Most Famous Blacks in the World

The last name Black shows up all over entertainment, from blockbuster films and television to chart-topping music, bestselling books, and award-winning stage work. This roundup brings together widely recognized figures who share the surname, focusing on verified career highlights, major roles, notable releases, awards, and other concrete milestones.

You’ll find actors, musicians, filmmakers, authors, comedians, and TV presenters here. Some perform under Black as a stage name and others by birth; either way, each entry includes key projects and achievements to give quick, practical context about who they are and what they’ve done.

Cilla Black

Cilla Black was an English singer and television presenter who began her career in Liverpool’s Merseybeat scene and signed with producer George Martin. She achieved multiple UK No. 1 singles, including “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and “You’re My World,” and recorded a long run of charting releases across the 1960s and 1970s. Discovered early by manager Brian Epstein, she worked alongside many of the same industry figures associated with The Beatles.

Her television career spanned decades, most famously as host of the primetime series ‘Blind Date’ and ‘Surprise Surprise’. She became a staple of British light entertainment, fronting specials and holiday programming while continuing to release music and tour. Her autobiography and commemorations of her work document a career that bridged pop music and mainstream TV presenting.

Claudia Black

Claudia Black is an Australian actor known internationally for her lead role as Aeryn Sun in the science-fiction series ‘Farscape’. She later joined the cast of ‘Stargate SG-1’ as Vala Mal Doran, appearing in both the series and the follow-up TV movies. Earlier screen credits include a role in the feature film ‘Pitch Black’.

Black also built a prolific voice-acting résumé in video games and animation, contributing to franchises such as ‘Mass Effect’, ‘Dragon Age’, and ‘Uncharted’. In addition to on-camera and voice work, she has performed in audio dramas and radio, showing a range that spans genre television, games, and science-fiction/fantasy storytelling.

Clint Black

Clint Black is an American country singer-songwriter and guitarist who emerged with the multi-platinum debut album Killin’ Time, producing several No. 1 country singles. He followed with a sustained run of hit records, award wins, and headlining tours, establishing himself among the leading artists of the 1990s Nashville boom.

Black has collaborated widely, including duets and TV specials with his wife, actor and singer Lisa Hartman Black. His catalogue features acoustic and full-band arrangements, and he has written the majority of his recorded material. He remains active with live shows, holiday releases, and media appearances tied to country music events.

Don Black

Don Black is an English lyricist whose work includes the film song ‘Born Free’, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. He wrote lyrics for multiple James Bond themes, including ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, ‘Thunderball’, and ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, collaborating with composers such as John Barry and Michael Legrand.

On stage, Black co-wrote lyrics for major West End and Broadway musicals, among them ‘Sunset Boulevard’, ‘Aspects of Love’, and ‘Tell Me on a Sunday’ with Andrew Lloyd Webber. His credits span pop songs, film scores, and theatrical productions, and he has received honors in the UK and internationally for contributions to music and the performing arts.

Frank Black

Frank Black, also known as Black Francis (born Charles Thompson), is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the frontman of the alternative rock band Pixies. With Pixies, he recorded albums that became touchstones of late-1980s and early-1990s guitar rock, and he later reunited with the group for touring and new releases.

As a solo artist under the Frank Black name and with Frank Black and the Catholics, he released a large catalogue of studio albums and live recordings. His work includes extensive touring, collaborations with other musicians, and production contributions, reflecting a career that alternates between band activity and solo projects.

Holly Black

Holly Black is an American author of fantasy for children and young adults. She co-created ‘The Spiderwick Chronicles’ with Tony DiTerlizzi, a multi-book series that was adapted into a feature film and related screen projects. Her novels and short fiction frequently draw on folklore and contemporary settings.

Black’s later work includes the ‘Folk of the Air’ series, beginning with ‘The Cruel Prince’, as well as stand-alone titles like ‘Book of Night’. She received a Newbery Honor for ‘Doll Bones’ and has appeared at major literary festivals, taught workshops, and contributed essays and edited anthologies related to speculative fiction.

Jack Black

Jack Black is an American actor, comedian, and musician who co-founded the rock duo Tenacious D with Kyle Gass. His film credits include ‘School of Rock’, ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ and its sequel, ‘High Fidelity’, and voice roles in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ franchise and ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’. He has received Golden Globe nominations for ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Bernie’.

With Tenacious D, Black has released studio albums, toured internationally, and won Grammy Awards. Beyond film and music, he launched the ‘Jablinski Games’ channel and produces screen projects through Electric Dynamite Productions, taking on roles that include acting, voice work, songwriting, and producing.

Karen Black

Karen Black was an American actor who appeared in key films of the New Hollywood era, including ‘Easy Rider’ and ‘Five Easy Pieces’. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Five Easy Pieces’ and later won a Golden Globe for ‘The Great Gatsby’. Her filmography spans drama, horror, and independent cinema.

Black worked across film, television, and theater, and she wrote songs and screenplays in addition to acting. Notable credits include ‘Nashville’ and the TV anthology ‘Trilogy of Terror’. Retrospectives and festival programs have highlighted her contributions to American film during a period of significant artistic change.

Lewis Black

Lewis Black is an American stand-up comedian, author, and actor recognized for the recurring ‘Back in Black’ commentary segment on ‘The Daily Show’. He has headlined national and international tours, released multiple comedy albums and specials, and published books that compile essays and material from his live shows.

On screen, Black has acted in films and television and voiced the character Anger in the animated feature ‘Inside Out’. He has recorded for radio, hosted podcasts, and taught and mentored comics through workshops and festival appearances, while maintaining a regular schedule of touring and broadcast projects.

Lucas Black

Lucas Black is an American actor who made an early impression with film roles including ‘Sling Blade’ and later starred in ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift’. He returned to the franchise in subsequent entries and continued to balance work between film and television.

On TV, Black played Special Agent Christopher LaSalle on ‘NCIS: New Orleans’, appearing across multiple seasons. He has also worked in ensemble casts, guest roles, and family-oriented projects, and he participates in outdoor and motorsports media tied to personal interests beyond acting.

Michael Ian Black

Michael Ian Black is an American comedian, actor, and writer who rose to prominence with the sketch series ‘The State’. He later co-created and starred in ‘Stella’ and appeared in the film and TV entries of ‘Wet Hot American Summer’, along with roles in series such as ‘Ed’ and ‘Another Period’.

Black has published essay collections and children’s books, including ‘I’m Bored’ and ‘A Better Man’. He hosts and co-hosts podcasts, performs stand-up, and contributes commentary on television and radio. His work spans scripted comedy, nonfiction writing, and live performance.

Rebecca Black

Rebecca Black is an American singer who first gained global attention with the viral single and video “Friday”. Following that breakout, she released EPs and singles that moved into dance-pop and hyperpop, collaborating with producers and artists across independent and mainstream scenes.

Black tours internationally, performs at festivals, and directs creative concepts for her music videos and stage shows. Her releases have included remixes and feature appearances, and she maintains an active presence on digital platforms to share new music and connect with listeners.

Shane Black

Shane Black is an American screenwriter, director, and actor whose early spec scripts included ‘Lethal Weapon’, ‘The Last Boy Scout’, and ‘The Long Kiss Goodnight’. He also acted in ‘Predator’, contributing on screen in addition to his writing work.

As a director, Black made ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ and later helmed studio features such as ‘Iron Man 3’, ‘The Nice Guys’, and ‘The Predator’. His projects span original stories and franchise entries, and he has worked in both independent and major-studio settings, contributing rewrites and production-level script work alongside credited screenplays.

Share your favorites and any great “Black” celebrities we missed in the comments!