Where are the young black actresses?

Where u at?

I was going to prepare a post.  But now I can’t.  So, I guess I’ll post this instead…

I needed two things to write the post.  To begin with, I needed two lists…

a list of ten popular white actresses under 30 – between the ages 20 - 29.
a list of ten popular black actresses under 30 – between the ages 20 - 29.

I’m unable to write the post because I can’t finish one of the lists.  :(

… unless you, the readers can.  I don’t know everything.  There’s plenty that I don’t know.  And plenty I’m not in the loop about.  So, I could be missing eight actresses.  It’s quite possible.  In fact, I’m really expecting to be embarrassed if and when readers fill up the list.  Because as I’m writing, I’m saying to myself, “surely, you’re missing people.”  Because really, I just can’t believe this is the end of the list.  I don’t  believe it.

Meagan Good Lauren London

Hilary Duff Anne Hathaway Lindsay Lohan Scarlett Johansson Christina Ricci Kate Hudson Kirsten Dunst Anna Paquin Jessica Biel Keira Knightley

Isn’t it reasonable to expect that in almost 2008, we should be able to name off the top of our head ten young black actresses?

I was unable to do this.  Can anyone? 

Ah, Meagan Good.  I remember when I first saw her in Eve’s Bayou.  I thought her career held such promise.  Like Jurnee Smollett, I thought Good’s showing in the film was more than respectable.  I thought Meagan Good was going to blossom into a highly regarded young actress.  It seems that Meagan Good is becoming more well known as a caricature in the gossip rags, rather than a talented young actress to be reckoned with (which she probably could be – and may still be, before all is said and done).  The good news:  Meagan Good works very regularly!

As for newcomer, Lauren London; I thought she held her own in ATL.

One of the reasons I don’t think young black actresses are given the chance to shine and bloom like their white counterparts is because I think often their white counterparts are seen as actresses first and whatever else they are, second.  Say what you want to say about Lindsay Lohan, she is still recognized as a very talented actress.  My guess is that sistas are probably often seen through amorous eyes first; probably in some instances with little regard to their thespian capabilities. 

When the list fills up, I’ll write the post.

How were they selected?  Not much thought went into it.  I just started listing the names of some of the most popular actresses I knew of.  Then I separated them by age.  I went from there.

If you’re wondering, the following people don’t qualify for the list.  Why?  The main reasons…

Beyonce has been in only two movies the last four years.
Jennifer Hudson has only one film credit at present.
Eve hasn’t been in a motion picture in three years. 
Raven Simone has appeared in one film in the last four years.

Comments

[JOHNNY WISHBONE]

The only logical, albeit MESSED up, explanation is. WHite hollywood is scared and thereby hates seeing successful black artists. I hate to say it.. but if it walks like a duck, etc...

[theblackactor.com]

LOL @ Johnny -- walks like a duck...

It is fear or racism or conspiracy or something.

They are not being given opportunites... for some underlying reason.

[johnny wishbone]

I am also a black actor. I will tell of an experience i had when attending city college of new york working on my b.f.a. in theatre arts with an emphasis on acting. I was told by the department.. that i was being dropped from the program because "a black man will never be a lead actor and even though you are VERY talented and personable, we feel it is in your best interest to save you from the future rejection." I was then dropped from the program by receiving two failing grades which is grounds for expulsion from the program. True story. My point? I don't know.. just thought it made sense at the time to tell the story

[Kimi]

Would Jurnee Smollett qualify for your list?

Otherwise, I'm sadly stumped right now.

Altho I'm not sure of her age, Sharon Leal has been getting a lot more roles lately (This Christmas; Why Did I Get Married). But I'm not sure of her age tho.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Johnny

Wow. That's pretty unbelievable. It sucks, though. Since you're in the biz, Johnny, this raises another Question for me -- I know nothing about the world of stage. Do brothers have a better time of it there? I'm curious. I'm glad you didn't let that crush your dreams. If it is for you, you will have it and nothing anybody says (or does can interfere with that). Keep it movin. I'm glad you are.

@Kimi

Actually, Journee Smollett would qualify. However, I wouldn't really want her on the list. I never thought of her cuz I didn't think she was still working. She doesn't really belong on it. She barely works, with three films in the last four years. But, you're right Kimi. Technically she does belong on it (but not really). :) Thanks, Kimi.

[aulelia]

If the situation is dire in the US, it is barely visible in the UK! I can't think of any other young black actresses. And black female singers may also be eating up parts for black female actresses.

What about indie films for these black actresses?

[theblackactor.com]

@Aulelia

I don't watch enough indie films regularly enough to know. I'm guessin' the result is similar. I've often wondered if the UK situation with black actors is similar to the U.S. situation. I guess it may be. :(

[Shion]

No respectable actress ,black or white, wouldn't want to be associated with Lindsay Lohan!!! Get real!!!! Tara Reid,anyone? Those two are pretty much blacklisted as far as being on the silver screen because their partying interfered with business.Give them 5 years,they'll be posing for Playboy or their homemade sex tape will "leak" on the internet.
Black entertainers should pick and pace their career choices wisely.Don't be so quick to keep up with the current white female of the moment.Alot of these young white girls pick movies for the quick money and not for the longevity of a career because there is another younger white female who will take their fan base in 2-3 years (Hayden P. from "Heroes").Remember the young white girls with the hypenated last names (Michelle Gellar,Amber Theissen,Love Hewitt,ewtc.),they aren't as popular as they were 10 years ago. Black entertainers should accumulate their fan base steadily and don't be so quick to blow up in the mainstream,IMO.
BTW,Johnny, that story sounds like a lawsuit to me.

[LaJane Galt]

"we feel it is in your best interest to save you from the future rejection."

Damn Johnny! I call bullshit. Rejection is part of the business.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Shion

LOL.

Tara Reid popped into my head. She wasn't worthy of the list, it seemed. LOL.

[Orville]

I know this will sound controversial but I think it needs to be said. I think the reason young black women are not given the big major roles is due to fear. Hollywood is afraid of black female sexuality. The movies are fantasy. Hollywood doesn't want young black women to be the "fantasy" for white males. Nor does Hollywood want black women to be the "ideal" or standard of beauty. Think about it movies are pop culture right and in North America the "norm" is to promote a Eurocentric standard of beauty. It goes back to the days of slavery where white women were placed on the pedestal and black women were scorned.

Now things have improved in Hollywood but things certainly aren't as good as they should be. I think Hollywood has the collective thinking they will only use a young black actress when absolutely "necessary". Also, another problem is the lack of blacks in decision making places of power. Look at Shonda Rhimes at Grey's Anatomy. My question is Rhimes has a considerable amount of power yet she has two TV shows "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" with BOTH white women in the lead. My question is why? Why are black women just the "best friends" of the white females. It seems this is where black women are in the TV and movies.

It seems once black women "reach" their 30s the potential for bigger roles improves to a certain extent. Gabrielle Union is the star of two movies this year. The Perfect Holiday is coming out in a few weeks. But there is a void for young black women.

I just thought of someone what about Raven? I think Raven is perhaps the most successful and famous young black actress under the age of 25 in Hollywood right now. Ebony magazine had an article on Raven and they said she's sold over $400 million dollars worth of DVDs, CDs, concert tickets, movies ect.

I definitely see your point though about the lack of quality roles for young black actresses under the age of 30 its not fair and its not right.

Also I just remembered Jennifer Hudson did just win the Oscar she's only 26 so perhaps Hollywood will give her a film lead role? The question still remains can Hudson "build" on her Oscar win? Beyonce although some people will say she's not an actress she still is the most famous young black woman in Hollywood under the age of 30. And what about Fantasia she was amazing in the Color Purple. But I definitely see your point though.

[Orville]

I think you got to have Hudson on your list because unlike even some of those white girls she has the Oscar. And since Jennifer has the Oscar she has power. Also, Jennifer has completed two more movies with non singing roles. Jennifer has a small part in an indie called "Winged Creatures" costarring Forest Whitaker. Second, she's in the Sex and City movie. I mean that's got to count for something. I think if Jennifer Hudson plays her cards right she can become a big superstar. I think its really possible.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Orville

You make great points, Orville! I mentioned in the post about why Raven Simone wasn't included. I'm only counting her work in motion pictures. Okay. Maybe I'll add her. :)

I didn't consider Hudson's stuff in production. I only considered what she's already done. But okay, Orville. Maybe I'll add her. :)

[theblackactor.com]

@ Orville

You make great points, Orville! I mentioned in the post about why Raven Simone wasn't included. I'm only counting her work in motion pictures. Okay. Maybe I'll add her. :)

I didn't consider Hudson's stuff in production. I only considered what she's already done. But okay, Orville. Maybe I'll add her. :)

[Cheryl Ann @ Evoluer]

History does indicate a systematic fear and fascination of “The Dark.” Goggle: Saartjie Baartman, known among white Americans as “Hottentot Venus.”

[Cheryl Ann @ Evoluer]

History does indicate a systematic fear and fascination of “The Dark.” Goggle: Saartjie Baartman, known among white Americans as “Hottentot Venus.”

[Shion]

Yeah but Orville, that's exactly my point, a serious actress wouldn't want to be known for their sexuality because it is fleeting and you can't make a serious career out of it as you get older.These young white and tight actress are just temporary "eye candy". No one takes them serious as an actress.They are there just for box office revunue for a certain time...Jessica Simpson.Francis Ford Coppala said the only reason he cast Keanu Reeves in his "Dracula " remake was because of his box office appeal to young girls at the time..Denise Richardson played a nuke scientist in the James Bond film "The World is not Enough"!!!Most of these girls are flash in the pan.
Jennifer Hudson , I'm afraid, is stuck in the "best friend" roles because of her image.Usually,people who win "Supporting Oscars" have an opportunity to star in a lead role. Some fly ...some don't.She is a "best friend" in the Sex in the City movie coming out;-( She may need to drop her weight just to showcase a different side of her personality if she wants to have a fruitful CAREER or settle for having a JOB...there is a difference.
Sexuality got Ms. Berry an Oscar (of course I don't think she has ever done anything of substance since then,IMO)

[Orville]

Shion, we have to be positive about Jennifer Hudson. I mean the girl just won the Oscar this year. Jennifer is only 26 I believe she has youth on her side. Jennifer as I said is very smart. Wouldn't it be dumb for her to try to do a leading lady role right now? White Hollywood is just waiting for her to flop! I think Jennifer is trying to keep her name out there its a smart strategy. Jennifer probably watches Sex and the City and the pressure is OFF of her. I do see what you're saying about Jennifer though. I don't want her to end up in the typical black girl best friend to the white star type of roles either. However, Jennifer has to be shrewd she has to build her craft. Jennifer was already offered $3 million to be in a movie this year but she turned it down.

Yes Halle Berry won the Oscar but at what cost? I think Berry lost a lot of respect in the black community for doing Monster's Ball. I also believe black film fans have figured her out. Why would blacks want to see Halle have yet again another white male love interest?

Also, I am not suggesting Halle cannot work with white men. I am just noticing a trend that in MOST of Berry's films in the past five years since winning the Oscar she's only had white love interests. And the reason is all due to marketing. Hollywood thinks if Berry has a black leading man her movie won't sell. I disagree but that's the racist attitude of Hollywood.

Blacks want to see black love on the silver screen. Its the reason Tyler Perry is so popular. Berry isn't popular with blacks anymore because blacks know the game she's playing and she is indeed playing a game. I mean look at Berry "Things We Lost In The Fire" bombed big time. Nobody cared about that movie. I also feel Berry has lost the black audience. Some blacks don't want to see the so called "A" list black woman kissing and making love to white men all the time. I really believe white Hollywood is getting sick of Berry due to her age she's 41. And black movie fans have figured her out. Berry isn't about the "struggle" Berry is all about herself. Berry always tries to play the victim but nobody forced her to do crap like Catwoman and Perfect Stranger. Halle Berry made those choices.

[LaJane Galt]

I think the last straw re: Halle was when she got pregnant by a white dude. Me, I thought the Monster's Ball scene was gross (BBT!), but not offensive. Catwoman's camera cuts made me nauseous.

I have watched too many black men paired up w/ barely black too care much.

[aulelia]

I agree with Orville in the sense that I want to see black love on the screen more. It is refreshing. Bad Boys II was a re-run the other day on the box and I watched it and saw the love thing between Smith & Gabby Union. It was cute even though the film was rubbish, at least they were a black couple!

*rant over*

[SONGi]

wow.. i ♥ this site!
its sad tht we cant even name 10 young actresses eh!
i still think, we need all the successful BLACK Celebs [Oprah//.Denzel//.Diddy//.Camel//.Will Smith//.Spike Lee] to start makin opportunities for BLACK kids out there..
we cant keep asking WHITE people to help us out or make roles in movies for us..
we gotta do it ourselves!

[theblackactor.com]

@ SONGi

Thank you so much for the kind words, SONGi. :)

Yup. That's what it's gonna boil down to. We gotta do our own stuff. Period.

[rubyspirit]

Beyonce is a great actress. Its terrible she was overlooked in Dreamgirls.

Jennifer is OK. I'm just not into big Black women b*tchy roles. She's in Sex In The City movie so we'll see another side, hopefully.

Thandie is awesome. Too bad many years have passed without giving her more screen time. Love her...

Queen Latifiah is pretending, and ya'll are falling for it!

Eve's sitcom was funny. Her clothing line sucked!

More actresses in their 20s: Eva "Marcille" Pigford, YaYa Dacosta, Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry, ans Keisha Knight Pullam.

[Keisha]

A lot of times the industry causes a lot of people to devalue themselves and Black Women usually don't(or they used to didn't)take things that far. When folks start degrading themselves they are looked at as bofoons and not taken seriously. I also feel that we can't afford the proper training that these White actors/actress receive and pretty much since "crack" hit the scene in the late 70's we've really been left behind(meaning that most actresses in that age group had a f*cked up upbringing due to the society ). Now young "should be/could be" actresses are in hip/hop and RnB videos that glorify sex, drugs and stupidity. We have bad scripts and bad actors. I say forget this industry and just stay on the str8 and narrrow path of the LORD. Ok I know I went all around the subject and landed on GOD, but that's just me.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Keisha

"Now young "should be/could be" actresses are in hip/hop and RnB videos that glorify sex, drugs and stupidity. We have bad scripts"

Yuuuuuup.