Time After Time/Soap World

When it comes to African American actresses in daytime you often hear me talk about the greats and compare them to the new school.  Christel Kahlil , Carla Mosley, Chaunteé Schuler, Tika Sumpter, Daphnee Duplaix Samuel, and Denise Vasi represent the new generation of actresses currently working. 

Christel Kahlil, Carla Mosley, Chaunteé Schuler, and Denise Vasi are four actresses who often get the brunt of my criticism of their acting abilities or the lack there of.  Therefore, when it comes to any African American actress in daytime unless you are bringing something completely new and not done then you are held to the standard of the greats who brought it from day one.  And none of them are bringing anything new to daytime that hasn't been done before. 

White actresses are held to the same standard.  Molly Burnett (Days), Crystal Hunt (OLTL), Caitlin Van Zandt (GL), Vail Bloom (Y&R), and Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (B&B) are just a few actresses who equally get their share of acting criticism if not more. 

Back in the day, African American actresses on soaps came on with the kind of talent and gusto that they didn't need to "grow" into the role.  And "grow" is code word for an actor in training.  They can act, but have not developed a sense of self and have not put the STAMP on the role.  They are unable to make acting choices that develop special personality traits that the character they play are known and remembered by.  They are not the type that could "carry" the show if need be or ones who can truly lead storylines. 

With that being said, I am going to list for you in my personal order the top 5 African American Actresses in daytime who brought it from day one.  Who put a STAMP on their role!  Moreover, "growing" only meant they got expanded screen time to display their stellar talent.  In addition, these actresses could run acting circles around the current generation of African American actresses (or any young actress for that matter) and could teach them a thing or twenty about developing their character into something phenomenal.  Watch the scenes of each actress and see if you don't get my point. 

-----------------                 

5. Tamara Tunie (Jessica Griffin, ATWT)

 

4. Amelia Marshall (Gilly Grant, GL, Liz Saborune, Passions)

3. Debbie Morgan (Angie Hubbard, AMC, Chantel Marshall, Generations, Ellen, Port Charles)

2. Renee Jones (Lexie Carver Dimera, Days)

1. Victoria Rowell (Drucilla Winters, Y&R)

 

Now share with me your top 5 African American actresses in daytime and your thoughts. Also Members post your top 5 favorite African American actress clips here: Memebers Soap Clips