For the longest time, opportunities for African American actors in Hollywood were limited to stereotypical and minimum in count. But times are changing. As more and more creatives go into Hollywood to make movies, there’s a space for Black African American actors that is away from cliches and which allows them to explore real human conditions. Today, black American film actors are leading the charge and gracing our screens with phenomenal talent and captivating performances. From legendary figures who paved the way to the rising stars breaking new ground, Black actors are enriching every genre with their artistry.
But, in this article, we will not be looking at prominent African American actors who have established themselves as the backbone of the industry. Instead, we’ll talk about some famous Black African American actors of contemporary times, who have had a long enough career but are still fairly fresh and new. So let’s dive in!
A List of 10 Incredible Black African American Actors
1. Donald Glover
Donald Glover is a multi-talented powerhouse who cannot be simply put in one category. Because what can’t this man do? He is an actor, stand-up comedian, writer, director and a musician- among many other things. His big break into the television industry came with “30 Rock”, where his witty writing stood out. Later on he went on to play the role of the lovable, but a bit dumb, Troy in the hit show “Community”. His next show “Atlanta”, which he created, displayed his creative ability to write and portray complex characters. The show portrayed the unseen struggles of a rapper to make a name in the music industry. Glover truly is one of the most enthralling Black African American actors working in the industry today.
2. Zendaya
Zendaya started her career at a young age at Disney, but now she has turned out to be among one of the most celebrated Black African American actors and biggest stars of Hollywood. She has broken the barriers of what a former child-star can do by portraying complex, multifaceted characters on-screen. She earned herself the youngest person ever to win an Emmy for Lead Actress in a drama for her amazing acting and depiction of Rue in Euphoria, a troubled young woman dealing with life with substance abuse. But not just that, she has given her all for characters in Challengers (2024), Dune: Part One & Two (2021-24).
But Zendaya has made her presence felt beyond the on-screen. She is THE fashion icon of our time with her meticulously planned and absolutely fantastic outfits on every red carpet. She is also a huge advocate for diversity, and uses her platform to challenge stereotypes.
3. Ayo Edebiri
If you like seeing actors with a flare of quirky, a bit awkward but funny with a certain sense of wit and sharp commentary, then you must know Ayo Edebiri. The 28-year old actor suddenly seems to be everywhere, and deservedly so. She is a part of FX’s intense restaurant and family drama, The Bear which will make you chant “Yes Chef!’ everytime you’re in the kitchen. She brilliantly plays the character of Sydney, a new chef working under her mentor in a stress-induced environment. Edibiri brings a certain quality of uniqueness to her character, which she also reflects in real life. With her roles in movies like “Bottoms” (2024) and the upcoming “Inside Out 2” (2024), Ayo Edebiri is a fresh new voice in the collective of Black African American Actors.
4. Michael B. Jordan
Michael B. Jordan is one of the most charming Black African American Actors in Hollywood today. You have seen him embrace his villainous side with the terrifically charismatic Eric Killmonger in the blockbuster “Black Panther”. He has also made his audience cheer for him in the Creed film series with his amazing performance and physical ability. His sincere portrayal of Oscar Grant in “Fruitvale Station” has always left a heartbreaking and a long lasting impression on his fans. All this shows the impressive range of talent that Michael B. Jordan possesses.
5. Dominique Thorne
Dominique Thorne is a rising star who’s already captivating audiences. Debuting in Barry Jenkins’s heart-wrenching “If Beale Street Could Talk,” she delivered a powerful performance as a Black woman navigating love and injustice. Thorne then embodied revolutionary zeal in “Judas and the Black Messiah,” showcasing her range and ability to portray complex characters. With the highly anticipated “Ironheart” on the horizon, where she takes on the mantle of Riri Williams, the brilliant teenager behind a cutting-edge Iron Man suit, Thorne is poised to become a superhero for a new generation.
6. LaKeith Stanfield
It was the thesis film of Destin Cretton, “Short Term 12” (2008), and later a feature length version of the same in 2013, that kicked off LaKeith Stanfield’s acting career. Now Stanfield is one of the prominent, critically acclaimed Black African American actors of Hollywood. One thing that sets Stanfield apart from his peers is his eccentricity and not being afraid of having fun, on and off screen. This can be clearly seen in the selection of works he decides to be a part of – “Sorry to Bother You” (2018), “Get Out” (2017), “Knives Out” (2019), “Atlanta” (2016-22), “Uncut Gems” (2019), “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021), among many others. There is variety and a unique energy that Stanfield carries within him and he reflects that in the characters he portrays. This leaves no doubt why LaKeith Stanfield has emerged as one of the most sought after African American male movie actors in Hollywood today.
7. John David Washington
John David Washington followed the footsteps of his father Denzel Washington into an acting career in Hollywood. But leaving his father’s shadow, he has been able to lead a pretty successful and exciting acting career and is one of the most sought-after Black African American actors. He started his career as the leading man in the 2015 HBO series, “The Ballers”. Later for his role of a black detective undercover as a member of the KKK in Spike Lee’s BlacKKKlansman (2018) and Nolan’s Sci-fi masterpiece Tenet (2020), he gained major public and critical attention. He has worked with some of the most famous directors of Hollywood and has worked on some of the most exciting projects in the last few years. His talent, charisma, and willingness to take on complex roles has made him one of the best in the game today.
8. Chadwick Boseman
The 2018 Marvel movie, “Black Panther” was Hollywood’s one of the most significant cultural sensations. The movie gave the world the first much-anticipated Black superhero and a Black powerful sovereign nation of Wakanda. All of this was led by the charismatic and powerful Black African American actor, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman adorned several pioneering American figures throughout his career, such as Jackie Robinson in “42” (2013), James Brown in “Get On Up” (2014), Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall” (2017).
His death in 2020 due to cancer allowed him only a short lived but successful acting career. But to his fans, he will always live forever as the Black Panther, T’Challa, the King of Wakanda and as one of the most popular black actors.
9. Issa Rae
Issa Rae is one of the Black African American actors who has been shaping the landscape of television for Black women. Named one of the most influential people by Times magazine, Rae rose to fame with her hilarious series “Awkward Black Girl”, and later the HBO series “Insecure”. Her shows resonate with audiences for her frank portrayal of modern Black women, female friendship and Black identity. She also appeared as the President Barbie in the mega hit, “Barbie” (2023).
10. Justice Smith
If you were a teenager in the mid-2010s and were obsessed with John Green novels, then you are definitely familiar with Justice Smith from the movie “Paper Town” (2015). Now Justice Smith is a rising star with movies like “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018), “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” (2019), “All the Bright Places” (2020), “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” (2023) to his credit. Justice Smith is definitely one of the Black African American actors to watch out for, consistently bringing fresh energy and captivating audiences with each project.
Conclusion
This list of well known African American actors reflects the diversity and range that reflects the current landscape of Hollywood. These actors don’t shy away from exploring dynamic and challenging characters exploring the multifaceted psyche of the modern Black American experience. From the ultimate Gen Z icon Zendaya with her bold character and fashion choices to Ayo Edebiri being the ultimate internet girly- these actors are a breath of fresh air that the new generation can look up to!
