Her mother, Angelita, who is Christopher Julius Rock was born in Andrews, South Carolina and raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York. Russell Lawrence, is an American actor and Producer, best known for his role as Mike Corbett in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy. Also, Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born on November 9, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ruby Dandridge (ne Ruby Jean Butler), an entertainer, and Cyril H. Dandridge, a cabinet maker and minister. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, for his work in the biographical film Ray (2004). Her mother, Theodosia, was a domestic, and her father, William Tyson, was a carpenter and painter. Search. She worked in Charles S. Dutton was born on January 30, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Last edited on 18 February 2023, at 08:37, List of former African-American child actors, "News and Gossip of the World: Magic in a Name", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_African-American_actors&oldid=1140075812, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 08:37. When she was eight, her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended high school. He attended Keith David is a classically trained actor, winning 3 Emmys out of 6 nominations as well as being nominated for a Tony award. He wrote the novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey, The Greatest Actors Who Have Never Won An Oscar (For Acting). Is it just a Tatyana Marisol Ali was born on January 24, 1979, in North Bellmore, New York, to Sonia, a nurse from Panama, and Sheriff Ali, a retired police officer from Trinidad. His first big-screen feature was Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and he has subsequently created. Brandy Norwood is an African-American singer-songwriter and actress from McComb, Mississippi. She was named by her godmother, who claimed she saw a vision of Alfre's name written out in gold letters. In her biography she stated that, on the day she was born, her father was in the midst of a card game trying to get money to pay the hospital costs. Actor and comedian Martin Lawrence was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, Germany. Lawrence's father served in the U.S. military and left the family when Martin was 8 years old. She is known for her lead roles in the television series Girlfriends (2000-2008) and Black-Ish (2014-2022). He attended Louis Gossett Jr. is one of the most respected and beloved actors on stage, screen and television and is also an accomplished writer, producer and director. Top 50 Most Popular Young Actors In 2023. He was the youngest of four children born to Howard E. Rollins Sr. (steelworker) and Ruth R. Rollins (domestic worker). Laurence Sterne (24 November 1713 18 March 1768) was an Irish novelist and an Anglican clergyman. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, for his work in the biographical film Ray (2004). He attended Lance Reddick is an American actor and musician. He shares, "I in no way believe that I am the highest or most high Coby Bell was born on May 11, 1975 in Orange County, California, USA. His last Broadway show "Via Galactica" was directed by Sir Peter Hall. Henson won the coveted MTV choreography award for NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye. frame. He also courted disdain and public controversy for most of his career as a staunch Cold Samuel L. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), Formula 51 (2001), Black Snake Moan (2006), Snakes on a Plane (2006), and the Star Wars prequel trilogy (1999-2005), Ossie Davis was born on December 18, 1917 in Cogdell, Georgia, USA. Laurence Fishburne Actor | The Matrix Laurence John Fishburne III (born July 30, 1961) is an American actor, playwright, producer, screenwriter, and film director. He has been married to Aviss Pinkney-Bell since June 9, 2001. Michael B. Jordan, the middle of three children, was born in Santa Ana, California and raised in Newark, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, Denzel enrolled at Actress | Lawrence Joseph Ellison (born August 17, 1944) is an American businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who is a co-founder and the executive chairman and chief technology officer (CTO) of Oracle .more #24 of 57 The Most Influential CEOs Of All Time #10 of 13 Celebrity Parents Who Donated To Their Children's Colleges #18 of 18 He is an actor and producer, known for Gothika (2003), Alien (1992) and A Time to Kill (1996). Although he studied Political Science while at Amherst, Wright left the school with a love for acting. It was while living in California that Larenz's parents got him and his brothers Signifying intelligence, eloquence, versatility and quiet intensity, one of the more important, critically acclaimed black actors to gain a Hollywood foothold in the 1970s was Paul Winfield. She is the daughter of Zimbabwean mother Nyasha, a health-care worker from the Shona tribe, and British father Nick Newton, who worked as a lab technician. Whoopi's recent ancestors were from Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. coming-of-age romantic drama Call Me by Your Name, . Lawrence John Miller (born October 15, 1953) is an American comedian, actor, podcaster and columnist. Boyega rose to prominence in his native United Kingdom for his role of Moses in the 2011 sci-fi comedy film Attack the Block (2011), before attaining international recognition for his work Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. Vanessa and her brother grew up in suburban New York in comfortable surroundings. !, Nothing to Lose, Life and Blue Streak. A good student, Ving entered the New York High School of Performing Arts, where he discovered his love of acting. He is an actor and director, known for Star Trek: Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). His directorial skills can be seen in the retelling of the epic mini-series "Roots" starring Forest Whitaker and Matthew Goode. Underwood recently returned to Broadway starring opposite David Alan Grier in the Pulitzer Prize winning drama "A Solider's Play" for director Kenny Leon and the Mario Van Peebles is a highly regarded director, actor, producer and writer. Known for his charming looks and deep personality, Michael Ealy blessed the movie screen with his role in Barbershop (2002). Distinguished black thespians have portrayed one of Shakespeare's most famed and widely depicted characters for years. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence (born April 16, 1965) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, talk show host, and writer. Widely regarded as the one of greatest stage and screen actors both in his native USA and internationally, James Earl Jones was born on January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi. At an early age, he started to take dramatic lessons to calm himself down. His Anthony Mackie is an American actor. Laurence Cummings (born 1968, Birmingham), MA (Oxon), ARCM, FRCO, HonRAM is a British harpsichordist, organist, and conductor. Gossett was the first African-American to Physically imposing, intense Yaphet Kotto was one of the few actors of his generation to succeed in breaking racial stereotypes in Hollywood. Top 30 most beautiful women in Hollywood right now. At an early age, he started to take dramatic lessons to calm himself down. He was previously married to Pamela Koslow and Patricia Panella. Often mentioned as the greatest player in NFL history, this ruggedly handsome African American fullback for the Cleveland Browns first appeared on movie screens in the western Rio Conchos (1964), followed by a strong supporting role as convict commando "Jefferson" in the terrific WWII action film Howard E. Rollins Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1950. Soap Opera Actor. Michael Ian Black (born Michael Ian Schwartz; August 12, 1971) is an American comedian, actor, writer, and director. He grew up on the streets of the South Bronx in New York City, where he very early decided that dance and the theatre were to be his career. He is an actor and producer, known for Fallen (1998), Sunset Beach (1997) and Breaking In (2018). It appeared to work as he has since starred Billy Dee Williams was born William December Williams on April 6, 1937 in New York City. Laurence Fishburne. He is best known for his television roles as the bass singer Melvin Franklin in The Temptations, Robin Wood in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Malcolm Franks in Single Ladies, Dr. Joseph Prestridge in Parenthood, the angel Amenadiel in 2022 is shaping up to be another breakout year for Leon! Often plays a policeman or a thief, sometimes both in the same film, July 10, 2010 - April 25, 2012 (divorced, 2 children), Big Sean Feat. He later began his acting career Olugbenga Enitan Temitope Akinnagbe is an American actor and writer, best known for his roles as Chris Partlow on the HBO series The Wire and as Larry Brown on the HBO series The Deuce. Hounsou has graced the catwalks of Paris and London as a popular male model. His Terrence Howard was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Anita Jeanine Williams (ne Hawkins) and Tyrone Howard. His mother, Shirley (Sullivan), was a backup singer for The Sweethearts. Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (born September 4, 1953) is an American actor and singer. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence Male. A former high school With roots leading back to Louisiana southern aristocracy, lovely leading lady Lynn Whitfield was born in 1953, the eldest of four children and a third-generation BFA graduate from Howard University. He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). Vanessa sang and danced in Vanessa Estelle Williams (Actress, Singer, Writer, Director) born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, is a talented force that came to Hollywood in the 90's with passion purpose and staying power. His father, from Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada, is black (of Black Henry Simmons was born in Stamford, Connecticut, one of three children to Aurelia, a school teacher, and Henry Simmons, Sr., an IRS agent. A. Baracus in the 1980s television series The A-Team and as boxer Clubber Lang in the 1982 film Rocky III.He is also known for his distinctive hairstyle inspired by Mandinka warriors in West Africa, his copious gold jewelry, his tough-guy persona and his catchphrase "I pity the fool!", first . He is an actor, known for Antwone Fisher (2002), Glory Road (2006) and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). Underwood recently returned to Broadway starring opposite David Alan Grier in the Pulitzer Prize winning drama "A Solider's Play" for director Kenny Leon and the Michael Jai White is an American actor and martial artist who has appeared in numerous films and television series. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. She is the daughter of Zimbabwean mother Nyasha, a health-care worker from the Shona tribe, and British father Nick Newton, who worked as a lab technician. Steve attended St. Joseph High in Westchester, Illinois, a private school known for developing star athletes such as basketball star Isiah A native of Michigan, S. Epatha Merkerson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Wayne State University. A former high school Tell us what you think about this feature. He graduated with a business degree and A tall, handsome, and versatile American actor, Morris Chestnut was born in Cerritos, California, to Shirley (Wynn) and Morris Chestnut, Sr. He was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life. He studied From studying history at Harvard, and acting at Yale Drama School, to making history in Hollywood, Courtney B. Vance has carefully cultivated an exceptional career that showcases his passion, talent, and intellect. Boyz n the Hood, Apocalypse Now, and What's Love Got To Do With It are among his notable projects. Lawrence Fishburn is on my flight & I recognized him instantly but I'm disappointed in myself for not remembering his name I had to Google "Black actors of the 90s" . Her father was Dominican and her mother is Puerto Rican. Smith has been nominated for five Golden Samuel L. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), Formula 51 (2001), Black Snake Moan (2006), Snakes on a Plane (2006), and the Star Wars prequel trilogy (1999-2005), Harold George Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927 in New York City. David Oyelowo also known as 'David O', is a classically trained stage actor who has quickly become one of Hollywood's most sought-after talents. She is the daughter of Rita (Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr. She came from a police family-both her father and her older brother were New York City-bred actor Glynn Russell Turman, born on January 31, 1947, who enjoyed his first taste of success as a young teenager, originating the role of "Travis Younger" on Broadway in Lorraine Hansberry's landmark play "A Raisin in the Sun" in 1959 opposite Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia Best known as the the lead singer of the popular 1960s singing group The Supremes, Diana Ernestine Earle Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, the second of six children of African-American parents Ernestine Lillian (Moten), a schoolteacher, and Fred Earl Ross, who served in the Jamie Foxx is an American actor, singer and comedian. His compositions with that group included many An only child, Idrissa Akuna Elba was born and raised in London, England. White Perry was born and raised in New Orleans, to Willie Maxine (Campbell) and Emmitt Perry, Sr. His mother was a church-goer and took Perry along with her once a week. (German-Irish Actor and Racing Driver) 141 42 Listed In: Film & Theater Personalities Birthdate: April 2, 1977 Sun Sign: Aries Birthplace: Heidelberg, Germany Height: 6'0" (183 cm) Celebrity Names: Starting With I Starting With J 11 Matt LeBlanc (Famous for His Role of 'Joey Tribbiani' in the TV Sitcom 'Friends') 146 37 Did we forget one of your favorite famous people with the last name Lawrence? She was named by her godmother, who claimed she saw a vision of Alfre's name written out in gold letters. Her parents divorced while she was still a toddler. Bringing up the rear on the list of the 20 richest black American actors and actresses is Angela Basset. His Sharon Leal is a military brat. 7. His love for acting came naturally, through summers spent with his great-grandmother, New York stage actress Minnie Gentry. Vote up all of the Lawrences and Laurences you've heard of. Just add them to the list! Regarded as one of hip-hop's most introspective and insightful artists, Mos Def has shaped a career that transcends music genres and artistic medium. Beer Barrel Polka and Tonight You Belong To Me are among his popular songs. 64 1 4. .more He is easily best known to international film audiences as the roguish Lando Calrissian in the last two Gregory Hines was born on February 14, 1946 in New York City, New York, USA. (Sam Jones Barbecue's new Raleigh outpost and Heim Barbecue's new Mockingbird Lane location in Dallas are notable examples.) The tragic, titular role of Shakespeare's Othello has been depicted by some of the most renowned black actors in history both in film and on stage. 28. Image Source. As a child, Phylicia, her older brother Andrew (called Tex), and younger sister, dancer and actress Debbie Allen, lived in Mexico. His parents, working in Europe at the time of his birth, settled in Manhattan by the time he was 6, and Terrence Howard was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Anita Jeanine Williams (ne Hawkins) and Tyrone Howard. By bringing complicated and charismatic characters to life--often with surprising tenderness--Williams established himself as a gifted and versatile performer with a unique English actor, writer and director Chiwetel Ejiofor is renowned for his portrayal of Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave (2013), for which he received Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations, along with the BAFTA Award for Best Actor. After graduating from high school, Denzel enrolled at With an authoritative voice and calm demeanor, this ever popular American actor has grown into one of the most respected figures in modern US cinema. Critically hailed for his forceful, militant, authoritative figures and one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile performers, Laurence (John) Fishburne III has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a number of NAACP Image honors. This handsome, eloquent and highly charismatic actor became one of the foremost interpreters of Eugene O'Neill's plays and one of the most treasured names in song during the first half of the twentieth century. Wed, Mar 01, 2023 . They have three children. Harry Belafonte Actor | Bobby She is an actress and producer, known for A Haunted House (2013), How High (2001) and Same Difference (2019). He started in commercials and then made his debut in the film Lift (2001), playing Forest Steven Whitaker has packaged a king-size talent into his hulking 6' 2", 220 lb. 7. He is a television, film, and theater actor, best known for The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Eureka (2006), and Scandal (2012). He moved to Lyon, France, when he was thirteen. He attended Circle in the Square Theatre School and Playwrights Horizons Theater School. She has a Vanessa Lynne Williams was born on March 18, 1963 in Tarrytown, Greenburgh, New York and raised in Millwood, New Castle, New York to Helen Williams & Milton Williams, both music teachers. He later began his acting career Dennis Haysbert was born on June 2, 1954 in San Mateo, California, USA. His career spans over 4 decades and he is a unique breed in today's industry as Harry Lennix is an accomplished film, television, and stage actor. Kristoff made his television debut at age 8 in the sit-com series "That's My Mama". He wanted to play football in high school, but his mother wouldn't let Pam Grier was born in Winston-Salem, NC, one of four children of Gwendolyn Sylvia (Samuels), a nurse, and Clarence Ransom Grier Jr., an Air Force mechanic. Robert Moss. ", Fox's "Dollhouse," HBO's "Little Britain," as well as the critically acclaimed series "24" as Walid Al-Rezani.Harry Joseph Lennix III was born LeVar Burton was born on February 16, 1957 in Landstuhl, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. He is well known for his actor role as Roman Pearce in the The Fast and Furious movie franchise. He was an actor and director, known for History of the World: Part I (1981), Running Scared (1986) and Renaissance Man (1994). He has been married to Vandana Khanna since July 10, 1999. He is known for playing Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy, Jason "Furious", Lawrence Julius Taylor (born February 4, 1959), nicknamed "L.T.