The new breed of Hollywood stars has finally landed, and they’re not just landing; they’re taking over. There is a fresh breed of young black talent under the age of 30 that is transforming the film industry with their performances that are bold, complex, and cannot be denied. They’re causing a ripple effect from their notable TV acting roles to their breakout roles in films that are redefining what it means to be young, black, and genius in Hollywood. Below is the countdown of the top 10 young black actors taking Hollywood by storm.
10. JD McCrary (18)
Do you recall the voice of the young Simba from the remake of Disney’s The Lion King? That’s none other than JD McCrary, competing with the likes of Donald Glover and Beyoncé, and he held his ground perfectly, to say the least! The young actor also made an appearance in Tyler Perry’s The Paynes, and when it comes to singing, he’s perfect, just like his acting! Everyone needs to wonder about the possibilities for this young actor!
9. Riele Downs (21)
Riele Downs is best known to Nickelodeon audiences for her role on the popular series Henry Danger, but she has been working in the industry since childhood and spent a lot of time on the set of the Canadian sitcom Da Kink in My Hair. Her comedic timing and dramatic instinct made her versatile, and with each older role, she’s continued to just turn heads.
8. Jahi Winston (21)
Jahi Winston has demonstrated his quality to be on the same level as the big names, even among top stars such as Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya, in Queen & Slim. Recently, he appeared with David Oyelowo in Government Cheese, a comedy film where he showcased his versatility. Not many actors possess such character complexity to stay on Hollywood’s map forever.
7. Miles Brown (20)
Miles Brown, also known as Jack Johnson on Black-ish, is a triple threat: an actor, dancer, also known as Baby Boogaloo, and rapper. With early roles on The Thundermans and a career still rising, Brown’s energy, versatility, and talent make him a standout in his generation.
6. Lexi Underwood (22)
Lexi Underwood It-girl status was solidified by holding court alongside Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon in Little Fires Everywhere. She continued her streak in Cruel Summer and Sneakerella while creating room in fashion as well. Underwood is proving that one can balance style with substance with ease.
5. Caleb McLaughlin (24)
Caleb McLaughlin immediately shot to fame via his role as Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, but he’s showing a wider range with projects such as Concrete Cowboy and High Flying Bird, plus even playing the young 21 Savage in American Dream: The 21 Savage Story. His versatility and drive presage much more to come in this long, dynamic career.
4. Marsai Martin (20)
But Marsai Martin isn’t just acting-she’s a full-on mogul. Fresh from stealing hearts on Black-ish, she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history with the film Little. Add starring roles alongside Viola Davis in G20 and her growing influence in fashion, and it’s clear Martin is mapping her own course on her own terms.
3. Storm Reid (22)
Storm Reid is breathtaking in her performances. Whether it is her breakout role in A Wrinkle in Time or her intensity as Gia in Euphoria, Storm has nuances in her acting that convey emotions with every glance, often needing no dialogue. With her upcoming roles in Netflix series Roommates, Storm is showing that she is a force to be reckoned with.
2. Asante Blackk (24)
Asante Blackk’s performance as Kevin Richardson in“When They See Us is nothing short of unforgettable. His performance is a haunting recreation of the pain and innocence of a teenager forced into making a false confession. His performances in This Is Us are nothing short of remarkable, either.
1. Miles Caton (20)
The name that reverberates the most after the Ryan Coogler film Sinners is Miles Caton, and he stuns as Preacher Boy. Miles combines elements of the soulful and the bluesy in the performance that has already become the stuff of legend. He sings with texture and power and presence, and it quickly becomes clear that he doesn’t just act and sing, he’s an elemental presence.
Hollywood, take heed: these young black actors aren’t the future, they’re happening now. And they’re making sure the future never looks anything like what it has before.