This story was Updated on May 19 and 20, 2023
Getting older never looked so good—and if you needed further proof of that, check out the handful of our favorite Black actresses over 40 who are the living personifications of “Black don’t crack.”
Let’s kick things off with thee icon that is Vanessa Williams. During her recent appearance on the Sherri Show, she reminded us once again that beauty has no age limit.
If I’m completely honest, I’ve loved Gabrielle Union-Wade ever since I saw her in Bring It On, so that should tell you how long this admiration has been present. 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, lowkey) when I grow up, Gab.
Now you know we had to include the only King we acknowledge: Regina King. From the flawless skin to her breathtaking brown eyes, the One Night in Miami director will always stay shining.
Fun fact: both Tracee Ellis Ross and Gab Union are birthday twins. That fact coupled with Tracee’s beauty inside and out gives me the same feeling of when the yams and the mac’n cheese touch on Thanksgiving. It’s sensational.
(Also, Tracee, if you’re reading this, please let me take a field trip into your closet. It’s on my wishlist for 2023.)
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.
Rapper Hurricane Chris didn’t make that song about just anybody. Timeless, hilarious, glamourous. 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, 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 cheek bones, gorgeous skin, and amazing smile.
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?
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!
I honestly don’t think there are enough words in the dictionary to describe how elegant, classy, dazzling, divine, and gorgeous thee 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.
The other day I 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.
I knew Black woman carried this uncanny super-power 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.
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.
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.
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 let up.
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. 10s all across the board.
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?
The always and forever “Fancy” Garcelle Beauvais definitely deserves to a spot on this list. I mean, the woman still looks as if The Jamie Foxx Show just went off air yesterday. If that’s not goals, I don’t know what it.
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.)
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 waking around?
Not only is Tiffany Haddish serving the funny, but she’s also serving the looks, stepping out looking better and better at each turn. We see you, Tiff!
Go Mary, go Mary, 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.
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.
OK, 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.
She may be keeping a low profile as of late, but the vision that is Robin Givens has been shining for years.
Brandy may be known as the “Vocal Bible,” but she’s also known for looking both ageless and flawless time and time again.
An icon in many arenas, there’s no denying that time is treating Janet Jackson’s beauty well.
Tichina Arnold has quite literally been fine as wine for decades now, there was no way she wasn’t going to be included in this list.
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.