The Evolution of Black Actors in Hollywood: A blog dedicated to actors of the black community and the progress they have made in Hollywood.
There is a saying that goes, “Never judge a book by its cover.” The same could be said for movies, as well. While some films have their covers with regard to movie posters and trailers, others may require a bit more digging in order to understand what the film is truly about. In the case of Nate Parker’s The Birth of a Nation, one would have to look no further than the title itself. The film, which was released on October 7th, 2016, is an adaptation of the novel The Clansman written by Thomas Dixon Jr. It tells the story of Nat Turner (played by Nate Parker), a literate slave and preacher who leads a slave rebellion in Virginia in 1831.
The Evolution of Black Actors in Hollywood is a blog dedicated to actors of the black community and the progress they have made in Hollywood. We are here to keep you informed on upcoming movies, celebrity news, and important issues that affect our community as a whole.
We focus on positive stories from the perspective of our culture. We want to be your number one source for all things entertainment when it comes to black actors. Stay tuned for latest updates!
Black actors have always been a part of the Hollywood movie industry. They have evolved from being stereotyped as servants and slaves to being featured in big budget movies. This blog will discuss some of these actors throughout the years and their contributions to the modern black actor.
Early Black Actors
The earliest recorded black actor was Sam Lucas who appeared in the 1870 production of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. While he was not a prominent actor, his appearance in this film earned him recognition as the first black man to appear on screen. Other early black actors included Bert Williams and George Walker who were the first African-American performers to be featured on Broadway, one of them also being the first African-American to receive a Pulitzer Prize nomination for drama. These men paved the way for other prominent African-American performers such as Ethel Waters, Lena Horne, and Josephine Baker.
African-American actors did not receive much adoration or attention during this time period. They were often cast in stereotypical “servant” roles that were demeaning and belittling. James Baskett was one of the first African-American actors to star in a major motion picture when he appeared as Uncle Remus in Disney’s Song of the South (1946). This film was widely controversial
Hollywood has always been a town that has seen dramatic change, from the birth of the studio system to today’s blockbuster tentpoles. As the film industry has evolved, so too have its methods for casting talent. The business of acting is no different.
Black actors have come a long way. From the very beginning in 1905 with Bert Williams and George Walker, when black actors faced racism on a daily basis, to today where color doesn’t matter as much as it used to. Although we still have work to do, with many great black actors and actresses working today in Hollywood, I feel we’re in a good place.
Before I get into my list, let me just say this: This is not an attempt to bash white people or white actors/actresses. It’s merely a look at how far we’ve come and what we still need to do.
Here are my top 10 favorite black actors:
1) Jamie Foxx
2) Samuel L Jackson
3) Will Smith
4) Don Cheadle
5) Denzel Washington
For much of the 20th century, black actors have struggled to be recognized in Hollywood, with many being portrayed as servants or slaves.
During the 1930s, black actors were beginning to create progress in the film industry with the creation of black westerns and musicals. But this progress was short-lived, as black roles in the 1940s and ’50s became less and less prominent.
Today’s film industry is better than it once was, but there is still work that needs to be done. We must continue to create positive roles for black actors so that they can gain more recognition and respect from the Hollywood community.
As a study from the University of Southern California shows, black actors are still underrepresented in Hollywood. While the number of black actors in major roles has more than doubled since 2007, they still make up only 12.5% of speaking characters in movies.
The lack of diversity in entertainment has been a hot topic since the Oscars snubbed several notable black actors and actresses and director Ava DuVernay for Selma. But what can be done about it?
The USC report outlines several ways that filmmakers can improve representation of minority groups onscreen:
1) Include more LGBT characters onscreen
2) Increase the number of female characters, both in lead roles and behind the camera
3) Explore new stories to include a wider range of voices
