The Sexiest 90s Black Female Bombshells, Then and Now

From Nia Long to Jada Pinkett-Smith, the 1990s had no shortage of beautiful Black women. Let’s take a look!

Nia Long, 1995; Nia Long, 2023. Photo: Getty Images NBCU Photo Bank; Matt Winkelmeyer

There’s no denying the beauty and brilliance of the Black woman. As Women’s History Month—or as we like to call it, Black Women’s History Month—gets underway, we’d be remiss if we didn’t express just how much we love seeing Black women continue to be the personification of the phrase “aging like fine wine” with each passing year.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Meet the Masterminds Behind the Beats: Celebrating Black Music Producers by Region

So it’s in that spirit of appreciation that we felt it fitting to take a leisurely stroll to look at a handful of our favorite ‘90s bombshells — then and now — to reminisce and bask in the timeless beauty.

Sanaa Lathan

Photo: Getty Images YouTube/Kailah; Corey Nickols for IMDb Photo: Getty Images YouTube/Kailah; Corey Nickols for IMDb

When we look up the phrase “aging like fine wine” in the dictionary, there’s no doubt a photo of Sanaa Lathan sitting right there. And if there’s not, there should be!

Nia Long

Photo: Getty Images Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank; Jocelyn Prescod/Peacock Photo: Getty Images Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank; Jocelyn Prescod/Peacock

We see why Darius Lovehall was trying to become the funk in Nia Long’s right thigh because…wow! She truly just gets more flawless with time!

Regina King

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; John Salangsang/Variety Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; John Salangsang/Variety

Blame it on her beautiful smile and those brown, honey-butter eyes, Regina BEEN King, OK? May her reign last forever!

Regina Hall

Photo: Getty Images Scott Gries; y Gilbert Flores/Variety Photo: Getty Images Scott Gries; y Gilbert Flores/Variety

When it comes to fine women who are arguably funnier than a lot of stand up comedians, you better make sure Regina Hall is in that conversation. (And at the top of the list.)

Kelis

Photo: Getty Images Brian Rasic; Rick Kern for Honeyland Festival Photo: Getty Images Brian Rasic; Rick Kern for Honeyland Festival

When Kelis said her milkshake brought all the boys to the yard, we think she forgot to mention that it held the fountain of youth too. Her beauty is unmatched.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; Dia Dipasupil Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; Dia Dipasupil

While being the daughter of Diana Ross comes with its own glamorous reputation, Tracee Ellis Ross has been dazzling folks with her gorgeousness on her own.

Jill Marie Jones

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; Dia Dipasupil Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection; Dia Dipasupil

Keeping on the “Girlfriends” tip, we’re gonna need Jill Marie Jones to tell us her skin routine and what her signature lip combo is ASAP. We may not be able to look as fine as her but dammit, we’re gonna try!

Kenya Moore

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Michael Kovac/The Hollywood Reporter

There’s a reason why Kenya Moore won Miss USA all those years ago—just look at her! She’s “Gone With the Wind fabulous.” Keep twirling on ’em!

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Photo: Getty Images YouTube/Changofchange; JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter

If you would’ve made us bet that Salli Richardson would still be as fine today as she was back then—we probably would’ve put up our entire life savings. Do you see her face? 10/10, no notes.

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Photo: Getty Images KMazur/WireImage; Kevin Winter

Folks may have a lot to say about Jada Pinkett-Smith, but what they can’t say is that she’s never served major face and sexy swag. She has an aura that’s truly like no other, and we’re here for it!

Angela Bassett

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Dia Dipasupil Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Dia Dipasupil

Oscars and Emmys aside, there’s a reason why she’s called Angela “Been Bad” Bassett. (Did we just make that up? Yes. But it’s hella fitting because look at the perfection that is her face. We love you, Auntie!)

Halle Berry

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety

The list of reasons why Halle Berry will always be fine, no matter the decade, is about as long as the list of songs that mention her. Shall we count the gorgeous ways?

Vivica A. Fox

Photo: Getty Images ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content; Derek White

No matter what anyone says, make no mistake: Vivica A. Fox is still that girl. Don’t get it twisted!

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety

Remember divas: Sheryl Lee Ralph was an original Dreamgirl, so that means she’s got an ethereal beauty and elegance that’ll always stand the test of time.

Tisha Campbell

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives; Frazer Harrison Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives; Frazer Harrison

Much like Regina Hall, in addition to Campbell’s good looks, her ability to make people laugh just turns up her sexy factor 1,000 notches.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Some of the Wildest Recent News Events You Might've Missed

Some of the Wildest Recent News Events You Might’ve Missed

From Pam Bondi’s firing to Gucci Mane’s alleged kidnapping, these recent world events have certainly kept us on our toes! …
Eddie Murphy's Top Movies Ranked By the Box Office, In Honor of His 65th Birthday

Eddie Murphy’s Top Movies Ranked By the Box Office, In Honor of His 65th Birthday

Eddie Murphy is officially 65! In honor of his birthday, let’s take a look at his most successful films. You might be surprised at what made the cut! …
Dr. King's Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on the Anniversary of His Murder

Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on the Anniversary of His Murder

Fifty-eight years after Dr. King was killed, let’s take a closer look at little known facts about the life and legacy of one of the most famous men in history …
Why Keke Palmer's Explanation Of a Shocking SXSW Proposal Is Something All Women Can Relate To

Why Keke Palmer’s Explanation Of a Shocking SXSW Proposal Is Something All Women Can Relate To

Keke Palmer is opening up about that shocking and scary impromptu proposal she received at SXSW. But her experience and explanation is sadly one that most women are familiar with …
Anti-Affirmative Action Groups are Now Coming for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Scholarships

Anti-Affirmative Action Groups are Now Coming for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Scholarships

An anti-affirmative action organization has filed a lawsuit against Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s scholarships aimed at helping disenfranchised Black students …
Michael Jackson's Legal History Ahead of the New Movie

Michael Jackson’s Legal History Ahead of the New Movie

Ahead of his biopic, we’re laying out a full timeline of the allegations and legal drama surrounding the King of Pop …
Why an Ex-Syracuse Basketball Player Chose Deportation to Sudan

Why an Ex-Syracuse Basketball Player Chose Deportation to Sudan

John Bol Ajak is headed back home to Sudan after spending more than a month in ICE custody …
Brandy Shares Where She Stands Now With Brother Ray J

Brandy Shares Where She Stands Now With Brother Ray J

There’s been a lot of chatter from Ray J in the past about where things stands with his sister Brandy. Now she’s sharing her side of the story …
How One Black Man’s Journey for a New Eye Color Turned Into a Medical Disaster That Has TikTok Users Shook

How One Black Man’s Journey for a New Eye Color Turned Into a Medical Disaster That Has TikTok Users Shook

Since hitting streaming services this year, a 2023 documentary following a man’s journey to change his eye color is going viral on TikTok and leaving everyone shook …
Is Medicaid, Childcare on the Chopping Block?

Is Medicaid, Childcare on the Chopping Block?

During a private Easter luncheon at the White House, Trump told guests it’s just “not possible” for the country to pay for Medicaid, Medicare and daycare …
Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Loyal Attorney General Trump Just Fired

Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Loyal Attorney General Trump Just Fired

Here’s everything to know about the life and career of former AG Pam Bondi who was just fired by President Trump …
Inside the Killing of a Rising Florida Vice Mayor— And The Husband Now Charged With Her Murder

Inside the Killing of a Rising Florida Vice Mayor— And The Husband Now Charged With Her Murder

Nancy Metayer Bowen was weeks away from announcing a Congress bid. Instead, a wellness check revealed a nightmare, and a husband charged with her murder …
Black America Rallies Behind Justice Kentanji Jackson as She Shreds Trump’s Birthright Challenge

Black America Rallies Behind Justice Kentanji Jackson as She Shreds Trump’s Birthright Challenge

Ketanji Brown Jackson stood out from several justices appearing to be skeptical of the president’s argument against the Citizenship Clause in the 14th Amendment …
In Resurfaced Video, Wanya Morris Speaks Relationship With 16-year-old Brandy

In Resurfaced Video, Wanya Morris Speaks Relationship With 16-year-old Brandy

Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris is back in the hot seat on social media for some resurfaced comments he made about his past relationship with Brandy Norwood. Let’s get into it! …
Black America Reacts to Shocking Gucci Mane Kidnapping

Black America Reacts to Shocking Gucci Mane Kidnapping

Rapper Gucci Mane faced the unthinkable after he was allegedly kidnapped and robbed. And now folks online can’t stop talking about it! …
Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black Twitter is buzzing with comments about President Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi …
New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

Led by Dr. Sonya Reid, a Black physician, a new study shows how DNA-based tumor analysis can help close the survival gap for Black women with aggressive breast cancer …
Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman's Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman’s Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

No standing. No cutting. No problem! Meet the Black content creator who creates disability-friendly recipes that’s taking the internet by storm …
WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

Rapper 2 Chainz’s regular commute included a wild confrontation with a driver who tried ramming his car— and it was all caught on camera …
Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good is finally clearing the air and addressing the criticisms she’s received over past skin bleaching claims …