45 Most Famous Black Female Actresses

45 Most Famous Black Female Actresses.

*Originally published by Gloria N on August 2023 and Updated by Gloria N on January 2024 and upated again by Gloria N on February  2024

Some of the most famous black female actresses include Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, and Whoopi Goldberg among many others. These actresses have all made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry and have starred in some of the most popular films and television shows of all time.

These actresses have all made a significant impact on the black community and have helped to break down barriers for other black women in the entertainment industry. Despite the success of these actresses, there is still a long way to go in terms of racial equality in Hollywood.

 Black women are still vastly underrepresented in both leading and supporting roles, and there is a lack of diversity overall in the industry. However, the success of these actresses is a step in the right direction, and hopefully, more black women will be able to find success in Hollywood in the future.

1. Halle Berry

Berry was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and began her acting career in the early 1990s, after appearing in several television commercials. Her first film role was in the 1991 movie Jungle Fever, and she later gained prominence for her roles in the movies Bulworth (1998) and Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999). She won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002 for her performance in Monster’s Ball, becoming the first and, as of 2020, the only woman of colour to win the award.

Berry has appeared in a variety of other films throughout her career, including Die Another Day (2002), Catwoman (2004), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Things We Lost in the Fire (2007), Perfect Stranger (2007), Frankie & Alice (2010), New Year’s Eve (2011), The Call (2013), and Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017).

2. Viola Davis

Viola Davis is an American actress and producer. She is the recipient of several awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Emmy Award. She is one of the few black actresses to have received such recognition.

 Davis has had a long and successful career in both film and television. She has appeared in such films as The Help, Doubt, and The Butler. She has also had starring roles in the television series How to Get Away with Murder and Commander in Chief.

3. Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson is an American actress and singer. She began her Hollywood career in the early 2000s, appearing in small roles in films like Baby Boy (2001) and The Fighting Temptations (2003). Henson’s breakout role came in the film Hustle & Flow (2005), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She has since starred in several films, including The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), The Karate Kid (2010), Think Like a Man (2012), and Hidden Figures (2016). Henson has also had a successful career on television, starring in the series Person of Interest (2011-2016) and Empire (2015-present).\

4. Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is an American actress and author. She is best known for her role as Minny Jackson in the 2011 film The Help, for which she won the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, SAG Award, and BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also appeared in the films Fruitvale Station, Snow piercer, Get on Up, Black or White, Smashed, and The Five-Year Engagement.

5. Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington is an American actress, producer, and director. She has starred in numerous films and television shows, including Ray, The Last King of Scotland, Django Unchained, and American Son. She has also produced and directed several films and television shows, including Confirmation and Little Fires Everywhere.

6. Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett is an American actress, director, and producer. She is best known for her biographical film roles, most notably her performance as Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got to Do with it (1993), for which she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Bassett has also appeared in such films as Boyz n the Hood (1991), Malcolm X (1992), Panther (1995), Strange Days (1995), Contact (1997), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Music of the Heart (1999), and Olympus Has Fallen (2013).

7. Regina King

Regina King is an American actress and director. She has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and three Emmy Awards. She is best known for her role as Shawn Spencer’s mother on the television series Psych. She has also appeared in the films Friday, Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice, and Jerry Maguire

8. Gabrielle Union

She began her career in the 1990s, appearing on television sitcoms, before landing supporting roles in teenage comedy films She’s All That and 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). Her breakthrough role was in the 2000 film Bring It On, after which she was the female lead in the short-lived CBS medical drama series City of Angels later that year.

Union starred in the 2003 film Deliver Us from Eva, which became her first starring role in a feature film. She had starring roles in Bad Boys II (2003), Cradle 2 the Grave (2003), and the Tyler Perry romantic comedy Daddy’s Little Girls (2007), before she landed the role of the lead protagonist in the BET television drama series Being Mary Jane, for which she has received critical acclaim and several NAACP Image Awards.

9. Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is an American actress, model, comedian, director, producer, writer, and television host.

She is best known for her role as Joan Clayton on the ABC television series “Black-ish” and as Dr Rainbow Johnson on the spin-off series “mixed-ish”.

10. Alfre Woodard

Woodard has been named one of the most versatile and accomplished actors of her generation. She has been nominated once for an Academy Award and Grammy Award, 18 times for an Emmy Award (winning four), and has also won a Golden Globe Award and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.

She has starred in several films, including Cross Creek (1983), Passion Fish (1992), Crooklyn (1994), and Primetime Emmy Award-winning films Miss Evers’ Boys (1997), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), The Forgotten (2004), and 12 Years a Slave (2013), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

She has also portrayed Betty Applewhite in the ABC comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives (2006–08), and Karen Lawson in the FX drama series The Americans (2013–14).

11. Issa Rae

Rae was born in Los Angeles, California, to a doctor’s father and a teacher’s mother. She attended Stanford University, where she studied African and African-American Studies and graduated with honors. After college, she worked as a production assistant on several movies and television shows.

In 2011, Rae created the web series Awkward Black Girl, which became a viral sensation. The series led to her being named one of Forbes’ “30 under 30” in media in 2012. In 2015, she created Insecure, which has been praised for its accurate and honest portrayal of the modern black experience.

Rae has won numerous awards for her work, including an NAACP Image Award, a Peabody Award, and an Emmy Award. She was also named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2017.

12. Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira is a Zimbabwean-American actress, playwright, and director. She is best known for her role as Michonne on the AMC horror drama television series The Walking Dead, and for her Tony Award-winning play Eclipsed.

13. Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi is an American actress and model. She is known for her starring role as Zoey Johnson on the sitcom Black-ish. Shahidi was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to an African-American father and an Iranian-American mother. Her mother is a doctor and her father is a business consultant. Shahidi began her acting career in commercials and guest-starring roles on television shows such as Entourage and The Game.

In 2014, she was cast as the lead in the ABC sitcom Black-ish. The show follows the Johnson family, a middle-class African-American family. Shahidi has received critical acclaim for her performance on the show. In 2018, she won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

In addition to her work on Black-ish, Shahidi has also appeared in the films Grown Ups 2 and Smallfoot.In 2019, she starred in the film The Sun Is Also a Star, based on the novel of the same name. Shahidi is also an active philanthropist. She has worked with various organizations such as Girl Up and UNICEF.

14. Storm Reid

Storm Reid is an American actress who made her feature film debut in the 2007 film Sleight. She has also appeared in the films 12 Years a Slave, A Wrinkle in Time, and The Invisible Man.

Reid began her career as a child model, appearing in print ads for various brands. She made her acting debut in the short film Daughters of the Dust and went on to appear in the television film The Wrinkle in Time and the feature film 12 Years a Slave. She has also had guest roles on the television series Shameless and American Horror Story: Coven.

15. Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin is an American child actress. She is known for her starring role as Diane Johnson in the ABC comedy series Black-ish. Martin began her acting career at the age of five, appearing in national commercials. In 2014, she made her television debut in an episode of the series Just Keke. The following year, she guest-starred in an episode of the Disney XD series Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything.

In 2016, Martin was cast in the lead role of Diane Johnson in the ABC comedy series Black-ish. For her performance, she has won an NAACP Image Award and a BET Award. In 2019, Martin made her feature film debut as a producer with the film little. The film was a commercial and critical success, and earned Martin a nomination for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.

16. Zendaya

Zendaya is an American actress, singer, and dancer. She began her career as a child model and backup dancer, before gaining prominence for her role as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up (2010–2013). In 2013, Zendaya was a contestant on the sixteenth season of the competition series dancing with the Stars.

She signed to Hollywood Records in 2012 and released her debut self-titled studio album in 2013. The album peaked at number 51 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and produced the single “Replay”, which reached number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

17. Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright is a Guyanese-British actress. She is known for her roles in the films Urban Hymn (2016), Black Panther (2018), and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Wright was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and moved to London, England, when she was seven.

 She began her acting career in 2011, with a role in the short film Island of Dreams. She made her television debut in 2012, with a guest appearance on the British soap opera Doctors. Wright’s breakout role came in 2016, with the film Urban Hymn. She received critical acclaim for her performance and won the BIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress.

18. Tika Sumpter

Sumpter was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She began her career in the entertainment industry as a model, appearing in print and television advertisements. She made her acting debut in the 2005 film The Game, and has since appeared in a number of film and television roles.

Sumpter has received critical acclaim for her performances in Southside with You and Ride Along. She is currently starring in the television series The Haves and the Have Nots. She has also appeared in the television series Gossip Girl and The Good Wife.

19. Meagan Good

Meagan Good is an American actress and producer. She began her acting career at the age of four, appearing in a number of commercials and television shows. Her first film role was in the 1995 comedy Friday.

She has since appeared in a number of films, including Biker Boyz, You Got Served, Waist Deep, and Think Like a Man. Good has also starred in the television series Deception and starred in the NBC drama series The Game.

20. Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Michaela Pratt on the ABC legal drama How to Get Away with Murder. She has also appeared in the films The Birth of a Nation and The Hate U Give.

King made her television debut in the short-lived NBC medical drama Trauma in 2009. She had a recurring role on the FX horror anthology series American Horror Story: Coven in 2013.

21. Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and actress. She is best known for her roles in the films “Notorious” and “Fame.”

Naughton made her film debut in “Notorious” (2009), a biopic about the life of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. She also appeared in the musical film “Fame” (2009) and the action film “Lottery Ticket” (2010).

22. Nicole Beharie

Beharie was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, and raised in the Bronx, New York. She began her acting career in regional theatre productions and television commercials. She made her film debut in the independent drama film Our Idiot Brother (2011).

Beharie has starred in the films American Violet (2008), Shame (2011), 42 (2013), and Mississippi Grind (2015). She has also appeared in the television series Sleepy Hollow (2013-2017) and Hannibal (2015).

23. Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett is an American actress. She is known for her work on television shows such as “Full House,” “On Our Own,” and “Eve’s Bayou.” She has also appeared in films such as “The Great Debaters” and “Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.” Smollett has been nominated for several awards, including an NAACP Image Award and a Satellite Award.

24. Tessa Thompson

Born in Los Angeles, California, Thompson began her career as a child actress in the 2004 film When the Game Stands Tall. She later appeared in the films For Colored Girls (2010) and Selma (2014). On television, Thompson starred as Jackie Cook in the first season of the mystery drama series Veronica Mars (2005), and as Nyla Adrose in the period drama series Copper (2012-2013).

In 2016, Thompson gained widespread recognition for her role as Charlotte Hale in the HBO series Westworld. The following year, she appeared as Valkyrie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor: Ragnarok. She will reprise the role in the upcoming films Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019).

25. Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish is an American comedian and actress. She has appeared in several television shows and films, including The Last O.G., Girls Trip, and Keanu. Haddish is also a stand-up comedian and has released a comedy album, She Ready! From the Hood to Hollywood.

26. Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo is a British actress and singer. She has appeared in various stage productions, including The Color Purple, The Glass Menagerie, and The Winter’s Tale. Erivo has also appeared in the films Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale.

Erivo was born on 8 January 1987 in Stockwell, London, to Nigerian parents. She attended Trinity Catholic High School in Wood Green before studying for a National Diploma in Performing Arts at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Erivo’s first professional stage role was as Celie in The Color Purple at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2013. She has since appeared in a number of stage productions, including The Glass Menagerie (2014), The Winter’s Tale (2016), and The Little Foxes (2017).

27. Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o is a Mexican-Kenyan actress. She was born in Mexico City to Kenyan parents and raised in Kenya. She attended Yale School of Drama, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree in acting.

Nyong’o began her acting career in 2008 with her debut film, In My Genes. She has since starred in several films, including 12 Years a Slave (2013), which earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and Black Panther (2018).

Nyong’o is also a vocal advocate for gender equality and has spoken out against sexual harassment in the entertainment industry.

If you want to know more about Lupita Nyong’o find it here.

28. Candice Patton

Candice Patton is an American actress. She is known for her role as Iris West in The CW television series The Flash.

Patton was born in Jackson, Mississippi. She began her acting career in 2006, appearing in the television series The Game. She has also appeared in the films The Guest (2014) and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014).

29. Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Taystee on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. She has also appeared in films such as Dear White People and Pitch Perfect 2.

Danielle Brooks photo By Peabody Awards Wikimedia

30. Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny is an American singer and actress. She is known for her roles in the television series Star and The Arrangement, and her work as a model. She has released two extended plays and one studio album.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Destiny began her career as a model, appearing in ad campaigns for companies such as Gap and Target. She made her acting debut in a small role in the 2009 film American Violet. In 2015, she was cast as Alexandra Crane in the television series Star, and in 2017, she began starring as Kiriakis in the E! Drama series The Arrangement.

31. Gina Torres

Everybody is familiar with Gina Torres from her role as Jessica Pearson on “Suits,” but the gorgeous actress has also been in a number of other TV shows and films, including Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, Cleopatra 2525, Firefly, The Shield, Westworld, and many others. She co-starred with Chris Rock in the drama “I Think I Love My Wife” as well. She also received an ALMA Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Syndicated Drama Series.

32. Jada Pinkett Smith

This stunning actress started her career on the short-lived sitcom “True Colors.” She has since starred in almost 20 films across various genres, including “The Nutty Professor,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” “The Matrix Revolutions,” and the “Madagascar” franchise. Her marriage to Will Smith produced two children named Willow and Jaden.

33. Serena Williams

Between 2002 and 2017, this remarkable athlete was ranked World No. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) eight times. Many sports writers, commentators, and players consider her to be the greatest tennis player of all time. It’s difficult to keep track of the numerous trophies she has received for her athletic achievements.

She not only shines on the tennis court, but she also leads a foundation that supports victims of senseless violence and advocates for education-based equality. Despite facing criticism over her appearance, including fat shaming, this tennis player remains unbreakable on her path to success. She also recently gave birth to a daughter – a fantastic achievement.

34. Solange

Solange Knowles, an accomplished musician, happens to be Beyonce’s younger sibling. She has been passionate about music since her early years and even worked as a backup dancer for Destiny’s Child for a short while.

At the age of 16, she released her debut studio album and has since established herself as a successful artist in her own right, separate from her sister’s fame. She was honoured with a Grammy Award for the best R&B performance of the year and also took home her first trophy at the BET Awards this year.

35. Oprah Winfrey

As per the wise words of Oprah Winfrey, it’s best not to worry about achieving success but instead focus on becoming noteworthy, as success will naturally follow. Oprah is a well-known figure in American history, hailed as the greatest black philanthropist.

Despite growing up in extreme poverty and facing numerous obstacles, she persevered and eventually became one of the wealthiest African Americans in the world. Her rags-to-riches story is truly inspiring. She has received numerous accolades, including the “Presidential Medal of Freedom” from Barack Obama and honorary doctorates from Harvard and Duke. Her talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” has the highest ratings of any talk show in history. She serves as a great inspiration to people all over the world.

36.  Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of the most acclaimed African American actresses of all time. She made her major film debut as Celie in The Color Purple, for which she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Goldberg then won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a psychic in the hit film Ghost. She has starred in many other successful movies including Sister Act, The Lion King, and many more.

On television, Goldberg is known for being an outspoken host on the talk show The View. Her honesty and sense of humor alongside her incredible acting abilities have made Goldberg a beloved household name and trailblazer. Her career has inspired opportunities for many black actresses to take on more leading, complex roles.

37. Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee, born on October 27, 1922, was a revered black actress, poet, and civil rights activist. Her career spanned over seven decades, showcasing remarkable talent in film, television, and theater. Dee gained acclaim for her roles in classics like “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961) and “Do the Right Thing” (1989).

A passionate advocate for social justice, she and her husband, Ossie Davis, were prominent figures in the civil rights movement. Dee’s contributions to acting, activism, and cultural enrichment earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy, Grammy, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, leaving an indelible mark on American entertainment and society.

38. Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson had an over 60-year acting career spanning television, film, and theater. She took on groundbreaking roles for African American women starting in the 1950s. In the 1970s and 80s, she starred in notable Black films like Sounder and The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. 

She won awards for Broadway’s The Trip to Bountiful and the TV movie The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All. Cicely never shied from controversial subject matter in telling Black stories. Well into her 90s, she portrayed strong, resilient Black women with depth and honesty. Tyson showed the industry the importance of representation and became an icon.

39. Dorothy Dandridge

Dorothy Dandridge overcame racial barriers in the 1950s to become a remarkable actress and singer. She was the first African American woman to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in Carmen Jones. Dandridge’s singing and acting talents allowed her to star in films during a time when parts for black actresses were extremely limited.

Though Hollywood at the time restricted her career, Dandridge’s achievements opened doors for future generations of black actresses. She faced immense discrimination but persevered through it with grace. Dorothy Dandridge’s trailblazing accomplishments left a lasting legacy despite her early, tragic death at age 42.

40. Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll, born on July 17, 1935, was one of the famous black actresses and singers. She became the first African American woman to star in a non-servant role on television with “Julia” (1968-1971). Carroll’s elegance and talent earned her critical acclaim, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award nomination.

She continued to make waves in entertainment through roles in “Dynasty” and “Claudine”. Her enduring legacy, marked by grace and accomplishment, paved the way for future generations of black performers, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood.

41. Lonette McKee

Lonette McKee was born on July 22, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, and is a respected black actress. Known for her captivating performances, she gained prominence with roles in films like “Sparkle” (1976) and “The Cotton Club” (1984). McKee’s versatile talent extends to Broadway, where she received acclaim for her role in “Show Boat.”

Her career spans across television, film, and music, highlighting her multifaceted artistic contributions. McKee’s commitment to her craft and ability to portray diverse characters have solidified her place in the entertainment industry, making her an influential figure among black actresses.

42. Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters, born on October 31, 1896, in Pennsylvania, was a pioneering black actress, and singer. Rising from a challenging childhood, she became the first African American woman to star in her own television show, “The Ethel Waters Show,” in 1939. Waters made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, excelling in both film and music.

Her notable roles in films like “Cabin in the Sky” (1943) and “Pinky” (1949) showcased her versatility. Waters also achieved success as a blues and jazz singer, leaving an enduring legacy. Her groundbreaking career and resilience paved the way for future generations of black performers.

43. Pam Grier

Pam Grier became a trailblazer for African American actresses in the 1970s. She starred in early blaxploitation films like Foxy Brown and Coffy. These movies featured tough, bold black female leads which was very rare at the time. Though the films faced criticism, Grier’s commanding screen presence and sex symbol status made her a star.

Later roles included the hit TV show The L Word and Ladies of the House. Even amid racism and sexism in Hollywood, Pam Grier opened doors through her confidence, beauty, and talent. Now in her 70s, she continues acting while serving as an inspiration for black actresses for decades. Her fierce, pioneering spirit left a lasting mark on cinema.

44. Beah Richards

Beah Richards, a renowned black actress, was born on July 12, 1920, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Her career spanned stage, television, and film, leaving a lasting impact. Best known for her powerful and emotionally resonant performances, Richards earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1968). 

Richards’ commitment to her craft and social justice was evident in her work, contributing to the positive representation of black actors on screen. Her notable roles in projects like “Roots: The Next Generations” and “The Great White Hope” solidified her legacy. Beah Richards’ artistic brilliance, coupled with her advocacy for racial equality, continues to inspire aspiring actors and remains an integral part of black cinematic history.

45. Kimberly Elise

Kimberly Elise is a very popular African American actress. She has starred in many movies over the past 25 years including Set It Off, John Q, The Manchurian Candidate, and Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Her emotional performances have earned her critical praise.

Though she started acting later in life, Elise has made her mark in Hollywood. With her talent and charisma, she has proven that black actresses can lead films and open new doors. Kimberly Elise continues to take on complex roles and inspire future generations.

Shattering Ceilings: Celebrating the Achievements of 15 Black Female Producers

1. Janet Mock

Janet Mock is a prominent black producer who has made significant strides in the entertainment world. She has broken barriers as a transgender woman of color, challenging stereotypes and advocating for inclusivity. Mock’s achievements include producing acclaimed television shows and documentaries that highlight diverse narratives and amplify underrepresented voices.

Her work has garnered numerous awards and accolades, recognizing her talent and commitment to storytelling. Mock’s advocacy extends beyond the screen, as she actively promotes LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. Through her creativity and activism, she has become a trailblazer, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the industry.

2. Missy Elliott

Missy Elliott is considered a pioneering and influential black female music producer. In the 1990s and 2000s, she was one of the most successful female producers at a time when most producers were men. Elliott produced many hit songs for herself as an artist and for other popular artists like Aaliyah, and Destiny’s Child. She helped bring hip hop and R&B styles together in mainstream music.

Elliott won many awards for her innovative producing and songwriting skills. She was the first female hip hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Elliott broke down barriers for other female producers and black producers in the music industry. She proved that women and minorities could achieve great success as music producers. 

3. Iris Gordy

Iris Gordy is an accomplished black female music producer. She comes from the famous Gordy family who founded Motown Records. Iris Gordy has produced many hit R&B and hip hop songs since the 1990s. Some artists she has worked with include Teena Marie, Bobby Brown, and DeBarge. One of her biggest successes was producing the hit song “My Prerogative” for Bobby Brown.The song reached number one on the charts.

Iris Gordy has helped pave the way for other female producers, especially black women, in the music industry. She showed that female minorities could find success as music producers. Iris Gordy used her talent and family connections to achieve great things as a black producer.

4. Sylvia Robinson

Sylvia Robinson was a pioneering black female music producer. In the 1970s, she founded the hip hop label Sugar Hill Records with her husband. This was the first record label dedicated to hip hop music. Robinson produced the commercially successful single “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979. This was one of the first hip hop songs to become popular nationwide.

It helped introduce hip hop music to a broader audience. Robinson was instrumental in the early development of hip hop. She produced many other hip hop artists on Sugar Hill Records. Robinson achieved great success in a music industry dominated by men. Robinson showed that black women could be successful and influential music producers.

5. Lady Zamar

Lady Zamar is a successful black female music producer from South Africa. She produces pop, R&B, and hip-hop music. Lady Zamar has written and produced many of her hit songs like “Collide” and “My Baby”. She has also produced music for other top artists in South Africa. Lady Zamar owns a recording studio where she develops new talent.

She has won awards for her songwriting and production skills like 5 SAMA awards and 1 Independent Music Award. Lady Zamar is a pioneer as a black female producer in the popular South African music scene. She is helping inspire more African women to become music producers. Lady Zamar shows that black women can achieve success as music producers in Africa.

6. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is an extremely successful black female TV producer. She hosted the popular Oprah Winfrey Show for 25 years. She then started her own TV network called Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Winfrey has produced several TV movies and shows featuring black actors and stories. 

Winfrey is one of the most influential black producers. She has helped promote diversity in Hollywood. Winfrey has used her success to provide more opportunities for minorities in TV and film. She has inspired many black female producers. Oprah Winfrey broke barriers as both the first black female billionaire and a top TV producer.

7. Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay is a successful black female film producer and director. She directed the films Selma and A Wrinkle in Time. These had big budgets and famous actors. DuVernay was the first black woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards for Selma. She started her own production company to make films and TV shows about people of color.

 DuVernay has won many awards for her work. She has brought more opportunities to black crews and actors. DuVernay has shown that black female producers can make successful major Hollywood films. She is an inspiration to women and minorities trying to achieve their dreams in film.

8. Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes is a very successful television producer. She created and produced popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to Get Away with Murder. These shows featured black lead actors, which was rare when they started. Rhimes was one of the first black female TV producers to achieve major success. She has worked to create more roles for black actors.

 Rhimes founded a production company to make shows with diversity. She has won many awards for her hit shows. Rhimes has inspired more black women to become TV producers. Shonda Rhimes broke barriers and showed that black female producers can make hit mainstream TV shows.

9. Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson is a young black woman who has become a successful TV producer. She created and stars in the hit comedy show Abbott Elementary. Brunson is the first black woman to be nominated for three Emmy Awards for a comedy series in the same year. She served as a writer, producer, and actress on Abbott Elementary. The show has brought more representation of black characters to network TV.

Brunson has said she wants to create opportunities for other black women in entertainment. She signed a deal with Warner Bros. to produce more TV shows. At just 34 years old, Quinta Brunson’s success as a producer is opening doors for the next generation of black women in TV.

10. Mara Brock Akil

Mara Brock Akil is an accomplished black female TV producer. Some of her hit shows are Girlfriends, The Game, and Being Mary Jane. These shows featured predominantly black characters and storylines rarely seen on TV before. Brock Akil was one of the first successful black female show creators.

She and her husband ran a production company to make shows celebrating black culture. Mara Brock Akil paved the way for other black women to create TV series. She proved black female producers could make successful mainstream shows. Her work inspired networks to develop more diverse programming.

11. Issa Rae

Issa Rae is a successful black female TV producer and actress. She created, wrote, and starred in the hit HBO series Insecure which ran for 5 seasons. The show featured everyday experiences of black women which was groundbreaking for TV. Rae also produced other shows and films telling diverse stories including The Hate U Give and The Lovebirds.

 Issa Rae’s achievements as a producer helped usher in a new era of black voices in mainstream television. Issa Rae proved black women could make successful and influential TV shows.

12. Aeysha Carr

Aeysha Carr is an accomplished black female TV producer. She has worked on popular shows like Will & Grace, Wanda Sykes: Wanda Does It, and That Girl Lay Lay. Carr was a writer and producer on the hit ABC comedy Black-ish. She co-created the Black-ish spinoff series Mixed-ish which focuses on the biracial experience. Carr advocates for more diversity and representation in TV.

She uses her productions to showcase black voices and stories. Carr serves as an inspiration to other black women pursuing careers as TV producers. She is breaking barriers for black female producers in comedy TV. Aeysha Carr’s work has helped bring new perspectives to mainstream television audiences.

13. Robin Thede

Robin Thede is a successful black female TV producer, actress, writer, and comedian. She created the HBO comedy sketch show A Black Lady Sketch Show.  Thede was the first black woman to be head writer for a late-night talk show when she worked on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. She also hosted the comedy news show The Rundown with Robin Thede on BET.

Thede uses comedy to showcase black voices and perspectives. She works to provide more opportunities for black women in TV as actors, writers, and producers. Robin Thede serves as an inspiration for the next generation of black female producers. She is breaking new ground for black women in comedy television.

14. Tiffany Gouche

Tiffany Gouche is an accomplished black female TV producer. She has worked on many popular shows including Bull, The Good Wife, and Marvel’s Daredevil. Gouche won awards for producing the miniseries The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks starring Oprah.

She also produced the documentary about Whitney Houston called Whitney. Gouche is dedicated to bringing diverse stories to TV screens. She provides opportunities for minority actors, writers, and crew. Tiffany Gouche serves as an inspiration to young black women hoping to become TV producers.

15. Wondagurl

Wondagurl is a young, talented black female music producer from Canada. Her real name is Ebony Oshunrinde. She has produced hit songs for renowned rappers like Drake, Jay-Z, and Travis Scott even though she is only in her late 20s. Some of her hit productions include “Uptown” by Drake and “Crown” by Jay-Z.

Wondagurl was the first woman to win the BET Hip Hop Awards Producer of the Year award. She produces rap, R&B, and other genres. She serves as an inspiration for aspiring young black female producers around the world.

Black actresses have taken over the hollywood industry lately. The above mentioned actresses have participated in making hollywood better and paving ways for upcoming black actresses in the industry. Thanks to all for keeping us entetained over the years.