As Black History Month ends, we’re stepping into March in full force as we observe Women’s History Month—or as we like to call it around here, Black Women’s History Month! And because of that, we thought it’d be fitting to highlight a handful of our fave Black Hollywood actresses over 40 who are the living personifications of “Black don’t crack.”
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Haters can continue to be mad and confused all they want, but we know that Black women hold the fountain of youth in their DNA and always will. So let’s give them their flowers while we still can!
Alicia Keys
It’s crazy to think that Alicia Keys has been blowing up the music scene for decades now, and what’s even more impressive is that she looks the same way she did when she stepped on the scene all those years ago!
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross is beauty, style, and grace personified. She’s also Black Joy in a walking, talking and breathing form – always radiating positivity from the inside out!
Lynn Whitfield
One of the industry’s most iconic actresses, Lynn Whitfield has been a beautiful, cinematic force onscreen and off for years. And she’s only getting better with time!
Gabrielle Union-Wade
If I’m being completely honest, I’ve loved Gabrielle Union-Wade from the moment I saw her in “Bring It On.” With a smile that’ll light up any room and melanin that glimmers, what more is there really to say? I wanna be just like you (and Kaavia, low-key) when I grow up, Gab.
(Fun fact: both Tracee Ellis Ross and Gab Union are birthday twins. That must be why they give me the same feeling as when the yams and the mac’n cheese touch on Thanksgiving. It’s truly sensational!)
Regina King
Now you know we had to include the only King we acknowledge: Regina King on a list of fabulous Black actresses over 40. From the flawless skin to her breathtaking brown eyes, the “One Night in Miami” director always shines.
Vanessa Williams
During her recent appearance on the Sherri Show, Vanessa Williams reminded us once again that beauty has no age limit.
Viola Davis
Even though I know what it actually means, I’m thinking that the “E” in EGOT must also stand for extraordinarily beautiful because Viola Davis comes second to none – and that’s on General Nanisca.
Halle Berry
Rapper Hurricane Chris didn’t make that song about just anybody. Timeless, hilarious and glamorous, there is truly no one like Halle Berry. (P.S., can we be Twitter friends? Just send me a heart emoji if so, so I know it’s real.)
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington, how I love thee! Let me count the ways…Actually, on second thought, since it’ll take all day and a night to list them all, let’s just highlight your enviously high cheekbones, gorgeous skin, and amazing smile.
Jada Pinkett Smith
It would probably take me 40 days and 40 nights to figure out just how to be as effortlessly cool and strikingly beautiful as Jada Pinkett Smith. Maybe if I can finesse my way onto the Red Table, she’ll tell me her secret. What do you say, Jada?
Taraji P. Henson
I don’t know what I love more about Taraji P. Henson: her style, her smile, or her personality. I’m just gonna go with the truest answer and say “d,” all of the above. After I’m done in Tracee’s closet, I’m swinging by yours next!
Angela Bassett
Recently, Angela Bassett was seen on vacation with no makeup, and she was just as beautiful as she is with makeup. I honestly don’t think there are enough words in the dictionary to describe how elegant, classy, dazzling, divine, and gorgeous Angela Bassett is. If I was a sponge, I’d try to soak in as much goodness as I could from her because she just has IT. Always has and always will. Our eternally loved Queen Mother.
Regina Hall
I recently saw what was purported to be a picture of Regina Hall from the 90s online, but if I’m honest—it looked like a photo she took just two days ago. I’ll be waiting with bated breath for her to spill the beans on what it is that keeps her melanin popping so severely and her smile shining brighter and brighter with each passing day.
Nia Long
I knew Black women carried this uncanny superpower of getting more fine as they aged, but I’m gonna need whatever dosage Nia Long received. And an extra one for the road in case I lose that one. Melanin’s on point, smize is on point—you know what? Make that three doses.
Sanaa Lathan
If I could trade faces for a day with anybody, it’d be a toss between Nia Long and her Best Man costar Sanaa Lathan. I mean, I’d be happy either way, but I’d be lying if I said it wouldn’t be a hard decision to make. Do you see that smile? Phenomenal.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
The incomparable. The immaculate. The Diva and the Dreamgirl. Quite literally, who is doing it better than Sheryl Lee Ralph right now? I’ll tell you who—NOBODY.
Queen Latifah
The only Queen we acknowledge ‘round here is Queen “Never Met a Silk Press She Didn’t Slay” Latifah. From her hair to her smile, may her reign never end.
Anika Noni Rose
I don’t know about y’all, but Anika Noni Rose will forever be my Princess Tiana and one of the women I aspire to look as good as I age. She is 10s all across the board.
Meagan Good
Be right back, I’m about to go pray that my life looks as good as Meagan Good does. You wanna put in the request too?
Garcelle Beauvais
The always and forever “Fancy” Garcelle Beauvais definitely deserves a spot on this list. I mean, the woman still looks as if “The Jamie Foxx Show” just went off the air yesterday. If that’s not goals, I don’t know what is.
Bianca Lawson
Now y’all know we couldn’t make this list without including the ethereal and ageless icon, herself Bianca Lawson. (I’m still waiting on her to drop her skincare routine.)
Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housely
Not only do these fabulous and fly sisters, Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housely look alike, but they continue to look like the eternal springs of youth. I wonder how it feels to know there’s quite literally another variant of yourself that looks just as good as you walking around?
Tiffany Haddish
Not only is Tiffany Haddish serving the funny, but she’s also serving the looks. She’s stepping out looking better and better at each turn. We see you, Tiff!
Mary J. Blige
Go Mary! Go Mary! I mean, I honestly don’t know where to begin with the icon that is Mary J. Blige. Whether it’s her skin, her smile, or her snatched waistline, Mary proves time and time again that being grown and sexy is reserved only for the grown and sexy.
Jennifer Hudson
And I am telling you…that I will never get over the fact that Jennifer Hudson looks as beautifully ageless as she does. I need her to drop all the routines she does ASAP.
Mo’Nique
Let me first start by saying that Mo’Nique looks GOODT. Not just “good,” but “good” with a “t.’” Her face? Radiant. Her smile? Exuberant? Her melanin? Shining. Her waist? Non-existent. I love her for real, and it looks like life has been loving on her, too.
Robin Givens
She may be keeping a low profile these days, but the vision that is Robin Givens has been shining for years.
Brandy Norwood
Brandy may be known as the “Vocal Bible,” but she’s also known for looking both ageless and flawless time and time again.
Janet Jackson
An icon in many arenas, there’s no denying that time is treating Janet Jackson’s beauty well.
Tichina Arnold
Tichina Arnold has quite literally been fine as wine for decades now. There was no way she wasn’t going to be left off this list.
Kym Whitley
I could be wrong here, but maybe being funny is the key to aging backwards. If it is, that would explain why comedian and actress Kym Whitley seems to look better and better with each passing day.
Holly Robinson Peete
Holly Robinson Peete has no business looking as great as she does, but we’re glad that’s the case!
Danai Gurira
Now y’all know we had to include our forever general, Okoye a.k.a. Danai Gurira, on here because her melanin forever shines bright.
Tisha Campbell
From “Martin” to “My Wife and Kids,” Tisha Campbell has never looked better.
Kelly Rowland
Having a timeless beauty like Kelly Rowland will be my personal “Motivation” from here on out.
Ryan Michelle Bathe
From her smile to her skin, Ryan Michelle Bathe is a thing of dreams. And that will never be up for debate.
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