These Screen Queens Look Amazing at 50, 60, and 70-plus!

As their stars shine bright decade after decade, our leading ladies prove that each birthday we’re blessed with is a beautiful thing.

By
Published December 13, 2023
photo gif of screen queens, queen latifah, viola davis, nia long, Loretta Devine, Sheryl Lee Ralph
Sisters Staff (Getty Images)

One of the many blessings of being born a melanated queen is knowing that Black really don’t crack — there’s even science to back it up! But if seeing is believing, then you’ve got to see these sisters, all 50 and over, who will have you thinking, “What in the sorcery is going on?”

Gabrielle Union, 51

Gabrielle Union

You know we had to kick off this list with Gabrielle Union! If you reshot 2000’s Bring It On today and watched both versions side by side, it would be nearly impossible to tell the difference as she’s barely aged. The Being Mary Jane actress’ youthful smile and dimples and impeccable skin keep her looking fresh.

Tracee Ellis Ross, 51

Tracy Ellis Ross

The black-ish actress’ hair and fashion choices are as bold, unique and fierce as her beauty, which is only amplified by her fun, quirky personality and sense of humor.

Jada Pinkett Smith, 52

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Her superpower? Being able to pull off virtually any look, from platinum blonde pixie cuts and braided bobs to debuting and proudly rocking a shaved head in recent years.

Regina King, 52

Regina King

Not only is Regina King known for her stellar talent in front of and behind the camera, but she also is recognized for her beautiful hazel eyes. If that wasn’t enough, she appears to be aging in reverse, which isn’t fair.

Regina Hall, 53

Regina Hall

We’re still waiting for Regina Hall to give us the scoop on finding the fountain of youth because there’s no way it’s been nearly 25 years since The Best Man, Love & Basketball, and Scary Movie came out. I mean, come on now!

Nia Long, 53

Nia Long

It’s uncanny that Nia Long looks identical to the way she did in 1997’s Love Jones, if not better. Hey Nia, will you call us up some time and run down your full skincare routine? We’ll be forever grateful!

Taraji P. Henson, 53

Taraji P. Henson

The fierce Howard University graduate-turned-Oscar-nominee Taraji P. Henson would have us completely fooled if she walked down the aisle with the Class of ’23.

Kim Fields, 54

Kim Fields

For close to a decade, Kim Fields stole our hearts as the adorable Tootie on The Facts of Life. Today, she makes reinvention look like a breeze, from directing to launching her own coffee and tea collection all while looking more gorgeous than ever.

Queen Latifah, 53

Queen Latifah

The rapper-turned-movie star’s reign is still going strong! One thing about Queen Latifah is that her mane is always going to be laid for the gods, and we love her for that.

Halle Berry, 57

Halle Berry

You know you’re fly when a rapper names his entire song in your honor: Hurricane Chris’ 2009 viral hit “Halle Berry (She’s Fine).” Topping People’s “50 Most Beautiful” in 2003, her unparalleled beauty has been the source of inspiration for countless other shout-outs in hip-hop and beyond.

Viola Davis, 58

Viola Davis

This real-life “Woman King” didn’t need to achieve EGOT status to convince us of all the extraordinary talent and beauty she possesses. Viola Davis is truly radiant in every sense of the word, sparkling in just about every scene she’s in.

Vivica A. Fox, 59

Vivica A. Fox

A timeless beauty, the Two Can Play That Game actress had us in awe when she was spotted bare-faced at a New Year’s get-together. “Ok.. Ms. Viv looks like a teenager with no makeup on!!” one Instagram user commented.

Vanessa Williams, 60

Vanessa Williams

Equally as stunning as when she was crowned Miss America (the first Black woman to receive the title) in 1983, we have a hard time believing Vanessa Williams became a grandmother in late 2021.

Angela Bassett, 65

Angela Bassett

How do we even begin to find the words to praise the icon that is Angela Bassett? Her striking features are what dreams are made of — those razor-sharp cheekbones could cut glass. We are not worthy!

Sheryl Lee Ralph, 66

Sheryl Lee Ralph

The accolades keep on coming for the original “Dreamgirl,” who never hesitates to tell it like it is with her words, which can inspire and uplift anyone wise enough to listen. And she’s got the confidence and bold style to match.

Jenifer Lewis, 66

Jenifer Lewis

Leave it to “The Mother of Black Hollywood” to bare her soul and drop jewels of wisdom whenever she speaks. Just as exhilarant as she was when she made her Broadway debut at age 22, Jenifer Lewis is still high-kicking! Hey, if we look and feel that amazing at her age, we'll be doing high kicks, too.

Loretta Devine, 74

Loretta Devine

The ageless beauty and versatile Emmy-winning actress will forever be “Devine” in our eyes. She is the epitome of what it means to be grown, gifted and Black.

Alfre Woodard, 71

Alfre Woodard

Exuding grace and dignity wherever she goes, Alfre Woodard has aged like fine wine. How does she do it? We think her 40-year romance with hubby Roderick Spencer may have a little something to do with it!

Phylicia Rashad, 75

Phylicia Rashad

We’d be remiss to close out this list without giving Ms. Phylicia Rashad her flowers. Armed with breathtaking beauty and brains, she exemplifies Black excellence to its core and is still turning heads.

Princess Gabbara is a New York City-based writer, editor, author and storyteller. She has contributed to Grammy.com, MTV News, Billboard, Oprah Daily, Shondaland, Essence, Ebony and Shape. You can follow Princess on Twitter at @princessgabbara and learn more about her and her work at princessgabbara.com.