Some of the biggest actors and actresses we know today were born or grew up famous, but many others were not. And it took some time for them to get to where they are today. According to Harvard University, the average age to become famous is 29. So, here are some of the biggest black actors and actresses that got their big breaks after 30.
MORGAN FREEMAN
Morgan Freeman, born in 1937, has won numerous awards in his illustrious career, which include the Golden Globe Award. He has starred in many blockbuster movies. Although he started his career early, it was not until his impressive performance as Hoke Colburn, the kind-hearted stubborn chauffeur in the 1989’s film Driving Miss Daisy, that he became famous. He was 52 when he got into the spotlight.
VIOLA DAVIS
Viola Davis, born in 1965, also started her acting career in the 1990s. Although she had some success in her early movies, Davis’s first most commercially successful and critically acclaimed film was Doubt in 2008. Her outstanding performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She was 43 at the time.
SAMUEL L. JACKSON
Our beloved Samuel L. Jackson, born in 1948, has a lot of international awards and accolades and is one of the highest-grossing actors alive. It is no news that Jackson has a phenomenal presence in every film, but it took more than 20 years for people to notice his exceptional talent as an actor. He became famous after his performance as Jules in the Quentin Tarantino 1994 movie Pulp Fiction at the age of 46.
TARAJI P. HENSON
Taraji p. Henson, born in 1970, started acting back in the 1990s and we’ve known her since her groundbreaking performances on Baby Boy and Hustle & Flow. The Howard University alum, however, started to receive widespread recognition and critical acclaim in 2015 when she was cast as Cookie Lyon, the outspoken wife and mother of three in Empire. Henson was 45 at the time. She received many awards for starring as a lead in Fox’s musical drama series, including a Golden Globe Award for best actress in television drama series.
KERRY WASHINGTON
Kerry Washington, born in 1977, has also been acting for years before she landed her biggest gig yet – the role of Olivia Pope, a crisis management expert in the 2012 TV series Scandal. She was 35 at the time, and her performance won her a multitude of awards, including the Golden Globe Award for best actress.
OCTAVIA SPENCER
Octavia Spencer, born in 1972, started her acting career in 1996, but only got her big break in 2011 when she starred as Minny Jackson, a maid in the award-winning The Help. She was 39 at that time and won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Netflix has unveiled the first-look images of its highly anticipated thriller, ‘Rebel Ridge,’ starring Aaron Pierre. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, best known for his work on ‘Green Room’ and ‘Hold the Dark.’
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix
In ‘Rebel Ridge,’ Aaron Pierre takes on the role of Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who finds himself embroiled in a web of small-town corruption. The film follows Terry as he attempts to post bail for his cousin, only to find himself in a violent standoff with the local police chief. The film promises to be a thrilling and action-packed ride, with a plot that explores themes of corruption, morality, and the lengths one man will go to protect his family.
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix
The supporting cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’ includes a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell.
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix
The production of ‘Rebel Ridge’ was not without its challenges. The film was initially set to star John Boyega, but he left the project mid-shoot due to family reasons. Aaron Pierre was then cast to replace Boyega, and the production resumed with Pierre taking on the lead role. “The very first moment I met with Aaron, the very first moment I read the script, which I read within minutes of it being sent to me, and I finished it in maybe 90 minutes, it was undeniable for me,” Saulnier shared in a statement.
‘Rebel Ridge’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Joseph Marcell, known for his iconic portrayal of Geoffrey, the butler, is set to join the cast of the hit series Bel-Air in its highly anticipated third season.
The series, which premiered in 2022, offers a dramatic take on the original premise. It follows a young man’s journey from West Philadelphia as he navigates life with his wealthy relatives in the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air.
The new trailer opens with Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan) working as waiters at Uncle Phil’s (Adrian Holmes) country club, hinting at a summer job that may lead to more than just serving drinks. Meanwhile, Hilary (Coco Jones) and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) try to sort through their differences, and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) deals with some of his old demons from his past in London.
The trailer also teases a mysterious member of the Banks family’s past, played by Marcell.
Joseph Marcell in “Bel-Air” Season 3 (Peacock)
Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles has shared her enthusiasm for Marcell joining the cast. “Joseph Marcell is a phenomenal actor, and we are thrilled to have him join the Bel-Air family,” she said in a statement. “His presence will add a new layer of depth to the show, and we can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store.”
“It’s an honor to be a part of this new chapter in the Bel-Air story,” In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, Marcell shared his thoughts on joining the show, “I’m excited to explore Geoffrey’s character in a different light and to work with such a talented cast and crew.”
Hulu’s ‘UnPrisoned’ returns with a compelling and emotionally charged second season.
Starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, the show follows the story of Paige (Washington), a successful therapist who reunites with her father, Edwin (Lindo), after his release from a 17-year prison sentence. As they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their relationship, Paige also deals with her struggles, including her career, relationships, and the impact of her father’s incarceration on her own life.
Season 2 of ‘UnPrisoned’ picks up where the first season left off, delving deeper into the emotional journey of the Alexander family. The show continues to explore the complexities of family, forgiveness, second chances, and the lingering impact of past traumas.
Photo: Kelsey McNeal/Disney
In the new episodes, we see Paige and Edwin commit to family therapy sessions led by a quirky and unconventional therapist, played by John Stamos. The meetings are instrumental in helping the characters confront their issues head-on.
It’s important to highlight the show’s ability to balance comedy and drama. Although ‘UnPrisoned’ tackles serious issues, such as the impact of mass incarceration on families and the challenges of reintegration into society, it does so with plenty of humor. For Edwin, while the first season focused on the external challenges of reintegration, season 2 explores his internal struggles and takes us through his and Paige’s arduous but rewarding journey.
Other characters who play a pivotal role in the Alexanders’ path to reconciliation are Mal (Marque Richardson), Paige’s love interest, and Paige’s son, Finn, played by Faly Rakotohavana, and, of course, little Paige, played by the young and talented Jordyn McIntosh.