To be able to gather a spot among the most talented white men is not an easy job. But, black men have done that! With their charming skin, mesmerizing attitude and handsome looks, there are many black men who rose to stardom in Hollywood, and we know you love them all!
Through this article, let’s just revisit all those popular and leading black men in the industry and what all they have done during their career peak. This list is arbitrary and there’s no particular order. Take a look!
1. Morgan Freeman
Now aged 81, Morgan Freeman has been in every contemporary movie you can think of. From Million Dollar Baby, to Street Smart, and Driving Miss Daisy, Freeman has been the voice of many prominent characters. His smooth as silk and comforting voice has been used for the narration of movies and documentary films such as Penguins, and Cosmic Voyage. His suave and formal style is timeless and inspires confidence in men of colour who are trying to break the glass ceiling.
He is also into philanthropy. He started the Grenada Relief Fund, which is now renamed as “Plan It”. Freeman uses the funds collected to help people survive the aftermath of natural disasters. He also takes a firm stand on female education and has also started a campaign for the same.
2. Idris Elba
Idris, a 46-year-old English actor has been working in Hollywood and British television for the last two decades. He is well known for the role “Russell Bell” in the HBO production – “The Wire”. He is set to play the role of Nelson Mandela in the upcoming biopic with the same name.
Elba’s style whether off the red carpet, on it, or when he steps out of home is decidedly put together with a spirit of nonchalance. His graceful salt and pepper hair and gloriously adaptable style make him one to watch out for.
In 2016, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Idris as the officer of the Order of the British Empire for his impeccable service to the drama.
Apart from acting, he also shows keen interest towards music for which he once worked as a DJ by the name “DJ Big Driis”.
3. Denzel Washington
This 63-year-old actor was named the “Chocolate boy of Hollywood” much before the word was actually defined. For his outstanding performances, namely in The Hurricane, Glory, Man of Fire and Training Day, Denzel has won him 3 Golden Globe awards, 2 Academy awards. He is the first black actor to have won 2 academy awards. At the age of 41, he has been named the “Sexiest Man Alive”. For two consecutive years, Washington was voted “America’s favorite movie star” in the Harris polls.
Throughout his acting career, Denzel has always received positive reviews from the critics and has seen unparalleled success at the box office ripping away the common misconception that black men are not adorably received by the mainstream white audiences.
4. John Legend
A legendary crooner and the husband of supermodel Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, is the recipient of all four of the most prestigious awards in the entertainment industry – the EGOT – i.e. Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
The way he makes his political statements makes him every bit as appealing to the brain as he is to the eyes. His adorable ‘Dad Style’ is well documented on his Instagram page. \
His philanthropic endeavours like the Show Me Campaign and Gentlemen’s Fund have put him on the forefront of the change makers of Hollywood.
5. Donald Glover
Donald Glover is an actor, comedian, American writer and also a musician. He is well-known for his role in the TV series “Atlanta” and also for his music album “Childish Gambino”.
At the age 23, he landed himself a writing gig for a hit NBC sitcom “30 Rock”. At the age 35, he became an activist along with being an entertainer. He even lent his voice for the role “Simba” in the hit movie “Lion King”.
Glover is renowned for rendering his unbiased opinion on the discrimination and American scenario in the song “This is America”.
6. Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan may come off as edgy and troubled on screen, but his off screen persona is one to die for. His squared jaw and organized dreads make him a heartthrob. His latest reprising of the role of Killmonger in the movie “Black Panther” has pushed him back into the spotlight, and we are living for it!
7. Chadwick Boseman
The star of the show, a king among mortals, T’challa himself – the Black Panther – Chadwick Boseman has struck a chord with the crowd. The 40-year-old actor embodies the essence of being a man. He is a gentleman and a charmer. A theatre actor first, Boseman has an aura of majestic pride about himself which translates into his fashion choices as well.
The actor is well known for his roles as James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall, which made him the most sought-after man.
Though he was diagnosed with cancer, he never missed a schedule and has acted for films like Marshall, Da 5 Bloods while he was undergoing surgeries and treatments. At the age 43, he died of stage 4 colon cancer.
8. Donald Faison
Donald Faison is most known for his role as funny-man Turk in the Medical Drama, “Scrubs” on television. He also starred as the character Dionne Davenport’s boyfriend Murray in the classic movie “Clueless” starring Alicia Silverstone, and in the TV show of the same name. Faison is a comedian by profession and he carries off the clean shaven head look with ease like never witnessed before!
He began acting during his childhood and later progressed into television commercials and then into movies. He has been in the acting field for about 3 decades.
9. Jordan Peele
From comedy, production, direction, writing to even acting, there isn’t a stone Jordan Peele has left unturned in his quest to make a name for himself. He is known for his comedic sketch show “Key and Peele” where he stars alongside Keegan Michael Key, where they play various characters. The sardonic and somewhat satirical Peele has most recently directed the award winning film, “Get Out”.
Jordan Peele is the first black man to win an Oscar for screenplay. It is said that it took a long road to win that Oscar and that he almost thought of giving up the script many times.
10. Jesse Williams
Very popular for his role as Doctor Jackson on “Grey’s Anatomy”, Jesse Williams is not someone you can easily forget. His stormy and expressive eyes just get the message delivered right, even through the silver screen!
He is also the youngest board of director for a civil rights project “The Advancement Project”. With his hands being on all types of artistic and philanthropic works, he is one of the best all-round celebrities Hollywood has ever seen.
11. Lenny Kravitz
Trilogy, alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson – but also a legendary singer. Lenny is a four time Grammy winner and holds many accolades for his music. His quirky style is to watch for as he makes the bolder choices, such as using a blanket sized scarf!
12. Common
This rapper and actor is another example of just how agelessly good looking black men are. His constantly bearded, brooding look gives him an air of mystery with a sparkle. He has starred in countless films and has been awarded basically every award in the book!
13. Drake
The 31 year old singer, songwriter and actor may have started at the bottom, but his excellent acting in the iconic 90’s TV show “Degrassi: The Next Generation” has brought him here! From a shy prepubescent, to a dynamic young man, Drake is everyone’s teenage fantasy. His dreamy sound and clean-cut image put him on top of our list.
14. Damon Wayans Jr.
Damon Wayans Jr. has played not one, but two iconic TV roles – one as Coach, in the show “New Girl”, and another as Brad Williams, on the show “Happy Endings”. His roles in Marmaduke and Dance Flick have made him the hottest funny guy on the market! His spectacular eyes, exuberance, confident attitude, all make him a man that everyone likes.
15. Corbin Bleu
Did anyone hear the bell? Because it sounds like Summertime! Corbin Bleu or Chad from High School Musical was the quintessential jock boy. He was the best friend Troy Bolton knew and needed most, and his co*cky, dimpled smile stole many hearts. Corbin Bleu’s signature curly afro, either trimmed or allowed to grow out, is the recipe to his popularity with all the Monique’s of the world.
16. jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx or Eric Marlon Bishop, is a well-known singer, actor and record producer. His symmetrical face, closely shaven hair and bright smile make him stand out from the rest. As if his musical career wasn’t decorated enough, Foxx also received an Academy Award for his role as Ray Charles in the biopic titled “Ray”.
17. Terry Crews
Easily the fittest man on this list, Terry Crews is known for his comically exaggerated roles in movies like White Chicks, Blended and Balls of Fury, and TV shows like “Brooklyn 9-9” and “My Wife and Kids”.
He is mainly popular for his muscular body and is loved by all as a host for “America’s Got Talent”.
18. Michael Ealy
If we could, we would put Jesse Williams in another league altogether, but if anyone could, Micharl Ealy could join that league as well! His chiselled jaw, gentlemanly style and oceanic eyes make him a hot favourite.
He was once featured on the People’s magazine in 2002 for the category “Sexiest Men Alive”.
19. Will Smith
If there exists a power couple in Hollywood, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are it. Will Smith is one of the most powerfully exuding faces to watch on screen. His most iconic roles include “Men in Black”, “The Pursuit of Happyness”, “Hanco*ck” and “Enemy of the State”. Will Smith has literally grown up in front of the camera as he starred in the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, and well, he’s made a special place in our hearts!
20. Ludacris
Ludacris has made his mark in the entertainment industry as a Screen Actor as well as musician and a performer. His biggest roles include Tej Parker in “2 Fast 2 Furious”, “Show Dogs, “No Strings Attached” and many more. His signature thin lipped moustache and otherwise rugged, bad boy look makes him one of our choices of the most handsome black men in Hollywood.
