20 Most Notable Black Actors Who Died (& What Happened to Them)

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It is never easy to say goodbye to performers whose work shaped film and television. These actors left behind memorable roles and cultural touchstones that continue to find new audiences. Their careers spanned genres and decades, and the details of what happened to them matter to fans who want a clear record of their lives.

Below is a concise look at twenty notable Black actors who have passed away and the circumstances around their deaths. Each entry includes a short overview of their careers followed by a straightforward account of when and how they died, along with any confirmed details that help explain the events.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman became a global star through his portrayal of T’Challa in the Marvel hit series and also earned respect for leading roles in biographical dramas like ‘42’ and ‘Get on Up’. He worked steadily in film and television for two decades and focused on stories centered on historical figures and complex heroes.

He died on August 28, 2020 at age 43 from colon cancer. His family confirmed that he had been diagnosed in 2016 and continued to work during surgeries and chemotherapy. The announcement emphasized private treatment and a desire to complete ongoing projects while managing the illness.

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael K. Williams earned acclaim for Omar Little in ‘The Wire’ and Chalky White in ‘Boardwalk Empire’. His work extended to films, limited series, and documentaries, and he became known for roles that examined community, trauma, and survival.

He was found dead in New York on September 6, 2021 at age 54. Authorities determined acute drug intoxication involving fentanyl and related substances. The case prompted renewed discussion about contaminated street drugs and led to legal action against individuals tied to the supply.

André Braugher

André Braugher won praise and awards for Detective Frank Pembleton in ‘Homicide Life on the Street’ and later reached a broad audience with Captain Raymond Holt in ‘Brooklyn Nine Nine’. His film and stage work showed range across drama and comedy, and he remained an active presence on television for decades.

He died on December 11, 2023 at age 61 from lung cancer. His representatives shared the diagnosis after his death, noting a recent illness. Colleagues and networks issued formal tributes that acknowledged his long career and the impact of his leading roles.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was widely recognized for ‘The Wire’ and ‘Fringe’ and for playing Charon in the ‘John Wick’ films. He also worked in animation and video games, lending his voice and likeness to major franchises.

He died on March 17, 2023 at age 60. His death certificate listed ischemic heart disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Public statements from his family addressed questions about the cause and thanked fans for condolences while final arrangements were completed.

Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree became an icon with ‘Shaft’ and appeared in a long list of films and television series afterward. He worked steadily for five decades and contributed to projects that reshaped the image of the action hero on screen.

He died on October 24, 2023 at age 81 from pancreatic cancer. Representatives confirmed a short period between diagnosis and death. Memorials highlighted his influence on action cinema and the continued presence of his signature character in later installments.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier was a trailblazer who starred in ‘Lilies of the Field’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’ and became the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He also directed films and served as a diplomat, with a career that broadened opportunities across the industry.

He died on January 6, 2022 at age 94. His death certificate cited heart failure and listed Alzheimer’s disease and prostate cancer as contributing conditions. Official notices came from family and government offices and included arrangements in the Bahamas and the United States.

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte balanced film roles with a landmark music career and sustained activism. His work included ‘Carmen Jones’ and ‘Buck and the Preacher’ and he remained engaged in humanitarian and civil rights efforts throughout his life.

He died on April 25, 2023 at age 96 from congestive heart failure. Family statements confirmed the cause and location and referenced his long standing health management in later years. Public institutions organized tributes that noted both artistic and advocacy achievements.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols made television history as Lt Uhura in ‘Star Trek The Original Series’ and continued to appear in related films and conventions. She collaborated with space advocacy efforts and supported recruitment programs connected to science and exploration.

She died on July 30, 2022 at age 89. The stated cause was heart failure. Her family announced the news and shared details about services and the handling of personal memorabilia connected to her career and outreach work.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson built a career defined by powerful dramatic performances in projects such as ‘Sounder’ and ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’. She appeared on stage, television, and film and received numerous honors for work that highlighted historical and contemporary stories.

She died on January 28, 2021 at age 96. Her family and representatives described her passing as due to natural causes. The announcement followed the release of her memoir and included information on private services.

Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan broke through with ‘The Green Mile’ and worked in a wide range of films and series. He also did voice roles for animation and games and appeared frequently in ensemble casts.

He died on September 3, 2012 at age 54. The cause was complications following a heart attack he suffered in July 2012. Medical updates leading to his death documented hospitalization and efforts at cardiac rehabilitation.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac moved from stand up to film and television with ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ and roles in ensemble comedies and heist films. His series earned multiple awards and brought his stage persona to a broad audience.

He died on August 9, 2008 at age 50 due to complications from pneumonia. His publicist confirmed the illness and hospitalization. He had a history of sarcoidosis that had been in remission and media reports explained how the lung infection progressed.

John Witherspoon

John Witherspoon became familiar to audiences through the ‘Friday’ films and sitcom appearances and maintained a busy schedule in stand up and voice acting. He worked for decades as a reliable comedic presence on television and in animation.

He died on October 29, 2019 at age 77. Records listed coronary artery disease and hypertension with the immediate cause described as a heart attack. Family members shared funeral details and information about public memorials.

Bill Nunn

Bill Nunn was known for ‘Do the Right Thing’ and appeared in the ‘Spider Man’ films along with numerous stage and television roles. He remained active in community programs and arts education in Pittsburgh.

He died on September 24, 2016 at age 62. His family confirmed a battle with leukemia. Local institutions announced tributes and scholarship efforts connected to his work with young performers.

Reg E. Cathey

Reg E. Cathey earned recognition for ‘The Wire’ and ‘House of Cards’ and brought a distinctive presence to character roles across film and television. He also worked in theater and narration projects.

He died on February 9, 2018 at age 59. Friends and colleagues noted that he had been living with lung cancer. Obituaries and guild notices provided confirmation and shared funeral arrangements with respect for family privacy.

Gregory Hines

Gregory Hines combined acting with world class tap dancing in films like ‘White Nights’ and ‘Tap’ and on stage in award winning productions. He also brought dance to new audiences through television and live events.

He died on August 9, 2003 at age 57 from liver cancer. His representatives confirmed the diagnosis and noted that he had continued performing during treatment. Memorials included tributes from dance organizations and theater communities.

Paul Winfield

Paul Winfield appeared in ‘Sounder’ and ‘The Terminator’ and worked across drama and science fiction on both film and television. He also narrated documentaries and lent his voice to educational programs.

He died on March 7, 2004 at age 62 from a heart attack. Reports noted a history of diabetes. Funeral services were announced by family and professional peers shared official remembrances.

Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx led ‘Sanford and Son’ and continued to perform in stand up and television throughout his career. He influenced sitcom formats and comedy styles that reached audiences well beyond the original series.

He died on October 11, 1991 at age 68 after a heart attack that occurred while rehearsing for the series ‘The Royal Family’. Emergency responders transported him to a Los Angeles hospital where he was pronounced dead. Production companies issued statements and adjusted schedules around memorial events.

James Avery

James Avery became well known as Philip Banks on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ and worked extensively in voice acting and guest roles. He also appeared in films and on stage and maintained ties to arts education.

He died on December 31, 2013 at age 68 due to complications from open heart surgery. Hospital records and family statements described postoperative issues that followed a scheduled procedure. Colleagues shared official tributes and the series cast organized memorial acknowledgments.

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll starred in ‘Julia’ and ‘Claudine’ and worked on stage in major musicals while maintaining a long television career. She earned multiple awards and remained active in concerts and guest roles late into life.

She died on October 4, 2019 at age 84 from breast cancer. Her daughter confirmed the cause and place of death. Charitable groups connected to cancer care and the arts shared formal tributes that outlined her advocacy and support work.

Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel appeared in more than a hundred films and made history as the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for ‘Gone with the Wind’. She also worked in radio and early television and supported community organizations during her career.

She died on October 26, 1952 at age 59 from breast cancer. Medical records and public notices detailed her illness and treatment during her final year. Her will included instructions for memorial arrangements and the handling of personal items and awards.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which lives and legacies you think more people should learn about.

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