Top 50 Black Actresses In Their 30s [2025]

Janelle Monáe is yet another talented and well-known Black artist to make it to our piece. Also an actor, she is known for her genre-defying music that blends elements of R&B, funk, soul, pop, and hip-hop.

Known for her theatrical and visually stunning live performances, as well as her activism on behalf of marginalised communities, she has worked in feature films such as Moonlight, Hidden Figures, Harriet, and Glass Onion.

The innovative artist has also marked her presence in the television series Homecoming. She has won multiple awards, including several Grammy nominations.

An actress, writer, and producer, Issa Rae first garnered attention for her work on the YouTube web series Awkward Black Girl. She found further fame as the co-creator, co-writer, and star of the HBO television series Insecure.

Since 2011, the performer has continued to develop her YouTube channel with the sole aim to present the content created by other Black artists. For her work in Insecure, she was nominated for multiple Golden Globes Awards and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Rae was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in 2018 and 2022. She has made her presence felt in motion pictures such as The Hate U Give, Little, The Photograph, The Lovebirds, and Barbie.

Keke Palmer's big break came in the film Barbershop 2: Back in Business. While she used to sing in her church from the age of 5, it was her performance in the aforementioned movie that encouraged the family to move to California.

Eventually, the girl signed up to star in TV serials like Cold Case, ER, Law, and Order: SVU, and Second Time Around. Over time, she could be seen making her presence felt in titles such as Knights of South Bronx and Akeelah and the Bee.

In fact, her performance in the latter first got her noticed. So far, the actress has been a recipient of many prestigious awards, such as the NAACP Image Awards, Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, Black Reel Awards, and BET Awards.

That said, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that she started her transition to mature roles after having played a part in the VH1 biographical drama CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story.

The actress is also known to have hosted the talk show Just Keke and co-hosted Strahan, Sara & Keke.

One of the most talented and thriving Black actresses to make it to our story today, Letitia Wright was born in Guyana and migrated to the United Kingdom with her family when she was seven years old.

Even though she has worked in several films and TV series, it was her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe that fetched her fame. She was seen playing a key role in tent-pole motion pictures such as the Black Panther franchise, Avengers: Infinity Wars, and Avengers: Endgame.

It is imperative to mention that her magnificent portrayal of Shuri ended up winning her a NAACP Image Award and a SAG Award. In 2020, we saw her making her unmistakable presence felt in Steve McQueen's anthology series Small Axe.

For her performance in the aforementioned series, she received a Satellite Award nomination. Some of Wright's other film credits include Top Boy, Doctor Who, Black Mirror, Coming Up, Chasing Shadows, Urban Hymn, etc.  

The beautiful Jurnee Diana Smollett started her career as a child actress. She was first seen in a couple of television movies before shifting to television shows.

She gained recognition as a child actress after having worked in television sitcoms such as On Our Own and Full House.

That said, her critically acclaimed performance in the motion picture Eve's Bayou brought her further fame. The actress can also be seen in feature films such as The Great Debaters, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, and Birds of Prey, among others.

For her performance in the television series Lovecraft Country, she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

Dominique Fishback made her acting debut in the television series The Knick in 2013. Best known for portraying the character of Billie Rowan in the miniseries Show Me a Hero, she is also known for having appeared in the television show The Deuce.

The actress can also be seen playing a role in motion pictures such as Project Power, The Hate U Give, Night Comes On, and Judas and the Black Messiah, to name a few.

For her promising character projection in Judas and the Black Messiah, she received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

There's no denying that Raven is a ravishing character. Not only is she a known singer and songwriter but she is also a screen performer. She started modelling at a very young age and was soon seen making an appearance in TV and print commercials for Ritz crackers, Jell-O, Fisher-Price, and Cool Whip.

The talented young girl was cast in the popular The Cosby Show when she was just four years old. Sooner than later, she began to make her presence felt in projects such as Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, That's So Raven, Dr. Dolittle, etc.

Over the years, Raven has gone on to feature in several Disney productions, such as That’s So Raven, Zenon: Girl Of The 21st Century, and Kim Possible, to name a few.

However, she is also known for her success as a vocalist and has released a few albums. In 2013, she decided to take a break from acting to attend university for an associate degree in fine arts.

Kiandra "KiKi" Layne, who has only just stepped into the thriving 30s, was first seen in an episode of the television show Chicago Med.

She is known to have been a part of motion pictures such as If Beale Street Could Talk, Native Son, The Old Guard, and Coming 2 America, to name a few.

That being said, the actress has also been a fashion model for the brand Kate Spade New York.

The sexy Nicole Beharie is made her acting debut in the 2008 feature film American Violet. Besides the aforementioned project, she has also been a part of motion pictures such as Miss Juneteenth, 42, Shame, and The Express: The Ernie Davis Story, to mention a few.

In addition, she has also been seen in the television show Sleepy Hollow. The actress made headlines when she posed nude for the May issue of Allure magazine in 2015.

The daughter of actor-musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet, Zoë Isabella Kravitz is known to have been a part of several top projects.

The actress, who has proven her acting abilities in motion pictures pertaining to different genres, was first seen in the romantic comedy feature film No Reservations.

She is known for playing a role in feature films such as X-Men: First Class, The Divergent Series, and the Fantastic Beasts film series.

In fact, her performance in X-Men: First Class earned her nominations for a Teen Choice Award and a Scream Award.

Also seen in shows and movies such as Big Little Lies, High Fidelity, Dope, and Gemini, Kravitz shot to international fame after having played the character of Catwoman in the hit live-action DC film The Batman.

While her breakthrough certainly came in X-Men: First Class, she went on to receive further acclaim for her performances in projects such as The Batman and Big Little Lies.

In 2022, her rise as a screen performer was noted by Time as she was included in their list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Nathalie Joanne Emmanuel shot to fame after playing a role in the blockbuster fantasy drama television series Game of Thrones.

Apart from her character projection in the aforementioned show, the actress has also participated in several successful features. Even though she is a well-known name within the industry now, she has managed to keep her private life extremely private.

Nathalie is known to have been featured in motion pictures such as Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, Furious 7, The Fate of the Furious, F9, and Army of Thieves, to mention a few.

While she continues to play supporting roles in a ton of tent-pole full-length features, most movie buffs still remember her as the loyal and charismatic Missandei from Game of Thrones. That said, we saw her playing a part in the supernatural horror film The Invitation, which was released in 2022.

Teyonah Parris worked in a couple of short films before bursting onto the mainstream with her role in the television show The Good Wife in 2010.

The actress can be seen playing a role in feature films such as Dear White People, Chi-Raq, and If Beale Street Could Talk, to mention a few.

When it comes to series, one can find her playing a key role in projects such as WandaVision, Mad Men, and Survivor's Remorse.

She has been a recipient of two Black Reel Awards and has managed to receive nominations for Screen Actors Guild Awards and NAACP Image Awards.

Meaghan Rath was first seen in the feature film Lost and Delirious in 2001. She has actively participated in several television projects throughout her career so far.

She has played some of her finest roles in projects such as Being Human, 15/Love, The Assistants, and Hawaii Five-0, to name a few.

The actress gave birth to a son in 2021 after having gotten married the previous year. Rath's younger brother, Jesse Rath, is also an actor.

Lashana Lynch made her acting debut in 2007 on the television series The Bill. A recipient of the BAFTA Rising Star Award, she is best known for playing a part in the period-drama series Still Star-Crossed.

The actress can also be seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies such as Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Furthermore, one can also find her in the James Bond film No Time to Die in which she played the role of 007.

Sonequa Chaunté Martin-Green was first seen acting in the television show Law & Order: Criminal Intent in 2008. She is best known for playing a role in the television series Star Trek: Discovery.

The actress has participated in quite a few independent projects so far, and can also be seen making her presence felt in popular shows such as The Walking Dead, Once Upon a Time, New Girl, and The Good Wife.

Add to that the fact that Sonequa has been an ambassador for Stand Up to Cancer.

Zazie Olivia Beetz was first seen in the feature film James White in 2015. She is best known for having played a part in the comedy-drama series Atlanta.

For her performance in the same, she received a worthy nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

She has also appeared in television shows such as Invincible and Easy. One can also find Zazie Beetz in motion pictures such as Deadpool 2, Geostorm, and Joker, to name a few.

Kiersey Clemons made her screen debut on the television show Shake It Up in 2010. She identifies as queer and prefers the pronouns they/them. They did not take a lot of time to start making her presence felt in the movies after having made their screen debut.

Pretty soon, the actress was seen performing in motion pictures such as Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, Flatliners, Scoob!, Hearts Beat Loud, and Sweetheart, to name a few. However, it would be safe to say that their breakout role was in the feature film Dope.

Drea Castro is an American actress and film director who made her acting debut in the 2005 project Zombiez.

She is best known for playing a role in motion pictures such as Act Of Valor, I Think I Love My Wife, Big Bad Bugs, and 12 Pound Balls, to mention a few.

The actress has grown up in a family of singers and has learned the art of performing by singing songs.

In fact, Castro got introduced to acting through high school musical theater. Needless to say, she got bit by the "acting bug" and only grew fond of it as she continued to age.

Solange Piaget Knowles, who is popularly known by her first name, is a singer, songwriter, performing artist, and actress, who appeared in a lot of many music videos before making her acting debut.

First seen on the television show Taina in 2002, the celebrity was interested in music from a very young age.

However, after her debut music album was released, she was seen making her presence felt in television projects and motion pictures.

Knowles can be seen in television shows and films such as One on One, Bring It On: All or Nothing, and Johnson Family Vacation, among others.

Kyla Alissa Pratt is an actress who was first seen making an appearance in the television show Where I Live in 1993.

After having played the daughter of Eddie Murphy's lovable character in motion pictures such as Dr. Dolittle and Dr. Dolittle 2, she was cast as the main lead in the remake series of the franchise such as Dr. Dolittle 3, Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief, and Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts, respectively.

The actress has been a part of television shows such as Black Ink Crew: Compton, Let's Stay Together, and Call Me Kat, to name a few.

Mame-Anna Diop made her acting debut on the television show Everybody Hates Chris in 2006. She is best known for portraying Kory Anders on the television series Titans.

Also known for having appeared in television shows such as The Messengers and 24: Legacy, the actress moved to New York at the age of sixteen to pursue acting as a career.

Later, she was seen participating in television shows and motion pictures such as Quantico, Greenleaf, Titans, Whitney, Us, and The Moment, to name a few.

Katerina Alexandre Hartford Graham, professionally known as Kat Graham, made her feature film debut with The Parent Trap in '98.

Considered to be one of the most beautiful Black female celebrities, she has continuously been nominated for Teen Choice Awards.

The actress started her career by working in television commercials. Before finding an opportunity to act and sing, she also tested herself as a background dancer.

Best known for playing a character in the supernatural drama series The Vampire Diaries, she can also be seen in motion pictures such as 17 Again, The Roommate, Honey 2, Addicted, and All Eyez on Me.

Diarra Kilpatrick is yet another Black female celebrity whose exact date of birth eludes the internet. Best known for playing a character on the ABC Digital series American Koko, she has also participated in television shows such as Perry Mason, Private Practice, The Last O. G., and The Twilight Zone.

The actress moved to Los Angeles in 2007. Soon after, she wrote, produced, and starred in the web series American Koko.

The aforementioned series was launched on YouTube and won the American Black Film Festival’s Best Web Series Award in 2015.

This Canadian singer and actress is known to have sung at many community and charity events as a child. At one such event, she was spotted by a Hollywood agent.

Not long after that, the talented youngster received a scholarship to study drama at a Hollywood acting school. This proved to be a golden opportunity for her as she began to make her presence felt on television soon after.

She went on to appear in shows such as The Latest Buzz, Harriet The Spy: Blog Wars, Frankie & Alice, My Babysitters a Vampire, A. N. T. Farm, Finding Carter, The Shannara Chronicles, Riverdale, etc.

Kylie Bunbury is a beautiful actress in her 30s who was born in Canada. After having given her career a kick-start as a model, she started trying her hands at acting.

Needless to say, she is seeing herself grow both in her personal and professional space. Not many people are aware of the fact that the celebrity got married in 2020.

She can be seen in television shows and motion pictures such as Under the Dome, When They See Us, Big Sky, Prom, and The Sitter, to mention a few.

Best known for playing a key role in the television series How to Get Away with Murder, Aja Naomi King started her acting career by making special appearances in a handful of television shows.

For her performance in How to Get Away with Murder, she received a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

The actress has also been featured in motion pictures such as Four, Reversion, The Birth of a Nation, and The Upside, to mention a few.

Aja made her acting debut on the television show Blue Bloods in 2010.

This American actress and comedienne, who is better known for her work as a senior correspondent on The Daily Show, was first seen on the television series Just for Kicks in 2006.

A frequent performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles, she can be seen in feature films such as People Places Things, The Incredible Jessica James, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

The actress has earned a Black Reel Awards nomination for her work in The Incredible Jessica James.

Further fame followed after she starred as a therapist with a sense of humor in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama series Shrinking.

Candice Kristina Patton made her acting debut in the television show The Young and the Restless in 2004. She is best known for playing the role of Iris West-Allen in the hit television series The Flash.

The actress can also be seen making her presence felt in shows such as Sorority Forever, Supergirl, and Legends of Tomorrow, among others.

She received a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television for her portrayal of Iris West.

Natalie Paul began her career by appearing in the musical drama television show Smash in 2005. Apart from the aforementioned series, she has also been a part of television shows such as The Deuce, The Sinner, and Power, to name a few.

She is also known for playing a crucial role in the film Crown Heights and the miniseries Show Me a Hero.

Alexandra Ruth Shipp is an actress and singer who shot to fame after playing the character of a singer named Aaliyah in the television film Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B.

The actress, who has also appeared in the Oscar-nominated feature Straight Outta Compton, is best known for her work in the X-Men franchise of films.

One can also find her playing a part in feature films such as Love, Simon, and tick, tick... BOOM!.

Ashleigh Murray made her mainstream acting debut after having appeared in the feature film Welcome to New York in 2012.

She is one of those female celebrities who has had to struggle a lot before making it within the entertainment industry.

Known for her consistency and hard work, the actress can be seen in television series such as Riverdale and Katy Keene.

She was also seen playing a part in the Netflix project Deidra & Laney Rob a Train. The movie had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

Hope Olaidé Wilson is a British actress who is best known for playing the character of Bertrise in the action-drama series The Last Ship.

The actress, who grew up in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, is known to have studied acting at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art.

She was first seen playing a part in the documentary series Untold Stories of the ER. Not much has been revealed about her past life or her family members on the internet.

Not many people are aware of the fact that Raven Shamira Goodwin's maiden outing as an actress earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

Her performance in the drama motion picture The Station Agent also fetched her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.

Since then, the actress has continued to be nominated for her performances. Goodwin, who was seen headlining the romantic drama Phat Girlz, shifted to playing roles on television after having featured in the Nickelodeon comedy series Just Jordan.

Logan Laurice Browning, who made her acting debut in the television show Summerland, shot to fame after having played a role in the satirical-drama series Dear White People.

The actress has also appeared in television shows such as Meet the Browns, Hit the Floor, and Powers, to mention a few.

When it comes to feature films, Logan can be seen in projects such as Bratz: The Movie, Brotherly Love, and The Perfection.

Best known for playing the part of Claire Kyle in the sitcom My Wife and Kids, Jennifer Nicole Freeman is one of the most attractive actresses to make it to our story.

She made her acting debut by playing a minor role in the television show The '70s. The actress, who can also be seen playing a role in feature films such as You Got Served and Johnson Family Vacation, was named one of the Top 10 Hot Teens to watch out for by TV Guide in 2003.

Antonia Laura Thomas made her acting debut in 2010 in the television movie Stanley Park. She is both an actor and a singer.

She is best known for playing a character in television series such as Misfits, Lovesick, and The Good Doctor, to mention a few.

She is also known to have featured in the music video of a song named Charlie Brown by Coldplay.

Thomas can also be seen in motion pictures such as Survivor, The Hybrid, and Northern Soul, among others.

Deborah Olayinka Ayorinde is a British-Nigerian actress who was raised in the United States of America. She is best known for playing a part in the Amazon Prime horror series Them.

For her performance in the aforementioned show, she received a well-deserved Independent Spirit Award nomination. One can also catch the actress playing a character in motion pictures and television shows such as Fatherhood, Harriet, Girls Trip, and Luke Cage, among others.

Elarica Johnson, a native of London, United Kingdom, made her acting debut in the television movie Fallout in 2008.

The actress/model is best known for playing a role on television shows such as P-Valley, EastEnders, and Strike.

She was also seen playing a minor role in the popular Harry Potter motion picture, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Viewers can catch a glimpse of Johnson in shows such as Top Boy and Thirteen Steps Down as well.

The lovely Lauren Nicole London is a model, actress, and television personality who was first seen appearing in a few music videos.

She made her mainstream acting debut on the television show Everybody Hates Chris and shot to fame after playing a role in the feature film ATL.

She has also made her presence felt in television shows such as Entourage, 90210, and The Game, to mention a few.

In addition, one can even catch London in the Christmas-themed feature film This Christmas.

Cynthia Addai-Robinson is a popular actress who was first seen making an appearance on the television show The Education of Max Bickford in 2002.

She is best known for playing a part in popular television shows such as Spartacus, Arrow, and Shooter. The actress is also known to have made a special appearance in series such as Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, CSI: Miami, Numbers, and Justice.

In addition to her aforementioned credits, Cynthia has marked her presence in the 2011 Zoe Saldana-starrer Colombiana.

Cush Jumbo is another actress on our list who was first seen in a television project. She made her acting debut in the television show My Family in 2007.

She is best known for playing the lead role of attorney Lucca Quinn in the television series The Good Wife and its spin-off series The Good Fight.

The actress, who has been appreciated for her work in theater, can also be seen in the crime-drama television series Vera.

Amber Stevens West was first seen appearing on the television show Complete Savages in 2005. The daughter of actor Shadoe Stevens, she seems to be doing alright in her career so far.

The actress is best known for playing a role in television shows such as Greek, The Carmichael Show, and Happy Together, among others.

One can also catch her in popular motion pictures such as The Amazing Spider-Man, 22 Jump Street, Jessabelle, and Love Jacked, to name a few.

Tiffany Boone graduated from the California Institute of the Arts and was first seen making an appearance in the independent feature film Hamilton in 2006.

She soon gained recognition after having participated in a string of television series. Best known for portraying the character of Roxy Jones in Hunters, one can also find her in television shows such as The Following, Complications, The Chi, and Little Fires Everywhere.

Boone can also be seen in motion pictures such as Beautiful Creatures, Detention, and The Midnight Sky, among others.

Xosha Kai Roquemore is a talented screen performer who was first seen making an appearance in the television show Viralcom in 2008.

The actress, who is named after the Xhosa people of South Africa, played the character of Jo Ann in her first prominent feature film Precious.

She can even be seen in popular television shows such as Kirstie, The Mindy Project, Black Monday, and Cherish the Day, to mention a few.

While Maisie Richardson-Sellers made her debut on television with the show The Originals, she was fortunate enough to play a cameo role in her maiden feature film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The actress is best known for playing a role in television series such as Of Kings and Prophets and Legends of Tomorrow.

That said, she has also not shied away from participating in short features either. Also, one can find her portraying Chloe Winthrop in the second and third installments of The Kissing Booth series of motion pictures.

This well-known celebrity is not only an actress but she is also a professional guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Allo made her acting debut in the third installment of the Pitch Perfect series of motion pictures and is best known for playing a role in the comedy-drama series The Game.

She is also known to have played a part in shows such as Upload, Black Lightning, and Chicago Fire, to mention a few.

In addition, the artist has performed live on the talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The eldest sister among the 3mcclaingirls, Sierra and her beloved sisters have tried their hands at both singing and acting. While they have released several hit songs, Sierra, especially, has always been skilled at playing the guitar, bass, and piano.

The performer made her full-length feature debut with The Gospel and went on to star in several critically acclaimed TV shows. Some of McClain's better roles came in projects such as Daddy's Little Girls, A. N. T. Farm, Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Shrink, Empire, Mindhunters, 9-1-1: Love Star, etc.

Goddaughter of the rapper DMX, Paige Hurd has just stepped into her 30s and is perhaps best known for her character projection of Tasha Clarkson in the hit sitcom Everybody Hates Chris.

She even plays the daughter of DMX in the film Cradle 2 the Grave, which also stars Jet Li in a pivotal role. So far, the actress has been seen appearing in hit series such as Hawaii Five-O, Tyler Perry’s The Oval, Power Book II: Ghost, etc.

As a child, she is also known to have marked her presence in projects such as The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, Cat In The Hat, Time Out, The Beauty Shop, Ben 10: Race Against Time, and ER.

This social media personality and actress resides in Los Angeles, California. She made her acting debut on the television show Numbers in 2008.

Even though not much is available on the web about her personal life, including her birth date, it has been speculated online that she must be over 30 years old.

Apart from her debut show, one can find her making her presence felt in projects such as A Fiance For Christmas, Beginners, and The Perfect Host, to mention a few.

Meagan Yvonne Tandy is a former Miss California U.S.A. who was first seen in the 2008 television movie The Bobby Lee Project.

She's had a long-running character to play in television shows such as Jane by Design, Teen Wolf, Survivor's Remorse, and Batwoman.

A member of the Screen Actors Guild, the actress has also appeared in several television commercials for national campaigns.

Her maiden feature film was the 2010 release Unstoppable.