Black Never Cracks for These Famous Men Over 40

Shanelle Genai

September 9, 2023 at 4:30 PM·8 min read

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Larenz Tate attends the ESSENCE 15th Anniversary Black Women In Hollywood Awards on March 24, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California

In a world full of talented, respectable and well-rounded men who are also eye candy and “snacks”—we can’t forget about the more seasoned men a.k.a. “zaddies” who paved the way first.

In honor of his birthday on Sep. 8, let’s kick things off with the prototype and forever 90s fine actor, Larenz Tate. Somehow, year after year, he continues to leave some of these other men in the dust with his flawless skin and smile. His secret? Aloe Vera, African black soap and Shea butter. You’re welcome.

Now you already know we had to kick things out with forever 90s fine Morris Chestnut. If The Best Man or the other myriad of movies he’s starred in over the years haven’t convinced you that he’s still the standard for aging gracefully—then something’s definitely wrong with you.

Usher

Usher attends The 2023 Met Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City

Now you already know we had to include Mr. “I’ll Serenade Your Girlfriend in Public” Usher Raymond. Not only has he been fine since he came on the scene, but his recent Las Vegas Residency tour has been the hottest place to be since it was first announced. I guess all that good singing and staying out of drama over the years does melanin well. Keep it going Ursher!

Method Man

Method Man attends the 4th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema and Television on December 06, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

I mean, come on. What more do I really have to say here? Between Method Man’s salt and pepper hair and his thirst trap-esque workout videos, he’s truly getting better with age.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs attends the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Another graduate from the school of 90s fine, I could probably credit Taye Diggs’ eternal fineness to both good genes and his playful energy (the latter of which is often on display on his Instagram and TikTok.)

Michael Ealy

Michael Ealy attends the premiere of HBO’s “Westworld” Season 3 at TCL Chinese Theatre on March 05, 2020 in Hollywood, California.

I don’t know about you but I’ve been in a personal (read: hypothetical) love affair with Michael Ealy’s pool blue eyes ever since I first saw him in Barbershop back in the early 2000s. And every time he pops up on my screen or on social media, I’m reminded that he truly seems to get better and better with each passing day.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

I don’t remember when exactly Idris Elba came on the scene, but I know he’s been one of the finest faces and most talented acts to grace the big and small screen since he got here. That’s probably why he continues to look more refined on a daily basis.

Terrence Howard

Terrance Howard arrives to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California.

Whether you know Terence Howard as Q or Luscious Lyon, what you should know is that he somehow manages to age backwards effortlessly and we all should be trying to figure out how he does it.

Lamman Rucker

Lamman Rucker attends the 54th NAACP Image Awards on February 25, 2023 in Pasadena, California.

Oh, Lamman. As someone who’s been in the same room with this man for an event, let me be the first to tell you: yes, he is this fine and ageless in person.

Derek Luke

Derek Luke attends the premiere of Netflix’s “A Jazzman’s Blues” at TUDUM Theater on September 16, 2022 in Hollywood, California.

I knew the minute I saw Derek Luke pop up in Antoine Fisher back in 2002, he was going to be around for a long time, due to his good looks and stellar acting chops. I’m happy to see both things have gotten more and phenomenal.

Lance Gross

Lance Gross speaks onstage at 2019 ESSENCE Festival Presented By Coca-Cola on July 05, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

There’s nothing gross about Lance Gross (I’m so sorry, it was right there. I couldn’t help it.) In fact, there are so amazingly ageless things about Lance Gross, someone ought to start a petition to change his last name to Lance Fine—because that’s exactly what he is, always has been, and always will be.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s ‘The Mother’ on May 10, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Omari Hardwick may have played a “Ghost” on TV, but I hope he never goes ghost on us because we need to figure out what keeps him looking so good year after year.

Rick Fox

Rick Fox visits Hallmark’s “Home & Family” on August 1, 2018 in Universal City, California.

I know a lot of y’all Aunties and older cousins are gonna be happy about Rick Fox being on this list. He could teach a masterclass on aging with grace.

Will Smith

Will Smith attends Paramount Pictures’ premiere of “Gemini Man” on October 06, 2019 in Hollywood, California.

They don’t call him Big Willy for nothing! From big blockbuster hits to his big personality—it feels like the Fresh Prince just went off the air yesterday. What’s your secret, Will? Philly cheesesteaks? Put us on!

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso attends the 9th Annual AAFCA Awards at Taglyan Complex on February 7, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.

Even though I have a faux beef with Laz Alonso for his role in L.A.’s Finest (watch it, if you haven’t already. Then come back and let me know your thoughts in the comments)—I can’t stay mad for too long. Look at him! What is aging? He’s clearly never heard of it.

Blair Underwood

Blair Underwood attends the 50th International Emmy Awards at New York Hilton Midtown on November 21, 2022 in New York City.

I know Morris and Taye were graduates from the school of 90s fine, but Blair Underwood had to have been a professor because it makes absolutely no sense for him to still look this good after this time. That melanin is something serious.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore discusses “S.W.A.T.” with the Build Series at Build Studio on September 20, 2018 in New York City.

Speak of another professor from the school of 90s fine, Shemar Moore was definitely the principal if, not the superintendent. And that bald head and salt-n-pepper goatee? 10/10, no notes.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx attends the World Premiere of Netflix’s “Day Shift” at Regal LA Live on August 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

No health complication can take away Jamie’s handsomeness over the years. Im glad we’ve got more time to sing his praises!

Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

I don’t know if the mystique is his secret to aging backwards, but whatever Lenny Kravitz is doing—someone ought to write it down and sell it for big money!

Barack Obama

Former US President Barack Obama speaks during a Democratic National Committee (DNC) rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.

He may be the former President, but Barack Obama will forever be fine as he continues to age like fine wine. Ain’t that right Michelle?

LL Cool J

LL Cool J visits SiriusXM Studios on August 02, 2023 in New York City.

Have you ever met anyone else with a more accurate name than “Ladies Love Cool J?” No? I didn’t think so. And thankfully for all of us, the name just keeps sounding better day in and day out because we still love him.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo attends the 26th Annual SAGindie Actors Only Brunch on January 22, 2023 in Park City, Utah.

Colman BEEN Domingo, OK? And if you don’t know what I mean by that phrase, go find your nearest millenial or Gen Z person and ask them. But before you do, let’s marvel at this actor’s flawless look.

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams attends the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival on June 14, 2019 in Cagliari, Italy.

Blame it on the baby blue eyes, his philanthropic endeavors, or great acting—whatever it is that’s got Jesse Williams looking younger like this, we need to get to the bottom of it.

DJ D-Nice

D-Nice speaks onstage at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ on July 01, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

DJ D-Nice may have gotten us through the pandemic thanks to Club Quarantine, but how he’s gone through the years essentially aging backwards—the world may never know. Maybe the secret’s in the music?

Leon

Leon Preston Robinson attends the 2022 Apollo Theater Spring Benefit at The Apollo Theater on June 13, 2022 in New York City.

Not only is Leon looking the exact same as he did back in the day, but he’s so fin that he only goes on a first name basis. You say the name “Leon” anywhere near Black folks and I guarantee you at least five women are sure to swoon.

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