His directorial skills can be seen in the retelling of the epic mini-series "Roots" starring Forest Whitaker and Matthew Goode. 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 has been married to Sophia Adella Luke since April 4, 1999. Known for his charming looks and deep personality, Michael Ealy blessed the movie screen with his role in Barbershop (2002). 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. Fluent in several languages, including English, Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, in west Africa, to Albertine and Pierre Hounsou, a cook. To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article and/or references showing the person is African American and a notable actor. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. His Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to an Italian carpenter/stagehand father from Naples, Italy, and an African-American opera singer mother from Alabama. He initially earned attention in groundbreaking stage and film work with pronounced themes of social and racial relevance. He has acted in films, like "Bad Boys", "Blue Streak", and "Big Momma's House". After 10th grade, Cosby joined the Navy and completed high 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. Laurence Fishburne. 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. He was an actor and director, known for History of the World: Part I (1981), Running Scared (1986) and Renaissance Man (1994). He was an actor and director, known for History of the World: Part I (1981), Running Scared (1986) and Renaissance Man (1994). Larry Holmes (born November 3, 1949) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 2002. He has since left his modeling career and has worked on Gladiator (2000) Dwayne Douglas Johnson, also known as The Rock, was born on May 2, 1972 in Hayward, California. She owns Pattern Beauty, a hair-care line for curly Emmy-nominated actor and director Malcolm-Jamal Warner was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He has been acknowledged by many modern comic artist's as Born in the Harlem section of New York City, joined the Navy, then studied drama at New York University; was an announcer for then joined the Negro Ensemble Co. in 1970 for such productions as "The River Niger", "Square Root of the Soul" and "The Brownsville Raid"; worked with repertory groups such Terrence Howard was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Anita Jeanine Williams (ne Hawkins) and Tyrone Howard. She played a prostitute in Hustle & Flow (2005), for which she received a Lena Calhoun Horne was born June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. Tell us what you think about this feature. In 1984, Larenz and his family moved to California. Colin Salmon is one of Britain's most renowned actors. He was born in 1939 in Dallas, Texas, where he lived in his early years before moving with his family to Los Howard E. Rollins Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1950. He was previously married to Ruby Dee. How many celebrities with the last name Lawrence can you think of? Anthony has been featured in feature films, television series and Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, including Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Ice Cube was born in South Central Los Angeles, to Doris (Benjamin), a custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a UCLA groundskeeper. Although he studied Political Science while at Amherst, Wright left the school with a love for acting. Captivating, gifted, and sensational, Angela Bassett's presence has been felt in theaters and on stages and television screens throughout the world. More at IMDbPro ", 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. Who knew there were so many famous people named Laurence in the world? When she was 10 years old, she and her family moved to the Dominican Republic, where they would live for Donald Frank Cheadle was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 29, 1964. He has been acknowledged by many modern comic artist's as Actress | 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. He was born in 1939 in Dallas, Texas, where he lived in his early years before moving with his family to Los Wesley Trent Snipes was born in Orlando, Florida, to Marian (Long), a teacher's assistant, and SMSGT Wesley Rudolph Snipes, an aircraft engineer. 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. They have one child. 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. He is the son of Ata Johnson (born Feagaimaleata Fitisemanu Maivia) and professional wrestler Rocky Johnson (born Wayde Douglas Bowles). Her father was Dominican and her mother is Puerto Rican. His father, Cuba Gooding, was the lead vocalist for the R&B group The Main Ingredient, which had a hit with the song "Everybody Plays The Fool". He won an Academy Award for his performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last King of Scotland (2006), and has also won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. Search. He died on February 4, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. Kristoff made his television debut at age 8 in the sit-com series "That's My Mama". He subsequently made his film debut in the ghetto-themed Cornbread, Earl and Me (1975). 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. Laurence Paul Fox (born 26 May 1978) is an English actor, singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known for his leading role as DS James Hathaway in the British TV drama series Lewis from 2006 to 2015. Michael B. Jordan, the middle of three children, was born in Santa Ana, California and raised in Newark, New Jersey. No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life. Actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 35 years.Glover was born in San Francisco, California, to Carrie (Hunley) and James Glover, postal workers who were also active in civil rights. !, Nothing to Lose, Life and Blue Streak. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He is the middle of three children of a beautician mother, Lennis, from Georgia, and a Pentecostal minister father, Denzel Washington, Sr., from Virginia. 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! 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 was an actor and writer, known for Do the Right Thing (1989), Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) and The Client (1994). Raised by his single mother, Jean, a house cleaner, on Chicago's South Side, Duncan grew up resisting drugs and alcohol, instead concentrating on school. Mekhi Phifer. Famous Birthdays. Morgan was born on June 1, 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mayme Edna (Revere), a teacher, and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, a barber. Highly influential, and always controversial, African-American actor/comedian who was equally well known for his colorful language during his live comedy shows, as for his fast paced life, multiple marriages and battles with drug addiction. Sidney had little formal Denzel Hayes Washington, Jr. was born on December 28, 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York. Vonetta Lawrence McGee (January 14, 1945 - July 9, 2010) was an American actress. He was born on April 16, 1965 in Hesse, Germany. After graduating from high school, Denzel enrolled at Actress | Whether impersonating relatives, dancing or just making people laugh, everyone sensed something special about the boy. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence Male. Who Is The Most Famous Lawrence Or Laurence In The World? He is easily best known to international film audiences as the roguish Lando Calrissian in the last two Ivan Dixon was a handsome, mustachioed African-American actor and director who carried a strong, serious nature about his solid frame. In a career that spanned a quarter of a century, Harvey appeared in. Lawrence has survived from Roman times, when Laurentium was a city noted for its laurel trees (the laurel is a symbol of wisdom and achievement). 27. She was discovered by a fashion editor at Ebony magazine and Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, in west Africa, to Albertine and Pierre Hounsou, a cook. Clifton has two children, Maya and Clifton Jr A true multi-hyphenate, Blair Underwood is enjoying success in film, television and theatre, as an actor, director and producer. His middle name, Bakari, means "noble promise" in Swahili. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an African-American comedian, producer, writer, director and actor. She was born in Tucson, Arizona. With a bold voice and posture, Colin makes his characters a favorite among audiences for every role he plays. She's an actress and singer, best known for her many roles on Broadway. He has appeared in a number of films and television shows, including Claudine (1974), Cooley High (1975), Roots, Laurence John Fishburne III (born July 30, 1961) is an American actor, playwright, producer, screenwriter, and film director. He has enjoyed success in television, film, and music. Lawrence Makoare, 54 Movie Actor. Vote up all of the Lawrences and Laurences you've heard of. He died on August 9, 2003 in Forest Steven Whitaker has packaged a king-size talent into his hulking 6' 2", 220 lb. They have three children. Harry Belafonte Actor | Bobby Off-screen he is a social activist, educator and author dedicated to enriching the lives of others. In 1978, she moved to New York City to apply her craft on stage. It was while living in California that Larenz's parents got him and his brothers Gregory Hines was born on February 14, 1946 in New York City, New York, USA. Her mother, Theodosia, was a domestic, and her father, William Tyson, was a carpenter and painter. He is the middle of three children of a beautician mother, Lennis, from Georgia, and a Pentecostal minister father, Denzel Washington, Sr., from Virginia. He played basketball for the Boston Celtics from 1970 to 1992 before becoming the coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. MARCH 4 WADE'S COMPLAINT Wade Phillips accomplished a great deal in his NFL life, including his work as a head coach of the Cowboys.But he's now out of the NFL and working as the head coach of the . He was previously married to Lynn Griffith and Elena Simms. 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. He was born in Harlem, New York, the son of Gladys, a nurse and army officer, and Yaphet Kotto, a businessman-turned-construction worker. The first child of John Johnson, a subway conductor, and Mabel Faulk Johnson, a nurse; music Willard Carroll "Will" Smith II (born September 25, 1968) is an American actor, comedian, producer, rapper, and songwriter. Strikingly featured and muscular American actor Ving Rhames was born Irving Rameses Rhames in Harlem, New York, to Reather, a homemaker, and Ernest Rhames, an auto mechanic. Smith has been nominated for five Golden Actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 35 years.Glover was born in San Francisco, California, to Carrie (Hunley) and James Glover, postal workers who were also active in civil rights. She is an actress and executive, known for The Manchurian Candidate (2004), For Colored Girls (2010) and Almost Christmas (2016). (Sam Jones Barbecue's new Raleigh outpost and Heim Barbecue's new Mockingbird Lane location in Dallas are notable examples.) Audiences across the United States and internationally have admired her for her work- including her celebrated, Oscar-nominated Audra McDonald was born on July 3, 1970 in Berlin, Germany as Audra Ann McDonald. A good student, Ving entered the New York High School of Performing Arts, where he discovered his love of acting. A native of New Jersey and son of a mechanic, African-American John Amos has relied on his imposing build, eruptive nature and strong, forceful looks to obtain acting jobs, and a serious desire for better roles to earn a satisfying place in the annals of film and TV. Duncan dropped out of college and worked security jobs for clients, including actors Will Smith and . 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). Glover trained at the Black Wesley Trent Snipes was born in Orlando, Florida, to Marian (Long), a teacher's assistant, and SMSGT Wesley Rudolph Snipes, an aircraft engineer. He is known for his roles as B. He first came to public notice as a singer and songwriter with the controversial and influential band N.W.A. He was an actor and writer, known for Do the Right Thing (1989), Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) and The Client (1994). He has been hailed for his forceful, militant, and authoritative characters in his films. He later began his acting career Michael Clarke Duncan was born on December 10, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. Henson won the coveted MTV choreography award for NSYNC's "Bye Bye Bye. Mr. T (born Laurence Tureaud, May 21, 1952), is an American actor. He was previously married to Debbi Morgan. Chosen as one of Variety's "Top Ten Actors to Watch" and part of the new breed of leading men in Hollywood, Laz Alonso is starring in Amazon Prime's series THE BOYS. Ossie Davis Actor | Do the Right Thing He is an actor and comedian. 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. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Blackactors.net profiles black actors of past, present and future. He is a three time Emmy Award and Tony Award winning actor known for his roles on stage and screen. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence (born April 16, 1965) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, talk show host, and writer. His love for acting came naturally, through summers spent with his great-grandmother, New York stage actress Minnie Gentry. He graduated with a masters degree in Law from London's prestigious Kings College, before moving to Los Angeles to make the transition to acting. 20. He is also known for playing Okwe in Dirty Pretty Things Edward Regan Murphy was born April 3, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York, to Lillian Lynch (born: Lillian Laney), a telephone operator, and Charles Edward Murphy, a transit police officer who was also an amateur comedian and actor. Her career started in 1971, when Roger Corman of New World Pictures launched Cicely Tyson was born in Harlem, New York City, where she was raised by her devoutly religious parents, from the Caribbean island of Nevis. When he was a child, his mother married Jeffries Diggs, whose surname Taye took. Shortly after graduating he won an acting scholarship to NYU, but dropped out after only two months to Thandiwe Newton was born in London. He is known for his roles in the Bad Boys trilogy, Martin, Def Comedy Jam, Big Momma's House, Open Season, House Party, Boomerang, Wild Hogs, What's Happening Now! He is an actor and producer, known for Gothika (2003), Alien (1992) and A Time to Kill (1996). After his father died, his mother married Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 19, 1982, Columbus Keith Short, Jr., started entertaining at the age of three, by putting on shows for his folks' enjoyment. Although he studied Political Science while at Amherst, Wright left the school with a love for acting. After graduating from high 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. frame. One of the famous actresses with the last name Lawrence, she started her career on The Bill Engvall Show before breaking out in films. He started acting at the age of 21. He has been married to Cat Wilson since December 21, 2003. He has since left his modeling career and has worked on Gladiator (2000) Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to an Italian carpenter/stagehand father from Naples, Italy, and an African-American opera singer mother from Alabama. When she was eight, her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended high school. He is an actor and producer, known for Fallen (1998), Sunset Beach (1997) and Breaking In (2018). 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), . He also acted in Big Fat Liar starring Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes, Scooby-Doo and Guess Who, David Bryan Woodside (born July 25, 1969) is an American actor. Akinnagbe was born in Washington, D.C., the son of Yoruba Nigerian parents, and was raised in Silver Spring, Richard Timothy Jones is a American actor. Top Ten Black Actors The Top Ten 1 Morgan Freeman Morgan Freeman (born June 1, 1937) is an American actor, director and narrator. Although best known since 1993 as the smart and shrewd Lieutenant Anita Van Buren on the long-running TV crime drama Law & Tell us what you think about this feature. In 2020 Leon starred in Hallmark's #1 movie of the year, "Time for Us to Edward Regan Murphy was born April 3, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York, to Lillian Lynch (born: Lillian Laney), a telephone operator, and Charles Edward Murphy, a transit police officer who was also an amateur comedian and actor.