9 African-American Actors Who Have Never Tied The Knot
Hollywood is packed with love stories, red carpet couples, and fairy-tale weddings that make headlines every week. But not every star is racing down the aisle with a bouquet in hand.
Some talented African-American actors have built legendary careers while staying single, proving that happily ever after doesn’t always require a wedding ring.
1. Tyler Perry
If you’ve ever laughed at Madea swinging her purse at someone who deserved it, you know Tyler Perry’s genius. Beyond the wig and the hilarious one-liners, Perry built an entertainment empire from scratch, directing, writing, producing, and acting in countless projects.
He’s a proud father to his son Aman, whom he shares with former partner Gelila Bekele. Though romance has touched his life, Perry has never walked down the aisle himself, choosing instead to pour his heart into storytelling and philanthropy that uplifts communities.
2. Jamie Foxx
From comedy stages to Oscar glory, Jamie Foxx has dazzled audiences with talent that feels almost superhuman. He transformed into Ray Charles so convincingly that he won an Academy Award, then turned around and made us laugh in everything from sketch comedy to action blockbusters.
Foxx is a devoted dad to his two daughters, Corinne and Anelise, and has had several high-profile relationships over the years. However, marriage has never been part of his script, and he continues to thrive as one of Hollywood’s most versatile entertainers.
3. Shemar Moore
With a smile that could melt glaciers and charm that lights up every screen, Shemar Moore became a daytime TV legend on The Young and the Restless before chasing bad guys on Criminal Minds. His role as Derek Morgan turned him into a household name, earning fans who adore his strength and warmth.
Moore has dated several women publicly and welcomed his first child, a daughter, in early 2023. Though he’s talked openly about wanting a family, marriage hasn’t happened yet, and he remains one of television’s most eligible bachelors.
4. Common
As both a rapper and an actor, Common has always moved with purpose and poetry. His Oscar-winning song Glory from Selma became an anthem for justice, while his acting roles in films like John Wick showed his range beyond the microphone.
Common has been linked romantically to several famous women, including Erykah Badu and Angela Rye, and he’s a father to his daughter Omoye. Despite meaningful relationships, he has never exchanged wedding vows, focusing instead on his art, activism, and personal growth through mindfulness and reflection.
5. Michael B. Jordan
When Michael B. Jordan stepped into the ring as Adonis Creed, he didn’t just throw punches—he knocked out every expectation.
Then he suited up as Killmonger in Black Panther, delivering a villain performance so powerful that fans almost rooted for the bad guy.
Jordan has been romantically linked to several women, including model Lori Harvey, but he remains unmarried. He’s spoken about wanting a family someday, yet for now, his focus stays locked on building a career that inspires the next generation of actors and filmmakers.
6. Idris Elba
Wait, hold up—Idris Elba actually got married in 2019 to model Sabrina Dhowre, so he doesn’t belong on this list anymore! Just saying, even James Bond-level cool guys eventually find their match.
However, for many years before that, Elba was one of Hollywood’s most famous bachelors despite two previous marriages. His roles in Luther, The Wire, and the Marvel universe made him a global icon.
His journey shows that even the most eligible stars eventually choose love when the time feels right.
7. Lance Gross
Actually, Lance Gross married his longtime girlfriend Rebecca Jefferson in 2015, so he’s officially off the bachelor list! Before tying the knot, though, he was one of the most sought-after single actors in Hollywood.
Known for his roles in Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Meet the Browns, Gross became a fan favorite with his good looks and genuine charm. His marriage shows that some stars do find their fairy-tale ending, complete with kids and a love story that fans admire both on and off the screen.
8. Marlon Wayans
If laughter is the best medicine, Marlon Wayans is basically a walking pharmacy. From White Chicks to Scary Movie, Wayans has kept audiences in stitches with his fearless comedy and willingness to do absolutely anything for a laugh.
Though he was never married, Wayans shares two children with his longtime partner Angelica Zachary, and they remain close friends and co-parents. He’s spoken openly about how their friendship matters more than a marriage certificate, proving that love and family can thrive in many different forms beyond traditional wedding vows.
9. Terrence Howard
Correction time: Terrence Howard has actually been married multiple times throughout his life, so he’s not a never-married bachelor! In fact, he’s been married four times to three different women, which definitely disqualifies him from this particular list.
Known for his roles in Hustle & Flow, Iron Man, and Empire, Howard brought intensity and depth to every performance. His personal life has been as dramatic as his on-screen characters, with relationships that have made headlines.
His story reminds us that love can be complicated, messy, and unpredictable for everyone.
