Black actors and actresses may come across as underrepresented, but no one can deny that their talent is unmatched in the entertainment industry.
Let us get to know these seven celebrities who give flavors and spices to our all-time favorite Hollywood movies!
Denzel Washington
Don’t you love it when Denzel said, “I’m not going to bury my son! My son is going to bury me!” in 2002’s John Q? His display of emotions and rage is a chef’s kiss, making him a two-time Academy awardee.
Known for his engaging and compelling performances, Denzel does not disappoint. He is a cultural icon, defining him as an actor who reconfigured the vision of classic movies and stardom. In 1987, he humbly began his acting journey on Broadway and theater, and in 2001, Washington won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Training Day.”
While his characters commonly play as self-dependent, his personality in real life is not far from it. Washington established his own production company, Mundane Lane Entertainment, in 1992.
He advocates for the black lives matter movement and gives prestigious speeches for college graduates. We suggest putting Denzel on your checklist now!
Samuel L. Jackson
He found it at the right moment, after asking “Where is my super suit?'', keeping both the city from harm, including the movie, “The Incredibles,” in 2004.
If you are looking for black comedy, action, and psychological drama, Samuel Jackson is your guy, a veteran actor who established a delight in villainous and manipulative characters in the film industry.
Samuel Jackson continues to understand his assignments from Pulp Fiction to Django Unchained, offering worth-applauding films and keeping the audience entertained with his indulging appearance on screen.
In fact, he has mastered depicting characters who are redeemable and irredeemable. You got that right! His famous character is Nick Fury in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe,” which gained him good recognition from comic-book fans.
Morgan Freeman
Any filmmaker who needs a good narrator will probably call this gentleman. He is a proficient, charismatic, and award-winning actor known for his deep and immeasurable voice.
Some even claim they want Morgan to be the narrator of their life. I guess part of that we could all agree.
Primarily his roles also regard a wide variety of film genres, from playing a god figure to the President of the United States. His recognizable movie is “Shawshank Redemption,” a critically acclaimed film.
Freeman is a high-standard guy with a soft-hearted personality, what’s more, to love than his resounding voice? Catch him more on National Geographic Channel for his documentary films and witness how he interacts with the people around him.
Viola Davis
How else can we enjoy music other than Viola Davis reminding us, “The more music you have in the world, the fuller it is,” in the movie Ma. Rainey’s Black Bottom.
Viola Davis is considered the most exceptional actress of all time and has been the only African-American to win the triple crown of acting in 2016.
Her latest film this year, “The Woman King,” encountered a fair share of hatred from trolls due to the misconceptions about it being historically inaccurate. However, she still slays her role by serving a queen attitude who bows to no one.
The film was successful, critically and financially. Davis never fails to marvel her audience with her remarkable acting.
Angela Bassett
Enthralling, competent, and fascinating, Angel Bassett knows how to make an entrance. A golden globe-winning actress whose roles feature African-American cultural figures. Drawing her inner strength with her aura, she can have the throne for independent films and roles.
Basset is also known for giving justice to biographical film roles, especially her performance as “Tina Turner” in the biopic movie, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993). While she hasn’t portrayed a villainous role, her astonishing stares can surely pass as one.
Here's good news for Marvel fans; the long wait is finally over! As “Queen Ramonda,” she will reprise her role in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” this November. Make sure to secure your tickets and watch her steal the moment.
Kevin Hart
“I’m the definition of tough” is not exactly the line we expect from a leading comedian. Though, he surely did his best in the movie Ride Along.
If laughter is the best medicine, then this guy is the best doctor you can find. Kevin Hart will make you laugh and cry your heart out through his comedic roles, dramatic comedy, and action-comedy films.
“Jumanji franchise,” “Central Intelligence,” “The Upside,” and “Fatherhood” are a few of his films that can make your troubles in life go away. He provides free therapy to his audience with his naturally funny facial reactions.
He started his career as a stand-up comedian before he became one of Hollywood’s influential comedians. Contrary to Morgan Freeman, Hart has a voice that fans might want to hear but not narrate their life. Nevertheless, he is not hard to adore!
Eddie Murphy
Grab your DVDs and let this guy perform on your screens.
If we are to ask our parents who this guy is, they’ll probably remember the charisma and sense of wit of Eddie “The Great” Murphy. Like any comedian, he began by just enacting comedy sketches on Saturday night live, effortlessly earning adoration from his audience.
His most famous work is portraying Alex Foley in the “Beverly Hills Cop Trilogy,” where he got nominated for Best Actor for the Golden Globe award. Murphy plays with his mouth. He is known for his engaging and loud character, which is his tactic to pressure the villain in his movies.
In 2019, Eddie showed a different side of himself with his recent film “Dolemite Is My Name.” The film was a massive sensation, showing a distinct persona in Murphy’s performance. He was singing and dancing, which is a new bite for his fans way back in the ’80s and ’90s.
These actors and actresses made us cry, laugh, and empathize with their portrayals. People love how they reshape our culture and preferences. In fact, ethnic color does not hinder them from becoming influential in the film industry.
As fans and moviegoers, we can freely criticize the filmmakers’ scriptwriting and plain style. However, attacking the personal lives of celebrities will never be a decent move. Remember to pay respect the same way we want to be respected.
So, tell us. Who are your favorite Hollywood stars? Share your thoughts with us!
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