Black Actors Who Rose From Minor Roles To Hollywood Stardom

The journey to Hollywood stardom is rarely an overnight success story, especially for many Black actors who began their careers in the background or in small television guest spots. These performers spent years honing their craft in uncredited roles, independent theater, and bit parts before capturing the attention of global audiences. Through perseverance and undeniable talent, they transitioned from being faces in the crowd to becoming some of the most respected names in the entertainment industry. This list highlights thirty extraordinary men who proved that there are no small parts, only small actors, on their way to becoming unforgettable icons of the silver screen.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson spent years in small, often uncredited roles before achieving mainstream success in his mid-forties. Early in his career, he appeared briefly as a robber in ‘Coming to America’ and had a minor part in the classic mob drama ‘Goodfellas’. His breakthrough performance as Gator in ‘Jungle Fever’ earned him a special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival. He later became a household name following his legendary performance as Jules Winnfield in ‘Pulp Fiction’. Today, he is recognized as one of the highest-grossing actors of all time due to his extensive and diverse filmography.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman began his journey in the entertainment industry with theater and children’s television programming during the 1970s. He initially gained recognition for his role as Easy Reader on the educational series ‘The Electric Company’. After several decades of supporting work, his performance in ‘Street Smart’ earned him his first Academy Award nomination. He solidified his status as a legendary performer with iconic roles in ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. His distinct voice and commanding presence have since made him a staple of American cinema.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington started his professional acting career in theater and television movies during the late 1970s. He first gained widespread attention for his role as Dr. Philip Chandler in the long-running medical drama series ‘St. Elsewhere’. His transition to major film success was marked by an Academy Award-winning performance in the historical drama ‘Glory’. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he delivered powerhouse performances in films such as ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Training Day’. He is now widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali began his screen career with a recurring role on the television series ‘Crossing Jordan’ under his birth name, Mahershalalhashbaz Ali. He spent many years playing supporting characters in high-profile projects like ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’ and ‘The 4400’. His career reached new heights when he portrayed the calculating Remy Danton in the political drama ‘House of Cards’. Ali eventually became the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar for his performance in ‘Moonlight’. He further cemented his legacy by winning a second Academy Award for his work in ‘Green Book’.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan first rose to prominence as a child actor appearing in small roles on ‘Cosby’ and ‘The Sopranos’. He gained critical acclaim for his heartbreaking portrayal of Wallace in the first season of the HBO series ‘The Wire’. After a successful stint on the drama ‘Friday Night Lights’, he moved into leading film roles starting with ‘Fruitvale Station’. His portrayal of Adonis Creed in the ‘Creed’ franchise and Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’ established him as a global superstar. He continues to expand his influence in Hollywood as both a leading actor and a producer.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba started his career with various guest appearances on British television shows throughout the 1990s. His breakout American role came when he was cast as the sophisticated drug kingpin Russell “Stringer” Bell in ‘The Wire’. Following this success, he transitioned into leading roles in both television and major motion pictures. He received critical praise for his title role in the detective series ‘Luther’ and his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’. He has since become one of the most recognizable and versatile actors in the global film industry.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne entered the film industry at a very young age, famously lying about his age to secure a role in ‘Apocalypse Now’. He spent much of the 1980s appearing in various films such as ‘The Color Purple’ and ‘School Daze’ in supporting capacities. His career reached a major turning point with his Academy Award-nominated performance in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. Global fame followed his portrayal of Morpheus in the science fiction landmark ‘The Matrix’. He remains a highly respected figure in both film and theater with a career spanning over five decades.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker made his film debut with a small but memorable role in the 1982 teen comedy ‘Fast Times at Regmont High’. He continued to build his resume with supporting roles in acclaimed films like ‘Platoon’ and ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’. His breakthrough as a lead actor came when he played legendary musician Charlie Parker in the biographical film ‘Bird’. He eventually won an Academy Award for his terrifying and complex portrayal of Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. His extensive body of work includes directing and producing in addition to his acclaimed acting roles.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman initially focused on directing and writing before landing guest roles on series like ‘Third Watch’ and ‘Law & Order’. He spent several years working steadily in television, including a regular role on the drama series ‘Lincoln Heights’. His film career accelerated when he was cast as Jackie Robinson in the biographical drama ’42’. He became a cultural icon for his portrayal of T’Challa in ‘Black Panther’ and other films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even after his untimely passing, his performances in ‘Da 5 Bloods’ and ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ continue to be celebrated.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya began his career on the British teen drama ‘Skins’, where he served as both an actor and a staff writer. He appeared in small roles in films like ‘Johnny English Reborn’ and an early episode of ‘Black Mirror’ before his Hollywood breakthrough. His lead performance in ‘Get Out’ earned him international acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination. He later won an Oscar for his portrayal of Black Panther Party chairman Fred Hampton in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He is now considered one of the most compelling and transformative actors of his generation.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx first gained fame as a stand-up comedian and a cast member on the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’. He transitioned to television with his own sitcom, ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’, which ran successfully for five seasons. His dramatic acting abilities were fully realized in films like ‘Any Given Sunday’ and the thriller ‘Collateral’. He achieved the highest level of critical success with his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Ray Charles in ‘Ray’. Today, he is a multi-talented entertainer with significant success in music, film, and television production.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie made his professional film debut in the semi-autobiographical drama ‘8 Mile’ starring Eminem. He spent several years working in independent films and taking supporting roles in projects like ‘The Hurt Locker’. His career trajectory changed significantly when he was cast as Sam Wilson, also known as the Falcon, in ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. He has since become a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, eventually taking on the mantle of Captain America. Outside of blockbusters, he has maintained a steady presence in dramatic roles on both stage and screen.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown spent over a decade working in theater and taking guest roles on various television procedurals like ‘ER’ and ‘NYPD Blue’. He gained more visibility with a series regular role on the Lifetime drama ‘Army Wives’. His career reached a major turning point when he played prosecutor Christopher Darden in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. This performance led to his celebrated lead role as Randall Pearson on the hit series ‘This Is Us’. He has since earned multiple Emmy Awards and an Academy Award nomination for his cinematic work.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright began his career in the theater, winning a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Angels in America’. His film debut came with a small role in ‘Presumed Innocent’ before he starred as the lead in the biographical drama ‘Basquiat’. He became well-known to broader audiences through his roles in ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘The Hunger Games’ series. His performance as Bernard Lowe in the HBO series ‘Westworld’ garnered significant critical praise and multiple award nominations. He is frequently cited as one of the most versatile character actors working in the industry today.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito started as a child actor on Broadway before appearing in various films during the early 1980s. He gained recognition for his early collaborations with director Spike Lee in films like ‘School Daze’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’. For many years, he worked steadily in supporting roles across film and television without becoming a household name. His portrayal of the chilling drug kingpin Gustavo Fring in ‘Breaking Bad’ transformed him into a celebrated television antagonist. He has since appeared in major franchises such as ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Boys’.

John Boyega

John Boyega first garnered attention for his lead role in the British sci-fi comedy ‘Attack the Block’. Before this breakthrough, he had participated in local theater and appeared in a few television pilots that were not picked up. He reached global superstardom when he was cast as Finn in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. Following his time in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, he focused on diverse projects like ‘Detroit’ and the anthology series ‘Small Axe’. He continues to be a prominent voice in the industry, advocating for better storytelling and representation.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield made his film debut in the independent drama ‘Short Term 12’ after being discovered at an open casting call. He then appeared in small but impactful roles in films such as ‘Selma’ and the indie hit ‘Dope’. His unique screen presence became widely recognized through his role as Darius in the acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’. He has since starred in a variety of successful projects, including ‘Sorry to Bother You’ and the murder mystery ‘Knives Out’. His performance in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

Delroy Lindo

Delroy Lindo worked extensively in theater for two decades before finding consistent success in film. He had small roles in movies like ‘More American Graffiti’ before his breakout in Spike Lee’s ‘Malcolm X’. He became a familiar face in Hollywood with standout performances in ‘Get Shorty’ and ‘The Cider House Rules’. After a long career of supporting work, he received immense critical acclaim for his lead role in the 2020 film ‘Da 5 Bloods’. He is known for his powerful screen presence and the distinct gravitas he brings to every role.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle began his career with small roles in films like ‘Moving Violations’ and a recurring part on the series ‘Fame’. He gained critical attention for his scene-stealing performance as Mouse Alexander in the neo-noir film ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’. His career continued to rise with roles in ‘Boogie Nights’ and the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy. He received an Academy Award nomination for his moving lead performance in the historical drama ‘Hotel Rwanda’. He has also achieved global recognition for his role as James Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor made his film debut in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Amistad’ while still a student at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He spent the following years appearing in various British and American films, including ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ and ‘Love Actually’. His reputation as a formidable talent grew with roles in ‘Children of Men’ and ‘American Gangster’. He achieved worldwide acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his lead role in ’12 Years a Slave’. He is also well-known for his role as Baron Mordo in the ‘Doctor Strange’ films.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo began his career on the British stage, becoming the first Black actor to play an English king for the Royal Shakespeare Company. He moved into television with a starring role in the series ‘Spooks’ before transitioning to Hollywood. He appeared in supporting roles in films like ‘The Help’ and ‘The Last King of Scotland’ to build his profile. His portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in ‘Selma’ brought him significant award recognition and critical praise. He has since become a leading man in projects such as ‘The Midnight Sky’ and ‘A United Kingdom’.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard started his career with guest appearances on television shows like ‘The Cosby Show’ and ‘Family Matters’. He gained early film recognition for his role in ‘Mr. Holland’s Opus’ and the ensemble comedy ‘The Best Man’. His career reached a peak with his Academy Award-nominated performance in the drama ‘Hustle & Flow’. He later starred as James Rhodes in the first ‘Iron Man’ before finding massive television success in ‘Empire’. He has maintained a steady career in both film and television for over three decades.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. had his first on-screen appearances in small roles, including a brief cameo in ‘Coming to America’ as a customer. He gained significant attention for his breakout role as Tre Styles in the urban drama ‘Boyz n the Hood’. He reached the pinnacle of his early career by winning an Academy Award for his role in ‘Jerry Maguire’. Following his Oscar win, he starred in numerous films such as ‘Men of Honor’ and ‘Radio’. He later received critical acclaim for his portrayal of O.J. Simpson in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’.

Billy Dee Williams

Billy Dee Williams began his acting career on Broadway before moving into film and television in the late 1950s. He gained widespread popularity with his roles in ‘Lady Sings the Blues’ and ‘Mahogany’ opposite Diana Ross. His most iconic role came when he was cast as Lando Calrissian in the blockbuster ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. He also famously portrayed Harvey Dent in the 1989 film ‘Batman’ directed by Tim Burton. His suave persona and smooth delivery made him one of the most beloved leading men of his era.

Keith David

Keith David first gained major attention for his role as Childs in the horror classic ‘The Thing’. He followed this with a memorable performance in the Academy Award-winning war film ‘Platoon’. Throughout his career, he has been a prolific character actor in films like ‘They Live’ and ‘Requiem for a Dream’. He is also highly regarded for his extensive voice-over work in high-profile animation and documentaries. His deep, resonant voice and commanding screen presence have made him an industry legend and a fan favorite.

Ving Rhames

Ving Rhames began his career in theater and small television roles during the 1980s. He appeared in films like ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ before his breakout performance as the formidable Marsellus Wallace in ‘Pulp Fiction’. This role catapulted him to stardom, leading to his long-running part as Luther Stickell in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. He won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of boxing promoter Don King in the television movie ‘Don King: Only in America’. He continues to be a consistent and powerful presence in action films and dramatic projects alike.

Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance started his career in the theater, earning multiple Tony Award nominations for his early stage work. He made his film debut in ‘The Hunt for Red October’ as a sonar technician named Jones. He worked steadily for years in television series such as ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ and various television movies. His career saw a major resurgence when he played attorney Johnnie Cochran in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. This performance earned him an Emmy Award and solidified his status as a premier dramatic actor in Hollywood.

Djimon Hounsou

Djimon Hounsou moved from Benin to France and initially found success as a professional fashion model. He began his acting career appearing in music videos and taking small roles in films like ‘Stargate’. His major breakthrough came when he was cast in the lead role of Joseph Cinqué in Steven Spielberg’s ‘Amistad’. He received Academy Award nominations for his powerful supporting roles in ‘In America’ and ‘Blood Diamond’. Since then, he has appeared in numerous global blockbusters, including ‘Gladiator’ and the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo spent many years as a respected stage actor and playwright before gaining wider screen recognition. He appeared in small roles in films like ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Selma’ while working on various television series. He gained significant popularity for his role as the enigmatic Victor Strand in the series ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. His career reached a new milestone with his Academy Award-nominated performance in the biographical film ‘Rustin’. He is now recognized as one of the most versatile and talented actors working across film, television, and stage.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry began his career in theater, notably appearing in the original cast of the musical ‘The Book of Mormon’. He had guest roles on shows like ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and ‘The Good Wife’ before his television breakthrough. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles in the series ‘Atlanta’. His film career quickly expanded with roles in ‘Widows’, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, and the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. He received his first Academy Award nomination for his performance in the drama ‘Causeway’.

Tell us which of these incredible actors has your favorite career trajectory in the comments.