Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Love & Sex

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Billy Dee Williams

Those sexy brown eyes, that come-hither smile, the moustache — are we wrong for still swooning over this 70s leading man?

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
02
Lance Gross

In his first major role on the silver screen, Lance was the ultimate dose of chocolate eye candy in “Our Family Wedding.” He is the epitome of sexy and we can’t wait to see more of him in Hollywood.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
03
Will Smith

From his early days as the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Will Smith has been a constant heartthrob. Do you remember the work out scene in “I, Robot?” We can’t get those puppy dog eyes and sweaty muscles out of our minds!

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
04
Wesley Snipes

Wesley made us swoon even as a blood-sucking, crime-fighting vampire in “Blade.” His emotional eyes and overall handsome face add a sense of sophistication to everything he does.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
05
Henry Simmons

At 6’4” with chiseled muscles, Henry Simmons is undoubtedly sexy. Plus, on “NYPD Blue” he had that fire and passion in his eyes that made us squirm!

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
06
Common

Common was always sexy as a rapper, and we still had a strong desire for him when he began to appear in leading roles, such as playing baller Scott McKnight in “Just Wright.”

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
07
Djimon Hounsou

When we think of Djimon, we can’t help but think of his infamous CK ad that had every woman yearning for more of his chiseled, chocolate physique. In addition to being a sexy model, Djimon is also an Oscar nominated actor.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
08
Laz Alonzo

This handsome actor has a hot body and gorgeous smile that makes him simply irresistible!

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
09
Morgan Freeman

With a long list of acclaimed box office hits, Morgan Freeman is not only talented, but his astute and mature persona is incredibly sexy. We’d love that iconic distinguished voice to share some pillow talk with us.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
10
Anthony Mackie

We’re head over heels for the New Orleans native’s puppy dog eyes, sly smile and kissable lips.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
11
Mekhi Phifer

Nothing says sexy quite like a bald head and chocolate brown complexion. Mekhi Phifer has both which makes us go crazy for him.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
12
Jason Winston George

We all remember this handsome hottie from the hit TV soap opera, “Sunset Beach.” With a sultry stare and long lean body like that, how could we forget?

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
13
Jesse Williams

Just one seductive look into Jesse Williams’ gorgeous blue-gray eyes is all it takes to drive us wild.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
14
Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy may be one of the funniest men in Hollywood, but we all agree that his sex appeal is no laughing matter.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
15
Taye Diggs

With a sexy gaze and smooth brown skin, “Private Practice” star Taye Diggs is truly something special.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
16
Shemar Moore

We’ve been swooning over Shemar Moore since his days on the runway. The 40-year-old actor has only gotten more talented and fine with age. We wouldn’t mind growing old with him.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
17
Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel must have the softest lips we have ever seen. His big dark brown eyes and true talent, which he’s displayed in films like “2012” and “Salt,” have us wrapped around his little finger.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
18
Sidney Poitier

The first Black actor to win an Academy Award, Sidney Poitier’s smooth chocolate skin, captivating eyes and deep voice make us melt every time we watch “Lilies of the Field."

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
19
Columbus Short

We’ve got a major sweet tooth for young hottie Columbus Short’s smooth, caramel complexion and adorable dimples.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
20
Dwayne Johnson

Before Dwayne Johnson was the “Scorpion King” his bulging pecs and ripped abs made him the king of our hearts.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
21
Blair Underwood

We’ve loved Blair Underwood since 1986 when he got his big break on “L.A. Law.” But, like a fine wine, Blair has grown better — and sexier — with time.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
22
Harry Belafonte

With his youthful charm and chiseled good looks this Jamaican-American brought in some island heat back in the day. We’re still fanning ourselves.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
23
Larenz Tate

No one can forget the sultry and sexy Darius Lovehall from the movie “Love Jones.” Larenz Tate stole our hearts in this romantic film and no matter how many times we she him in this movie, he still makes us quiver.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
24
Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx — a talented comic, an Oscar winning actor, and a Grammy winning musician — is a true triple-threat who also has a double dose of sex appeal to boast.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
25
Mario Van Peebles

Oh Mario! That square jaw and those soft brown eyes made us swoon, but his effortless swagger is “New Jack City” and “Posse” is what really won us over.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
26
Samuel L. Jackson

Sam Jackson’s trademark bald head and strong, deep voice have made him irreplaceable in Hollywood and in our hearts.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
27
LL Cool J

With a body to die for and those trademark luscious lips, LL Cool J is always a standout on the big screen. We couldn’t help but notice his ripped body when he flashed across the screen as Deacon ‘Deke’ Kaye in the film “S.W.A.T.”

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
28
Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker’s golden smile and sexy sense of humor are just two reasons we find him so incredibly irresistible.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
29
Tupac Shakur

When he was alive, Tupac made a good girl want to turn bad. We weren’t phased by the “Poetic Justice” star’s commitment to the thug life. We just wanted to wake up to that seductive stare and those perfectly pursed lips every morning.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
30
Lamman Rucker

With his all-American good looks, “Why Did I Get Married” actor Lamman Rucker had us at “Hello.” And girl, don’t get us started on those dimples!

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
31
Michael Jai White

Michael Jai White is always kicking butt on screen, but in real life he’s a total sweetheart. We’d love to lay our heads on his chest and hold him like a teddy bear.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
32
Cuba Gooding Jr.

When Cuba was shouting “Show me the money!” on “Jerry McGuire” we were thinking, “show me something else, baby!”

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
33
Laurence Fishburne

We’ve wanted a slice of Larry ever since he played Tre’s sexy father in “Boyz n The Hood.” Who could resist the “Hoodlum” star’s square jaw and deep sultry stare.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
34
Tyson Beckford

Tyson’s still building up his acting portfolio and we are in full support of seeing him flash across the big screen more often — preferably with his shirt off.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
35
Nate Parker

Nate Parker won our hearts in “The Great Debaters,” and since then, we just love to see this sexy guy on screen.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
36
Omar Epps

We’ll always be a fan of this sexy man whose lead role in “Love and Basketball,” made us want to get some of his game.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
37
Terrence Howard

With his soft voice, hazel eyes and intense acting style, Mr. Howard has become one of the most desirable (and bankable) leading men in Hollywood. We’re loving him!

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
38
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

We’re pretty sure the hit ABC show “Lost” was such a success because of this Nigerian-English hottie. That unrelenting stare and dark chocolate complexion have made us huge fans.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
39
Michael Ealy

Yes ladies, Michael is beautiful. Plus, this brother is super smart and socially conscious. What else could you want? Oh yeah — a square jaw and gorgeous bedroom eyes that make your knees weak.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
40
Tyrese Gibson

Another singer-turned-actor this sexy, multi-talented hottie’s bright smile continues to light our fire.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
41
Mehcad Brooks

Check out Mechad Brooks’ biceps in the hit TV series “The Deep End!” We’d like to wrap our arms around that strapping chest.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
42
Don Cheadle

An Oscar nominated actor, author, and philanthropist, Don Cheadle’s admirable endeavors make him totally sexy in our eyes.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
43
Richard Roundtree

“Shaft” actor Richard Roundtree gave us lots of reasons to love a sexy rugged man in Black.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
44
Idris Elba

This Britain born, chocolate heartthrob can’t get any sexier. His smooth and sensual English accent is just one of his many traits that makes us go wild.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
45
Boris Kodjoe

When it comes to Borris Kodjoe, we can’t help but put this German-born, model-turned-actor on a pedestal.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
46
T.I.

Another real-life bad boy, who kicks butt on screen, T.I. boyish good looks and intrinsic swagger keep us rooting for him.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
47
Derek Luke

Derek Luke is a chocolate dream. With an adorable baby face and totally kissable lips, we fell in love when he made his acting debut in “Antwone Fisher.”

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
48
Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut is the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. We’d bring him home to momma if he wasn’t already taken.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
49
Lenny Kravitz

This rocker and activist’s transition to film seemed pretty effortless. And why wouldn’t it be? He’s Lenny Kravitz after all. The man can do no wrong as far as we’re concerned.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time
50
Denzel Washinton

Just hearing the name Denzel is enough to send chills down our spine. The handsome, Oscar-winning “Philadelphia” star is one of the sexiest men alive.

Eye Candy: 50 Sexiest Actors of All Time