Top 50 Most Popular Young Black Actors

Jharrel Jerome is a talented actor and rapper, making his breakthrough with a memorable role in Barry Jenkins’s acclaimed 2016 film, Moonlight. His powerful and nuanced performance quickly marked him as a dynamic new presence in Hollywood.

Jerome achieved widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Korey Wise in the Netflix miniseries When They See Us. His moving and authentic performance earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, along with the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries.

John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega, widely known as John Boyega, began his acting career in 2011 with the television series Becoming Human, marking his entry into the entertainment industry.

He quickly rose to prominence with his standout performance as Moses in the cult sci-fi comedy Attack the Block, earning critical acclaim and public attention.

Boyega's international fame skyrocketed after portraying Finn in the blockbuster Star Wars sequels, including The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker.

His compelling portrayal in the anthology series Small Axe garnered him the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries.

Recognizing his growing influence, Boyega was featured on the Powerlist as one of the Top 100 most influential people of African/African-Caribbean descent in the UK for both 2020 and 2021.

Continuing his impactful journey, he took on leading roles in major films such as The Woman King and Breaking in 2022 and starred in 2023's They Cloned Tyrone, further cementing his status as a leading figure in modern cinema.

Kelvin Harrison Jr., a talented actor and recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Award, launched his career with a brief role in the Oscar-winning film 12 Years a Slave in 2013.

Though his part in Ender's Game was minor, Harrison's breakthrough came with his critically acclaimed performance in the horror film It Comes at Night. This role marked him as one of Hollywood's most promising young stars.

He has since continued to impress audiences and critics alike with powerful performances in films such as Luce, Waves, The High Note, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Cyrano, solidifying his reputation as a rising force in the industry.

Tyler James Williams is a multi-talented actor and rapper, first making waves on television with an early appearance on Saturday Night Live.

He achieved widespread recognition playing the lead role in the hit sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, where his comedic timing and charm won over audiences. Tyler continued to impress with standout performances in acclaimed series such as Abbott Elementary and The Walking Dead.

On the big screen, his diverse filmography includes projects like Let It Shine, Detroit, and the powerful biographical drama The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Williams’ remarkable versatility and magnetic presence have firmly established him as one of Hollywood’s most prominent young black actors.

Jaden Christopher Syre Smith is a multi-talented young actor and musician who began his career in the spotlight with appearances in short music videos, leading to his television debut on "All of Us" in 2003.

Over the years, Jaden has garnered significant recognition, collecting honors such as the YouTube Creator Award, an MTV Movie Award, a BET Award, and a Young Artist Award.

Jaden's breakthrough film performance came in 2006, starring alongside his father in the critically acclaimed "The Pursuit of Happyness." He further solidified his status with leading roles in films like "The Karate Kid" and launched his music career in 2010, collaborating with Justin Bieber.

In 2017, Jaden released his debut studio album, "Syre," and continued to impress with albums like "Erys" and "CTV3: Cool Tape Vol. 3." His creative achievements also include a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year in 2022, recognizing his 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 launched his acting career in 2013, starring in the widely praised film Short Term 12, which earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination. His breakthrough role marked the start of an impressive journey in Hollywood.

Stanfield quickly gained recognition with standout performances in films such as Selma, Straight Outta Compton, Crown Heights, and Sorry to Bother You. With each project, he showcased his incredible range and depth as an actor.

His powerful portrayal in Judas and the Black Messiah earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This achievement solidified Stanfield's status as one of the brightest and most versatile 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 dynamic performer celebrated for his skills as an actor, singer, dancer, and rapper. He made his television debut in 2010 with the movie "Mrs. Miracle," quickly establishing himself as a promising new talent.

Moore achieved widespread fame as the voice of Miles Morales/Spider-Man in the acclaimed animated films "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and its sequel. His vibrant portrayal brought a fresh and engaging energy to the iconic superhero.

Before his breakthrough, Moore appeared in various television series, including "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," "Reed Between the Lines," and "Joyful Noise." These early roles proved valuable in honing his acting abilities.

Shameik Moore's career soared with his standout performance in the film "Dope," which marked a turning point in his journey. He also took on his first leading TV role in the sketch-comedy series "Incredible Crew," further demonstrating his impressive range and versatility.

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 began his television career in 2014 with a role on the series Bob Servant, quickly establishing his talent on screen.

He achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Eric Effiong in the acclaimed Netflix comedy-drama Sex Education. Gatwa's outstanding performance earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Actor in Television, as well as three BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Male Comedy Performance.

Gatwa is set to break new ground as the first Black actor to take on the lead role in the legendary series Doctor Who, marking a historic moment in television.

He further broadened his career by appearing as Artist Ken in Greta Gerwig's globally successful film, Barbie. His influence and popularity were officially recognized when he was named to the top of the Radio Times TV 100 power list.

In mid-2023, Gatwa made headlines by coming out as queer during an interview with Elle magazine, inspiring fans around the world through his authenticity and courage.

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 began his television journey in 2013 with a guest role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, marking the onset of an exciting and rapidly rising career in acting.

He is widely known for playing Lucas Sinclair on the acclaimed Netflix series Stranger Things. In addition to this standout part, Caleb has guest-starred in television shows such as Unforgettable, Forever, What Would You Do?, and Shades of Blue, showcasing his impressive range.

McLaughlin’s compelling performance in Stranger Things earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, a testament to his talent and presence among a talented cast.

Expanding his repertoire to film, Caleb made his feature debut in Concrete Cowboy, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. He shared the screen with stars like Idris Elba and Jharrel Jerome, further establishing his versatility as an actor.

Before his television career took off, Caleb’s earliest acting experience was as a child in the opera Lost in the Stars, reflecting an early passion for the performing arts that continues to define his career today.

Miles Brown, widely recognized by his stage name Baby Boogaloo, is a multi-talented actor, dancer, and rapper. He first gained attention with his film debut in 2012's "Battlefield America."

From a young age, Brown appeared in numerous music videos, displaying his impressive range of talents early in his career. However, he is best known for his standout portrayal of Jack Johnson on the critically acclaimed ABC comedy series "Black-ish."

His exceptional work on "Black-ish" has earned him multiple major nominations, including four NAACP Image Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a BET YoungStars Award.

Brown has also received the Young Artist Award, further establishing himself as one of the most promising young Black actors in the industry today.

Asante Duah Ma'at, known professionally as Asante Blackk, burst into the spotlight in 2019 with his gripping performance in the acclaimed television series When They See Us. His portrayal earned widespread praise and led to a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, marking him as a remarkable new talent in the industry.

Asante's range as an actor expanded further when he became a series regular on This Is Us, a role that brought him a Critics' Choice Television Award nomination. His work on the show demonstrated not only his versatility but also his consistent ability to connect with audiences.

Transitioning seamlessly into film, Asante impressed audiences with a standout role in the sci-fi feature Landscape with Invisible Hand. Through each project, he continues to build a reputation as one of the most promising young Black actors of his generation.

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 multi-talented American actor, singer, and songwriter best known for his standout performance as Aaron Jackson on the acclaimed series Grown-ish. His role in the show has earned him widespread recognition and a growing fan base.

Jackson has also starred in popular television projects such as Eureka and American Crime, where his impressive acting skills have drawn positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

His diverse filmography includes prominent roles in movies like Let It Shine, Superfly, and A Moment of Youth, showcasing his range as a performer across various genres.

Highlighting his early promise, Jackson won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series in 2012, setting the stage for a successful and evolving career.

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 a talented actor recognized for his standout portrayal of Sam Obisanya in the acclaimed series Ted Lasso. His compelling performance has garnered praise from both critics and audiences alike.

Jimoh made his television debut in the crime drama London Kills in 2019, quickly establishing himself as a promising new face. He further demonstrated his range with a moving role in the BBC One film Anthony.

With his nuanced performances, particularly as the likable and principled Sam Obisanya, Toheeb Jimoh continues to impress and solidify his place among the top young Black actors today.

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 acclaimed actor and model, widely recognized for his compelling portrayal of Ralph Angel Bordelon on the hit television series "Queen Sugar." His performances are known for their emotional depth and authenticity.

Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Siriboe made an impressive debut in the feature film "The Longshots." He further showcased his versatility with roles in popular movies such as "Girls Trip," "Prom," "Whiplash," and "Straight Outta Compton."

In addition to his work in film, Siriboe made a notable mark on television by taking on a recurring role in the comedy-drama series "Awkward." His diverse body of work highlights his rising status among young Black actors in Hollywood.

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 made his debut in the entertainment world with an appearance on the television show The Hustler in 2009. A multi-talented performer, Fisher has established himself not only as an actor, but also as a gifted dancer, singer, and musician.

He began gaining recognition by becoming a regular presence on several popular TV series. Notably, he starred in The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Liv and Maddie, where his performances captured the attention of audiences and critics alike.

Fisher is also well known for his roles in a variety of television movies, including Teen Beach Movie, Teen Beach 2, Grease Live, and Rent: Live. These projects have further showcased his wide-ranging talents and solidified his status as a rising star in Hollywood.

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, also widely recognized by his stage names Yazz or Yazz the Greatest, has risen as a notable figure in the entertainment industry in recent years.

He earned widespread fame for his dynamic portrayal of Hakeem Lyon in the hit Fox musical drama series Empire, capturing the attention of both fans and critics alike.

In addition to his work on television, Gray starred in the acclaimed miniseries The New Edition Story and has showcased his musical talents by performing at numerous festivals throughout the Philadelphia area.

Tequan Richmond emerged on the television scene with his debut appearance on the hit series ER in 2002. As both an accomplished actor and rapper—known in the music world as T-Rich—he has consistently shown his versatility and talent in the entertainment industry.

Richmond is widely recognized for his memorable role as Drew Rock in the beloved comedy series Everybody Hates Chris. He also starred in the popular daytime soap opera General Hospital, earning praise for his compelling performances.

Beyond television, Richmond showcased his acting skills in feature films such as Ray and Blue Caprice, further establishing himself as a dynamic actor.

He has also made guest appearances on numerous acclaimed shows, including Cold Case, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Private Practice, Detroit 1-8-7, Memphis Beat, Love That Girl, Numb3rs, Strong Medicine, and The Shield, among others, reflecting the breadth of his talent and appeal.

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 a talented young actor who first gained attention for his portrayal of Andre in the popular television series Feed the Beast, marking his debut in the industry.

He also became widely recognized for his leading role in the comedy series Everything Sucks!, where his performance won praise from both viewers and critics.

Jahi continued to build his career with notable appearances in hit shows such as The New Edition Story and The Resident.

In addition to his television work, Jahi Di'Allo Winston has starred in feature films including The Upside and Proud Mary, showcasing his versatility across different genres.

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 has gained widespread recognition for his standout portrayal of Ronnie DeVoe in BET's acclaimed miniseries, The New Edition Story. His compelling performance helped catapult him into the spotlight as one of the most promising young black actors in Hollywood.

Powers further showcased his talent as Tyree in the critically acclaimed film Straight Outta Compton. He has also demonstrated his versatility with roles in the direct-to-video comedy House Party: Tonight's the Night and the Netflix original film Reality High.

Additionally, Keith Powers appeared in the Netflix series What/If, adding to his growing list of notable screen credits.

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.

Jacob O'Neal Latimore is an accomplished American actor, singer, and dancer who began his career with an acting debut on the hit television series One Tree Hill in 2009.

He gained wider recognition through his impressive performances in major films like Black Nativity, The Maze Runner, Collateral Beauty, Detroit, and the acclaimed Showtime series The Chi.

Latimore's talent extends to roles in films such as Candy Jar, Gully, and Like a Boss. In addition to his acting, he showcases his musical abilities, having 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.