20 Black Male Celebrities
Black male celebrities have given the entertainment industry so much, including how they’ve reversed European beauty standards to the inclusion of urban influence.
From modeling across the world to entertaining us with their inspiring talents, Black celebrities have never failed to make us all feel good.
There is no list of Black male celebrities long enough to truly do them justice, so we’ve broken it up into the best models, actors, and entertainers.
Enjoy our compilation containing some of the greatest Black male celebrities of all time.
Contents
Black Male Celebrity Models
Boris Kodjoe
Boris is at the top of our list of famous Black celebrities. Not only is he listed in People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People In The World issue in 2002, but he has also been seen in several award-winning films, such as Baggage Claim (2013).
Boris Kodjoe is listed as an Austrian actor, but his real talents are in modeling. He has modeled for Essence magazine, Upscale, Ebony, Jet, and several other covers.
Jason Olive
Jason Olive is a black American actor remembered for his iconic shoot with Tyra Banks for GQ magazine. This magazine cover was one of the most marketed photos of its time and continues to stun viewers today.
He has also been featured in magazine spreads for Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, and Mondo Uomo.
Aside from his impressive modeling career, Olive was also in the Tyler Perry movie For Better Or For Worse (2011), where the audience would agree he was the star of his scenes.
Broderick Hunter
Broderick is considered by many as one of the ‘sexiest men alive.’ That is if you ask IXOX magazine and Instagram polls. It’s no wonder he won his rightful place on this list of celebs.
He has modeled for popular magazines such as Cosmopolitan, 360° magazine, V magazine, and Essence.
Hunter is also well-known for his role on the hit HBO show Insecure.
David Agbodji
Although not born in the U.S, David Agbodji has been entertaining audiences worldwide, so it didn’t feel right to exclude him.
David was born in Paris and began amateur modeling with his friend’s clothes. From there, his modeling career soared, and he eventually went on to pose for Vogue magazine.
He has modeled some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, including Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, and Hugo Boss. So much success– and he is only 34!
Richard Roundtree
Richard Roundtree is a modeling mogul turned TV star. His exhilarating career began with commercial modeling, where he modeled for Duke Johnson’s Hair Grease and Salem Cigarettes. He also appeared on several issues of Ebony magazine in the early 70s.
In 1972, Roundtree earned his first Golden Globe for New Actor for his role in Shaft. Many note Roundtree as the first Black action movie hero.
Richard was one of the first TV bad boys for audiences of all races to enjoy. And for that, he will go down in Black celebrity history.
Black Male Celebrity Actors
Daniel Kaluuya
Daniel was not born in the U.S, but his roles in Black Panther (2018) and Get Out (2017) captivated American audiences so well that it is only right to include him on the list. Daniel is one of the most respected Black celebrities, of all time, for starring in movies featuring Black heroes.
He has been awarded 2 Academy Awards, 2 British Academy Awards, 2 Golden Globes, an Emmy, and many critics awards, including Best Male Lead (2018) and Best Supporting Actor (2021).
Michael B. Jordan
Michael is an American actor from California. He started his acting career playing supporting roles. He even starred in a movie with Keanu Reeves (Hardball (2001)) back in his early days.
His fandom didn’t begin until he started playing more serious roles spotlighting his versatility.
His most notable roles are in the movies Fruitvale Station (2013), Creed (2015), and Black Panther (2018).
Aside from his wonderful acting skills, he could have easily made the list for models due to his looks that most women on Instagram would comment as “irresistible.”
Lakeith Stanfield
Lakeith is an American actor from California as well. His acting career began in 2013 when he made an appearance on Short Term 12. Since his debut, he has been awarded plenty of other roles including work in Straight Outta Compton (2015), Crown Heights (2017), Selma (2014), Sorry To Bother You (2018), and many more.
He has received several awards for both supporting and leading roles throughout his career. He received the Black Reel Award in 2016 and the Gotham Award in 2018.
His most notable roles are in thriller movies– mostly due to his refreshing look and quiet yet fiery demeanor.
John Boyega
John Boyega was born in London and began acting in 2011 with a debut appearance in Attack the Block (2011). We’ve enjoyed him in many other SyFy classics, including the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy for his role as Finn.
John proves his love for fantastical themes within action-packed movies with each role he chooses! Fans enjoy his versatility between drama and coolness. And at just 29 years old, it is clear that Boyega has a flourishing career in acting.
Caleb McLaughlin
Caleb was born in New York and is already one of the youngest Black celebrities in the industry.
Caleb appeared on all three seasons of the popular Netflix show Stranger Things, showing off his superior skill with comedy and green screens. And then he appeared in the New Edition story (2017), giving us a taste of his dramatic side.
The kid is young and already has so much versatility and potential.
Caleb has received the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance (2017).
Black Male Celebrity Entertainers
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg is a TV and musical legend. Born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., Snoop’s career began in 1992 when he did a verse on Dr. Dre’s new single.
Audiences enjoyed his riff, his style, and his lyrics. Since then, he has dropped numerous albums, appeared in comedies and dramas, and has worked with other TV legends, including Ice Cube, Mac Miller, and Martha Stewart.
Snoop Dogg famously rebranded himself as Snoop Lion somewhere along the way in his career, but his commitment to entertainment and chill-out culture will never cease.
Ludacris
Ludacris is known as a singer and an actor, and on both forefronts, he truly delivers! He won hearts when he began his music career, dropping albums such as The Red Light District (2004) and Release Therapy (2006).
He then turned our attention to his performances on-screen by appearing in the Fast & Furious series, Fear Factor and Empire; all in which he gave stellar performances.
Ludacris is recognized for his remarkable portrayal of drama and style while bringing a sense of theater to the common “gang” theme.
Kanye West
Perhaps one of the greatest music legends of all time, Kanye West is the entire package! He produces, writes, mixes, and performs music for himself and other artists.
When Kanye is not putting out life-changing music, he turns the fashion industry on its head by putting out designs eons ahead of its time. It’s been a growing trend that critics will reject Kanye’s initial fashion trends, and then months later, watch those same pieces become high fashion.
Kanye West has always been in the spotlight, whether for his music or outfits. He also regularly makes headlines because of his controversial opinions. Well, that’s Kanye for ya.
Drake
Probably at the top of your playlist or somewhere in between is musical star Drake. Drake is a Canadian artist and anchor, but he has equally been captivating American audiences since his 2001 debut on Degrassi.
After the show, he continued his music career by dropping albums such as Thank Me Later which he dropped in 2010. Tying it all together with his most recent album Certified Lover Boy (2021).
Throughout his spotlighted career he has worked with other Black celebrities including Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, and Rihanna.
James Brown
James Brown was born in 1933 and died in 2006, and during that time he changed the way Black celebrities entertained the masses.
He is an American singer, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. His group The Famous Flames performed all over the U.S. He invented many impressionable dances you won’t find on Tik Tok today, and he is notably recorded as the Godfather of Soul.
He is included on this list because he is considered a gem for Black celebrities. He has recorded the best funk music in the game.
Multitalented Black Male Celebrities
Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick Boseman is one of the greatest all-around celebrities.
He has modeled for Time magazine, Rolling Stone, Esquire, People magazine, Essence, Entertainment, Ebony, and several other covers.
Aside from his modeling career, Chadwick was a great all-around entertainer. His performance in Black Panther (2018) was phenomenal and only added to his success after premiering in 42 (2013), Avenger’s Endgame (2019), Marshall (2017), Message From The King (2016), and Get On Up (2014).
He kept the world entertained by portraying a Black hero and always putting out powerful messages. He leaves behind a legacy of change and hope.
Denzel Washington
Denzel is known as a Hollywood necessity at this point.
It all started in 1990 when Denzel appeared in Mo’ Better Blues. Everyone loved his demeanor and performance. He went on to produce more movies than any other Black actor at the time. No one was stopping Denzel .
It continued with Remember The Titans (2000), Training Day (2001), 2 Guns (2013), and The Equalizer (2014).
From the screen he began a short-lived modeling career, doing shoots for GQ, Vanity Fair, Men’s Vogue, and Rolling Stone.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy has been making audiences laugh for some time now. When he is not making us laugh, he is delivering timeless performances in classic movies such as Coming To America (1988), Dr. Doolittle (1998), and Dreamgirls (2006). He has also done the voice of Shrek’s character ‘Donkey’, who we all loved and adored for his witty comments and charming punches.
In his earlier days, Eddie put out a couple of songs including “Party all the time” and “Boogie in your butt.” He is also very known for having a famous family, as his brother is Charlie Murphy. Another Hollywood favorite.
Eddie Murphy has also done a few magazine spreads, including a few for Essence, Interview magazine, People, and WSJ.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson
The Rock started as a famous wrestling star but soon found a passion for acting. He has been entertaining audiences for decades through his WWE performances, movie roles, and occasional music.
His most famous movies are Rampage (2018), Baywatch (2017), Jumanji (2017), Central Intelligence (2016), and too many more to list. Similarly in all of his movies, he tends to play a macho guy, but audiences sure do like to see him with his shirt off.
When he is not dazzling audiences with his chiseling biceps, The Rock also does covers for GQ, UFC, Rolling Stone, Ebony magazine, and the TV guide!
Will Smith
Will Smith is an American rapper, actor, and film producer.
Will’s fame began in the 80s with a role on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. From there, Will Smith had no problem looking for work. He put out classics such as Pursuit of Happiness (2006), I Am Legend (2007), Focus (2015), and Suicide Squad (2016).
When he is not doing movies, Will Smith keeps his audiences motivated by putting out motivational speeches which you can find on YouTube.
Will Smith is also known for modeling in GQ, Entertainment, Premier, Sports Media, Esquire, and Rolling Stone magazine throughout his career.
Top Black Male Celebrities, Final Thoughts
Black male celebrities have been changing the way we imagine Hollywood. Through their inclusion, we see more diversity, integration, and more unique ideas coming from all sectors of the entertainment industry.
Be sure to check out our website for more celebrities changing the game and paving the way for a new generation of celebrities!
