Famous African American Actors Who Need To Be Applauded For Their Talent

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Hollywood has produced many actors, some of whom are considered institutions in acting. Although the movie industry predominantly consisted of fair-skinned actors in the past, the recent years have seen the rise of many actors of African American descent. Many of these talented individuals have won the prestigious Golden Globe and Academy Awards for their impeccable performances. Morgan Freeman, Will Smith, Samuel L Jackson, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington and Jamie Fox are a few actors whom the world really adores. Samuel L Jackson’s portrayal of the character Jules, in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic ‘Pulp Fiction’, was a treat to movie lovers and critics alike. Since then, the acclaimed actor has essayed memorable roles in several Hollywood blockbusters. Many movie buffs claim that Morgan Freeman’s epic voiceovers in the 1994 classic ‘Shawshank Redemption’ is an important reason why it is one of the world’s most loved films. Be it the role of a struggling father in ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ or an arrogant superhero in ‘Hancock’, Hollywood star Will Smith has proved that he can play just any character effortlessly. Many movie gurus are of the opinion that aspiring actors should watch the works of these actors to get better at their craft. If you aren’t aware of other eminent African American actors, you should probably scroll the list to know the names of the people who have made their community proud. It’s time we watch their films and appreciate their talent.
Vote for Your Favourite African American Actors Who Need To Be Applauded For Their Talent
 1 
Ice Cube
(Rapper - Contributed Significantly to the Development of 'Gangsta Rap')
Ice Cube
85
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 15, 1969
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Crenshaw, California, United States
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 2 
Jamie Foxx
(Best Known for His Portrayal of Ray Charles in the Biopic 'Ray')
Jamie Foxx
52
Birthdate: December 13, 1967
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Terrell, Texas, United States
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 3 
James Earl Jones
(One of the Greatest Actors in American History)
James Earl Jones
48
Birthdate: January 17, 1931
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Arkabutla, Mississippi, United States
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 4 
Chris Rock
(Ranked No. 5 on Rolling Stone's List of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time)
Chris Rock
71
Birthdate: February 7, 1965
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Andrews, South Carolina, United States
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
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 5 
Chadwick Boseman
78
Birthdate: November 29, 1976
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Anderson, South Carolina, United States
Died: August 28, 2020
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 6 
Spike Lee
(Film director)
Spike Lee
39
Birthdate: March 20, 1957
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
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 7 
Shemar Moore
83
Birthdate: April 20, 1970
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 8 
Mahershala Ali
(The First Muslim Actor to Win an Oscar)
Mahershala Ali
18
Birthdate: February 16, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 9 
Forest Whitaker
(Best Known for His Role in 'The Last King of Scotland')
Forest Whitaker
19
Birthdate: July 15, 1961
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Longview, Texas, United States
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 10 
Tracy Morgan
(Actor)
Tracy Morgan
14
Birthdate: November 10, 1968
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, United States
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 11 
Keith David
16
Birthdate: June 4, 1956
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, United States
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 12 
Charlie Murphy
(Best Known as a Writer & Cast Member of the Sketch-Comedy Series 'Chappelle's Show')
Charlie Murphy
11
Birthdate: July 12, 1959
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: April 12, 2017
 13 
Redd Foxx
(Comedian)
Redd Foxx
14
Birthdate: December 9, 1922
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Died: October 11, 1991
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 14 
Sterling K. Brown
(Known for His Role in the TV Series ‘The People V. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’)
Sterling K. Brown
12
Birthdate: April 5, 1976
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 15 
Caleb McLaughlin
(American Actor Known for His Role as ‘Lucas Sinclair’ in the TV Series ‘Stranger Things’)
Caleb McLaughlin
26
Birthdate: October 13, 2001
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Carmel Hamlet, New York, United States
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 16 
John David Washington
(Former American Football Player & Actor Known for His Roles in Series 'Ballers' and Films: 'BlacKkKlansman' and 'Tenet')
John David Washington
37
Birthdate: July 28, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
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 17 
Cuba Gooding Jr.
19
Birthdate: January 2, 1968
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bronx, New York, United States
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 18 
Hannibal Buress
(Comedian)
Hannibal Buress
7
Birthdate: February 4, 1983
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chicago Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 19 
Lance Reddick
(American Actor and Musician Best Known for His Role as ‘Cedric Daniels’ in the TV Series ‘The Wire’)
Lance Reddick
22
Birthdate: June 7, 1962
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Died: March 17, 2023
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 20 
Craig Robinson
(Actor)
Craig Robinson
10
Birthdate: October 25, 1971
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 21 
John Amos
(Actor)
John Amos
5
Birthdate: December 27, 1939
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 22 
Jonathan Majors
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Atticus Freeman’ in the TV Series ‘Lovecraft Country’)
Jonathan Majors
25
Birthdate: September 7, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lompoc, California, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 23 
O'Shea Jackson Jr.
(Actor)
O'Shea Jackson Jr.
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 24, 1991
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles Los Angeles, California, U.S.
 24 
Damon Wayans Jr.
(Actor and Comedian Known for Playing as ‘Brad Williams’ in the ABC Sitcom ‘Happy Endings’)
Damon Wayans Jr.
24
Birthdate: November 18, 1982
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Huntington, Vermont, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 25 
Morris Chestnut
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Ricky’ in the Film ‘Boyz n the Hood’)
Morris Chestnut
16
Birthdate: January 1, 1969
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cerritos, California, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 26 
Ernie Hudson
(Actor)
Ernie Hudson
7
Birthdate: December 17, 1945
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 27 
Keenen Ivory Wayans
(Actor, Comedian and Filmmaker Known for His Comedy Series, ‘In Living Color’, and the Film ‘Hollywood Shuffle’)
Keenen Ivory Wayans
14
Birthdate: June 8, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, United States
 28 
Jill Scott
(Singer-songwriter)
Jill Scott
16
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: April 4, 1972
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 29 
Patrice O'Neal
(Stand-up Comedian)
Patrice O'Neal
5
Birthdate: December 7, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States
Died: November 29, 2011
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 30 
Karamo Brown
(Known for His MTV Reality Series the 'Real World: Philadelphia', The First Openly Gay Black Man on a Reality Show)
Karamo Brown
9
Birthdate: November 2, 1980
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 31 
Sherman Hemsley
(Actor)
Sherman Hemsley
8
Birthdate: February 1, 1938
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: July 24, 2012
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 32 
Justice Smith
(American Actor Known for His Role as ‘Franklin Webb’ in the Film ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’)
Justice Smith
16
Birthdate: August 9, 1995
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 33 
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
(Known for His Roles as Theodore Huxtable on the NBC Sitcom the ‘Cosby Show’)
Malcolm-Jamal Warner
4
Birthdate: August 18, 1970
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Jersey City, New Jersey, United States
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
Tyler James Williams
22
Birthdate: October 9, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Westchester County, New York, United States
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 35 
Arsenio Hall
(Comedian)
Arsenio Hall
18
Birthdate: February 12, 1956
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 36 
J. B. Smoove
(Actor)
J. B. Smoove
11
Birthdate: December 16, 1965
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Plymouth, North Carolina, United States
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 37 
David Alan Grier
(actor, screenwriter, stage actor, television actor)
David Alan Grier
7
Birthdate: June 30, 1956
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Detroit
 38 
Miguel
(Singer-songwriter)
Miguel
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 23, 1985
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Pedro, Los Angeles, U.S.
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 39 
Orlando Brown
(Actor, Voice Actor, Singer)
Orlando Brown
8
Birthdate: December 4, 1987
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 40 
Cab Calloway
(Singer)
Cab Calloway
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 25, 1907
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rochester
Died: November 18, 1994
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 41 
Lil Rel Howery
(Actor)
Lil Rel Howery
9
Birthdate: December 17, 1979
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 42 
Tony Todd
(Known for His Role as ‘Sergeant Warren’ in the Film ‘Platoon’)
Tony Todd
10
Birthdate: December 4, 1954
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., United States
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 43 
Shameik Moore
(Known for Voicing Miles Morales/Spider-Man in the Film 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse')
Shameik Moore
18
Birthdate: May 4, 1995
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 44 
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
(Actor)
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
28
Birthdate: July 15, 1986
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 45 
Emmanuel Lewis
(Known for His Tutular Role in the Sitcom ‘Webster’)
Emmanuel Lewis
9
Birthdate: March 9, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Height: 4'3" (130 cm)
 46 
Nnamdi Asomugha
(American football player)
Nnamdi Asomugha
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 6, 1981
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Lafayette, Louisiana, United States
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
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 47 
Wendell Pierce
(Actor)
Wendell Pierce
15
Birthdate: December 8, 1963
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 48 
Scatman Crothers
(Actor and Musician)
Scatman Crothers
7
Birthdate: May 23, 1910
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Terre Haute, Indiana, United States
Died: November 22, 1986
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 49 
Lamorne Morris
(Actor and Comedian )
Lamorne Morris
7
Birthdate: August 14, 1983
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 50 
James Avery
(Film actor)
James Avery
6
Birthdate: November 27, 1945
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Suffolk, Virginia, U.S.
Died: December 31, 2013
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)