Black Never Cracks for These Famous Men Over 40

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.

Morris Chestnut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.