Emily Flores
Many actors are entertaining, but only a few leave a lasting mark. If you’ve ever laughed, cussed, wiped away tears, or hit rewind to relive a moment, you know the kind of actors we’re talking about. Here are 20 women whose iconic characters gave television some of its most unforgettable moments.
Olivia Pope In “Scandal”
Kerry Washington headlined “Scandal” as the first Black woman to headline an American network drama in nearly 40 years. She played Olivia Pope across seven seasons (2012–2018), the political fixer who balanced handling power and beating personal demons. Besides her achievement, her character hooked audiences with the phrase “It’s handled” and her white hat.
Nova Bordelon In “Queen Sugar”
Although Rutina Wesley initially read for a different role before landing Nova, she gave an outstanding performance worth remembering. Her character tackled generational trauma and social justice in a way many viewers could relate to. Thanks to her, people saw the show created by Ava DuVernay as a mirror for healing and rebellion.
Annalise Keating In “How To Get Away With Murder”
Viola Davis stunned viewers for six seasons (2014–2020) as Annalise, the fierce defense attorney with layers of pain and brilliance. Her performance tells the story of someone who went from living in her car to becoming the first Black woman to earn the 2015 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Rainbow Johnson In “Black-ish”
It’s soothing to see that the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross is also a superstar worth celebrating. Tracee Ellis Ross earned multiple Emmy nominations and took home a Golden Globe in 2017 for bringing Rainbow Johnson to life. She dedicated the award to her mother.
Issa Dee In “Insecure”
Surprisingly, “Insecure” expanded from Issa Rae’s viral web series “Awkward Black Girl.” Then, Rae co-created and starred in it, which aired from 2016 to 2021 on HBO. She was able to speak to a generation as she stumbled through dating and made awkward cool. TV history will forever remember that she earned Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice nominations for the role.
Mary Jane Paul In “Being Mary Jane”
Gabrielle Union played Mary Jane from 2013 to 2019 in the series named for her character. Despite having the dream job and house, her life was spiraling out of control off-camera. Her powerful monologues conveyed raw emotion on issues such as work-life balance, career pressure, love, and loneliness.
Toni Childs In “Girlfriends”
Jill Marie Jones lit up Girlfriends from 2000 to 2006 as Toni Childs, the fiercely independent, career-driven best friend who embodied self-love. She earned NAACP Image Awards while pushing feminist themes, stunned fans with Toni’s leap into entrepreneurship, inspired VR recreations of her chic loft, and still shares real-life reunions with her co-stars.
Rue Bennett In “Euphoria”
“Euphoria” successfully portrayed addiction and mental health through Zendaya. Likewise, the young star also mesmerized viewers with her glittery tears. She made Rue unforgettable with her dance scenes and became the youngest actress to win an Emmy for a drama in 2020.
Cookie Lyon In “Empire”
It’s easy to regard Taraji P. Henson as one of the most memorable female characters on TV from the 2010s. In “Empire,” she gave us a firecracker character packed with heart, sass, and unforgettable one-liners. She deservedly bagged the 2016 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.
Angela Abar In “Watchmen”
Regina King won an Emmy and a Golden Globe (2020) for her lead performance as Sister Night. You could see the amount of dedication she put into making the series an explosive hit. Besides her iconic mask, she did many of her action scenes in full costume and even improvised key character backstories during filming.
Tasha St. Patrick In “Power”
“Power” aired from 2014 to 2020, and Naturi Naughton earned critical acclaim for her role across six intense seasons. Viewers watched her grow from a supportive spouse to a cunning queenpin, which excited viewers. Her twists kept fans guessing, and her return in “Power Book II: Ghost” proved her undeniable impact.
Mercedes Woodbine In “P-Valley”
Brandee Evans started leading FX’s drama “P-Valley” in 2020. But she wasn’t just another dancer in a Mississippi nightclub. She brought resilience to every step, having been a dancer before landing her acting role. She even choreographed her sequences and learned Southern dialect and local dance styles for authenticity.
Maxine Shaw In “Living Single”
Before Friends hit the airwaves, “Living Single” gave us four bold Black women. Thanks to Erika Alexander’s portrayal, everyone wanted the sharp-suited, sharp-tongued lawyer on their side. She deservedly bagged two Image Awards as the high-powered attorney balancing life and friendship. Her “Get outta here!” catchphrase still lives rent-free in viewers’ minds.
Aunt Viv (Original) In “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air”
From 1990 to 1993, Janet Hubert brought Aunt Viv to life as a confident, cultured matriarch who anchored the Banks family. Her commanding presence and sophistication set the standard for future portrayals. Off-screen, her wardrobe featured authentic Hermes and Chanel, matching the character’s elegance perfectly.
Nikki Parker In “The Parkers”
“The Parkers” (1999–2004) was a widely watched “Moesha” spinoff starring Mo’Nique, a free-spirited single mom who ended up winning the hearts of fans. Her acting wasn’t the only endearing part; she ad-libbed many lines. Additionally, you couldn’t overlook her over-the-top fashion, with big belts and bold colors.
Ashley Banks Starring In “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air”
Six years were enough for Tatyana Ali to grow up before our eyes as she played Ashley from 1990 to 1996. Her storylines intrigued us by blending teenage issues in a mix of humor and heart. Off-camera, she earned good grades while balancing her schoolwork with filming and even launched her successful music career.
Denise Huxtable In “A Different World”
Lisa Bonet’s Denise Huxtable rewrote the sitcom playbook with her bohemian style and free-spirited personality. Portraying a college freshman as a 19-year-old, she gave TV history a character to remember. Besides her performance, Bonet’s fashion on the show from 1987 to 1993 later inspired ’90s boho-chic trends.
Wilhelmina Slater In “Ugly Betty”
Everyone who watched “Ugly Betty” will remember Vanessa Williams’ villainous smirk. She ruled as a prominent cast member from 2006 to 2010 as the fierce, unbothered editor-in-chief. She once spilled coffee on herself mid-scene and didn’t break character. With such performance, she earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Regina Hunter In “The Steve Harvey Show”
Wendy Raquel Robinson didn’t just play Regina; she owned the screen from 1996 to 2002 as the no-nonsense, witty guidance counselor. Her exceptional work earned her multiple NAACP Image Award nominations. Today, we see that many of her laser-sharp comebacks have become internet clip favorites. Surprisingly, she majored in dance before transitioning to a career in acting.
Simone Hicks In “All American: Homecoming”
Although Geffri Maya was only 17 when cast in an adult role as Simone, she has led The CW series since 2022. She was spectacular while playing her character, a college athlete tackling identity, race, trauma, and competitive pressure. Maya even performed her stunt work on the basketball court. Worth remembering.