Hollywood is a buzz with new energy, and at the forefront is a new generation of young Black actors who are demonstrating that talent, enthusiasm, and honesty can revolutionize the industry from the inside out. These under-30 stars aren’t playing it safe; they’re shattering stereotypes, sharing stories that count, and using their voices to inspire actual change. Meet 15 of the most powerful young Black actors on the move in Hollywood today.
15. Chosen Jacobs (23)
You know him as Mike Hanlon from It (2017), but Chosen Jacobs is far more than a horror-movie gem. With appearances in Hawaii Five-0 and Disney+’s Sneakerella, to name a few, as well as singing and producing work, he’s creating a career across several creative channels. Offscreen, he’s equally committed to philanthropy and mentoring youth, making him one of Hollywood’s most down-to-earth up-and-comers.
14. Myles Truitt (22)
Myles burst onto the scene in the sci-fi thriller Kin and has gone on to make his presence felt on shows like Black Lightning and Euphoria. Respected for the depth and vulnerability he brings to his characters, he has a talent for making every single one of them feel genuine. He’s not yet old enough, but his consistent rise indicates he’s not going anywhere.
13. Niles Fitch (23)
This Is Us fans will immediately remember him as Randall Pearson in his teen years. Niles has since diversified with projects such as Disney+’s Secret Society of Second-Born Royals and still lobbies for greater inclusivity in storytelling. His activism, particularly regarding lupus awareness after losing his father, goes to show just how deeply he connects his work with the real world.
12. Jahking Guillory (23)
From his breakout role in Kicks to starring roles in On My Block and Black Lightning, Jahking is making a name for himself as a bold performer. He’s candid about his own experience with mental illness, which lends added authenticity to his work. His raw, emotional performances make it impossible not to take notice.
11. Marcus Scribner (24)
Growing up on Black-ish and Grown-ish familiarized us with Marcus, but he’s also recognizable for voicing She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Aside from acting, he speaks up regarding ecological and justice concerns. His blend of humor, talent, and activism shows he’s more than a sitcom celebrity.
10. Asante Blackk (23)
Asante burst onto the scene with Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us, receiving an Emmy nomination straight out of the box. He’s been wowing audiences in This Is Us ever since. He’s an outspoken advocate for representation and equality in Hollywood, and his acting always displays a sagacity beyond his years.
9. Jahi Winston (20)
With The Upside, Proud Mary, Charm City Kings, and Netflix’s We Have a Ghost under his belt, Jahi is developing a career that combines mainstream smashes with more resonant indie efforts. Toss in his music ability, and you have one of the most well-rounded emerging stars in the industry.
8. Michael Rainey Jr. (24)
As Tariq St. Patrick in Power and its spin-off Power Book II: Ghost, Michael has enthralled fans with his nuanced acting of a complex character stuck between right and wrong. While he has grown to fame, he remains down-to-earth, and his work ethic implies this is just the tip of the iceberg for a long, fruitful career.
7. Caleb McLaughlin (23)
Best recognized as Lucas Sinclair on Stranger Things, Caleb has already demonstrated he’s up for blockbuster stardom. But with Concrete Cowboy and being Dior’s first Black youth ambassador, he’s also turning into a role model. He talks regularly to young fans about self-esteem and confidence, demonstrating that his reach is far beyond acting.
6. Jharrel Jerome (27)
From Moonlight to his Emmy-winning performance in When They See Us, Jharrel has established himself as one of the most real actors of his generation. His performances are rooted in humanity, and he tends to take tough roles and make them unforgettable.
5. Miles Brown (19)
Best known for his role as Jack Johnson on Black-ish, Miles is already a multi-hyphenate: dancer, actor, rapper, and activist. At the age of 19, he has become a voice for his generation, fusing art and advocacy. His energy and optimism make him one of the most exciting young faces in Hollywood.
4. Jacob Latimore (28)
As Emmett on The Chi, Jacob has shown just how much heart and range he brings to the screen. But he’s not limited to acting; he’s also a singer and dancer, making him a true triple threat. His career is proof that versatility pays off.
3. Michael Evans Behling (28)
All American fans recognize him as Jordan Baker, but Michael’s influence extends beyond television. One of the highest-paid young Black actors in the industry today, he’s opening doors while revealing his own adoption and identity narrative. His transparency makes him accessible and inspiring to many.
2. Jaden Smith (26)
From The Karate Kid to his genre-pushing music and fashion endeavors, Jaden has never been in one place. He’s a risk-taker who leverages his popularity to break rules, whether that’s with fashion, the environment, or human rights. He’s not so much a “Hollywood actor” as he is a cultural phenomenon unto himself.
1. Justice Smith (29)
Justice leads the pack for good reason. With lead roles in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Detective Pikachu, he’s demonstrated his blockbuster clout. But his stand for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health makes him more than a film star; he’s making Hollywood a more inclusive place.
These performers aren’t just up-and-coming talent; they’re leaders, weavers of stories, and change-makers redefining Hollywood for the present. They’re proof positive that the future of cinema is fearless, diverse, and brighter than ever.