The 1980s were a decade of neon lights, big hair, and big personalities. It was also a significant era for Hollywood, as 80s Black actors were breaking barriers to change the landscape of the entertainment industry in America forever. The decade gave rise to Black icons such as Eddie Murphy, Whoopi Goldberg, and Denzel Washington, who were among many dynamic and versatile Black performers. From action and comedy blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas, the 80s gave several rich, nuanced characters for the public, especially the Black audience, to feel inspired.
So let’s look back on time to acknowledge the exceptional talent and charisma of some of the 80s Black actors who challenged stereotypes by redefining mainstream success.
Here’s a list of 10 iconic 80s Black Actors
1. James Earl Jones
More than anything, James Earl Jones’ booming voice is the most familiar feature of his. Already an established Broadway and theater performer, James Earl Jones transitioned to Hollywood with Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove”. But it was his voice that gave him widespread recognition and made him a pop culture icon among generations to come. The terrifyingly chilling voice of Darth Vader from the Star Wars movies was provided by Jones. If it’s James Earl Jones, inviting you to the dark side, then who would decline? He also appeared in movies like Coming to America, Conan the Barbarian, among many, which established him as one of the pioneering African American actors of all time.
2. Richard Pryor
As one of the funniest Black male actors, Richard Pryor dominated the comedy scene in the 80s. His razor-sharp wit took aim at social issues, race relations, and the absurdities of everyday life, all delivered with an unmatched intensity. Pryor broke barriers with his use of strong language and frank discussions of taboo subjects, paving the way for a generation of comedians. Beyond stand-up, Pryor excelled in film roles like “Silver Streak” and “Stir Crazy,” showcasing his comedic timing and dramatic acting chops. Though his personal struggles were well-documented, Pryor’s comedic genius and cultural impact remain undeniable.
3. Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy is most likely one of the most influential comedians of his time. And like many other comedians turned actors, Murphy also started his career as a cast member at Saturday Night Live in the early 80s. With his outrageous characters and amazing comedic timing, he quickly grew to become a household name all over America. His stardom only increased with his movies like Hrs. (1982), Trading Places (1983), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), and Coming to America (1988).
4. Whoopi Goldberg
From being a comedic genius to a stupendous drama actor, Whoopi Goldberg has done it all. She proved her brilliant knack for acting with Steven Spielberg’s The Colour Purple (1989), where she played an initially innocent and troubled girl who became an admirably strong woman. But it was her hilarious comedic performances in Sister Act (1992) that put her among of the most iconic 80s black actors.
5. Morgan Freeman
One thing that anyone can say about Morgan Freeman is that he has a voice so distinct that it is unmistakably his. Another thing about Morgan Freeman is that he is everywhere! Since his breakout role in the prison drama “Brubaker” (1980), he has steadily made his presence known with countless appearances in several movies throughout the years. He also appeared in many 80s movies with decent performances, such as Attica (1980), Eyewitness (1981), and Death of a Prophet (1981). But it was with his roles as the merciless hoodlum in Street Smart (1987) and the wise driver in Driving Miss Daisy (1989) that he dazzled audiences and earned his due recognition. Morgan Freeman has received several awards over the years for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and gravitas. This just proves that Morgan Freeman is one of the most iconic 80s Black Actors.
6. Danny Glover
Known for acting in movies like “Lethal Weapon” and “The Colour Purple,” Danny Glover emerged as one of the pioneering 80s Black actors. His characters resonated with people, be it the determined postal worker in “Places in the Heart”, or the wise cop Roger Murtagh in the action film series “Lethal Weapon”. He added a certain gravitas and charisma to every character he portrayed, challenging the stereotypical portrayal of black men in Hollywood at the time. He also shied away from playing unquestionably complex characters like his role in “The Color Purple”.
7. Pam Grier
Looking at the filmography of Pam Grier, you can undeniably say that she is one of the most iconic female 80s black actors. She had already made a name for herself as a leading action lady in the earlier decade. Cast in numerous action films in the 70s era, Grier was the queen of blaxploitation and an embodiment of black female power. In the 80s, already an established actor, Grier appeared as a series regular in the show Miami Vice (1984). She also appeared in “Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983) as the wicked witch and in “Above the Law” alongside Steven Seagal.
8. Philip Michael Thomas
Philip Michael Thomas started his career on Broadway with the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Jo Place to Be Somebody” (1971). He quickly became a household name for his role as the detective Ricardo Tubbs in the slick cop drama “Miami Vice” (1984-89). Thomas brought an undeniable coolness and sharp intelligence to Tubbs, making him a trendsetter and a role model for Black actors in television.
9. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is THE 80s black actor in the truest sense. He began his acting career in Hollywood with “Carbon Copy” (1981) and continued on to work in both movies and television throughout the decade. In 1989, he was awarded the Academy Award in the best supporting role category for his portrayal of the runaway slave Tripp in the movie “Glory”. He also gave another powerful portrayal of the decade with his version of Steve Biko, the South African anti-apartheid activist in “Cry Freedom” (1987). With his impressive choice of acting roles, he has been praised by critics throughout his career and often attracts a huge crowd with his movies. So it’s no surprise that, as one of the 80s black actors of such caliber should be one of the richest actors in the world today.
10. Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson may just be one of the coolest ’80s black actors ever! He appeared in some of the wackiest movies of all time, playing characters that were just as awesome as him. You have seen him everywhere, from big blockbusters like Avengers to indie classics like Pulp Fiction. In the 1980s, Jackson was mostly working in theater and was introduced to Spike Lee there. In the late 80s, Jackson appeared in some minor roles in “Coming to America” (1988), “School Daze” (1988), and “Do the Right Thing” (1989). No matter the role, Jackson knows how to command his viewers’ attention with his compelling portrayal of every character, big or small.
Conclusion
From comedy legends to dramatic powerhouses, these talented 80s Black actors defied stereotypes and brought unforgettable characters to life. From the list of 9 iconic black actors of the 80s, we hope you have rediscovered some of the most significant actors that shaped the trajectory of black representation in Hollywood.
