Meagan Good
A versatile actress who navigated Hollywood's shifting landscape, evolving from a child star into a symbol of resilience and nuanced Black womanhood.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Guinean and American actress·Birthday: August 8·Millennials
Biography
Meagan Good's career is a map of Hollywood itself over the last three decades. She began as a child model and actress, but it was her haunting performance in the indie drama 'Eve's Bayou' at age 15 that signaled a deeper talent. She successfully pivoted to teen comedies and popular urban films like 'Roll Bounce' and 'Stomp the Yard,' becoming a familiar face to a generation. Rather than be typecast, Good deliberately sought complex roles that challenged perceptions, from biblical figures to action heroes. Her professional journey has been paralleled by a public navigation of personal faith, marriage, and the specific pressures faced by Black women in entertainment. She has become an advocate for more dimensional storytelling, using her platform to discuss industry inequities while consistently working to expand her own range, proving her staying power is built on adaptability and quiet determination.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Meagan was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Meagan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Meagan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Gained critical acclaim for her breakthrough role as Cisely Batiste in the landmark film 'Eve's Bayou' at age 15.
- Starred as the lead in the Fox action-drama series 'Minority Report', a television adaptation of the film.
- Played Esther in the major biblical film 'One Night with the King', showcasing her range in historical drama.
- Portrayed a series regular role on the CW drama 'The Game' during its BET revival seasons.
- Co-starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the action film 'The Suicide Squad' (2021), entering the superhero genre.
Did You Know?
She began her career at age four, appearing in over 30 television commercials.
She is of Guinean descent through her mother, who is from the country.
She is an outspoken Christian and has discussed how her faith guides her career choices.
She directed her first short film, 'If You Really Love Me', in 2020.
She was married to film executive DeVon Franklin from 2012 to 2022.
“I want to be a part of things that shift culture, that shift perspective, that make people think differently.”
