Black Celebs Nearly 70 and Up and Still Fly!

Proving beauty has no age limit, let’s take a look at some of our favorite actors, actresses, musicians and more that are aging backwards by the day.

Ernie Hudson during a photo call for the cast of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, at Claridges, London, on Thursday March 21, 2024. Photo: Getty Images Lucy North/PA Images

They say age ain’t nothing but a number, but for these Black celebs over 60, age is just one drop in the bucket to all the talent, beauty, age, grace and wisdom they encompass.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach

So it’s in that vein that we’d like to highlight just a few that are constantly raising the bar for all of us, starting with the legendary: Ernie Hudson. Not only has he been killing it (no pun intended) for years in television and media, but given this latest press run for the “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” actor—this 78-year-old star is giving Method Man a run for his money in the “zaddy” department.

Delroy Lindo, 71

Photo: Getty Images Mark Von Holden/Variety Photo: Getty Images Mark Von Holden/Variety

I really don’t even have to say much here. Delroy Lindo is just cool personified.

Leslie Uggams, 80

Photo: Getty Images John Lamparsk Photo: Getty Images John Lamparsk

She’s beauty and she’s grace and shining ever the more.

Oprah Winfrey, 70

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter

Taking into account Queen O’s latest press run for “The Color Purple” and her obviously snatched waist—he’s serving as a stellar reminder that beauty has no age limit or age range.

Whoopi Goldberg, 68

Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil

Whoopi Goldberg has been gracing our screens for years and whether shes smiling as Celie or singing a tune as Sister Mary Clarence, her beauty has followed her all throughout.

David Alan Grier, 67

Photo: Getty Images John Salangsang/Variety Photo: Getty Images John Salangsang/Variety

This funnyman knows no limits when it comes to comedy or aging gracefully and for that we thank you, David Alan Grier!

Jackie Jackson, 72

Photo: Getty Images Rick Diamond Photo: Getty Images Rick Diamond

Jackie Jackson may be part of an iconic group, but his good looks over the years make him stand out effortlessly!

Sheryl Lee Ralph, 66

Photo: Getty Images Robin L Marshall/WireImage Photo: Getty Images Robin L Marshall/WireImage

Thee DIVA! The original Dreamgirl! Sheryl Lee Ralph has been a vision of beauty for years and just like fine wine—she’s getting better with time. We’ll always love to it!

Gayle King, 68

Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil

We may all lovingly refer to her as “Oprah’s bestie” but Gayle King has been killing the game in her own right for a very long time—and looking good while doing it.

Chaka Khan, 70

Photo: Getty Images ANGELA WEISS/AFP Photo: Getty Images ANGELA WEISS/AFP

Ain’t nobody….loving and looking good like Chaka Khan and that’s facts. She’s CHAKA KHAN!! CHAKA KHAN!

Pattie LaBelle, 79

Photo: Getty Images Tammie Arroyo/Variety Photo: Getty Images Tammie Arroyo/Variety

If only we knew how what the secret was behind Patti LaBelle’s unmatched looks after all these years! When we find out, we’ll let you know!

Tina Knowles, 69

Photo: Getty Images Rodin Eckenroth Photo: Getty Images Rodin Eckenroth

Beyonce had to get her good looks and talent from somewhere, right? (No shade to you Matthew). And Miss Tina always gives a masterclass on looking fly.

Debbie Allen, 73

Photo: Getty Images VALERIE MACON/AFP Photo: Getty Images VALERIE MACON/AFP

I’ll credit Debbie Allen’s beauty to her many skills and many years of excellent dancing. Beauty isn’t stagnant and neither is Miss Allen!

Iman, 68

Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris Photo: Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris

It must truly be something to wake up with a face like Iman’s everyday and to have done so for years. What a life.

Denzel Washington, 68

Photo: Getty Images Ivan Romano Photo: Getty Images Ivan Romano

Denzel Washington. He’s an icon, he’s a legend, and he will forever be the moment. None can compare.

Gladys Knight, 79

Photo: Getty Images Elyse Jankowski Photo: Getty Images Elyse Jankowski

To be Gladys Knight is to be equal parts legendary, supremely talented and gorgeous all in one. Not many can relate!

Samuel L. Jackson, 74

Photo: Getty Images Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Photo: Getty Images Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

On a scale of 1 to MF’ing Cool, Samuel L. Jackson is actually innumerable. That’s how well he’s aged.

Smokey Robinson, 83

Photo: Getty Images Greg Doherty for Byron Allen/Allen Media Group Photo: Getty Images Greg Doherty for Byron Allen/Allen Media Group

Gird your gasms because Smokey Robinson may be from the Motown era, but he’s present and ready to steal the hearts of your grandma, mama, and your niece! Watch out now!

Ron Isley, 82

Photo: Getty Images Erika Goldring Photo: Getty Images Erika Goldring

There’s a reason why Ron Isley is still making women swoon all these many years later and yes, the good vocals and suit game definitely has something to do with it.

Diana Ross, 79

Photo: Getty Images PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP Photo: Getty Images PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP

When I grow up, I want to be as elegant and graceful as Diana Ross has always been since the day we all first laid eyes on her! I know she’s one of one, but one can hope!

Alfre Woodard, 71

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala

Not only is Alfre Woodard a legend in the acting world, but she’s a legendary looker when it comes to aging gracefully as well!

Loretta Devine, 74

Photo: Getty Images Michael Kovac for Children’s Diabetes Foundation Photo: Getty Images Michael Kovac for Children’s Diabetes Foundation

I know we gave Jenifer Lewis the title of the “Mother of Black Hollywood” but Loretta Devine has also been the mother of many in Black Hollywood and continues to look good year after year!

Phylicia Rashad

Photo: Getty Images Robyn BECK / AFP Photo: Getty Images Robyn BECK / AFP

Speaking of Black mothers, Phylicia will always be our timeless and captivating Claire Huxtable. No matter what, no matter what age.

Jenifer Lewis

Photo: Getty Images Santiago Felipe Photo: Getty Images Santiago Felipe

Now y’all already know we had to put the Mother of Black Hollywood in here. Such personality, such power, such beauty at 67. Who’s doing it like her?

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

A Full Timeline of Candace Owens' Bizarre Political Flip-Flops

A Full Timeline of Candace Owens’ Bizarre Political Flip-Flops

Candace Owens’ political affiliations have flipped and flopped so many times that now it’s time we finally talk about it all …
Carl Carlton and Other Black Celebs We Lost In 2025

Carl Carlton and Other Black Celebs We Lost In 2025

We are recognizing the Black celebs who left us in 2025 …
Inside the Explosive Delineation Debate Picking Apart Black Folk's Identity, History, and Who 'Belongs' 

Inside the Explosive Delineation Debate Picking Apart Black Folk’s Identity, History, and Who ‘Belongs’ 

From ancestry and reparations to defining identity, the delineation movement is sparking conversations, and controversy, across Black America …
Why Teyana Taylor's Latest Role Has Folks Comparing Her to Halle Berry in 'Monster's Ball'

Why Teyana Taylor’s Latest Role Has Folks Comparing Her to Halle Berry in ‘Monster’s Ball’

Teyana Taylor’s role in ‘One Battle After Another’ is sparking some serious conversations and it involves Halle Berry and broader representations of Black women …
Chicago-Area Man Allegedly Sexually Assaults Wheelchair-Bound Woman on Train, But it Gets Worse...

Chicago-Area Man Allegedly Sexually Assaults Wheelchair-Bound Woman on Train, But it Gets Worse…

Rasheed Griffin, of Calumet City, is accused of sexually assaulting a wheelchair-bound woman on the CTA. Then did the unthinkable in court …
How 'Owning Manhattan' Has Everyone Talking About Black Women's Struggle in Corporate America

How ‘Owning Manhattan’ Has Everyone Talking About Black Women’s Struggle in Corporate America

The newest season of ‘Owning Manhattan’ has Black women calling out the rough landscape of working in corporate America and the things they have to deal with! …
TikTok's Brenay Montague Breaks Her Silence on the $1.7M Cheating Scandal— And Fans Are Gagging

TikTok’s Brenay Montague Breaks Her Silence on the $1.7M Cheating Scandal— And Fans Are Gagging

Brenay Montague had viewers in a chokehold after admitting the $1.7 million cheating scandal “wasn’t worth it.” And the internet has some thoughts …
OnlyFans Model Connected to Sherrone Moore Breaks Her Silence About <i>That</i> Graphic Request

OnlyFans Model Connected to Sherrone Moore Breaks Her Silence About That Graphic Request

As the story around the Sherrone Moore scandal continues to get weirder, one OnlyFans model says the former football coach was frequently in her DMs …
Rep. Ilhan Omar's Beef with Trump Hits New Low After ICE Detains Her Son

Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Beef with Trump Hits New Low After ICE Detains Her Son

After months of beefing with Trump, Rep. Ilhan Omar claimed her son was targeted by ICE in Minnesota …
TGI Fridays Server’s Good Deed Goes Viral -- But There's a Problem

TGI Fridays Server’s Good Deed Goes Viral — But There’s a Problem

TGI Fridays server Brittany Bell touched millions with her heartfelt act of kindness, but the restaurant chain’s reward left social media unimpressed …
Why a N.C. Teen <i>Won't</i> Face Charges After Allegedly Stabbing His Classmate to Death

Why a N.C. Teen Won’t Face Charges After Allegedly Stabbing His Classmate to Death

A fight over a THC pen left one North Carolina 16-year-old dead. Now, his family wants justice after authorities refuse to press charges for this reason …
The Full Timeline of Ebro's Fiery Exit and Hot 97's Sudden Morning Show Collapse

The Full Timeline of Ebro’s Fiery Exit and Hot 97’s Sudden Morning Show Collapse

Now that the popular syndicated morning show “Ebro in the Morning” has come to an end, here’s what we know so far …
Stacey Abrams, New Report On Why Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais Is So Terrifying

Stacey Abrams, New Report On Why Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais Is So Terrifying

Stacey Abrams and Cliff Albright say Louisiana v. Callais could roll back the core of the Voting Rights Act, putting the future of Black voters at stake …
Russell Simmons Finally Responds to Ex Kimora Lee Simmons With This Shocking Claim

Russell Simmons Finally Responds to Ex Kimora Lee Simmons With This Shocking Claim

Russell Simmons isn’t letting ex Kimora Lee Simmons latest words paint him in a negative light without speaking up! …
Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Professor: Why Have Black Women Stayed Silent About Diddy, Other Men For So Long?

The Diddy docuseries does more than expose Sean Combs’s misdeeds. It shows how Black women sometimes hurt themselves in their attempt to protect Black men …
Christian Louboutin African Looks and Roots Will Surprise You

Christian Louboutin African Looks and Roots Will Surprise You

Did you know that Parisian designer Christian Louboutin has African ancestry? …
Black Women Find Connection Through Ebony & Orchid Dinners in New York City

Black Women Find Connection Through Ebony & Orchid Dinners in New York City

The Root spoke with Danielle Belton and Junny Ann Hibbert about their mission to foster community among Black women with Ebony & Orchid dinners in NYC …
Y’all Wanna Make Sherrone Moore About White Women…at the Expense of Black Women

Y’all Wanna Make Sherrone Moore About White Women…at the Expense of Black Women

OPINION: Sherrone Moore’s profound fall from grace may involve white women…but they aren’t the reason for it all …
Black Love Blooms In A Surprise Central Park Wedding

Black Love Blooms In A Surprise Central Park Wedding

A young Black couple got married in Central Park and TikTok is loving it! …
Internet Backlash  Follows Video of Uncle Nearest Whiskey Co-Founder with Man Claiming to be Former Schoolmate

Internet Backlash  Follows Video of Uncle Nearest Whiskey Co-Founder with Man Claiming to be Former Schoolmate

A video circulating online shows Fawn Weaver, co-founder of the whiskey company Uncle Nearest, reacting to a man who approached her at a recent book signing (most likely for her latest book, “Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel”). When he did speak, he asked her if …