Hollywood and the world of entertainment have been shaped by countless legendary figures, but few have left as profound a mark as the Black actors and actresses who broke barriers and redefined what it means to shine on screen. From trailblazing pioneers to contemporary icons, these artists have not only captivated audiences but also challenged stereotypes, expanded opportunities, and inspired generations. Their stories remind us that talent, perseverance, and courage can transform the cultural landscape. Here’s a look at 17 of the most influential Black actors in film and television, whose work continues to resonate far beyond the screen.
17. Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Her career is marked by fearless choices, from sharp comedy to emotionally charged drama, always bringing authenticity and energy to every role.
Her Academy Award-winning performance in Ghost made her only the second Black woman to receive an Oscar for acting, following Hattie McDaniel. Beyond her iconic roles in The Color Purple and Sister Act, Goldberg’s advocacy for social justice and representation makes her influence extend well beyond the screen.
16. Halle Berry
Halle Berry made history as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball, highlighting the ongoing struggles for recognition in Hollywood.
Berry has proven her versatility with dramatic roles in Losing Isaiah and action-packed performances in the X-Men franchise and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Her career is a testament to talent, resilience, and the ability to navigate an industry that still often limits opportunities for Black actresses.
15. Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was a trailblazer, becoming the first African American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress with her performance in Carmen Jones. She captivated audiences with her singing and acting, bringing nuance and grace to every role.
Despite facing systemic racial barriers, Dandridge starred in classics like Porgy and Bess and Island in the Sun, paving the way for future generations of Black performers. Her life was a mixture of triumph and struggle, leaving a legacy that still inspires today.
14. Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt’s career spanned music, film, and theater, making her one of the most unforgettable performers of her generation. Her iconic portrayal of Catwoman on the Batman series brought both elegance and edge to the role.
Kitt’s influence went beyond entertainment; she was a fierce advocate for civil rights and social justice. Her dedication to challenging injustice and her magnetic presence on stage and screen ensured that she would be remembered as much for her courage as her talent.
13. Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson achieved international acclaim for his commanding stage presence, particularly in Othello. His rich voice and gravitas set a new standard for Black actors, both on stage and on screen.
In film roles like The Emperor Jones, Robeson refused to accept demeaning stereotypes, choosing parts that honored Black dignity. Beyond acting, he was a tireless activist for racial equality and workers’ rights, becoming a global symbol of courage and artistry.
12. John Amos
John Amos became a household name as James Evans Sr. on the groundbreaking sitcom Good Times, redefining how Black families were portrayed on television.
His powerful portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the miniseries Roots left an indelible mark, bringing the horrors of slavery to mainstream audiences. Amos’s dedication to authentic storytelling elevated the visibility and depth of Black characters in Hollywood.
11. Lena Horne
Lena Horne was a pioneering talent, one of the first Black women to sign a major Hollywood contract. Her performances in Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky showcased her incredible singing and acting abilities.
Horne refused roles that perpetuated negative stereotypes, using her fame to advocate for civil rights. Her success proved that Black women could achieve mainstream acclaim without compromising integrity, paving the way for future stars.
10. Hattie McDaniel
Hattie McDaniel broke barriers as the first Black person to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind. Despite segregation and limited roles, her performance brought dignity and depth to her character.
McDaniel also became the first Black woman to perform on national radio, extending her influence beyond film. Her courage and talent helped open doors for generations of Black performers in a deeply segregated Hollywood.
9. James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones is a legend whose voice and presence have left a permanent imprint on entertainment. He earned a Tony Award for The Great White Hope and became iconic as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars.
Jones’s work spans stage and screen, from Field of Dreams to The Hunt for Red October. His commitment to excellence and mentorship has inspired countless performers and set the standard for powerful, commanding performances.
8. Ethel Waters
Ethel Waters was a trailblazer, moving from blues and jazz into film and television. She became the second Black performer nominated for an Academy Award for Pinky and the first to star in her own TV show.
Her roles in Cabin in the Sky and acclaimed TV performances challenged narrow definitions of Black talent, leaving a legacy of opportunity for those who followed.
7. Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson built a career around roles that portrayed Black women with dignity and complexity. Her Emmy-winning performance in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and Oscar-nominated role in Sounder are unforgettable.
She refused stereotypical roles, inspiring generations of Black actresses to demand more meaningful and diverse opportunities. Tyson’s legacy is one of courage, artistry, and unwavering advocacy for representation.
6. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson became a household name with his unforgettable role as Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction, earning him critical acclaim and a lasting reputation. His versatility spans action hits, dramatic films, and franchise blockbusters.
From Die Hard with a Vengeance to the Avengers series, Jackson combines charisma and precision in every performance. His career demonstrates that Black actors can dominate both mainstream blockbusters and dramatic works with equal skill.
5. Diahann Carroll
Diahann Carroll broke ground with Julia, the first American TV show starring a Black woman in a non-servant role. Her portrayal of a nurse raising her son redefined representation on television.
Carroll’s work in film, stage, and television, including a Tony Award for No Strings and an Academy Award nomination for Claudine, showcases her range and pioneering spirit. She opened the door for nuanced portrayals of Black women for decades to come.
4. Louis Gossett Jr.
Louis Gossett Jr. won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for An Officer and a Gentleman, becoming the first Black actor to do so. His performances in Roots and A Raisin in the Sun showed his emotional depth and dedication to authenticity.
By challenging Hollywood’s casting norms, Gossett Jr. inspired future generations of actors to pursue roles that reflect the full spectrum of Black experiences. His career is a masterclass in resilience and excellence.
3. Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte gained fame as a singer before making waves in Hollywood, starring in films like Carmen Jones and Island in the Sun. His choice of roles often confronted social issues and defied stereotypes.
Belafonte’s work as a civil rights activist paralleled his entertainment career, partnering with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy blends artistry and activism, proving the power of celebrity for social change.
2. Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman’s iconic voice and commanding presence have made him a fixture in Hollywood. His breakout in Street Smart earned him his first Academy Award nomination, while later roles in Driving Miss Daisy, Glory, and The Shawshank Redemption solidified his status.
Freeman’s career exemplifies talent paired with perseverance. With an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby and countless memorable performances, he remains a benchmark for excellence in film and television.
1. Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier stands as a true Hollywood pioneer, becoming the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for Lilies of the Field. His dignified performances set a new standard for representation.
Roles in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and In the Heat of the Night confronted racial tensions head-on, making Poitier a trailblazer both on screen and in society. His courage, talent, and integrity continue to inspire generations of actors.
These 17 remarkable figures not only entertained the world but also transformed it. Through barrier-breaking performances, advocacy, and unwavering dedication, they have expanded the possibilities for Black talent in Hollywood, leaving a legacy that will resonate for decades to come.