Over the past decade, only few African actresses were recognised on the big stage. All that has changed now as more talented female artistes are pushing the envelope, making a bold statement about the continent’s abundant creative talents.
In her acceptance speech at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, Viola Davis stated that women of colour are equally 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 five African American actresses pushing the envelope in Hollywood and establishing themselves as A-listers.
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyongo was born in Mexico to Kenyan parents and holds a dual citizenship for the two countries. Her claim to fame was the movie 12 Years A Slave in which she played Patsey, becoming the first Kenyan and Mexican to win the award. Since then, she has gone on to feature in high-grossing films such as Marvel’s Black Panther, The Jungle Book and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.The actress has had 56 nominations in various awards, winning 36 times.
Kandyse McClure
The South African born star didn’t aspire to become an actor in her younger days. Medicine was the first choice for Kandyse McClure but Providence had a better plan for her.
After receiving a call to audition for a big role, McClure found herself pursuing an acting career and has never looked back since. She has appeared in a number of high-profile films including Romeo Must Die, Battleship Galactica and Da Vinci’s Inquest
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 had played roles in both American and British movies.
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 three years later.
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.
Charlize Theron
Charlie Theron was born on August 7,1975. The South African-American actress doubles as an actor and a film producer. Theron was thrust into the limelight after her role in The Devil’s Advocate in 1990.
Theron became the first South African to take home the coveted Academy Award for Best Actress in 2003 for her role in the movie Monster. Since that historic win, the actress has featured in other blockbuster films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Hancock, Atomic Blonde and The Fate of the Furious.
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 14. 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 played the main role, Isabelle Tyler.
Her name hugged the headlines when she got into a relationship with comedian Chris Rock. They are yet to tie the knot.
