Africans are making space for themselves in the entertainment world, more so in Hollywood, and we couldn’t be prouder.
These children of Africa have set their footprints on Hollywood Boulevard and their success hasn’t gone unnoticed. And just case you didn’t know just how much talent Africa can produce, we have prepared this list just for you!
Danai Jekesai Gurira
Country of Origin: Zimbabwe
Notable Roles: Okoye in Black Panther, Michonne in AMC’s The Walking Dead
Remember that spectacular bald warrior, Okoye, who stood beside T’Challa in Marvel’s superhero film Black Panther? Well, she’s a daughter of Africa, and she’s so multitalented that besides Wakanda, she has also totally crashed it in other films, TV shows, and even Broadway.
The scope of Danai’s talents and the breadth of her capabilities are both unique and astonishing. Check out some of her other roles on IMDb.
Michonne’s best moments in The Walking Dead:
Charlize Theron
Country of Origin: South Africa
Notable Roles: Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max. Marlo in Tully
Incredibly beautiful, check. Amazingly talented, check. All-round awesome, check. From Africa, check! Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls we are talking about Charlize Theron.
Charlize is one of the best and brightest performers in Tinseltown. She is simply incomparable to any other actress in Hollywood. And what’s more, she has roots in rural South Africa.
Charlize has embodied a wide of film roles within a sprawling genre spectrum. Her long list of films can be found on IMDb.
Imperator Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road:
Djimon Gaston Hounsou
Country of Origin: Benin
Notable Roles: Korath in guardians of the galaxy, Chief Mbonga in The Legend of Tarzan
Hounsou has been through many struggles including dropping out of school, poverty and even being homeless for a while. However, none of those things dulled his passion or even inhibited his incredible talent as an actor/model.
Hounsou is recognized as one of Hollywood’s finest black actors with numerous film roles under his belt.
Djimon Hounsou as Mose Jakande in Furious 7:
Peter Mensah
Country of Origin: Ghana
Notable Roles: Doctore in Spartacus
The entire Spartacus series was a vivid, intense, top-to-bottom thrill ride which if you watched it, you’ll remember it forever! This masterwork of a TV show served as an excellent showcase for the dramatic talents of Peter Mensah as the badass Doctore.
Peter Mensah’s exceptional acting talents have landed him memorable roles in various other films.
Peter Mensah in Spartacus:
Summary
This list doesn’t even come close to shining a light on every incredible African brother and sister who’s made their mark in Hollywood. However, I felt that the above individuals and their accomplishments are terrific examples of Africans who’ve made it big in Hollywood.
I hope that this list inspires and motivates you to step out and reach for greatness, no matter where you are or where you come from.
Story by: Matthew M.
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