20 Tall Black Male Actors

20 Tall Black Male Actors

Originally published by Gloria N on July 2023 and updated by Beatrice J on  March 2024

The tallest black male actors have not only stood to be extraordinary individuals in the form of size but have as well impacted positive marks in the entertainment industry. They have starred in several notable films, television dramas, and series making them successful.

In this article, we have talked of 20 tall black male actors across the world. We have as well showcased their impacts on the acting industry and the work they have accomplished. It is good to note that, these are just a few examples the list is big.

Here are the 20 tall black male actors;

1. Denzel Washington

MTV UK, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Denzel Washington is a Black actor from America. He was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York, U.S. His height is approximated to be 6’1 inch making him one of the tallest black actors of all time.

He has been in the acting field for more than 4 decades and has received several accolades such as three Golden Globe Awards, two Academy Awards, and a Tony Award among others.

Here are the 20 Most Famous Black Male Comedian Actors.

2. Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke was born in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., and raised together with his sister Judy by their mother Jean Duncan. At first, Michael was interested in playing football but he later decided to become an actor when his mother refused to let him play football fearing he might get injured.

Duncan’s height is estimated to be 6’5 and he is among the tallest actors of all time. He gained fame after playing his breakout roles in films such as The Green Mile and Spider-Man: The New Animated Series.

3. Chiwetel Ejiofor

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When we talk of tall black male actors, we can’t leave Chiwetel Ejiofor behind. His height is approximated to be 6’0. Chiwetel is a famous black British actor and has won several accolades throughout his career including two British Independent Film Awards, and British Academy Film Award among others.

Ejiofor started acting when he was in junior school, in school plays. Since then, his passion for acting improved, and has been featured in many notable films and movies including ‘It Was an Accident’ and ‘Three Blind Mice among others.

4. Winston Duke

Winston Duke is a Tobagonian actor born and raised in Argyle, Tobago by his mother Caro Pantin. Duke joined the University at Buffalo and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre. He later joined the Yale School of Drama to pursue a Master of Fine Arts and graduated in 2013.

Duke has been active in the field of acting since 2014 and is active to date. He has starred in many films such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and US among others. He is as well among the tallest actors with an height of 6’5.

Look at the 15 Iconic Actors From Black Panther Movie.

5. Chadwick Boseman

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chadwick Boseman was an American actor. He was born on November 29, 1976, and died on August 28, 2020. Chadwick was among the tallest black actors and was said to be 6’0 ft.

Chadwick left a legacy behind in the field of entertainment and is still remembered for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

6. Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown was born on April 1976, in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., and is a famous black actor from the United States of America. He came from a family of five, he had two brothers and two sisters.

He started acting in 2001 and is actively acting to date. Throughout his career, Sterling has received several accolades such as Golden Globe Award. It is interesting to note that Sterling is among the tallest black actors we have and is 6’1 ft.

7. Will Smith

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Will Smith is an American actor as well as a rapper. Will was born on September 25, 1968, in Philadelphia. His parents are Caroline and Willard Carroll Smith Sr.  He began his career in 1985 and is still active.

Will Smith became famous worldwide as a leading man in several films such as Bad Boys, Men in Black II, and Men in Black III etc. He is 6’2 feet and listed as one of the tallest black actors.

Read also the Here are the Funniest Black Comedian Actors.

8. Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne is the son of Laurence John Fishburne and Hattie Bell, a mathematics and science teacher in junior high school. He was born in Augusta, Georgia, on July 30, 1961, and is estimated to be 6’0 ft.

Laurence is an American actor, he started acting in 1972 and has starred in several notable films. Throughout his career, he received several awards including Tony Award and Emmy Award.

9. Jussie Smollett

Dominick D, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jussie Smollett is an American actor as well as a singer. He started acting when he was still young back in 1991 and appeared in films such as ‘The Mighty Ducks’. Jussie is the son of Janet Smollett and Joel.

Jussie was born on June 21, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California, U.S., and is among the few tallest black actors we have in the industry.

10. Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is an actor, director, and producer of the United States of America. He is the son of Michael A. Jordan and Donna. In 2020, Michael was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine and ranked number 15 on the list of the 25 greatest actors of the 21^st century by The New York Times.

Jordan is one of the sexiest and tallest black actors we have in the industry with an estimated height of 5’6. He is well-known for his film roles such as Fruitvale Station, and Creed among others.

11. Isaiah Mustafa

Geoff Stearns, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Isaiah Mustafa is one of the tallest black actors and is about 6’3 ft. He is a famous American actor and former American football wide receiver. Isaiah was born in Portland, Oregon to John Wali Mustafa and Shahidah Mustafa-Davis.

He began acting by playing small roles in television series such as Days of Our Lives. Mustafa gained fame after starring in ‘The Old Spice’ a television commercial as the main character.

Find the 20 Most Talented Black Actors of All Time.

12. Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge is an American actor born on September 20, 1986, in Onslow County, North Carolina, U.S. He is said to be 6’1 tall making him one of the tallest black actors of all time. His parents Aldis Basil Hodge and Yolette Evangeline Richardson served in the U.S Marine Corps.

Aldis is known for his significant roles in the TNT series Leverage, Hidden Figures, and Underground among others.

13. Eddie Murphy

David Shankbone, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eddie Murphy was born in Brooklyn, New York City. His mother known as Lilian Murphy was a telephone operator while his father, Charles Edward Murphy was a transit police officer, actor, and comedian.

Eddie developed an interest in acting as a child, he played several characters while imitating his favorite actor, Peter Sellers. The American actor has won several awards such as Emmy Award, and Grammy Award. The interesting part is that he is among the tallest actors with estimated height of 5’9.

14. Idris Elba

Idris Elba is an English actor and DJ born on September 6, 1972. He is said to be one of tall actors with a height of 6’2. Idris began his career back in 1994 and is still active in the industry. His parents are Eve, a Ghanaian woman, and Winston Elba, a Sierra Leonean Creole.

His first-ever acting role was in Crimewatch, a British television programme produced by the BBC. He has been featured in several films hence winning awards such as Golden Globe Award for Best Actor among others.

15. Morris Chestnut

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Morris Chestnut is an American actor born on January 1, 1969, in Cerritos, California, U.S. Morris has been in the acting field since 1990. His father Morris, was a medical salesman while his mother Shirley, was a teacher.

Morris is known as one of the tallest black actors with a height of 6’0. He gained fame after appearing on ‘Boyz n the Hood,’ in his role as Ricky in 1991.

Read also the 20 Most Famous Black Actors of the ’90s.

16. Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., a famous black American actor. He started his career in the entertainment industry back in 2002.  

Since then, he has starred in many notable films including Marvel Cinematic, Captain America: The Winter Soldier etc. He is as well known as one of the tallest black male actors we have in the world with a height of 5’10.

17. Jamie Foxx

Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jamie Foxx is the professional name of this actor; his real name is Eric Marlon Bishop. Jamie is a well-known actor, comedian, and singer. He has been active in his career since 1989. Jamie’s height is estimated to be 5’9 making him one of the tallest black actors.

Jamie became famous worldwide after playing in ‘In Living Color’ a sketch comedy show. He has well-gained breakthroughs in film roles such ‘Ali,’ ‘Miami Vice,’ and ‘Django Unchained,’ etc.

18. Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick is the son of Clifford Hardwick III and Joyce.  He is an American actor famous for his role in ‘Army of the Dead’ in 2021. Despite being a famous actor, he is as well a model of all time.

Omari has been active in his career since 2001 and is still active to date. He is as well known for his roles in ‘Kiss-Ass,’ ‘Dark Blue,’ and ‘Saved,’ among others. He is among the tallest actor with a height of 5’8.

Here are the Top 5 Famous Black French Actors.

19. Tyrese Gibson

Shaun Dawson from New York, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tyrese Gibson is an American singer, actor, and model. He has become popular and recognized in both the film and music industry. Tyrese is the son of Tyrone Gibson and Priscilla Murray Gibson. However, his father left living his mother to raise him together with his sibling.

Gibson has been featured in several successful films such as the Fast & Furious franchise, Ride Along 2, and Four Brothers among others. He has an estimated height of 5’10  hence been one of the tallest actors.

20. Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker is an actor, filmmaker, and activist from the United States of America. He was born in Longview, Texas, in the USA, back in 1961. Forest has been active in the entertainment industry since 1981 up to date.

Throughout his career, Forest has received several accolades such as Golden Global Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, etc. It is interesting to know that, Forest Whitaker is among the tallest black male actors of all time with an estimated height of 6’2’’ ft.

Body size is not a factor to affect one from pursuing a career. The mentioned tall black male actors have enriched and inspired many in the entertainment industry. They have impacted the industry positively by being successful and doing amazing work.

10 Most Iconic Roles Played by Tall Black Male Actors

1.Malcolm X

Denzel Washington delivered a tour-de-force performance as Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s 1992 biographical film. He embodied the iconic civil rights leader with remarkable depth and nuance, capturing the different facets of Malcolm’s life and journey.

Washington starts by portraying Malcolm Little, a young man grappling with the realities of racism and the tragic loss of his father. He then transitions seamlessly into Detroit Red, showcasing the anger and disillusionment that led him down a path of crime.  As Malcolm X, Washington delivers powerful speeches that resonate with passion and conviction, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

2.Hoke Colburn

In the 1989 film Driving Miss Daisy, Morgan Freeman portrays Hoke Colburn, a kind and wise chauffeur hired by Miss Daisy Werthan, an elderly Jewish woman living in the American South during the era of segregation. Hoke is initially hesitant about the job, but his patience and understanding gradually win over Miss Daisy.

As they navigate the changing social and political landscape of the South, their relationship deepens, transcending racial and societal boundaries. Freeman’s portrayal of Hoke is characterized by dignity, humor, and quiet strength. He becomes a confidante and protector for Miss Daisy, offering her support and companionship through life’s challenges.

3.Chris Gardner

In the 2006 biographical drama The Pursuit of Happyness, Will Smith portrays Chris Gardner, a struggling single father striving to build a better life for himself and his son, Christopher Jr. Smith delivers a powerful and emotional performance as Gardner, capturing the character’s unwavering determination and resilience in the face of immense adversity.

Gardner experiences homelessness, poverty, and societal neglect, but his unwavering love for his son fuels his determination to succeed. Smith portrays the emotional toll of these struggles with profound depth, showcasing moments of despair and frustration contrasted with unwavering hope and optimism.

Throughout the film, Smith demonstrates Gardner’s resourcefulness and ingenuity as he juggles an unpaid internship at a stock brokerage firm with the precarious reality of fatherhood.

4.Nick Fury

Samuel L. Jackson‘s Nick Fury is a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Introduced as the enigmatic director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Fury operates in the shadows, assembling and leading superhero teams to tackle global threats. His strategic mind and unwavering leadership are matched by an air of mystery, often keeping his true motives and knowledge veiled.

Jackson’s portrayal is iconic, imbued with charisma and a dry sense of humor. The eyepatch, nicknames for superheroes, and the unforgettable Motherf**ker, do you speak English? all contribute to a character that is both intriguing and undeniably cool.

His presence grounds the fantastical world of the MCU, making him a fan favorite and a pivotal figure in the superhero saga.

5.Commandant

In the harrowing 2015 war drama “Beasts of No Nation,” Idris Elba takes on the role of Commandant, a ruthless and manipulative warlord leading a group of child soldiers in an unnamed African civil war. Elba’s portrayal is chilling and complex. He embodies the Commandant’s charisma and brutality with equal intensity.

On one hand, he uses manipulation and promises of power to recruit and control young boys, turning them into ruthless fighters. On the other hand, he displays moments of vulnerability, hinting at the trauma and violence that shaped him into the monster he has become.

This duality makes the Commandant a deeply disturbing and unforgettable character. Elba’s performance is raw and powerful, earning him critical acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination. He masterfully navigates the character’s darkness, forcing the audience to confront the devastating realities of child soldiery and the psychological costs of war.

6.T’Challa

Chadwick Boseman immortalized the role of T’Challa, the noble king of Wakanda, best known as the superhero Black Panther. In the groundbreaking 2018 film, Boseman brought a regal presence, quiet strength, and unwavering determination to this iconic character.

T’Challa is a complex leader, balancing his responsibilities as king of a technologically advanced yet hidden nation with his duties as a global protector. Boseman portrays the character’s internal struggles as T’Challa weighs traditional Wakandan values with the needs of a changing world.

He wrestles with the weight of his heritage and the question of whether Wakanda should open its borders and share its resources or maintain its isolationist stance. Boseman’s portrayal is nuanced, showcasing both T’Challa’s vulnerability and his unwavering resolve in facing internal and external threats.

7.Idi Amin

In the 2006 historical drama The Last King of Scotland, Forest Whitaker delivers a captivating and chilling performance as Idi Amin, the Ugandan dictator known for his brutality, erratic behavior, and self-proclaimed title of King of Scotland.

Whitaker embodies Amin’s complexities with remarkable depth. He portrays Amin as both charismatic and terrifying, seamlessly shifting between moments of charm and sudden displays of violence. The audience witnesses Amin’s rise to power, his manipulation of those around him, and the descent into paranoia and terror that marked his regime.

Whitaker’s performance captures not only the outward persona of a powerful ruler but also the inner turmoil and psychological instability that fueled Amin’s actions. His portrayal is so convincing that it earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying his place as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.

8.The Matrix

Laurence Fishburne’s portrayal of Morpheus in The Matrix transcends mere acting, solidifying him as a pop culture icon. Morpheus, the enigmatic leader of the human resistance, becomes Fishburne’s canvas. He imbues the character with a captivating blend of wisdom, strength, and unwavering belief. His resonant voice, delivering lines like “Have you ever taken the red pill?” or “Welcome to the real world,” left an undeniable mark on cinema.

Beyond the powerful dialogue, Fishburne masterfully conveys Morpheus’s unwavering faith in humanity’s potential and Neo’s role as The One. His unwavering conviction inspires not just Neo, but the audience as well, leaving a lasting impression of the power of hope and the fight for freedom.

9.Albert

In the 1985 film The Color Purple, Danny Glover portrays Albert, the abusive husband of Celie, the film’s protagonist. His portrayal is a complex and nuanced one, showcasing not only the cruelty and dominance he wields over Celie but also hinting at the underlying factors that contribute to his behavior.

Glover’s Albert is a deeply flawed individual. He is physically and emotionally abusive towards Celie, constantly belittling and controlling her. He reinforces the patriarchal and racist ideologies of the time, treating Celie and other women as inferior and viewing his role as solely one of dominance.

However, glimpses are offered into the reasons behind his harshness. We see his own struggles with insecurity and a lack of self-worth, as well as the societal pressures of masculinity shaping his actions.

10.Oscar Grant

Michael B. Jordan delivers a powerful and heartbreaking performance in the 2013 biographical drama Fruitvale Station as Oscar Grant, a young man tragically killed by a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police officer on the last day of 2008. The film explores the final 24 hours of Oscar’s life, showcasing his struggles, aspirations, and personal interactions. Jordan portrays Oscar with a blend of vulnerability and strength.

We see him grapple with past mistakes, hold onto his dreams of a better future, and navigate the complexities of fatherhood, friendship, and love. This portrayal resonates deeply, allowing us to connect with Oscar’s humanity and understand the tragic loss of his potential.

These actors have shattered harmful stereotypes by portraying diverse characters with depth, complexity, and humanity. They’ve tackled challenging roles that explore themes of social justice, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams, inspiring audiences with their portrayals.

These actors have also opened doors for others in the industry. Their success has paved the way for increased representation of Black men on screen, both in terms of quantity and the variety of characters they portray.