The Greatest Non-White Male Actors in Hollywood

Hollywood has been shaped by performers from many cultures who brought depth, range, and global appeal to the screen. The actors below have anchored blockbuster hits, earned major industry honors, and expanded what audiences expect from film and television. Their careers span drama, action, comedy, and everything in between, and their work continues to influence casting, storytelling, and representation across the industry.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has earned two Academy Awards and multiple nominations across decades of leading roles. His performances in films like ‘Training Day’, ‘Glory’, and ‘Malcolm X’ are frequently cited in film studies courses and industry retrospectives. He has also directed features including ‘Fences’, adapting August Wilson for the screen with critical success. Washington remains a consistent box office draw while maintaining a strong presence on stage.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman won an Academy Award for ‘Million Dollar Baby’ and has been nominated multiple times. His distinctive narration has anchored documentaries like ‘March of the Penguins’ and major series work. Freeman has portrayed historical and fictional figures in films such as ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, ‘Se7en’, and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. He also co founded a production company that backs film and television projects.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is among the highest grossing actors in film history through franchises like ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Star Wars’. He received an honorary Academy Award recognizing his career contributions. Jackson has collaborated with directors including Quentin Tarantino on films like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘Django Unchained’. He continues to balance franchise roles with independent features and television work.

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Last Samurai’ and has starred in global hits like ‘Inception’ and ‘Godzilla’. He performs regularly in Japanese cinema and theater while maintaining a strong Hollywood presence. Watanabe originated a Tony nominated turn in ‘The King and I’ on Broadway. His work often bridges Japanese and American film industries.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali is a two time Academy Award winner for ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Green Book’. He has appeared in television series such as ‘True Detective’ and ‘House of Cards’. Ali is set to headline Marvel’s ‘Blade’, marking a major franchise lead. He records spoken word and has published a memoir that details his path through athletics, theater, and film.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya won an Academy Award for ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He gained early recognition with ‘Black Mirror’ and led films like ‘Get Out’ and ‘Nope’. Kaluuya has also worked as a producer on features and animated projects. His experience spans British television, stage writing, and major studio releases.

Ke Huy Quan

Ke Huy Quan won an Academy Award for ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ after returning to acting. He began his career as a child performer in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and ‘The Goonies’. Quan worked behind the scenes as a stunt coordinator and assistant director before his comeback. He has since joined high profile series and franchises in film and television.

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Minari’ and led acclaimed work in ‘Beef’. He broke out with ‘The Walking Dead’ and has voice roles in ‘Invincible’ and major animated films. Yeun produces projects that center immigrant and cross cultural stories. His career spans independent features and studio backed releases.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Lion’ and headlined ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ early in his career. He has led films across genres including ‘The Green Knight’ and ‘Monkey Man’, which he also directed. Patel works frequently with independent distributors alongside major studios. His roles often incorporate action training and classical literature adaptations.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed won an Emmy for ‘The Night Of’ and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Sound of Metal’. He has released music under the name Riz MC and produced films through his company. Ahmed advocates for inclusive casting and Muslim representation in media. His projects include ‘Rogue One’, ‘Nightcrawler’, and the short film ‘The Long Goodbye’.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek won an Academy Award for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and starred in the series ‘Mr. Robot’. He has appeared in franchises such as ‘James Bond’ and ‘Night at the Museum’. Malek has performed voice work for games and animation alongside live action roles. He collaborates with fashion and technology brands on campaigns tied to film releases.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan led the ‘Creed’ films and portrayed Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’. He made his feature directorial debut with ‘Creed III’. Jordan runs a production company that champions inclusive stories and new talent. His early television work includes ‘The Wire’ and ‘Friday Night Lights’.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker won an Academy Award for ‘The Last King of Scotland’. He has led films across genres including ‘Bird’, ‘Arrival’, and ‘Black Panther’. Whitaker founded a peace and community building organization that operates internationally. He frequently produces films and series that highlight social issues.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier was the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘Lilies of the Field’. He led landmark films such as ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’. Poitier also directed features and wrote bestselling memoirs. His career opened doors for generations of performers in mainstream American cinema.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba broke out on television with ‘The Wire’ and led ‘Luther’ to international acclaim. He transitioned into major films including ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, ‘Beasts of No Nation’, and ‘Pacific Rim’. Elba appears in franchises such as ‘Fast and Furious’ and ‘Thor’. He also produces projects through his company and releases music as a DJ and recording artist.

Will Smith

Will Smith moved from ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ to a sustained film career with hits like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’. He earned multiple Academy Award nominations and won for ‘King Richard’. Smith has balanced action, comedy, and drama while maintaining a strong global box office record. He works as a producer on film and streaming projects and creates long form digital content.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx won an Academy Award for portraying Ray Charles in ‘Ray’. He has starred in films including ‘Collateral’, ‘Django Unchained’, and ‘Baby Driver’. Foxx built a parallel music career with charting albums and collaborations. He hosts and produces television series and develops feature films as a producer.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle earned acclaim for roles in ‘Hotel Rwanda’, ‘Crash’, and the ‘Avengers’ films. He headlined ‘House of Lies’ and directed ‘Miles Ahead’, where he also starred. Cheadle is active in environmental and humanitarian initiatives. He frequently collaborates with independent filmmakers while maintaining studio franchise work.

John Boyega

John Boyega gained worldwide recognition in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. He earned major festival awards for ‘Small Axe’ and led ‘Attack the Block’ to cult status. Boyega produces films through his company and supports training programs for young creatives. He continues to mix franchise work with independent dramas.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa headlined ‘Aquaman’ and first gained attention on ‘Game of Thrones’. He created and starred in ‘See’ and appears in action and adventure franchises. Momoa advocates for ocean conservation and indigenous rights. He produces films and series that emphasize stunt driven storytelling and Pacific heritage.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu led ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ after early success on ‘Kim’s Convenience’. He performs his own stunt work and has trained in martial arts for screen roles. Liu writes essays and a memoir about immigration and identity. He supports representation initiatives and mentors Asian North American talent.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Tony Leung Chiu-wai is known for collaborations with Wong Kar wai including ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Chungking Express’. He crossed over to Hollywood with ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Leung has won top acting prizes at major Asian and European festivals. His career spans art house dramas and large scale historical epics.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada built a bilingual career with roles in ‘The Last Samurai’, ‘Sunshine’, and ‘John Wick’. He has appeared in television series like ‘Westworld’ and ‘Shōgun’. Sanada trained in theater with a focus on action and classical performance. He produces and advises on projects that integrate Japanese history with international storytelling.

Song Kang-ho

Song Kang-ho is a leading figure in Korean cinema with films such as ‘Parasite’, ‘Memories of Murder’, and ‘The Host’. He collaborates frequently with Bong Joon ho and other top Korean directors. Song has received best actor honors at major Asian and European festivals. His work helped expand global interest in Korean film.

Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan starred in international hits including ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, ‘Life of Pi’, and ‘The Lunchbox’. He worked in both Hindi cinema and Hollywood with equal ease. Khan received national honors in India for his contributions to film. His roles often balanced understated emotion with precise character detail.

John Cho

John Cho headlined the ‘Harold and Kumar’ films and led the thriller ‘Searching’. He played Sulu in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise and starred in ‘Columbus’ to critical acclaim. Cho publishes essays and a novel aimed at young readers. He advocates for Asian American representation and participates in community arts initiatives.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan built a global career by blending martial arts choreography with comedy and practical stunts. He headlined Hollywood films such as ‘Rush Hour’, ‘Shanghai Noon’, and ‘The Karate Kid’. Chan performs many of his own stunts and founded a dedicated stunt team that has trained performers across Asia. He also produces and directs features through companies he established in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Jet Li

Jet Li moved from Chinese wuxia hits to Hollywood projects like ‘Lethal Weapon 4’, ‘Romeo Must Die’, and ‘The Expendables’. He trained in wushu at a national level before transitioning to film. Li has alternated between action roles and historical epics while working in multiple languages. He founded a philanthropic organization focused on disaster relief and mental health initiatives.

Chow Yun-fat

Chow Yun-fat became internationally known through collaborations with John Woo before crossing over with ‘The Replacement Killers’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’. He balanced action work with dramas such as ‘Anna and the King’. Chow has acted in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English across film industries. He is noted for long term collaborations with Hong Kong directors and sustained box office appeal in Asia.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen brought modern fight choreography to mainstream audiences and later appeared in ‘Rogue One’, ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’, and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. He trained in multiple martial arts disciplines and often serves as action director on his films. Yen works in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English and has produced features through his own banner. He advises on stunt safety and choreography standards in international productions.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor earned major acclaim for ’12 Years a Slave’ and has appeared in studio titles like ‘Doctor Strange’ and ‘The Lion King’. He trained at the National Youth Theatre and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Ejiofor writes and directs, including the feature ‘The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind’. His stage work includes Shakespearean roles alongside contemporary drama.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac has led films and series across genres including ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’, ‘Ex Machina’, ‘Dune’, and ‘Moon Knight’. He trained at the Juilliard School before moving into major studio franchises. Isaac works in English and Spanish and records music that occasionally appears in his projects. He produces film and television through partnerships with independent and studio outfits.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal rose to prominence with ‘Game of Thrones’ and expanded into leads with ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He appears in action and drama features while maintaining a strong presence on premium television. Pascal’s stage credits include classical and contemporary plays in New York. He collaborates with Latin American filmmakers and supports arts education initiatives.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson transitioned from professional wrestling to headlining franchises such as ‘Fast and Furious’, ‘Jumanji’, and ‘Black Adam’. He established a production company that develops films and streaming series. Johnson engages in brand partnerships tied to fitness, beverage, and sports ventures. He frequently collaborates with the same directors and stunt teams across multiple projects.

Omar Sy

Omar Sy broke out internationally with ‘The Intouchables’ and moved into Hollywood with ‘Jurassic World’, ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’, and ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. He leads the French series ‘Lupin’, which reached wide global audiences through streaming. Sy works in French and English and alternates between European and U.S. productions. He supports youth and cultural programs in France and West Africa.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal shifted from Mexican cinema to global projects including ‘Y tu mamá también’, ‘Mozart in the Jungle’, and ‘Werewolf by Night’. He co founded a production company that champions Latin American filmmakers. Bernal acts in Spanish and English and appears in both independent features and studio releases. He serves on film festival juries and participates in initiatives that support emerging directors.

Share your favorites and the names you would add to the list in the comments.