AfriPulse
In recent years, Hollywood has seen a rise in young black actors making a name for themselves in the industry. These actors are not only talented, but they are also using their platforms to represent and empower the black community.
Photo: Gilbert Flores, Aaron J. Thornton, Momodu Mansaray (modified by author)
Source: Getty ImagesFamous young black male actors in Hollywood are making a significant impact in the industry, both on and off-screen. From their unique perspectives and diverse backgrounds, they are bringing new voices and perspectives to the forefront of mainstream media. Whether playing leading roles or supporting characters, these actors are paving the way for Hollywood’s next generation of black young actors.
From starring in blockbuster films to leading roles in critically acclaimed TV shows, these young actors break barriers and challenge stereotypes in the entertainment industry. Here are 30 of the most notable young black actors under 30.
1. Tyler James WilliamsTyler James Williams attends Champagne Collet & OBC Wines’ celebration of The 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Michael Kovac
Source: Getty Images Full name: Tyler James WilliamsDate of birth: 9 October 1992Age: 30 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Westchester County, New York, United StatesWilliams first gained national attention for his role as Chris Rock in the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. He has since appeared in films like Dear White People and Detroit, and he currently stars in the sitcom The Cleaning Lady.
2. Mizero GatwaNcuti Gatwa attends the British Academy Scotland Awards at DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow, Scotland. Photo: Euan Cherry
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Mizero Ncuti GatwaDate of birth: 15 October 1992Age: 30 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Nyarugenge, Kigali, RwandaA Rwandan-Scottish actor, Gatwa has become a fan favourite for his role as Eric on S*x Education, praised for its honest and inclusive depiction of teen sexuality. Prior to his role on the show, Gatwa appeared in small roles on various British television films.
3. Keith PowersKeith Powers attends the premiere of “Almost Christmas” at Regency Village Theatre in Westwood, California. Photo: Paul Archuleta
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Keith Tyree PowersDate of birth: 22 August 1992Age: 30 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Sacramento, California, United StatesPowers first gained attention as a model, working for brands like Calvin Klein and Aeropostale. He made his acting debut in the MTV series Faking It and has since appeared in films like Straight Outta Compton and Before I Fall.
4. Tequan RichmondActor Tequan Richmond visits the Build Series to discuss the BET Comedy Series “Boomerang” at Build Studio in New York City. Photo: Gary Gershoff
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Tequan RichmondDate of birth: 30 October 1992Age: 30 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Burlington, North Carolina, United StatesTequan has been acting since he was a child. He is best known for his role as Drew Rock on the hit BET series Everybody Hates Chris, and he’s also appeared in other shows like Ray Donovan and Boomerang.
5. Malcolm KelleyActor / Rapper Malcolm David Kelley attends the trophy celebration benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Paul Archuleta
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Malcolm David KelleyDate of birth: 12 May 1992Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: Bellflower, California, United StatesMalcolm David Kelley is best known for his role as Walt on the hit ABC series Lost. He has also appeared in other shows like The Night Shift and Detroiters.
6. Leon Thomas Leon Thomas attends The Bay’s Pre-Emmy Red Carpet Celebration at 33 Taps Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Greg Doherty
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Leon G. Thomas III Date of birth: 1 August 1993Age: 29 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: New York, New York, United StatesBorn in Brooklyn, New York, Leon Thomas III is a singer and actor best known for his role in Nickelodeon’s Victorious. He has also appeared in popular shows like iCarly and The Naked Brothers Band.
7. Stephan JamesActor Stephan James visits the Build Series to discuss the film “21 Bridges” at Build Studio in New York City. Photo: Gary Gershoff
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Stephan James Date of birth: 6 December 1993Age: 29 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Toronto, CanadaThis talented Canadian actor has been a rising star in Hollywood in recent years. He’s best known for his lead role in the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming. He has also starred in popular films like If Beale Street Could Talk and Selma.
8. Bryshere Y. GrayBryshere Y. Gray in the “We Got Us” series’ 100th episode of Empire. Photo: Fox
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Bryshere Yazuan GrayDate of birth: 28 November 1993Age: 29 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United StatesIn addition to his role in Empire, Gray has appeared in films like Sprinter and Canal Street. He started as a rapper, performing under the name Yazz The Greatest, and has released several singles and an album.
9. Justice SmithJustice Smith attends the ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ Premiere at Le Grand Rex in Paris, France. Photo: Marc Piasecki
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Justice Elio Smith Date of birth: 9 August 1995Age: 27 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United StatesBest known for his roles in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu, Justice Smith has become a legendary name in Hollywood with his talent and charm. He is also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
10. Kofi SiriboeKofi Siriboe attends the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Photo: Paras Griffin
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Nana-Kofi Siriboe Date of birth: 2 March 1994Age: 29 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United StatesFamous for his role in the TV show Queen Sugar, Kofi has also appeared in hit films such as Girls Trip and The Nun. He’s also a filmmaker and has directed several short films.
11. Kelvin Harrison Jr.Kelvin Harrison Jr. attends the “Chevalier” Premiere during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. Photo: Leon Bennett
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Kelvin Harrison Jr.Date of birth: 23 July 1994Age: 28 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United StatesHis standout performances in Luce and Waves rose Kelvin Harrison Jr. to Hollywood’s top black male actors under 30. He is also known for his musical talents, having written and performed songs for several of his films.
12. Jordan FisherJordan Fisher visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City. Photo: Jason Mendez
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Jordan William FisherDate of birth: 24 April 1994Age: 28 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Birmingham, Alabama, United StatesFisher is one of the black male actors in their 20s who first gained national attention as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, winning the 25th season of the show. He has also appeared in films like To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You and Work It, and he starred in the Broadway musical Hamilton.
13. Algee SmithAlgee Smith attends the Los Angeles Premiere of “CREED III” at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. Photo: Momodu Mansaray
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Algee Smith IVDate of birth: 7 November 1994 Age: 28 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Saginaw, Michigan, United StatesHailing from Michigan, Algee Smith is a singer and actor who has made several hits in the entertainment industry. He has starred in popular films like The New Edition Story, Detroit, Judas, and the Black Messiah. With his undeniable talent and captivating on-screen presence, Smith is quickly becoming a household name in the industry.
14. Chris O’NealActor Chris O’Neal attends Trevor Jackson’s 16th birthday party at XMA World Headquarters in North Hollywood, California. Photo: Tibrina Hobson
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Christopher Richard O’NealDate of birth: 4 April 1994Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: The Bronx, New York, United StatesChris O’Neal is a young actor who has risen in popularity in Hollywood since his breakout role in the Nickelodeon series How to Rock. Since then, he has appeared in popular shows like Swindle and Greenhouse Academy.
15. Khylin Rhambo Khylin Rhambo speaks onstage at Teen Wolf: The Movie panel during New York Comic Con 2022 in New York City. Photo: Bryan Bedder
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Khylin Rhambo Date of birth: 8 January 1996Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)At just 27 years old, Khylin Rhambo has already established himself as a rising star in Hollywood. He is best known for his role as Caleb in the hit MTV series Teen Wolf and has also appeared in other popular shows like Euphoria and The First.
16. Shameik MooreShameik Moore attends the 75th Writers Guild Awards Ceremony at Edison Ballroom in New York City. Photo: Dia Dipasupil
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Shameik Alti MooreDate of birth: 4 May 1995Age: 27 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United StatesBorn in Atlanta, Shameik Moore is a versatile actor who has shown his range in dramatic and comedic roles. He is best known for his lead role in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Dope and the TV show Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
17. Bobb’e J. ThompsonActor Bobb’e J. Thompson attends the Kids In The Spotlight’s Movies By Kids, For Kids Film Awards at Fox Studios in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Paul Archuleta
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Bobb’e Jacques Thompson Date of birth: 28 February 1996 Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: Kansas City, Missouri, United StatesBobb’e J. Thompson has been acting for over a decade. He ahs appeared in several popular films and TV shows, including Role Models, The Tracy Morgan Show, and That’s So Raven.
18. Jacob LatimoreJacob Latimore attends the Special Red Carpet Screening for New Line Cinema’s “House Party” at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood, California. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Jacob O’Neal LatimoreDate of birth: 10 August 1996Age: 26 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United StatesJacob O’Neal Latimore is an American actor, singer and dancer. He began acting in 2009 and has appeared in various films and TV shows such as One Tree Hill, House Party and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
19. Tyrel Jackson WilliamsTyrel Jackson Williams attends the Premiere Of STARZ’s “Party Down” Season 3 held at Regency Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Jean Baptiste Lacroix
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Tyrel Jackson WilliamsDate of birth: 16 March 1997Age: 26 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: Westchester County, New York, United StatesTyrel’s first acting role was in a video named Sesame Street: Happy Healthy Monsters. He has gone on to appear in various TV series such as Good Luck Charlie, Modern Family and Everybody Hates Chris.
20. Trevor JacksonTrevor Jackson attends the “grown-ish” press junket during the 2023 SCAD TVfest at Four Seasons Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo: Paras Griffin
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Trevor Howard Lawrence JacksonDate of birth: 30 August 1996Age: 26 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, United StatesJackson is one of the popular black actors in their 20s who began his career as a child actor, appearing in shows like Cold Case and Eureka. He has since moved on to more adult roles, appearing in films like SuperFly and Grown-ish. He is also a singer, and songwriter.
21. Jharrel JeromeJharrel Jerome attends “I’m A Virgo” during the 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals at ZACH Theatre in Austin, Texas. Photo: Amy E. Price
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Jharrel JeromeDate of birth: 9 October 1997 Age: 25 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: The Bronx, New York, United StatesJharrel Jerome is an actor who gained recognition for his role in the Netflix series When They See Us. He has also appeared in films such as Moonlight and Concrete Cowboy. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.
22. Michael WardMicheal Ward attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2023 at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England. Photo: Jeff Spicer
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Micheal WardDate of birth: 18 November 1997Age: 25 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Spanish Town, JamaicaWard made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed film Blue Story, which he followed up with a lead role in the Netflix series Top Boy. He was awarded the 2020 BAFTA Rising Star Award.
23. Brett JohnsonFull name: Brett Austin JohnsonDate of birth: 22 May 1997Age: 25 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Washington, D.C., USABrett is a rising star who began acting in 2016 in an episode of the TV series Swamp Murders. Since then he has appeared in other six films and TV series such as The Spirit God Gave Us, Cast & crew Cherish Alexander: Change Can Start with Me and Five Feet Apart.
24. Jaden SmithJaden Smith wears a white with embroidered black LV monogram pattern checkered print patter jacket from Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week. Photo: Edward Berthelot
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Jaden Christopher Syre SmithDate of birth: 8 July 1998Age: 24 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Malibu, California, United StatesJaden Smith has been acting since childhood, but his roles in The Karate Kid and After Earth have cemented his place in Hollywood. He’s also a talented musician and fashion icon.
25. Marcus ScribnerMarcus Scribner arrives to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. Photo: Aaron J. Thornton
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Marcus ScribnerDate of birth: 7 January 2000Age: 23 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United StatesMarcus is best known for starring as Andre “Junior” Johnson Jr. the ABC sitcom Black-ish. He has also appeared in Dragons: The Nine Realms, How to Blow Up a Pipeline, Along for the Ride and Grown-ish.
26.Michael Rainey Jr.Full name: Michael Rainey Jr.Date of birth: 22 September 2000Age: 22 years old (as of March 2023)Michael Rainey Jr., now popularly known as Tariq St. Patrick , is a promising young actor best known for his role on Power and Power Book II: Ghost. The American-Jamaican actor has also appeared on Orange Is the New Black, LUV, and Un altro mondo among many others.
27. Caleb McLaughlinCaleb McLaughlin attends the Los Angeles Premiere Of CREED III at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California. Photo: Gregg DeGuire
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Caleb Reginald McLaughlinDate of birth: 13 October 2001Age: 21 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: Carmel Hamlet, New York, United StatesWith his undeniable talent and versatility, Caleb has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the screen. He became a household name by portraying Lucas Sinclair in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. He has also starred in films such as Concrete Cowboy and High Flying Bird.
28. Asante BlackkAsante Blackk during the honoring the life and legacy of the remarkable storyteller, activist and philanthropist Norman Lear. Photo: Christopher Willard
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Asante Duah Ma’atDate of birth: 20 October 2001Age: 21 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Waldorf, Maryland, United StatesBlackk made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed miniseries When They See Us, for which he received an Emmy nomination. He has since appeared in TV shows like This is Us and Social Distance.
29. Jahi WinstonJahi Di’Allo Winston attends Netflix’s “We Have A Ghost” Premiere in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Charley Gallay
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Jahi Di’Allo WinstonDate of birth: 30 November 2003Age: 19 years old (as of March 2023)Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia USAAs young as he is, Jahi Di’Allo has made several appearances with his roles in Queen & Slim and Charm City Kings. He is also a talented musician.
30. Miles BrownMiles Brown arrives to the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California. Photo: Aaron J. Thornton
Source: Getty ImagesFull name: Miles BrownDate of birth: 28 December 2004Age: 18 years old (as of 2023)Place of birth: Oxnard, California, United StatesBest known for his role in the TV show Black-ish, Miles Brown has also appeared in Queens & Kings Shopping Cart Race, Sherman’s Showcase and Boy Genius. He is also a talented dancer and best known by his stage name Baby Boogaloo. He is considered as one of the most talented young famous black actors who are making it great in the industry.
These young black actors are breaking barriers, showcasing their talents, and bringing diversity to Hollywood. With the rise of streaming and the demand for inclusive stories, they will continue to lead the industry.
READ ALSO: Top 25 richest Nollywood actors and their net worth in 2023
Legit.ng recently published an article with the top 25 richest Nollywood actors and their net worth. Nollywood is one of the largest film industry in the world. With millions of fans around the world, Nollywood actors have become some of the most recognizable and beloved stars on the planet.
Some of these actors have amassed incredible wealth through their work in the industry, earning millions of dollars from acting, producing, and endorsing various brands. Find out some of the richest Nollywood actors, their net worth, and how they made their fortunes.
Source: Legit.ng
Source: Legit.ng | Read More
