35 famous young black actors in Hollywood who are around 30
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 also use their platforms to represent and empower the black community.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Famous young black actors in Hollywood
- 1. Justice Smith — American
- 2. Khylin Rhambo — American
- 3. Shameik Moore — American
- 4. Bobb'e J. Thompson — American
- 5. Jacob Latimore — American
- 6. Tyrel Jackson Williams — American
- 7. Trevor Jackson — American
- 8. Jharrel Jerome — American
- 9. Micheal Ward — Jamaican
- 10. Brett Johnson — American
- 11. Jaden Smith — American
- 12. Marcus Scribner — American
- 13. Michael Rainey Jr. — American
- 14. Caleb McLaughlin — American
- 15. Asante Blackk — American
- 16. Jahi Winston — American
- 17. Miles Brown — American
- 18. Elliot Edusah — British
- 19. Ryan McKen — British
- 20. Malique Thompson-Dwyer — British
- 21. Myles Truitt — American
- 22. Skylan Brooks — American
- 23. Chosen Jacobs — American
- 24. Abraham Attah — Ghanaian
- 25. Ashton Sanders — American
- 26. Jahking Guillory — American
- 27. Nathaniel McIntyre — American
- 28. Da'Vinchi — American
- 29. Aron Julius — British
- 30. Michael Evans Behling — American
- 31. Niles Fitch — American
- 32. J.D. — American
- 33. Akili McDowell
- 34. RJ Cyler — American
- 35. Joshua Sinclair-Evans — British
- Who is the highest-paid black actor under 30?
- Who was the first Black Hollywood star?
- Who was the Black singer who was also an actress?
- Who is the youngest Black executive producer?
- Who is the most successful black actor?
Famous 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.
Famous young black actors in Hollywood
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 some of the under-30 young black actors mentioned in this article:
| Ranking | Names of actor |
| 1. | Justice Smith |
| 2. | Khylin Rhambo |
| 3. | Shameik Moore |
| 4. | Bobb'e J. Thompson |
| 5. | Jacob Latimore |
| 6. | Tyrel Jackson Williams |
| 7. | Trevor Jackson |
| 8. | Jharrel Jerome |
| 9. | Micheal Ward |
| 10. | Brett Johnson |
| 11. | Jaden Smith |
| 12. | Marcus Scribner |
| 13. | Michael Rainey Jr. |
| 14. | Caleb McLaughlin |
| 15. | Asante Blackk |
Whether playing leading roles or supporting characters, the following notable artists are paving the way for Hollywood's next generation of black young actors:
1. Justice Smith — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Justice Elio Smith
- Date of birth: 9 August 1995
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Best 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.
2. Khylin Rhambo — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Khylin Rhambo
- Date of birth: 8 January 1996
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: California, United States
Rhambo has established himself as a rising star in Hollywood. He is best known for his role as Caleb in the hit MTV series Teen Wolf. Khylin Rhambo has also appeared in popular shows like Euphoria and The First.
3. Shameik Moore — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Shameik Alti Moore
- Date of birth: 4 May 1995
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Born in Atlanta, Shameik Moore is a versatile actor. He has showcased his incredible acting skills in diverse dramatic and comedic roles. Shameik Moore is best known for his lead roles in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Dope, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga.
4. Bobb'e J. Thompson — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Bobb'e Jacques Thompson
- Date of birth: 28 February 1996
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Bobb'e is an American actor, rapper, and comedian. He has been acting for over a decade and is known for his youthful energy, quick wit, and unique presence on camera. Bobb'e J. Thompson has appeared in popular films and TV shows like Role Models and That's So Raven.
5. Jacob Latimore — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Jacob O'Neal Latimore
- Date of birth: 10 August 1996
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
American actor Jacob O'Neal Latimore is also a singer and dancer. He began acting in 2009 and has appeared in films and TV shows such as One Tree Hill, House Party, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
6. Tyrel Jackson Williams — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Tyrel Jackson Williams
- Date of birth: 16 March 1997
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Westchester County, New York, United States
Tyrel is one of the most promising talents of his generation. His first acting role was in a video called Sesame Street: Happy Healthy Monsters. Tyrel Williams has also appeared in TV series such as Good Luck Charlie, Modern Family and Everybody Hates Chris.
7. Trevor Jackson — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Trevor Howard Lawrence Jackson
- Date of birth: 30 August 1996
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Jackson is one of the most popular Black male actors under 30. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in shows likeCold Case and Eureka. Trevor Jackson has since moved on to more adult roles, appearing in films like SuperFly and Grown-ish. He is also a singer, and songwriter.
8. Jharrel Jerome — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Jharrel Jerome
- Date of birth: 9 October 1997
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: The Bronx, New York, United States
Jerome became the first Afro-Latino actor to win an acting Emmy for his role as Korey Wise of the Exonerated Five in the Netflix miniseriesWhen They See Us. He has also appeared in films such as Moonlight and Concrete Cowboy. Jharrel Jerome also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.
9. Micheal Ward — Jamaican
Source: UGC
- Full name: Micheal Ward
- Date of birth: 18 November 1997
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Spanish Town, Jamaica
Micheal is a Jamaican-born English actor and former model. He made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed film Blue Story and followed it up with a lead role in the Netflix series Top Boy. Micheal Ward was awarded the 2020 BAFTA Rising Star Award.
10. Brett Johnson — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Brett Austin Johnson
- Date of birth: 22 May 1997
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Washington, D.C., USA
Actor Brett Johnson is a rising star whose career debuted in 2016 in an episode of Swamp Murders. Since then, he has appeared in films and TV series like The Spirit God Gave Us, Cast & crew Cherish Alexander: Change Can Start with Me, and Five Feet Apart.
11. Jaden Smith — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Jaden Christopher Syre Smith
- Date of birth: 8 July 1998
- Age: 26 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Malibu, California, United States
Jaden Smith, the son of Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith, has been acting since childhood. His roles in The Karate Kid and After Earth have cemented his place in Hollywood. Jaden Smith is also a talented musician and fashion icon.
12. Marcus Scribner — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Marcus Scribner
- Date of birth: 7 January 2000
- Age: 24 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Marcus began studying acting at age seven and was 10 years old when he was booked his first guest-star role on the ABC crime dramedy Castle. The actor is best known for starring as Andre "Junior" Johnson Jr. in the ABC sitcom Black-ish and Junior in its spin-off Grown-ish. Marcus Scribner has also appeared in Dragons: The Nine Realms and Along for the Ride.
13. Michael Rainey Jr. — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Michael Rainey Jr.
- Date of birth: 22 September 2000
- Age: 24 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Michael Rainey Jr. is a promising young American-Jamaican actor. He is best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on Power and Power Book II: Ghost. He has also appeared on Orange Is the New Black, LUV, and Un altro mondo among many others.
14. Caleb McLaughlin — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Caleb Reginald McLaughlin
- Date of birth: 13 October 2001
- Age: 23 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Carmel Hamlet, New York, United States
With his undeniable talent and versatility, Caleb McLaughlin 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.
15. Asante Blackk — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Asante Duah Ma'at
- Date of birth: 20 October 2001
- Age: 23 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Waldorf, Maryland, United States
Actor Asante Blackk made his career 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.
16. Jahi Winston — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Jahi Di'Allo Winston
- Date of birth: 30 November 2003
- Age: 20 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
As young as he is, Jahi Di'Allo has made several appearances with his roles in films The Upside, Proud Mary, Charm City Kings, and We Have a Ghost. He is also a talented musician.
17. Miles Brown — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Miles Brown
- Date of birth: 28 December 2004
- Age: 19 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Oxnard, California, United States
Best 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 best known by his stage name Baby Boogaloo. He is among the famous young black actors making it great in Hollywood.
18. Elliot Edusah — British
Source: UGC
- Full name: Elliot Edusah
- Date of birth: 9 March 1997
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: London, United Kingdom
Edusah's career debuted at the Royal National Theatre (National Theatre) in London after attending The BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology for two years. Elliot Edusah has been featured in Sitting in Limbo, Hard Truths, Pirates, Outside the Wire, and other films.
19. Ryan McKen — British
Source: UGC
- Full name: Malique Thompson-Dwyer
- Date of birth: 1997
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Birmingham, England
The actor is of British-Jamaican-Indian ancestry and is known for Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), Game of Thrones (2011), and Bancroft (2017). Ryan McKen graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
20. Malique Thompson-Dwyer — British
Source: UGC
- Full name: Malique Thompson-Dwyer
- Date of birth: 2 February 1998
- Age: 26 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Hollinwood, Failsworth, United Kingdom
Malique is among the top young black British actors. He is known for portraying Prince McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 2016 to 2019 and 2021 onwards. Malique Thompson-Dwyer was the youngest contestant to appear in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! Season 18. He was the second to be eliminated on 2 December 2018.
21. Myles Truitt — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Myles Truitt
- Date of birth: 1 February 2002
- Age: 22 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Truitt became interested in acting at the age of 11. The actor is best known for his breakout role as Eli Solinski in the action film Kin in 2018. Myles Truitt also plays Ant in Queen Sugar and Issa Williams on Black Lightning.
22. Skylan Brooks — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Skylan Brooks
- Date of birth: 12 February 1999
- Age: 25 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Brooks is a famous young actor from the United States. He is best known for playing Mister in The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete. Skylan Brooks also played the role of Ra-Ra in the Netflix musical series The Get Down and Charles "Chubs" Meriwether in The Darkest Minds.
23. Chosen Jacobs — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Chosen Jacobs
- Date of birth: 1 July 2001
- Age: 23 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Springfield, Massachusetts, United States
Chosen Jacobs, a multifaceted actor, singer, and producer, is best known for his recurring role as Will Grover on the CBS series Hawaii Five-0 and his role as Mike Hanlon in the 2017 film It Chapter Two. Chosen Jacobs started acting when his mother enrolled him in theater classes.
24. Abraham Attah — Ghanaian
Source: UGC
- Full name: Abraham Nii Attah
- Date of birth: 2 July 2001
- Age: 23 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Ashiaman, Tema, Accra, Ghana
Abraham Nii Attah is a Ghanaian actor based in the United States. He made his feature film debut in Beasts of No Nation in 2015 as a child soldier Agu. The role earned him the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival. Abraham Attah also appeared in the Marvel Studios film Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017.
25. Ashton Sanders — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Ashton Durrand Sanders
- Date of birth: 24 October 1995
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Carson, California, United States
Ashton is best known for portraying Chiron in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight. He has since acted in films such as The Equalizer 2, All Day and a Night, and Judas and the Black Messiah. Ashton Sanders also portrayed Bobby Brown in the Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody film.
26. Jahking Guillory — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Jahking Guillory
- Date of birth: 14 May 2001
- Age: 23 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Long Beach, California, United States
Jahking is a major talent on the rise and one of Hollywood's young new generation actors. The actor is best known for his starring role in the 2016 film, Kicks. Jahking Guillory also appears in The Chi on Showtime, and the Netflix series On My Block.
27. Nathaniel McIntyre — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Nathaniel Logan McIntyre
- Date of birth: 20 August 2003
- Age: 21 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Actor Nathaniel Mcintyre always had an interest in dramas as a child. He made a debut in the TV series Celebrity Ghost Stories. He has also appeared in Magic Camp, David Makes Man, The Equalizer, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, and Horror Noire.
28. Da'Vinchi — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Abraham D. Juste
- Date of birth: 10 October 1995
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
The Haitian-American actor is best known for his role as Darnell Hayes in the TV series All American. Abraham D. Juste also appeared in eight episodes of Grown-ish between 2018 and 2019.
29. Aron Julius — British
Source: UGC
- Full name: Daniel Bellomy
- Date of birth: 1995
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: United Kingdom
Aron Julius graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2019 with a degree in acting. He is among the young British male actors making it big in the industry. Aron Julius is known for Death on the Nile, Three Weeks, and Death in Paradise.
30. Michael Evans Behling — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Michael Evans Behling
- Date of birth: 5 March 1996
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Columbus, Indiana, United States
American actor Michael Evans Behling is best known for his role as Jordan Baker on All American. He is biracial and was adopted by a white family. Evans' father is Nigerian, his mother is German, and his last name is German.
31. Niles Fitch — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Niles Fitch
- Date of birth: 12 July 2001
- Age: 23 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Actor Niles Fitch began his career as a child actor and gained prominence through his role in the NBC series This Is Us. He received praise for his performance in the film The Fallout. Since his father died from lupus when Niles was 12, he has collaborated with Lupus LA as an ambassador.
32. J.D. — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Jonathan Pierce Daviss
- Date of birth: 28 February 2000
- Age: 24 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Jonathan Pierce Daviss played football in high school before becoming an actor. He stars as Pope Heyward in the Netflix drama series Outer Banks. Actor J.D. was also bee featured in Do Revenge and Revolution.
33. Akili McDowell
Source: UGC
- Full name: Akili McDowell
- Date of birth: 30 December 2002
- Age: 22 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: San Francisco, California, United States
Actor Akili McDowell is known for his roles in David Makes Man and Criminal Activities. The actor was arrested in August 2024 in connection with the murder of Cesar Peralta. The victim was shot and killed in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Houston in July 2024. McDowell was taken into custody and charged with murder and theft.
34. RJ Cyler — American
Source: UGC
- Full name: Ronald "RJ" Cyler II
- Date of birth: 21 March 1995
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: Jacksonville, Florida, United States
RJ Cyler is possibly the most underrated young Black actor of his caliber. The American star is best known for his roles Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Power Rangers, The Harder They Fall, and Emergency. RJ Cyler is also a gaming streamer on Twitch under the name LemonPeppa904.
35. Joshua Sinclair-Evans — British
Source: UGC
- Full name: Joshua Sinclair-Evans
- Date of birth: 29 March 1995
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2024)
- Place of birth: London, United Kingdom
Sinclair began performing as a child. Today, he is one of the most famous young black British actors. Joshua Sinclair-Evans is known for portraying Josh's role in the Disney Channel musical series The Lodge. He also plays the piano, guitar, and ukulele.
Who is the highest-paid black actor under 30?
Michael Evans Behling, Miles Brown, Jahi Winston, Marcus Scribner, Jaden Smith, Micheal Ward, and Trevor Jackson are some of Hollywood's highest-paid black actors under 30.
Who was the first Black Hollywood star?
Josephine Baker earned the title of “The First Black Superstar," with her first credited appearance in 1927. Due to racism in the US at the time, many of her early films were French. She made films for about 20 years.
Who was the Black singer who was also an actress?
Cassandra Monique Batie (born on 30 December 1984) was known professionally as Andra Day. She was the first black singer to become an actress. Cassandra sang in the R&Bs and soul music.
Who is the youngest Black executive producer?
Guinness World Records recognized Marsai Martin as the youngest person to serve as an executive producer on a major Hollywood film after working on her film Little.
Who is the most successful black actor?
Some of the most successful black actors are Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Morgan Freeman, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Will Smith.
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.
Legit.ng listed some of the richest Nollywood actors and their net worth. Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world.
With millions of fans worldwide, most Nollywood actors have amassed tremendous wealth through their work in the industry.
Source: Legit.ng
Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter who also has experience working as a content writer for three years. She joined Legit 's team in 2021. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 3 years of experience in writing informational and entertainment articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi (class of 2019). She joined Legit.ng in April 2022. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies and video game reviews, culture & traveling. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: perisrodah254@gmail.com.
