10 unexpected Caribbean actors and actresses dominating film and TV

Amid the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, there exists a group of Caribbean actors and actresses whose contributions to the film and television industry may surprise you. From iconic actors to emerging filmmakers, we spotlight some Caribbean-American talents who have made their mark on the silver screen.

Golda Rosheuvel

Look up the most popular show on Netflix right now and you’ll likely see the 19th-century Regency-era series Bridgerton. What you may not know is that one of the most notable characters, Queen Charlotte, is played by Guyanese actress Golda Rosheuvel, a role that has won her much acclaim. With a discography starring in the Bridgerton spin-off short series, titled Queen Charlottea part next to Zendaya Dune: part onethe bell-ringing grandmother Agnes in the 2016 Lady Macbeth and the recurring role of Jocelyn Sancerre in the new 2024 release Doctor whoin addition to a handful of roles in other films and stage productions.

Ayo Edebiri

A rising star, 28-year-old Ayo Ejebiri rose to national fame with her role in Hulu’s original comedy-drama, The bear, from which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Since then, the actress, who has Barbadian roots on her father’s side, has appeared in highly rated films such as the Girls Fight Club Comedy, Bottoms and the 2023 musical mockumentary, Theater campas well as television, including a speaking role in the provocative cartoon comedy, Big mouth and the role of Ayesha, the sister of main character Janine Teagues, at Abbott Elementary. Her cheeky interview humor and awkward candor on the red carpet have made her a fan favorite, while her coming of age roles have her hailed as a relatable female character for young women.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright has quickly become known as one of the most intriguing young actresses of her generation. Born in Georgetown, Guyana, she first gained attention as Chantelle in the 2011 British drama Great boy. Her talent continued to shine with a guest role in the 2015 series Doctor who and an Emmy-nominated performance as Nish in the 2017 episode “Black Museum” of the horror-meets-sci-fi series, Black mirror. However, Wright is probably best known for her standout role as Shuri in Marvel’s Black Panther alongside the late Chadwick Boseman, where her portrayal of Wakanda’s chief scientist and strong princess captivated audiences around the world.

Zoe Kravitz

Zoë Kravitz, the daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet, has Bahamian ancestry on her father’s side. She has made her own way in the entertainment industry, delivering memorable performances in major box office films such as It’s quite a funny story, Divergent, Mad Max: Fury Roadand the latest 2022 Batman. She’s also no stranger to television, with a spot on the HBO drama Big little lies alongside Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon and her Divergent co-star Shailene Woodley. When she’s not on the Hollywood red carpet, Kravitz also models for commercial brands like Yves Saint Laurent. Her unique blend of talent, beauty and charisma continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Stephen Toussaint

Stephen Toussaint is a British actor known for his versatile performances in television, film and theatre. Born and raised in the UK to Barbadian parents, Toussaint has received critical acclaim for his powerful presence and nuanced portrayal of complex characters. In 2022, he received widespread attention and praise for his role as Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as ‘The Sea Snake’, in the HBO original series. House of the Dragona prequel to the immensely popular Game of Thrones.

Throughout his career, Toussaint has demonstrated remarkable range and dedication, which has earned him respect and admiration from the public and his peers alike. From his role in the British crime drama The knock, to the Australian series Pine gorge and even a small part in 2010 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Along with Jake Gyllenhaal, his work continues to contribute to the evolving landscape of contemporary drama, making him a prominent figure in modern television and film.

Naomi Harris

Hailing from London with roots in Jamaica, Naomie Harris has achieved international fame for her versatile performances on film and television. From her breakthrough role as Tia Dalma in the pirates of the Caribbean franchise for her moving portrayal of a drug-addicted mother in MoonlightHarris’ talent knows no bounds. She is known for being a great choice for action-packed sequences, such as her role as the superhuman Shriek in the 2021 film. Venom Marvel sequel, Venom: Let there be carnage and her portrayal of a tough police officer in Black and blue. Her ability to embody complex characters with depth and nuance has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors.

Barry Jenkins

Acclaimed filmmaker Barry Jenkins has emerged as a visionary voice in contemporary cinema, crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant stories that challenge convention and defy categorization. Jenkins, born and raised in Miami to a Bahamian mother, received widespread praise for his film Moonlight, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Picture. Another of his achievements is 2018’s If Beale Street Could Talk, a critically acclaimed film with a whopping 95% audience rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes, the screenplay of which he directed and wrote.

His evocative storytelling and deep exploration of identity have cemented his reputation as a filmmaker of enormous talent and promise. In 2024 he will direct the long-awaited adventure musical Mufasa: The Lion King.

Lorraine Toussaint

With a career spanning more than three decades, Lorraine Toussaint has delivered captivating performances on film, television and on stage. Born in Trinidad and Tobago and raised in Brooklyn, Toussaint’s talent shines in roles ranging from the fierce Vee to Orange is the new black to the nurturing mother figure Queen Sugar and a brief stint as an LGBTQ+ ally on the family’s favorite television series, The Fosters. As of 2021, she has been committed to the CBS female-led adaptation of the hit Denzel Washington films, The equalizer, in collaboration with Queen Latifah. Her ability to embody complex characters with depth and authenticity is a testament to her skill as an actress.

Selenis Leyva

Selenis Leyva, a Dominican-American actress originally from the Bronx, has captivated audiences with her memorable performances in film and television. Known for her dominant role as Gloria Mendoza in Orange is the new blackLeyva’s portrayal of complex and multi-dimensional characters received widespread praise. She recently appeared in Confession of Faith III alongside Michael B. Jordan as the strong Latina mother of a fellow boxer, and since 2022 she is known as Rosie in the NBC sitcom Lopez vs. Lopeza reprisal of sorts for the hit show from the early 2000s. In addition to acting, she is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness, using her platform to amplify important social issues.

Yara Shahidi

Best known for her leading role in the television series Blackish and its spin-off Adult-ishYara Shahidi is a rising star whose Caribbean roots add an extra layer of wealth to her identity. Born to an Iranian father and a mother of Afro-Trinidadian and African American descent, Shahidi is not only a talented actress but also an outspoken advocate for social justice and youth empowerment. Off television, Shahidi starred in the 2019 romance, The sun is also a starand scored the role of Tinker Bell in the 2023 live-action Disney adaptation Peter Pan and Wendy.