The Greatest Non-White Actresses
- 1Age: 41
Lupita Nyong'o's captivating performance in 12 Years a Slave earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, catapulting her to Hollywood stardom. She continues to impress with her versatile acting skills in films like Black Panther and Us. In addition to acting, Nyong'o is an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the film industry.
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- 2Age: 27
Zendaya Coleman, known simply as Zendaya, rose to fame on Disney Channel's Shake It Up before transitioning to more mature roles in films like The Greatest Showman and Spider-Man: Homecoming. She also offers a powerful portrayal of Rue in the HBO hit series Euphoria. Zendaya is admired not only for her acting chops but also for her graceful activism and stylish presence in the fashion world.
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- 3Age: 58
Viola Davis, an accomplished stage and screen actress, made history by becoming the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in How to Get Away with Murder. With her Oscar-winning performance in Fences, she became the first Black actor to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting. Davis is known for delivering emotionally charged performances that leave lasting impressions on audiences.
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- 4Age: 65
Angela Bassett has enjoyed a long and successful career, with memorable roles in films like What's Love Got to Do with It, Waiting to Exhale, and Black Panther. She has been recognized with multiple award nominations, particularly for her powerful portrayal of Tina Turner. Bassett is also known for her strong presence and dedication to increasing diversity in Hollywood.
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- 5Age: 57
Mexican actress Salma Hayek became an international sensation after her breakout role in Desperado. Her iconic portrayal of the famous painter Frida Kahlo in Frida garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Hayek continues to be a force in the film industry, championing women's rights and working as both an actress and producer.
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- 6Age: 54
Octavia Spencer has built an impressive career with roles in highly acclaimed films like The Help, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her performances in Hidden Figures and The Shape of Water have further cemented her status as a formidable talent. Spencer is also an advocate for equal pay in Hollywood and often mentors new talent in the industry.
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- 7Age: 55
Lucy Liu first captured audiences' attention with her role as Ling Woo on the hit television show Ally McBeal. She quickly solidified her status as a formidable on-screen talent by starring in blockbuster films like Charlie's Angels and Kill Bill. Liu has also lent her voice to the animated franchise Kung Fu Panda and continues to be an influential figure in Hollywood.
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- 8Age: 45
Zoe Saldaña's versatile acting skills have seen her excel in a variety of genres, from action-packed blockbusters like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy to more intimate indie projects. Her magnetic presence on screen is undeniable, making her a sought-after actress in Hollywood. Saldaña is also a vocal advocate for increased diversity and representation within the entertainment industry.
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- 9Age: 57
Halle Berry made history as the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her powerful performance in Monster's Ball. With numerous standout roles, including her portrayal of Storm in the X-Men franchise, Berry remains an iconic figure in Hollywood. She is an advocate for diversity and has used her platform to inspire change within the industry.
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- 10
Constance Wu
Age: 36Constance Wu gained widespread acclaim for her starring role as Jessica Huang on the TV series Fresh Off the Boat. Her impressive performance in the international hit Crazy Rich Asians solidified her place in Hollywood as an exceptional talent. Wu continues to shatter stereotypes and advocate for increased representation of Asian-Americans in the industry.
- 11Age: 53
Taraji P. Henson made her mark in Hollywood with powerful performances in films like Hustle & Flow and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, earning her critical acclaim and award nominations. However, it was her role as Cookie Lyon in the hit show Empire that propelled her to superstardom. Henson is known for her charismatic presence on screen, championing diversity and pushing for change within the entertainment industry.
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- 12Age: 50
Spanish actress Penélope Cruz has captivated audiences worldwide with her versatile acting skills and magnetic presence. Her stunning performances in films like Volver and Vicky Cristina Barcelona have earned her multiple award nominations and critical acclaim. Cruz continues to be a sought-after talent, making her mark on both Hollywood and European cinema.
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- 13Age: 47
Kerry Washington skyrocketed to fame as the fiercely intelligent Olivia Pope on the hit series Scandal, becoming the first Black woman in nearly 40 years to headline a network drama. With her powerful acting skills and ability to captivate audiences, Washington has also been praised for roles in films like Django Unchained and American Son. She is a passionate activist who frequently speaks out about social justice issues.
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- 14Age: 25
Amandla Stenberg rose to fame with her unforgettable portrayal of Rue in The Hunger Games. She has since showcased her acting prowess in critically acclaimed films like The Hate U Give and Everything, Everything. Stenberg uses her platform to advocate for social justice, environmental causes, and increased diversity in Hollywood.
More Amandla Stenberg - 15Age: 53
Regina King's exceptional talent has been evident throughout her career in television and film, with notable roles in Boyz n the Hood, The Leftovers, and American Crime. Her Oscar-winning performance in If Beale Street Could Talk and her recent turn as a director with One Night in Miami show her versatility within the industry. King is an influential figure who champions for diversity and equality in Hollywood.
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- 16Age: 45
Rosario Dawson has built a successful career as a versatile actress in films like Rent, Sin City, and Top Five. She made her mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with her recurring role as nurse Claire Temple in various Marvel TV shows. Dawson also uses her platform to advocate for various social, political, and environmental issues, making her a respected figure both on and off-screen.
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- 17Age: 40
America Ferrera skyrocketed to fame as the lovable and ambitious Betty Suarez in the groundbreaking series Ugly Betty. She has continued to charm audiences with her roles in Superstore and the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. A passionate activist, Ferrera frequently speaks out about issues affecting marginalized communities and strives to empower others through her work.
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- 18Age: 50
Eva Mendes's breakout role in Training Day quickly established her as a talented actress capable of delivering captivating performances. Her diverse career includes roles in Hitch, The Place Beyond the Pines, and The Other Guys. Mendes is also a successful entrepreneur and designer, juggling multiple aspects of her career while maintaining her status as a beloved Hollywood actress.
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- 19Age: 51
Thandiwe Newton's powerful acting skills have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards for roles in films like Crash and Beloved. More recently, she garnered praise and an Emmy win for her portrayal of Maeve Millay in the hit HBO series Westworld. Newton is a dedicated activist, working to raise awareness on issues like human trafficking, violence against women, and environmental concerns.
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- 20
Lily Gladstone
Lily Gladstone rose to prominence for her starring role in 2023's Killers of the Flower Moon, a Martin Scorsese film that tells the true story of the Osage Indian murders that took place from the 1910s-1930s. Gladstone was the first Native American actor to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. She is of Blackfeet and NimÃipuu heritage.
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- 21Age: 43
Jessica Alba's success as a talented actress is undeniable with memorable roles in Dark Angel, Sin City, and the Fantastic Four franchise. Beyond her acting career, she has become a successful entrepreneur by co-founding The Honest Company, which focuses on ethical consumerism. Alba continues to have an impact on the industry while advocating for safer products and sustainable living.
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- 22Age: 54
Queen Latifah, a multifaceted talent, has excelled as an actress, singer, rapper, and producer. With her standout roles in Chicago, Hairspray, and Girls Trip, she consistently showcases her versatility in both comedy and drama. Latifah is an influential figure who promotes body positivity and champions empowering roles for women of color in Hollywood.
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- 23Age: 45
Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi first captured international attention with her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Her adept performances in Hero and Memoirs of a Geisha have garnered her critical acclaim and numerous awards. Ziyi continues to be a dominant force in both Chinese and international cinema, breaking barriers for Asian actresses in the global film industry.
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- 24Age: 53
Nia Long has been a beloved actress in Hollywood for decades, with memorable roles in films like Boyz n the Hood, Love Jones, and Big Momma's House. Her captivating performances and undeniable charisma have made her a sought-after talent in both film and television. Long also actively supports various organizations that empower and uplift marginalized communities.
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- 25Age: 92
Legendary actress Rita Moreno is one of only a few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards throughout her illustrious career. With roles in classics like West Side Story and The King and I, Moreno remains a trailblazer for Latino representation in Hollywood. Her enduring talent continues to influence and inspire the next generation of performers.
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- 26Age: 56
Lisa Bonet rose to fame as the free-spirited Denise Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show. She has continued to captivate audiences with her performances in projects like Angel Heart and Ray Donovan. Bonet has remained an enigmatic figure in Hollywood, known for her individuality and unique sense of style.
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- 27Age: 51
Tracee Ellis Ross, daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross, has made a name for herself as a talented actress with her starring role in the hit series Black-ish. She has received multiple awards and nominations for her portrayal of the relatable and hilarious Dr. Rainbow Johnson. Ross is also a fashion icon and advocates for diversity, inclusion, and representation in the media.
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- 28Age: 42
Jennifer Hudson's powerful singing voice and acting skills garnered her an Oscar win for her portrayal of Effie White in Dreamgirls. She has since starred in films like Sex and the City and Cats, while continuing to produce chart-topping music. Hudson's resilience and talent make her a true inspiration and an influential figure in entertainment.
- 29Age: 45
Michelle Rodriguez made her debut in the indie film Girlfight before starring in big-budget action films like The Fast and the Furious franchise and Avatar. Her strong presence and dedication to playing strong, independent women have resonated with audiences worldwide. Rodriguez continues to be a vocal advocate for diverse representation in Hollywood.
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- 30Age: 68
Academy Award-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg has enjoyed a prolific career, with standout roles in The Color Purple, Ghost, and Sister Act. Besides acting, she is also an influential talk show host on The View. Goldberg uses her platform to address social issues and advocate for changes in the entertainment industry.
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