These Black actresses have not only earned standing ovations on the stage, but they have also launched careers in Hollywood films.
For generations, Broadway has been the heart of American theatre, a place where raw talent, tireless dedication, and bold creativity meet under the spotlight.
For Black women in particular, the stage has offered both an opportunity and a challenge: to break barriers, embody excellence, and command visibility in an industry that hasn’t always made space for them.
Yet from these very stages, many remarkable Black actresses have not only earned standing ovations but have also launched trailblazing careers that extended far beyond the curtain call.
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This list celebrates the powerful journey of Black women who began on Broadway and went on to shine in Hollywood.
Author's summary: Black actresses shine on Broadway and Hollywood.