Willy T. Ribbs - Actor Profile

Willy T. Ribbs

Acting
Freshness: Feb 06, 2026
1Total Films
7.0 Highest Rated
Born: Jan 3, 1956
Birth Place: San Jose, California

About Willy T. Ribbs

Willy T. Ribbs, born on January 3, 1956, in San Jose, California, is a pioneering American racing driver renowned for breaking racial barriers in motorsport. He began his career in the 1970s, competing in various racing series, including Formula Ford in Europe, where he won the Dunlop Championship in his first year. Ribbs made history in 1991 by becoming the first African American to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, driving for Walker Motorsports. He also competed in NASCAR and the Trans-Am Series, achieving multiple victories and earning the title of Pro Rookie of the Year in 1983. In 1985, Ribbs became the first black man to drive a Formula 1 car, testing for Bernie Ecclestone’s Brabham team at Portugal’s Estoril Circuit. His career is documented in the 2019 film "Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story," which highlights his challenges and triumphs in racing. Beyond racing, Ribbs has been an advocate for diversity in motorsport, inspiring future generations of drivers.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Willy T. Ribbs reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 1 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Documentary

The majority of Willy T. Ribbs's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 100% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Willy T. Ribbs remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Willy T. Ribbs Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Willy T. Ribbs's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Willy T. Ribbs.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2020 Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story Self Hit Similar →

Willy T. Ribbs - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Willy T. Ribbs?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Willy T. Ribbs is "Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story" with a rating of 7.0/10.

How many movies has Willy T. Ribbs acted in?

Willy T. Ribbs has been featured in at least 1 major films throughout their career.