Top 50 Most Popular Young Black Actors

Jharrel Jerome is an accomplished actor and rapper best known for his debut in Barry Jenkins's acclaimed 2016 film, Moonlight. His powerful performance helped cement his place as a rising star in Hollywood.

He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Korey Wise in the Netflix miniseries When They See Us. Jerome's riveting performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, as well as the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries.

John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega, professionally known as John Boyega, made his acting debut in 2011 with the television series Becoming Human.

He gained widespread recognition for his breakout role as Moses in the acclaimed science fiction comedy Attack the Block.

Boyega achieved international stardom after starring in blockbuster films such as The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker from the celebrated Star Wars franchise.

His powerful performance in the anthology series Small Axe earned him both the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film, and the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries.

Recognized for his influence, Boyega appeared in the Top 100 of the Powerlist's most influential people of African/African-Caribbean descent in the United Kingdom for both the 2020 and 2021 editions.

Continuing his impressive career, he starred in major films like The Woman King and Breaking in 2022, and also featured in 2023's They Cloned Tyrone.

Kelvin Harrison Jr., a recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Award, began his career with a brief appearance in the Oscar-winning film 12 Years a Slave in 2013.

Although he played a small role in Ender's Game, Kelvin truly rose to prominence with his standout performance in the horror film It Comes at Night. This role firmly established him as a rising star in Hollywood.

He continued to build his reputation with impressive performances in films such as Luce, Waves, The High Note, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Cyrano, among others.

Tyler James Williams is a talented actor and rapper who made one of his earliest television appearances on Saturday Night Live.

He rose to fame for his unforgettable portrayal of the main character in the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. He has since captivated audiences with roles in popular series like Abbott Elementary and The Walking Dead.

On the big screen, Tyler's film credits include Let It Shine, Detroit, and the biographical drama The United States vs. Billie Holiday. His versatility has made him a standout among young black actors in Hollywood.

Jaden Smith, a dynamic and talented young actor, first appeared in several short music videos before making his television debut on "All of Us" in 2003.

Throughout his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including a YouTube Creator Award, an MTV Movie Award, a BET Award, and a Young Artist Award.

Jaden's breakout film role came in 2006 with the critically acclaimed "The Pursuit of Happyness." He later starred in "The Karate Kid" and began his music career in 2010 by collaborating with Canadian superstar Justin Bieber.

In 2017, Jaden released his debut studio album, "Syre," followed by albums like "Erys" and "CTV3: Cool Tape Vol. 3." His artistic accomplishments include a Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year in 2022, for his featured contribution to Justin Bieber's album "Justice."

Alex R. Hibbert may be young, but he has already been featured in two immensely popular feature films.

He made his acting debut in 2016 with the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight. Two years later, he appeared in the blockbuster Black Panther in 2018.

That same year, Hibbert began portraying Kevin Williams, a recurring character in the acclaimed television series The Chi.

LaKeith Lee Stanfield began his acting career in 2013 with his debut in the acclaimed film Short Term 12, earning a well-deserved nomination for an Independent Spirit Award.

He rose to prominence through notable roles in films such as Selma, Straight Outta Compton, Crown Heights, and Sorry to Bother You. Each performance further cemented his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.

Stanfield's role in Judas and the Black Messiah was particularly impressive, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and further establishing him as one of the most prominent young talents in the industry.

Abraham Nii Attah is a talented Ghanaian actor who gained widespread recognition for his compelling debut in the acclaimed film Beasts of No Nation (2015), where he portrayed a central role.

His outstanding performance as a child soldier earned him the prestigious Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival, marking an impressive start to his career.

In 2017, Attah expanded his international profile by appearing in the popular Marvel Studios movie Spider-Man: Homecoming, further establishing himself as a promising young actor.

Shameik Alti Moore is a multifaceted entertainer known for his talents as an actor, singer, dancer, and rapper. He made his acting debut in 2010 with the television movie "An Mrs. Miracle Story."

Moore gained widespread recognition for voicing Miles Morales/Spider-Man in the celebrated animated films "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and its sequel. His performance brought a fresh energy to the beloved character.

In addition to his acclaimed voice work, Moore has held minor roles in television series such as "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," "Reed Between the Lines," and "Joyful Noise." These appearances helped him hone his craft early in his career.

Shameik Moore's breakout role came in the film "Dope," further elevating his status in Hollywood. He also played his first main television role in the sketch-comedy series "Incredible Crew," showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.

Tyree Alexander Malik Brown, widely recognized as Tyree Brown, began his acting career with a debut on the television show Mr. Box Office in 2013.

At just three years old, he was signed by JE Models/JE Talent, a renowned talent and modeling agency in San Francisco.

Tyree is best known for his charming portrayal of Jabbar Trussell-Braverman on the acclaimed series Parenthood. In addition to his on-screen work, he has also appeared in numerous print advertisements and radio commercials.

Ncuti Gatwa made his television debut in 2014 with a role in the series Bob Servant.

He rose to prominence portraying Eric Effiong in the hit Netflix comedy-drama Sex Education. His performance earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television, along with three BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance.

Gatwa is set to make history as the first Black actor to lead the iconic series Doctor Who, taking on the role of the main character.

In addition, he appeared as Artist Ken in Greta Gerwig's blockbuster film Barbie. His rising influence was recognized when he topped the Radio Times TV 100 power list.

Notably, in mid-2023, Gatwa courageously came out as queer during an interview with Elle magazine, further inspiring his fans worldwide.

Lonnie Chavis, Jr. is a talented American actor and activist best recognized for his compelling portrayal of young Randall Pearson on NBC's critically acclaimed drama This Is Us.

As a rising star, Lonnie has earned multiple award nominations, and notably, shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series with his fellow This Is Us castmates.

Beyond television, Lonnie has also showcased his versatility with appearances in the series White Famous and demonstrated his acting skills in feature films such as The Water Man.

Skylan Brooks began his acting career with his screen debut in the 2005 film "Roll Bounce."

He gained widespread recognition for his standout performance as Mister in the acclaimed drama "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete." Both critics and the media praised his compelling portrayal in this role.

Brooks further showcased his talent on television by playing Ra-Ra in the Netflix musical series "The Get Down," solidifying his reputation as a rising young actor.

Caleb Ronald McLaughlin made his television debut in 2013 with an appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, marking the start of his promising career.

He is best recognized for his portrayal of Lucas Sinclair in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Beyond this breakout role, Caleb has also made guest appearances on shows such as Unforgettable, Forever, What Would You Do?, and Shades of Blue.

His standout performance on Stranger Things earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, highlighting his talent among a gifted cast.

Expanding to film, McLaughlin made his feature debut in Concrete Cowboy, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, where he starred alongside Idris Elba and Jharrel Jerome.

Although his presence on television began in 2013, Caleb’s very first acting experience was as a child in the opera Lost in the Stars, showcasing his early passion for performance.

Miles Brown, also known by his stage name Baby Boogaloo, is a talented actor, dancer, and rapper. He made his film debut in 2012 with the movie "Battlefield America."

During his childhood, Brown appeared in numerous music videos, showcasing his diverse talents early on. However, he is best known for his role as Jack Johnson on the acclaimed ABC comedy series "Black-ish."

Brown's outstanding performance in "Black-ish" earned him several major nominations, including four NAACP Image Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and the BET YoungStars Award.

Additionally, he has been honored with a Young Artist Award, cementing his place as one of the most promising young black actors today.

Asante Duah Ma'at, known professionally as Asante Blackk, gained widespread attention in 2019 for his role in the acclaimed television series When They See Us.

His powerful performance earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award, establishing him as a rising talent. He further showcased his versatility as a series regular on This Is Us, which led to a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination.

Beyond television, Asante demonstrated his skill in film with a memorable role in the science-fiction feature Landscape with Invisible Hand, solidifying his reputation as a standout young actor.

Kyle Orlando Massey, widely recognized simply as Massey, began his acting career in 1999 with an appearance on the television series The Wonderful World of Disney.

He quickly established himself as a familiar face on the Disney Channel, notably for his roles in popular sitcoms such as That's So Raven and its spin-off, Cory in the House.

In addition to acting, Massey starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie Life Is Ruff. He is also a talented rapper, having released several tracks with both Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records.

Benjamin Christopher Flores Jr., widely recognized by his stage name Lil' P-Nut, began his acting career with a debut in the television series The Haunted Hathaways in 2013.

In addition to acting, he has made a mark as a child rapper, gaining attention for his song "You Might Be the One." His talents have been featured prominently in popular Nickelodeon series, including The Haunted Hathaways and Game Shakers.

Flores also lent his voice to the character Atticus in the animated film Happy Feet Two, further showcasing his versatility as a young performer.

Nadji Anthony Jeter is a gifted actor who began his career with a role in the 2006 film Dirty Laundry. Over the years, he has steadily built a reputation for his versatility and dedication to his craft.

Jeter is widely recognized for lending his voice to Sam in the acclaimed action-adventure video game The Last of Us. His performance helped bring the character to life and showcased his unique talent in voice acting.

He is also celebrated for voicing Miles Morales in the popular animated Spider-Man series. Beyond voice work, Jeter has appeared in a range of television shows and movies, including Grey's Anatomy, Everybody Hates Chris, Reed Between the Lines, Grown Ups, and Grown Ups 2.

Trevor Jackson is a talented American actor, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame for his role as Aaron Jackson in the hit series Grown-ish.

He has also appeared in acclaimed television shows such as Eureka and American Crime, where his performances received positive reviews.

Jackson’s filmography includes notable titles like Let It Shine, Superfly, and A Moment of Youth, among others.

In recognition of his talent, he received the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series in 2012.

Noah Gray-Cabey was first seen in the documentary/news magazine television show 48 Hours in 2001. He is an actor and pianist.

He is best known for having played crucial roles in television shows such as My Wife and Kids, Heroes, and Code Black, among others.

His other television credits include projects such as Ripley's Believe It or Not, 48 Hours, The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Noah made his feature film debut with Lady in the Water.

Leon Thomas III is an actor, record producer, songwriter, and singer who was first seen making an appearance on the television series Just for Kicks in 2006.

He is best known for his character projection of André Harris in the Nickelodeon series Victorious. For his performance in the same, he received an NAACP Image Award nomination.

The celebrity is also known to have featured in television shows and feature films such as iCarly, True Jackson, VP, and August Rush, to mention a few.

Chosen Jacobs is an actor and singer who is best known for his recurring character projection of Will Grover on the CBS television series Hawaii Five-0.

He was also seen reprising his role of Mike Hanlon in the second installment of the It film franchise.

Even though Chosen is one of the youngest Black actors to make it to our list, we can be certain of the fact that he is only going to grow as a performer within the entertainment industry in the near future.

Marcus Scribner may have made his acting debut on the television show Castle in 2010, but he is best known for portraying Andre Johnson Jr. on the ABC sitcom Black-ish.

Recognized and appreciated for lending his voice to the character of Bow in the critically acclaimed Netflix animated series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, he can be seen in shows such as New Girl, Wedding Band, and Wendell & Vinnie as well.

In addition, he has lent his voice to characters in shows such as The Good Dinosaur and Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh.

Toheeb Jimoh is best known for playing the role of Sam Obisanya in the critically acclaimed show Ted Lasso. He was first seen in the series London Kills in 2019.

The actor, who was seen playing a role in the BBC One television movie Anthony, has so far taken up roles that carry a certain amount of depth.

One illustration of the same is his likable role play in Ted Lasso. Toheeb's Sam Obisanya is one of the better characters in the show.

Malcolm David Kelley is yet another addition to our list who can not only rap but also sing, act and compose music.

He is known to have played the character of Walt Lloyd on the ABC Television series Lost. When it comes to feature films, he was first seen in a project called Antwone Fisher.

Kelley has also participated in the movie You Got Served next. The celebrity can be seen in programs such as Malcolm in the Middle and Judging Amy, among others.

Doc Shaw made his acting debut on the popular television series The Suite Life on Deck in 2009.

Apart from the aforementioned show, he is known for having appeared in projects such as Tyler Perry's House of Payne and Pair of Kings, among others.

The actor is also known to have appeared in print advertisements and television commercials.

Nana-Kofi Siriboe is an actor and model who is best known for his character projection of Ralph Angel Bordelon on the television series Queen Sugar.

Also seen in motion pictures such as The Longshots and Girls Trip, the actor is a native of Los Angeles, California.

The celebrity made his professional acting debut in the feature film The Longshots, and can also be seen making his presence felt in feature films such as Prom, Whiplash, and Straight Outta Compton.

He also had a recurring role to play in the comedy-drama series Awkward.

Kwesi Nii-Lante Boakye made his acting debut in the television series Strong Medicine in 2005. He is best known for voicing Darwin in the Cartoon Network animated series The Amazing World of Gumball.

He has also lent his voice to the character of Gossamer on The Looney Tunes Show. The youngest of the three brothers who also happen to be actors, Boakye has played the role of Manny in the 2009 Tyler Perry film I Can Do Bad All By Myself. The actor's family hails from Ghana.

Jordan William Fisher was first seen making an appearance on the television show The Hustler in 2009. Aside from being an actor, he is also a dancer, singer, and musician.

His acting career began after he started being a constant on several television shows. Among his most popular series are The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Liv and Maddie.

When it comes to television movies, the celebrity can be seen playing a role in projects such as Teen Beach Movie, Teen Beach 2, Grease Live, and Rent: Live, to mention a few.

Tyson Coy Stewart was first seen on the television show The Glades in 2010. He is best known for having played a role in the sitcom Are We There Yet?.

The actor, rapper, and singer can be seen in other television shows such as The Electric Company, Bella and the Bulldogs, and Mr. Iglesias, to mention a few.

He has also lent his voice to the character of Benson in the Netflix animated series Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts.

Bryshere Yazuan Gray, who is known by his stage name Yazz or Yazz the Greatest, has been a prominent celebrity for quite a few years now.

He is best known for playing the character of Hakeem Lyon in the popular Fox primetime musical drama television series Empire.

Also known for having participated in the miniseries The New Edition Story, Gray is known to have performed in a variety of music festivals in the Philadelphia region.

Tequan Richmond was first seen on the television show ER in 2002. He is an actor and rapper who is popular as T-Rich in his professional space.

Known for portraying Drew Rock on the popular show Everybody Hates Chris, he can also be seen playing a key role in the daytime soap opera General Hospital.

That said, the actor has been seen playing a role in feature films such as Ray and Blue Caprice.

Furthermore, he has made a guest appearance in shows such as Cold Case, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Private Practice, Detroit 1-8-7, Memphis Beat, Love That Girl, Numb3rs, Strong Medicine, and The Shield, to name a few.

Dusan Brown made his acting debut in the feature film Desertion in 2008. However, he had appeared in his debut print advertisement when he was an infant.

The young performer, who started appearing in television commercials as a child actor, made his debut on Broadway in The Lion King at the age of 8.

He is also said to be a good soccer and basketball player. That said, Brown is also apparently a trained guitarist.

Jahi Di'Allo Winston is best known for playing the role of Andre in the well-known television show Feed the Beast. It was his debut acting project.

The actor is also famous for playing a key role in the comedy series Everything Sucks!.

He went on to make his presence felt in shows such as The New Edition Story and The Resident as well.

Jahi is also known to have participated in motion pictures such as The Upside and Proud Mary.

Bobb'e J. Thompson might be short in stature but he has had a fairly long and decent acting career already.

The actor, dancer, rapper, and comedian made his acting debut on the television show My Wife and Kids.

He can be seen playing a key role in shows such as 30 Rock, That's So Raven, Cory in the House, and Tyler Perry's House of Payne, to mention a few.

Furthermore, one can even find him participating in motion pictures such as Role Models, Snowmen, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and School Dance, among others.

Tyrel Jackson Williams made his mainstream acting debut in the movie The Naked Brothers Band: The Movie. He is best known for having appeared as Leo Dooley in the Disney XD series Lab Rats.

The actor can be seen in television movies and shows such as Pants on Fire, Brockmire, and Everybody Hates Chris, to mention a few.

He has also appeared in several national commercials for renowned companies.

Roshon Bernard Fegan was first seen playing an insignificant role in the popular 2004 feature film Spider-Man 2.

The actor, rapper, and dancer, who is popularly known as Roshon, is perhaps better-knoen for playing the role of Ty Blue in the Disney Channel original series Shake It Up.

He was also seen playing a key role in the Disney Channel movie franchise Camp Rock. Fegan appeared in the fourteenth season of Dancing with the Stars and is known to write and produce his own music.

JD McCrary was first seen making an appearance on the television show The Eric Andre Show in 2014.

One of the youngest performers to make it to our story today, he is best known for playing the part of Kenny Payne in The Paynes on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Also, he is known to have successfully lent his voice to the character of young Simba in the 2019 feature The Lion King.

One of his songs, "Keep In Touch", has been featured in the dancing video game Just Dance 2020.

Kamil McFadden appeared in a couple of short movies before he burst onto the mainstream with a role in the television show House of Payne.

An actor and voice actor, he is best known for having played the role of Ernie Cooper in K. C. Undercover. One can even find him lending his voice to the character of Patriot in Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors.

In addition, McFadden is known to have appeared as Miles in Paved New World.

Best known for playing the role of Spencer James in All American, Daniel Ezra is a British actor and director who wasn't actually interested in acting until he turned eighteen years old.

After playing a part in his maiden television movie Murdered by My Boyfriend, he started appearing in a couple of BBC dramas.

He could be seen in projects such as Undercover and The Missing. Ezra can also be seen playing a recurring character on the British fantasy drama seties A Discovery of Witches.

Keith Tyree Powers is popular for playing the significant role of Ronnie DeVoe in BET's miniseries The New Edition Story.

He can be seen portraying Tyree in the motion picture Straight Outta Compton. One can also find him in the direct-to-video comedy release House Party: Tonight's the Night and the Netflix original project Reality High.

In addition, he has been seen participating in the Netflix show What/If.

Khylin Trejon Rhambo first gained recognition after having played the character of Charles Johnson on the television sitcom The First Family.

The actorbmade his acting debut on the television show Reed Between the Lines and was also seen playing a key role on the MTV show Teen Wolf.

One can also find Khylin playing a part in the science fiction thriller motion picture Ender's Game.

Myles Truitt is a talented young screen performer who was first seen making his presence felt on the television show The New Edition Story in 2017.

He is best known for playing the role of Eli Solinski in the science fiction crime action film Kin.

The actor can also be seen appearing in television dramas such as Queen Sugar and Black Lightning, among others.

Truitt developed an interest in acting at the age of 11 and made his screen debut as young Ronnie DeVoe in The New Edition Story.

Shamon Brown Jr. has featured alongside Jacob Latimore in the Showtime original series The Chi. He was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.

The young actor began his acting career on stage in 2010 and can be seen making a special appearance in the NBC TV drama Chicago Fire.

Furthermore, he has also appeared in the music video for the Plain White T single "American Nights." He is best known for playing the character of Papa in his debut show The Chi.

Chris O'Neal first appeared on the 2012 Nickelodeon television series How to Rock.

The very same year, he was seen co-hosting the Nickelodeon series You Gotta See This along with Noah Crawford.

Apart from having appeared in the Nickelodeon television movie Swindle, O'Neal can also be seen playing a part in the Netflix drama series Greenhouse Academy.

Carlon Jeffery was first seen making an appearance on the television series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He is best known for playing the character of Cameron Parks in the Disney Channel sitcom A. N. T. Farm.

He has been performing at numerous community venues ever since he was eight years old. So far, he's been a part of television projects such as Heroes, Bones, and Trust Me, to mention a few.

This American actor, singer, and dancer made his acting debut on the television show One Tree Hill in 2009.

He is famous for playing a part in popular mainstream projects such as Black Nativity, The Maze Runner, Collateral Beauty, Detroit, and The Chi.

Jacob O'Neal Latimore can also be seen making his presence felt in titles such as Candy Jar, Gully, and Like a Boss. He released his debut album Connection in 2016.

Brett Austin Johnson is a young American screen performer who has tried to make his presence felt both in the motion pictures and on television.

He is best known for portraying the character of Jason in the 2019 feature film Five Feet Apart.

The actor made his debut by playing the role of Randy Metcalfe in an episode of the television documentary series Swamp Murders in 2016.