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20 Famous Black Actors with Glasses

Originally published by Gloria N in July 2023 and updated by Ruth in May 2024

Glasses have for a long time been associated with intellect people Sophistication and individuality. With time they have changed as they were only meant to correct eyesight but are now used as fashion accessories. Glasses have become more accessible than they used to be before hence customers can easily access their preferred glasses at an affordable price.

 The more technology and fashion is growing Glasses will become an essential and a celebrated aspect of daily life. The entertainment industry has played a big role in elevating glasses to iconic status. This article is going to discuss how black actors have embraced the use of glasses.

1. Denzel Washington

Denzel is one of the most iconic black Hollywood actors of all time. He has captured the hearts of the audience with outstanding performance and also his fashion of wearing glasses. His acting skills have been noted on both television shows and films. He has starred in many famous films and has received much critical acclaim for his great skills such as being able to change his characters.

Many of you have seen him wearing glasses in some films and he uses them as a fashion. For instance in the film ‘The Little Things’ he wears Ray-Ban Colonel RB3560 glasses and in ‘The Book of Eli’ he wears Oakley Inmate sunglasses. Sunglasses gives him more confidence authenticity and fashion.

2. Tyler Perry

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Tyler is a famous known handsome Hollywood actor born on 13th September 1969 in New Orleans. He gained great fame when he played a signature character called Madea whom he portrayed in both films and stage plays. Tyler married Gelila Bekele in 2009 and was blessed with one child.

His personality of putting glasses makes him more handsome. His glasses are from the Old Lady’s glasses, have black frames, and always match his outfits

3. Morgan Freeman

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Morgan is a great Black Actor born on 1st June 1937. Other than being an actor, producer, and narrator, he is personally known and seen to wear glasses. He started acting at a very young age. He has four kids and has married twice. He married Jeanette Adair in 1967 and they later divorced in 1979. After some years he married Myrna Colley- lee in 1984 and divorced in 2010.

Morgan is so cute with glasses. They are round and have brown leather flames. His glasses make him more unique and noticeable since he is one of the kind who uses such kinds of glasses.

Look at the 50 Famous People And Celebrities In Glasses From Around The World.

4. Blair Underwood

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Blair is a famous Hollywood actor who gained recognition in both television series and films. He is known for his great acting skills and ability to change characters. He debuted in the entertainment industry in 1985 in the film ‘Krush Groove’. And gained fame on the television series ‘L.A Law’.

Blair wears glasses as fashion. He looks more handsome and more confident with himself in glasses. His glasses are transparent and look brownish. He was seen with Ray-Ban Sunglasses during On 3 Productions Gift Lounge at the 19th Annual IFP Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica.

5. Forest Whitaker

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Forester is a famous Black Hollywood actor born on 15th July 1961. He married Keisha Nash in 1996 and divorced in 2021 and they have three kids. He made a debut in the entertainment industry in 1982 and since then has captured the hearts of the audience with outstanding performances.

The handsome actor is also known for his great sense of fashion which goes in hand with his glasses making him look cuter. He has been spotted severally wearing The Nebb Eyeglasses. They have a rectangular frame. His glasses give him a distinct and memorable look that complements his diverse roles.

6. Eddy Murphy

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Eddy is one of the famous black actors with great acting skills and the ability to change his characters. He has won the attention of the audience with his outstanding performances on both television shows and films. He has his comedy show called ‘Saturday Night Live’ which made him more famous across the Globe.

Eddie wears Cazal 607 glasses for Harlem Nights X Cazal which have amazing frames and are so clear making him more fashionable and handsome.

7. Samuel L. Jackson

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Samuel is a worldwide recognized actor of his generation due to his remarkable works in the acting field. Some of the films he has showcased his acting talents include Goodfellas and True Romance among others.

Samuel has been spotted severally on glasses and they give him amazing looks. He uses his glasses as beauty accessories.  His glasses are sleek and sharp aviator-style glasses.

Read more about Samuel. L Jackson here.

8. Don Cheadle

Don well known as Donald Frank Cheadle Jr is a well-known black actor with great acting skills. He debuted in the entertainment industry in 1984 and since then he has been giving nothing but outstanding performances. Due to his amazing talent, he is a recipient of several awards.

For a while now fans have spotted Don on glasses which makes him look good. His Glasses have a Blue Light Filter with amazing frames. An example of a film you would see him in Glasses is ‘Miles Davis’

9. Jamie Foxx

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Eric Marlon Bishop known by his stage name Jamie Foxx is a well-known actor, comedian, and singer.  He gained great fame in the film ‘Booty Call’. He has showcased his acting skills in stand-up comedies Films and television series. His genre of acting is comedy.

Jamie’s sunglasses are from Prive Revaux. His glasses are a reflection of the classical style. They have a teardrop shape and metal frames giving him amazing looks.

10. Will Smith

Willard Carroll Smith II known by his stage name Will Smith was born on 25th September 1968. His outstanding performances are recognizable in both television series and films. As a result of his amazing acting skills, he has received many accolades.

Will has three kids and he is currently married to Jada Pinkett. He put on glasses as a sign of fashion. His glasses have a gold frame and mirror lenses. Will also has a pair of glasses from Sama Monterey II. Both in films and in real life he wears glasses and he looks good on them.

11. Michael B. Jordan

Micheal is a prominent Hollywood actor born on 9th February 1987. His amazing acting skills have been showcased on both television shows and films.

He was among the making of the most known film called ‘Fruitvale Station’ in which he played the role of Oscar Grant and was on television on the drama series called ‘The Wire’. Micheal has been spotted rocking glasses of Ray-Ban RB3647-N. They are round in shape with metal frames.

12. Billy Porter

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William Eliis Porter II known by his professional name as Billy Porter was born on 21st September 1969.  Since he debuted in the entertainment industry he has been giving great performances and improving his skills every day. In 1992 Billy won some cash on the American Show Star Search. Some of the films he has starred in include ‘Seth Micheal Donsky’s Twisted’

Billy has been spotted wearing sunglasses as a sign of fashion during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. They are seen to be super sparkly with pink eyeglasses with silver trim.

13. Anthony Mackie

Anthony is a famous Hollywood actor born in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. He married Sheletta Chapital in 2014 and they divorced in 2018 and have four kids. Anthony has starred in numerous movies such as â€˜Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’ among many others.

 Anthony has been spotted locking glasses and he looks good on them. His most known glasses that he locks have grey lenses and Chrome frames.

14. Donald Glover

Donald McKinley Glover Jr known by his stage name Childish Gambino was born on 25th September 1983. He is married to Michelle White and has three kids. His genre of acting is comedy. He has starred in some successful films such as ‘The Lazarus Effect’ and also a comedy-drama film called ‘Magic Mike XX³¢â€™.

Donald has been spotted wearing the Ray-Ban RX5121F Opticals. They have thick frames and transparent lenses. He looks good on glasses.

15. Taye Diggs

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Taye is a great Hollywood actor who has been in the entertainment industry for quite a long time and has powerful acting skills such as being able to change his character which amazes the audience.

He gained wide recognition from the film called ‘R±ð²Ô³Ù’. His other notable films include ‘The Best Man’ and ‘Chicago’ among many others. He looks good on his black glasses which gives him more fabulous looks and classic fashion.

16. Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is a prominent Hollywood actor and comedian who was born on 6th July 1979. Kevin has four kids. He married Torrei Hart in 2003 and divorced in 2011 and later married Eniko Parrish in 2016. Its genre of acting is comedy. He has a brother called Robert. He is known to have starred in numerous successful films which have made him famous.

He embraces fashionable frames that add to his already charismatic presence. He pulls off different eyewear styles.

You can read more about Kelvin Hart in 20 Most Famous Black Male Comedian Actors.

17. Djimon Hounsou

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Djimon Hounsou was born on 24th April 1964. He is married to Kimora Lee Simmons and they have one child. Djimon has starred in numerous films such as ‘Gladiator’ ‘Blood Diamond’ and â€˜A³¾±ð°ù¾±³¦²¹â€™ among many others.

He has been spotted wearing glasses that have mirror lenses and gold frames. Glasses add more charisma to his natural looks.

18. Wesley Snipes

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Wesley a well-known Hollywood actor was born in Orlando, Florida, U.S. He has starred in numerous successful movies which are worldly recognized. Some of these films include ‘Rising Sun ‘Demolition Man’ and ‘Coming 2 America’ among many others. Wesley has five children.

In the movies and on personal life Wesley has been spotted wearing glasses which makes him look good. His glasses have transparent lenses and thick frames. He is also said to love Oakley sunglasses and he wore them through the making of the film ‘B±ô²¹»å±ð’.

19. Zendaya

Zendaya Coleman is a great and famous black actress. She is well known for her great acting skills and gained much fame when she starred in the Disney Channel Sitcom show Called Shake It Up.

Over the years in the entertainment industry, Zendaya has been awarded many awards and she was one of two black actresses to have ever won the leading actress in a drama series Emmy.

She has great fashion which most of you have seen which includes wearing glasses. She looks more cute in her glasses. Most of her noted glasses have round lenses with brown frames, she has also Lindsey-Gold glasses which have transparent lenses and metallic frames.

20. Mahershala Ali

Mahershala is a famous black actor with powerful acting skills which have made recipient of multiple accolades. He is married to Amatus Sami- Karim and has one child. His great acting skills have been showcased on both television and in films. His firm debut television series was known as ‘Crossing Jordan’

Mahershala has been spotted wearing glasses severally. His glasses have tinted lenses with different frames which depended on the mood and the fashion of the day.

10 Facts about Eye Glasses

1. The earliest known evidence of eyeglasses comes from ancient Egypt 

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The earliest known evidence of eyeglasses traces back to ancient Egypt, where artifacts resembling magnifying lenses have been unearthed. These ancient optical aids, believed to date as far back as the 5th century BCE, suggest an early recognition of the need for visual assistance. 

These early lenses were likely used by scholars, craftsmen, and scribes to alleviate eye strain during activities requiring close attention to detail, such as reading hieroglyphics or intricate artistic work. While rudimentary compared to modern eyeglasses, these ancient lenses represent a pivotal moment in human history, marking the inception of optical technology aimed at enhancing visual acuity.

2. Alessandro della Spina invented eyeglasses around the year 1286

Alessandro della Spina, a Dominican friar from Italy, is credited with inventing eyeglasses around the year 1286. Inspired by the potential of lenses to improve vision, della Spina crafted the first wearable eyeglasses by mounting lenses within frames, allowing for easier handling and adjustment. 

His invention revolutionized the lives of individuals with vision impairments, providing a practical solution for correcting refractive errors and enabling clearer vision for activities such as reading, writing, and craftsmanship. Della Spina’s ingenuity paved the way for the widespread adoption of eyeglasses across Europe and beyond, marking a significant milestone in the history of vision correction and optical innovation.

3. The terms spectacles and eyeglasses are often used interchangeably

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The terms “spectacles” and “eyeglasses” are often used interchangeably to refer to corrective lenses worn to improve vision. While both terms generally describe the same optical devices, there has been a historical distinction between the two. Originally, spectacles referred to lenses held in front of the eyes by a handle or frame, while eyeglasses specifically denoted frames worn directly on the face. 

Over time, as advancements in eyewear design and manufacturing blurred the line between the two, the terms became synonymous in everyday usage. Today, whether referred to as spectacles or eyeglasses, these optical devices serve the same essential function of correcting refractive errors and enhancing visual acuity, regardless of the terminology used to describe them.

4. In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin is credited with inventing bifocal lenses

Benjamin Franklin, polymath and founding father of the United States, made significant contributions to the field of optics with his invention of bifocal lenses. Franklin’s innovative design featured lenses divided into two distinct optical powers, allowing wearers to seamlessly transition between near and far vision without the need for separate pairs of glasses. 

By incorporating both reading and distance prescriptions into a single lens, Franklin’s bifocals provided a practical solution for individuals with presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition that affects near-focusing ability. Franklin’s ingenuity revolutionized the eyewear industry, offering a convenient and efficient solution for addressing the visual needs of individuals with multiple refractive errors. His bifocal design remains a staple in modern eyewear, embodying a legacy of innovation and practical problem-solving in the field of vision correction.

5. Eyeglass frames have evolved significantly over the centuries

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Eyeglass frames have undergone significant evolution throughout history, reflecting advancements in materials, technology, and fashion trends. From the earliest frames crafted from materials like wood, bone, or metal, to the sophisticated designs of the modern era, eyeglass frames have adapted to meet changing needs and preferences. In ancient times, frames were primarily functional, serving to hold lenses in place without much consideration for aesthetics. 

However, as eyeglasses became more commonplace and accessible, frames evolved to encompass a wide range of styles, shapes, and colours to suit individual tastes and fashion sensibilities. The introduction of plastic frames in the 20th century revolutionized the eyewear industry, offering lighter, more durable options that expanded design possibilities and allowed for greater creativity in frame construction. Today, eyeglass frames are not only functional but also serve as fashion accessories, reflecting personal style and expression while providing essential vision correction.

6. Prescription eyeglasses are customized to address specific vision issues

Prescription eyeglasses are meticulously crafted to address individual vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Optometrists or ophthalmologists conduct comprehensive eye examinations to determine the precise prescription needed for each eye. 

This prescription is then translated into lenses with specific optical powers, often ground to correct refractive errors and optimize visual acuity. Customized lenses ensure that wearers achieve clear, comfortable vision tailored to their unique visual needs, enhancing quality of life and overall well-being.

7. Contact lenses provide an alternative to traditional eyeglasses

Contact lenses

Contact lenses offer a convenient and discreet alternative to traditional eyeglasses. These thin, curved lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye, correcting vision by refracting light onto the retina. 

Contact lenses provide several advantages, including improved peripheral vision, freedom from wearing frames, and the ability to participate in sports and other activities without eyewear obstruction. While contact lenses require proper care and maintenance, they offer wearers flexibility and convenience in correcting refractive errors.

8. Eyeglasses have become a fashion statement and accessory

Eyeglasses have transcended their functional purpose to become a fashionable accessory and statement piece. With a plethora of styles, shapes, colours, and materials available, eyeglasses allow wearers to express their personal style and enhance their overall appearance. 

From classic and understated frames to bold and avant-garde designs, eyeglasses offer endless opportunities for self-expression and fashion experimentation. The intersection of functionality and style has elevated eyeglasses to iconic status in the world of fashion, influencing trends and inspiring creativity in eyewear design.

9. There are eyeglasses with lenses that filter or block blue light emitted by electronic devices

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With the proliferation of digital screens in modern life, concerns about blue light exposure have led to the development of specialized eyeglasses with lenses that filter or block blue light emitted by electronic devices. Blue light-blocking lenses aim to reduce eye strain, alleviate digital eye fatigue, and potentially mitigate the effects of blue light on sleep patterns. 

These lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals who spend extended periods in front of screens, such as computer users, smartphone enthusiasts, and gamers. Blue light-blocking eyeglasses offer a proactive approach to maintaining visual comfort and promoting eye health in the digital age.

10. LASIK and PRK have provided alternatives to wearing eyeglasses 

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) are advanced surgical procedures that provide alternatives to wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses for some individuals with refractive errors. Both procedures involve reshaping the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to correct vision and reduce or eliminate the need for external lenses. 

LASIK and PRK offer permanent vision correction for conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, allowing patients to enjoy clear, unaided vision without the inconvenience of eyewear. While not suitable for everyone, LASIK and PRK have transformed the lives of countless individuals, offering freedom from glasses and contact lenses through safe, effective, and minimally invasive surgical interventions.