Black Owned Wall Street

Why are Black American actors being replaced by African British actors for Black American roles?

As a Black American, I have painfully watched the erasure of Black American actors in Black American roles, replaced by Black British actors in movies and shows like The Wire, Snowfall, Selma, Harriet, All American, Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah, Mayor of Kingstown, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, 12 Years a Slave, Genius: MLK/X, Genius:Aretha, and countless others. Watching these films, I notice the timing, rhythm, and swagger meant to reflect Black America, yet something always feels off—a bad Georgia accent trying to imitate a Detroit Black character. Hearing that “culture is acting” is a slap in the face to our ancestors. It’s not a course; it’s a vibration. It isn’t appropriation, exaggeration, or stereotype.

Some of these actors are no different than Awkwafina. Black British actors are often called “better actors,” even by Black directors, who assume they are somehow in a different class than Black Americans. They come to America, where roles are already limited, and take opportunities from Black American actors who have spent years auditioning, only to be passed over despite their talent.

Some argue that Don Cheadle played in Hotel Rwanda, or Denzel Washington portrayed Steve Biko. My response: what is the ratio of American films to foreign films they’ve played? Culturally specific roles should be played by someone from that culture. If more roles existed for Black Americans, Black British actors could take some—but currently, the system is unbalanced. Black Brits may struggle to get lead roles in the UK but are often offered lead roles in America on their first audition. Meanwhile, Black American actors, after years of smaller roles, are still waiting for their chance.

Some say UK actors work for less and are seen as more “classy” or “cultured” than Black Americans—but that is false. Black Americans read Shakespeare, attend classical schools, and perform on Broadway too. The talent is here—it just needs the opportunity.