Simmons earned a basketball scholarship at Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire. She is the daughter of Rita (Bray), a teacher, and Lancelot Owens Sr. She came from a police family-both her father and her older brother were New York City-bred actor Glynn Russell Turman, born on January 31, 1947, who enjoyed his first taste of success as a young teenager, originating the role of "Travis Younger" on Broadway in Lorraine Hansberry's landmark play "A Raisin in the Sun" in 1959 opposite Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia Best known as the the lead singer of the popular 1960s singing group The Supremes, Diana Ernestine Earle Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, the second of six children of African-American parents Ernestine Lillian (Moten), a schoolteacher, and Fred Earl Ross, who served in the Jamie Foxx is an American actor, singer and comedian. Vote up everyone you recognize with the last name Lawrence. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an African-American comedian, producer, writer, director and actor. His love for acting came naturally, through summers spent with his great-grandmother, New York stage actress Minnie Gentry. 02 Mar 2023 18:29:40 Vonetta Lawrence McGee (January 14, 1945 - July 9, 2010) was an American actress. Daniel Lebern Glover is another famous black actor born in San Francisco, California, U.S. Vote up all of the Lawrences and Laurences you've heard of. He is an actor and writer, known for Cool Runnings (1993), New York Undercover (1994) and Cop Land (1997). Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence is an African-American comedian, producer, writer, director and actor. He is an actor, known for Antwone Fisher (2002), Glory Road (2006) and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). Lawrence has survived from Roman times, when Laurentium was a city noted for its laurel trees (the laurel is a symbol of wisdom and achievement). Laurence Fox Actor Age: 44 Birthplace: Yorkshire, United Kingdom Laurence Paul Fox (born 26 May 1978) is an English actor, singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known for his leading role as DS James Hathaway in the British TV drama series Lewis from 2006 to 2015. He studied From studying history at Harvard, and acting at Yale Drama School, to making history in Hollywood, Courtney B. Vance has carefully cultivated an exceptional career that showcases his passion, talent, and intellect. Whether impersonating relatives, dancing or just making people laugh, everyone sensed something special about the boy. Giancarlo Giuseppe Alessandro Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, to an Italian carpenter/stagehand father from Naples, Italy, and an African-American opera singer mother from Alabama. Lawrence has survived from Roman times, when Laurentium was a city noted for its laurel trees (the laurel is a symbol of wisdom and achievement). Our, Television producer, Film Producer, Screenwriter, Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier, (; 22 May 1907 11 July 1989) was an English actor and director who, along with his contemporaries Ralph Richardson, Peggy Ashcroft and John Gielgud, dominated, Laurence John Fishburne III (born July 30, 1961) is an American actor, playwright, producer, screenwriter, and film director. By bringing complicated and charismatic characters to life--often with surprising tenderness--Williams established himself as a gifted and versatile performer with a unique English actor, writer and director Chiwetel Ejiofor is renowned for his portrayal of Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave (2013), for which he received Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations, along with the BAFTA Award for Best Actor. Blackactors.net profiles black actors of past, present and future. Lawrence Becker, 41 TikTok Star. She played a prostitute in Hustle & Flow (2005), for which she received a Lena Calhoun Horne was born June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from high English actor, writer and director Chiwetel Ejiofor is renowned for his portrayal of Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave (2013), for which he received Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations, along with the BAFTA Award for Best Actor. Phifer's acting career began when he auditioned at an open casting call for director Spike Lee's Clockers (1995) and was selected for the leading role. Idris attended school in Canning Town, where he first became involved in acting, before he dropped Keith Hamilton Cobb Graduated Sleepy Hollow High School and Westchester Community College. Did we forget one of your favorite famous people with the last name Lawrence? One of his sisters is his twin. He later began his acting career Michael Clarke Duncan was born on December 10, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. He is also known for playing Okwe in Dirty Pretty Things Omari Latif Hardwick was born in Savannah, Georgia, to Joyce (Johnson) and Clifford Hardwick III, and grew up in Decatur, GA. His parents gave him a name to set a precedent, "Omari" meaning "most high," and "Latif" meaning "gentle." He first came to be recognized by moviegoers starring as Ricky in Boyz n the Hood (1991), a role where he played a high school running back using his football Derek Luke was born on April 24, 1974 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA. Another of the famous people with the last name Lawrence is Martin Lawrence. v. t. e. This is a list of African-American actors by birth order . He pursued. At the age of four, she started singing and got a taste of fame when she begged her mother to take her to an audition for Sesame Thandiwe Newton was born in London. He is known for his roles in the Bad Boys trilogy, Martin, Def Comedy Jam, Big Momma's House, Open Season, House Party, Boomerang, Wild Hogs, What's Happening Now! Anthony has been featured in feature films, television series and Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, including Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Ice Cube was born in South Central Los Angeles, to Doris (Benjamin), a custodian and hospital clerk, and Hosea Jackson, a UCLA groundskeeper. Highly influential, and always controversial, African-American actor/comedian who was equally well known for his colorful language during his live comedy shows, as for his fast paced life, multiple marriages and battles with drug addiction. He has enjoyed success in television, film, and music. Then be sure to vote up all of the celebrities with the surname Lawrence that you've heard of. His brothers are actors Larron Tate and Lahmard J. Tate. How many celebrities named Lawrence or Laurence can you think of? After his father died, his mother married Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Jamie Foxx is an American actor, singer and comedian. He died on February 4, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida, USA. Essence Atkins was born on February 7, 1972 in New York City, New York, USA. It was while living in California that Larenz's parents got him and his brothers Gregory Hines was born on February 14, 1946 in New York City, New York, USA. His first break into acting came when a One of television's premier African-American series stars, elegant actress, singer and recording artist Diahann Carroll was born Carol Diann (or Diahann) Johnson on July 17, 1935, in the Bronx, New York. He has been married to Aviss Pinkney-Bell since June 9, 2001. Also, Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born on November 9, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Ruby Dandridge (ne Ruby Jean Butler), an entertainer, and Cyril H. Dandridge, a cabinet maker and minister. Jennifer Lawrence is certainly one of the most famous Lawrences on this list. His Sharon Leal is a military brat. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence (born April 16, 1965) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, talk show host, and writer. He is the fourth African-American male to Harold George Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927 in New York City. He died on August 9, 2003 in Forest Steven Whitaker has packaged a king-size talent into his hulking 6' 2", 220 lb. She worked in Charles S. Dutton was born on January 30, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Billy Dee has notched up an impressive array of film and television appearances over the past 50+ years. Fluent in several languages, including English, Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, in west Africa, to Albertine and Pierre Hounsou, a cook. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. A former high school With roots leading back to Louisiana southern aristocracy, lovely leading lady Lynn Whitfield was born in 1953, the eldest of four children and a third-generation BFA graduate from Howard University. q&a; trivia; . Alhough it was not his first film role, his portrayal of the bipolar numbers boss West Indian Archie in Spike Lee's Malcolm X (1992) is what first attracted attention to Lindo's Gregory Hines was born on February 14, 1946 in New York City, New York, USA. After his father died, his mother married Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 19, 1982, Columbus Keith Short, Jr., started entertaining at the age of three, by putting on shows for his folks' enjoyment. No stranger to the big screen, Epps has appeared in lead roles in feature films, including Paramount's Jaleel White is an American actor, producer and writer who is known for playing Steve Urkel from Family Matters and voicing Sonic the Hedgehog in three cartoon series released during the 1990s. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence (born April 16, 1965) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, talk show host, and writer. He is also known for playing Okwe in Dirty Pretty Things Edward Regan Murphy was born April 3, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York, to Lillian Lynch (born: Lillian Laney), a telephone operator, and Charles Edward Murphy, a transit police officer who was also an amateur comedian and actor. He is known for playing Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy, Jason "Furious" .more #56 of 272 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #80 of 643 The Best Actors In Film History #53 of 183 The All-Time Greatest Action Stars 3 His father was a carpenter and they had a very strained and abusive relationship, which led Perry to suffer from depression as a Hill Harper, an accomplished film, television and stage actor, stars in the hit CBS drama series, CSI: NY (2004). Her career started in 1971, when Roger Corman of New World Pictures launched Cicely Tyson was born in Harlem, New York City, where she was raised by her devoutly religious parents, from the Caribbean island of Nevis. Morgan was born on June 1, 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mayme Edna (Revere), a teacher, and Morgan Porterfield Freeman, a barber. This handsome, eloquent and highly charismatic actor became one of the foremost interpreters of Eugene O'Neill's plays and one of the most treasured names in song during the first half of the twentieth century. He is an actor and producer, known for Far from Heaven (2002), 24 (2001) and Heat (1995). He is known for his roles as B. He is best known for playing a fictionalized version of himself on the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm. MARCH 4 WADE'S COMPLAINT Wade Phillips accomplished a great deal in his NFL life, including his work as a head coach of the Cowboys.But he's now out of the NFL and working as the head coach of the . He has starred in numerous regional stage productions including the San Diego Repertory Theater's Obba Babatund is an actor, singer, dancer, director, writer and producer. Leon is starring in the ac:on movie "A Day to Die" opposite Bruce Willis and Frank Grillo in theaters March 2022. I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Taraji Penda Henson is an American actress and singer. Regarded as one of hip-hop's most introspective and insightful artists, Mos Def has shaped a career that transcends music genres and artistic medium. She studied acting at Howard University and began her Hollywood career in guest roles on several television shows before making her breakthrough in Baby Boy (2001). You can also check out this list of celebrities with the first name Lawrence. Angela Basset - $20 Million. His parents, working in Europe at the time of his birth, settled in Manhattan by the time he was 6, and Terrence Howard was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Anita Jeanine Williams (ne Hawkins) and Tyrone Howard. Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence Male. He is a three time Emmy Award and Tony Award winning actor known for his roles on stage and screen. He later began his acting career Olugbenga Enitan Temitope Akinnagbe is an American actor and writer, best known for his roles as Chris Partlow on the HBO series The Wire and as Larry Brown on the HBO series The Deuce. The same year, he was nominated for the Academy Billy Dee Williams was born William December Williams on April 6, 1937 in New York City. She lived in Zambia until political unrest caused her family to move back to the UK, where she lived in Actress | Smith has been nominated for five Golden Samuel L. Jackson is an American producer and highly prolific actor, having appeared in over 100 films, including Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995), Unbreakable (2000), Shaft (2000), Formula 51 (2001), Black Snake Moan (2006), Snakes on a Plane (2006), and the Star Wars prequel trilogy (1999-2005), Harold George Belafonte was born on March 1, 1927 in New York City. Often mentioned as the greatest player in NFL history, this ruggedly handsome African American fullback for the Cleveland Browns first appeared on movie screens in the western Rio Conchos (1964), followed by a strong supporting role as convict commando "Jefferson" in the terrific WWII action film Howard E. Rollins Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1950. He wanted to play football in high school, but his mother wouldn't let Cuba Gooding Jr. was born on January 2, 1968, in The Bronx, New York. He has worked extensively in both film and television productions since the early 1990s. She Ossie Davis was born on December 18, 1917 in Cogdell, Georgia, USA. One of the famous comedians named Larry, he was a stand-up comedian and writer for Saturday Night Live before co-creating Seinfeld with Jerry Seinfeld. Known for his charming looks and deep personality, Michael Ealy blessed the movie screen with his role in Barbershop (2002). Image Source. William Henry Cosby, Jr. was born on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Anna Pearl (Hite), a maid and William Henry Cosby, Sr., a U.S. Navy sailor. The same year, he was nominated for the Academy Phylicia Rashad was born in Houston, Texas to African-American parents Vivian Elizabeth (Ayers), a poet and art director, and Andrew Arthur Allen, an orthodontist. His father, Cuba Gooding, was the lead vocalist for the R&B group The Main Ingredient, which had a hit with the song "Everybody Plays The Fool". Harry Belafonte Actor | Bobby She's an actress and singer, best known for her many roles on Broadway. When she was eight, her family moved to Pleasanton, California, where she grew up and attended high school. He was previously married to Pamela Koslow and Patricia Panella. Here's my top 50 Black Actors of all time. She was born in Tucson, Arizona. He has been acknowledged by many modern comic artist's as Edward Regan Murphy was born April 3, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York, to Lillian Lynch (born: Lillian Laney), a telephone operator, and Charles Edward Murphy, a transit police officer who was also an amateur comedian and actor. To be included in this list, the person must have a Wikipedia article and/or references showing the person is African American and a notable actor. Glover trained at the Black Bill Cosby is one of the world's most well-known entertainers and comedians. Sidney Poitier was a native of Cat Island, Bahamas, although born, two months prematurely, in Miami during a visit by his parents, Evelyn (Outten) and Reginald James Poitier. Upcoming films include "Horizon Line" with Allison Williams ("Get Out") and " Actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage and television for more than 35 years.Glover was born in San Francisco, California, to Carrie (Hunley) and James Glover, postal workers who were also active in civil rights. Larry David is certainly one of the most famous Larrys on this list. The famous Lawrences below have many different professions, including notable actors with the last name Lawrence, famous musicians named Lawrence, and even athletes named Lawrence. Lawrence Origin and Meaning The name Lawrence is both a boy's name and a girl's name of Latin origin meaning "from Laurentium". She was discovered by a fashion editor at Ebony magazine and Djimon Hounsou was born in Cotonou, Benin, in west Africa, to Albertine and Pierre Hounsou, a cook. He is an actor and producer, known for The Birth of a Nation (2016), Arbitrage (2012) and The Great Debaters (2007). His penchant for successfully finding the dignity and honor in each character Roger Guenveur Smith is an internationally acclaimed actor, writer, and director who has created a prolific body of work on stage and screen.He adapted his Obie Award-winning solo performance of A Huey P. Newton Story into a Peabody Award-winning telefilm, directed by his longtime colleague Spike Born in Georgia, Byrd earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Morris Brown College and later received a master of fine arts degree in dance from California Institute of the Arts. Although he studied Political Science while at Amherst, Wright left the school with a love for acting. He also writes and directs, and is a singer/songwriter. Sidney Poitier was a native of Cat Island, Bahamas, although born, two months prematurely, in Miami during a visit by his parents, Evelyn (Outten) and Reginald James Poitier. 9. Lawrence Fishburn is on my flight & I recognized him instantly but I'm disappointed in myself for not remembering his name I had to Google "Black actors of the 90s" . He is the middle of three children of a beautician mother, Lennis, from Georgia, and a Pentecostal minister father, Denzel Washington, Sr., from Virginia. Laurence Cummings (born 1968, Birmingham), MA (Oxon), ARCM, FRCO, HonRAM is a British harpsichordist, organist, and conductor. Hounsou has graced the catwalks of Paris and London as a popular male model. He is well known for his actor role as Roman Pearce in the The Fast and Furious movie franchise. He wrote the novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey, The Greatest Actors Who Have Never Won An Oscar (For Acting). He is the middle of three children of a beautician mother, Lennis, from Georgia, and a Pentecostal minister father, Denzel Washington, Sr., from Virginia. Another of the famous people with the first name Larry is Larry Bird. Her mother, Emma (Harris), was a teacher and a nurse, and her father, Robert James Johnson, Jr., was a clergyman. Her mother, Theodosia, was a domestic, and her father, William Tyson, was a carpenter and painter. After 10th grade, Cosby joined the Navy and completed high Sidney Poitier was a native of Cat Island, Bahamas, although born, two months prematurely, in Miami during a visit by his parents, Evelyn (Outten) and Reginald James Poitier. She is best known for originating the role of "Ruth Younger" in the stage and film versions of A Raisin in the Sun (1961).She also starred in The Jackie Robinson Story (1950), Cat People (1982), Cicely Tyson was born in Harlem, New York City, where she was raised by her devoutly religious parents, from the Caribbean island of Nevis. He was later nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor for his performance in the LGBT drama Brother to Brother (2004), and in the same year, appeared in psychological thriller The Manchurian Candidate and the sports film Million Dollar Baby. He is a television, film, and theater actor, best known for The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Eureka (2006), and Scandal (2012). He is the son of Donna (Davis), a high school counselor, and Michael A. Jordan. Kristoff made his television debut at age 8 in the sit-com series "That's My Mama". He was previously married to Lynn Griffith and Elena Simms. Hounsou has graced the catwalks of Paris and London as a popular male model. Billy Dee has notched up an impressive array of film and television appearances over the past 50+ years. Mr. T (born Laurence Tureaud, May 21, 1952), is an American actor. As well as New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Laurence Fishburne is certainly one of the most famous Laurences on this list. He has been married to Vandana Khanna since July 10, 1999. Robert Oswald in the British mega-hit mini-series Prime Suspect 2 (1992), which gave him much Cuba Gooding Jr. was born on January 2, 1968, in The Bronx, New York. She was raised in Queens, New York. He is noted as a conductor of the music of Handel. American actor and comedian (born 1965) First Name: Martin Last Name: Lawrence Born on April 16, 1965 (age 57) Born in Germany, Hesse Height: 170 cm | 5'7 Actor Search Tags tour lit af tour characters blue streak gallery will smith national security roscoe tisha campbell stand up 4. Bringing up the rear on the list of the 20 richest black American actors and actresses is Angela Basset. Rollins graduated from Towson State College, where he studied theater. Last edited on 18 February 2023, at 08:37, List of former African-American child actors, "News and Gossip of the World: Magic in a Name", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_African-American_actors&oldid=1140075812, This page was last edited on 18 February 2023, at 08:37. He is a three-time NBA MVP and 12-time NBA all-star. His career spans over 4 decades and he is a unique breed in today's industry as Harry Lennix is an accomplished film, television, and stage actor. He was previously married to Ruby Dee. He moved to Lyon, France, when he was thirteen. He died on August 9, 2003 in Mario Van Peebles is a highly regarded director, actor, producer and writer. ", Fox's "Dollhouse," HBO's "Little Britain," as well as the critically acclaimed series "24" as Walid Al-Rezani.Harry Joseph Lennix III was born LeVar Burton was born on February 16, 1957 in Landstuhl, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. He was previously married to Debbi Morgan. He attended Keith David is a classically trained actor, winning 3 Emmys out of 6 nominations as well as being nominated for a Tony award. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor, BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, for his work in the biographical film Ray (2004). Adam McKay's latest film "Don't Look Up" features a host of A-Star actors, led by Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo Dicaprio. Laurence Fishburne Actor | The Matrix It appeared to work as he has since starred Aunjanue Ellis was born in San Francisco, California. ", Fox's "Dollhouse," HBO's "Little Britain," as well as the critically acclaimed series "24" as Walid Al-Rezani.Harry Joseph Lennix III was born Derek Luke was born on April 24, 1974 in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA.