Celebrities People Often Mistake as Part Black — But They’re Not

Many celebrities capture our attention with their talent, style, and charisma, but sometimes their appearance or cultural influences lead to assumptions about their heritage. It’s easy to make snap judgments based on looks, performances, or even the roles they take on, but those assumptions don’t always hold up.

This article dives into a group of stars who are often thought to have Black ancestry due to their features, artistic styles, or public personas, but whose backgrounds tell a different story. From musicians to actors to athletes, their diverse heritages highlight the complexity of identity in the spotlight.

Rita Ora

Rita Ora, the British singer behind hits like ‘R.I.P.’ and ‘How We Do (Party),’ has often faced speculation about her ethnicity due to her appearance and musical style. Born in Pristina, Kosovo, to Albanian parents, she moved to the UK as a baby. Her work in pop and R&B, along with fashion choices like African braids or a Jamaican flag bikini, has led some to assume she’s part Black.

Ora has addressed these assumptions directly, notably on ‘The Wendy Williams Show,’ where she jokingly said she ‘may as well be’ part Black due to how often it’s brought up. Her roles in films like ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (2015) and her vibrant stage presence only add to the conversation about her cultural influences and identity.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa, known for his rugged charm in ‘Aquaman’ (2018) and as Khal Drogo in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019), is often mistaken for having Black heritage due to his dark features and commanding presence. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Momoa has Native Hawaiian and Polynesian roots from his father and German, Irish, and Native American ancestry from his mother.

His physicality and roles in action-packed projects like ‘Fast X’ (2023) contribute to the assumptions about his background. Momoa’s connection to diverse cultures, including his pride in his Hawaiian heritage, shines through in his work, but he’s clear about his unique ethnic mix, which doesn’t include Black ancestry.

Nick Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios, the fiery Australian tennis star, has made headlines for his skill and outspoken personality on courts like those in ‘Wimbledon’ (2012-2018). His darker complexion and athletic build lead some to assume he has Black ancestry, but Kyrgios is of Greek and Malaysian descent, born in Canberra, Australia.

His 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles win with Thanasi Kokkinakis showcased his talent, while his bold style and trash-talking persona keep him in the public eye. Kyrgios’s heritage is a blend of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian roots, and he’s quick to clarify his background when asked.

Liza Koshy

Liza Koshy, a dynamic actress and comedian known for ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ (2023) and her YouTube series ‘Liza on Demand’ (2018-2021), often surprises people with her heritage. Her father is Indian, and her mother is of German descent, creating a mix that some mistake for part Black due to her features and vibrant energy.

Koshy’s work spans hosting ‘Double Dare’ (2018-2019) to starring in Netflix’s ‘Work It’ (2020). Her comedic flair and cultural versatility fuel assumptions about her background, but she proudly embraces her Indian and German roots while engaging with diverse audiences.

DJ Khaled

DJ Khaled, the music mogul behind albums like ‘Major Key’ (2016), is often thought to have Black ancestry due to his prominence in hip-hop and his New Orleans upbringing. Born to Palestinian parents, Khaled Mohamed Khaled grew up immersed in the vibrant music scene, which shaped his sound and style.

His collaborations with artists like Drake and 21 Savage, plus roles in films like ‘Bad Boys for Life’ (2020), amplify his connection to Black culture. Khaled’s larger-than-life persona and catchphrases like ‘We the Best’ keep him central to the music world, but his heritage is firmly Palestinian.

Shira Haas

Shira Haas, the Israeli actress who shone in ‘Shtisel’ (2013-2021) and ‘Unorthodox’ (2020), has a look that sometimes leads to assumptions about mixed heritage, including Black ancestry. Born in Tel Aviv to Israeli parents, her delicate features and powerful performances have made her a global star.

Her upcoming role in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025) will further showcase her talent. Haas’s ability to embody complex characters fuels curiosity about her background, but her heritage is rooted in Israel, with no Black ancestry.

Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt, a rising star in ‘Barbie’ (2023) and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018), has a look that prompts some to assume she’s part Black. Her mother is Puerto Rican, and her father is of Ashkenazi Jewish, Swedish, and Italian descent, creating a unique blend that stands out on screen.

At just 18, Greenblatt has earned praise for roles in ‘Ahsoka’ (2023) and ‘Borderlands’ (2024). Her versatility and emotional depth keep audiences guessing about her roots, but her heritage is a vibrant mix of Latin and European influences.

Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham, the trailblazing model and producer known for ‘Dirty Old Town’ (2012), is often thought to have Black ancestry due to her curvy figure and features. Her mother is German, and her father is of English, Welsh, and Scottish descent, though she’s mentioned her grandmother’s ambiguous heritage adding some mystery.

Graham’s work in fashion, including ‘Love Advent’ (2011-2018), and her advocacy for body positivity have made her a cultural icon. Her look and confidence spark assumptions, but her background is primarily European.

Karl Glusman

Karl Glusman, known for intense roles in ‘Love’ (2015) and ‘The Bikeriders’ (2023), has a diverse look that sometimes leads to speculation about Black ancestry. Born in the Bronx, his heritage includes Russian Jewish, German, Irish, English, and Swedish roots.

His performances in ‘Devs’ (2020) and his former marriage to Zoe Kravitz add to his public intrigue. Glusman’s ability to tackle complex roles fuels curiosity about his background, but his ancestry is a broad European mix.

Rafi Gavron

Rafi Gavron, the British actor seen in ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018), has a look that some mistake for part Black. His father is Ashkenazi Jewish with Lithuanian, Belarusian, German, and Polish roots, while his mother is French-Canadian and German.

Gavron’s roles in ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ (2008) and ‘The Cold Light of Day’ (2012) highlight his versatility. His distinct features and urban upbringing in London contribute to assumptions about his heritage, but it’s rooted in Jewish and European ancestry.

Chris Daughtry

Chris Daughtry, the rock singer from ‘American Idol’ (2003-2009), is often compared to Vin Diesel for his bald head and rugged look, leading some to assume he’s part Black. His heritage is Dutch, English, German, Irish, and Scottish, a classic American mix.

His band Daughtry’s hits and his roles in shows like ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ (2009-2023) keep him in the spotlight. Daughtry’s powerful voice and stage presence spark curiosity about his roots, but his ancestry is entirely European.

Jai Courtney

Jai Courtney, the Australian actor known for ‘Terminator Genisys’ (2015) and ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016), has a look that sometimes prompts questions about Black ancestry. His heritage is Italian, English, and Irish, rooted in his Australian upbringing.

Courtney’s roles in ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ (2010) and ‘Divergent’ (2014) showcase his tough-guy persona. His physicality and screen presence lead to assumptions, but his background is a blend of European influences.

Keisha Castle-Hughes

Keisha Castle-Hughes, the New Zealand actress from ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ (2020-2025), has a striking look that some mistake for part Black. Born in Australia to English and Maori parents, her heritage reflects her New Zealand roots.

Her breakout role in ‘Whale Rider’ (2002) earned her an Oscar nomination, and she’s since appeared in ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019). Castle-Hughes’s unique features and talent fuel curiosity, but her ancestry is Maori and European.

Alessia Cara

Alessia Cara, the Canadian singer behind ‘Scars to Your Beautiful,’ is often thought to have Black ancestry due to her soulful voice and R&B style. Both her parents are Italian, and she was born in Toronto as Alessia Caracciolo.

Her work in ‘The Willoughbys’ (2020) and collaborations with artists like Zedd show her versatility. Cara’s music and curly hair spark assumptions, but her heritage is fully Italian, rooted in her Canadian upbringing.

David Blaine

David Blaine, the magician known for ‘David Blaine: Real or Magic’ (2013), has a mysterious aura that leads some to assume he’s part Black. His father was Puerto Rican and Italian, and his mother was Russian Jewish, born in Brooklyn as David Blaine White.

Blaine’s stunts in ‘The Great Buck Howard’ (2008) and his street magic specials captivate audiences. His unique look and urban background contribute to the speculation, but his heritage is a mix of Latin and Jewish roots.

Manu Bennett

Manu Bennett, the New Zealand actor who played Crixus in ‘Spartacus’ (2010-2013), has a commanding presence that some mistake for part Black. His father is Maori, and his mother is Australian with Irish ancestry, creating a striking mix.

Bennett’s roles in ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ (2012) and ‘Arrow’ (2012-2020) highlight his intensity. His Maori heritage and physicality lead to assumptions, but his background is Polynesian and European.

Kimia Behpoornia

Kimia Behpoornia, the actress known for ‘Atypical’ (2017-2021) and ‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021-2025), has a look that prompts some to assume Black ancestry. Both her parents are Iranian, and she was born in Los Angeles.

Her comedic roles in ‘Hacks’ (2021-2025) showcase her talent. Behpoornia’s warm features and vibrant energy spark curiosity, but her heritage is fully Persian, reflecting her cultural pride.

Atlee

Atlee, the Indian director behind ‘Jawan’ (2023), is sometimes mistaken for having Black ancestry due to his work in vibrant, diverse films. Born Arun Kumar in Tamil Nadu, India, his heritage is fully Indian.

His hits like ‘Theri’ (2016) and ‘Mersal’ (2017) have made him a Bollywood powerhouse. Atlee’s dynamic storytelling and cultural influences lead to assumptions, but his roots are deeply Tamil Indian.

Simone Ashley

Simone Ashley, the British actress who starred in ‘Bridgerton’ (2020-2025), has a look that some assume includes Black ancestry. Born to Tamil Indian parents, her heritage is rooted in South India.

Her roles in ‘Sex Education’ (2019-2023) and ‘The Sister’ (2020) showcase her range. Ashley’s striking features and cultural pride fuel speculation, but her background is fully Indian.

Joe Anoaʻi

Joe Anoa’i, known as Roman Reigns in WWE and an actor in ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ (2019), has a powerful presence that leads some to assume Black ancestry. His father is Samoan, and his mother is Italian and English.

A cousin of Dwayne Johnson, Anoa’i’s roles in ‘The Wrong Missy’ (2020) and ‘WWE Smackdown!’ (1999-2025) highlight his charisma. His Polynesian and European roots shape his identity, distinct from the assumptions.

Alex Aiono

Alex Aiono, the actor and singer in ‘See You on Venus’ (2023), has a versatile look that some mistake for part Black. His father is Samoan and Maori, and his mother is of European descent, creating a unique blend.

His roles in ‘The Lego Batman Movie’ (2017) and music collaborations showcase his talent. Aiono’s Pacific Islander and European heritage fuels curiosity, but it’s distinct from Black ancestry.

Raymond Ablack

Raymond Ablack, known for ‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021-2025), has a look that prompts some to assume Black heritage. Born in Toronto to Indian-Guyanese parents, his background is rooted in South America and South Asia.

His roles in ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ (2001-2015) and ‘Narcos’ (2015-2017) highlight his versatility. Ablack’s warm features and Canadian upbringing spark assumptions, but his heritage is Indian-Guyanese.

Paula Abdul

Paula Abdul, the pop icon and choreographer known for ‘Forever Your Girl,’ is often thought to have Black ancestry due to her dance style and look. Her father was Syrian, raised in Brazil, and her mother is Canadian with Russian and Ukrainian Jewish roots.

Abdul’s work on ‘American Idol’ (2002-2009) and choreography for ‘Robots’ (2005) made her a household name. Her vibrant energy and cultural influences lead to speculation, but her heritage is Middle Eastern and Jewish.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars, the global music star behind ‘Uptown Funk,’ is often assumed to be part Black due to his soulful sound and retro style. Born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu, his father is half Puerto Rican and half Ashkenazi Jewish, while his mother was Filipino.

Mars’s work in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ (2021) and his band, The Hooligans, showcase his love for Black music influences. He’s faced accusations of cultural appropriation but credits Black artists for inspiring his genre-blending sound.

Timur Yunusov

Timur Yunusov, known as Timati, is a Russian hip-hop artist often mistaken for part Black due to his music and style. Born in Moscow to a Tatar father and Ashkenazi Jewish mother, his heritage is a mix of Turkish and Jewish roots.

His work in ‘Gitler kaput!’ (2008) and albums like ‘The Boss’ show his flair for R&B and hip-hop. Timati’s urban aesthetic and collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg fuel assumptions, but his background is distinctly Russian.

Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth, the baseball legend featured in ‘Speedy’ (1928), faced rumors during his career that he was part Black due to his features. Both his parents were German, and he was born in Baltimore.

Known for his 714 home runs and stints with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, Ruth’s larger-than-life persona drew attention. Racial slurs from opponents like Ty Cobb reflected the era’s biases, but Ruth’s heritage was fully German.

Guy Sebastian

Guy Sebastian, the Australian singer from ‘Australian Idol’ (2003-2009), is sometimes thought to have Black ancestry due to his soulful voice. Born in Malaysia to a Sri Lankan and Portuguese father and a Portuguese and Scots-Irish mother, his roots are diverse.

His hits and roles in shows like ‘Please Like Me’ (2013-2016) highlight his talent. Sebastian’s music and look spark curiosity, but his heritage is a blend of South Asian and European influences.

Robert Sheehan

Robert Sheehan, the Irish actor known for ‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019-2024), has a look that some mistake for mixed heritage, including Black ancestry. Both his parents are Irish, and he was born in Portlaoise, Ireland.

His roles in ‘Misfits’ (2009-2013) and ‘Cherrybomb’ (2009) showcase his quirky charm. Sheehan’s expressive features and energetic performances lead to questions about his roots, but he’s proudly 100% Irish.

Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman, the Lebanese actor known for ‘The Visitor’ (2007), has a look that some assume includes Black ancestry. Born and raised in Lebanon, he moved to the US at 21 and speaks fluent Arabic.

His roles in ‘Nurse Jackie’ (2009-2015) and ‘Nikita’ (2010-2013) highlight his talent. Sleiman’s Middle Eastern features and cultural background spark curiosity, but his heritage is fully Lebanese.

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander, the Swedish actress from ‘Ex Machina’ (2014), is sometimes thought to have Black ancestry due to her tanned complexion. Her father is Swedish, and her mother is Swedish and Finnish, and she was born in Gothenburg.

Her Oscar-winning role in ‘The Danish Girl’ (2015) and work in ‘Tomb Raider’ (2018) show her range. Vikander’s natural tone led filmmakers to lighten her skin for roles, but her heritage is Scandinavian.

Which celebrity’s heritage surprised you the most, or is there another star you thought had Black ancestry? Share your thoughts in the comments!