Celebrated actress Halle Berry turns 58! With so many films to her credit that have earned her several awards including an Oscar for Best Actress, her illustrious career spanning three decades is nothing short of an iconic journey. Here are her 10 best roles as an actress that prove her acting prowess – from action films to emotional tragedies, there’s something for everyone.
Leticia Musgrove, Monster’s Ball (2001)
This role, which earned Berry an Academy Award (making her the first black woman to receive the honor), speaks volumes about why the star is known as someone with great emotional range. In Monster’s Ball, a racist prison guard falls in love with the widow of the man he had a role in killing, thus setting up the conflict-ridden premise. It also delves deeply into Leticia’s tragedy, and Berry’s performance is one of the best she has ever given.
Dorothy Dandridge, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999)
This biopic depicts the life and times of the famous Hollywood actress who was an African-American movie star and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. The 1999 film gives viewers a personal look into Dandridge’s life, while also shedding light on the racism that was prevalent in America in the 1950s. Berry won an Emmy and a Golden Ball for her performance.
Storm in the X-Men series
Berry became a fan favorite in this career-defining role in Bryan Singer’s original X-Men. The film, which starred Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Anna Paquin and more, was a huge hit upon its release. It remains a cult favorite nearly two decades after its release.
She continues to make appearances in several films including X2 and X-Men: Days of Future Past. Storm is one of the best performances of her career.
Jinx in Die Another Day (2002)
Berry’s entry into the Bond universe is a fierce one. In this action film, she plays an NSA agent tasked with killing North Korean agent Zhao.
Audrey Burke in Things We Lost in the Fire (2007)
The film deals with themes of grief and loss, which are beautifully portrayed by lead actors Berry and Benicio del Toro. Berry’s Audrey is struggling with her husband’s death, and decides to invite one of her husband’s friends to the house during this difficult time. The actress has once again proven that she is capable of bringing emotional depth to her characters.
Nina in Bulworth (1998)
It’s a political comedy in which Berry stars alongside Warren Beatty, who also directed and wrote the screenplay. It’s been considered one of the best political satires ever made, so it’s a must-see for fans of the genre. Berry plays Nina, a black activist who becomes romantically involved with the titular senator.
Vivian in Jungle Fever (1991)
Noted as Berry’s breakthrough role, Jungle Fever is the story of a black architect who begins an affair with an Italian secretary, which is not approved of by family and community. The film tackles themes of race, class, and the complexities of interracial relationships in American society.
Sofia in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
Berry, a new addition to the John Wick universe, plays the manager of the Casablanca branch of the Continental Hotel brilliantly, and proves to be an ally to Keanu’s main character.
Jocasta Ayres/Luisa Rey/Meronym in Cloud Atlas (2012)
This is a standout performance from Berry, playing multiple characters due to the time jumps in the plot.
Sarah in The Call (2013)
Berry is an experienced call operator who responds to an emergency call and finds herself in a life-or-death situation. Her performance shines in this gripping suspense-thriller.
Also read: Union actress Halle Berry reveals co-star Mark Wahlberg’s reaction after introducing her daughter to him: ‘I got cool points…’
