Unknown to many, there are quite a number of actors with Caribbean roots who have made it on to Hollywood screens. Though very successful, they have never lost sight of their Caribbean identity. Here are 10 such actors that you may not have known had Caribbean connections.
Kerry Washington
Popularly known for her lead role in the TV series Scandal as Olivia Pope, Kerry Washington was born to a Jamaican mother and American father. She has also appeared in Save the Last Dance, For Coloured Girls, the Fantastic Four Films and Django Unchained.
Lorraine Toussaint
Trinidadian-American actress, Lorraine Toussaint is popularly known for her roles in Orange Is the New Black, and the TV series Any Day Now, The Fosters, Law & Order and films such as Selma. She is proud of her Trini roots and returns to Trinidad often.
Marianne Jean Baptiste
Famous actress, singer, songwriter, writer, director and composer, Marianne Jean Baptiste was born to an Antiguan mother and St. Lucian father. She made her mark in showbiz by securing an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Secret & Lies in 1996. However, she may be best known for her roles in the US TV series Without a Trace and films such as RoboCop.
Delroy Lindo
Born to Jamaican parents in England, Delroy Lindo is best known for film roles in movies such as Malcom X, Get Shorty, Ransom, The Cider House Rules and Gone in 60 Seconds.
Dulé Hill
Born to Jamaican parents, Dulé Hill is best known for his roles on US TV series West Wing and Psych. His visits to Jamaica are frequent and his wedding took place in the tropical resort city of Montego Bay on the island’s north coast.
Michelle Rodriguez
Iconic action actress Michelle Rodriguez is famous for her ‘tomboy’ roles in films from the action genre such as Fast and Furious, and Avatar movies, as well as the TV series, Lost. With her mother a native of the Dominican Republic and a Puerto Rican father, Michelle Rodriguez spent her early childhood years in both Caribbean countries.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
Born in the US to a Jamaican mother and an African American father, Sheryl Lee Ralph spent parts of her childhood living in Mandeville, Jamaica. She is best known for her roles in US TV series Moesha and It’s a Living, as well as films like Sister Act II, The Flintstones, The Distinguished Gentleman and White Man’s Burden.
Joseph Marcell
Joseph Marcell, born in St. Lucia, is more popularly known for his role in The Fresh Prince of Belair as Geoffrey, the English butler. He also appears in films like Cry Freedom and Hero.
Garcelle Beauvais
The Haitian-American actress is famous for her roles in the films Coming to America, White House Down and the TV series, NYPD Blue and The Jamie Foxx Show. Garcelle Beauvais spent her early childhood days with her mother and siblings living in Haiti.
Romany Malco
American actor Romany Malco has his roots in Trinidad where his parents were born. He is best known for his roles in the films, Think Like a Man and also appears in Blades of Glory and The Forty Year Old Virgin.
