North Hollywood-based actress Rae’l Ba is no stranger to breaking molds. Born in the United States to Senegalese and African American parents, Rae’l’s journey has been anything but conventional. From voicing animated characters to performing on stage and screen, her career spans film, TV, radio, audiobooks, and beyond — shaped by faith, grit, and an unwavering devotion to truth-telling.
“I’ve always felt like the underdog,” she says. “But every risk I’ve taken has brought me closer to purpose.” That purpose is clear in her powerful performances, such as The Gentle Giant, a Hulu Original centered on George Floyd’s family, and her cameo in King Richard, the acclaimed biopic of Venus and Serena Williams’ father. She also narrated the Amazon audiobook on civil rights icon Mary McLeod Bethune and recently co-taught a Film & TV course at UCLA, mentoring young actors on their own paths.Her creative lens is shaped by a deeply personal narrative—one that bridges the African continent and diaspora. “My identity as a true African American is something I carry into every role,” Rae’l shares. “Even choosing to keep my last name, Ba, is an act of honoring my heritage.” Rae’l is not only making waves onscreen but also uplifting the stories of those whose voices were once silenced. A published contributor in Emmy-winner Wendy Kurtzman’s book Acting Is Your Business, she’s also featured in the art house film Why We Love, premiering this year, and stars in the upcoming musical thriller Voices (2026). Currently, she’s filming a new series for AMC and ALLBLK alongside Omarion.
Did You Know?
Rae’l Ba once took a year-long college course on African diaspora in film that transformed her purpose as a storyteller. Films like Hotel Rwanda and Daughters of the Dust ignited her mission: to preserve culture, inspire change, and make our people feel seen.
Editor: Emmanuel Emmfo
