These aren’t actors; these are trailblazers. Each broke down doors in Hollywood, defined what could be done, and opened doors for those who followed. From Academy Award-winning performances to pioneering roles on television, these legends transformed the business in ways that even reverberate today. Here’s the countdown, beginning at number 12.
12. Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman’s filmography was short, but the effect was cataclysmic. He breathed life into real-life legends such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall before entering history as King T’Challa in Black Panther. That performance was a cultural sensation, captivating millions worldwide. Even as he battled cancer in secret, Boseman brought performances steeped in power and grace, leaving behind a legacy that will transcend many generations.
11. Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx embodies range. He became famous doing comedy, surprised the world with an Oscar-winning turn as Ray Charles in Ray, and ruled music charts as a Grammy-winning recording artist. From Django Unchained to The Jamie Foxx Show, his skill at doing it all has established him as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents.
10. Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer adds depth and humanity to all of her performances. She took home her first Oscar for The Help and followed up with award-winning performances in Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water. Off-screen as well, Spencer has been a vocal champion of diversity in Hollywood, using her own voice to advocate for change both in front of and behind the camera.
9. Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington shattered records with her portrayal of Olivia Pope in Scandal, the first Black female lead on a network drama in years. Her work on Ray and American Son demonstrates her incredible range, and as an advocate for representation and social justice, she is a true changemaker. Washington has also ventured into producing, putting more diverse stories on screen.
8. Angela Bassett
Few stars possess the intensity and presence that Angela Bassett has. Her performance as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It resulted in an Oscar nomination, and her turns in Malcolm X, Black Panther, and The Rosa Parks Story have solidified her Hollywood royalty status. Bassett remains an advocate for improved representation, especially for Black women, demonstrating that her reach goes far beyond film.
7. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy transformed comedy into superstardom. Saturday Night Live stardom made him a household name, while films such as Coming to America, Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop turned him into box-office gold. But Murphy is more than a joke, his work in Dreamgirls demonstrated his dramatic range, and his return in Dolemite Is My Name reminded us why his legacy cannot be touched.
6. Forest Whitaker
Forest Whitaker is a chameleon. His Oscar-winning performance as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland was unforgettable, but his body of work Bird to Rogue One to Black Panther, demonstrates breathtaking range. Outside the world of filmmaking, Whitaker has committed himself to humanitarian efforts and directing, demonstrating his dedication to making a difference in the world as much as in Hollywood.
5. Samuel L. Jackson
With over 150 credits under his belt, Samuel L. Jackson is ubiquitous, and fans wouldn’t have him any other way. He’s been unforgettable as Pulp Fiction, Jurassic Park, and Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His voice is iconic enough to bring characters like Afro Samurai to life. Jackson’s combination of charm, toughness, and sheer work ethic has made him one of the most bankable and iconic stars of all time.
4. Halle Berry
Halle Berry broke barriers as the first, and to date, the only Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, for Monster’s Ball. From Storm in X-Men to starring in action films and dramas, Berry has demonstrated her versatility. Beyond film work, she’s used her platform to fight for greater representation, advocating for an industry where her record-breaker is the norm rather than the exception.
3. Viola Davis
Few thespians possess the strength of Viola Davis. A winner of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), she has given performances to remember in Fences, How to Get Away With Murder, and Doubt. Davis is also a forceful champion of equity in Hollywood, always calling for more room and opportunity for Black women. Her presence is commanding yet inspiring, and she is one of the shaping figures of contemporary cinema.
2. Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman’s gravitas is unsurpassed. His performances in Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, and Million Dollar Baby are indelibly etched in the history of cinema. With his uniquely recognizable voice and rock-solid presence, Freeman is today simply “authoritative” or “wise.” Outside of acting, his production firm and charitable endeavours reflect a passion for telling stories and effecting social transformation.
1. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is at the pinnacle. With two Oscars (Glory and Training Day), a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a slew of unforgettable performances, he’s the gold standard in Tinseltown. No matter if he’s portraying historical figures such as Malcolm X, action heroes, or deeply flawed men, Washington lends intensity and authenticity to every role. As a director and mentor, he continues to influence the next generation. His impact is nothing short of legendary.
These performers didn’t merely receive awards and recognition; they changed culture. By shattering barriers and setting the bar higher for all, they’ve made Hollywood more real, more representative, and more inspiring. Their legacies continue to guide the generations yet to come.