20 Best Actors in Their 30s, Ranked

In your 30s, you’ll find a blend of accumulated experience and the drive that comes with momentum. This decade is seeing many significant film and TV roles going to performers in this age bracket. Their resumes stretch from blockbuster series, high-end dramas, to daring independent productions. Here, we focus on male actors in their 30s whose diverse bodies of work display versatility, continuity, and the capability to headline major productions.

You’ll be familiar with names associated with award-winning performances, blockbuster movies, and TV shows that significantly influenced the streaming era. Additionally, you’ll come across actors who ventured into producing or directing and garnered acclaim across diverse genres. Each entry showcases specific roles, accomplishments, and career decisions that have shaped their current standing in the industry.

20. Penn Badgley

Penn Badgley established a prominent television career, primarily through leading roles in long-running shows. His breakout role was the popular series ‘Gossip Girl’, followed by his performance in ‘You’. This show transitioned from cable to streaming and endured numerous seasons. Additionally, he has featured in films like ‘Easy A’ and ‘Margin Call’.

Badgley, known for his music project called MOTHXR, also boasts a theatrical background in New York. Moreover, he’s taken on the role of an executive producer during latter seasons of ‘You’, thereby extending his career from acting into making crucial creative choices for the show.

19. Dacre Montgomery

Dacre Montgomery rose to prominence globally by portraying Billy Hargrove in ‘Stranger Things’, joining the series during its second season and making subsequent appearances. Earlier, he headlined the movie ‘Power Rangers’ and featured in the romantic film ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’.

As a follower, I’ve honed my skills in Western Australia and found myself dabbling in short films and voice assignments amidst larger roles. In the interim, I’ve shared my poetry and audio creations, which serve as a testament to my writing and acting abilities off-screen. This helps maintain a vibrant portfolio even during off-seasons.

18. Joseph Quinn

Joseph Quinn gained international recognition, particularly through his role in ‘Stranger Things’, which resonated with viewers and paved the way for substantial movie offers. Among his cinematic projects are ‘Gladiator II’ and various roles on British television, including appearances in ‘Howards End’ and ‘Catherine the Great’.

As someone who started out in the world of theater and British period dramas, I eventually ventured into larger scale productions. Now, I strive to strike a balance between franchise roles and character-driven parts, leveraging my stage experience to tackle both historical scenarios and modern narratives.

17. Ben Hardy

Ben Hardy transitioned from working on UK television to starring in prominent movies. He portrayed Roger Taylor in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and depicted Angel in ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’. His resume also features ‘The Voyeurs’ and ‘Only the Brave’, encompassing thriller genres as well as dramas inspired by real-life events.

As a true cinephile, I’ve always been captivated by the world of cinema. My journey began at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where I honed my skills in the art of acting. Before gracing the silver screen, I spent time treading the boards on stage in various theater productions. Now, I find myself balancing film and limited series projects, frequently taking on supporting roles that delve into real-life personalities and musical history, making each performance a unique and enriching experience for both me and the audience.

16. Robert Pattinson

Robert Pattinson moved on from being famous for early franchises to take on leading roles in films directed by visionary filmmakers. He starred in ‘The Batman’, played the lead in indie movies like ‘Good Time’ and ‘The Lighthouse’, and even appeared in ‘Tenet’ and ‘High Life’.

Edward Pattinson has worked with directors who are recognized for their unique cinematic approaches, such as the Safdie Brothers, Claire Denis, and Robert Eggers. He often balances his time between major productions and independent films, and he also lends his producer talents to aid upcoming filmmakers.

15. Zac Efron

Zac Efron transitioned from musical roles at the start of his career into comedies, sports dramas, and even a wrestling drama. Some of his movies are ‘Neighbors’, ‘Baywatch’, ‘The Greatest Showman’, and ‘The Iron Claw’. He also delved into streaming documentaries with the travel and wellness series ‘Down to Earth with Zac Efron’.

Efron’s works encompass both movies and TV series, and he has delved into portraying real-life figures like Ted Bundy in ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’. He remains versatile by appearing in comedies, dramas, and films centered around music, all while keeping active in television productions.

14. Richard Madden

I’ve had quite an exciting journey in my career! I gained significant traction from my role in ‘Game of Thrones’, followed by starring in the gripping TV series ‘Bodyguard’. That role even earned me a Golden Globe for best television actor. My film appearances include enchanting audiences as Prince Charming in ‘Cinderella’, rocking out as Tom Turner in ‘Rocketman’, and joining the Marvel universe with ‘Eternals’. It’s been quite a ride!

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’ve honed my craft at the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and have had the privilege of working with the illustrious Globe Theatre on stage. My repertoire extends beyond the silver screen, with voices brought to life in animated projects and captivating performances in radio dramas. This versatile resume encompasses a range of genres, from fantastical tales and covert operations to superhero sagas.

13. Kit Harington

Kit Harington achieved broad recognition from the hit series ‘Game of Thrones’, earning several award nominations for his performance as Jon Snow. His film resume includes roles such as Pompeii, How to Train Your Dragon 2 (as a voice actor), and parts in historical dramas and suspenseful movies.

Harrington honed his acting skills at the Central School of Speech and Drama, later gracing the stages of the West End with significant performances. He’s also appeared in various anthologies and miniseries, showcasing versatility by delving into different genres, including a return to classical theater amidst his screen appearances.

12. John Boyega

In the “Star Wars” sequel series, John Boyega took the lead roles, and he subsequently starred in the critically-acclaimed TV shows “Small Axe,” for which he received a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. His filmography includes “Attack the Block,” “Detroit,” and the science fiction comedy “They Cloned Tyrone.

John Boyega established his own production company that operates independently, where he has taken up the role of producer for certain productions. His involvement extends beyond just the franchise stories, as he also engages in narratives centered around social issues. He seamlessly shifts between being part of large ensembles and starring as the lead in movies and TV series.

11. Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield’s acting credits span both indie films and big-budget productions. He received an Academy Award nod for his role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, and has also been seen in movies like ‘Get Out’, ‘Sorry to Bother You’, and ‘Knives Out’. On the small screen, he is recognized for portraying Darius in ‘Atlanta’.

In the realm of music, Stanfield goes by the alias Htiekal. He’s lent his talents to soundtracks and voice roles. He frequently collaborates on filmmaker-led projects and even holds executive producer credits, contributing significantly to story development, which complements his acting endeavors.

10. Logan Lerman

Logan Lerman commenced his acting career as a child and progressed to teen roles. He utilized these early experiences when transitioning into adult parts. Notably, he starred in the ‘Percy Jackson’ movie adaptations and played the lead in ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’. His more recent work encompasses the series ‘Hunters’, as well as roles within ensemble productions like ‘Fury’.

Lerman skillfully handles various musical instruments and boasts producer roles for certain productions. His work portfolio consistently switches between streaming productions and cinematic features, frequently transitioning from action plots to adolescence narratives while keeping a consistent pace in his output.

9. Miles Teller

Miles Teller made a significant breakthrough with the movie ‘Whiplash’, then took on leading roles in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, ‘Bleed for This’, and ‘Only the Brave’. His versatility can be seen across comedy, drama, and action genres, as well as in the miniseries ‘Too Old to Die Young’.

As a cinephile who’s proudly walked the halls of NYU, I’ve got a solid background in both theater and short films under my belt. I’ve dabbled in feature-length productions and mini-series too, often joining forces with visionary directors on projects that demand extensive musical rehearsals or rigorous physical training.

8. Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton played Elton John in ‘Rocketman’ and received a Golden Globe for his performance. He is also known for roles in movies like the ‘Kingsman’ series, ‘Eddie the Eagle’, and the crime miniseries ‘Black Bird’. This last project also earned him accolades in television acting.

Egerton honed his acting skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and boasts a repertoire of stage performances in London. He lends his voice to animated productions such as ‘Sing’, while deftly juggling action movies with biographical and limited series projects. In addition, he assumes producer responsibilities for selected projects.

Egerton studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He has worked on stage there too. He’s been in animated films like ‘Sing’, does action movies but also biographical and TV series work, and sometimes produces films as well.

7. Nicholas Hoult

Nicholas Hoult’s acting journey spans from youth roles to headlining franchises and TV productions. His repertoire encompasses movies like ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’, ‘The Favourite’, and the show ‘The Great’. For his performance in ‘The Great’, he was recognized with nominations at prestigious television award ceremonies. Additionally, he made appearances in ‘Renfield’ and the satirical piece ‘The Menu’.

Houlton has gained stage experience and received early training in Britain, and he’s worked on film sets in both the UK and the USA during his entire acting career. To this day, he seamlessly moves between comedic roles and historical dramas, while also lending his voice to various projects and animated films.

6. Dev Patel

Dev Patel first appeared in the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, then received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Lion’. He won a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. His acting credits extend to ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’, ‘The Green Knight’, and the action film ‘Monkey Man’, which he also directed and co-wrote.

Patel’s body of work encompasses creating and teaming up with various directors, spanning both independently-produced and studio-backed films. He has also worked in television, contributing to shows like ‘Skins’ and ‘The Newsroom’. Ongoing projects of his typically blend travel, folklore, and modern environments.

5. Jeremy Allen White

Jeremy Allen White has been the star of the FX show ‘The Bear’ and has garnered significant recognition with prestigious television awards such as a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe for his acting. Prior to this, he had a considerable tenure on the series ‘Shameless’, portraying Lip Gallagher over several seasons.

white actor White is visible in productions like ‘The Iron Claw’ and ‘Afterschool’, and he has honed his skills in dance and live theater performances. He manages to balance both television and movie roles, and he also acts as a producer for certain episodes of ‘The Bear’.

4. Barry Keoghan

Barry Keoghan received an Academy Award nomination for his work in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ and was awarded a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. His list of films includes ‘Dunkirk’, ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’, ‘Saltburn’, as well as a part in ‘Eternals’.

Keoghan frequently appears in both independent Irish and UK films as well as global productions, without abandoning smaller projects. He often collaborates with director-led ensembles and consistently accepts roles that cover a wide range of genres, including war films, psychological dramas, and modern satire.

3. Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Aaron Taylor-Johnson received a Golden Globe for his role in ‘Nocturnal Animals’, and it was with the film ‘Kick-Ass’ that he initially garnered recognition. His resume also includes projects like ‘Anna Karenina’, ‘Godzilla’, and ‘Bullet Train’. Notably, he has been part of ensemble films centered around war and thrillers.

As a youngster, Taylor-Johnson delved into acting and honed his skills in theatrical performances in England. He’s worked closely with filmmakers such as Joe Wright and David Leitch, and he frequently balances action-packed roles with adaptations of literature and character-centric projects.

2. Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya received an Academy Award for his outstanding performance as a supporting actor in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. His impressive filmography also includes roles in movies like ‘Get Out’, ‘Black Panther’, and ‘Widows’, while he started out with notable appearances on British television shows such as ‘Skins’ and ‘Black Mirror’.

Kaluuya boasts a diverse background in both writing, producing, and acting on stage at the Royal Court Theatre. His versatility extends beyond live performances as he consistently lands roles in thrillers, dramas, superhero films, and even lends his voice to animated features, demonstrating his adaptability across various media.

1. Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan has established himself as a prominent actor in films like ‘Fruitvale Station’, ‘Creed’, and ‘Black Panther’. He then ventured into the director’s chair for ‘Creed III’, all while maintaining a leading role in various sports drama, action projects, and standalone films.

Jordan oversees a production company specializing in creating movies and TV shows, where he also collaborates with studios on emerging talent programs. In addition, he lends his voice to animated projects and video games, and maintains a visible role in both streaming and cinema productions through collaborative work with renowned directors.

Share your picks for standout actors in their thirties in the comments.

2025-09-03 06:48