Without trailblazing Black women breaking barriers, redefining stardom, and leaving an indelible mark on stage, screen, and beyond, Hollywood and the performing arts would lack so much in vibrancy, daring, and inspiration. Filled with grit, talent, and grace, journeys like theirs just don’t come around that often; their legacy continues to be celebrated today, from the rich programming of the Apollo Theater to star-studded honors by the American Black Film Festival. The following are 15 of the most influential Black women who have transformed film, television, and the performing arts.
15. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer is a true multi-hyphenate talent. Since her breakout in Akeelah and the Bee, she has earned Emmy recognition, starred on Broadway as the first Black Cinderella, released music, authored a book, and hosted shows like NBC’s Password. Her recent role in Jordan Peele’s Nope further cements her place as a generational voice. Palmer is also widely celebrated for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in entertainment.
14. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Versatility and depth mark the career of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. From the Oscar nomination for King Richard to an arc in Lovecraft Country and a standout performance in When They See Us, she proves her range over and over. With projects like The Nickel Boys still forthcoming, her continued influence in film, television, and theater is assured. The American Black Film Festival bestowed upon her the Excellence in the Arts Award as a celebration of her remarkable impact.
13. Phylicia Rashad
Phylicia Rashad’s role as Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show placed her in the majority of living rooms, but she did so much more than that. She won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for the revival of A Raisin in the Sun, becoming the first Black actress to do so, and continues to be a mentor and director of inspiration. Rashad’s career has been a masterclass in elegance, leadership, and excellence.
12. Pam Grier
Pam Grier was an icon of empowerment with her signature roles in 1970s blaxploitation films, such as Coffy and Foxy Brown. Beyond the screen, she has remained a leader in the community, founding the Pam Grier Community Garden & Education Center. It’s Grier’s fierce presence and lasting influence that prove she has affected much more than Hollywood.
11. Cicely Tyson
The seven-decade-long career of Cicely Tyson extended the meaning of what it would be to be an actress of color in Hollywood. An Oscar-nominated performance in the film Sounder and recognition with the Presidential Medal of Freedom only touch on the power of her impact. Tyson imbued every character with dignity, depth, and strength, opening paths for generations of performers.
10. Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carroll was a pioneer on so many fronts. She was the first Black woman to win a Tony Award and to have her own series, Julia. She broke barriers in representation. Her work in Carmen Jones, Porgy & Bess, and Claudine challenged stereotypes and expanded possibilities for Black women in entertainment.
9. Ruby Dee
Ruby Dee’s legacy integrates art with activism. With unforgettable performances over six decades, from A Raisin in the Sun to Do the Right Thing, she used her platform to fight for civil rights and social justice, proving that one could practice both art and advocacy together.
8. Lena Horne
With a potent mix of glamour, talent, and fearlessness, Lena Horne was Hollywood’s first Black screen siren. Her performances in Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky broke cinematic ground, but her activism-refusing to perform for segregated audiences and advocating for civil rights-solidified her impact. When she was free from the studio system and allowed to be herself, her artistry blossomed.
7. Jeni Le Gon
Jeni LeGon, tapper extraordinaire and trailblazer, was one of the first African American women signed by a major Hollywood studio. From Stormy Weather to her choreography and teaching, Le Gon’s legacy helped pave the way for Black dancers and actresses in the performing arts.
6. Katherine Dunham
Katherine Dunham transformed the face of dance by integrating anthropology with choreography to present African and Caribbean traditions on American stages. Generations of dancers were trained at the Dunham School of Arts and Research, while films such as Carnival of Rhythm and Stormy Weather showcased her ahead-of-her-time artistry.
5. Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker was an international sensation in the 1920s and wowed Paris, becoming a symbol of the Jazz Age. In addition to her performances, she worked for the French Resistance and civil rights, making her legacy absolutely incomparable as a performer and activist.
4. Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to ever take home an Oscar, for her performance as Mammy in Gone With the Wind. Despite relentless racism and typecasting, she brought humanity and nuance to every role. McDaniel’s resilience continues to inspire discussions about representation and equality in Hollywood.
3. Nina Mae McKinney
Nina Mae McKinney was often called “Hollywood’s first Black love goddess.” She was a triple threat: she was singing, dancing, and acting her way into history with Hallelujah! and Pie, Pie Blackbird. An international career and versatility made her a favorite among film historians and audiences alike.
2. Fredi Washington
Fredi Washington, a star of the Harlem Renaissance, harnessed her talent and platform in service to civil rights and greater representation in Hollywood. Her activism and performances laid a framework for future generations of Black artists as artistry blended with courage.
1. Theresa Harris
Theresa Harris is the very definition of perseverance. Faced with constant typecasting into roles of maids, she played them intelligently, subtly, and with dignity. An outspoken critic of Hollywood’s systemic racism, Harris insisted that all she wanted was to be recognized as an actress-not a stereotype. Her story is a reminder of the many barriers Black women have faced and continue to face in the entertainment business.
These 15 incredible women did more than just perform; they paved paths for generations to come, changed industries, and inspired scores of artists to dream big. Their influence ripples through the fabric of cinema, theatre, music, and dance-a reminder that talent, courage, and determination can make all the difference in the world, leaving behind legacies to last for generations thereafter.