Disney has always found its way into people’s hearts with its magical storytelling and making dreams come true. The talented actors of Disney help translate this magic and bring to life its beloved characters. Over the years, Black Disney actors have made a significant contribution to its legacy by breaking barriers and inspiring countless fans with their performances. These actors have added richness and diversity to the Disney canon by showcasing their extraordinary talent, whether they are live-action heroes or iconic animated voices.
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable journeys and achievements of Black Disney actors, who have made our childhood and teenage years filled with magic!
Here’s a list of 10 Black Disney actors.
1. Zendaya
Zendaya may be a globally acclaimed celebrity now, but she started her career as a Disney kid. At only 14, she got her big break in the disney sitcom, Shake It Up. She is adored by fans for portraying several lovable characters on the channel. From Rocky Blue, the book-smart background dancer in a local show in Shake It Up, to K. C. Cooper, the badass math-genius and a government undercover spy in K. C. Underground- Zendaya has done it all. She has also starred in Disney original movies such as Frenemies (2012) and Zapped (2014).
2. Halle Bailey
Singer and actor, Halle Bailey recently made a big splash as the first Black Disney actors to play the role of a princess in a live-action movie. Her casting as Ariel in the “The Little Mermaid” (2023) live-action adaptation sparked a controversy all over social media. But Bailey’s Ariel was a big win for all the young Black girls watching themselves being represented by a Black woman as a Disney Princess on screen.
Bailey has also previously appeared in the original Disney Channel movie, “Let It Shine” (2012) as a choir member.
Black Disney Actors of the 2000s
Now let’s look at some African American Disney Actors who dominated the screen in the 2000s.
3. Raven Symone
Raven Symone is one of the most influential black Disney actors out there. She was the youngest black Disney actor to have a show after her name, “That’s So Raven” (2003-07). The show gave the audience the character of Raven Baxter, and it still remains one of the most successful and endearing roles of Symone even today. Her humor and energy were so loved that Symore returned with a That’s So Raven spin-off, “Raven’s Home” in 2017. She was a fashion icon and a role model for Black girls growing up in America!
4. Tia & Tamara Mowry
Tia and Tamara the Mowry twins, were among some of the most famous Black Disney actors of their time. They both starred together in the American sitcom, “Sister, Sister” (1994), which was their big break. They later appeared in the Disney Channel original movies, “Twitches” (2005) and its sequel “Twitches Too” (2007). Their comedic timing and undeniable chemistry made them a favorite duo of Hollywood.
5. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer is one of many famous black Disney actors. She starred in the Disney original movie “Jump In!” (2007). Palmer portrayed the character of the girl-next-door, Mary Thomas. Her super perfectionist character in “Jump In!” was relatable to a lot of young girls growing up. She also voiced the character of Izzy Hawthorn in the 2022 Disney-Pixar movie “Lightyear”.
Keke Palmer also appeared in the Nickelodeon show, True Jackson, VP.
6. Anika Noni Rose
Since we talked about the first Disney Princess to be played by a Black actor, then how can we end this list without mentioning the actor who portrayed the first Black Disney Princess ever!
Anika Noni Rose voiced the character of Princess Tiana in the Disney animated feature film, “The Princess and the Frog” (2009). Rose’s voice translated Tiana’s dreams and determination to life in the movie and ended up becoming a role model and an icon for a whole generation. Rose is returning to her role as Princess Tiana for the new TV series of the movie in 2024.
Male Actors from Disney Channel
Here’s a list of some iconic male Disney black actors to know a little bit more about.
7. Lee Thompson Young
The late Lee Thompson Young is famously known for his role in the beloved Disney show “The Famous Jett Jackson” (1998). The pioneering series was about Jett Jackson, played by Young, an action hero who moved his show from LA to his hometown. The character of Jett Jackson established Young as one of the most favorite and inspiring Black Disney actors.
8. Kyle Massey
Kyle Massey is mostly known for his role in “That’s So Raven” (2003-07), where he played Raven’s younger brother Cory Baxter. Massey’s portrayal of Raven’s annoying, yet clever, little brother was related to every sister who grew up with a little brother for an antagonist. Kyle Massey truly was one of the OG black actors in Disney.
9. Corbin Bleu
Corbin Bleu was one of the most famous African American Disney stars of the late 2000s. He gained worldwide recognition for his character in the disney movie series, “High School Musical”. Bleu played the character of Chad Danforth. The school jock and best friend to the lead, Troy, Bleu played the charming character for which he is still known today. He also starred alongside Keke Palmer in the Disney original movie about Double Dutch, “Jump In!” (2007).
10. Tyler James Williams
Currently known for his role in the series “Abbott Elementary”, actor Tyler James Williams is also a beloved part of Disney. He stole audiences’ hearts with his portrayal of shy but gifted rapper Cyrus DeBarge in “Let It Shine” (2012). He also appeared in “Lab Rats” (2012-16) as the older version of Leo Dooley, originally played by Tyler’s younger brother.
Conclusion
From Halle Bailey and Zendaya to Raven Symone and Corbin Bleu, all these Black Disney Channel stars are a significant part of countless people’s core childhood memories. These actors, with their brilliant presence on screen, have paved the way for new generations to feel included in the great world of Disney. As Disney is growing and expanding its reach, we can hope to see even more voices of black actors to keep the magic alive for the coming generations.
