
Actor
Aunjanue Ellis
- Born: 21 February 1971, San Francisco, California, USA
- Estimated net worth: $3 million
Aunjanue Ellis is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in both film and television. She gained recognition for her roles in 'The Help' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk.' With a career spanning over two decades, she is celebrated…
Aunjanue Ellis: best films and shows
About Aunjanue Ellis
Aunjanue Ellis is an acclaimed American actress known for her powerful performances in both film and television. She gained recognition for her roles in 'The Help' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk.' With a career spanning over two decades, she is celebrated for her emotional depth and versatility, often portraying strong, complex characters.
- Born
- 21 February 1971, San Francisco, California, USA
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
- Children
- 1, name not publicly known
- Parents
- Mary Ellis, Paul Ellis
- Estimated net worth
- $3 million
Fun facts about Aunjanue Ellis
- Aunjanue Ellis studied at Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies.
- She made her television debut in the early 1990s on the series 'The Cosby Show,' showcasing her talent in a range of genres.
Famous Aunjanue Ellis quotes
“I can't let you go.”
“You have to be the change.”
“We are not meant to be broken.”
Aunjanue Ellis filmography
Cast (90)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Get Lite Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2026 | Give Me Some Sugah Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2026 | Liz Here Now Movie | Liz Baxter | |
| 2026 | Lucky TV | Agent Billie Rand | 7.3 |
| 2026 | Lucky Strike Movie | Mrs. Caldwell | 6.6 |
| 2024 | Nickel Boys Movie | Hattie | 6.6 |
| 2024 | Exhibiting Forgiveness Movie | Joyce | 5.9 |
| 2024 | The Deliverance Movie | Rev Bernice James | 6.0 |
| 2024 | The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat Movie | Odette Henry | 6.7 |
| 2023 | The Color Purple Movie | Mama | 7.0 |
Show 80 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Origin Movie | Isabel Wilkerson | 6.2 |
| 2023 | Justified: City Primeval TV | Carolyn | 7.0 |
| 2022 | The Jennifer Hudson Show TV | Self | 5.6 |
| 2022 | 61st Street TV | Martha Roberts | 6.2 |
| 2021 | King Richard Movie | Oracene 'Brandy' Price | 7.6 |
| 2021 | The Subject Movie | Leslie | 3.9 |
| 2020 | Lovecraft Country TV | Hippolyta Freeman | 7.1 |
| 2020 | The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel Movie | Mattie Moss Clark | 7.6 |
| 2019 | Miss Virginia Movie | Lorraine Townsend | 7.8 |
| 2019 | When They See Us TV | Sharonne Salaam | 8.2 |
| 2018 | If Beale Street Could Talk Movie | Mrs. Hunt | 6.9 |
| 2018 | Pimp Movie | Gloria May | 6.2 |
| 2017 | Romeo and Juliet in Harlem Movie | Lady Capulet | |
| 2016 | Designated Survivor TV | Eleanor Darby | 7.2 |
| 2016 | The Birth of a Nation Movie | Nancy Turner | 6.6 |
| 2015 | Quantico TV | Miranda Shaw | 6.5 |
| 2015 | The Book of Negroes TV | Aminata Diallo | 6.6 |
| 2014 | Variety Studio: Actors on Actors TV | Self | 4.2 |
| 2014 | Of Mind and Music Movie | Una Vida | 5.7 |
| 2014 | Get On Up Movie | Vicki Anderson | 6.8 |
| 2013 | Sleepy Hollow TV | Lori Mills | 7.4 |
| 2013 | The Volunteer Movie | Leigh | |
| 2012 | Abducted: The Carlina White Story Movie | Ann | 7.8 |
| 2012 | Missing TV | Mary Dresden | 6.2 |
| 2011 | Money Matters Movie | Pamela Matters | 4.7 |
| 2011 | The Help Movie | Yule Mae Davis | 8.2 |
| 2011 | The Resident Movie | Sydney | 5.7 |
| 2011 | The Tested Movie | Darraylynn Warren | 3.0 |
| 2010 | Game of Death Movie | Rachel | 4.9 |
| 2010 | Blue Bloods TV | Sylvia Marshall | 7.8 |
| 2010 | I Love You Phillip Morris Movie | Reba | 6.4 |
| 2009 | NCIS: Los Angeles TV | Michelle Hanna | 7.5 |
| 2009 | The Good Wife TV | Linda Underwood | 7.6 |
| 2009 | The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 Movie | Therese Garber | 6.4 |
| 2009 | Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Movie | Candy | 7.8 |
| 2009 | The Hungry Ghosts Movie | Nadia | 1.0 |
| 2009 | Motherhood Movie | Sample Sale Friend | 5.0 |
| 2009 | Notorious Movie | Sandy | 7.0 |
| 2008 | The Express Movie | Marie Davis | 7.1 |
| 2008 | The Mentalist TV | Madeleine Hightower | 8.4 |
| 2008 | True Blood TV | Diane | 7.6 |
| 2008 | The Prince of Motor City Movie | Cora Neel | |
| 2008 | Racing for Time Movie | Officer Baker | 5.8 |
| 2007 | Cover Movie | Valerie Mass | 5.1 |
| 2006 | Justice TV | Miranda Lee | 7.0 |
| 2006 | Freedomland Movie | Felicia | 5.3 |
| 2005 | E-Ring TV | Jocelyn Pierce | 7.6 |
| 2005 | Numb3rs TV | Ivy Kirk | 7.0 |
| 2005 | Jonny Zero TV | Gloria | 5.2 |
| 2005 | Perception Movie | Vera | 9.0 |
| 2004 | Ray Movie | Mary Ann Fisher | 7.5 |
| 2004 | The D.A. TV | Unknown character | |
| 2004 | Brother to Brother Movie | Zora | 5.7 |
| 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV | Self | 5.3 |
| 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV | Self - Guest | 5.3 |
| 2002 | MDs TV | Quinn Joyner | 7.3 |
| 2002 | Lovely & Amazing Movie | Lorraine | 6.1 |
| 2002 | Undercover Brother Movie | Sistah Girl | 5.9 |
| 2001 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent TV | Carmen Rivera | 7.6 |
| 2001 | John John in the Sky Movie | Earlene | 6.4 |
| 2001 | The Caveman's Valentine Movie | Lulu | 5.9 |
| 2000 | Disappearing Acts Movie | Pam | 6.2 |
| 2000 | The Opponent Movie | Unknown character | 5.2 |
| 2000 | Men of Honor Movie | Jo | 7.5 |
| 1999 | Third Watch TV | Gail Moore | 7.9 |
| 1999 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit TV | Laura Chase | 8.0 |
| 1999 | A Map of the World Movie | Dyshett | 6.0 |
| 1999 | In Too Deep Movie | Denise | 6.4 |
| 1999 | Desert Blue Movie | Agent Summers | 5.7 |
| 1998 | Side Streets Movie | Brenda Boyce | 6.8 |
| 1997 | The Practice TV | Sharon Young | 7.6 |
| 1996 | Ed's Next Move Movie | Erica | 4.8 |
| 1996 | Girls Town Movie | Nikki | 5.7 |
| 1996 | High Incident TV | Officer Leslie Joyner | 8.0 |
| 1994 | New York Undercover TV | Unknown character | 7.3 |
| 1953 | The Oscars TV | Self | 7.1 |
| TBA | Einstein TV | Captain Frost | |
| TBA | The Body Is Water Movie | Ree | |
| TBA | HBCU Honors Movie | Self | |
| TBA | Joséphine Baker Movie | Unknown character |
Crew (4)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Liz Here Now Movie | Executive Producer · Production | |
| 2024 | Grace Movie | Executive Producer · Production | |
| 2023 | Origin Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.2 |
| TBA | Untitled Sister Rosetta Tharpe Biopic Movie | Writer · Writing |
Latest releases
- Lucky Strike2026 / TMDB 6.6
- Nickel Boys2024 / TMDB 6.6
- Exhibiting Forgiveness2024 / TMDB 5.9
- The Deliverance2024 / TMDB 6.0
- The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat2024 / TMDB 6.7
- The Color Purple2023 / TMDB 7.0
Questions about Aunjanue Ellis
What are Aunjanue Ellis's most notable films?
Aunjanue Ellis is known for her roles in 'The Help,' 'If Beale Street Could Talk,' and 'The Birth of a Nation.' These films have showcased her range and depth as an actress.
Has Aunjanue Ellis won any awards?
Aunjanue Ellis has received several nominations, including a Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'If Beale Street Could Talk,' highlighting her talent and recognition within the industry.
What was Aunjanue Ellis's early career like?
Aunjanue Ellis began her career in theater before transitioning to television and film. Her first major role was in the television series 'The Cosby Show,' which helped her gain visibility in the industry.
What is Aunjanue Ellis's highest-grossing film?
One of Aunjanue Ellis's highest-grossing films is 'The Help,' which was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $200 million worldwide and bringing attention to her talent.
Is Aunjanue Ellis involved in any philanthropic work?
Yes, Aunjanue Ellis is known for her advocacy work, particularly in areas related to social justice and representation in the arts, reflecting her commitment to using her platform for positive change.
What is Aunjanue Ellis's estimated net worth?
Aunjanue Ellis's estimated net worth is around $3 million, reflecting her successful career in acting across various mediums, including film and television.
What are some milestones in Aunjanue Ellis's filmography?
Key milestones in Aunjanue Ellis's filmography include her performances in 'The Help' and 'If Beale Street Could Talk,' both of which received critical acclaim and showcased her exceptional talent.
What character did Aunjanue Ellis play in 'Washington Black'?
In 'Washington Black,' Aunjanue Ellis plays the character of Tanna, a significant role that adds depth to the narrative and highlights her acting prowess.






