Nestled amidst the turquoise waters of the northwestern Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean, The Bahamas is a nation brimming with natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an abundance of talent.

Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches, this archipelago has fostered the growth of extraordinary individuals who have made indelible marks on the world stage.

In recognition of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and its 50th year of independence, here are some famous faces that you may not have guessed are Bahamian.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, film director, and diplomat. Born in the US while his Bahamian parents were on vacation in the country, Poitier was a stat from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.

He was the first black man to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Homer Smith in the film, Lilies of the Field. He received two competitive Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Grammy Award as well as nominations for two Emmy Awards and a Tony Award.

He passed away on January 7, 2022.

Lenny and Zoë Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz is an American-born musician, singer-songwriter, actor, and record producer known for his eclectic mix of rock, funk, soul, and blues. He is of Bahamian descent through his mother, actress Roxie Roker is the child of a Bahamian man.

Kravitz has won nine Grammy Awards, including four for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance and has sold over 40 million albums worldwide.

Zoë Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet is a singer and actress in hew own right. She is the lead singer of a band called Lolawolf and has stared in films such as Catwoman in 2022’s The Batman.

Tia and Tamery Mowry

Best known for their roles in the hit 1990s sitcom Sister, Sister, Tia Mowy and Tamera Mowry-Housley are German-American actresses. They are both of Bahamian decent through their mother and former manager Darlene Renee Mowry. The girls were born in Germany while their parents, both members of the U.S Army, were stationed there.

Al Roker

Albert Lincoln Roker jr is an American weather presenter, journalist, television personality, and author. Although born in New York City, he is of Jamaican decent through his mother and Bahamian descent through his father Alber Lincoln Roker sr.

He is the current weather anchor on NBC’s Today, and occasionally co-hosts 3rd Hour Today. He is a recipient of two Daytime Emmy Awards for weather forecasting and twice named “Best Weatherman” by New York Magazine.