Caribbean actresses have achieved great success in Hollywood. The entertainment industry is increasingly interested in telling stories and introducing characters that reflect the world’s diversity. They, with their unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds, offer a fresh and appealing perspective to filmmakers and audiences.
Also, many Caribbean actresses are bilingual or even trilingual, which allows them to work on a variety of projects and roles in different languages. In addition to this, they have received rigorous acting training at drama schools and other institutions in their home countries. This gives them a solid foundation on which to build a career in Hollywood.
In short, Caribbean actresses have attained success in Hollywood thanks to their diversity, talent, multilingualism and acting training. Additionally, their personal style, charisma and social media presence have also contributed to their success. Here we share our list of 9 Caribbean actresses who have made it big in the United States.
LETITIA WRIGHT (GUYANA)
Letitia Wright has officially transitioned from a breakout star to a Hollywood leading lady. Following the massive success of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), where she took up the mantle of the Black Panther, Wright has focused on poignant, character-driven dramas. She starred in and produced the harrowing historical drama The Silent Twins (2022) and led the gritty Western Surrounded (2023), playing a former Buffalo Soldier.
Her voice work also continues to shine, notably in the animated hit Sing 2. Wright remains one of the most influential Guyanese figures in global cinema today.
ANA DE ARMAS (CUBA)
Since her historic Oscar nomination for Blonde (2022), De Armas has solidified her status as an A-list action icon and dramatic force. She reunited with Chris Evans for the high-octane adventure Ghosted (2023) and is set to lead the John Wick spin-off, Ballerina (2025), where she plays a vengeful assassin. Her ability to pivot from intense biopics to big-budget blockbusters has made her the most sought-after Cuban actress in modern Hollywood history.
Related article: Ten Afro-Cuban Actresses You Must Know
ZOE SALDANA (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)
Zoe Saldana continues to hold the title of the “Queen of the Box Office,” being the only actor to star in four films that have grossed over $2 billion. Recently, she gave an emotional farewell to her character Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) and returned to the world of Pandora in Avatar: The Way of Water. Beyond the franchises, Saldana has moved into gritty television, starring in and executive producing the Taylor Sheridan thriller series Special Ops: Lioness and garnering critical acclaim for her role in the musical crime comedy Emilia Pérez (2024).
GINA TORRES (CUBA)
Gina Torres remains a powerhouse on television. Following her iconic run on Suits and its spin-off Pearson, she has become a central figure in the procedural world as Tommy Vega in 9-1-1: Lone Star. Her commanding presence and elegance continue to land her diverse roles; she recently lent her voice to the Netflix animated series The Legend of Vox Machina and appeared in the romantic comedy The Perfect Find (2023).
CCH POUNDER (GUYANA)
A veteran of the craft, CCH Pounder continues to balance prestigious television roles with blockbuster film appearances. She recently reprised her role as the spiritual matriarch Mo’at in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) and will continue with the franchise’s upcoming sequels. On the small screen, she has made impactful appearances in The Good Fight and provided voice work for the series Full Circle. Her legacy as one of Guyana’s most prolific exports remains unmatched.
THANDIE NEWTON (RAISED IN JAMAICA)
Now professionally using her birth name, Thandiwe Newton, the actress has continued to champion complex, fierce characters. Following the conclusion of Westworld, she lent her voice to the acclaimed Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023). Newton remains a vocal activist for women’s rights and has focused her recent career on projects with strong social messages, including the neo-Western thriller God’s Country, where her performance was hailed as a “masterclass in tension.”
NAOMIE HARRIS (JAMAICA)
Naomie Harris has recently expanded her repertoire into high-concept science fiction and psychological drama. She starred in the series The Man Who Fell to Earth (2022), playing a brilliant scientist, and appeared in the Apple TV+ film Swan Song alongside Mahershala Ali. Known for her immense range, she continues to be a staple of British and American cinema, bringing a trademark depth to every role she inhabits.
SHERYL LEE RALPH (JAMAICA)
Sheryl Lee Ralph is currently experiencing a massive “renaissance” in her career. Her role as Barbara Howard in the hit mockumentary Abbott Elementary earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2022, followed by several more nominations and wins at the Critics’ Choice and SAG Awards. A proud representative of her Jamaican heritage, Ralph has become a symbol of longevity and excellence in the industry, even performing at the Super Bowl LVII pre-show.
TATYANA ALI (PANAMA)
Tatyana Ali has remained a consistent favorite on television, particularly within the holiday film circuit and drama series. She recently joined the cast of Bel-Air, the dramatic reimagining of the show that made her famous, appearing in a recurring role that paid homage to her roots. She also starred in the film Giving Hope: The Ni’cola Mitchell Story (2023) and continues to balance her acting career with advocacy for maternal health and education.
