African Americans From California

Famous black celebrities from California, include Jonathan Majors, Donald Glover, Zoë Kravitz.
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 1 
Eazy-E
(Rapper Known as the 'Godfather of Gangsta Rap')
Eazy-E
143
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 7, 1964
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States
Died: March 26, 1995

Widely regarded as the godfather of gangsta rap, Eazy-E was a rapper and record producer. He played a major role in popularizing gangsta rap and West Coast rap by forming N.W.A, which is considered one of the most influential and greatest hip hop groups of all time. Eazy-E died at the age of 30 after being diagnosed with AIDS.

 2 
Kawhi Leonard
(American Professional Basketball Player and 5-Time NBA All-Star Winner)
Kawhi Leonard
63
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 29, 1991
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

A four-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team member, Kawhi Leonard has helped two teams win NBA championships while earning the Finals Most Valuable Player award on both THE occasions. In 2015 and 2016, he was named Defensive Player of the Year. Nicknamed the Claw for his amazing ball-hawking skills, Leonard is known for his quiet demeanor off-court.

 3 
Tyler, The Creator
(Co-Founder of The Alternative Hip Hop Group 'Odd Future')
Tyler, The Creator
82
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 6, 1991
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Ladera Heights, California, United States
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 4 
H.E.R.
(R&B Singer Known for Her Abum 'H.E.R')
H.E.R.
127
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 27, 1997
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Vallejo, California, United States

R&B singer Gabriella “Gabi” Wilson, better known to her fans as H.E.R., had initially released a few works under her real name. However, she gained fame only after the release of her first EP, H.E.R. Volume 1, in 2016. The two-time Grammy-winner performed at the 2020 Primetime Emmy Award ceremony.

 5 
Donald Glover
(Rapper & Actor)
Donald Glover
75
Birthdate: September 25, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: California, United States

The actor, rapper, writer and director, Donald Glover Jr became famous after playing the role of a college student In the sitcom, Community, from 2009 to 2013. He also stars in the FX series Atlanta. He has also acted in a number of commercially successful films. His albums have done well and he won a Grammy award for the single Redbone.

 6 
Zoë Kravitz
(Actress Best Known for Her Role in 'The Divergent' and 'Fantastic Beasts' Film Series)
Zoë Kravitz
108
Birthdate: December 1, 1988
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Venice, Los Angeles, California, United States

Actress, singer, and model Zoë Kravitz first gained prominence for her role in the superhero film X-Men: First Class in the early 2010s. She is the daughter of actor parents and her entry into Hollywood is hardly surprising. Besides acting, she also works as a fashion model and musician. As a singer, she is involved with the band Lolawolf.

 7 
Russell Westbrook
(American professional Basketball Player Who Plays at the 'Point Guard' Position)
Russell Westbrook
48
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 12, 1988
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States

Russell Westbrook is a professional basketball player. A nine-time NBA All-Star, Russell is only one of two players in the history of the NBA to average a triple-double for an entire season. An eight-time All-NBA Team member, Russell is one of the most athletic NBA players of all time. He also frequently appears in commercials for brands like Air Jordan.

 8 
Aaron Judge
(American Professional Baseball Player Who Plays as a Outfielder)
Aaron Judge
46
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 26, 1992
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Linden, California, United States
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge became the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year. In 2017, he made a single-season franchise home record with the Yankees. He became the first MLB rookie to win the Home Run Derby. His charity All Rise Foundation focuses on helping children become responsible citizens.
 9 
Nipsey Hussle
106
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 15, 1985
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Died: March 31, 2019

Nipsey Hussle was an American rapper who left behind quite a legacy when he was fatally shot at the age of 33. His death was met with a strong artistic response as more than 50 murals dedicated to him were painted in Los Angeles alone within a few months after his death. As a rapper and activist, Hussle influenced several youngsters.

 10 
Frank Ocean
(Rapper and Grammy Award Winner for His Album 'Channel Orange')
Frank Ocean
38
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 28, 1987
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States

Regarded as one of the most acclaimed musical artists of his generation, Frank Ocean is recognized for his unconventional production techniques and wide vocal range. He is credited with revitalizing and popularizing jazz and funk-influenced R&B. He is also regarded as a representative of alternative R&B. He was named in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world list.

 11 
Mahershala Ali
(The First Muslim Actor to Win an Oscar)
Mahershala Ali
25
Birthdate: February 16, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States

Mahershala Ali is an American rapper and actor. One of the finest and most decorated actors of his generation, Ali has won many prestigious awards such as Screen Actors Guild Awards, Academy Awards, Primetime Emmy Award, and Golden Globe Award. In 2019, Mahershala Ali was included in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list.

 12 
Aisha Tyler
(Actress, TV Host)
Aisha Tyler
28
Birthdate: September 18, 1970
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: San Francisco

Aisha Tyler is credited with co-founding an all-female a cappella group called Dartmouth Rockapellas, which aimed at spreading social awareness through music. She later became a prominent actress, playing important roles in popular TV series like Criminal Minds and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Aisha Tyler is also an ardent advocate of the Black Lives Matter movement and LGBTQ rights.

 13 
Amandla Stenberg
(Actress and Singer Best Known for Her Films: ‘Colombiana’, ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Everything, Everything’)
Amandla Stenberg
38
Birthdate: October 23, 1998
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Amandla Stenberg is an American singer and actress. An openly gay actress who identifies as non-binary, Stenberg is popular for voicing her opinion on cultural appropriation among other sensitive topics. A self-proclaimed intersectional feminist, Amandla Stenberg was named in Time magazine's Most Influential Teens list in 2015 and 2016. She was also named in Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul 100 list.

 14 
Paul George
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays at the 'Small Forward' Position)
Paul George
21
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 2, 1990
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Palmdale, California, United States

A six-time NBA All-Star, Paul George has been an important player in the NBA for the last decade or so. Apart from making his presence felt in the NBA, Paul George also played a key role in helping the United States men's national basketball team win Olympic gold in the 2016 Summer Olympics held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 15 
Danny Glover
(Known for His Lead Role as Roger Murtaugh in the 'Lethal Weapon' Film Series)
Danny Glover
22
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: July 22, 1946
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, United States

Danny Glover is an American actor whose career has spanned more than four decades. Apart from being an actor, Danny Glover has had a major impact as an activist; he has made his presence felt as an activist in countries like Brazil, Iraq, Venezuela, Israel, and many African countries.

 16 
Tay-K 47
(Rapper)
Tay-K 47
50
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 16, 2000
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Long Beach, California
Rapper Tay-K is best known for his Billboard-charting and platinum-certified track The Race. The same day the song was released, U.S. marshals arrested him on murder charges in New Jersey. He was convicted in the case involving the death of Ethan Walker and was later indicted for another murder.
 17 
DeMar DeRozan
(American Basketball Player Who Plays as a Shooting Guard / Small Forward)
DeMar DeRozan
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 7, 1989
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States

DeMar DeRozan is an American basketball player who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA. A four-time NBA All-Star, DeRozan has also been an important member of the United States national team, helping the team win gold medals at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 18 
Anthony Anderson
(Best Known for His Role in the Sitcom 'Black-Ish' and Series 'K-Ville' and 'Law & Order')
Anthony Anderson
11
Birthdate: August 15, 1970
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States
Anthony Anderson of All About the Andersons fame gained fame as Andre in Black-ish and as Bryan Brown in The Bernie Mac Show. He has also hosted To Tell the Truth and been a judge on Iron Chef America, apart from appearing in films such as The Departed and Transformers.
 19 
Paula Patton
(Actress and Producer)
Paula Patton
25
Birthdate: December 5, 1975
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Paula Patton is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Jane Carter in the 2011 film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. She is also famous for playing Ms.Blu Rain in the 2009 American drama film Precious, for which she was honored at the Boston Society of Film Critics Award

 20 
will.i.am
(American Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, Founding and Lead Member of the Musical Group ‘Black Eyed Peas’)
will.i.am
22
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 15, 1975
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Eastside Los Angeles, California, United States
Rapper and music producer William James Adams Jr., better known as “will.i.am,” is a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. He went solo later and released tracks such as the NBA Live theme Go! The seven-time Grammy-winning artist also wrote Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign theme Yes We Can.
 21 
Regina King
(Actress and Director Best Known for Her Film ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’)
Regina King
42
Birthdate: January 15, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Regina King was first noticed when she appeared in the series 227 and then gained fame with her role in Jerry Maguire. Her performance as Sharon Rivers in If Beale Street Could Talk won her both the Academy and the Golden Globe awards for Best Supporting Actress.

 22 
Issa Rae
(Co-Creator, Co-Writer, and Star of the HBO Television Series ‘Insecure’)
Issa Rae
44
Birthdate: January 12, 1985
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Issa Rae is known for her award-winning YouTube series Awkward Black Girl and the HBO series Insecure. Her YouTube channel has promoted the works of Black artists. She made it to the Glamour 35 Under 35 and the Forbes 30 Under 30 lists and was also featured on TIME 100.

 23 
Nick Cannon
(TV Host, Actor and Rapper)
Nick Cannon
78
Birthdate: October 8, 1980
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States

Nicholas Cannon is a comedian, rapper and television host. The Nick Cannon Show, America's Got Talent and The Masked Singer are some of his popular TV shows. He has also acted in films like Drumline, Love Don't Cost a Thing and Roll Bounce. Cannon has been accused of making racist and anti-Semitic remarks. He has called White people ‘savages’.

 24 
Coolio
(Rapper Best Known for His Singles ‘Gangsta's Paradise’ and ‘My Soul’)
Coolio
32
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 1, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Compton, California, U.S.
Died: September 8, 2022
Rapper Coolio soared to fame with his Grammy-winning single Gangsta's Paradise. He continued winning accolades with hits such as C U When U Get There. He later released a cookbook and hosted the culinary show Cookin' with Coolio. He was also part of WC and the Maad Circle.
 25 
Florence Griffith Joyner
(Former Sprinter Who Won Gold Medal in 1988 Olympics)
Florence Griffith Joyner
25
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 21, 1959
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: September 21, 1998

Legendary American sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner is still regarded as the fastest woman in the world. Her world records in both the 100m and 200m categories have still not been broken. The three-time Olympic gold medal winner was also known for her six-inch nails and her unconventional outfits.

 26 
Barry Bonds
(One of the Greatest Baseball Players of All Time)
Barry Bonds
16
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 24, 1964
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Riverside, California, United States
Former baseball player Barry Bonds is known for his stints with the MLB teams Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants. The seven-time NL MVP-winning and eight-time Gold Glove-winning player once faced trial for use of anabolic steroids. He is a 14-time All Star, he is also a cycling lover.
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 27 
JuJu Smith-Schuster
(American Football Wide Receiver)
JuJu Smith-Schuster
19
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 22, 1996
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster became the youngest player to score 2,500 career receiving yards and the first NFL player to score five touchdowns before 21. He was a Rose Bowl champion at USC. He is immensely popular on social-media platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok
 28 
Renee Elise Goldsberry
13
Birthdate: January 2, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: San Jose, California, United States

Actress, singer, and songwriter, Renee Elise Goldsberry, is a popular figure in Broadway theater. She is best known for her role in the musical Hamilton, for which she won a Tony Award. She is also active in films and TV shows. As a singer and songwriter, she is the winner of one Grammy Award. 

 29 
Morris Chestnut
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Ricky’ in the Film ‘Boyz n the Hood’)
Morris Chestnut
21
Birthdate: January 1, 1969
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cerritos, California, United States

Actor Morris Chestnut is best known for his role in the film Boyz n the Hood. Beginning his career as a young man, he appeared in a few TV shows before venturing into films. He steadily evolved as an actor and went on to co-star alongside major actors in big-budget films. He has co-authored a book on health and fitness.

 30 
Keith Stanfield
(Actor and Musician Known for His Films ‘Short Term 12’, ‘Selma’, ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and ‘Crown Heights’)
Keith Stanfield
33
Birthdate: August 12, 1991
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: San Bernardino, California, United States

Keith Stanfield is an American actor best known for playing real-life personalities like Snoop Dogg and Jimmie Lee Jackson in biographical films. For playing rapper Snoop Dogg in Straight Outta Compton, Lakeith Stanfield won the Breakthrough Performer award at the Hamptons International Film Festival.

 31 
Dennis Haysbert
(Actor and Voice Actor Known for His Films: ‘Major League’, ‘Absolute Power’ and ‘Wreck-It Ralph’)
Dennis Haysbert
9
Birthdate: June 2, 1954
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: San Mateo, California, United States
Dennis Haysbert is best known as Pedro Cerrano from the Major League films and Tim Collin from Absolute Power. He also played a fictional American president in the series 24, a role that earned him several award nominations. Some of his other notable projects are Far from Heaven and Incorporated.
 32 
Ray Allen
(Basketball player)
Ray Allen
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 20, 1975
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Merced, California, United States
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 33 
MC Hammer
(One of the Most Significant Rappers and Dancers of All Time)
MC Hammer
13
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 30, 1962
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States
Rap legend MC Hammer, a pioneer of the pop-rap genre, became the first hip-hop artist to earn the “diamond” status. He is also known for his chartbusting tracks such as U Can't Touch This and his signature "Hammer pants." He later became a preacher and hosted his own reality show.
 34 
Jonathan Majors
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Atticus Freeman’ in the TV Series ‘Lovecraft Country’)
Jonathan Majors
34
Birthdate: September 7, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Lompoc, California, United States
Yale alumnus Jonathan Majors is best known as Atticus Freeman from Lovecraft Country and Kang the Conqueror from Ant-Man 3. He is also known for the series When We Rise and the film The Last Black Man in San Francisco. He actively participated in the Black Lives Matter movement.
 35 
John David Washington
(Former American Football Player & Actor Known for His Roles in Series 'Ballers' and Films: 'BlacKkKlansman' and 'Tenet')
John David Washington
43
Birthdate: July 28, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Son of famous actor, Denzel Washington, John David Washington is a former professional footballer who played in the NFL Europe and the United Football League (UFL). He co-produced a film, The Book of Eli, and rose to fame as an actor with HBO drama series, Ballers. He later starred in critically acclaimed films, such as BlacKkKlansman and Tenet.

 36 
Nick Young
(American Former Professional Basketball Player Who Played as the Shooting Guard)
Nick Young
6
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 1, 1985
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Nick Young, also known as "Swaggy P,” is an NBA player who has represented teams such as the Washington Wizards, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. He inspired the documentary Second Chance Season and was turned into a meme known as “Confused Nick Young.”
 37 
Reggie Bush
(American football player)
Reggie Bush
10
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 2, 1985
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Spring Valley, California, United States
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 38 
Swae Lee
(Rapper and Singer Known for His Singles ‘No Flex Zone’, ‘No Type’ and ‘Black Beatles’)
Swae Lee
18
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 7, 1993
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Inglewood, California, United States

Swae Lee is an American singer, rapper and songwriter, who is considered as the “Songbird of the Generation” because of the melody he imparts to his songs. Born Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown, Swae Lee, who is part of the popular hip hop duo Rae Sremmurd, was featured in the popular 2017 song Unforgettable. He is also known as ‘Kid The Great’.

 39 
Karrueche Tran
(Actress and Model Known for Her Role as Vivian Johnson in the Web Series ‘The Bay’)
Karrueche Tran
9
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: May 17, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Karrueche Tran is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Vivian Johnson in the popular web series, The Bay. Apart from playing an important role in The Bay, Tran also produced the series for which she won two Daytime Emmy Awards. Before becoming an actress, Karrueche Tran worked as a model and was the face of Lady Crooks.

 40 
Nate Dogg
(Rapper Best Known for His Song ‘Regulate')
Nate Dogg
53
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 19, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Long Beach, California, United States
Died: March 15, 2011

Nicknamed King of Hooks, American singer and rapper Nate Dogg is best known for his collaborations with other celebrated rappers like Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Dr. Dre.  Equally successful as a solo artist, he had recorded three solo albums as well as a string of singles, concurrently charting 16 times on the Billboard Hot 100 as a featured artist.

 41 
Keyshia Cole
(American Singer, Songwriter and TV Personality Known for Her Albums ‘The Way It Is’ and ‘Just Like You’)
Keyshia Cole
13
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 15, 1981
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States

With her vocal range of a soprano, Keyshia Cole became a successful singer right with her 2005 debut album, The Way It Is, which sold 1.6 million copies. Her subsequent albums like Just Like You and A Different Me were also well received. She is also a songwriter and television producer who brought out a successful documentary series on herself. 

 42 
Keenon Jackson
(Rapper Known for His Singles 'Toot It and Boot It' and 'Don't Tell 'Em')
Keenon Jackson
17
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 9, 1990
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Compton, California, United States

Keenon Jackson is an American actor and rapper whose 2013 single My Nigga, for which he collaborated with Rich Homie Quan and Young Jeezy, won the 2014 BET Hip Hop Award for Best Collabo, Duo or Group. One of the most controversial rappers of the current generation, Keenon Jackson was arrested in 2020 on robbery charges and was detained for arraignment.

 43 
Karyn Parsons
(Known for Her Role as 'Hilary Banks' on The NBC Sitcom 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air')
Karyn Parsons
7
Birthdate: October 8, 1966
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Karyn Parsons is an American comedian and actress best known for her portrayal of Hilary Banks in the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Parsons is credited with co-creating, co-writing, and co-producing the sitcom Lush Life. She is also credited with creating a line of animated films titled Sweet Blackberry, which is about unsung black heroes.

 44 
Tyra Banks
(Known for Her Reality Television Series ‘America's Next Top Model’)
Tyra Banks
57
Birthdate: December 4, 1973
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Inglewood, California, United States

Tyra Banks became the first black woman to grace the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ. She became so successful as a model that she used her popularity to try her hand at acting, singing, writing, and producing. She is only one of seven women to appear consistently on Time magazine's world's most influential people list.

 45 
Kyla Pratt
(American Actress Who Provided the Voice of ‘Penny Proud’ in the Animated Series ‘The Proud Family’)
Kyla Pratt
6
Birthdate: September 16, 1986
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Kyla Pratt is best known as Maya Dolittle from the Dr. Dolittle movie franchise. She voiced Penny Proud in Disney’s The Proud Family and played prominent roles in One on One, Recovery Road, and Black Ink Crew: Compton. Kyla has also sung Disney tracks such as Circle of Life.
 46 
John Singleton
(Director)
John Singleton
9
Birthdate: January 6, 1968
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Died: April 28, 2019
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 47 
DeSean Jackson
(American football player)
DeSean Jackson
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 1, 1986
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 48 
Jrue Holiday
(Basketball player)
Jrue Holiday
15
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 12, 1990
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Chatsworth, California, USA
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 49 
Hopsin
(Rapper)
Hopsin
11
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: July 18, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Panorama City, Los Angeles, California
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 50 
Anderson Paak
(Singer)
Anderson Paak
15
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 8, 1986
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Oxnard, California, U.S.
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)