30 Most Famous Black Actresses Over 50 in 2023


 

They say age is just but a number and there are no better people who prove this point than black people. Always aging like fine wine. In the film industry, there are so many talented and beautiful black actresses who have continued to prove that all everyone needs is just a chance. Becoming a prominent actress whose name is known worldwide is not really a simple task. It takes years of hard work, dedication, resilience and patience. Here is a list of some of the most famous black actresses who are over 50. Meaning, they have been in the game for so long and they keep on proving to the world that age has nothing to do with it. They are just that talented.

1. Oprah Winfrey

At number one we have Oprah Winfrey who was born in 1954 hence almost clocking 70. Her name is such a powerhouse and the versatility of her career over the years is something to really admire. She is a talk show host, a TV producer, an author, a philanthropist, and a very talented actress too. She has been mentioned as one of the richest African Americans of the 20th century and has been ranked as one of the most influential women in the world. Moreover, she has achieved numerous awards and her tremendous work in TV series. Green Leaf left fans very impressed by how raw and unfiltered she was. She has worked in many successful movies and even as a voice artist in popular films like The Color Purple in 1985, The Butler in 2013, Beloved in 1998, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am in 2019, Charlotte’s Web in 2006, and also Selma in 2014

2. Taraji P. Henson

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If there is a woman out there who is over 50 and still slaying and killing it, it is Taraji P. Henson. Hers is a story of what resilience and refusing to give up can help you achieve. Born in 1970, she has achieved many awards for outstanding works in films. For instance, she has been the recipient of a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast Member in a Motion Picture, Academy Awards, SAG Award, Critics Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series, and even a Golden Globe Award. Her role in the popular music series, Empire made people pause for a second and wonder where such talent and versatility had been all along.

3. Viola Davis

Viola is the epitome of the beauty of a black woman. She is actually one of the most popular American actresses and film producers. Her role in How To Get Away With Murder gave her more prominence and fame and to date, her name is such a big household name. Viola Davis started off her acting career in a professional stage role, in the 1992 film, As You Like It. She then made her other debut in 1996 in the film, The Substance of Fire. The same year, she debuted in other roles like in the popular show, NYPD Blue. Her other popular films include Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom [2020], Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close [2011], and Far from Heaven [2002], among many others. Additionally, Viola is the recipient of countless accolades and recognition. She has actually been nominated for 309 main awards and managed to win 139 awards. Pretty impressive, I must say.

4. Halle Berry

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Born in 1966, Halle Berry is another powerful and quite popular household name in the film industry. She started off her career in the entertainment industry as a model where she participated in many beauty content. In the Miss USA pageant, for example, she ended up becoming the first runner-up. She then molded into acting and so far she has played different roles in so many prominent films. Some of these include; Monster’s Ball (2001), Storm in X-Men (2000), Bond Girl Jinx in Die Another Day (2002), Gothika (2003), Cloud Atlas (2012), Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) among many others. In addition, Halle Berry has also achieved a Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe

5. Queen Latifah

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Queen Latifah is many things and she is very talented in all spheres of her field. She is a singer-songwriter, an actress of course, a rapper, and also a film producer. Born in 1970, Latifah made her first debut in 1989 after the release of the film, All Hail the Queen. Other notable works she has been featured in include: Bringing Down the House (2003), Hairspray (2007), Joyful Noise (2012), 22 Jump Street (2014) Girls Trip (2017), Taxi (2004), Beauty Shop (2005), Last Holiday (2006) and so many others. Thanks to her amazing performance, she has achieved a Grammy Award, an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and also a Primetime Emmy Award.

6. Janet Jackson

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Many know Janet Jackson only as a singer, from the famous Jackson Family. She is however also a very talented actress having starred in a number of TV series and hit films. Born in 1966, she started off her career in the entertainment industry in 1976 at only age 10 and from there onwards, she has always delivered in whatever project she is involved in. Thanks to her amazing performance, she is the recipient of so many awards and what’s even more impressive is how it has been noted time and time again that New generation actresses and actors have really been inspired by her acting. She is a well-established actress who is very talented and genuinely deserves all the awards she has received thus far.

7. Nia Long

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Born in 1970, Nia Long is another very talented black actress who always graced the film industry with her presence. She is not beautiful but a very talented actress who always gives her everything in the roles she is given. Thanks to her outstanding performance in all her roles, she has always gained so much popularity among fans. She is the recipient of the Black Rell Award also. She has appeared in so many TV shows and films over the years and some of these include Boyz n the Hood (1991), Love Jones, Soul Food (both 1997), Big Momma’s House (2000) and its sequel Big Momma’s House 2 (2006), The Best Man (1999) and its sequel The Best Man Holiday (2013) just to name but a few.

8. Cynthia Bailey

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First things first, Cynthia Bailey doesn’t do anything over 45. She has taken care of herself so well over the years and she still looks so amazing. Born in 1967, Bailey is an actress-model, and also a TV personality. She started off by modeling then transitioned into acting and has proved so many times what a talented one she is. She has for instance been featured in various films and TV reality shows and also music videos. Thanks to her amazing performances, she has been the recipient of many awards over the years.

9. Tina Knowles

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Popularly known as a fashion icon and guru, Tina Knowles is another very talented actress and let’s just say that at 69, she looks so amazing! Knowles is popularly known for establishing House of Deréon, a brand house. As a fashion designer, she has been featured in so many famous publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazar, and Cosmopolitan among many others. Because of this popularity, she has been featured in a number of films and shows mainly as a guest appearance, and every time she proves how multitalented she really can be.

10. Angela Bassett

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Angela Basset is another very talented and extremely popular actress whom fans never tire of. Born in 1958, she is an actress, director, producer, and also an activist in America. When it comes to acting, she has always given her all whether or not the role she’s playing is a major one. She has worked on so many film projects, and TV shows and even appeared as a supporting actress where she always manages to make you forget that she isn’t really the main character there. Some of the films she has been featured in include: Malcolm X (1992) and Panther (1995), The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992), Notorious (2009), Betty & Coretta (2013) among so many others. Due to her excellent performance, she has been the recipient of many awards and some of these are; the Black Reel Award, Golden Globe Award, NAACP Image Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and even the Academy Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.

11. Niecy Nash

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Known professionally as Niecy Nash but born officially known as Carol Denise Betts, hers is also a household name that is quite popular in the film industry. She is quite a talented American actress, comedian, and also a TV host. Born in 1970, she made her first debut in the movie, Boys on the Side and since then she has never looked back. She has been featured in other prominent films which she is also pretty well known for. Some of these include; Reno 911!, Getting On, The Soul Man, Scream Queens, Claws, When They See Us, Mrs. America, and The Masked Singer.

12. Regina Hall

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Born in 1970 as Regina Lee Hall, she is popularly and professionally just known as Regina Hall. Over the course of her career, she has appeared in so many films and TV shows/series but it doesn’t mean it was always a smooth journey for her. She started off in TV commercials but thanks to friends like Sanaa Lathan, who pitched her name whenever she could, she was given a chance in the film industry and for sure, she didn’t disappoint. She started off by appearing in the TV series, Loving (1992) and the 1997, New York Undercover show. She then debuted in 1999, in the film, The Best Man. She played in this film alongside Nia Long and this was a huge success. Other shows and films she is quite popular for include; Law & Order (LA), McBeal, Black Monday, Think Like a Man, and Last Night among many others.

13. Debbie Allen

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At 73 years old, Debbie Allen is another famous black actress over 50 who really looks good for her age, not to mention how talented she actually is. She became quite famous and popular after starring in the popular musical-drama TV series, Fame (1982-1987). Thereafter, she appeared in so many other films and shows, especially musical ones, and has always done an outstanding job. Throughout her career, she has been successful and even received a number of awards and accolades that include, Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography, and Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Other than that, she is also a very talented dancer hence why she always nails these musical characters.

14. Regina King

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Officially born as Regina Rene King, Regina King is just an outstanding figure in the film industry. She started off her acting career in 1985 in the popular TV series, 227 which ran from 1985 to 1990. Thereafter she got an opportunity to work in the 1991 film, Boyz n the Hood. Her most popular movies include Friday and Jerry Maguire in 1995 and 1996 respectively. Her quirky and witty demeanor always manages to blow the minds of fans hence why she continues to be popular and well-liked. She is also the voice behind the main characters of the very popular black culture animation, Boondocks, and is also very famous and well-recognized for her lead role in the drama series, Watchmen Series [Regina King Watchmen]. Thanks to her amazing talent, she has received a number of awards including the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and the Primetime Emmy Award. Moreover, she was also named by Time Magazine, in 2019 as one of the 100 most Influential People in the world.

15. Pam Grier

At age 70, Pam Grier, born in 1949, is another very famous actress who always manages to impress her fans and anyone who really catches a glimpse of her on the screen. She is considered one of the oldest beautiful black actresses, and rightfully so. She began her acting career at 21 years old in the 1970 film, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. Thereafter she fully entered the TV industry and was featured in the very popular series, Roots: The Next Generations. She continues to do an amazing job in acting and is yet to retire.

16. Vivica A. Fox

Vivica is a very foxy (no pun intended), beautiful, and talented actress who has appeared in so many films and TV series. She always manages to steal the show with her signature stare and eyebrow raise. Born in 1964, she has appeared in so many 80s TV series, including Days of Our Lives (1988). Other notable works she has been featured in include: Booty Call (1997), Soul Food (1997), Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998), Boat Trip (2002), Kingdom Come (2001), Two Can Play That Game (2001), Independence Day and Set It Off among many others. She has gained so much popularity over the years and she continues to do so.

17. Octavia Spencer

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Octavia Spencer is another multitalented actress who does nothing in her films short of perfect. Born in 1970, she made her first debut in the film, A Time to Kill. She did a great performance and hence got featured in other notable works; The Help, Fruitvale Station, Hidden Figures, The Shape of Water, Halloween II, Smashed, Snowpiercer, Get on Up, The Divergent Series, Gifted, Instant Family, Onward, The Shack, Luce, and Ma. These are some of her best-known and recognized projects.

18. Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg has been in the game for so long, it is actually hard to forget her name. Born in 1955, Whoopi is an actress, comedian, and also a TV personality. Over the course of her career, she has achieved so many awards, recognition, and accolades including sixteen entertainers, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Tony Award. Quite impressive actually. Moreover, she began her acting career in 1983, when she managed to go away with a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. She has done both lead and supporting characters, both of which she has done an outstanding job.

19. Mo’Nique

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Born in 1967 as Monique Angela Hicks, she is popularly and professionally known as just Mo’Nique. She has always been excellent on the screen and has gained so much popularity thanks to this. Suffice it to say, that she has received so many awards, recognition, and accolades for her outstanding work. Some of them include a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is indeed a very well-established actress.

20. Terri J. Vaughn

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Terri Vaughn is another very multi-talented individual and continues to be so. She is an actress, director, and producer. She made her first debut in the popular movie, Friday. Thereafter, she got roles in other notable films and shows like; The Steve Harvey Show, Black Scorpion, Black Scorpion II: Aftershock, Soul Food, All of Us, Daddy’s Little Girls, and Meet the Browns. These are also some of her very notable works that she is much appreciated for to date.

21. Patti Labelle

Even though she is popularly known for her very beautiful voice as a singer, Patti Labelle is also an amazing actress. Born in 1944, she never disappoints. She is a very talented actress who has been featured in TV shows like A Soldier’s Story, A Different World, and American Horror Story: Freak Show among many others. She was featured in Kelly Rowland and Nelly’s music video in the song, Dilemma.

22. Garcelle Beauvais

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Garcelle Beauvais is another multitalented iconic figure who apart from acting, is also a former fashion model, TV personality, and author. Born in 1966, she ventured into acting while still modeling. She has managed to receive a number of awards and recognition for her outstanding performances in every film or TV show she gets to appear in.  Some of her very notable film projects include: Coming to America (1988) and its sequel (2021), White House Down (2013), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). She also appeared as a cast member in the 2020 reality TV show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She is a well-established actress who has been in the game for quite a while.

23. Robin Givens

Robin Givens is another very talented actress. She crossed over to 50 years not so long ago but it doesn’t diminish the successes she has managed to achieve ever since she started her acting career. She actually started her acting career when she was only 14 years old, in the 1978 film, The Wiz, even though it was an uncredited role. After that, she started working in TV series and The Cosby Show was her first debuted TV series. Then in 1991, she made another debut in a lead role in a film that was known as A Rage in Harlem. This and Boomerang are some of the most notable and best work she has had the opportunity to feature. Thanks to them, she ended up having quite a good name in the film industry.

24. Iman

Born in 1955, Iman is another multitalented icon in the film industry. She is not only very beautiful but also very talented. She started off her career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model and then proceeded to work in many notable and appreciated hit films. She has also appeared in a number of TV shows but mostly as a supporting character. For her outstanding performances, she has been the recipient of many awards and recognitions.

25. Lynn Whitfield

Born in 1953, Lynn Whitfield started off her acting career with television and theatre. Over the years she has been featured in very prominent movies and TV shows and these have been awarded a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and also NAACP Image Award. Some of her very popular works and projects include; A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006), The Women (2008), Gone Fishin’ (1997), Eve’s Bayou (1997), Stepmom (1998), Head of State (2003) among others. She is indeed a very popular figure in the film industry, and rightfully so.

26. Tina Turner

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Not only was Tina Turner a talented singer, she was also a very amazing actress. For her music career, she managed to scoop the Grammy Award for her excellent performances. When it comes to acting, she featured in a number of notable projects that gained her further popularity and appreciation. Some of the hit films are inclusive of; Tommy (1975), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), and Last Action Hero (1993).

27. Diana Ross

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Diana Ross is another very popular household name. She is a multitalented figure as a singer, actress, and also songwriter. She started off her career in 1970 with a studio album which she continued to work on, on live albums too, before venturing into acting too. She made her first debut in TV shows in 1964 and in 1972, she was featured in the film, Lady Sings the Blue.

28. Malinda Williams

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Both actress and producer, Malinda Williams started off her career on TV, before appearing in the films: A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, High School High, and The Wood. Soul Food, Windfall, Idlewild, Daddy’s Little Girls, First Sunday, 2 Days in New York, and Accidental Love. These are actually some of the popular film projects you will recognize her from. She has managed to make quite a name for herself. Even though she isn’t the recipient of so many awards, it doesn’t beat the fact that she is quite a talented actress who always gives her all when she appears on screen.

29. Kimberly Elise

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Born in 1967, Kimberly Elise is another very beautiful and talented actress that you cannot just get enough of. She made her first debut in the 1996 film, Set It Off, where she played alongside other talented actresses, Queen Latifah, Vivica Fox and Jada Pickett. She then appeared in other notable works and projects that gained her further recognition. These include: For Colored Girls (2010), Dope (2015), Almost Christmas (2016), Death Wish (2018) and Ad Astra (2019), John Q. (2002), The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), The Great Debaters (2007) among so many others. Due to her outstanding performances, she has been the recipient of the NAACP Image Award nomination.

30. Vanessa Williams

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Born in 1963, Vanessa Williams is an actress, a fashion designer, a former model, and also quite a good singer. Overall, she is quite famous as both an actress and a singer who made a studio album as her first debut which actually earned her a Grammy Award. As an actress, she has also been very successful even going on to receive the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in Motion Picture and Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.  Her role in Ugly Betty was especially good and here, people got to see the comic side of her. FYI: Vanessa Williams was the first African-American woman to achieve the title, of Miss America.

Age is just but a number indeed. These women prove that regardless of age you can still achieve all your dreams and continue to slay.

Read more: https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/madrid/top-10-spanish-actresses/

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