When there’s a discussion centering around Black actors over the age of 50, it can be very easy to name Denzel Washington or Samuel L. Jackson as examples off the top of our heads. However, there’s a litany of Black veteran actors who have given us versatile performances over the years that deserve their flowers. Here are 5 underrated, veteran Black actors who deserve to be number one on the call sheet more often and more leading roles in film.
1. Harrold Perrineau
A native of Brooklyn, Perrineau has lent his acting talents to a variety of films such as The Matrix, The Best Man, Zero Dark Thirty, 28 Weeks Later and as and Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Perrineau’s range and versatility as an actor should not be slept on. Perrineau currently has a recurring role on the ABC show The Rookie and also stars in TNT’s Claws.
2. Colman Domingo
A versatile actor with a theater background, Domingo is known for his role as Victor Strand in Fear The Walking Dead and has appeared in If Beale Street Could Talk, Nia DaCosta’s Candyman and Janicza Bravo’s Zola. Many may also recognize Domingo for his supporting roles in films like Selma and 42. Domingo, inked a first look deal with AMC Networks, deserves more leading roles in films where he can showcase his theater chops.
3. Dennis Haysbert
Dennis Haysbert may be known to the masses for role as the spokesman for the Allstate Insurance company commercials. However, if you know…you know!
Haysbert is also known for his roles in Waiting To Exhale, Dear White People and Far From Heaven. Most notably, Haysbert gained notice for his performance as Clay Arlington in the 1993 black and white thriller, Suture.
4. Ernie Hudson
4. Ernie Hudson
Best known for his role as Winston in the Ghostbusters film series, Ernie Hudson has also appeared in films like Miss Congeniality, The Crow, Nappily Ever After, Leviathan and many more. Known primarily for his supporting roles in the comedy arena, we’d like to see studios and directors craft more leading roles for Hudson in film.
5. Bokeem Woodbine
An underrated character actor who can hopscotch from and inhabit one role to another, Bokeem Woodbine earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for his role as Mike Milligan on the second season of Fargo. Another memorable character actor on the list, Woodbine has also appeared in Crooklyn, Panther and Dead Presidents. Recently, Woodbine appeared as Uncle Earl in the 2019 film Queen and Slim.
