Black Actresses Who Went From Broadway To The Big Screen

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For generations, Broadway has been the heart of American theatre, a place where raw talent, tireless dedication, and bold creativity meet under the spotlight. For Black women in particular, the stage has offered both an opportunity and a challenge: to break barriers, embody excellence, and command visibility in an industry that hasn’t always made space for them. Yet from these very stages, many remarkable Black actresses have not only earned standing ovations but have also launched trailblazing careers that extended far beyond the curtain call.

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This list celebrates the powerful journey of Black women who began on Broadway and went on to shine in Hollywood. These are women who trained their voices, honed their craft, and mastered the live stage, then took that same skill and charisma to the screen, proving that the leap from theatre to television and film is not only possible, but can be spectacular.

The transition from Broadway to Hollywood isn’t always seamless. Stage acting and screen acting require different rhythms, pacing, and energy. But what these women share is a magnetic presence, an ability to command attention, convey emotion, and tell deeply human stories in any medium. Whether it’s through heart-wrenching ballads, commanding monologues, or sharp comedic timing, each of these actresses has expanded the legacy of Black women in entertainment.

Some—like Audra McDonald and Debbie Allen—have become household names, while others like Danielle Brooks and Patina Miller are writing thrilling new chapters in real time. They come from different backgrounds, generations, and styles, but what unites them is a profound commitment to their artistry and an undeniable impact on both the stage and screen.

These women didn’t just cross over into Hollywood; they kicked the doors wide open. And in doing so, they’ve created space for future generations of Black actresses to dream even bigger.

Here are nine Black Broadway stars who successfully transitioned into Hollywood, and continue to redefine what’s possible in both worlds.

1. Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald holds a historic place in Broadway history as the first performer to win six Tony Awards for acting, a testament to her brilliance in productions such as Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, Porgy and Bess, and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.

Her Broadway journey began in The Secret Garden (1993), but it was her breakout role as Carrie Pipperidge in Nicholas Hytner’s 1994 revival of Carousel that changed everything. The performance earned her a Tony Award and launched a career that would soon extend far beyond the stage.

McDonald made her screen debut in the Peabody Award–winning CBS film Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years, which introduced her to television audiences as a compelling dramatic actress. She followed that with standout roles, including Grace Farrell in Disney/ABC’s 1999 remake of Annie, and a recurring part in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2000).

Her first Emmy nomination came with HBO’s adaptation of Wit, directed by Mike Nichols and starring Emma Thompson. From there, McDonald appeared in a string of notable TV dramas: Mister Sterling (2003), The Bedford Diaries (2006), and Kidnapped (2006–2007). In 2008, she reprised her Tony-winning role in A Raisin in the Sun for a television movie adaptation, earning her a second Emmy nomination.

From 2007 to 2011, she played Dr. Naomi Bennett on Shonda Rhimes’ Private Practice, further establishing her presence on the screen in mainstream television.

Though McDonald remains a Broadway legend, her success on screen proves she’s more than a stage icon; she’s a full-fledged multi-platform talent. Her voice, emotional intelligence, and magnetic presence make her one of the most seamless and compelling transitions from the theatre world to television and film.

2. Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo made her Broadway breakthrough playing Celie in the 2015 revival of The Color Purple, a performance that earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

From there, she moved into film and television, with roles in Harriet, Widows, Pinocchio, and the blockbuster adaptation of Wicked.

Erivo’s trajectory shows how a Broadway star with strong singing and acting chops can successfully pivot into major Hollywood roles while keeping one’s theatrical roots intact.

3. Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks made her Broadway debut in the 2015 revival of The Color Purple, where her powerful portrayal of Sofia earned her a Tony Award nomination, a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, and a Theatre World Award for a significant Broadway debut. She also received a Grammy for the cast recording, solidifying her as a rising force in musical theatre.

Brooks continued to impress on stage with roles in Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations (2019) and The Piano Lesson (2022), before expanding her career into television and film. She starred as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare in the Park, earning an AUDELCO Award, an Antonyo Award, and a Drama League nomination for her commanding performance.

While her stage presence is undeniable, Brooks became a household name through her breakout role as Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in Netflix’s critically acclaimed Orange Is the New Black. Her performance earned her two NAACP Image Award nominations and the Young Hollywood Award for Breakthrough Actress, showcasing her range and emotional depth on screen.

Brooks has continued to build an impressive screen career. She played the legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in Mahalia (Lifetime), directed by Kenny Leon—a role that earned her the Actress Award for Television from the Critics’ Choice Association and a nomination for Best Actress in a Limited Series. She also received a Primetime Emmy nomination as a producer on the project.

More recently, she appeared opposite John Cena in HBO Max’s Peacemaker, a spinoff of The Suicide Squad, introducing her to a new audience with her signature blend of strength, humor, and authenticity. She also reprised her role as Sofia in the 2023 film adaptation of The Color Purple, bringing her full circle from stage to screen.

Danielle Brooks is a true multi-platform talent who exemplifies how stage training can translate into dynamic, nuanced screen performances. Her career continues to bridge the worlds of theatre, television, and film, all while staying deeply rooted in the power and discipline of live performance.

4. Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose first made waves on the Broadway stage, earning acclaim for her standout performances, including a Tony Award for Caroline, or Change. But it was her transition to film and voice acting that expanded her reach to global audiences.

Most notably, she became the voice of Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana, in The Princess and the Frog (2009), a groundbreaking role that solidified her place in pop culture history.

In 2018, Rose returned to her theatrical roots with a celebrated performance in the title role of Carmen Jones, directed by John Doyle at New York’s Classic Stage Company. Her stage presence remains magnetic, but her on-screen portfolio is just as impressive.

Rose starred in films such as Everything, Everything, based on Nicola Yoon’s bestselling novel, opposite Amandla Stenberg, and the cult-favorite thriller Assassination Nation, alongside Bill Skarsgård, Bella Thorne, and Suki Waterhouse. Her versatility has allowed her to thrive in both indie cinema and mainstream projects.

On television, she starred in BET’s college drama The Quad (2017–2018) and portrayed Kizzy in the miniseries Roots (2016), a powerful performance that earned her a NAACP Image Award nomination. Her additional TV credits include major roles and guest appearances on The Good Wife, Private Practice, Elementary, Power, The Simpsons, and HBO’s The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency with Jill Scott. She also starred opposite Pierce Brosnan in the A&E miniseries Bag of Bones, based on the Stephen King novel.

Her film work includes acclaimed performances in Dreamgirls, A Day Late and a Dollar Short, Half of a Yellow Sun, Imperial Dreams, and For Colored Girls, showcasing her dramatic depth and vocal range.

Anika Noni Rose is a rare triple threat—an actress, singer, and voice talent who has masterfully navigated the worlds of theatre, film, and television. Her career shows how Broadway-trained performers can thrive across media, blending technical excellence with emotional authenticity. Whether on stage or screen, she brings a richness to every role that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

5. Heather Headley

Heather Headley rose to prominence on Broadway in buzzing plays like Aida (2000) (earning a Tony) and the 1997 Broadway rendition of The Lion King, where she shined as Nala. She also starred in the Broadway adaptation of 2001’s Dreamgirls.

Headley later appeared in television series such as Sweet Magnolias and Chicago Med, and continues to demonstrate the kind of multi-platform presence that stage actors increasingly pursue.

Her journey highlights the fluidity between musical theatre and screen work, especially for Black female leads who bring vocal strength and dramatic presence to both arenas.

6. Patina Miller

Patina Miller earned widespread acclaim—and a Tony Award—for her gravity-defying performance in the 2013 Broadway revival of Pippin, following a Tony-nominated turn in Sister Act in 2011.

From the stage, she made a seamless transition to screen, taking on major roles in The Hunger Games franchise and acclaimed television series like Madam Secretary, where she played press secretary Daisy Grant, and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, in which she starred as the formidable Raquel “Raq” Thomas.

Miller also returned to Broadway in 2022 to shine in Into the Woods, proving her incredible stage presence was timeless. Her career exemplifies how musical theatre stars can successfully cross over into film and television, bringing with them the depth, discipline, and charisma honed under the spotlight.

7. Renée Elise Goldsberry

Renée Elise Goldsberry originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in the landmark 2016 Broadway musical Hamilton, for which she won a Tony Award. She has also appeared in television and film roles, including The Good Wife, One Life to Live, Masters of Sex, and Younger.

Goldsberry’s journey demonstrates how a Broadway star can transition into a screen actor while still embracing their roots; her crossover appeal continues to grow.

8. LaChanze

LaChanze won a Tony Award for her performance in The Color Purple (2005) on Broadway, and another for Once on This Island (1990). Her talents extend beyond the stage—she’s appeared in film and television projects such as The Help, The Blacklist, and East New York, bringing the same emotional depth and presence that have defined her stage work. Her career exemplifies how theatrical training can shape performers who transition seamlessly between stage and screen.

With a career spanning nearly forty Broadway seasons, LaChanze consistently brings complex, triumphant women to the forefront of cultural representation.

In 2022, she made her producing debut with the 20th-anniversary revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize–winning Topdog/Underdog, and Kimberly Akimbo, a new musical by Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori and Pulitzer-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. Together, the two productions earned 11 Tony nominations and 6 wins, including Best Revival of a Play and Best Musical.

In Spring 2023, she produced Here Lies Love by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, and Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Whitney White—together earning 9 Tony nominations.

The following year, in Spring 2024, she joined the producing team of The Outsiders, a new musical based on S.E. Hinton’s classic novel, which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical.

In the current season, LaChanze made her New York City directorial debut with Alice Childress’ Wine in the Wilderness at Classic Stage Company, while also producing Buena Vista Social Club and the Pulitzer Prize–winning play Purpose. These productions received a combined 16 Tony nominations and 7 wins, with Buena Vista Social Club earning a special award recognizing the band, and Purpose winning Best Play.

In 2025, LaChanze was honored as one of TIME’s Closers.

9. Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is a multi-talented icon whose career spans dance, acting, directing, and producing. She got her start on Broadway in the 1970s, appearing in shows like Purlie and West Side Story, earning a Tony nomination in 1980 for her performance in West Side Story as Anita. 

Her breakout Hollywood role came with Fame (1980), where she played Lydia Grant—a tough, no-nonsense dance teacher—winning two Emmys for choreography. Allen went on to star in or direct episodes of shows like Grey’s Anatomy, A Different World, and Scandal, and has become a major behind-the-scenes force in the industry. 

She remains a creative powerhouse whose work has shaped generations of Black performers on both stage and screen. Her transition from Broadway dancer to Hollywood mogul is nothing short of groundbreaking.

10. Denée Benton

Denée Benton is another actress who parlayed her phenomenal Broadway skills into a thriving career onscreen in Hollywood shows and films. The Florida native earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from Carnegie Mellon University in 2014, and after graduating, Benton began her professional career playing Nabulungi in the U.S. national tour and later the West End production of The Book of Mormon, a role that helped establish her as a rising star in musical theatre.

Her major breakthrough came in 2016 when she was cast as Natasha Rostova in the Broadway production of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, which opened at the Imperial Theatre. Her performance earned widespread acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 2017. Benton went on to join the cast of Hamilton on Broadway in 2018, taking on the role of Eliza Hamilton, and later starred as Cinderella in the 2022–2023 Broadway revival of Into the Woods.

In addition to her stage work, Benton has built a successful career in television. She appeared in the Lifetime drama series UnREAL in 2016, playing Ruby Carter, and later gained further recognition for her role as Peggy Scott in the HBO historical drama The Gilded Age, which premiered in 2022. Through her work on The Gilded Age, Benton has been a vocal advocate for nuanced and authentic portrayals of Black women in period dramas, collaborating closely with writers and producers to ensure her character’s story reflected the complexities of Black upper-middle-class life in 19th-century America.

With her blend of grace, intelligence, and social awareness, Denée Benton continues to be a transformative presence in both Broadway and Hollywood.