25 Black Actresses Over 50 Who Still Rock The Entertainment Industry
Contents
S.Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Epatha Merkerson)
Sharon’s talents in showbiz racked up several distinctions, including a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award.
Although many obstacles loomed over her career, including racism, Sharon maintained her focus and did what gave substance to her life.
With what turned out to be just 16 episodes, Sharon got her big break bringing laughter to adults and children as the Mail Lady in Pee-wee’s Playhouse (1986 – 1989).
To date, you’ll find Sharon doing what she loves in the Chicago Meds TV series (2015).
Robin Givens
Robin took a hiatus from acting to raise her sons, but she made a comeback to continue her greatness and spunk, especially with an appearance in Riverdale (2017).
She prides herself as a hardworking and sensitive person, with a lot of heart to go around.
She’s one of the first women to speak out on domestic violence, but later received a great deal of backlash for her outspokenness.
In spite of everything, she’s using her hardships in life to propel her career into what she intends it to be.
Garcelle Beauvais
This Haitian-born actress, who later moved to America, taught herself English at the tender age of seven, by watching Sesame Street.
After transitioning into acting, the former model felt she started making an impact in the industry when she got The Jammie Foxx Show (1996-2001), even though she appeared in previous films.
Despite the hardships and emotional trauma she associated with her two divorces, Garcelle continued to hold her family down, and gave of her best in film and TV show roles.
You can find Garcelle as the first lady in White House Down (2013), where she, again, worked alongside Jamie Foxx as his wife.
Lisa Bonet
This “Angel Heart” star commenced her acting career as a teenager with appearances in TV series like The Cosby Show.
Although revered growing up because of her acting presence, Lisa mainly felt out of place and didn’t fit in because of her biracial roots.
Lisa is no stranger to acting, but her humility and introverted personality make it challenging to sit in interviews and parade the halls of Hollywood, as other actors enjoy doing.
Fortunately, she wedded Jason Mamoa, an extroverted and outgoing husband, who keeps her entertained and alive.
Loretta Devine
Loretta has the ability to infect a room with giggles and good vibes with her down to earth persona.
With several nominations and awards to her name, Loretta maintains humility and is a legend worthy of imitation.
She does a great job at portraying motherly roles and showed just that in Family Reunion (2019) TV drama.
You may remember her from Dreamgirls (2006) and Life Is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story (2006).
Diahann Carroll
Although a strong fighter of racism and segregation during the 1960s, Diahann was able to break ethnic barriers onscreen, by becoming the first African-American woman to lead in a TV series.
Her contributions then, saw her grabbing a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination.
Diahann’s later contributions to showbiz include appearances in Color Adjustment, White Collar, and The Masked Saint.