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40 Most Famous Black Women Actresses over 40 in 2023

Originally published by  Faith on October 2023 and Updated by Beatrice J on May 2024

40 has never looked so good. These incredible black actresses over 40 have appeared to be very fit, confident, and Hottest stars. They have graced our screens with the most beautiful natural faces that portray the beauty of a black woman. These gifted stars have continued to conquer the industry with their unique acting skills that have left a mark in Hollywood.

Over the years these women have made award-winning appearances in film and television, and indeed their success has been recognized all over the world. Ideally, they are a source of motivation to the young upcoming black actresses in the industry. Today we have compiled a list of 40 renowned black actresses over 40 who are a true representation of age is just a number.

1. Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union is an actress, voice artist, activist, and author born on 29 October 1972 in the United States. She began her acting career in 1993 in the TV series Family Matter and in 1996 she landed a role in the film Moesha. She is famously known for starring in the films, Bring It On, The Brothers, Deliver Us from Eva, Think Like a Man, The Birth of a Nation, and Almost Christmas. She has also landed roles in many television series including City of Angels and Being Mary Jane which she won the NAACP Image Award.

Aside from her acting career, she is also an entrepreneur. She has launched her wine, hair-care product line, and a clothing line. She has written two children鈥檚 books and two memoirs. Gabrielle is also an advocate for women鈥檚 rights and breast cancer.

2. Regina King

The award-winning actress was born on 15, January 1971 in Los Angeles. She began her acting career in 1985, starring in the television sitcom 227, between 1985 to 1990. During the 1990s, she featured in Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice, Higher Learning, Friday, Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Enemy of the State, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and Love and Action in Chicago. King has also starred in several other films including, Year of the Dog, This Christmas, Southland, and The Big Bang Theory.

She has received several awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and four Primetime Emmy Awards. Besides her acting career, King is also a television director of several television shows such as Scandal, This is Us, and One Night in Miami which she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Director and a Director Guild of America Award for First Time Feature Film.

3. Vanessa Williams

She is a famous actress, producer, singer, and dancer born on 18, March 1963 in New York. She gained world fame as the first African-American to receive the Miss America title in 1984. She took a turn in her career and starred in various films including her first Broadway debut in the film Kiss of the Spider Woman, Into the Woods, and The Trip to Bountiful. She has also appeared on television, playing the roles of Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty and Renee Perry on Desperate Housewives. Her talent in the entertainment industry has not gone unseen and over the years she has managed to win several awards. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality and the Black Lives Matter movement.

4. Viola Davis

Viola Davis at the Screen Guild Actors Award. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Viola Davis is one of the most iconic black actresses and producers in the entertainment industry. She has left a tremendous impact on the entertainment industry with the roles she played in different films including “Doubt” (2008), “Prisoners” (2013), “Fences” (2016), “The Suicide” (2021) and so much more. The talented actress has won several accolades throughout her career, including an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards. Viola’s performance features strong emotions and commitment to authenticity which has made fans fall in love with her. The philanthropic actress has continued to dedicate herself to the entertainment industry and she is a source of inspiration to other black actresses who want to follow in her footsteps.

5. Halle Berry

Halle Berry started her career as a model before venturing into acting in 1989. Boomerang became her breakthrough film in 1992. The film led to other roles she starred in, including 鈥淭he Flintstones鈥� (1994), 鈥淏ulworth鈥� (1998), 鈥淢onster鈥檚 Ball鈥� (2001), 鈥淒ie Another Day鈥� (2002) and 鈥淛ohn Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum鈥� (2019). She has also featured in the television film 鈥淚ntroducing Dorothy Dandridge鈥� (1999). The gifted star performance in both film and television has earned her several honors including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. She is one of the black actresses who has cemented her title in the entertainment industry.

6. Kerry Washington

A picture of Kerry Washington. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Kerry Washington is a notable black actress born on 31, January 1977 in New York City. She is known for her role as Olivia Pole in the ABC drama series 鈥淪candal鈥� (2012-2018). This role earned her two nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and one for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress- Television Series Drama. She has also won five NAACP Image Awards including The President鈥檚 Award.  Kerry’s ability to adjust to different genres easily has made the audience fall in love with her even more. She is also well known for her philanthropic work as she advocates for human rights and is a great supporter of LGBT programs as well as cancer organizations.

7. Jada Pinkett Smith

She is one of the black actresses who has showcased her versatility as an actress in the film industry. Her natural acting skills have been showcased in several films and television series. Jada is known for her roles in 鈥淭he Matrix鈥� trio and 鈥淕irls Trip鈥� (2017). She has won several honors and has been nominated for prestigious awards like the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

Aside from her acting career, Jada has also launched a music career as the lead singer and songwriter for the nu-metal band Wicked Wisdom. She also published a children’s book, Girls Hold Up This World in 2004. Jada owns a production company with her husband Will Smith. She has continued to be the topic of most entertainment shows.

8. Taraji P. Henson

The American actress began her career in guest roles on various television shows before rising into the limelight when she starred in 鈥淏aby Boy鈥� (2001). The film earned her roles in other films including Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Date Night, The Karate Kid, and Hidden Figures.  She gained massive popularity for her role as Cookie Lyon in the drama TV series Empire which she became the first African-American woman to win the Critics鈥� Choice Television Award for Best Actress in the Drama series. Taraji was also nominated for the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2015 and 2016 and she is one of the actresses who won the Golden Globe Award. The successful actress is celebrated for her incredible talent and charisma showcased throughout her movies

9. Angela Bassett

, , via Wikimedia Commons

The gorgeous actress was born in August 1958 in New York City. She gained world popularity for playing Tina Turner in the film What’s Love Got to Do with It. Since then, she has starred in several other films including Boyz n the Hood, Malcolm X, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and Black Panther. Her skills and creativity in the film industry have earned the actress several awards including two Golden Globe Awards and sixteen NAACP Image Awards. She has been nominated for prestigious awards two Academy Awards and seven Primetime Emmy Awards. This influential actress is a great supporter of children and youth, health care, and art programs.

10. Regina Hall

The award-winning actress was born on December 12, 1970, in Washington, D.C. Regina Hall had her breakthrough in the role she played as Brenda Meeks in the comedy horror film series Scary Movie which began in 2000 and ended in 2006. She has also performed in the television series Ally McBeal, Law & Order: LA, Grandfathered, Black Monday, Vacation, Girls Trip, The Hate You Give, and Little. Despite facing many challenges that came her way, Regina still managed to become very successful, and today she is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

11. Nia Long

A photo of Nia Long. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The accomplished actress was famed for her work in Black cinema. She came into the limelight in the film “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) and for her role as Beullah “Lisa” Wilkes on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Some of the other films she appeared in include 鈥淔riday鈥� (1995), Love Jones, Soul Food, and the Fox drama series “Empire鈥� (2017). Her terrific talent has earned her several accolades, including two NAACP Image Awards and a Black Reel Award. She remains one of the phenomenal actresses who has inspired most of her audience.

12. Zoe Saldana

The charming actress, film producer, Voice Over Artist, and Writer was born in June 1978 in Passaic. She is famous for acting in a science fiction film franchise. Zoe began her acting career in 1999 in the legal television drama series Law and Order. She played ballet dancer in her first film 鈥淐enter Stage鈥� (2000). Other films she has starred in include Crossroads, Star Trek Film, and Avatar. She has worked in the Avatar film series Avatar 2 and Avatar 3. She has also featured in 鈥淕uardians of the Galaxy鈥� (2014-2023), The Adam Project, and From Scratch both in 2022. Zoe has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023 by Time Magazine.

13. Tyra Banks

She is a talented American actress, model, TV personality, film producer, writer, and businesswoman born in December 1973. She began her career as a model at the age of 15 and became the first woman to appear on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She later on, ventured into acting career in the Television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1993. In 1995 she made her film debut in the movie drama Higher Learning. She landed other major film roles, such as Eve in Disney Channel鈥檚 Life-Size and Zoe in Coyote Ugly.

She is the host and executive producer of the reality TV show 鈥淎merica鈥檚 Next Top Model.鈥� She also had her television talk show, “The Tyra Banks Show,” which won two Daytime Emmy awards for Outstanding Talk Show Informative. She runs her own production company and has published a young adult novel titled “Modelland.” She has proven that black people can be so talented.

14. Alfre Woodard

Actress Alfre Woodard. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Alfre Woodard is a talented black actress born in November 1952 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She came into the limelight after her breakthrough role in the play For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf in 1977. Some of the films Alfre is famous for include Cross Creek, Passion Fish, Crooklyn, 12 Years a Slave, Miss Evers鈥� Boys, Anabelle, Fatherhood, Mandela, and The Gray Man amongst her other films.

Her captivating performance has made her recognized as a good actress that she has won several awards including four Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Canadian Screen Awards, as well as nominations for an Academy Award, Bafta Award, and two Grammy Awards. She is also known for her work as a political activist for HIV/AIDS and LGBT rights and also as a producer.

15. Brandy Norwood

The beautiful American singer, songwriter, actress, and model was born in February 1979 in McComb, Mississippi. She started as a backing vocalist before releasing her self-titled debut album which sold numerous copies worldwide. She then ventured into acting and starred in the sitcom film 鈥淢oesha鈥� (1996-2001) which won her an NAACP Image Award. Other notable films she starred in, include 鈥淐inderella鈥� (1997) and 鈥淚 Still Know What You Did Last Summer鈥� (1998). She is also known for her philanthropic efforts as she is the founder of Norwood Kids Foundation and has supported other foundation programs like Make a Wish Foundation.

16. Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keshia Knight. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Keshia was one of the actresses who began her career as a child actress. At the young age of 3, Keshia starred in the educational children鈥檚 television series Sesame Street. She landed her breakthrough role as Rudy Huxtable in the famous sitcom 鈥淭he Cosby Show鈥� (1984-1992). In 1985, she made her feature film debut in The Last Dragon. Keshia became one of the youngest actresses to be nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in A Comedy series, The Cosby Show. She also appeared in several television commercials and TV shows including The Celebrity Apprentice and Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. She continues to charm her audience with her exceptional performance.

17. Rashida Jones

The phenomenal actress, writer, producer, and director was born in February 1976 in Los Angeles. She first appeared in the Television series 鈥淭he Last Don鈥� (1997) and in 2000 she debuted on the Fox drama series Boston Public and in East of A. Other famous films and television shows that she has featured in include The Office, Parks and Recreation, Angie Tribeca, I Love You Man, The Muppets, and The Social Network. Her skills in the entertainment industry have been appreciated over the years and she has stood a chance to win several accolades and being nominated for other prestigious awards.

18. Naomie Harris

A picture of Naomi Harris. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The energetic Black English Actress began her career as a child artist, performing in the television series Simon and the Witch in 1987. Other roles that Naomi Harris is famous for include Tia Dalma in the series Pirates of the Caribbean, Winnie Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Eve Moneypenny in Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die. She also starred in the famous celebrated film Moonlight which earned her several honours, including nominations for the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is one of the actresses who has been celebrated for her commitment and dedication to her craft.

19. Tichina Arnold

The extraordinarily talented actress was born on June 28, 1969, in New York City. She started her career as a child actor, appearing in her first major role as Zena Brown in the sitcom Ryan鈥檚 Hope. She is popular for her role as Pamela on the Fox sitcom Martin as well as Rochelle on the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. Other roles she has starred in include Cassie Calloway on Survivor鈥檚 Remorse, Tina Butler in the CBS sitcom series The Neighborhood, and Paulette in the South African series Lockdown. She is also famous for her philanthropic efforts as she created the We Win Foundation together with her sister. Her fans love her for demonstrating flexibility in everything from comedies to dramas.

20. Tika Sumpter

The American actress, singer, television host, producer, and model was born on 20 June 1980, in Queens, New York. She started her career as a model before transitioning into acting where she acted in ABC鈥檚 daytime soap opera, One Life to Live from 2005 to 2010. She made her film debut in 鈥淕ossip Girl鈥� (2006) and 鈥淭he Game鈥� and later featured in supporting roles for 鈥淪tomp the Yard: Homecoming鈥� (2010), 鈥淭he Salt鈥� (2010), 鈥淲hat鈥檚 Your Number?鈥� (2011), 鈥淭hink Like a Man鈥� (2012), 鈥淪parkle鈥� (2012), and 鈥淎 Madea Christmas鈥� (2013). Other films, Tika has starred in include The Haves and the Have Nots, Ride Along, The Old Man and the Gun and Nobody鈥檚 Fool. Her talent in different movie genres has been recognized and as a result, she was nominated for the Black Reel Awards and the Audience Award in Gotham Awards.

21. Demetria McKinney

The actress at the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The vibrant actress, songwriter, and singer was born on 27^th October 1979 in Albuquerque, Mexico. She is famously known for performing in several of Tyler Perry’s stage plays, including Meet the Browns, Madea鈥檚 Family Christmas and Why Did I Get Married. She also featured on the comedy series Tyler Perry鈥檚 House of Payne from 2006 to 2012. Demetria has starred in other series regular roles including the famous TV One sitcom The Ricky Smiley Show, Saints & Sinners which was a Bounce TV prime time soap opera, the horror drama Superstition, and Motherland: Fort Salem. Over the years she has continued to grow in the entertainment industry and she remains one of the celebrated artists.

22. Paula Patton

The famous actress and producer has kept us glued on our screens, because of her exceptional talent and versatility as an actress. Her incredible performance has been showcased in the comedy film 鈥淗itch鈥� (2005), 鈥淒茅j脿 vu鈥� (2006), 鈥淧recious鈥� (2009), 鈥淛umping the Broom鈥� (2011), 鈥淢ission Impossible- Ghost Protocol鈥� (2011), 鈥�2 Guns鈥� (2013), and 鈥淲arcraft鈥� (2016), as well as Sacrifice (2019).

23. Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The accomplished actress is famous for her singing and rapping career. She has cemented her title in the entertainment industry. Queen Latifah made us fall in love with her when she first appeared on TV in 1991 on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Her ability to transition into other phenomenal characters has enabled her to be an outstanding actress. Some of the notable films she has featured in include Living Single, Set It Off, Chicago which earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Bringing Down the House, Taxi, Barbershop 2: Back in Business, and Last Holiday as well as Girls Trip. Since 202, she has held the lead role in the action television show The Equalizer.

Her incredible and vivacious performance has enabled her to receive several accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards. She is also famous for supporting Black culture, HIV/AIDS awareness, women鈥檚 rights, and LGBT programming. She is truly a definition of success and has remained to be a source of inspiration to other upcoming actresses.

24. Bianca Lawson

The beautiful black actress who performed in several films and Television shows was born in Los Angeles, California. She started her acting career in the TV Show Saved by the Bell: The New Class in 1993 and after 4 years she appeared in the film Twice the Fear and Primary Color in 1998. She is best known for her roles in Rogue, Goode Behavior, and Supergator, Pretty Little Liars. She has also received nomination awards, including the Black Reel Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama series and NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama series as well as Teen Choice Awards.

25. Maria Howell

<a href=”http://Tammy McGarity Photography, , via Wikimedia Commons” data-wplink-url-error=”true”>

Maria Howell an American actress, composer, and singer started as a jazz singer and later made her film debut in “The Color Purple” (1985). She co-starred in films such as “Daddy鈥檚 Little Girls鈥� (2007), 鈥淢ississippi Damned鈥� (2009), 鈥淭he Blind Side鈥� (2009), and 鈥淲hat Expect When You鈥檙e Expecting鈥� (2012). In 2013, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire had a role for her to play as Seeder. She also made guest appearances on Drop Dead Diva, Army Wives, The Game, Necessary Roughness, and The Vampire Diaries.

 26. Sherly Lee Ralph

Sherly Lee Ralph is a renowned actress and singer who came into the limelight when she played Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls in 1981, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She starred in other films like A Piece of the Action, Mighty Quinn, Mistress, The Comeback, and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. Some of these films earned her several awards and nominations in the entertainment industry. Aside from her acting career, Sherly has continued to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS which has made her be praised even more by her audience.

27. Tanisha Grant

Tanisha a respected actress in the entertainment industry was born on 28 July 1973 in Chester, United States. She started her career in a small uncredited role in the film Righteous Kill in 2008. Later on, the same year she starred in the film Afterwards as a passenger. She is also known for, Live from the Red Carpet: The Paley Center Tribute to Hispanic Achievements in Television and 45^th NAACP Image Awards. She has left a huge impact on the entertainment industry over the years.

28. Thandiwe Newton

The British Actress began her acting career in the series Private Prince and the film Flirting in 1991. Newton is famous for the roles of Beloved in Beloved, Nyan Nordoff-Hall in Mission Impossible-2, Christine Thayer in Crush, Linda in The Pursuit of Happyness, Libby in Run Fatboy Run, Tangie Adrose in For Colored Girls, and Val in Solo: A Star Wars Story. The beautiful black actress has received several awards in her career and this shows how she is very talented and committed to her work.

29. Lupita Nyong鈥檕

A picture of actress Lupita Nyong’o. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The Mexican-Kenyan actress was born on 1 March 1983 in Mexico City. She began her acting career as a production assistant in Hollywood before appearing in a short film East River. The master鈥檚 degree holder in acting is popular for featuring in 12 Years a Slave, in the play Eclipsed, the Star Wars sequel trilogy, The Jungle Book, Black Panther, and the horror film Us. Her prowess in the acting industry has earned her several accolades and prestigious nominations throughout her career. Aside from her acting career, she is an avid supporter of historic preservations. She is also candid on matters about preventing sexual harassment and working for women鈥檚 and animal rights.

30. Victoria Gabrielle Platt

The accomplished black actress has graced our screen with her extraordinary talents in acting, producing, and singing. Platt began her career in an episode of the NBC sitcom “The Cosby Show” (1985). She has also starred in several other films including the musical drama film Round Midnight and the HBO film Winchell. She was nominated for NAACP Theatre Awards, Ovation Award, and Daytime Emmy Award at the 48^th Daytime Emmy Awards. She is one of the actresses who has achieved so much success in the entertainment industry.

31.Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer鈥檚 journey in the industry began when she landed her first acting role in the 1996 film titled, A Time to Kill. Her performance in The Help propelled her to fame and won her an Oscar.

She has since been honored with a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, and received Oscar nods for Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water. Octavia Spencer has done more than just act; she鈥檚 also written a kids鈥� book series called Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective.鈥�

She鈥檚 worked hard and is now one of the most admired and best-paid black actors in Hollywood.

32.Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan, born to thespian Eleanor McCoy and filmmaker Stan Lathan, initiated her acting career with television roles during her academic years. A Yale drama graduate, she secured prominent parts in Blade and Love & Basketball.

Her portrayal in Broadway鈥檚 A Raisin in the Sun garnered her a Tony nomination. She鈥檚 also acclaimed for Alien vs. Predator and The Family That Preys, and was Emmy-nominated in 2022 for Succession.

In addition to her acting career, Lathan made her directorial debut with the film On the Come Up in 20221. Her talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have made her a respected and influential figure in Hollywood.

33.Jack茅e Harry

Jack茅e Harry a prominent figure in the acting industry was born on the 14^th of August 1956. Jack茅e Harry emerged as a pioneering figure in television comedy with her Emmy-winning performance as Sandra Clark on 227. This made her the the first African-American woman to receive the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a comedy Series.

She continued to charm viewers in her role as Lisa Landry on Sister, Sister. With a foundation in theater that began with her Broadway debut in 1978, Harry has been involved in numerous stage productions.

Known for her distinctive, resonant voice and her ability to deliver lines with sharp wit, Harry has become a beloved personality in the industry. Her role as Paulina Price in Days of Our Lives is a testament to her lasting appeal and her ability to adapt to the changing landscape of television.

34.Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete鈥檚 career in show business began as a young girl on Sesame Street. Her career took a significant leap forward with her portrayal of Judy Hoffs on 21 Jump Street.

Holly went on to enchant viewers as Vanessa Russell in Hangin鈥� with Mr. Cooper and as Dr. Malena Ellis in For Your Love. Beyond her acting prowess, Peete is also a recognized author, having received an NAACP Image Award for her book My Brother Charlie.

 Her musical talent shone through during performances with Lionel Hampton in Paris, and her advocacy for autism, a cause close to her heart, has endeared her to many.

35.Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen, a multifaceted icon, has graced the entertainment industry as an actress, dancer, choreographer, singer, director, and producer. Her Emmy nominations tally up to an impressive twenty, with five wins, alongside two Tony Award nods.

Allen鈥檚 star shines bright on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her Golden Globe-winning performance in Fame, where she not only acted but also choreographed. Her directorial prowess extends over fifty production, and she imparts her wisdom at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles.

Her contributions to education have been acknowledged with honorary degrees from both Howard University and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

36.Loretta Devine

 Loretta Devine, an acclaimed American actress recognized for her extensive career was born on August 21, 1949. Loretta Devine鈥檚 artistic prowess spans both stage and screen. She debuted on Broadway with A Broadway Musical and soared to fame as Lorrell Robinson in Dreamgirls.

Her portrayal of Gloria Matthews in Waiting to Exhale and Adele Webber in Grey鈥檚 Anatomy earned her a Primetime Emmy and multiple NAACP Image Awards. Loretta鈥檚 stage presence was further solidifies by her role as Glinda the good Witch of the South in the Apollo revival of The Wiz.

37.Lynn Whitfield

Lynn Whitfield, the distinguished American actress was born on February 15, 1953. Lynn Whitfield has been a fixture in the entertainment world from her initial days on stage and small screen. Her embodiment of Josephine Baker in The Josephine Baker Story brought her an Emmy and a nod from the Golden Globes.

Whitfield鈥檚 versatility is evident in roles ranging from A Thin Line Between Love and Hate to Eve鈥檚 Bayou. She has recently been lauded for her portrayal of Lady Mae Greenleaf in Greenleaf, which has garnered her several NAACP Image Awards.

38.Kim Fields

The famous Kim Fields was born on May 12, 1969. Kim鈥檚 journey in the limelight began as a child star on Good Times. She later became known for her role as Tootie on Diff鈥檙ent Strokes and The Facts of Life. Her career evolved as she took on the character of Regine Hunter in Living Single.

Fields has also stepped behind the camera to direct episodes of Kenan & Kel and Tyler Perry鈥檚 House of Payne, and she currently shines in the Netflix series The Upshaws.

39.Sheryl Underwood

Sheryl Underwood has carved out a niche for herself as a comedian, actress, and TV host. She first gained attention as the inaugural female finalist in the Miller Lite Comedy Search and has since been a staple on television.

As the longest-serving co-host of The Talk, Underwood has earned a Daytime Emmy Award among multiple nominations. Her comedic flair has been featured in film roles such as Beauty Shop and as the host of BET鈥檚 Comic View.

40.Tracee Ellis Ross

The famous Tracee Ellis Ross was born on the 29^th of October 1972. Tracee Ellis Ross is a really successful actress who鈥檚 been in TV shows like Girlfriends and Black-ish. She鈥檚 been up for five Emmy Awards because of her role in Black-ish and even won a Golden Globe and six NAACP Image Awards.

Before she became famous on TV, Ross worked in magazines, modeled, and then started acting. She first appeared in a movie called Far Harbor in 1996 and hosted a talk show called The Dish.

Ross isn鈥檛 just an actress, she鈥檚 also produced shows, like the Emmy-winning We Are the Dream. Time magazine said she鈥檚 one of the most important people in the world, and The New York Times listed her as one of the best actors of the 21st century.

Being a black actress in the entertainment industry sometimes comes with so many challenges. Today these actresses have proven to us that these challenges cannot be a hindrance to their career.

They have graced our screens with extraordinary talents that have left many of us glued to our screens. It is beautiful indeed to see how the entertainment industry has seen a lot of black actresses in their movies, television shows, and commercials today.