The film industry is one cutthroat business that needs a thick skin to become successful. African actresses might not have gotten the chance to take on the big stage as much in the past decade but things are better these days. Now we have new names hitting the big time and making a mark in the film industry.
In her acceptance speech at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Viola Davis stated that women of color are just as good in front of the camera, only they don’t get as many opportunities as they should. Even so, there are a number of African American actresses leading the charge and making waves in Hollywood. In this article, we shall be focusing on ten African American actresses pushing the envelope in Hollywood and establishing themselves as A-listers.
Charlize Theron
Charlie Theron was born on 7th August 1975. The South African-American actress doubles as a film producer. Theron was thrust into the limelight after her role in “The Devil’s Advocate” in the 1990s.
Some of her more known films include:
• Mad Max: Fury Road
• Snow White and the Huntsman
• Atomic Blonde
• Monster
• Dark Places
Credit: Instagram
The dizzying heights of Hollywood fame were nothing to the then-budding star who went on to star in many other movies even winning an Academy Award for her stellar performance in the “Monster” playing the serial killer Aileen Wuornos.
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Lupita Nyong’o
The 35-year-old Oscar winner has had a dreamy run in Hollywood and is one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry at current. Lupita Nyongo was born in Mexico to Kenyan parents and holds dual citizenship for the two countries.
It’s safe to say that you’ve seen Lupita Nyong’o in more than one film, as she played roles in:
• 12 Years a Slave
• Black Panther
• Star Wars: Episode VII & Episode VIII
• The Jungle Book
• Non-Stop
Credit: Instagram
Chipo Chung
Even though Chipo Chung was born in 1977 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzanian, she is actually half Zimbabwean and half Chinese. Her first two years of life were tumultuous, as her parents tried to establish a permanent residence due to the instability in Zimbabwe. During this time, she stayed in a refugee camp in Mozambique. When she turned 18, she left for the United States.
Chipo Chung appeared in the following films:
• Sunshine
• Proof
• In the Loop
• Phèdre
Creadit: Instagram
In order to hone her raw acting talent, she attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and that acted as a stepping stone to roles in productions such as Doctor Who, Sunshine, Loop, Proof, Last Enemy, Sherlock, and Camelot.
Azie Tesfai
The Los Angeles native is the daughter of Eritrean immigrants and an only child. The actress got acceptance letters from multiple Ivy League colleges such as Yale, Columbia, and Brown but instead got her degree in business administration from UC Berkeley. During her time in Berkeley, the actress started going for acting classes having to travel between Berkeley and L.A in order to attend acting classes.
Azie Tesfai played supporting roles in many TV shows, including:
• Ghosted
• The Real O’Neals
• Superstore
• Rosewood
• Powers
Credit: Instagram
Tesfai had her first taste of the silver screen when she appeared on FOX’s “Wicked Wicked Games.” She has also had roles on “Melrose Place”, “Franklin and Bash,” “Law and Order: SVU” and “Royal Pains.”
Megalyn Echikunwoke
Megalyn was born in Spokane, Washington to an English, German and Irish mother and a Nigerian Father. The actress was discovered early and started acting at the tender age of fourteen. Her aptitude in the performing arts was discovered when she acted in a play during a Summer art camp. You may know her from “The 4400” a TV series in which she had the main role as the grown-up Isabelle Tyler.
Megalyn Echikunwoke TV appearances also include:
• House of Lies
• 24
• Damsels in Distress
• Vixen
Credit: Instagram
She also had a recurring role in the series “Raising The Bar” broadcasted on TNT. She also held roles on CBS’ “Made In Jersey” “90210” “That’s The 70’s Show” and many others. The actress has also made her voice heard in the political front championing causes she believes in and creating awareness.
She hit the headlines when she got into a relationship with comedian Chris Rock. The two have been dating for some time with rumors of impending marriage doing rounds on the internet.
Thandie Newton
Thandiwe Nashita “Thandie” Newton has starred in many blockbuster Hollywood releases and has cemented her name as one of the biggest female stars of our times. The English actress has had roles in both American and British releases. Thandie Newton made her debut in acting in the film Flirting back in 1991. She went on to appear in the film “Interview With A Vampire” 3 years later.
Thandie Newton played a lead role in HBO’s successful show “Westworld”, and played a supporting role in some big blockbusters such as “Solo: A Star Wars Story” and “2012”.
Credit: Wikipedia
Her most notable roles include Nyah Nordhoff-Hall in “Mission Impossible II,” Sally Hemings in “Jefferson In Paris,” Kate Thomas in “Norbit,” Linda in “The Pursuit of Happiness” and a title role in “Beloved.” Over her long-spanning career, Newton has won accolades for her exploits in the movie industry including:
a Black Reel award for Best Ensemble in “The Chronicles of Riddick,” nomination for a Black Movie award for outstanding performance in a supporting role in “Crash”, Screen Actors Guild for outstanding performance by a cast in “Crash” among many others.
Liya Kebede
Liya Kebede has done everything when it comes to the entertainment scene. The actress started out as a model and developed into a clothing designer and an advocate for maternal health advocate. In 2007 she rose to become the eleventh most paid model according to the Forbes list. Kebede was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While she may have made a name for herself in the acting scene Liya has done more as a model.
Liya Kebede filmography includes some highly popular films, such as:
• Lord of War
• The Good Shepherd
• The Best Offer
• Desert Flower
Credit: Instagram
The actress and model have also given a lot to goodwill and even got appointed WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
She then took it a step further and founded her own charity foundation named the Liya Kebede Foundation founded to help reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates in Ethiopia. In 2013 Kebede won Glamor’s Women of the Year award for her philanthropy.
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