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
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence Dish on What It Takes to be True Bad Boys

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

RIP Valentino: Iconic Black Celebrity Looks by the Designer

RIP Valentino: Iconic Black Celebrity Looks by the Designer

Valentino has cultivated a long and important relationship with Black celebrities, notably including iconic supermodels Iman and Naomi Campbell, alongside stars such as Beyoncé and Halle Berry …
All the Ways MLK's Legacy Is Being Misused

All the Ways MLK’s Legacy Is Being Misused

Dr. King shouldered immense pressure for the sake of achieving positive change. However, today, his name is frequently and conveniently invoked to lend credibility to figures and movements that directly contradict the very principles he risked his life to uphold …
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty Images Ronald Martinez

Why LeBron James is Getting Dragged For His MLK-Inspired Nike Sneakers

Designed to commemorate MLK Day and LeBron James’ 23rd season, “King James” and Nike have been called “tone-deaf” for the new shoe …
The Heartbreaking Fate of a Former Nickelodeon Black Child Star Exposes a Deeper Issue

The Heartbreaking Fate of a Former Nickelodeon Black Child Star Exposes a Deeper Issue

Kianna Underwood, a child star on Nickelodeon’s ‘All That’ had a life that should raise concerns about other child stars …
'High School Musical's' Black Stars, 20 Years Later

‘High School Musical’s’ Black Stars, 20 Years Later

Twenty years after the premiere, we’re looking at the lives and careers of three of the most memorable– and Black– stars from “High School Musical.” …
Teyana Taylor Opens Up About Her Divorce With Iman Shumpert

Teyana Taylor Opens Up About Her Divorce With Iman Shumpert

Golden Globe-winner Teyana Taylor is speaking out about her ex-husband Iman Shumpert and what life looks like since their divorce! …
Pastor Mike Todd Breaks His Silence On Druski's Viral Megachurch Skit That Everyone Thinks is About Him

Pastor Mike Todd Breaks His Silence On Druski’s Viral Megachurch Skit That Everyone Thinks is About Him

Pastor Mike Todd is speaking out on Druski’s pardoy of the megachurch that had the whole internet talking …
Nicki Minaj Hits Don Lemon With Homophobic Slur, and He Claps Back With <i>Heat</i>

Nicki Minaj Hits Don Lemon With Homophobic Slur, and He Claps Back With Heat

MAGA’s new darling Nicki Minaj is facing backlash after blasting journalist Don Lemon with an homophobic slur …
What Invoking the Insurrection Act Would Actually Mean for Minneapolis

What Invoking the Insurrection Act Would Actually Mean for Minneapolis

Martial law and civil war are unlikely. What invoking the Insurrection Act would produce is something different and still serious …
Is Elon Musk’s AI Supercomputer Poisoning This Black Historic Neighborhood in Memphis?

Is Elon Musk’s AI Supercomputer Poisoning This Black Historic Neighborhood in Memphis?

Thanks to Elon Musk’s Colossus supercomputer, Black families in South Memphis worry they are being exposed to toxic air from methane-powered turbines, while city leaders prioritize billion-dollar tech expansion …
Iyanla Vanzant's Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter's Funeral

Iyanla Vanzant’s Decision Not To Attend Her Daughter’s Funeral

During “The Breakfast Club” interview, Iyanla Vanzant explains why setting boundaries during grief is an act of self-love …
Photo: Getty Images Bettmann / Contributor

Rev. William Barber: Why We Must Reclaim MLK’s Radical Vision

According to Rev. Dr. William Barber, to truly honor and reclaim Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, people must return to King’s original, radical blueprint: organizing multi-racial, local, and state-level movements to challenge systemic injustices …
Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Why Fewer Black Residents Are Taking the Lead in Minneapolis Protests

Black people are present, but many have been vocal about choosing not to engage in the same ways they once did. Some have even pushed back against certain protest tactics. This shift has been interpreted by some as apathy or retreat. It is neither …
How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

How A Black Woman Helped To Revolutionize Pilates In The United States

Did you know that modern-day Pilates was pioneered by a Black woman? Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic Kathy Stanford Grant …
Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride's $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won't Believe Their Response

Florida Venue Allegedly Keeps Bride’s $7,600 Wedding Deposit After Her Fiancé Dies, You Won’t Believe Their Response

After Tye Hinson’s wedding dreams came to a tragic end, the venue’s response to her refund request sparked a viral debate …
Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Georgia Man Goes on a Full-Blown Racist Tirade, Messes Around and Finds Out

Robert Burke was seen in the video screaming the “N-word” at a security guard and claiming free speech …
Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time...and Here's How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña Breaks Her Silence on Becoming the Highest-Grossing Actress of All Time…and Here’s How She Did It

Zoe Saldaña is now the most successful actor of all time. And now she’s finally responding to her new milestone! …
The <i>Real</i> Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

The Real Reason Those Bruno Mars Tickets Are So Damn Expensive

Fans were left in shock after seeing the prices for Bruno Mars’ tour and were left wondering why concerts are so expensive now. Here’s why! …
Dr. King's Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on MLK Day

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take a closer look at little known facts about the life and legacy of one of the most famous men in history …
Sade's Most Timeless Songs to Keep You Grooving to a Legend!

Sade’s Most Timeless Songs to Keep You Grooving to a Legend!

Sade’s music has maintained its potency decades after she burst onto the scene. This playlist delivers hits and sleepers that are definitely a vibe …