Best African American Actresses of All Time

African American actresses have shaped film and television through landmark performances, historic firsts, and consistent excellence across genres. Their work spans intimate character studies, crowd-pleasing franchises, and prestige television, creating roles that expanded opportunities and visibility for the next generation.

This list highlights performers whose careers include major awards, box office success, and industry leadership through activism, producing, and directing. Each entry notes specific roles, achievements, and contributions that show how their work changed what gets made and who gets to be at the center of the story.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis is an EGOT recipient with Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony wins that reflect a body of work across stage, film, and television. Her screen credits include ‘Fences’, ‘Doubt’, ‘The Woman King’, and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, along with a long run leading ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She co-founded a production company that develops inclusive stories and has published a bestselling memoir, expanding her impact beyond acting.

Her film work shows a consistent record of critical recognition through nominations and wins from major guilds and academies. On television she became the first Black woman to win the lead drama actress Emmy and has also anchored crossover franchise films as Amanda Waller in the DC universe, bringing franchise visibility to a classically trained performer.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Monster’s Ball’. Her career also includes major franchise work in the ‘X-Men’ series and a high-profile turn as ‘Catwoman’, as well as thrillers and dramas that display range across action and intimate character roles.

She has produced and directed projects while continuing to lead films such as ‘Bruised’, which she also directed. Berry’s work in television includes limited series roles and executive production credits that expand opportunities for women of color in front of and behind the camera.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has earned multiple Academy Award nominations and became the first actor nominated for a Marvel Studios performance for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. Her filmography includes biographical portrayals such as ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’ and critical favorites like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Waiting to Exhale’.

Her television work includes leading ‘9-1-1’ while serving as an executive producer. Bassett’s career shows sustained recognition through Golden Globes and guild awards and a consistent presence in culturally significant projects that center complex Black women.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is an EGOT winner recognized for film, television, stage, and recordings. She earned the Academy Award for ‘Ghost’ and headlined box office hits like ‘Sister Act’ while also appearing in dramas such as ‘The Color Purple’ and genre television like ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’.

Goldberg has hosted major award ceremonies, moderated daytime television on ‘The View’, and produced projects that spotlight underrepresented stories. Her work reflects longevity across mediums and a portfolio that includes comedy, drama, and voice acting.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson’s career helped redefine the portrayal of Black women on screen through films like ‘Sounder’, television films such as ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’, and numerous stage appearances. She received an honorary Academy Award acknowledging a lifetime of contributions to cinematic history.

Tyson amassed multiple Emmy wins and a Tony Award late in her stage career, underscoring sustained excellence. Her roles often centered dignity and resilience, and her choices influenced casting and storytelling in subsequent decades across film and television.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll became the first Black woman to star in a non-stereotypical leading role on American network television with ‘Julia’, earning a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination. On stage she won a Tony Award for ‘No Strings’, marking a milestone for Black actresses on Broadway.

Her later television work included ‘Dynasty’ and guest arcs that introduced her to new generations. Carroll also released albums and performed in concert, demonstrating a cross-platform career that opened doors in multiple entertainment fields.

Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge was the first Black woman nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘Carmen Jones’. She starred in ‘Bright Road’ and concertized internationally, building a profile that challenged studio casting norms for Black performers in leading roles.

Her impact is reflected in the roles that followed for other actresses and in continued scholarship and tributes to her career. Dandridge’s collaborations with top composers and directors positioned her as a central figure in midcentury Hollywood conversations about representation.

Alfre Woodard

Alfre Woodard has accumulated numerous Emmy wins and nominations across drama, comedy, limited series, and TV films. Her film credits include ‘Cross Creek’, ‘Passion Fish’, ’12 Years a Slave’, and ‘Clemency’, alongside voice and animation work for family audiences.

She has produced independent projects, served on festival juries, and participated in initiatives that support Black storytellers. Woodard’s television leadership includes showrunning input and recurring roles that deepen ensemble casts across networks and streaming platforms.

Pam Grier

Pam Grier became an icon of action cinema with ‘Coffy’ and ‘Foxy Brown’ and later earned major critical recognition for ‘Jackie Brown’. Her early films placed a Black woman at the center of action narratives, reshaping genre conventions and international marketing.

Grier continued with television roles and memoir writing, documenting a career that moved from cult classics to awards attention. Her presence in contemporary series and films connects new audiences to a pioneering screen image that influenced casting in action and thriller projects.

Regina King

Regina King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ and has multiple Emmys across comedy and drama, including ‘American Crime’ and ‘Watchmen’. She directed ‘One Night in Miami…’ and episodic television across major series.

Her production company develops projects with inclusive casts and creators. King’s career illustrates a transition from child and young adult roles in ‘227’ and ‘Boyz n the Hood’ to leadership as a director and producer with consistent industry recognition.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘The Help’ and has additional nominations for ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘The Shape of Water’. She leads and produces television projects such as ‘Truth Be Told’ and appears in comedies, dramas, and genre films.

Spencer has also championed adaptations that place Black women at the center of historical and contemporary stories. Her voice roles and family films broaden her audience reach while her producing slate expands opportunities for diverse creative teams.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and headlined the hit series ‘Empire’, collecting major awards recognition for television. Her film work includes ‘Hustle & Flow’, ‘Hidden Figures’, and action and thriller leads.

Henson is also an author and advocate who founded a foundation supporting mental health in the Black community. She produces films and series that focus on underrepresented voices while maintaining a steady presence in studio and independent projects.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington anchored the long-running drama ‘Scandal’, becoming one of the first Black women in decades to lead a network primetime series of that scale. She has earned multiple Emmy nominations for acting and producing and has starred in limited series such as ‘Little Fires Everywhere’.

Washington’s production banner develops stories with strong roles for women and creators of color. Her film work includes ‘Ray’, ‘Django Unchained’, and political and legal dramas that showcase expertise in high-stakes, dialogue-driven storytelling.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ’12 Years a Slave’ and has led globally successful films such as ‘Us’ and entries in the ‘Black Panther’ franchise. She has also performed in acclaimed stage productions and narrated documentaries and children’s works.

Nyong’o writes and produces, including a bestselling children’s book that promotes self-acceptance. Her career bridges prestige drama and large-scale franchises, demonstrating strong international appeal through multilingual and multicultural projects.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson became an EGOT after winning a Tony as a producer, following an Academy Award for ‘Dreamgirls’, a Grammy for recordings, and a Daytime Emmy for a broadcast project. Her screen work includes biographical and musical films as well as her daytime talk show.

She has recorded charting albums and performed at major national events, reinforcing a dual career in music and acting. Hudson’s collaborations with established directors and producers place her at the intersection of stage, screen, and television.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah transitioned from a pioneering hip hop career to acting with roles in ‘Living Single’, the ensemble musical ‘Chicago’, and the action procedural ‘The Equalizer’. She has earned major award nominations in film and television and received a Kennedy Center Honor recognizing contributions to culture.

As a producer she has developed films and series across networks and streamers, creating spaces for diverse casts and crews. Her work in voice acting, hosting, and brand partnerships shows sustained career breadth across entertainment platforms.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith’s film work includes ‘Set It Off’, entries in ‘The Matrix’ series, and voice roles in the ‘Madagascar’ franchise. On television she starred in ‘Hawthorne’ and has hosted and executive produced conversation-led projects that reached wide audiences.

She has produced documentaries and scripted series, including historical projects like ‘African Queens’. Her career includes authorship and philanthropic initiatives, with a focus on education and health programs tied to the arts.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has led indie breakouts such as ‘Dear White People’ and ‘Sorry to Bother You’ and co-stars in the ‘Creed’ series and Marvel’s ‘Thor’ entries. She has also worked in prestige television with ‘Westworld’ and produced films through her own banner.

Thompson collaborates with filmmakers on stories that center Black and Latinx communities and has served as a juror and advocate at major festivals. Her producing work champions inclusive crews and inclusive casting, influencing hiring practices on set.

Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is known for long-running television work in ‘The Walking Dead’ and for film roles in the ‘Black Panther’ franchise. She is also an award-winning playwright whose play ‘Eclipsed’ moved to Broadway with a majority Black female creative team and cast.

Gurira serves as a global advocate for women and girls through nonprofit and UN initiatives. Her dual path as writer and performer has created opportunities for African stories in mainstream theater and has shaped representation in genre television and blockbuster films.

Nia Long

Nia Long starred in ‘Boyz n the Hood’, ‘Love Jones’, and ‘The Best Man’ films and series, anchoring romantic dramas and ensemble comedies that became staples of Black cinema. She has also worked in thrillers and television procedurals, expanding into producing roles.

Long’s career includes award recognition from Black film and television organizations and consistent box office success in ensemble projects. Her work mentoring younger performers and supporting independent productions has strengthened pipelines for emerging talent.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel became the first Black performer to win an Academy Award with her supporting role in ‘Gone with the Wind’. She worked across film, radio, and early television and recorded hundreds of screen appearances in character roles that were available to Black actors at the time.

She later starred on radio in ‘The Beulah Show’ and moved the program to television where she continued to work until health challenges intervened. Her career created documented firsts in major award recognition and expanded pathways for Black performers in multiple media.

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee earned an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in ‘American Gangster’ and built a long stage and screen career that included ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ on Broadway and in the film adaptation. She collaborated frequently with Ossie Davis on projects that addressed social issues and community life.

Her television work brought her Emmy recognition and recurring roles that showed range in drama and family stories. She also narrated documentaries and recorded audiobooks that preserved oral histories and literature for wide audiences.

Lena Horne

Lena Horne starred in musicals such as ‘Stormy Weather’ and ‘Cabin in the Sky’ and became a contract performer at a major Hollywood studio in an era of limited roles for Black actresses. She toured internationally as a singer and brought her film and nightclub profile to television specials.

She returned to Broadway with her one woman show ‘Lena Horne The Lady and Her Music’ and earned Tony recognition for the production. Her activism included work with civil rights organizations and public advocacy that influenced hiring and representation in entertainment.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols played Lieutenant Uhura on ‘Star Trek The Original Series’ and appeared in the film entries that followed. Her presence on the bridge crew marked a breakthrough in network television roles for Black women in science fiction.

She worked with NASA on recruitment efforts that targeted women and minorities for astronaut programs and engineering roles. Her later credits included animation voice roles and convention appearances that connected her to generations of viewers and fans.

Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt acted in film and television and is widely remembered for playing Catwoman on ‘Batman’. Her film work included ‘Anna Lucasta’ and she built a parallel career as a recording artist and stage performer.

She returned to prominence with voice roles in family animation such as ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’. Her international touring and multilingual performances linked her acting profile to global audiences and extended her reach beyond screen credits.

Phylicia Rashād

Phylicia Rashād became a household name for her role on ‘The Cosby Show’ and later led ensembles in television dramas and limited series. She developed a strong stage career and won a Tony Award for her work in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’.

Her directing and academic leadership roles include work at theater programs that train actors for stage and screen. She has appeared in films that range from sports dramas to literary adaptations and continues to contribute to arts education.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in ‘King Richard’ and has a steady record of acclaimed television work in projects like ‘When They See Us’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. She appears in historical dramas and contemporary stories with equal frequency.

Her stage background informs performances in independent films and studio releases. She also develops projects that center underrepresented communities and collaborates with creators who bring regional stories to national audiences.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall built her film career with comedies and ensemble hits including ‘Girls Trip’ and then expanded into thrillers and dramas such as ‘The Hate U Give’. She has led and executive produced television series that mix comedy and social commentary.

She co hosted major award ceremonies and contributes to film and television as a producer with a slate that supports diverse writers and directors. Her roles span studio franchises and independent releases which broadens her reach to different audience groups.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union broke out with ‘Bring It On’ and went on to lead films and series across romance, action, and drama. She headlined ‘Being Mary Jane’ and received awards recognition for the series while also taking on producing duties.

Her books and advocacy work address workplace equity and inclusion in entertainment. She co founded a production company that develops projects for film and streaming and she invests in entrepreneurs who focus on social impact.

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan starred in ‘Love and Basketball’ and anchored romantic dramas and ensemble films that became staples of Black cinema. She joined franchise projects and voice acted for animated series which expanded her body of work across formats.

She moved into directing with narrative projects and short films and continued to work on stage in classic and contemporary plays. Her television roles include limited series that examine family dynamics and professional life.

Zendaya

Zendaya won multiple Emmys for ‘Euphoria’ and appeared in blockbuster films including the ‘Spider Man’ entries and high profile science fiction releases. She began in family television and transitioned to adult drama with a lead role that brought international attention.

She produces and shapes projects with creative teams in film and fashion and collaborates with directors on tightly focused character work. Her music background supports soundtrack contributions and live performances connected to her screen roles.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer led films like ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ early in her career and later starred in ‘Hustlers’ and ‘Nope’. She transitioned from child roles to adult leads across television and film and hosted live television events and variety programs.

She produces digital series and voice acts in animated shows that reach young audiences. Her work includes music releases and brand collaborations that tie into philanthropic campaigns focused on youth and education.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba won multiple Emmys for ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and later earned recognition for ‘Mrs America’ and ‘Painkiller’. She works in drama and comedy and appears in limited series that examine politics, healthcare, and family life.

Her stage work includes roles in Broadway revivals and new plays. She participates in advocacy for arts education and public service campaigns and supports programs that expand access to theater and screen careers.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae created and starred in ‘Insecure’ and received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for the series. She built a production company that develops television, film, and audio projects and launched an audio label that amplifies new voices.

She appears in studio comedies and romantic dramas and lends voice performances to animated features. Her business ventures include community development and creator platforms that focus on inclusive hiring and mentorship.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross led the long running series ‘Black ish’ and earned major awards recognition for her performance. She also starred in the film ‘The High Note’ and records music tied to her screen work.

She founded a haircare brand that serves textured hair communities and advocates for representation in beauty and media. Her producing work includes spinoff series and development deals that extend successful characters and worlds.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Precious’ and has headlined stand up specials and sitcoms such as ‘The Parkers’. She works across comedy and drama and brings stage experience to film roles.

Her recent projects include thriller and dramatic television appearances that mark a return to scripted work. She continues to tour and record specials while engaging in production partnerships that develop new material for streaming platforms.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good has appeared in films that range from teen dramas to thrillers and faith based projects and she starred in ‘Deception’ and ‘Harlem’ on television. She maintained a consistent presence in ensemble features and holiday films.

She directs and produces independent shorts and music videos and mentors young actors through workshops and conferences. Her filmography includes franchise entries and recurring television roles that expand character arcs over multiple seasons.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris broke through on ‘Mad Men’ and later led films such as ‘Chi Raq’ and ‘Candyman’. She joined a major superhero franchise with roles that connect film and television entries in a shared universe.

She trained at performing arts conservatories and continues to appear in independent films that premiere at festivals. Her work includes collaborations with directors who blend social themes with genre storytelling which places her at the center of contemporary film conversations.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback earned acclaim for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and took the lead in the series ‘Swarm’. She appears in science fiction and action projects including ‘Transformers Rise of the Beasts’ and continues to develop original writing for stage.

She began with spoken word and theater pieces that informed early screen roles. Her television and film choices show a focus on character driven stories and she contributes to writing rooms and development sessions for new scripts.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose won a Tony Award for ‘Caroline or Change’ and voiced Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’. She appears in films like ‘Dreamgirls’ and in television series that include drama, fantasy, and anthology storytelling.

She performs concerts and recordings that highlight Broadway and jazz traditions. Her advocacy work supports arts education and she participates in initiatives that highlight the importance of inclusive casting in musical theater and animation.

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