Why Black Actresses Are Thriving in Acting After 50

A growing number of Black actresses have gained significant recognition in the entertainment industry for launching or revitalizing their acting careers after the age of 50. This trend highlights diverse pathways to success in Hollywood and challenges conventional timelines for achieving prominence in the field. Their careers demonstrate that professional breakthroughs can occur at any stage of life.

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Niecy Nash began her career as a correspondent on “Inside Edition” but achieved her most prominent acting roles after turning 50. In 2020, at age 50, she received critical acclaim for her leading role in the limited series “When They See Us” and later starred in the drama series “Claws.”

Leslie Jones was primarily a stand-up comedian for decades before joining the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2014 at the age of 47. Her film career escalated after 50 with roles in major productions like the 2016 reboot of “Ghostbusters” and the 2019 film “The Angry Birds Movie 2.”

Actress and comedian Jenifer Lewis, often called “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” had a long career in theater and film. However, she reached a new level of widespread fame and recognition for her role as Ruby Johnson in the sitcom “Black-ish,” which began in 2014 when she was 57.

Summary

Niecy Nash transitioned from a television host to an award-nominated actress, with her breakout dramatic performance occurring the year she turned 50. Her subsequent leading role in “Claws” further cemented her status as a television star.

Leslie Jones’s career shifted from the stand-up comedy circuit to national television and major motion pictures in her late 40s and early 50s. Her high-profile work on “Saturday Night Live” served as a springboard for roles in large film franchises.

Jenifer Lewis had an established career for many years before gaining her most recognizable role on the popular series “Black-ish” in her late fifties. Her long tenure in the industry culminated in this widely seen and celebrated performance.

FAQs

Who are some Black actresses who became famous after 50?
Niecy Nash and Jenifer Lewis both gained significant recognition for television roles they began at or after the age of 50. Leslie Jones also rose to national prominence on “Saturday Night Live” in her late 40s, with her film career expanding after she turned 50.

What was Niecy Nash’s breakout role?
Niecy Nash’s critically acclaimed dramatic breakout role was as Nancy Buirski in the 2019 miniseries “When They See Us,” a part she took on at the age of 50. This role marked a significant shift from her earlier work in comedy and hosting.

Was Jenifer Lewis an actress before ‘Black-ish’?
Yes, Jenifer Lewis had a long career in film, television, and Broadway long before joining the cast of “Black-ish.” She had roles in numerous movies and was a well-respected figure in the industry, earning the nickname “The Mother of Black Hollywood.”

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All information is based on verified reporting available at the time of publication.