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On Aug. 14, 2009 Halle Berry turns 43.
For her big day, Black Voices wanted to celebrated the Academy Award winning beauty in a special way.
Here are some known facts about the woman born Maria Halle Berry:
The Cleveland, Ohio born actress is a former fashion model, and beauty queen, having won Miss USA World title in 1986.
As the only African American women to win the Academy Award for Best Actress (for 2001's 'Monster's Ball'), Berry remains one the highest paid actresses in Hollywood. (See her impassioned Oscar winner speech below)
She is a longtime spokeswoman for Revlon cosmetics.
She is a diabetic.
She was married to professional baseball player David Justice and R&B singer Eric Benet; both short marriages ended in divorce.She has dated French-Canadian model Gabriel Aubry since November 2005.
She recently finished shooting 'Frankie and Alice' --her first film since giving birth to her one-year-old daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry.
Black Voices named her one of the Top 30 Sexiest Black Actresses in 2008.
Over the years, she's made an array of movies -- some critically acclaimed, some not so much.
Below are a list of projects we chose to highlight on her special day:
'Jungle Fever'
'Strictly Business'
'Alex Haley's Queen'
'Losing Isaiah'
'The Rich Man's Wife'
'BAPS'
'Oprah Winfrey Presents: The Wedding'
'Bulworth'
'Introducing Dorothy Dandridge'
'X-Men'
'Swordfish'
'Monsters Ball'
'Die Another Day'
'Catwoman'
'Oprah Winfrey Presents: Their Eyes Were Watching God'
'Things We Lost in the Fire'
This is just a sample of Halle Berry's body of work. She's one of the busiest actors of her generation. It's not her complete list of films.
From her striking debut in Spike Lee's controversial 'Jungle Fever' up to her recent dramatic turn in 'Things We Lost in the Fire,' Black Voices takes look at the film career of the one and only Halle Berry.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Halle Berry's Emotional Oscar® Acceptance Speech
First off, we acknowledge that 'sexiness' is extremely subjective, but since when has that stopped anyone from offering their opinion? It certainly hasn't kept us from taking note of the women who have served it up to us over and over again on the silver screen. That kind of consistency deserves recognition. That's why Black Voices took time out to compile a list of the top 30 sexiest actresses of all time. Although many of the women on our list have excelled in various media throughout their careers, we decided to rank each actress based on their "sex appeal in feature films, roles and scenes." Whether you agree or disagree with our rankings, we want to hear your opinion. Why not give us your own top 30 sexy actresses list? Please post your thoughts, comments and/or opinions in our community message board. Let the sexiness begin!
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (74)
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By: SOLOMON on 8/14/2009 1:02AM
SOLOMON...HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALLE...SOLOMON.
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By: Derrick on 8/14/2009 7:29AM
What about Gloria Hendry, Tashina Arnold, Kimberly Elise???????? Are they too dark skinned to be considered amoung the "Top Sexiest Actress of all time??????? Halle Berry cant hold a candle to any of these beautiful sisters. We all know why shes one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood...she went on the BIG screen, got on all fours for her master and screamed at the top of her lungs. So much so, they gave her their award. Well done Halle...well done.
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By: notundermindcontrol on 8/14/2009 12:56PM
you are sooo correct so called "Black Voices" has not said anything about them to this extent lol and im not trying to make this a dark versus light thing but lets be real can we name at least 10 dark skinned women actresses that are not old from the 60s or 70s i mean current actress like miss halle here? ill admit i cant off the top of my head i gotta think and thats a shame why? cause the media will throw this sh*t in our faces and make us think this is black and beautiful lol and have the nerve to have a poll asking if halle is the sexiest actress alive(sublimenally they mean black actress,this is "black voices" so of course you think black actress without having them saying so and yes was the leading vote lol smdh wake up
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By: John Booger on 8/14/2009 4:03PM
Gloria Hendry, Tashina Arnold, Kimberly Elise are real black women. Hailey Berry is half white, american indian, and black. Do the math. She less than half black.
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By: SMH on 8/14/2009 6:00PM
LOL....you are a hater forreal.It`s funny to me that you can`t even spell her name correctly,but yet you are trying to say that "Tichina Arnold" looks better than Halle.I mean really seriously....Pam?Not saying that Tichina isn`t beautiful,but for you to say that Halle can`t hold a candle to her is just ridiculous.She may have got on all "4`s" as you put it,but that was acting,and she got up with an oscar in her hand.Compare that to how many women you know that get on all "4`s" forreal and get up with nothing at all.Give Ms.Berry her do,she`s a great actress...stop hating kid.
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By: Renee Young on 8/14/2009 10:42PM
You are so right on with this statement because I watched the movies and I saw nothing that was award winning. I't a shame that real black women (full Black) dark black women are never given this kind of attention. Thank you my brother for keeping it real thank you.
Signed a Real Black Woman with color on her skin and dreads on her head.
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By: Harps on 8/15/2009 12:30AM
I think it is sad that they still have us fighting amongst ourselves light skin vs. Dark skin. We should celebrate Halle and be proud that a woman of african decent has achieved all that she has in spite of racism. As a dark skinned sister I am happy to see any of my sisters succeed. I can not belive that people want to tear down our lighter skinned sister to promote our darker skinned sisters. Why can't we celebrate them all.(once we are divided we can be conquered, no strength withour unity)
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By: Calvin on 8/14/2009 8:15AM
Happy Birthday Halle and continue to have many many many more. Today is your day so let it shine.
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By: bardan911 on 8/14/2009 9:03AM
I know most people say if you have 1 drop of blk blood you are considered blk, but I don't consider Halle Berry an all blk woman. Most white guys say that they would date a blk woman, and they name people like Halle Berry or Vanessa Williams. C-mon what's wrong with that picture? When they see a darker skin woman with short nappy hair they don't want her. She's not the type of BLK WOMAN they are looking for.
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By: Black Moses on 8/14/2009 10:40AM
I don't know about that sista. White boys know that most Black men are color struck and don't want a dark-skinned sista so they are easy prey for patty boys and others to sow their oats with. I am seeing a lot of young dark-skinned Black women with mulatto babies today. The Black man has ruined the self-esteem of our natural beautiful sistas (dark to brown) because too many of us have esteem issues. Now that the mulatto has critical mass they are going to show Blacks how they always have felt about us.
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