies including ‘Marlon’ and ‘Run the World’. She has also voiced characters in several animated series. Her work in the film ‘A Fall from Grace’ showed her ability to handle darker dramatic material. She is known for her high energy and comedic versatility.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram gained international recognition for her role in the miniseries ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. She has since appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ and the film ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’. Her performances are often described as intense and focused. She is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and is considered a top rising talent.

Deborah Ayorinde

Deborah Ayorinde delivered a standout performance in the horror anthology series ‘Them’. She has appeared in projects such as ‘Luke Cage’ and the film ‘Harriet’. Her work is often praised for its emotional intensity and bravery. She continues to take on roles that challenge social norms and explore complex histories.

Lela Rochon

Lela Rochon became a household name after her performance in ‘Waiting to Exhale’. She has appeared in films such as ‘The Chamber’ and ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’. Her career includes a variety of roles in both independent and studio films. She is often celebrated for her beauty and her ability to play sophisticated characters.

LisaGay Hamilton

LisaGay Hamilton is known for her role as Rebecca Washington on the legal drama ‘The Practice’. She has appeared in films such as ‘Beloved’ and ‘Vice’. Her work often focuses on socially conscious themes and intense character development. She is also a director who has worked on both stage and screen projects.

Gloria Reuben

Gloria Reuben is best known for her role as Jeanie Boulet on the medical drama ‘ER’. She has also appeared in films like ‘Lincoln’ and the series ‘Mr. Robot’. Her career includes work as a singer and a published author. She has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her television work.

Jasmine Guy

Jasmine Guy is most famous for her portrayal of Whitley Gilbert on the sitcom ‘A Different World’. She has continued to work in television with roles in ‘Dead Like Me’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Her career spans acting directing and professional dance. She remains a significant figure in the history of African-American television.

Vanessa Bell Calloway

Vanessa Bell Calloway is known for her role in the comedy ‘Coming to America’. She has a long list of credits in television including ‘Shameless’ and ‘Saints & Sinners’. Her career began in dance before she moved into prominent acting roles. She is recognized for her longevity and her consistent work across multiple decades.

Tell us which of these talented actresses you think deserves more lead roles in the comments.