Step aside and make way for the next generation of phenomenal Black Talents! We will be putting the spotlight on the brilliant young black actors under 20 who are stealing hearts, slaying roles, and redefining what it means to be young and Black in today’s age. These young black teenage actors bring to the table a fresh perspective with their raw talent, infectious energy, and performances that leave you wanting for more.
Making a name for yourself as a young actor in an industry dominated by mammoth veterans is definitely challenging. So that is why, we will be celebrating the young black actors- male and female, of Hollywood. And who knows, maybe you will also discover some hidden gems and maybe your next favorite actor among these.
From captivating leads in groundbreaking films to scene-stealing turns on must-watch TV shows we’ll be exploring the future of Hollywood in this article.
List of 9 brilliant young Black actors under 20
1. Miles Brown
Miles Brown is one of most famous young black actors under 20 working in the film industry today. At only 9 years old, Miles got his big break in the ABC’s comedy series “Black-ish” (2014-22). He played the role of Jack Johnson, the innocent, kind, sweet youngest son of the Jackson family. Miles also appeared in the season 7 of The Ellen Show, even before he was known to people as Jack Johnson of Black-is. The adorable 4 year old Miles stole the audience’s heart when he appeared with Ellen as a young hip-hop dancer.
2. Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin is one of the most promising young black actors under 20 today. She started her career at only 5-years-old, when she got her first national commercial. Later she was cast as the witty, hilarious youngest daughter of the Johnson family, Diane Johnson in ABC’s comedy show “Black-ish” (2014-22). She played the twin sister of Miles Brown’s character Jack in the show. Marsai also conceptualized the movie “Little” (2019) at only 10-years old. She also played the leading role in the movie as well as being the executive producer of it. This makes her the youngest person ever executive producer of a major studio film in Hollywood. This just proves how talented and inspiring Marsai Martin is!
3. Lonnie Chavis
At the tender age of only 16, Lonnie Chavis has already proved himself to be a talented actor. He got the chance to play the younger version of Randall Pearson in the NBC drama series “This Is Us”, a role he is most known for. He has also appeared in other shows such as Showtime’s “White Famous”, CW’s “Supergirl”, and CBS’s “God Friended Me”. He also showed his ability to carry a movie as a leading man with short film “Skin” (2018), and the 2022 Fantasy-adventure, “The water Man”. As one of the exciting new young black actors under 20, it’ll be interesting to see how Lonnie improves and progresses in his career in Hollywood.
4. Shamon Brown Jr.
Shamon Brown Jr is famously known for his role in the Showtime Chicago based series “The Chi”, created by Lena Waithe. He plays Papa, a wise-beyond-his-age pre-teen who is smart, self-confident, funny, and most of all observant. Papa might not be the central character of the show, but Shamon’s portrayal has definitely made him a fan favorite. Just like his character Shamon Brown Jr. has also become one of the fan favorite black teenage actors. Apart from “The Chi”, Shamon is also the voice of Michelangelo in the movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem” (2022) and the upcoming series “Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2024).
5. Alex R. Hibbert
Alex R. Hibbert is one of the most impressive young black actors under 20 working in cinema and television. He got his first acting job in Barry Jenkins’ academy award winning film Moonlight (2016). Even though Alex had no prior experience in acting, he made a lasting impression with his portrayal of Chiron, a young boy in a Miami neighborhood. Even Jenkins praises Alex’s ability to commit to his character and craft. Beyond “Moonlight”, Alex has made the character of Kevin Williams his own, in Lena Waithe’s show “The Chi”.
6. Priah Ferguson
You have likely seen Priah Ferguson in the Netflix blockbuster adventure-horror sensation “Stranger Things”. Priah plays Erica Sinclair, the ever annoyed, but quick witted and smart sister of Lucas. Priah’s portrayal of Erica, as a small role in the show’s season 2, has quickly made the character a fan. This made the creators realize the potential of Priah, as they made her character a series regular by season 4. We cannot wait to see what Priah has in store for her career as one of the emerging young black actors under 20.
7. Storm Reid
With numerous credits across movies and shows to her name, Storm Reid has quickly become one of the most sought after young black actors under 20. She started her career with a minor role in “12 Years A Slave” (2013) but really soon took the center stage with movies like “A Wrinkle in Time” (2018), Missing (2023). She also played several characters in television and streaming shows, including “Euphoria” (2019) and “This is Us” (2023), where she displayed her brilliant ability to bring intense and complex characters to life. Storm also earned her first EMMY nomination for the heartbreaking portrayal of fan favorite Riley Abel as a guest appearance in “This is Us”.
8. Nico Parker
Nico Parker made her debut as Milly Farrier in Tim Burton’s “Dumbo” (2019). Ever since her first film, she has been working and honing her craft which lead her to play Sarah Miller, the critically acclaimed role and a favorite among fans in the series premiere of “The Last of Us” (2023). Her recent project, “Suncoast” (2024) where she played the role of Doris won her the Breakthrough Performance Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. She is also chosen to be a cast member of the upcoming live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, and we cannot wait to see it!
9. Eris Baker
Eris Baker is one of the rising young black actors under 20 in Hollywood today. She is prominently known for her role on the critically acclaimed and loved NBC drama series, “This is Us”. She plays the role of Tess Pearson, one of the daughters of Randall Pearson, on the show. Her brilliant portrayal of the character and her sensitive delivery of the famous coming out scene of Tess made Eris a favorite among many.
Conclusion
The future of Hollywood looks promising, seeing these black actors in their 20s and under, captivating audiences and critics alike with their nuanced acting choices. Their dedication, passion, and undeniable skill promise a more inclusive and dynamic entertainment industry. With long years of career ahead of them, it’ll be interesting to see how these African American actors under 20 have managed to leave their legacy behind for their generation, and many more to come.
