20 Famous Black Bald Actors

20 Famous Black Bald Actors

*Originally published by Gloria N June 2023 and Updated by Gloria N on February 2024

Baldness is mostly common in men. This excessive loss of hair may be caused by medical conditions, hormonal changes, or even old age which is unavoidable. As mentioned earlier the condition affects mostly men but that does not mean no women are affected at all.

In the acting industry, we have many bald black actors who are popular worldwide and have embraced and loved themselves regardless. However, it is good to note that, you can fight baldness by going for hair transplants which is an expensive procedure, so be ready to spend.

In this article, we have compiled 20 famous black bald actors of all time. Get ready to walk with us and get to know more about their work, origin, and achievements they have accomplished in the entertainment industry.

The following are the Black Bald Actors;

1. Steve Harvey

Dideo from Dirty Jerzee, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Steve Harvey is one of the most famous black comedians and actors in America. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. Steve, later transitioned to film and television in the 1990s.

Steve Harvey’s first acting role was in 1994 in ‘Me and the Boys’. He is popularly known for his roles as TV show host such as Little Big Shot, Family Feud, and The Steve Harvey Show among others.

Here are the Top 5 Famous Black French Actors.

2. Terry Crews

Terry Crew is known as a television host, former American football player, and an actor from America. He was born in Flint, Michigan, United States on July 30, 1968. Many people know him as a footballer, but in 1997 he transitioned to acting after retiring from the NFL.

Terry is known as one of the black bald actors with several notable roles in films such as Friday After Next, Blended, White Chicks, and Rumble among others.

3. Mike Colter

Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Mike Colter is a famous black bald actor with a mustache. He was born on August 26, 1976, to Freddie Marion and Eddie Lee, Sr and was the last born amongst four siblings.

‘Million Dollar Baby’ drama film in 2004 was the first ever film Colter was featured in and he acted as boxer Big Willie Little. Other series he acted in include Ringer among others.

4. Lonnie Rashid Lynn

Lonnie is popularly known by his stage name ’Common’. He is an actor as well as a rapper from the United States of America. Lonnie was born in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., and is 51 years old as of 2023.

 When we talk of popular black bald actors, Lonnie is one of them. He has been active in his career since 1991 up to date. Throughout his career journey, Rashid has received many awards for his amazing work including Primetime Emmy Awards, etc.

5. Samuel L. Jackson

Toglenn, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Samuel L. Jackson was born on December 21, 1948, and is one of the most popular black Bald actors in America. During his generation he was popular and among the best actors worldwide. His parents were Roy Henry Jackson and Elizabeth Harriett and he was the only child in the family.

He became active in the entertainment industry in 1972 and is still active. Samuel is said to be the highest-grossing actor according to a recent rating. Most of Samuel’s films are notable such as ‘Coming to America’ ‘True Romance’ etc.

Read also the 15 Black Actors Who Recently Died.

6. Damon Wayans

When we talk of famous black bald actors, we can’t leave Damon Wayans aside. Damon Wayans is a well-known actor and stand-up comedian from the United States of America. He was born in New York City, U.S., a 62-year-old actor as of 2023.

The ‘In Living Color’ sketch comedy show played from 1990 to 1992 and ‘Waynehead’ an animated series acted from 1996 to 1997, were Damon’s true breakthroughs Series.

7. Tyrese Gibson

Shaun Dawson from New York, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 Tyrese Gibson was born in Los Angeles, California, U.S., and is a famous handsome black bald actor as well as a singer. Tyrese is 45 years old as of 2023. He was raised by a single mother together with his sibling since his father Tyrone Gibson left.

In 2001, Tyrese secured his first acting role in ‘Baby Boy’ an American drama film directed by John Singleton. ‘Transformers’ and ‘Fast & Furious’ series were Gibson’s highest-grossing films and made him known worldwide.

8. Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle was born in Washington, D.C., United States on August 24, 1973. He is a popular American actor and stand-up comedian from America.

Dave is well-known for his role as the host of Chappelle’s Show, a comedy television series founded by Dave and his friend Neal Brennan which aired from 2003 to 2006.

9. Taye Diggs

Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Taye Diggs is 52 years old as of 2023. Taye is one of the famous black bald actors and he wears glasses. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, United States, to Andre Young (Father) and Marcia (mother). His mother was a teacher as well as an actress while his father is a visual artist.

Taye has been featured in many films, television dramas, and series throughout his career journey. Some of his roles in films such as ‘Murder in the First,’ and ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’ among others made him famous across the globe.

Find also the 30 Young Black Actors you should follow in 2023.

10. Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne has been in the acting industry for more than 5 decades. He became active back in 1972 up to date. Laurence was born in Augusta, Georgia, U.S., and is currently 61 years old.

Laurence had passionate about his acting career and at the age of 11 years, he starred in his first TV drama ‘If You Give a Dance You Gotta Pay the Band’ which was aired on ABC Theater. People liked his acting skills and he received positive compliments for his first acting role.

11. Djimon Hounsou

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Djimon Hounsou was born on April 24, 1964, in Cotonou, Dahomey, and is a Beninese actor and model. He has been active in the entertainment industry since 1986. Djomon started his acting journey by featuring in music videos before securing roles in films.

Djimon gained fame in the 1990s after featuring in Amistad, an American drama film aired in 1997. He later appeared in other films such as In America, and Gladiator which made him popular as well.

12. Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson is commonly known by his ring name the Rock. He is a popular actor, retired professional wrestler, and film producer from America. The Rock is among the well-known black bald actors and he has a huge body.

Initially, Dwayne focused on wrestling and he worked for WWF for 8 years before he joined acting career. The Rock is considered one of the most prominent professional wrestlers of all time. He was not only successful in wrestling but also in acting, in North America his films have grossed over $ 3.5 billion and over $ 10.5 billion worldwide hence being one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors across the globe.

13. Morris Chestnut

Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Morris Chestnut is a famous black bald actor aged 54 years old. He became active in his career in 1990 and is actively acting up to date. Chestnut is the son of Morris, who was a medical salesman, and Shirley Chestnut, who was a teacher.

Morris rose to fame in 1991 after starring in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ an American drama film. Since then, he has appeared in several films which are successful, including ‘Freddy’s Nightmares,’ etc.

Here are the 20 Most Talented Black Actors of All Time.

14. Avery Franklin Brooks

Avery Franklin Brooks began acting in 1984 and is active to date. He was born in Evansville, Indiana, to Samuel Brooks and Eva Lydia. Avery is one of the popular bald black actors and he wears glasses.

Franklin is not only an actor but also a singer, narrator, educator, and director. In acting he gained fame after starring in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in his role as Captain Benjamin Sisko among others.

15. Ving Rhames

Chris Yarzab, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ving Rhames is an American actor born in New York City, U.S. As of 2023, Ving is 64 years old and has been in the entertainment industry for more than 4 decades. Ving developed his love of acting when he was in New York’s High School of Performing Arts.

The actor has starred in many films such as Jacob’s Ladder, Con Air, Bringing Out the Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and Jamesy Boy, etc.

16. Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson was born on August 15, 1970, and is one of the bald actors from America. Apart from being an actor, he is as well a comedian and game show host. His mother, Doris was an actress and Anthony followed in her footsteps by becoming an actor.

Anthony has acted in many leading roles throughout his acting career and is best known for his roles in Black-ish, K-Ville, and Law & Order among others.

Read also the Top 10 Most Popular Black Actors.

17. John Amos

U.S. National Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

When we talk of bald actors then John Amos can’t be left behind. John was married to Noel J. Mickelson from 1965 and they divorced in 1975. He later remarried Lilian Lehman in 1978 and they later divorced in 1979. He is blessed with 2 children.

He began acting back in 1970 and since then he has done several amazing works. Many people knew him after he was featured in ‘Miniseries Roots’ a television series which was received so well by the audience.

18. Omar Epps

Omar Epps was born in Brooklyn, New York, U.S., and was raised by a single mother since his parents divorced when he was still young. Omar is known as an actor, rapper, and producer from the United States of America.

Omar has been in the industry since 1988 and is still active up to date. Due to his amazing acting skills, he has won several awards such as one MTV Movie Award among others. As of 2023, Omar is 49 years old.

19. Clifton Powell

eternalconceptspr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Clifton Powell started acting in the 1980s and has been in the industry for more than 4 decades. Clifton has acted in many films and is said to be featured in more than 100 films.

The American actor was born on March 16, 1956, in Washington, D.C, U.S., and is among the famous bald black actors who are successful. Some of the films he featured in include ‘Why Do Fools Fall in Love’, ‘Next Friday,’ and ‘Rush Hour’ among others.

20. Charles S. Dutton

Charles S. Dutton was born on January 30, 1951, and is a retired American actor and director. Charles was active in his career from 1984 to 2015. Before he retired, Charles had received many accolades such as three Primetime Emmy Awards.

The American actor gained fame after appearing in ‘Roc’ a television series as well as in’ The Piano Lesson,’ and they later earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination.

20 Surprising Facts about Hair Loss

1. More than 50 Percent of Men have Male Pattern Hair Loss by the Age of 50

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-elderly-man-looking-at-a-photo-album-8057029/

It may come as a shock to learn that more than 50% of men will experience significant hair loss by age 50 due to male pattern baldness. This common form of hair loss is driven by genetics, hormones, and age. It occurs in predictable patterns, like a receding hairline or bald spot on the crown.

 While hair loss is often associated with old age, the majority of men start losing their hair in their 20s and 30s. Regular hair loss starts gradually but can become severe over time. Even with advanced treatments, male pattern baldness cannot be fully reversed. Losing one’s hair at a relatively young age is a surprising reality for a majority of men.

2. Forty Percent of Women Will have Female Pattern Hair Loss by the Time they Reach Menopause

Many are unaware that hair loss in women is extremely common. Up to 40% of women experience female pattern hair loss by the time they reach menopause. This gradual thinning and shedding of hair is caused by shifting hormones, genetics, stress, styling damage, and age. Areas like the center part line and crown thin out first.

Since hair loss occurs slowly over time, women often don’t notice until more than 50% of their hair is already gone. Unlike the receding hairline seen in men, women experience an overall diffused thinning. Dealing with widespread hair loss can be distressing for women. Losing one’s hair around middle age is a reality for a surprising number of women.

3. Heredity is the Most Common Cause of Hair Loss. It is known Medically as “Androgenetic Alopecia.”

Genetics plays a major role in most forms of hair loss, particularly common patterns like male and female pattern baldness. This type of hereditary hair loss is medically termed as “androgenetic alopecia”. It is driven by one’s genetic predisposition, sex hormones, and aging. Both men and women can inherit sensitivity to hair-thinning hormones from either parent.

Although the environment triggers the onset of androgenetic alopecia, someone with a genetic predisposition will experience progressive hair loss over time. For those genetically prone to hair loss, prevention options are limited outside of medications or procedures. Knowing hair loss is encoded in one’s genes can help set realistic expectations when hereditary balding begins.

4. Certain Drugs Can Cause Hair Loss

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-tablets-on-petri-dish-4047055/

One surprising fact about hair loss is that certain medications can actually trigger it. Drugs used to treat conditions like cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure may have hair loss listed as a potential side effect. This is because these medications can disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair follicles, leading to increased shedding or thinning.

It’s important for people taking such medications to be aware of this possibility and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. In some cases, alternative medications or treatments may be available to help minimize hair loss.

5. Thyroid Imbalance and Iron Deficiency are Reversible Causes of Hair Loss

A surprising fact about hair loss is that it can be caused by reversible conditions like thyroid imbalance and iron deficiency. When your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones or when your body lacks sufficient iron, it can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to shedding or thinning.

The good news is that once these imbalances are identified, they can often be corrected through medication or dietary changes, restoring hair growth. So, if you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s essential to get checked for these conditions, as treating them can help reverse the problem and promote regrowth.

6. Hair Loss is not Easily Treated

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Treating hair loss is not as easy as people might think. Medicines like minoxidil and finasteride can help, but they don’t work for everyone. Hair transplants can look natural but are expensive and painful. Other treatments like laser devices, special shampoos, vitamins, or oils may help a little bit, but they rarely make a big difference. At the end of the day, there is no simple fix for hair loss yet.

The only things guaranteed to reverse it are hormone therapy for specific conditions or very expensive transplants. For most people, hair restoration takes consistent effort using treatments that may work partially. 

7. For Hair Loss to be Noticeable to the Human Eye, One has to Lose 50% of all their Hair!

People don’t notice their hair is thinning until over half of it is already gone. Doctors say humans have to lose 50% of their hair before bald spots or decreased density become visible to the naked eye. Hair loss happens gradually, often over years and decades. Folks simply get used to having less hair over time.

Since people see themselves daily, slow changes are hard to detect. By the time widening parts or see-through patches appear, a significant percentage of hair is already lost. Surprisingly, humans can lose up to half their hair without realizing it right away. Major changes happen subtly before hair loss is observable.

8. There is both Temporary and Permanent Alopecia

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Hair loss can be either temporary or permanent. Temporary hair loss is caused by something reversible like stress, poor nutrition, or medical treatments. The hair grows back after the trigger goes away. Permanent hair loss has no cure and causes lasting baldness. It is driven by genetics, hormones, and aging.

Permanent loss includes male and female pattern baldness. While temporary shedding is common, permanent balding is distressing since the hair will never regrow without transplants. Knowing if hair loss is temporary or permanent helps people find proper treatment when strands start falling out.

9. Only One-third of Men Experience a Receding Hairline by Age 30

Contrary to popular belief, only about one-third of men experience a receding hairline by the time they reach 30 years old. Many assume that most males start going bald in their 20s, but research shows this early hair loss timeline is not the norm.  Even though, factors like genetics and hormones do begin affecting hair as men age, dramatic balding before age 30 is relatively uncommon.

Most men maintain a full head of hair throughout their 20s. Receding hairlines and bald spots often don’t appear until the 30s, 40s, or even later for some men. The idea that all young men start losing their hair early is a myth. For two-thirds of males, significant balding does not begin in their 20s.

10. It’s Normal to Lose 50-100 Hairs per Day on Average

Many people don’t realize that it is perfectly normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day. On average, people shed 50-100 hairs daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. As old hairs fall out, they make room for new hairs to grow in their place. This regular hair loss goes unnoticed since it happens over time all around the scalp.

Seeing 100 strands in your hairbrush may seem alarming, but it is not necessarily cause for concern. Unless excessive shedding persists for weeks or bald spots appear, losing around 100 hairs daily is considered within the range of typical shedding. This data shows hair commonly falls out more than people expect.

11. There are Over 100 Different Medical Conditions that Can Cause Hair Loss

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It may be surprising to learn that over 100 different health issues can trigger temporary or permanent hair loss. Anything that throws off the body’s equilibrium can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Common causes include thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, iron deficiency, cancer treatments, major surgery or illnesses, and more. Even serious stress or crash dieting can spark shedding.

Medical conditions create imbalances like inflammation, hormone changes, or nutrient loss that impede hair follicles. Diagnosing the underlying disorder is key to treating related baldness. With so many potential triggers, it’s important to get checked by a doctor to determine what’s causing sudden hair falling out.

12. Excess Vitamin A Intake Can Cause Hair Loss

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Getting too much vitamin A from supplements or certain foods can trigger hair loss for some people. Vitamin A plays an important role in growth and health. However, consuming too much can cause toxicity levels to build up in the body. High amounts of vitamin A speed up the rate at which hair follicles enter the rest phase.

This prematurely pushes more hairs than normal into the shedding phase before they can grow to full length. Even though vitamin A is vital for hair health, overload interferes with the normal cycle. Losing a significant amount of hair can result. It’s important not to overdo vitamin A intake in an attempt to help hair, as excess can contribute to hair falling out.

13. Regular Hair Brushing or Washing Does Not Cause Hair Loss Either

Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/back-view-of-a-woman-combing-her-dark-hair-9165672/

Many people believe that frequent brushing and washing can damage hair and cause excess shedding or thinning. However, regular hygiene routines do not lead to hair loss in healthy individuals. Gentle brushing helps distribute scalp oils and remove dirt and buildup. Washing with mild shampoos also cleans the hair and scalp without stripping essential oils.

Unless the hair is extremely knotted or washed vigorously with very harsh products, brushing and washing do not put enough stress on the strands to disrupt the follicle. Basic grooming does not pull out hairs or harm growth cycles. Maintaining healthy routines is safe for the hair and scalp.

14. Hair Loss is Not Caused by hat-wearing

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There is a common myth that wearing hats frequently can lead to baldness over time. However, normal hat use does not cause permanent hair loss. Hats do not cut off circulation to the scalp or choke the follicles to prevent growth.

 The pressure from hat bands may stimulate blood flow. Unless a hat is too tight and causes damage or traction alopecia, regular usage will not harm the hair or impede growth cycles. Some temporary shedding may occur if hat fibers snag onto hairs, but no permanent thinning results from normal hat-wearing. As long as hats are not too tight or rough, they can be worn without worrying about excess hair falling out.

15. Hair Loss Occurs in People of All Ethnicities, Though the Pattern May Differ

Hair loss can happen to anyone, the pattern and type may vary across ethnicities. For example, Caucasian men often experience male pattern baldness with a receding hairline. African Americans are more likely to have overall thinning throughout the scalp. Hispanic/Latino men see a mix of receding and thinning. Asian men tend to have little hair loss until later ages.

Women of all races can suffer from diffuse thinning hair. Cultural hairstyling choices can heighten risk too. However, despite differences in manifestation, hair loss remains a common issue faced by both genders of all ethnic backgrounds. Though prevalence and patterning differ, no race or ethnicity is immune to hair shedding and baldness.

16. Roughly 40% of Hair Loss Sufferers are Women

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It’s commonly assumed that hair loss is a problem mainly associated with men. However, research shows that women make up a significant portion of hair loss sufferers. Studies estimate that roughly 40% of people experiencing notable hair thinning and shedding are women. Just like men, women can suffer from pattern hair loss related to aging, genetics, hormonal shifts, nutrient deficiencies, and other factors.

Post-menopausal women in particular may notice thinning hair as estrogen levels decline. While societal perceptions focus on male baldness, women struggle with losing their hair at nearly equal rates. Hair loss affects both genders profoundly. The prevalence in women is often under-recognized.

17. Hairstyles Like Tight Ponytails and Braids can Cause Traction Alopecia, a Hair Loss Condition

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Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by pulling force on the hair follicles. Tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids can lead to this condition because they tug on the hair roots. Over time, this constant pulling can damage the follicles, causing them to become inflamed and weaken. Eventually, the affected hair may stop growing altogether, leading to thinning or bald patches.

To prevent traction alopecia, it’s important to avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair too tightly and give your hair regular breaks from tension. Choosing looser styles can help protect your hair and promote healthy growth.

18. Stress Can Cause Temporary Hair Loss and Trigger Genetic Hair Loss to Occur Earlier

Stress can be a surprising culprit behind temporary hair loss. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to shedding. Additionally, stress can trigger genetic hair loss to occur earlier than expected. While genetics play a significant role in hair loss, stress can accelerate the process by affecting hormone levels and the body’s ability to maintain healthy hair follicles.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and seeking support can help minimize its impact on hair health. Remember, taking care of your overall well-being can also benefit the health of your hair.

19. Hair Loss Can Begin as Early as the Late Teens and 20s

It might come as a surprise, but hair loss isn’t just an issue for older folks. It can start as early as the late teens and 20s. This early onset, known as premature hair loss, can be due to various factors like genetics, stress, hormonal changes, or poor nutrition. For some people, it’s a gradual process, while for others, it can happen more rapidly.

It’s essential to be aware of this possibility and take proactive steps to maintain hair health, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and seeking professional advice if noticing significant hair loss at a young age.

20. Over 50 million Men and 30 Million Women in the United States Experience Some Form of Hair Loss

Over 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States grapple with various forms of hair loss. Whether it’s thinning hair, receding hairlines, or bald patches, these numbers reflect a widespread issue. While genetics often play a key role, factors like stress, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits can also contribute.

Understanding the prevalence of hair loss underscores the importance of seeking support and exploring available treatments to address this common concern affecting millions across the country.

Baldness cannot stop one from being successful. The above actors have accomplished a lot in the entertainment industry and are role models for many. It is good to always embrace what comes our way and can’t be changed.

The cause of baldness or hair loss can be caused by different factors like genetics, stress, hormonal changes, and medication among other factors. It is always good to note the cause of our hair loss before taking any measures.

Read also the 20 Most Famous Black Male Comedian Actors.