AARP Honors 10 Black Actors Over 50 Who Are Thriving in Hollywood: Angela Bassett, 67, to Idris Elba, 53
From Angela Bassett to Octavia Spencer, these legends prove Hollywood's best comes with experience
AARP’s Movies for Grownups initiative puts actors, filmmakers and creatives over 50 at center stage. According to AARP.org, MFG “advocates for the 50-plus audience by fighting ageism in the entertainment industry and encouraging films that resonate with older viewers.” Additionally, they offer a series of screenings across theaters nationwide that highlight classic films, as well as those that appeal to older audiences. In honor of Black History Month, AARP’s Movies for Grownups program honors 10 Black actors over the age of 50 who have pushed limits, put in the work and brought endless joy to viewers on screen. Whether they found fame early in their career or have only recently gotten the recognition they deserve, check out AARP’s full lineup.
Angela Bassett, 67
At 67 years old, Angela Bassett is just getting started, and over the course of her career, she has showcased a range unlike any other. The actress has brought to life strong female characters in films like Black Panther (2018), stole the show in movies like What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993) and showed her leading lady abilities in How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998). These days, she’s even shining in the television world, bringing Athena Grant-Nash to life in 9-1-1. Whatever this actress is taking on, she does it fiercely, with talent, style and grace!
Halle Berry, 59
Monster’s Ball (2001), Die Another Day (2002) and Catwoman (2004) are just a few of the films that capture Halle Berry’s talent, and the 59-year-old actress has been making history for decades. The first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress, Berry remains one of the most influential actresses in Hollywood, continuing to show that women over 50 deserve a seat at the table. “As I’ve gotten older, then the roles change and I’m just violently excited about playing characters at this stage of my life,” the actress recently told ScreenRant. “And no, they’re not always out there, but having my own production company, Halle Holly, I have a big hand now in creating those opportunities, not only for myself, but for other women. And I feel really blessed that I’m still in the business.
Colman Domingo, 56
Over the last few years, Colman Domingo has put in the work, and now, we’re happy to see him at any opportunity we get. Films like Rustin (2023) and Sing Sing (2025) have earned him great praise over the years—and it’s rightfully deserved!
Idris Elba, 53
Confident, intense, charming and of course, hunky, no one does it like Idris. At 53, the actor has built a long, illustrious resume, filled with intense and dramatic roles in series like The Wire and Luther. Plus, with rapper and DJ also lining his list of talents, it’s no wonder that he’s achieved the level of fame and success he has.
Taraji P. Henson, 55
Taraji P. Henson can do it all—drama, comedy and beyond—and this 55-year-old actress has been stealing the show for years. Series like Empire and films like Hidden Figures (2016) have made her a household name, and with Emmy, Oscar and Tony noms under her belt, it’s safe to say the world sees her talent on full display.
Samuel L. Jackson, 77
It’s hard to narrow down which of Samuel L. Jackson’s films are the best, and at 77 years old, he has an enormous list to choose from. The Pulp Fiction actor stays busy to this day, and his key to maintaining an active career depends on his taking care of himself. “I do pay attention to my body because I’ve had things happen to it,” he told AARP. “I have to work at being flexible and sustaining myself, making sure I’m upright and not kind of bent, you know? So I have to think about those things, and I work on them.”
Delroy Lindo, 73
From Get Shorty (1995) to Sinners (2025), 73-year-old Delroy Lindo is a talent that can’t be ignored. “We live in a youth-oriented culture, and oftentimes, what more mature practitioners bring to the table can sometimes be overlooked,” he told AARP.
Sheryl Lee Ralph, 69
Though Sheryl Lee Ralph has been acting for quite some time, it’s the part she plays on Abbott Elementary that allowed the world to truly see what she brings to the table. “My life has been about preparing for longevity,” the actress told AARP. “Finding my joy, making great choices for me, understanding that life is not always fair. Sometimes it’s your day. Sometimes it’s not your day. But if it’s a good day or a bad day, you’ve got to thank God because you got a day.”
Octavia Spencer, 55
The Help (2011), The Shape of Water (2017), Hidden Figures (2011)—Does Octavia Spencer even need an introduction? At 55 years old, this beloved actress can simply do it all.
Alfre Woodard, 73
An icon of both TV and film, Alfre Woodard remains an icon at 73. From early roles in shows like St. Elsewhere to her most recent stint in The Last Frontier, this actress is a true superstar.
These 10 talented actors remind us that Hollywood’s best performances come from experience, dedication and passion—and that age is truly just a number. Here’s to celebrating their incredible contributions to film and television!
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