30 Most Famous Black Actresses in the 90s

30 Most Famous Black Actresses in the 90s

*Originally published by  Cyndi K in September 2023 and Updated by Diana K in May 2024

Black actresses started being taken seriously in the 60s, 70s, and 80s when the issue of racism was seriously being addressed and advocacy on inclusivity was being done left, right, and center. When they started appearing, it somehow came as a shock how talented and beautiful they could be, and that in itself was a breath of fresh air for the black community. The 90s were no exception. They were graced with beautiful black actresses who even went ahead to win a variety of awards and accolades. These actresses and stars made a name for themselves and to date, they are very well celebrated. So who are some of the most famous black actresses of the 90s? Let’s have a look.

1. Halle Berry

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Born as Halle Maria Berry, she is to date one of the most famous black female actresses ever. Her breakthrough actually came about in the 90s even though her worldwide recognition came a bit later in the 2000s. She has received various accolades including Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe Awards, and the Academy. Among some of her most famous movie roles include The Flintstones (1994), Strictly Business (1991), and Catwoman (2004) where people got to see her in her full glory. In this particular movie, Halle Berry gave her all and it is no wonder she was recognized and got an award for it.

2. Angela Basset

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Angela Evelyn Basset is another famous black actress who got a lot of recognition and awards from the various 90s TV shows she starred in. Her most notable TV roles are The Flash in the episode titled, ‘Beat the Clock,’ and One Special Victory. She also did an amazing performance in What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), a film that depicts Tina Turner’s story. It was actually such a shame she didn’t get an Oscar for it because she was phenomenal. It made you forget that she isn’t the real Tina Turner. She also starred in Panther (1993) which she did amazing thanks to her talent, she is the recipient of many accolades and this is including two Golden Globe Awards.

3. Jada Pickett

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Jada Pinkett Smith is a singer, talk show host, and businesswoman who rose to fame and prominence in 1991. This was during the popular sitcom, ‘A Different World as Lena James.’ She has starred in so many movies and TV shows thereafter and she has always done an amazing job too. She is quite talented and it isn’t really a surprise that over the course of her career, she has received many awards including the NAACP Image Awards and the MTV Movie and TV Awards.

4. Queen Latifah

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Born as Dana Elaine Owens, she is popularly known as Queen Latifah and her name is a big powerhouse. She is a singer-songwriter, rapper, and actress and is among the few top black actresses from the 90s, featuring in film and TV shows. One of the most popular films that gave people a taste of how good she is, was Set It Off in 1996 where she starred alongside Jada Pickett, Vivica Fox, and Kimberly Elise. The performance was simply amazing and her onscreen death broke the hearts of many. She also starred in Jungle Fever (1991) and The Bone Collector (1999) both of which she did a great job.

5. Jenifer Lewis

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Jenifer Lewis is another popular black actress of the 90s. She is also a singer and has been in the entertainment industry for over 40 years. Ironically, she did not start her journey straight away as an onscreen actress. Lewis began her career in Broadway musicals and then later on started appearing in comedy shows like Beaches (1988), and Sister Act (1992) among many others. She is funny, quirky, and such a vibe. It is amazing how every movie she does is just great!

6. Lynn Whitfield

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If you have watched or come across the biographical film, ‘The Josephine Baker Story,’ then you have definitely encountered Lynn Whitfield. She played the lead character, Freda Josephine Baker, telling the story of Josephine Baker, an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress who became the first black woman to star in a major motion picture, the 1927 silent film, ‘Siren of The Tropics.’ Lynn Whitfield has been active in the film industry since 1977 and thanks to her talent and amazing performances, she has received so many awards and recognition in her 45-year-long career.

7. Nia Long

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Nia Long will forever be remembered and known for her role as Beulah Lisa Wilkes in the 1991 sitcom, ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ That is not to say she hasn’t starred in other notable sitcoms but as the quirky and witty Lisa, people got to understand how funny and talented not to mention beautiful, she is. She appeared in other 90s sitcoms, flicks, and films like Boyz n the Hood in 1991, Friday in 1995, and Big Momma’s House in 2000. She still continues to grace the film industry with her presence and every time we get a glimpse of how good she is.

8. Vivica Fox

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Born officially as Vivica Anjanetta Fox, she is an American producer, host, and actress. Over the course of her career, she has appeared in many films and TV shows and she has never disappointed. Some of the most notable ones that she will forever be remembered by are Soul Food in 1997, Set It Off in 1996, and Independence Day in 1996. Thanks to her most notable works, she is the recipient of many accolades including the MTV Movie Awards, the American Black Film Festival, and the CinemaCon Award. To date, she never disappoints with iconic performances.

9. Vanessa Williams

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You know the song, ‘Save the Best for Last?’ Vanessa did amazing in it and if there is no other song done by her you know of, this surely must be familiar. Apart from being a talented singer, she is also a dancer and and actress who has done quite a phenomenal job, especially as an actress. In 1984, she became the first African-American recipient of the Miss. America title in 1984 and that same year, she made her debut on TV on a 1984 episode of ‘The Love Boat.’ Her other notable works include her being featured in various episodes of The Jacksons: An American Dream and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.’ Moreover, she has also appeared in other 90s flicks like Soul Food, Hoodlum, and Light It Up.

10. Regina King

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Regina rose to fame for her role as Brenda Jenkins in the TV series 227 and the 1995 film, Friday, where she starred as Dana Jones. She is also an American director, producer, and actress who has done many notable jobs in the course of her career. She is the recipient of various awards like the Primetime Emmy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award.

11. Meagan Good

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Meagan Good is another household name that has done such a tremendous job over the course of her career. Her opportunity for a breakthrough came about in 1997 when she was featured in the American Southern Gothic film, ‘Eve’s Bayou.’ She did a great job in this role and this is where she started getting the recognition she was due. Ever since then, she has come to be known as a beautiful and talented actress who deserves all the accolades she has received over the years.

12. Loretta Devine

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Loretta Devine is another popular black actress of the 90s who is still active to date. She is best known for her roles in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls, her role as the insufferable Gloria Matthews in ‘Waiting to Exhale,’ and her role as Adele Webber in ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ For this particular role, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. Being a singer, she always manages to do extremely well in films that are musicals too.

13. Nicole Parker

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Born as Nicole Ari Parker Kodjoe, she is an American actress and model known popularly for her role in the comedy films, ‘Boogie Nights’ in 1997 and ‘Blue Streak’ in 1999. People got to see her quirky and witty side and this earned her a lot of favour among her fans. Moreover, she killed her role in Soul Food and it is no wonder it earned her five nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series.

14. Terri Vaughn

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Terri Vaughn is another famous black actress of the 90s whose talent in the film industry never ceases to amaze her fans. She is particularly known for her role in The Steve Harvey Show, which aired between 1997 and 2002. Thanks to her outstanding performances in every show she stars in, she is now the recipient of various nominations and awards including the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Some of the films she is notably remembered for include ‘Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood’ and ‘Friday.’

15. Wendy Robinson

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Wendy Robinson is another popular black actress of the 90s, known quite popularly and widely for her role in ‘The Steve Harvey Show’ in 1996 and ‘The Game’ which aired in 2006. Wendy first made her acting debut in 1993 on the Fox TV series, ‘Martin.’ This is around the time people started recognizing her more and her other notable roles include ‘The Walking Dead’ in 1995, ‘Ringmaster’ in 1998, and ‘Mantis’ in 1994.

16. Brandy Norwood

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Apart from being a phenomenal singer, Brandy is also a talented actor. When she starred in the sitcom, Moesha, she became one of the first black girls’ characters to make it big as a brown-skinned girl who wore braids no less. With this character, Brandy took representation to another level as she looked like so many young black girls who weren’t being typically showcased onscreen at the time.

17. Erika Alexander

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Starring alongside Queen Latifah in ‘Living Single,’ Nicole is another phenomenal black actress of the 90s who never disappointed. Well, in the show she always walked like her feet hurt but that’s where all the amusement really was. She played the character of a go-getter professional lawyer who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. This was unheard of at the time because there was (there still is) a particular stereotype always being affiliated with black people, one of them being that they are uneducated.

Read more: https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/world/25-famous-black-actors-from-the-60s/

18. Lark Voorhies

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Lark is better recognized as Lisa Turtle from the popular TV show, ‘Saved by The Bell,’ which ran from 1989 to 1993. Lark also played a huge role in representing other black girls and letting people know that little black girls can be trendy too, smart, well-spoken, and come from wealthy families. She got a number of awards thanks to this role that she quite honestly nailed.

19. Kellie Williams

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Born as Kellie Shanygne Williams, typically speaking, she was an all-around 90s TV force. Being popular in the sitcom, ‘Family Matter,’ she helped portray that black women can be assertive too. In a good way though. Being portrayed as an individual who is witty, beautiful, and stylish, she also did a marvelous job at representation.

20. Sanaa Lathan

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Having starred in the popular 1998 superhero film known as ‘Blade,’ 90s Sanaa Lathan did an outstanding that shed light on how talented she actually was. Thanks to this role, she earned widespread acclaim and recognition for her amazing role as the mother of Wesley Snipes’ character.

21. Lisa Nicole Carson

On screen, Lisa Nicole Carson had this vibe that just makes you feel good watching her. She appeared in Law & Order (1991) marking her first major role. Whether she was lighting up the TV as Renee on Ally McBeal (1997 – 2002) or making it happen on the big screen, she always brought on style and personality.  In Devil in a Blue Dress (1995) the audience was in awe of her presence.  

Who can forget her recurring character as Carla Reese in NBC’s ER (1996 – 2001). She made every character pop off the screen. Lisa has remarkable skills as an actress even in smaller roles, her performances are engaging and fun to watch because of the warmth and energy she puts into them. 

22. Kimberly Elise Trammel

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Actress Kimberly Elise born in 1967 first grabbed everyone’s attention in the 1996 film Set It Off (1996). Her character Monique felt real and was so intense – you could feel her pain and struggle. After that mind-blowing performance, Kimberly’s incredible talent just kept getting better.

In her heartbreaking role in Beloved (1998) she made people teary-eyed with her emotional acting. And in John Q (2002), she continued her stellar delivery alongside Denzel Washington. With her stunning beauty and ability to truly become her characters, Kimberly was one of the brightest black stars of 90s cinema.

23. Jurnee Diana Smollett

She started out as a child actress in the 1990s. Her bright smile lit the sitcoms On Our Own (1994–1995) and Full House (1992–1994). One of her first big roles was in Francis Ford Coppola’s film Jack (1996) followed by Eve’s Bayou (1997). She played a young girl dealing with family secrets.

Jurnee was so good at potraying sad and scared emotions. She had a fun personality and made the character very believable.  Jurnee showed she had serious acting skills from a very young age. She could make you laugh one minute and cry the next with her amazing acting talent.

24. Lela Rochon

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This beautiful actress had a magnetic presence that made you sit up and take notice whenever she appeared. She broke through in a big in the romantic drama Waiting to Exhale (1995). Lela brought strength and spirit to that role. But she could do comedy too, like when she played the gorgeous Robin Givens in Boomerang (1992) a few years earlier.

Lela oozed style and confidence in the productions she did. Whether the role called for emotions or laugh-out-loud humour, this talented lady had incredible range. The 90s wouldn’t have been the same without the fabulous Lela lighting up the screen!

25. Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali is an amazing actress and singer. Tatyana was born in January 1979 in Brooklyn, New York. She’s most famous for a role on the famous 1990s TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996). Ashley was the little cousin of Will Smith‘s character. Her debut album Kiss The Sky (1998) was certified gold the following year.

After Fresh Prince ended, Tatyana went to Harvard University. She graduated in 2002 with a degree in Anthropology and African American Studies. Over the years she has continued acting in TV shows and movies. An evergreen talent she starred in Lifetime’s Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story (2023).

26. Gina Ravera

Gina Ravera is of African-American and Puerto Rican heritage, brought her unique flair to the screen in the 1990s.  From memorable guest appearances on iconic TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-96) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-94) to a gripping stint on the CBS crime series Silk Stalkings (1991-93), Ravera showcased her range early on.

She cemented her place in Hollywood with the show Showgirls (1995) and the heartwarming Soul Food (1997). She was also cast in Time of Your Life (1999) where her comedic timing and dramatic depth shone brightly. 

27. Karyn Parsons

Karyn Parsons was the funny and bubbly actress who played Hilary Banks on the classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-96). Hilary was the sassy, fashion-obsessed cousin who always had the audience cracking up with her big personality and hilarious one-liners. Even when Hilary was being a little spoiled or dramatic, you couldn’t help but love her.

After Fresh Prince ended, Karyn kept entertaining us in movies like Major Payne (1995). More importantly, she is the founder of Sweet Blackberry, creating books and cartoons that teach kids about important Black heroes from history. Karyn is educating and inspiring the next generation.

28. Khandi Alexander

Khandi Alexander was a total powerhouse in the 90s! Alexander appeared in many films, including CB4 (1993), What’s Love Got to Do with It (1993), Sugar Hill (1994) and There’s Something About Mary (1998). She is best remembered as Jackie Robbins on ER (1995-2001).   But she could do way more than drama.

Khandi switched on her comedy talent playing the sassy Catherine Duke on NewsRadio (1995-98). She stole every scene with her razor-sharp timing and attitude. Her work was like a masterclass in versatility. Whether making you laugh or cry, Khandi commanded the screen with a magnetic authenticity you couldn’t take your eyes off.

29. Tichina Arnold

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Tichina Arnold is a hilarious actress who always cracks people up on TV.  Well, she’s been on screen for a long time, scoring roles since she was practically a kid! You might remember her from that crazy plant movie Little Shop of Horrors (1986). But for me, she’ll always be Pam from Martin (1992-97) the sassy best friend who could throw down with the funniest punchlines.

She continued to shine post-90s in Everybody Hates Chris,  where she played the tough-but-lovable mom, Rochelle. You know, the one who wasn’t afraid to lay down the law!  Tichina’s one of those actresses who can do it all, funny and fierce.  No wonder she’s been a TV favourite for so long.

30. Jasmine Guy

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A talented young actress named Jasmine Guy bursts onto the scene in the late 80s and early 90s. She played Whitley on the show A Different World (1987-93). Whitley was a rich girl who went to a Black college. Jasmine Guy did a great job playing Whitley. She made the character funny and likable.

Her acting on the show won her many awards.  People loved watching her on  A Different World  in the 1990s. She made Whitley an unforgettable character that everyone remembers fondly. Jasmine Guy’s performance was the best part of that show.  Jasmine Guy is truly one of the top Black actresses from the 90s television era.

All these actresses did an amazing job in the roles they starred in. Most importantly, they helped make black young girls and women feel represented and seen at a time when black people weren’t being given so much opportunity, especially in the film industry.

Read also: https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/world/30-most-famous-black-female-actresses/