15 Black actors who made entertainment history

15 Black actors who have made significant contributions to entertainment history, along with key details about their achievements:

1. Sidney Poitier
   • Notable Works: Lilies of the Field (1963), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)
   • Achievements: First Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. A trailblazer in breaking racial barriers in Hollywood.
2. Denzel Washington
   • Notable Works: Malcolm X (1992), Training Day (2001)
   • Achievements: Two-time Academy Award winner, widely recognized for his powerful performances and versatility. Known for his roles in both dramatic and action films.
3. Hattie McDaniel
   • Notable Works: Gone with the Wind (1939)
   • Achievements: First Black actress to win an Academy Award, for Best Supporting Actress. Her win was a groundbreaking moment in film history.
4. Viola Davis
   • Notable Works: The Help (2011), Fences (2016)
   • Achievements: First Black actress to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting” (Emmy, Tony, and Oscar). Known for her compelling performances and advocacy for diversity.
5. August Wilson
   • Notable Works: Fences (1985), The Piano Lesson (1987)
   • Achievements: Although primarily a playwright, his work has had a profound impact on acting and representation. His plays often focus on African-American experiences and history.
6. James Earl Jones
   • Notable Works: The Great White Hope (1970), Star Wars (1977, voice of Darth Vader)
   • Achievements: Renowned for his deep voice and commanding presence. Winner of multiple awards including the Tony Award and an Emmy Award.
7. Lena Horne
   • Notable Works: Stormy Weather (1943)
   • Achievements: A celebrated singer and actress who broke barriers in both the film industry and the music world. Known for her stunning performances and activism.
8. Paul Robeson
   • Notable Works: Show Boat (1936), Othello (1930)
   • Achievements: An acclaimed actor, singer, and civil rights activist. Known for his powerful performances and contributions to the arts and social justice.
9. Halle Berry
   • Notable Works: Monster’s Ball (2001), Die Another Day (2002)
   • Achievements: First Black actress to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. Known for her range and impact in Hollywood.
10. Regina King
    • Notable Works: Ray (2004), If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
    • Achievements: Academy Award-winning actress and Emmy Award-winning director. Recognized for her work in both acting and directing, with a strong focus on social issues.
11. Octavia Spencer
    • Notable Works: The Help (2011), Hidden Figures (2016)
    • Achievements: Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress. Known for her impactful roles and commitment to diverse storytelling.
12. John Boyega
    • Notable Works: Attack the Block (2011), Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
    • Achievements: Gained international recognition for his role in the Star Wars franchise and continues to be a prominent advocate for social justice.
13. Taraji P. Henson
    • Notable Works: Hidden Figures (2016), Empire (2015-2020)
    • Achievements: Known for her powerful roles in both film and television, including an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win.
14. Moses Gunn
    • Notable Works: Shaft (1971), The Singing Nun (1966)
    • Achievements: Pioneering actor known for his roles in both stage and film, and one of the early Black actors to gain prominence in Hollywood.
15. Misty Copeland
    • Notable Works: The Nutcracker (2015, televised), A Ballerina’s Tale (2015)
    • Achievements: Though primarily known as a ballet dancer, her achievements have significantly impacted the representation of Black artists in ballet and entertainment.

These actors have each made substantial contributions to the arts and have often been pioneers in breaking down barriers and advancing representation in entertainment.