Best Black Lesbian Actresses Over 40

Representation in Hollywood has evolved significantly, allowing more Black women to live authentically while building successful careers in entertainment. This list celebrates talented actresses over the age of 40 who identify as lesbian or are in committed same-sex relationships, showcasing their contributions to film and television. From comedic legends to dramatic powerhouses, these women have broken barriers and created visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Their work spans across genres, earning critical acclaim and inspiring audiences worldwide. Here are some of the most influential Black lesbian and queer actresses working today or leaving a lasting legacy.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a celebrated stand-up comedian, writer, and actress known for her sharp wit and distinct voice. She gained significant recognition as a writer and performer on ‘The Chris Rock Show’, which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award. Her acting credits include memorable roles in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, ‘Black-ish’, and the sitcom ‘The Upshaws’. Sykes publicly came out in 2008 at a rally against Proposition 8 and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She continues to tour as a comic while maintaining a robust career in film and television voice acting.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a hip-hop icon and award-winning actress who has successfully transitioned between music, film, and television. She starred in the hit sitcom ‘Living Single’ and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in ‘Chicago’. While she has historically kept her private life out of the spotlight, she acknowledged her partner Eboni Nichols during a Lifetime Achievement Award speech at the 2021 BET Awards. Her extensive filmography includes box office hits like ‘Set It Off’, ‘Girls Trip’, and ‘Hairspray’. Latifah remains a trailblazer for Black women in the entertainment industry.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a versatile actress known for her comedic brilliance in ‘Reno 911!’ and her dramatic depth in ‘When They See Us’. She received critical acclaim for her lead role in the TNT series ‘Claws’ and won an Emmy for ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. In 2020, she surprised fans by marrying singer Jessica Betts, later stating that she loves the “who” rather than the gender. Her marriage brought significant visibility to Black queer love in mainstream media. She continues to be a dominant force in television with numerous upcoming projects.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe made history as the first Black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her work on ‘Master of None’. She is the creator of the drama series ‘The Chi’ and has acted in films such as ‘Ready Player One’ and ‘Bad Hair’. Waithe is openly lesbian and often centers Black queer narratives in her writing and production work. Her unique voice and style have established her as a major power player in Hollywood. She consistently uses her platform to advocate for diverse storytelling.

Da Brat

Da Brat made her name as the first female solo rapper to go platinum, but she has also built a consistent acting career. She appeared in the film ‘Kazaam’ and had a recurring role on the hit musical drama series ‘Empire’. Recently, she has been a fixture on reality television, documenting her life and relationship with her wife, Jesseca Dupart. Da Brat publicly came out in 2020 and has shared her journey to motherhood with her fans. Her transition from hip-hop legend to television personality highlights her enduring relevance.

Marsha Warfield

Marsha Warfield is best known for her tough-talking role as Roz Russell on the classic sitcom ‘Night Court’. After a long hiatus from acting, she returned to television with a recurring role in the drama ‘9-1-1’. Warfield publicly came out later in life, stating that she stayed in the closet during her early career to respect her mother’s wishes. Her return to the screen has been welcomed by fans who remember her commanding presence in 1980s comedy. She remains a respected figure in the stand-up comedy circuit.

Golda Rosheuvel

Golda Rosheuvel achieved international fame for her portrayal of Queen Charlotte in the Netflix smash hit ‘Bridgerton’. A stage veteran, she has an extensive background in British theatre, including roles in ‘Macbeth’ and ‘Othello’. Rosheuvel is openly lesbian and has spoken about the importance of representation for Black queer women in period dramas. Her performance as the monarch brought a new layer of diversity to the Regency-era genre. She lives in London with her long-term partner, writer Shireen Mula.

Sharon D. Clarke

Sharon D. Clarke is a powerhouse British actress and singer with three Olivier Awards to her name. She is well known to television audiences for her long-running role in the medical drama ‘Holby City’ and her appearance in ‘Doctor Who’. Clarke delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the Broadway transfer of ‘Caroline, or Change’. She has been married to director Susie McKenna since 2008. Her career seamlessly bridges the gap between prestigious stage productions and popular television series.

Gina Yashere

Gina Yashere is a British comedian and actress who has found significant success in the United States. She is a co-creator, writer, and executive producer of the CBS sitcom ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’, in which she also plays the character Kemi. Yashere has released several stand-up specials on Netflix, often discussing her Nigerian heritage and her sexuality. She is openly lesbian and lives in Los Angeles with her partner. Her work creates a vital space for African immigrants on American television.

Rutina Wesley

Rutina Wesley gained a massive following for her breakout role as Tara Thornton in the HBO vampire drama ‘True Blood’. She later starred as Nova Bordelon in the OWN series ‘Queen Sugar’, where she played a pansexual journalist and activist. Wesley announced her engagement to a female chef in 2017, bringing her personal life into alignment with her queer on-screen characters. She is a Juilliard-trained actress known for bringing intensity and vulnerability to her performances. Her role in ‘The Last of Us’ introduced her to a new generation of viewers.

Jasika Nicole

Jasika Nicole is best known for her role as Astrid Farnsworth in the cult science fiction series ‘Fringe’. She also played Dr. Carly Lever in the medical drama ‘The Good Doctor’, becoming a familiar face on network television. Nicole is openly lesbian and an avid crafter who often shares her personal projects with her social media following. She has been a vocal advocate for neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ representation in media. Her work often highlights the intersectionality of being a Black queer woman in genre television.

Felicia Pearson

Felicia ‘Snoop’ Pearson was discovered in a Baltimore club and cast in the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘The Wire’. She played a terrifying enforcer named Snoop, a character that blurred the lines between her real life and fiction. Pearson is openly lesbian and discussed her sexuality and troubled upbringing in her memoir, ‘Grace After Midnight’. Since ‘The Wire’, she has appeared in reality television shows and various independent films. Her authentic performance remains one of the most memorable in television history.

Cheryl Dunye

Cheryl Dunye is a pioneering director, writer, and actress who emerged as part of the New Queer Cinema movement. She wrote, directed, and starred in ‘The Watermelon Woman’, the first feature film directed by and starring a Black lesbian. Dunye has since directed episodes for high-profile series like ‘Bridgerton’, ‘Lovecraft Country’, and ‘Queen Sugar’. Her work consistently explores the intersections of race, sexuality, and history. She remains a crucial figure in independent film and queer cinema history.

Jessica Betts

Jessica Betts is a singer and actress who has gained wider recognition through her marriage to Niecy Nash-Betts. She appeared as a guest star on the series ‘Claws’ and ‘Reno 911!’, showcasing her acting abilities alongside her musical talent. Betts has been openly lesbian throughout her career, often advocating for masculine-presenting women in the industry. Her visibility as a butch lesbian in a high-profile Black celebrity marriage has been groundbreaking. She continues to release music while exploring opportunities in television.

Moms Mabley

Jackie “Moms” Mabley was a stand-up comedy pioneer and actress who broke racial and gender barriers in the vaudeville era. While she was known to the public for her frumpy housecoat and hat, off-stage she was a masculine-presenting lesbian known as “Mr. Moms” to her friends. She appeared in films like ‘Killer Diller’ and ‘Boarding House Blues’, and became the oldest person to have a Top 40 hit. Mabley’s sexuality was an open secret within the entertainment community during her lifetime. She is celebrated today as a courageous trailblazer for Black female performers.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is a transgender actress and businesswoman who rose to fame starring in the FX series ‘Pose’. She later secured a series regular role in ‘American Horror Story’, showcasing her versatility in the horror genre. Ross has been vocal about shifting her romantic interest away from men, recently expressing her attraction to women. She is the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, which helps transgender people find employment in the tech industry. Her activism and acting work have made her a leading figure in the fight for trans rights.

Robin Roberts

Robin Roberts is a broadcaster and media personality who has made appearances as herself and in cameo roles in films like ‘Pitch Perfect 2’. While primarily known as the anchor of ‘Good Morning America’, her visibility as a Black lesbian cancer survivor has had a massive cultural impact. She publicly acknowledged her partner, Amber Laign, in 2013, ending years of speculation. Roberts has produced and hosted numerous specials that highlight LGBTQ+ stories. Her presence on morning television provides daily representation for the community.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis is an Academy Award-nominated actress known for her powerful performances in ‘King Richard’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. She publicly came out as bisexual and queer in 2022, wearing a jacket with the word “Queer” in rhinestones to an awards show. Ellis has been a consistent force in Hollywood for decades, with credits ranging from ‘Ray’ to ‘The Help’. She speaks openly about the erasure of queer Black women in history and the industry. Her talent and honesty continue to earn her accolades and respect.

Please tell us which of these talented actresses is your favorite in the comments.