Most Popular Black Actor Of All To Time: Complete List!

By Joseph Last updated Jun 8, 2022

Hollywood is a massive sector that gives employment opportunities to a large number of actors. In the early days of this profession, the only actors who dominated the silver screen were white, while black actors were relegated to supporting roles at best. As more time passed, black people gradually gained the right to vote within society and were eventually given access to white-collar employment.

Because of this, the dynamic of the normal American society shifted, and black people began to receive jobs with less discrimination. As a direct consequence of this, aspiring black actors also found refuge in Hollywood, and several of these exceptionally brilliant performers went on to have successful careers in the acting industry.

It’s possible that it’s not completely inaccurate to state that the film business, theatre, and television are all left wanting without their enormous contributions. The following is a list of some of the most well-known black actors of all time.

1. Morgan Freeman

Because of his outstanding performances, Morgan Freeman has established himself as one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. The Memphis, Tennessee resident clocked in at seventy-eight years old when he was born in June 1937. The acting ability that Morgan possesses was a natural gift bestowed upon her at birth.

When he was nine years old, he made his acting debut in a lead role in a school play. This performance served as his debut. After relocating to the Golden State, he took the first step toward realizing his ambition by signing up for classes at the Pasadena Playhouse.

At long last, in 1968, he made his debut on Broadway in the drama Hello, Dolly! Because of his performance as the eponymous character in the play Coriolanus and other roles of a similar nature, he was nominated for an Obie Award.

Because of his outstanding performances, Morgan Freeman has earned a prominent place in the Hollywood industry. The birth of the actor who is now 78 years old took place in Memphis, Tennessee, in June 1937.

Morgan has a natural ability to perform in front of an audience. At the age of nine, he made his debut in the leading role in a school play, which served as his introduction to the acting world.

After relocating to the Golden State, he followed his ambition by enrolling in acting classes at the Pasadena Playhouse. In 1968, he made his first appearance on Broadway in the show Hello, Dolly! His title part in “Coriolanus” and other performances of a similar nature catapulted him to the forefront of public attention and garnered him an Obie Award.

2. Denzel Washington

In addition to Morgan, there is another brilliant black actor who has completely enchanted everyone in Hollywood with the spellbinding performances he has given. Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. is a film director and actor who has won numerous awards. He was born on December 28, 1954.

Both the Lincoln Center campus and the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco were responsible for Washington’s schooling in the acting profession. His career as an actor received a significant boost when he earned a role in the hospital drama St. Elsewhere, which is shown on NBC. His portrayal of the political activist Steven Biko in Cry Freedom and the self-possessed ex-slave soldier in Glory are two of his most laudable on-screen performances.

Both of his roles earned him Oscar nominations, and the second one ultimately led to him taking home the prized honor. Malcolm X, The Hurricane, The Great Debaters, and Flight are some of his other works that have received high praise from critics.

3. Samuel L. Jackson

The next name on the list of finest performers to appear in American films is someone who does not require an introduction. Samuel Leroy Jackson is well-known for his extensive body of work as well as his varied acting roles.

The actor, who is now sixty-six years old, spent his childhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jackson originally planned to get a degree in marine biology when he first started school; but, as his love of performing grew, he decided to transfer his concentration to the theatre instead.

After beginning his career in the theatre, he then transitioned to television, and then made his debut in the film industry with the film Together for Days (1972). Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction, Die Hard with a Vengeance, the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and a recurring role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are just some of the notable works that he has contributed to throughout his career.

4. Will Smith

In addition to this, Will Smith is another one of those names that are considered to be among the best in Hollywood right now. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States, the actor is now forty-seven years old. In addition to acting, he also sings and writes the lyrics of songs, and he produces films.

The outstanding work he did in movies like Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness helped him build an acting career that is unmatched in its excellence.

After landing his first significant part in 1993’s Six Degrees of Separation, he went on to star in the critically acclaimed action flick Bad Boys the following year. Among his other accomplishments are nominations for the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards, as well as four victories for the Grammy Award.

5. Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx is another well-known black actor who belongs to the same group as Denzel Washington and has established his value with a string of spectacular performances. Foxx, who was born Eric Marlon Bishop, spent his childhood in the Texas city of Terrell.

His performance as the villainous Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and his work in the film Django Unchained, which was nominated for an Academy Award, is also among his most lauded efforts. As a result of his performance in the biopic Ray, he was awarded both the Academy Award and the BAFTA Award.

6. Laurence John Fishburne III

Another well-known black actor is Laurence John Fishburne III, who has appeared in controversial productions such as The Matrix trilogy, Apocalypse Now, Boyz n the Hood, and Hannibal.

He is best known for his performance in these films. He won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in Two Trains Running.

7. Eddie Murphy

Comic actors like Eddie Murphy are essential to completing the Hollywood landscape. The actor and comedian are well-known for his early-’80s appearances on Saturday Night Live. For his work in Beverly Hills Cop and Trading Places, among other things, he was nominated for multiple Golden Globe awards.

8. Danny Glover

Danny Glover, the multi-talented African American actor, follows as the next notable performer to grace our list. He was born in San Francisco, California, at the age of 69. As well as performing as an actor, he also makes films and is active in a variety of causes, including politics and humanitarian aid. Iconic films like Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple, and Predator 2 have made him a household name.

9. Forest Whitaker

In addition to that, Forest Whitaker is included on the list of the top black actors. Whitaker was born on July 15, 1961, and spent his childhood in the city of Longview in the state of Texas.

Character development was one of his specialties, and he gained a reputation for it thanks to critically acclaimed films such as “The Butler,” “Bird,” and “Platoon.” As a result of his outstanding performance, he was honored with several accolades, including the Academy Award, the British Academy Film Award, and the Golden Globe Award.

10. Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is a well-known black actor who has had roles in films such as “A Few Good Men,” “The Butler,” and “Good as It Gets,” among other significant productions.

The native of New York City, who is now 47 years old, was presented with the prestigious Academy Award for his outstanding performance as Rod Tidwell in Jerry Maguire.