A new generation of gifted young Black performers is emerging in the entertainment industry and establishing themselves in Hollywood. These young Black male actors are demonstrating that skill, diligence, and determination can lead to success by starring in successful films and TV shows. The top ten young, well-known Black performers who are influencing television and film are highlighted in this article.
List of Top 10 Young Black Actors in Hollywood
1. Jonathan Majors
One of the most talented young Black actors in Hollywood right now is Jonathan Majors. Majors, who is renowned for his stirring performances, became well-known for his part in The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019). His role in HBO’s Lovecraft Country as Atticus Freeman cemented his status as one of the leading young Black American performers. Majors demonstrated his flexibility and star power by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Kang the Conqueror.
2. Kelvin Harrison Jr.
One of the most sought-after young Black male celebrities in the industry is Kelvin Harrison Jr. His extraordinary talent was on display in his breakthrough roles in Luce (2019) and Waves (2019). Harrison’s performances in Cyrano (2021) and The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) have not ceased to awe viewers. Harrison stands out among young African American actors with a career full of varied parts.
3. Jharrel Jerome
When Jharrel Jerome won an Emmy for playing Korey Wise in Netflix’s When They See Us (2019), he created history. This made him the first actor of Afro-Latino descent to win an Emmy. Jerome is still one of the most gifted young Black performers in the business, and he starred in the 2016 Oscar-winning movie Moonlight. Unlike many young Black performers, he is able to give his characters emotional depth.
4. Caleb McLaughlin
One of the most well-known young Black male actors in Hollywood is Caleb McLaughlin, who portrays Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things. He has made a smooth transition into the movie industry, co-starring with Idris Elba in Concrete Cowboy (2020). McLaughlin, a young Black actor with a lot of potential, is establishing his position as one of the leading young Black male superstars by continuing to broaden his career beyond television.
5. Shameik Moore
After providing the voice of Miles Morales in the 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and its 2023 follow-up Across the Spider-Verse, Shameik Moore rose to fame. He has received praise from critics and established himself as one of the best young Black American actors thanks to his portrayal of the well-liked Marvel superhero. Additionally, Moore starred in the Netflix series The Get Down (2016) and Dope (2015).
6. Asante Blackk
Asante Blackk’s compelling portrayal of Kevin Richardson in Netflix’s When They See Us garnered him widespread recognition. He became one of the youngest Emmy nominees in history as a result of his performance. His talent was further displayed when he later joined the cast of This Is Us. Blackk is establishing himself as a formidable force in Hollywood as a budding young African American actor.
7. Jacob Latimore
Jacob Latimore is a gifted singer in addition to an actor. He played a teenage street magician in Sleight (2016) after first being well-known for his performance in The Maze Runner (2014). At the moment, Latimore is a star of The Chi, a program that focuses on the lives of young Black males in Chicago. He is among the most promising young Black male performers due to his varied skill set and performances.
8. RJ Cyler
RJ Cyler made his debut in the 2015 film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. He has since played Jim Beckwourth in movies like Power Rangers (2017) and The Harder They Fall (2021). He is one of the most captivating young Black celebrities to watch because of his charm and adaptability.
9. Williams, Tyler James
The primary character in the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris made Tyler James Williams famous. He did, however, make a smooth shift into more mature parts, as Gregory Eddie in the popular series Abbott Elementary (2021–present) and Dear White People (2014). He is among the most gifted young Black male celebrities in Hollywood because of his ability to strike a balance between comedy and drama.
10. Myles Truitt
In Hollywood, Myles Truitt has progressively established himself. In addition to appearing in popular TV series like Black Lightning and Euphoria, he starred in the 2018 science fiction movie Kin. He is one of the most promising young Black actors in the business today because of his performances, which showcase his range as an actor.
Young Black Actors’ Prospects in Hollywood
Young Black performers are shattering stereotypes and reinventing representation in the entertainment business, ushering in a new age. In addition to assuming important roles, these young Black male actors are serving as role models for upcoming artists. They are opening doors for upcoming young African American actors to succeed in Hollywood with their extraordinary talent and commitment.
List of Top Young Black Actors Their Works and Achievements
Actor Name | Notable Works | Achievements |
Jonathan Majors | Lovecraft Country, Creed III, Ant-Man 3 | Emmy-nominated, Rising MCU star |
Kelvin Harrison Jr | Luce, Waves, The Trial of the Chicago 7 | Critics’ Choice nominee |
Jharrel Jerome | Moonlight, When They See Us | Emmy Award winner |
Caleb McLaughlin | Stranger Things, Concrete Cowboy | NAACP Image Award nominee |
Shameik Moore | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Dope | Voice of Miles Morales |
Asante Blackk | When They See Us, This Is Us | Emmy-nominated at 17 |
Jacob Latimore | The Chi, Sleight, The Maze Runner | Rising star in TV & film |
RJ Cyler | Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, Power Rangers | Critics’ Choice nominee |
Tyler James Williams | Everybody Hates Chris, Abbott Elementary | Golden Globe winner |
Myles Truitt | Kin, Black Lightning, Euphoria | Emerging talent in Hollywood |
Conclusion
By breaking down boundaries in Hollywood and beyond and bringing diverse stories to life, young Black performers are having a big impact on the entertainment business. Their skill, tenacity, and commitment have resulted in increased visibility and impactful performances in theater, television, and movies. Future generations are inspired by these actors as they continue to reshape the profession, demonstrating that stories are more complex when they encompass the whole range of human experiences. Their impact will continue to expand, influencing entertainment for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is today’s most well-known young Black actor?
Jharrel Jerome, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Jonathan Majors are a few of the most well-known young Black performers of today.
Which young Black male celebs are on the rise in Hollywood?
Among the up-and-coming young Black male celebs influencing Hollywood are Asante Blackk, Myles Truitt, and RJ Cyler.
Which young Black actors appear in Marvel films?
Shameik Moore (Miles Morales in Spider-Verse) and Jonathan Majors (Kang the Conqueror) both appear in Marvel movies.