The Most Influential Biracial Celebs of Our Time

Representation in entertainment, sports, fashion, and media has expanded in visible ways, and biracial stars have helped lead that change with measurable achievements and broad cultural reach. Their careers span award winning albums, record breaking box office runs, championship trophies, and globally streamed series that shape how audiences see identity and possibility.

This list looks at public impact across work, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and community efforts, with a focus on people whose visibility has opened doors for others. You will find actors, musicians, athletes, creators, and multi hyphen professionals whose projects, charities, and companies reach millions and continue to influence how stories are made and shared.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle first gained wide recognition with a long running role on the legal drama ‘Suits’ and then became one of the most watched public figures after her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. She has produced and appeared in nonfiction projects including the Netflix series ‘Harry and Meghan’ and launched the podcast ‘Archetypes’ that featured guests from across media and public life.

Through the Archewell Foundation she supports initiatives focused on online safety, gender equity, and disaster relief, and has partnered with organizations to fund community kitchens and mental health resources. Her work with publishers and streamers has extended to developing children’s content and books, including the picture book The Bench.

Zendaya

Zendaya’s lead performance in ‘Euphoria’ brought her multiple major television awards and set ratings records for her network and streamer. Her film work includes prominent roles in ‘Dune’ and ‘Challengers’ along with music contributions that have charted internationally.

She has production credits that include feature and television projects, along with partnerships in fashion and beauty that shape trends across red carpet and street style. Zendaya engages with educational programs and scholarship initiatives, and her social media reach drives large audience responses to campaigns tied to arts education and youth services.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress with ‘Monsters Ball’ and anchored global franchises with action roles in films like ‘Die Another Day’ and ‘Catwoman’. She has expanded into directing and producing, building vehicles for varied roles and mentoring new talent through her production banner.

She supports advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and raises funds for treatment and research related to diabetes care. Berry’s brand partnerships have included long running beauty and fashion collaborations, and she frequently appears at industry forums that focus on equitable hiring and career development.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson moved from championship level sports entertainment into a lead film career that includes ‘Fast and Furious’, ‘Jumanji’, and the animated hit ‘Moana’. He co founded Seven Bucks Productions and produces films and television series that consistently reach global audiences across theatrical and streaming releases.

His business ventures include a successful tequila brand, a fitness apparel line with a major sports company, and investments in sports properties. Johnson supports Make A Wish and disaster relief campaigns, and his public outreach has mobilized significant donations for first responders and community rebuilding.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka is a four time Grand Slam singles champion with titles at the US Open and Australian Open. She lit the Olympic cauldron at the Tokyo Games and has been among the highest earning athletes worldwide, with sponsorships from leading sports and lifestyle brands.

Osaka co founded the talent agency Evolve and the media company Hana Kuma to develop stories centered on diverse voices. She has funded school projects in Haiti and Japan, advanced mental health conversations in sports, and launched apparel collaborations that raise money for community organizations.

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ debut album Songs in A Minor earned multiple Grammy Awards and established a long career with chart topping singles and world tours. She has performed at major global events and led music programming for television specials that raised millions for health and relief causes.

Keys co founded Keep a Child Alive to support families affected by HIV and AIDS and has been a long time ambassador for education and youth empowerment. She has written books, created a beauty line, and produced stage and screen projects that bring new composers and writers to larger platforms.

Drake

Drake has set numerous streaming and chart records with albums like Views, Scorpion, and Certified Lover Boy while maintaining a steady presence on global tours. His collaborations cross pop, hip hop, and dance, and his videos regularly surpass hundreds of millions of views.

He built OVO into a record label, fashion brand, and festival presence, and serves as a global ambassador for the Toronto Raptors with in arena and community programming. Drake has invested in esports and media ventures and funds scholarships and local projects in Toronto and other cities where he records and tours.

J. Cole

J. Cole’s albums 2014 Forest Hills Drive, KOD, and The Off Season reached number one on major charts and have been certified multi platinum. He is known for headlining arena tours and for producing tracks for other artists through his studio work.

He co founded Dreamville Records and created the Dreamville Festival, which brings music and local businesses together for a multi day event in North Carolina. Cole has funded educational initiatives in his hometown and supports housing projects through nonprofit partnerships.

Halsey

Halsey’s albums Badlands, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, Manic, and If I Can’t Have Love I Want Power delivered multiple top ten singles and international tours. They collaborate with visual artists and film directors to create extended music films and live experiences.

Halsey supports programs for reproductive health, LGBTQ youth, and mental health resources, including direct grants to grassroots organizations. They have authored poetry, launched makeup and beauty products, and partnered with brands to build charitable capsules that fund crisis support.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg appeared in ‘The Hunger Games’ and led ‘The Hate U Give’, which adapted a widely read novel for the screen. They star in ‘The Acolyte’ and have worked on independent films that premiered at major festivals with strong global distribution.

Stenberg participates in educational campaigns on digital literacy and speaks at forums about creative ownership and inclusive casting. They collaborate with fashion and beauty partners on projects that support youth arts programs, and their essays and talks are used in classrooms to discuss media representation.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa headlined ‘Aquaman’, one of the highest grossing films based on a comic book character, and played major roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘See’. He has produced action and adventure projects and launched a production company to expand stories tied to the Pacific.

He advocates for ocean conservation and supports clean water access in island communities, including work with nonprofit partners and policy campaigns. Momoa founded a sustainable water brand to reduce single use plastics and uses tour appearances to raise funds for environmental restoration.

Rashida Jones

Rashida Jones starred in ‘Parks and Recreation’, ‘The Office’, and ‘Angie Tribeca’, and she has written and produced scripted and documentary projects. Her documentary ‘Quincy’ received major awards recognition and gave a detailed portrait of a landmark producer and bandleader.

Jones works with organizations that support girls in tech and media literacy in schools. She has co developed consumer products and design collaborations and serves on advisory boards that connect arts education with community centers.

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz has sold millions of albums worldwide with hits across rock, soul, and pop, and he won four consecutive Grammy Awards for male rock vocal performance. He appeared in films such as ‘The Hunger Games’ and has photographed and designed campaigns for major fashion houses.

Kravitz founded a design firm that has created interiors and products for hotels and residences. He supports programs for arts education and youth music instruction, often donating instruments and funding scholarships for young performers.

Maya Rudolph

Maya Rudolph earned widespread recognition on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and built a film and television career with projects like ‘Bridesmaids’ and the series ‘Loot’. She has produced and voiced characters in animated films and series across multiple studios.

Rudolph funds arts programs in public schools and partners with organizations that bring comedy writing and performance workshops to underserved communities. She has hosted and produced live events that raise money for health research and emergency relief.

Keegan-Michael Key

Keegan Michael Key co created and starred in ‘Key and Peele’, which won a Peabody Award and multiple Emmys for its sketch work. He has acted in films like ‘Keanu’ and voiced characters in ‘The Super Mario Bros Movie’ and other animated features.

He supports literacy programs and co founded initiatives that bring improv training to classrooms. Key frequently hosts benefit shows and collaborates with nonprofits to create writing fellowships for emerging comedic voices.

Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik launched a solo career after early success with a pop group and achieved a number one debut with the single Pillowtalk and the album Mind of Mine. He has continued to release albums and collaborations that chart in multiple countries and appear prominently on streaming platforms.

Malik has developed fashion capsules with luxury and streetwear brands and contributes to campaigns focused on food security and refugee support. He works with children’s charities in the United Kingdom and has funded arts and music equipment for youth centers.

Henry Golding

Henry Golding broke out internationally with ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and followed with ‘A Simple Favor’ and ‘Snake Eyes’. Before his film career he presented travel series on television, building experience across cultures and locations in Asia and Europe.

Golding serves as an ambassador for wildlife and conservation organizations and supports tourism campaigns that highlight responsible travel. He collaborates with watch and fashion brands and uses those partnerships to promote artisan makers from Southeast Asia.

Taika Waititi

Taika Waititi wrote and directed ‘Jojo Rabbit’, which won the Academy Award for adapted screenplay, and directed ‘Thor Ragnarok’ within the Marvel universe. His earlier features ‘Boy’ and ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ set box office marks in New Zealand and reached global audiences through streaming.

Waititi co founded a production company that backs Indigenous filmmakers and diverse creators. He supports literacy and child health campaigns and has led fundraising live streams that direct money to local schools and arts programs.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha Raw earned critical attention with ‘Belle’ and ‘Beyond the Lights’ and reached a wide television audience with ‘Loki’ and the acclaimed ‘San Junipero’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’. She also leads the Apple TV series ‘Surface’ and performs on stage in London and New York.

She serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR and travels to meet refugees and advocate for education and resettlement support. Mbatha Raw works with British arts charities that provide training and performance opportunities for young actors from underrepresented communities.

Naomi Scott

Naomi Scott played Princess Jasmine in ‘Aladdin’ and appeared in ‘Power Rangers’ and ‘Charlies Angels’. She also records and releases pop and R and B music and has toured with a set built around original songs.

Scott supports anti trafficking organizations and mentorship programs for young women in the United Kingdom. She participates in church based community projects and partners with brands to fund sports and arts equipment for local schools.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became a global television figure with ‘Prison Break’ and later joined ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. He has written screenplays and worked as a consultant on series that address mental health and social themes.

Miller speaks publicly about depression and supports suicide prevention efforts through fundraising and awareness campaigns. He collaborates with LGBTQ organizations on programs that train peer counselors and build resources for young people.

Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance and set a quarterback rushing record in a playoff game. He became known worldwide for his decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality.

He co founded the Know Your Rights Camp to provide legal and educational support for young people and families. His media work includes the Netflix series ‘Colin in Black and White’ and publishing projects that spotlight authors and activists.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey has 19 number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and holds records for weeks at number one across multiple decades. Her albums Daydream and The Emancipation of Mimi produced multi platinum singles and global tours that filled arenas.

She wrote and recorded All I Want for Christmas Is You, which returns to the top of charts worldwide each year. Carey supports the Fresh Air Fund and co created Camp Mariah, which provides career development for city youth through summer programs and internships.

H.E.R.

H.E.R. won Song of the Year at the Grammys for I Cant Breathe and an Academy Award for Fight for You from ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. Her releases have topped R and B charts and she has collaborated with legacy artists across stages and tribute specials.

She funds music education programs and instrument drives for schools and community centers. H.E.R. has expanded into acting and live broadcast performances, including national anthems and concert specials that raise money for relief funds.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi starred in a hit family sitcom and leads its college set spinoff, while also taking feature roles and voice work in animated films. She enrolled at Harvard University and balances academic work with acting and producing.

Shahidi founded Eighteen x 18 to encourage youth civic participation and launched a production company with a first look deal to develop stories from diverse creators. She partners with beauty and fashion brands to support scholarships and mentorships for young women in STEM and the arts.

Share which names you would add to the list in the comments.