Thanks to the abolition of slavery and racism, the entertainment world has finally been blessed by marvelous black actors and actresses. Today, let’s pay a tribute to these legendary artists.
Today no movie in Hollywood can be made without a black actor starring in it, such has been the impact of black actors on the movie audiences. Blacks are generally considered the gurus of rapping and music, but a large percentage of them are also great actors. Today, the US has become a country of equal rights and the main credit certainly goes to the great Martin Luther and some of the best black actors who have bridged the gap of racism with their acting talents and genuine love for show business. Here’s a look at some of the most famous black actors in America.
Most Famous Black Actors
Today, black actors all over the world have collected a huge fan base and are putting their hands in almost all forms of entertainment; let it be acting, rapping, producing, movie making and writing scripts and songs. Most of the following names have been also one of the most influential faces of the 21st century.
Denzel Washington
It’s just impossible to forget this name when you are talking about top black actors in the world. He is one of the most talented actors I’ve seen in the movie business. He’s not only a great actor but a very successful director and producer. He’s the son of a Lennis and Denzel Washington Sr. He started acting in plays since he was in high school and got his first break in the TV world and from that point there was no looking back. He’s globally known for his portrayal of life figures like Rubin Carter, Frank Lucas, Steve Biko, etc. apart from acting he’s also received favorable success in directing and theater.
Sidney Poitier
You just can’t forget the man who’s laid the foundation of countless black American actors to follow. Sir Sidney Poitier is the first black actor to win an Oscar for his role in the Lilies of the Field. Sir Poitier was born to Evelyn and Reginald James Poitier, his parents were tomato sellers and raised him with love and care. As a young man, Sir Sidney Poitier did lots of odd jobs to have a steady income and joined the army as a dishwasher but he was destined to be in acting and fortunately began his stage career with the American Negro Theater. He’s been a part of the most memorable films of all time and today serves as the ambassador of the Bahamas to Japan, a position he’s been holding since 1997. Certainly one of the most famous black people on the planet.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman is an actor narrator and an excellent film director. His parents were Mayme Edna and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, Sr. Since childhood Freeman was interested in acting and made his stage debut at the age of 9 in a school play. He’s known to star in critically acclaimed films like Shawshank Redemption, Unforgiven, Glory, Seven, Deep Impact, The Sum of All Fears, The Bucket List and many more. He has won an Oscar for best supporting actor in the critically acclaimed Million Dollar Baby. Freeman is also known for his distinctive voice for which he is often approached to narrate documentaries and short films.
Will Smith
One of the top African-American actors of all time, Will Smith comes on the #4 spot in my list of famous black actors. He’s also one of the most successful actors of the 21st century, most of his films has surpassed the mark of $200 million making him one of the most bankable actors in the business. He’s the son of Caroline and Willard Christopher Smith, Sr. Both his parents brought him up with simple values. Will started his showbiz career as a rapper in the mid 80s and by the late 90s he had already become a household name with the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and some supporting roles in blockbuster movies. His most notable performance is of Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness which also won him an Academy nomination for best actor. Truly one of the most talented actors of our generation.
Halle Berry
I think this name needs no introduction, Halle Berry is one of the most brilliant actors in this world. She is the daughter of Judith Ann and Jerome Jesse Berry and has been in front of the camera since she was a little girl. She started out by winning beauty pageants and eventually made her way into Hollywood. She’s starred in many great films and won an Oscar for Monster’s Ball. She’s also involved in many philanthropic activities and is a strong advocate against diabetes, a disease which Berry is suffering since she was 15. One of the most amazing things about Halle Berry are her beautiful features but she’s one beauty with brains and loads of acting talent.
List of Famous Black Actors
Other than the 5 amazing names mentioned above, here’s a list of some of some reputed black actors in Hollywood. Even today when you watch their films they never fail to amaze us with their acting talents and sense of cinema.
Male Black Actors | Female Black Actors |
Eddie Murphy | Queen Latifah |
Chris Rock | Thandie Newton |
Jamie Foxx | Angela Bassett |
Wesley Snipes | Jennifer Hudson |
Lawrence Fishburne | Vanessa Lynn Williams |
Forest Whitaker | Viola Davis |
Samuel L Jackson | Zoe Saldana |
Don Cheadle | Alfre Woodard |
Cuba Gooding Jr. | Taraji P. Henson |
Omar Epps | Jurnee Smollett |
Hope you’ve liked this article on famous black actors. Black actors have given us some of the best movies and I expect them especially to be a part of some extraordinary film-making experiences in the future.