Editor’s note: This story originally appeared in The Root in 2024. It is being republished today for President’s Day
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We are officially in the era of Black presidents, so it makes sense that we need to revisit some of the most memorable on screen Commanders-In-Chief. We know everyone likes to talk about Morgan Freeman in “Deep Impact” and Dennis Haysbert in “24,” but there are plenty of other movie and TV POTUS’ we need to celebrate. If you’re still buzzing from Kamala Harris’ history-making speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and want more inspirational orators, relax, get ready for a binge and check out our list of the most memorable Black presidents in movies and TV.
The First Family: Christopher B. Duncan – William Johnson
If you haven’t seen this short-lived comedy where a star-studded cast plays what seems to be a heightened, TV version of the Obamas, it’s a fun little watch. It has a real old school ‘80s and ‘90s sitcom vibe. You can find it on Sling or YouTube.
Southside With You: Parker Sawyers – Barack Obama
It’s not easy playing the young version of a president. Parker Sawyers has to show us why Michelle fell for Barack during their first date, while also dropping hints at the historic figure we’ll meet in the future. He’s fantastic at finding the right balance between regular first date nerves and charming future president.
Star Trek Discovery: Stacey Abrams – President of United Earth
The voting rights advocate is also huge “Star Trek: Discovery” fan, so she was thrilled to cameo in the Season 4 finale as the President of United Earth, who officially rejoins the Federation.
The Man: James Earl Jones – President Dilman
Decades before the election of Barack Obama, we saw exactly what would happen if a Black man became president. Congress immediately tries to limit his presidential powers and stop him from doing anything meaningful. He’s consistently put in the awkward position of justifying his intellect and opinions. It’s a stark prediction of the future.
24: Dennis Haysbert – President David Palmer
The Fox drama started with Jack Bauer stopping the attempted assasination of then Senator Palmer. Over the course of four seasons, David Palmer proved to be a thoughtful, compassionate, yet tough president who offered a captivating alternative to the scandals of George W. Bush’s administration.
24: D.B. Woodside – President Wayne Palmer
Wayne was always aware that he lived in his brother’s shadow, something that loomed over many of his decisions. Though he held the country together during the ongoing terrorist attacks of Season 6, the character was never as interesting as David. He eventually died from a brain hemorrhage, ending his presidency with whimper, not a bang.
The Fifth Element: Tommy Lister Jr. – President Lindberg
Poor President Lindberg spends most of his time waiting for Korben and Leeloo to save the world. His job get increasingly hilarious as the situation becomes more dire. Only Tommy Lister Jr. could’ve made this role fit so perfectly in the absurdity of the action/comedy.
Deep Impact: Morgan Freeman – President Beck
If the world is ending, who else has the gravitas and strength to lead us through it but Morgan Freeman. Seriously, no one else can make you believe it’s all going to be OK.
Head of State: Chris Rock – President Gilliam
Sure, Chris Rock doesn’t officially become president until the end of the movie, but his grass roots, practical approach to campaigning is hilariously accurate. Politics is ridiculous and this film is spot on with its portrayal.
Idiocracy: Terry Crews – President Camacho
Sadly, every day it feels like life is becoming more and more like “Idiocracy” and less like a normal world. Plus, we all know who the dim-witted President Camacho reminds us of.
White House Down: Jamie Foxx – President Sawyer
James Sawyer is an idealist who just wants to do good and make history. Unfortunately, the military industrial complex has other ideas and they launch an attack on the White House. What makes Jamie Foxx’s president so cool is that he is clearly playing a Black president, not a president who happens to be Black. The Oscar winner delivers a POTUS for the culture who fights off bad guys while wearing Jordans.
State of Affairs: Alfre Woodard – President Payton
President Payton has an understanding and patience that you want from a real president. Unlike some of her male counterparts, she doesn’t feel a need to go rushing into every situation guns blazing. Alfre Woodard has a regal quality you can’t fake, which makes her perfect casting for the president.
2012: Danny Glover – President Wilson
It’s the end of the world and Danny Glover is literally getting too old for this shit. When push comes to shove, he chooses his daughter and the future over himself.
Angel Has Fallen: Morgan Freeman – President Trumbull
All due respect to Aaron Eckhart, but Morgan Freeman was already playing the president in the first two movies, they just made it official in the third one.
Big Game: Samuel L. Jackson – President Moore
Samuel L. Jackson brings his familiar swag to the presidency in this action movie where he’s saved from terrorists by a kid. It’s one thing when the secret service is upstaged by a former special forces soldier, but this time around an actual child is better at protecting the president.
Chappelle’s Show: Dave Chappelle – President Bush
In one of “Chappelle’s Show’s “ more memorable sketches, Dave plays a Black version of George W. Bush as he tries to justify the invasion of Iraq. It’s ridiculous, over the top and also features Jamie Foxx as “Black Tony Blair.”
The First Lady: O-T Fagbenle – Barack Obama
Viola Davis may have received mixed reviews as Michelle Obama, but O-T Fagbenle was unforgettable as President Obama. He had all his mannerisms and movements down, delivering a pitch perfect performance of the 44th president.
Key & Peele: Jordan Peele, Keegan Michael Key – Barack Obama and Luther
Not only is Jordan Peele’s Obama impression spot on, we all wish we had an anger translator to handle those uncomfortable situations.
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