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
Samuel L. Jackson, John David and Malcolm Washington on ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Family and Legacy

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

Breaking Down Who's Playing Who In Michael Jackson Movie

Breaking Down Who’s Playing Who In Michael Jackson Movie

The highly-anticipated Michael Jackson movie hits theaters April 24. Let’s take a look at who’s portraying the famous faces! …
Everything You Need to Know About the KKK

Everything You Need to Know About the KKK

The Root is taking a closer look into the Ku Klux Klan, one of the most notorious terrorist organizations of all time …
Here's a Full Timeline of Trump's Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

Here’s a Full Timeline of Trump’s Years-Long Beef with AG Letitia James

If you’re not caught up with the latest beef between Trump and Letitia James, don’t worry. We have you covered with everything to know since 2022 …
HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

HBCU Alumni Score Higher in Brain Health Than PWI Peers, New Study Finds

A new study shows that the HBCU experience may actually be connected to a lifetime of well-being …
Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

Rihanna Gives Firsthand Account of Home Shooting Incident

New details from Rihanna are emerging about her unfortunate home shooting from Let’s get into it …
Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on 'Conservative Women in America'

Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on ‘Conservative Women in America’

Fan-favorite comedian Druski transforms into a satirical “Christian conservative” character, sparking millions of views and a heated online debate …
82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross's Style Through the Years

82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross’s Style Through the Years

As ‘The Boss’ turns another year older, we thought it’d be fitting to revel in the fabulous fashions of the legendary singer over the years. Let’s take a look! …
TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

TikToker Finds Jill Scott’s Family Photos at Goodwill and Launches Mission to Return Them

After stumbling across Jill Scott’s family photos in Goodwill, one TikToker user has returned the precious memories back to the singer …
New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce settlement details between ‘RHOA’ star Kandi Burruss and ex Todd Tucker have been released. Let’s take a look! …
Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Professor: It gave us everything we needed in 2020 and nothing we need now …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …
Lamar Odom's Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

Lamar Odom’s Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

While many know NBA star Lamar Odom for his famous relationship with Khloe Kardashian, his teenage sweetheart is finally opening up about their dynamic …
Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the 'Verzuz' Battle

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the ‘Verzuz’ Battle

“Verzuz” is back, y’all! From “Sweet Lady” to “When We,” Tank and Tyrese are bringing all their hits to the stage. We curated the best playlist to get you ready to sing and slow dance for the show …
Black People Are Asking Why We Didn't Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black People Are Asking Why We Didn’t Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black folks are pissed after Zohran Mamdani’s wife’s old tweets resurfaced, painting her in a problematic light within the Black community …
The Numbers Don't Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

From the C-suite to entrepreneurship, Black women have had a record-breaking rise in recent years, even as they battle an uneven playing field …
Why a Comedian's Translation of 'The Lion King's' Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

Why a Comedian’s Translation of ‘The Lion King’s’ Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

The “Circle of Life” chant is one of the most recognizable sounds in Disney movie history! But right now, it’s the center of a $27 million legal war …
Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Reviews are mixed on whether maskless Black ICE agents are causing more harm than good in U.S. airports …
Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Shay Taylor-Allen shared a now-viral clip of the moment she learned that she would do her medical residency at Yale Hospital –where she once worked as a janitor …
We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

Usher and Justin Bieber allegedly got into a ‘heated exchange’ during an Oscars after-party. And now we’ve got insight into what really went down! …
Boston's 'Best Social Justice Advocate' Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Boston’s ‘Best Social Justice Advocate’ Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Monica Cannon-Grant, named “Bostonian of the Year,” stole donations and rental aid while illegally collecting unemployment as she organized BLM …