17 Famous Black Actresses in Hollywood in 2023
Hollywood has seen a significant increase in diversity and representation in recent years, with black actresses taking on more prominent roles in film and television. From classic performers like Halle Berry and Whoopi Goldberg to newer rising stars like Zendaya and Yara Shahidi, black actresses have made a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
This article will highlight 17 famous black actresses who have made their mark in Hollywood. These women have not only broken barriers and shattered stereotypes but have also paved the way for future generations of black actresses to follow in their footsteps. From award-winning performances to iconic roles, these actresses have left a lasting impression on audiences and the industry as a whole.
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at these talented women and their contributions to Hollywood.
List Style Article
Here are 25 famous black actresses in Hollywood, along with a brief summary of their celebrity bios:
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett is an American actress and activist known for her roles in “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Waiting to Exhale,” and “Black Panther.” She has won numerous awards for her work, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is an American actress and former fashion model. She is known for her roles in “Monster’s Ball,” “Die Another Day,” and “Catwoman.” She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis is an American actress known for her roles in “The Help,” “Fences,” and “How to Get Away with Murder.” She has won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award.
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson is an American actress known for her roles in “Hidden Figures,” “Empire,” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” She has won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress known for her roles in “12 Years a Slave,” “Black Panther,” and “Us.” She has won an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington is an American actress known for her roles in “Scandal,” “Django Unchained,” and “Little Fires Everywhere.” She has been nominated for several awards, including Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
Regina King
Regina King is an American actress and director known for her roles in “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Watchmen,” and “Ray.” She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and several Emmy Awards.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer is an American actress and author known for her roles in “The Help,” “Hidden Figures,” and “The Shape of Water.” She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and businesswoman known for her roles in “The Nutty Professor,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” and “Gotham.” She has won several awards, including a BET Award and a NAACP Image Award.
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union is an American actress and activist known for her roles in “Bring It On,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “Bad Boys II.” She has won several awards, including a BET Award and a NAACP Image Award.
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard is an American actress, producer, and political activist known for her roles in “Cross Creek,” “Mississippi Grind,” and “Luke Cage.” She has won several awards, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Regina Hall
Regina Hall is an American actress and comedian known for her roles in “Girls Trip,” “Scary Movie,” and “The Best Man.” She has won several awards, including a BET Award and a NAACP Image Award.
Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson is an American actress and musician known for her roles in “Dear White People,” “Creed,” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” She has been nominated for several awards, including a NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Zendaya
Zendaya is an American actress, singer, and fashion model known for her roles in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Euphoria,” and “The Greatest Showman.” She has won several awards, including an Emmy Award and a NAACP Image Award.
Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashad is an American actress, singer, and stage director known for her roles in “The Cosby Show,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” and “For Colored Girls.” She has won several awards, including a Tony Award and a NAACP Image Award.
Nia Long
Nia Long is an American actress known for her roles in “Boyz n the Hood,” “The Best Man,” and “Empire.” She has been nominated for several awards, including a NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Angela Robinson
Angela Robinson is an American actress and director known for her roles in “The Haves and the Have Nots,” “The L Word,” and “True Blood.” She has won several awards, including a GLAAD Media Award and a NAACP Image Award.
