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10 Black Actors Who Made Their Mark on Star Wars

Enter the timeless galaxy of Star Wars. An epic universe that has taken captive the hearts and imaginations of fans generation upon generation worldwide. Yet without characters, the Star Wars world would be meaningless. Thus these black actors are among the significant figures that have breathed life into the Star Wars saga.

Subsequently, each of the performances by these black actors has left a memorable mark that adds to the rich history of the Star Wars franchise. From Samuel L. Jackson who plays the role of Jedi High Council member, Mace Windu to John Boyega who portrays Finn, a Stormtrooper. Lupita Nyong’o gives voice to little statured pirate, Maz Kanata and there are more black actors in our round-up. Check them below.

Here are the 10 Black Actors Who Made Their Mark on Star Wars.

1. Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu)

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He stands out with his lightsaber and Mace Windu is his name on Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999). Jackson reprised his role in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones in 2002 and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith in 2005.

Furthermore, his charisma throughout the series makes him a memorable character to fans. Windu in the series is a member of the Jedi High Council which serves as the governing body of the Jedi Order.

Thus Windu in Star Wars: Episode I portrays a wise and skilled Jedi Master synonymous with his purple lightsaber. In Star Wars: Episode II, he leads the Jedi Council in maintaining peace amidst the ongoing conflicts. He also pushes for the investigation of the increasing threat of the Sith.

This black actor climaxed his acting style in Star Wars: Episode III making a mark on the Star Wars franchise. Windu moves beyond sitting in a chair on the Jedi Council and thrills fans with his action game. He is at the center of the confrontations between the Jedi and Chancellor Palpatine (who is secretly the Sith).

Though this battle leads to Windu’s demise and the rise of the Galactic Empire, there are memorable quotes that leave fans with his determination spirit. See them below.

Windu’s words in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,

“This Party’s Over.”

“I am going to end this once and for all.”

See Jackson and other prominent black actors here. 

2. John Boyega (Finn)

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Boyega portrays a disillusioned Stormtrooper struggling to find his place in the galaxy. So he defects from the First Order and embraces a heroic character willing to go head-on against tyranny. His memorable quote while making his transition was, “I can do this. I can do this.” Check a glimpse of the conversation below.

Boyega鈥檚 conversation on “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” (2015):

Finn : [in the gunner’s chair]  I can do this. I can do this.

Rey : [in the pilot’s chair]  I can do this. I can do this.

Finn : I’m not who you think I am.

Rey : Finn, what are you talking about?

Finn : I’m not Resistance. I’m not a hero. I’m a Stormtrooper. Like all of them, I was taken from a family I’ll never know. And raised to do one thing. But my first battle, I made a choice. I wasn’t gonna kill for them. So I ran. Right into you. And you looked at me like no one ever had. I was ashamed of what I was. But I’m done with the First Order. I’m never going back. Rey, come with me.

Rey : Don’t go.

Finn : Take care of yourself. Please.

To add on, Boyega鈥檚 presence on Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), broke stereotypes becoming one of the first black actors to take lead roles in the franchise. He reprised his role in Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017), and Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

Also, Boyega鈥檚 on-screen chemistry with co-stars was a plus to his career. His enthusiasm for the franchise was also seen through his social media engagements with Star Wars fans endearing him to many of its followers.

Lest we forget some of his iconic moments like wielding a lightsaber in combat. He was part of daring missions and he also faced off against powerful enemies.

3. Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian)

Williams’s charm, charisma, suave demeanor, and unique fashion sense portrayed Lando as a favorite of fans. Yet with his colorful language, he left his audience questioning whether he was a foe or a friend.

For instance, his first words on the Star Wars universe happen when he confronts Han Solo and Princess Leia after arriving at Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. His words cause tension between him and Han only best explained by the quote below.

Lando speaks on The Empire Strikes Back, 鈥淲hy you slimy, double-crossing, no-good swindler. You’ve got a lot of guts coming here, after what you pulled.鈥�

Better still, Williams in the series showcases a morally ambiguous character evolving from a charming persona to a crucial ally in the Rebel Alliance. He cements this legacy in the sequels “Return of the Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker“.

4. Forest Whitaker (Saw Gerrera)

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Whitaker played the role of rebel extremist, Saw Gerrera starting in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He was later featured in the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. One virtue stands strong from Gerrera, he is dedicated to the Rebel Alliance.

More to it, Saw shows a willingness to use extreme tactics, even if it means struggling with the consequences of his choices later on. His rebellious character is best described by the below quote.

鈥�I rebel, therefore I am.” – Saw Gerrera, in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Which black actors are over 60 years old? Whitaker is one of them catch them here.

5. Donald Glover (Lando Calrissian)

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To fit in the shoes of Billy Dee Williams who had portrayed Lando earlier in the series was commended by fans and critics alike. Glover paid homage to Billy鈥檚 charismatic personality as Lando.

What鈥檚 more, Glover owned the role and breathed new life into it. At the same time, he added his distinctive style while still riding on the legacy of Williams. Glover portrayed Lando in 2018鈥檚 Solo: A Star Wars Story.

6. Naomie Ackie (Jannah)

First introduced in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, Ackie played the role of Jannah, a fierce warrior crucial in the final battle against the Sith. Jannah is depicted as an orphan from Kef Bir but most significant, is that she is a former First Order stormtrooper.

Furthermore, she strikes a chord with viewers because of her fierce determination and unwavering courage. She stands unmoved in the face of adversity. Check out one of her conversations below.

Finn: This is a First Order part.

Jannah: There’s an old cruiser on the west ridge. Stripped for parts. The one we were assigned to. The one we escaped in.

Finn: Okay, wait. You were First Order?

Jannah: Not by choice. We were conscripted kids. All of us. I was TZ-1719. Stormtrooper.

Finn: FN-2187.

Jannah: You?

Finn: I never knew there were more.

Jannah: Deserters? All of us here were stormtroopers. We mutinied at the battle of Ansett Island. They told us to fire on civilians. We wouldn’t do it. We laid our weapons down.

7. Ahmed Best (Jar-Jar Binks)

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His physicality and vocal strength gave life to Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars. Though highly criticized in the beginning, Ahmed鈥檚 resilience and positive approach towards fans finally endeared him to many of the Star Wars enthusiasts. He is appreciated for offering meaning to this Gungan character, Jar Jar Binks.

8. James Earl Jones (Darth Vader)

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Jones became an integral part of the cultural identity of the Star Wars universe because of his deep voice behind Darth Vader. This character is a lead villain in the series and appears in Star Wars: Episode IV鈥擜 New Hope. He is also present in Episode V鈥擳he Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI鈥擱eturn of the Jedi.

Thus, this black actor makes an imprint in the Star Wars arena by making Vader a legendary character in the series. Besides the vibrant voice, Jones adds depth and complexity to this role proving his versatile prowess. The voice performance blends well with the imposed physicality of the Sith Lord which is effective in striking fear in the hearts of audiences.

9. Hugh Quarshie (Captain Panaka)

This black actor, Quarshie made his mark on the Star Wars franchise by playing Panaka in the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

Additionally, his loyalty to Queen Amidala and the commitment he showed in protecting planet Naboo resonated with his audience. Hence earned him a good command presence in the series and a huge following among fans. See below one of the quotes that prove Panaka鈥檚 loyalty.

Panaka advices Queen Amidala in the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, “Your Highness, this is a battle I do not think that we can win.”

This line was said by Panaka to Queen Amidala while she alongside her entourage was faced with a challenging situation while on the planet Naboo.

If you wish to discover black actors from the 70s check them here.

10. Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata)

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Nyong’o portrayed Maz Kanata who is a wise and charismatic character in the series. She gave Maz her voice and motion-capture performance turning the character鈥檚 little stature into a unique and endearing personality. With Lupita鈥檚 performance, Kanata leaves audiences captivated with her mysterious pirate skills turning her into the master of the castle on Takodana.

These black actors made their mark on the Star Wars universe with their exemplary performance. Their participation in the series is also a bold statement that emphasizes the commitment of the franchise to inclusivity and diversity. Thus serving as an inspiration to other black actors as well as boosting the embrace of the Star Wars franchise to a wider audience.