Breaking into Hollywood has never been easy, but these Black artists didn’t just find success; they made history. Through record-setting wins, groundbreaking casting, and culture-shifting performances, they changed how audiences see talent, storytelling, and representation. From film and television to theater and music, these 15 figures left an undeniable mark on entertainment.
15. Zendaya
Zendaya has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most influential young stars. Her raw, fearless performance as Rue on HBO’s Euphoria earned her an Emmy, making her the youngest actor ever to win Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Beyond awards, Zendaya has reshaped expectations for leading roles, particularly for young Black women. Her work in the Spider-Man films and her vocal support for inclusive casting have helped push the industry forward. That historic Emmy win proved the moment wasn’t a fluke; it was a sign of lasting change.
14. Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele changed the game with Get Out, becoming the first Black screenwriter to win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The film blended horror with sharp social commentary and instantly became a cultural touchstone. Peele’s success opened new doors for Black-led genre films, showing that stories centered on Black experiences could dominate both critically and commercially. With Us and Nope, he continues to challenge expectations and expand representation in bold, creative ways.
13. Quvenzhané Wallis
Quvenzhané Wallis made history at just nine years old when she became the youngest Best Actress nominee in Oscar history for Beasts of the Southern Wild. She later broke another barrier as the first Black actor to play Annie in a major film adaptation. Her early achievements highlighted the importance of diverse casting in leading roles. Beyond acting, Wallis has also authored children’s books, helping bring representation to young readers and proving her influence stretches far beyond the screen.
12. Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams made headlines as the first Black Miss America in 1984, a historic moment that came with intense scrutiny. After losing her crown, she rebuilt her career on her own terms, finding success in music, television, and film. With multiple Grammy and Emmy nominations and standout roles on shows like Ugly Betty, Williams turned adversity into longevity. Her story remains one of resilience, reinvention, and undeniable talent.
11. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer has been in the spotlight since childhood, but her career is defined by constant evolution. From Nickelodeon stardom to Broadway and film, she’s repeatedly made history, including becoming the first Black woman to host the MTV Video Music Awards. She also broke barriers on stage as Broadway’s first Black Cinderella. Palmer’s openness about representation and creative freedom has made her both a standout performer and a voice for change.
10. Gloria Hendry
Gloria Hendry secured her place in film history as one of the first Black Bond girls in Live and Let Die. Her role opposite Roger Moore was groundbreaking at a time when interracial romance on screen was still controversial. Despite facing censorship abroad due to apartheid policies, Hendry’s performance helped push Hollywood toward more inclusive casting. Her work in the 1970s challenged long-standing stereotypes in action cinema.
9. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is unmatched on Broadway. With six Tony Awards, the most ever won by an actor, she’s proven her extraordinary range time and time again. She’s also the only performer to win in all four acting categories, breaking barriers in a space long dominated by white performers. McDonald’s excellence has inspired countless artists to pursue theater at the highest level.
8. John Legend
John Legend’s career spans music, film, and theater, earning him the rare EGOT distinction. His contributions to projects like Glory and Jitney helped cement his place in entertainment history. Equally important is his advocacy. Legend consistently uses his platform to address social justice and representation, showing that artistic success and activism can go hand in hand.
7. Anika Noni Rose
Anika Noni Rose made history as the voice of Princess Tiana, Disney’s first Black animated princess in The Princess and the Frog. The role marked a major step forward for representation in children’s media. A Tony Award winner with roots in Broadway and film, Rose continues to bring depth and authenticity to every performance. Her work has inspired young audiences to see themselves as heroes.
6. Donald Glover
Donald Glover is the definition of a multi-hyphenate. As the creator and star of Atlanta, he became the first Black person to win an Emmy for directing a comedy series. Whether through television, film, or music as Childish Gambino, Glover’s work tackles race, identity, and culture with originality and edge. His success has redefined what modern entertainment can look like.
5. Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashad redefined motherhood on television as Clair Huxtable, portraying a successful, complex Black woman at a time when such roles were rare. She later made history as the first Black woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress. Beyond her performances, Rashad has mentored emerging talent and advocated for broader representation. Her influence continues to shape generations of performers.
4. Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte was a pioneer across multiple industries. He became the first Black man to win a Tony Award and the first Black person to receive an Emmy. More than an entertainer, Belafonte was a tireless civil rights activist who used his platform to fight injustice. His legacy blends artistry with purpose in a way few have matched.
3. Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart’s rise from stand-up comedy clubs to global stardom is remarkable. In 2015, he made history by becoming the first comedian to sell out an NFL stadium. With box-office hits and hosting roles, Hart helped bring Black comedy to massive mainstream audiences. His journey reflects both hustle and the changing face of Hollywood success.
2. Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o stunned the world with her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave, becoming the first Mexican actress to take home the award. Her work in franchises like Black Panther and Star Wars has made her a global symbol of representation. Nyong’o continues to choose roles that challenge norms and celebrate diverse identities.
1. Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle transformed comedy with Chappelle’s Show, blending humor with sharp social insight. His willingness to confront uncomfortable truths reshaped stand-up and television. Through film roles and sold-out comedy tours, Chappelle’s influence continues to ripple through entertainment. His legacy is built on fearless honesty and creative independence.
These trailblazers didn’t just succeed in entertainment; they shifted its foundation. Their achievements opened doors, changed narratives, and made space for voices that once went unheard. Together, they remind us that representation isn’t a trend, it’s history in the making.