Black British actresses are making waves in the film and television industry, both in the UK and across the pond.
From starring in blockbuster franchises to critically acclaimed dramas, these talented women are showcasing their versatility and charisma on the screen.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most famous black British actresses, and highlight their achievements and upcoming projects.
Thandiwe Newton
Thandiwe Newton is one of the most recognizable and respected black British actresses in Hollywood.
Newton has appeared in films such as:
- Mission: Impossible II
- Crash
- The Pursuit of Happyness
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Westworld.
She has won a BAFTA Award, an Emmy Award, and a Critics’ Choice Award for her performances.
Thandiwe is also an activist for human rights and gender equality and has spoken out about her experiences of racism and sexual abuse in the industry.
She recently reclaimed her original name, Thandiwe, which means “beloved” in Shona, after it was misspelled as Thandie in her first acting credit.
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Letitia Wright
Letitia Wright is a rising star who gained worldwide fame for her role as Shuri, the genius sister of T’Challa, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
She first appeared in Black Panther, and then reprised her role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Shuri has also starred in Black Mirror, Small Axe, and Ready Player One.
Letitia has won a BAFTA Rising Star Award, a NAACP Image Award, and a SAG Award for her work.
She is also a devout Christian who has shared her faith and testimony on various platforms.
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Sophie Okonedo
Sophie Okonedo is an acclaimed actress who has been nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and two Emmys for her diverse roles.
She is best known for her performance as Tatiana Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda, a film based on the true story of the Rwandan genocide.
Sophie has also appeared in:
- The Secret Life of Bees
- Skin
- Christopher Robin
- Ratched
- Death on the Nile.
She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019 for her services to drama.
Marsha Thomason
Marsha Thomason is a versatile actress who has worked in both British and American television shows.
She is most famous for her roles as:
- Nessa Holt in Las Vegas
- Naomi Dorrit in Lost
- Diana Barrigan in White Collar
- Dr. Selena Manning in The Good Doctor
Marsha has also appeared in films such as:
- Black Knight
- The Haunted Mansion
- Into the Blue 2: The Reef.
She is married to Craig Sykes, a lighting technician, and they have two children together.
Antonia Thomas
Antonia Thomas is a charming actress who has won the hearts of many viewers with her roles as:
- Alisha Daniels in Misfits
- Evie in Lovesick
- Dr. Claire Browne in The Good Doctor.
She has also starred in films such as:
- Sunshine on Leith
- Northern Soul
- Scintilla
- FirstBorn
Antonia is a trained singer and dancer who graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School with a degree in acting.
She is also a supporter of various charities such as WaterAid and Women for Women International.
Freema Agyeman
Freema Agyeman is a talented actress who has made a name for herself in sci-fi and fantasy genres.
She is best known for her role as Martha Jones, the companion of the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who and its spin-off Torchwood.
Freema Agyeman has also starred in Sense8, Law & Order: UK, The Carrie Diaries, New Amsterdam, and Old Jack’s Boat.
She has won several awards for her performances, including:
- a Screen Nation Award
- a SFX Award
- a Glamour Award.
Freema Agyeman is also an advocate for animal rights and environmental issues.
Lashana Lynch
Lashana Lynch is a breakthrough actress who has made history as the first black female 007 agent in the James Bond franchise.
She will play Nomi, a new MI6 operative who takes over Bond’s code number after his retirement in No Time to Die.
Lashana has also starred in Captain Marvel as Maria Rambeau, the best friend of Carol Danvers and mother of Monica Rambeau.
She has also appeared in:
- Bulletproof
- Still Star-Crossed
- Brotherhood
- Fast Girls.
Lashana is a graduate of the Arts Educational Schools in London, where she studied musical theatre.
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Conclusion
Black British actresses are shining bright in the film and television industry, with their impressive range of skills and talents.
They are not only entertaining us with their captivating performances but also inspiring us with their stories and causes.
They are breaking barriers and stereotypes, and paving the way for more diversity and representation on the screen.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about these amazing women, and we look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.
