Let’s be real—when it comes to charm, star power, and simple, undeniable charisma, Black actresses have been setting the bar for many, many years. They have a unique combination of beauty, brains, charm, and plain old talent that holds us in awe every single time they hit the screen. From the trailblazers of yore who set the pace for today’s Hollywood-stealing divas, these women have rewritten the rule book when it comes to how one can ‘command attention.’ You are ready for a walk down memory lane and some of your all-time favorite Black actresses? Here are 30 of the very best, in reverse, for dramatic effect.
10. Kimberly Elise
If Diary of a Mad Black Woman has ever had you rummaging for a tissue, then I think it’s safe to say that you know the impact that the acting of Kimberly Elise can play on a scene. The truth is, there is something special about Elise, an ability to make hurt, anguish, and strength not only believable, but painfully so. It’s an honor not only to pay tribute to this talented actress but also to consider her impact and influence on the acting world.
9. Anika Noni Rose
There’s one Disney princess per generation, and Anika Noni Rose provided us with one of the most historic: Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog. Rose’s talent doesn’t end at animation, though she’s a Tony Award winner on Broadway, a force to be reckoned with in Dreamgirls, and a riveting presence in For Colored Girls. Her voice, charm, and poise are heartthrob energy incarnate, and she continues to inspire fans who identify with her range of roles.
8. Loretta Devine
Loretta Devine possesses that special magic in which she can be everyone’s favorite aunt, teacher, or mom. With her warm energy and voice that won’t be forgotten, she’s brightened up the screen for a decade, from her unforgettable performance in Waiting to Exhale to her favorite recurring role on Grey’s Anatomy. Devine mixes maternal affection with sass and wisdom, making characters feel like family. She’s a comfort presence and a legend in one.
7. Phylicia Rashād
To many, Phylicia Rashād will always be Clair Huxtable, the fashionable, witty, and poised mother from The Cosby Show who reimagined what a television mother might look like. But Rashād’s body of work is far greater than one character; er she’s a Tony Award-winning actress, a critically acclaimed performer on dramas such as This Is Us and Empire, and an in-demand cultural icon in her own right. Her poise and authoritative presence make her one of the greatest Black actresses of all time.
6. Alfre Woodard
Few actresses can transition as effortlessly between genres as Alfre Woodard. She can convey understated weight in a period piece such as 12 Years a Slave and then reverse gears to spit fire in the contemporary comic-book universe of Luke Cage. Her acting is always candid and emotionally charged, and each character feels constructed and real. Woodard has been doing this for decades, and she remains one of Hollywood’s most esteemed, multifaceted stars.
5. Pam Grier
Pam Grier lived the “strong female lead” long before it was a Hollywood cliché. During the 1970s, she ruled over blaxploitation movies such as Coffy and Foxy Brown, in which she kicked in doors (literally and symbolically) and took no prisoners. Then she refreshed our memory about her legendary status with Jackie Brown and created a new generation of fans. Grier’s mix of toughness, beauty, and charisma made her the biggest heartthrob of generations.
4. Cicely Tyson
Trailblazer does not even come close to capturing Cicely Tyson. Over the course of her career, she purposefully selected parts that empowered and honored Black women, refusing to accept stereotypes. Her work in Sounder, Roots, and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman set the bar for acting excellence. Aside from her remarkable talent, Tyson walked with dignity and bravery, becoming an icon whose legacy will endure eternally.
3. Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge was not only stunning, but she was a trailblazer. Being the first African-American woman to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Carmen Jones, she opened doors in a Hollywood that frequently sought to contain her. With her powerful presence, husky voice, and unarguable talent, she was a genuine symbol of her time. More significantly, she helped pave the way for generations of Black actresses who would follow and dream bigger.
2. Lena Horne
Singer, dancer, actress, and activist Lena Horne did it all. With her poise and stellar performances on screen in the movies Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather, she emerged as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars during an age abounding with racial divides. Offstage, she struggled fervently for civil rights, ensuring her physical beauty and talent were matched by courage and conviction. Horne was more than a symbol; she was a force to be reckoned with.
1. Ruby Dee
Leading the pack is Ruby Dee, a legend whose talent went far beyond the stage and screen. With iconic roles in A Raisin in the Sun and Do the Right Thing, she infused every role with depth and fire. But Dee was not just an actor; she was an activist, fighting alongside her husband, Ossie Davis, in the battle for civil rights. Her life was a testament to talent, grit, and purpose, and thus made her one of the best-loved and most respected Black actresses in history.
These women weren’t just stars; they were game-changers. Each of them redefined what it meant to be a Black actress, blending beauty, charisma, and undeniable talent in ways that left audiences in awe. From pioneers like Dorothy Dandridge to modern-day powerhouses like Anika Noni Rose, they’ve given us characters and performances we’ll never forget. And let’s be honest, our hearts never stood a chance.