These are the most significant African American actors in film history, ranked by the community to determine who the finest African American actor of all time is. They come from all different historical periods and types of films. These top black actors are not just some of the finest performers but also among the best actors of any race.
The following list might help you identify which best African American film actors in starring roles in Hollywood are the greatest.
1. Will Smith
| Will Smith | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Will Smith |
| Birthdate | September 25, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Other Names | The Fresh Prince |
| Occupations | Actor, rapper, film producer |
| Years Active | 1985–present |
| Organizations | Westbrook |
| Agents | Creative Arts Agency |
| Works | Filmography, discography |
| Spouses | Sheree Zampino |
| Children | 3, including Jaden and Willow |
| Awards | Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Grammy Awards |
| Musical Career | Genres: Pop-rap |
| Labels | Interscope, Columbia, RCA, Jive |
| Formerly of | DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince |
| Notable Performances | Muhammad Ali in “Ali”, Chris Gardner in “The Pursuit of Happyness”, Richard Williams in “King Richard” |
| Major Hits | “Parents Just Don’t Understand”, “Summertime”, “Gettin’ Jiggy wit It”, “Men in Black” |
| Box Office Gross | Over $9.3 billion globally |
| Impact | One of Hollywood’s most bankable stars |
Willard Carroll Smith II, better known by his stage name, The Fresh Prince, is a native of the United States and works as an actor and rapper. He was born on September 25, 1968.
Because of the more than $9.3 billion in total revenue that his films have generated worldwide as of 2022, he is considered one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors. As a result of his rap performance, he is the recipient of four Grammy Awards.
In 2021, Smith was awarded the title of Best Actor at the Academy Award, the BAFTA Award, the Golden Globe Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award.
Because of his nominations for the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Prizes, he is one of the very few black performers in the United States who has been considered for all four of the most prestigious entertainment awards in the country.
Have you ever wondered about Will Smith’s height? Check out our article on Will Smith’s height, which includes information on his impressive stature as well as his successful acting career.
2. Denzel Washington
| Denzel Washington | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Denzel Washington |
| Birthdate | December 28, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Mount Vernon, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Fordham University (BA), American Conservatory Theater |
| Occupations | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Years Active | 1975–present |
| Spouse | Pauletta Pearson (m. 1983) |
| Children | 4, including John David |
| Honors | Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022) |
| Accolades | – Tony Award – Two Academy Awards – Three Golden Globe Awards – Two Silver Bears – Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award – Named the greatest actor of the 21st century by The New York Times |
| Notable Performances | – St. Elsewhere (1982–1988) – Glory (1989) – Malcolm X (1992) – Training Day (2001) – American Gangster (2007) – Flight (2012) – The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021) |
| Theatre Success | – Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for Fences (2010) – Directed, produced, and starred in the acclaimed film adaptation of Fences (2016) |
| Early Life | – Born in Mount Vernon, New York – Attended Fordham University, played collegiate basketball – Studied acting at the American Conservatory Theater |
| Career Break | – Screen acting debut in the 1977 film Wilma – Major breakthrough in NBC’s St. Elsewhere (1982–1988) – Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Glory (1989) – Directed his first film, Antwone Fisher (2002) |
| Box Office Success | – Remember the Titans (2000) – The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) – American Gangster (2007) – The Equalizer (2014) |
| Critical Acclaim | – Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for The Hurricane (1999) – Academy Award for Best Actor for Training Day (2001) |
| Theatrical Success | – Richard III (1990) – Julius Caesar (2005) – Fences (2010) |
| Additional Honor | – Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022 |
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. is an American actor, director, and producer who has achieved great notoriety in these fields. On December 28th, 1954, he entered this world in the United States.
In light of his acting performance, the so-called “idea of classic cinema notoriety” is believed to have been rethought.
In 1989, he was awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor; nine years later, he was honored with the Academy Award for Best Actor. In 2001, he was honored with both awards.
In recognition of his work in the 2010 Broadway revival of August Wilson’s play Fences, which was nominated for a Tony Award in the Best Actor in a Drama category, he was presented with the award.
In the early spring of 2010, Washington was given the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, which he went on to win. The award was delivered to Washington.
Within the five decades since the birth of the Academy Honor, Washington is one of just five male artists nominated for the award.
3. Eddie Murphy
| Eddie Murphy | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eddie Murphy |
| Birth Name | Edward Regan Murphy |
| Born | April 3, 1961 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television, music |
| Years Active | 1976–present |
| Genres | Observational comedy, musical comedy, blue comedy, black comedy, insult comedy, sketch comedy, racial humor, satire |
| Spouse | Nicole Mitchell (1993-2006) |
| Partner(s) | Melanie Brown (2006), Tracey Edmonds (2008), Paige Butcher (2012–present) |
| Children | 10 |
| Relative(s) | Charlie Murphy (brother) |
| Musical Genres | R&B, funk, synth-pop, comedy |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Sony BMG, CBS, Columbia, Motown |
Edward Regan Murphy is a well-known performer in the arts of acting, comedy, writing, producing, and singing in the United States. His birthday is April 3rd, 1961, and he was born in the United States.
The top 100 stand-up comedians list can be found on Comedy Central. On that ranking, Murphy comes in at number 10.
In 2007, Murphy was recognized as the best supporting actor at the Golden Globes and was considered for an Academy Award nomination. Additionally, he was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his work.
The success of his films drove him to sixth place on the list of highest-grossing actors in the United States in 2015 and garnered him the Performing Arts Award that same year.
It was the first Emmy award he had ever won, and it was for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for the Primetime Emmys in 2020.
If you’re a fan of Eddie Murphy’s comedic chops, check out our list of the 20 funniest black comedians of all time. It’s packed with hilarious stars like Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Rock, and is sure to keep you laughing for hours.
4. Morgan Freeman
| Morgan Freeman | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Morgan Porterfield Freeman Jr. |
| Birthdate | June 1, 1937 |
| Birthplace | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Education | Broad Street High School |
| Occupations | Actor, producer, narrator |
| Years Active | 1964–present |
| Organization | Revelations Entertainment |
| Spouses | Jeanette Adair Bradshaw (m. 1967; div. 1979) |
| Children | 4 |
Actor, director, and narrator Morgan Freeman was born and raised in the United States. It was on June 1st, 1937, that he was born in the United States.
In addition to the numerous roles he has portrayed in a wide variety of film subgenres, he is most known for the shallow tone of his voice.
1989 marked the first time the actor was considered for an Academy Award nomination and was in the Best Actor category.
Morgan Freeman was awarded the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his efforts in the sports drama “Million Dollar Baby,” released in 2004. “Million Dollar Baby” was directed by Clint Eastwood.
In recognition of his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in the movie “Invictus,” which was directed by Clint Eastwood and released in 2009, he was shortlisted for an Academy Award that year.
5. Danny Glover
| Danny Glover | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Danny Lebern Glover |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1946 (age 76) |
| Place of Birth | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, Film Director, Political Activist |
| Years Active | 1978–present |
| Known For | Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon |
| Spouses | Asake Bomani, Eliane Cavalleiro |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, NAACP’s President’s Award, Cuban National Medal of Friendship |
| Nominations | 4 Primetime Emmy Awards, 4 Grammy Awards, Daytime Emmy Award |
| Accolades | Inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame |
| Education | Attended San Francisco State University |
| Notable Films | The Color Purple, To Sleep with Anger, Predator 2, Angels in the Outfield, Dreamgirls |
| Political Activism | Active supporter of various political causes |
Danny Lebern Glover is a well-known political activist, film director, and actor in the United States. On July 22, 1946, he was brought into this world.
Additionally, on September 7, 2011, he was the honored recipient of a tribute bestowed upon him by the Deauville American Film Festival, which takes place in France.
As a gesture of gratitude for Glover’s contributions in the sphere of humanitarianism, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented him with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2022.
He has also been considered for one Grammy Award, four Primetime Emmy Awards, and one Daytime Emmy Award.
If you’re a fan of Danny Glover’s acting prowess, you can also check out the most famous actors of the 80s. It features other talented actors like Tom Cruise, Eddie Murphy, and Sean Connery who made their mark in that decade.
6. Laurence Fishburne
| Laurence Fishburne | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laurence John Fishburne III |
| Birthdate | July 30, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Augusta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Other Names | Larry Fishburne |
| Occupations | Actor, Producer |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Spouses | Hajna O. Moss (m. 1985, divorced) |
| Children | 3, including Langston Fishburne |
| Awards | – Three-time Emmy Award winner |
| Notable Roles | – Morpheus in The Matrix series |
| Notable Achievements | – First African American to portray Othello on film |
| Notable Films | – The Matrix series |
| Notable TV Series | – CSI: Crime Scene Investigation |
| Stage Work | – Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in Two Trains Running |
| Production Company | Cinema Gypsy Productions (signed deal with ABC Studios) |
Laurence John Fishburne III is a well-known actor born in the United States on July 30, 1961.
He has been nominated for several awards, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1993, a nomination for the Golden Globe Award, and a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award.
Because of his work on television has been nominated for eleven Primetime Emmy Awards and won three. In addition, he has won several Screen Actors Guild Awards.
As recognition for his efforts on stage, he was nominated for two Tony Awards and ultimately won the “Best Featured Actor in a Play” award for his performance in August Wilson’s Two Trains Running in 1992.
7. Wesley Snipes
| Wesley Snipes | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wesley Trent Snipes |
| Birthdate | July 31, 1962 |
| Birthplace | Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Education | Jones High School, State University of New York at Purchase |
| Occupations | Actor, Producer, Martial Artist |
| Years Active | 1985–present |
| Notable Films | Blade film trilogy, New Jack City, White Men Can’t Jump, Passenger 57, Demolition Man, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, U.S. Marshals |
| Production Company | Amen-Ra Films |
| Martial Arts | 5th dan black belt in Shotokan Karate, 2nd dan black belt in Hapkido |
| Spouses | April Snipes, Nakyung Park Snipes |
| Children | 5 |
| Awards | Volpi Cup for Best Actor (One Night Stand, 1997) |
| Business Ventures | Founder of Amen-Ra Films and Black Dot Media |
| Training | Martial arts training in various disciplines |
| Early Life | Raised in Orlando, Florida, attended Jones High School, studied at State University of New York at Purchase, trained in acting at High School of Performing Arts |
| Legal Issues | Convicted of misdemeanor counts for failing to file federal income tax returns |
| Personal Beliefs | Converted to Islam in 1978, later left Islam in 1988 |
Wesley Trent Snipes is a well-known American actor and film producer. He was born on July 31, 1962, in the United States.
In 1992, Snipes was considered for the Independent Spirit Award in the category of Best Supporting Male.
Because of his work in the film “One Night Stand” in 1997, he was awarded the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the ceremony.
Snipes had his most tremendous financial success with Blade in 1998, starring as the titular character in the film, making over $150 million worldwide.
To learn more about the iconic 90s celebrity culture, check out our post on 50 Stars You’ll Love. In this section, we explore the influential figures that defined the fashion, music, and entertainment industry during that golden era of pop culture.
8. Courtney B. Vance
| Courtney B Vance | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Courtney B. Vance |
| Birthdate | March 12, 1960 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Education | Yale School of Drama |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Awards and Accolades | Tony Award, Primetime Emmy Awards |
| Notable Productions | Fences (Broadway), Law & Order: Criminal Intent |
| Film Highlights | Hamburger Hill, The Hunt for Red October |
| TV Highlights | Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The People v. O. J. Simpson |
| Family | Spouse: Angela Bassett, Children: 2 |
| Philanthropy | Board of Directors for The Actors Center |
| Notable Discoveries | Found out about his father’s birth circumstances |
Courtney Bernard Vance is a well-known American actor born on March 12th, 1960, in the United States.
He was nominated for a Tony Award in the Best Actor in a Play category for his remarkable performance at the 45th Annual Tony Awards in 1991.
At the 67th Annual Tony Awards in 2013, he was awarded Best Featured Actor for his work.
He was honored with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie the year it was presented to him (2016).
He was honored with a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2020.
9. Djimon Hounsou
| Djimon Hounsou | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Djimon Gaston Hounsou |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Cotonou, Benin |
| Citizenship | French, United States |
| Occupations | Actor, Model |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Partner | Kimora Lee Simmons (2007–2012) |
| Children | 1 |
| Notable Film Debut | Without You I’m Nothing (1990) |
| Breakthrough Role | Cinqué in the film Amistad (1997) |
| Recognized Films | Gladiator (2000), In America (2003), Blood Diamond (2006) |
| Marvel Cinematic Universe | Portrayed Korath the Pursuer in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Captain Marvel (2019), and What If…? (2021) |
| DC Extended Universe | Played the Fisherman King in Aquaman (2018), Shazam! (2019), Black Adam (2022), and Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) |
| Other Notable Roles | Juba in Gladiator (2000), Agent Henry Carver in Push (2009), Papa Midnite in Constantine (2005) |
| Awards and Nominations | Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (In America and Blood Diamond) |
| Philanthropy | Active involvement in climate change advocacy and speaking at the United Nations Summit on Climate Change |
| Personal Life | Former partner of Kimora Lee Simmons, with whom he has a son |
Djimon Gaston Hounsou is a Beninese-American actor and model. He was born on April 24, 1964, in the United States.
He first got his start in the industry by performing in music videos. He made his debut in the film Without You I’m Nothing (1990), but he first came to wider attention for his performance as Cinqué in Amistad, directed by Steven Spielberg (1997).
He received additional notoriety by being nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor for both of the later films he appeared in. Additionally, in the film Furious 7, he had a role as an adversary (2015).
A Golden Globe Award and three Screen Actors Guild Awards have been submitted in his name for consideration.
10. Obba Babatundé
| Obba Babatund | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Obba Babatundé |
| Birthdate | December 1, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Jamaica, Queens, New York City |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Notable Works | – Nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “Dreamgirls” |
| Awards | – Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series” |
Obba Babatundé is a well-known American actor who was born Donald Cohen on December 1st, 1951.
Babatundé, a native of the borough of Queens in New York City, has participated in over seventeen stage performances, thirty theatrical films, sixty made-for-television movies, and two prime-time shows during his career.
In 2016, Babatundé was honored with two awards: the Daytime Emmy Award for “Outstanding Guest Performer in a Drama Series” and the Peachtree Village International Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Both of these honors were presented to Babatundé.
In 2010, Babatundé was recognized as the “Best Lead Male” by the NAACP Theatre Awards. He was awarded “Best Actor” at the NAACP Image Awards.
If you are a fan of comedic movies, then you should definitely check out the 24 Funniest Black Movies of All Time by Hood MWR. These movies showcase the comedic talents of many African American actors, including Obba Babatundé. With a career spanning over 30 years, Obba Babatundé has appeared in numerous films and television shows, making him a highly respected actor in the entertainment industry.
11. Richard Pryor
| Richard Pryor | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor |
| Birthdate | December 1, 1940 |
| Birthplace | Peoria, Illinois, U.S. |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Years Active | 1963–1999 |
| Genres | Observational comedy, black comedy, improvisational comedy, character comedy, insult comedy, racial humor, satire |
| Notable Subjects | African-American culture, American politics, human sexuality, racism, race relations, religion, self-deprecation, everyday life, recreational drug use |
| Spouse | Jennifer Lee (m. 2001) |
| Children | 7, including Rain |
Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor Sr. was an American stand-up comedian and actor. He was born on December 1, 1940, and died on December 10, 2005.
It is generally agreed upon that he is one of the best and most influential stand-up comedians of all time due to the enormous audience he was able to reach with his insightful insights and narrative approach.
Pryor was honored with a Grammy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 1998, the Kennedy Center gave him the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor for the first time.
In 1974, he was honored with the Writers Guild of America Award. He has ranked number one on the list of the best stand-up comedians of all time that Comedy Central compiled.
In 2017, Rolling Stone voted him the finest stand-up comedian of all time and placed him at the top of its list of the 50 best comics.
12. Samuel L. Jackson
| Samuel L Jackson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel L. Jackson |
| Birthdate | December 21, 1948 |
| Birthplace | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Citizenship | United States, Gabon |
| Education | Morehouse College (BA) |
| Occupations | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Spouse | LaTanya Richardson (m. 1980) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Academy Honorary Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe |
| Notable Roles | Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction, Mace Windu in Star Wars |
| Marvel Universe | Portrayed Nick Fury in 11 films |
| Voice Roles | Lucius Best / Frozone in The Incredibles |
| Major Films | Pulp Fiction, Die Hard with a Vengeance, A Time to Kill |
| Broadway Performances | The Mountaintop, The Piano Lesson |
| Early Theater Debut | Mother Courage and her Children |
| Collaboration | Spike Lee films: School Daze, Do the Right Thing |
| Personal Background | Raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Activism | Participant in equal rights protests and activism |
Samuel Leroy Jackson is a well-known American actor born on December 21, 1948.
As a result of his participation in movies that have cumulatively earned more than $27 billion throughout the world, he is now the second highest-grossing person in the history of the film industry.
He was considered for a nomination for an Academy Award in the category of Best Supporting Actor in the year 2015.
Jackson was awarded an Academy Honorary Award in March of 2022. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented the award to Jackson.
13. Bill Cosby
| Bill Cosby | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bill Cosby |
| Birthdate | July 12, 1937 (age 85) |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Education | Temple University (BS) University of Massachusetts Amherst (MA, EdD) |
| Occupations | Comedian, actor, media personality |
| Years Active | 1961–2018, 2021 |
| Spouse | Camille Hanks (m. 1964) |
| Children | 5, including Erika and Ennis |
| Awards | List of awards |
| Honors | List of honorary degrees |
| Comedy Career | Stand-up comedy, film, television |
| Genres | Observational comedy, satire, surreal humor, deadpan |
| Significant Contribution | Portrayal of Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show, earning the nickname “America’s Dad” |
| Sexual Assault Allegations | Accusations made in 2014 leading to revoked awards and media program removal |
| Stand-Up Comedy Success | Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album (1965-1970) |
| Television Career | Starred in I Spy, the first series with an African-American in a lead role |
| Film Career | Starred in notable films such as Uptown Saturday Night and Let’s Do It Again |
| Social Impact | Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002 |
| Legal Issues | Convicted of aggravated indecent assault in 2018, conviction later vacated in 2021 |
William Henry Cosby Jr. is a well-known American comedian, actor, and author. He was born on July 12, 1937, in the United States.
In the 1960s, when Cosby was starting in the entertainment industry, he performed standup comedy at the hungry I nightclub in San Francisco.
During the decade, he was responsible for publishing several standup comedy recordings, each of which won him the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album between 1965 and 1970.
Cosby was the first African American to get an Emmy Award for acting. He created history when he received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1966. This achievement made him a historical figure.
14. Chadwick Boseman
| Chadwick Boseman | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chadwick Aaron Boseman |
| Birthdate | November 29, 1976 |
| Birthplace | Anderson, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, playwright |
| Education | Howard University (BFA) |
| Known For | Portraying heroic and real-life individuals |
| Notable Roles | Jackie Robinson in “42” |
| Final Performance | Disney+ anthology series “What If…?” |
| Posthumous Awards | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance |
| Other Notable Works | Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods” |
| Personal Life | Born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina |
| Last Residence | Brooklyn, New York City |
Chadwick Aaron Boseman was an American actor. He was born on November 29, 1976, and passed away on August 28, 2020.
Both the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture were bestowed to him in 2018, respectively.
In addition to being included in the 2018 Time 100, he made history by being the first black actor to take the lead role in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film.
After he died in 2021, he was awarded a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance, which he received posthumously.
Boseman was also nominated for four Screen Actors Guild Awards, the most nominations ever given to an actor at a single presentation. He won the Male Actor in a Leading Role award for his performance.
15. Jamie Foxx
| Jamie Foxx | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jamie Foxx |
| Born | December 13, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Terrell, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Singer |
| Awards | Academy Award, BAFTA, Screen Actors Guild Award, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor |
| Career Breakthrough | Portrayal of Ray Charles in the film “Ray” (2004) |
| Notable Film Roles | “Collateral” (2004) |
| Musical Career | Two number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Albums | “Unpredictable” (2005) |
| Television | Host and executive producer of the Fox game show “Beat Shazam” |
| Autobiography | “Act Like You Got Some Sense” (2021) |
| Early Life | Raised in Terrell, Texas |
| Education | Studied musical and performing arts composition at United States International University |
| Comedy Career | Featured player in the sketch comedy show “In Living Color” |
| Personal Influence | Acknowledged his grandmother’s influence as one of the greatest reasons for his success |
Jamie Foxx, whose real name is Eric Marlon Bishop and who was born on December 13, 1967, is a popular name in the entertainment industry in the United States. He is an actor, comedian, and singer.
In 2004, he was awarded the Academy Award, the Golden Globe Award, the Critics’ Choice Movie Award, the Screen Actors Guild Award, and the British Academy Film Award.
The same year, Foxx’s performance as a supporting character in the movie Collateral earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He was recognized with a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award in the year 2019.
16. Gregory Hines
| Gregory Hines | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gregory Oliver Hines |
| Birthdate | February 14, 1946 |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Occupations | Dancer, actor, choreographer, singer |
| Years Active | 1951–2003 |
| Notable Films | Wolfen (1981) The Cotton Club (1984) White Nights (1985) Running Scared (1986) The Preacher’s Wife (1996) |
| Notable TV Series | The Gregory Hines Show (1997–1998) Will & Grace (1999–2000) Little Bill (voice, 1999–2004) |
| Awards | Daytime Emmy Award Drama Desk Award Tony Award |
| Contributions | Advocated for tap dance in America Hosted Gregory Hines’ Tap Dance in America (PBS special, 1989) |
| Legacy | National Tap Dance Day (created in May 1989) |
| Death | August 9, 2003 |
| Resting Place | Saint Volodymyr Ukrainian Cemetery, Oakville, Ontario, Canada |
Gregory Oliver Hines was an American dancer, actor, choreographer, and singer. He was born on February 14, 1946, and died on August 9, 2003.
He is considered one of the most excellent tap dancers of all time. As an actor, he is best recognized for his roles in the films Wolfen (1981), The Cotton Club (1984), White Nights (1985), and Running Scared (1986), as well as for his roles in The Gregory Hines Show (1997-1998), Ben on Will & Grace (1999-2000), and for providing the voice of Big Bill on the animated children’s television program Little Bill on Nick Jr. (1999-2004).
Hines appeared on Broadway in addition to starring in more than 40 films over his career. He was honored with several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award, four Primetime Emmy Awards, a Drama Desk Award, and a Tony Award.
He was also nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Tony Award.
17. Mahershala Ali
| Mahershala Ali | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mahershala Ali |
| Birthdate | February 16, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Other Names | Mahershala Karim-Ali, Hershal Gilmore |
| Education | Saint Mary’s College, California (BA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 2001–present |
| Spouse | Amatus Sami-Karim |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Two Academy Awards, Golden Globe Award, Primetime Emmy Award |
| Influential Figure | Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world |
| Notable TV Series | Crossing Jordan, Threat Matrix, The 4400, True Detective |
| Notable Films | The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Moonlight, Green Book |
| Notable Roles | Richard Tyler in The 4400 |
| Cultural Significance | First Muslim actor to win an Oscar |
| Music Career | Recorded rap music as Prince Ali |
| Personal Life | Converted to Islam |
Mahershala Ali is an American actor born on February 16, 1974, with the name Mahershalalhashbaz Gilmore.
In a career that spanned two decades, he has been honored with some prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
2019’s edition of Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world included him in that group.
In 2020, he was placed at number 23 on the list of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century, compiled by The New York Times.
18. Terrence Howard
| Terrence Howard | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Terrence Howard |
| Birthdate | March 11, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1992–2022 |
| Spouses | Lori McCommas (1993-2001, 2005-2007), Michelle Ghent (2010-2013), |
| Children | 5 |
| Major Film Roles | Dead Presidents, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Hustle & Flow, Iron Man, |
| Notable Achievements | Academy Award nomination for Best Actor (Hustle & Flow), hosted |
Terrence Dashon Howard is a well-known actor born in the United States on March 11, 1969.
Because of his performance in Hustle & Flow, he was considered for a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
At the 78th Annual Academy Awards, he was awarded the Oscar for Best Original Song for his work.
If you are interested in learning more about famous people who are also Jehovah’s Witnesses like Terrence Howard, check out our comprehensive list of 50 Most Famous Jehovah’s Witnesses.
19. Forest Whitaker
| Forest Whitaker | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Forest Steven Whitaker |
| Birthdate | July 15, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Longview, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Director |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Spouse | Keisha Nash (m. 1996; div. 2021) |
| Children | 3 |
Forest American actor Steven Whitaker was born in the United States on July 15, 1961.
He has been honored with some prestigious awards, including two Screen Actors Guild Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a British Academy Film Award.
In 2011, he was appointed to the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador position and later elevated to Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), a non-profit organization’s outreach program.
20. John Amos
| John Amos | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Amos |
| Birthdate | December 27, 1939 (age 83) |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Colorado State University (BA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1970–present |
| Known for | Adult Kunta Kinte – Roots |
| Political Party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Noel J. Mickelson (m. 1965; div. 1975) |
| Children | 2 |
| Other Television | The Mary Tyler Moore Show |
| Work | Admiral Percy Fitzwallace – The West Wing |
| Broadway Appearance | Numerous films |
| Awards and | Primetime Emmy Award nomination |
| Filmography | The Beastmaster (1982) |
| College Football | Played for Colorado State University Rams |
| Career | Brief professional football career with |
| Residence | Westcliffe, Colorado, U.S. |
| Honors | Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame |
John Allen Amos Jr. is a well-known American actor born on December 27, 1939.
He is most known for his portrayal of James Evans, Sr., on the television series Good Times, which aired on CBS.
Amos has been recognized for his work on Roots with many nominations, including one for an Emmy, one for a CableACE award, one for an NAACP Image award, and one for a DVD Exclusive Award.
Amos has won three awards for his work on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Good Times, and the television miniseries Roots, all of which earned him nominations for TV Land Awards.
Amos was honored with entry into the New Jersey Hall of Fame the following year, 2020.