Star Wars might be a galaxy far, far away, but it’s close to our hearts.
And while the universe is vast with compelling worlds, we keep returning for the fascinating characters.
So, let’s tip our hats to the gifted Black actors and actresses who helped turn the saga into one of the most beloved and lucrative franchises.
Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu)
Franchise Appearances: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Episode 2: Attack of The Clones, Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith
We have to start with Samuel Jackson’s Mace Windu: he’s a literal force to be reckoned with, on-screen and off.
Windu serves on the Jedi High Council, epitomizing their wisdom and strength.
Jackson ensured we felt Windu’s presence throughout the prequels.
James Earl Jones (Darth Vader)
Franchise Appearances: Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Episode VI: Return of The Jedi, Episode XI: The Rise of Skywalker
Darth Vader is among the most iconic characters in movie history, and we have the legendary James Early Jones to thank.
He delivered such menace, depth, and gravitas to his role that Darth Vader became a naturally intimidating villain–one of cinema’s greatest icons.
John Boyega (Finn)
Franchise Appearances: Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, Episode XI: The Rise of Skywalker
Boyega played a disillusioned Stormtrooper who looked for greater meaning than needlessly killing innocents.
He also shattered stereotypes when he became a Black lead in the franchise.
Thanks to different directors with different ideas in the sequels, Boyega’s character never got the development he deserved in the sequels–especially in The Rise of Skywalker, which hardly gave him anything meaningful to do.
That said, Boyega gave his all, and Finn remains one of the most fascinating characters in Star Wars.
Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian)
Franchise Appearances: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Episode VI: Return of The Jedi, Episode IX: Rise of The Skywalker
Billy Dee Williams’ Lando was among the highlights in The Empire Strikes Back–a film already packed with near-infinite highs.
He seamlessly blends wit, unpredictability, and charm.
Lando always leaves an impression, even in his Rise of the Skywalker appearance.
Donald Glover (Lando Calrissian)
Franchise Appearances: Solo: A Star Wars Story
Donald Glover would always face an uphill battle, filling the massive shoes of Billy Dee Williams.
However, the multitalented performer again showed his acting chops, breathing fresh life into Lando.
He added his flair while capturing Williams’ charisma and made the role his own.
Forest Whitaker (Saw Gerrera)
Franchise Appearances: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
As an Oscar winner, Forest Whitaker brings the kind of gravitas, drive, and intensity you’d expect to his character.
As a rebel extremist, Saw Gerrera was willing to take extreme measures to ensure the rebellion won.
Ahmed Best (Jar-Jar Binks)
Franchise Appearances: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Episode 2: The Clone Wars, Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith
Jar-Jar Binks got a bad rap when creator George Lucas released the Star Wars prequels.
However, he’s received a better reception in the past few years–after all, he gave his all for a character not everyone connected with.
However, you can’t deny the impact Jar-Jar had on the prequels.
If anything, he’s probably the character people remember most after the main cast.
Naomie Ackie (Jannah)
Franchise Appearances: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Like Boyega’s Finn, Naomie Ackie’s Jannah was a Stormtrooper who realized what she was doing was wrong.
She became a fierce warrior with fierce determination and unwavering courage.
Jannah is among the few highlights of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata)
Franchise Appearances: Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, Episode XI: The Rise of Skywalker
Nyong’o’s Maz Kanata is a minor character who helps the main characters.
Despite her small stature and brief screen time, she commands her scenes–Nyong’o seems to have mastered scene-stealing since her epic performance in 12 Years a Slave.
These Black Actors And Actresses Lit Up Star Wars
These Black actors have enriched the Star Wars universe, from lightsaber-wielding Jedis to complex rebels.
But they’ve also championed diversity in major motion pictures, with their characters deservedly becoming household names.
