Representation on and off the screen matters because one simply cannot attempt to be what one does not see. Pioneers like Hattie McDaniel ran so that people like Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, and countless others could walk, and today, the journey continues through Black women powerhouses like Issa Rae and beyond.

Without strong Black female leads, the world of film and television would be dull. As we bid farewell to Women’s History Month, it’s important for us to continue to highlight and champion the leading ladies who make every role count.

From veterans and icons to modern powerhouses, multi-hyphenates, and even those behind the lens and those on the rise, aspireTV is diving deep into some of our favorite strong Black female leads taking up space throughout Hollywood and the media industry as a whole.

Whoopi Goldberg

Only three Black women have achieved EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), and Whoopi Goldberg is one of them. The New York native’s career began on stage in 1984 with her one-woman show, Spook Show, and since then, she’s been giving Hollywood a run for its money.

From her breakout dramatic role as Celie in the 1985 film, The Color Purple to her Academy Award-winning portrayal of Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, a win that made her the second woman to win an Oscar, her iconic position as Deloris Van Cartier, and countless others, Goldberg continues to be the blueprint for Black women in Hollywood.

Regina King

As an actor, director, and producer, Regina King’s leading roles span television and film.

She starred alongside Martin Lawrence in the 1996 cult classic A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, had a decisive supporting but essential role as Sharon Rivers in If Beale Street Could Talk, landed an Emmy for Oustanding Lead Actress for her leading position as Angela Abar, or Sister Night, in the limited series, Watchmen. Additionally, her directorial debut in the 2020 film One Night in Miami made her the first Black woman to have a film selected at the Venice Film Festival.

Issa Rae

From Awkward Black Girl to Insecure, Issa Rae has redefined the modern-day TV heroine, but her star powers aren’t limited to television.

Rae starred opposite Lakeith Stanfield in The Photograph, showcased her comedic acting chops in a supporting and co-lead role alongside Marsai Martin and Regina Hall in Little, and continues to build her Hoorae Media imprint to greater heights.

Angela Bassett 

Angela Bassett continues to be a force to be reckoned with, even after having more than 30 years of skin in the game. She wowed audiences with her role as Tina Turner in the hit film What’s Love Got To Do With It, where she starred opposite Laurence Fishburne. The pair reunited for more films like Boyz In The Hood and Akeelah and the Bee, and both continue to shine bright on the screen today.

Zendaya

Booked and busy is the best way to describe this former Disney star today. Zendaya has carved out a career beyond her work as a child actor. Today, she has captivated audiences through her depiction of Rue in the hit HBO series Euphoria. She’s also proven to be a box office hit as the lead in films like Challengers, Dune Part One (and Two) and The Greatest Showman, and let’s not forget her emotionally raw delivery in Netflix’s Malcolm & Marie.

Ayo Eredibi

As one to watch, Ayo Eredibi is a comedic genius whose work continues to capture audiences. Her work in The Bear stirred up traction. Still, more recently, Eredibi was cast as the lead in Opus, the 2025 psychological thriller written and directed by Morehouse alum Mark Anthony Green.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Quiet as kept, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has solidified her stake as a powerhouse actor through knockout roles in King Richard and Of Mind and Music. She continues to expand and showcase her range through characters like Dr. Mattie Moss Clark in The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, Isabel Wilkerson in Origin, and countless others. 

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