Top Regina King Roles You Probably Missed

Regina King has quietly become one of the most respected and versatile actresses in Hollywood. From voice acting to powerhouse dramatic roles, she’s built a body of work that spans decades and genres. While her Oscar-winning performance in If Beale Street Could Talk and her role in Watchmen made headlines, there’s a rich catalog of Regina King roles that many people still haven’t seen.

This list celebrates seven of her most underrated or under-watched performances—projects that highlight her range, power, and lasting cultural impact.

1. Southland (2009–2013)

Before prestige TV was everywhere, Southland quietly delivered one of the most grounded and gripping police dramas on television—and Regina King was at its core. As Detective Lydia Adams, she brought emotional depth to a role that could’ve easily been one-dimensional.

Her portrayal of a single Black woman balancing motherhood with a high-stakes job in law enforcement was refreshingly raw and nuanced, earning her critical acclaim even if the show flew under the mainstream radar.

2. American Crime (2015–2017)

In this anthology series, King delivered a masterclass in range by playing vastly different characters across three seasons. Whether portraying a devout Muslim mother or a tough but grieving educator, King grounded each role in deeply human emotion.

American Crime is where she showed she’s not just a great actress—she’s a shapeshifter. And the industry noticed: she won two Emmy Awards for it.

3. A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996)

Often overshadowed by Martin Lawrence’s comedic energy, King’s supporting role as Mia—his grounded, loving best friend—added heart and realism to this chaotic romantic thriller. She brings warmth and authenticity, serving as the emotional compass of the film.

In hindsight, it’s clear she was elevating material that didn’t quite deserve her—something she’d continue to do throughout her career.

4. The Boondocks (2005–2014)

Yes, that was Regina King voicing both Huey and Riley Freeman in The Boondocks. Her vocal performance was so seamless that many viewers never realized she played two characters with completely different personalities, energies, and attitudes.

This isn’t just a fun fact—it’s proof of her immense talent. King brought soul, satire, and authenticity to one of the most culturally sharp animated series ever made.

5. Poetic Justice (1993)

While much of the spotlight went to Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur, Regina King stole every scene she was in as Iesha—Justice’s loud, bold, and hilarious friend. She brought comic relief, yes, but also a sense of grounded realism to the road trip narrative.

Poetic Justice was an early glimpse of King’s star power, even when she was playing supporting roles. It’s also a snapshot of Black cinema in the '90s, and her presence gave it extra flavor.

6. The Leftovers (2015–2017)

In Season 2 of The Leftovers, King played Erika Murphy—a mother and doctor in a town untouched by the world’s mysterious disappearance event. It’s one of her most emotionally layered roles, balancing spiritual crisis, maternal love, and rage with jaw-dropping realism.

This role solidified her as a go-to actress for complex, mature, and deeply human characters.

7. 227 (1985–1990)

Before she was an Oscar winner, Regina King was Brenda Jenkins—the witty and lovable daughter on the classic sitcom 227. It was her first major role and a cultural touchstone for many Black families in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

While not underrated in its time, 227 often gets forgotten when discussing her career. But it was the beginning of it all—the spark of her comedic timing and screen presence that would define the next three decades.

Discover the Depth of Regina King’s Talent

From gritty cable dramas to animated satire, Regina King has quietly mastered nearly every medium. These seven roles show that her brilliance extends far beyond her most famous performances. Whether you’re watching her for the first time or rediscovering her range, these picks remind us why she’s one of the most consistent and compelling performers of our time.

Watch These Underrated Regina King Roles Today

Looking to expand your watchlist with powerful performances and culturally rich storytelling? These overlooked Regina King roles are the perfect place to start. Add them to your queue and witness the quiet genius of an actress who deserves all the flowers—and then some.

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