Best Afro-American Actresses Under 20

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Young actors and actresses are making a big impact on the entertainment world, especially in film and TV. We’re seeing more and more African-American actresses under 20 landing leading roles and proving they’re incredibly talented for their age. They’re receiving praise from critics, being nominated for awards, and gaining fans worldwide through both popular streaming shows and major movies. This new generation of performers is truly shaping the future of Hollywood.

Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson became well-known around the world for playing Erica Sinclair in the Netflix hit ‘Stranger Things’. She started as a guest star, but her funny and engaging performances led to her becoming a main character. She’s also done voice work for animated shows and starred in the comedy movie ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’. Priah has proven she can act confidently alongside experienced professionals, making her a standout young talent in Hollywood.

Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney has received a lot of praise for her work as Venus Williams in the movie ‘King Richard,’ and her performance was recognized with nominations from groups like the Screen Actors Guild. She’s also appeared in acclaimed films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Fences’ – in ‘Fences,’ she played the daughter of Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. More recently, she took on the role of a young Michelle Obama in the series ‘The First Lady,’ continuing to choose challenging and interesting parts.

Demi Singleton

Demi Singleton is a talented young actress who gained recognition for her compelling portrayal of Serena Williams in ‘King Richard’ with Will Smith. Before this role, she built her skills on the Broadway stage, performing as young Nala in ‘The Lion King’ and appearing in ‘School of Rock’. She’s also known for her recurring role as Margaret Johnson in the crime series ‘Godfather of Harlem’. Singleton brings a remarkable maturity to her performances, drawing on her experience in musical theater and dance.

Brooklynn Prince

Brooklynn Prince first gained attention for her powerful and realistic performance in the movie ‘The Florida Project’. She won a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Performer at only seven years old for playing Moonee. Since then, she’s been in the series ‘Home Before Dark’ and films such as ‘The Turning’ and ‘Cocaine Bear’. Prince is now also exploring directing, having made a short film while still acting.

Faithe Herman

Faithe Herman is an actress widely recognized for playing Annie Pearson on the popular NBC drama ‘This Is Us,’ where she appeared for six seasons and won two Screen Actors Guild Awards with her fellow cast members. She’s also known for her role as Darla Dudley in the ‘Shazam!’ movies. Audiences and critics consistently praise her for bringing warmth, intelligence, and a genuine charm to her performances.

Lidya Jewett

Lidya Jewett is a talented actress with a growing list of credits. She’s known for her roles in popular shows like ‘Good Girls’ as Sara Hill, and she starred in the Netflix film ‘Nightbooks’, showcasing her ability to perform in spooky and mysterious stories. She’s also been in big movies like ‘Hidden Figures’ and has done voice work for animated films, including ‘Vivo’. Throughout her career, Lidya has consistently appeared in both intense dramas and fun, family-oriented projects.

Akira Akbar

Akira Akbar is an actress known for playing young Monica Rambeau in the Marvel film ‘Captain Marvel’. She’s also been on TV shows like ‘This Is Us’ and recently starred as Ashley Banks in the new version of ‘Bel-Air’. Many have praised her take on Ashley, noting she brings a modern energy to the iconic character. Her experience as a model helps her appear poised and engaging on screen.

Millie Davis

Millie Davis is a talented young actress who is well-known for playing Ms. O on the children’s show ‘Odd Squad’. She’s also been in the movie ‘Wonder’ as Summer and had a role as Gemma Hendrix on ‘Orphan Black’. In addition to acting on screen, Millie has done a lot of voice work, including on ‘The Magic School Bus Rides Again’. She’s comfortable in both live-action and animated roles, making her a familiar face for young viewers.

Malia Baker

As a big fan of good storytelling, I was really impressed with Malia Baker in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ on Netflix – she was Mary Anne Spier! But she’s not just a one-hit wonder; I’ve also spotted her in shows like ‘The Flash’ and ‘A Million Little Things,’ and she clearly handles everything from funny moments to really serious drama with ease. What I admire even more is that she uses her voice to speak out about important social justice issues. Honestly, her portrayal of Mary Anne felt so real and emotionally honest, especially in showing what it’s like to grow up – it really resonated with me.

Trinitee

I’ve been a fan of Trinitee Stokes ever since she was Judy Cooper on ‘K.C. Undercover’ – she was amazing! But she’s so much more than just an actress. I love that she’s also an author and singer, and her book is all about helping young girls feel empowered, which is fantastic. It’s been really cool to watch her grow up and take on more challenging roles in shows like ‘Mixed-ish’ and ‘Snowfall’ too. She always brings so much energy to everything she does, and she’s a genuinely positive influence – a true role model!

Chloe Coleman

Chloe Coleman is an actress known for her roles in both action and drama. She gained recognition starring alongside Dave Bautista in the comedy ‘My Spy’, where she played a clever and resourceful young girl who’s smarter than a spy. She’s also appeared in popular shows like ‘Big Little Lies’ and movies such as ‘Gunpowder Milkshake’, and provided voice work for ‘Upload’. More recently, she was in the fantasy adventure ‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ and the sci-fi thriller ’65’. Coleman often plays characters who are intelligent, quick-witted, and physically capable.

Madalen Mills

Madalen Mills quickly became known as a talented performer with her first movie role as Journey in the Netflix musical ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’. She proved she could act, sing, and dance, even sharing the screen with established stars. Before movies, she performed in the Broadway hit ‘School of Rock’. Since then, she’s been in the film ‘The Tiger Rising’ and continues to take on roles that let her showcase her musical skills.

Calah Lane

Calah Lane quickly gained recognition for her performance as Noodle in the 2023 movie ‘Wonka’. Acting alongside Timothée Chalamet, she showcased both impressive singing ability and natural acting skills. She had previously appeared in shows like ‘This Is Us’ and the film ‘The Day Shall Come’. With her role in ‘Wonka’, Lane has established herself as a promising new star in Hollywood.

Leah Sava Jeffries

Leah Sava Jeffries plays Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians,’ which has brought her a lot of attention. Before this, she acted in the movie ‘Beast’ with Idris Elba and the TV show ‘Empire.’ Jeffries has been praised for her powerful and thoughtful performance as Annabeth, and she’s quickly becoming a prominent young actress in popular film and television franchises.

Celina Smith

Celina Smith became well-known after playing Annie in NBC’s ‘Annie Live!’ – a live TV production. She also stars as the main character in the Nickelodeon show ‘Young Dylan,’ which is created by Tyler Perry. Smith’s experience in musical theater and her strong voice have been key to her success so far, and people often comment on how professional and funny she is.

Milan Ray

Milan Ray is a key part of the 2021 series ‘The Wonder Years,’ where she plays Keisa Clemmons. She’s also been in the films ‘Charm City Kings’ and ‘Troop Zero,’ showing her ability to excel in both smaller independent films and larger mainstream productions. Her work on ‘The Wonder Years’ has been praised for realistically capturing the feelings of young love and friendship during the 1960s. Critics often highlight the genuine and emotionally intelligent quality of Ray’s acting.

Aria Brooks

Aria Brooks is an actress and musician who first gained recognition on the reboot of the comedy show ‘All That’. She’s also been in the movie ‘Harriet’ and the series ‘Better Nate Than Ever’. Beyond acting, Aria writes and creates her own music, proving she’s a versatile performer comfortable in both funny and dramatic roles.

Lyric Hurd

Lyric Hurd started her acting career with a role in the Netflix film ‘Roxanne Roxanne’, where she played the young version of the famous rapper. She then appeared in ‘Fatherhood’ alongside Kevin Hart, playing his daughter, Maddy. Critics particularly loved her touching performance in ‘Fatherhood’ and the strong connection she shared with Hart on screen. Because of these roles, Hurd is quickly becoming known as a talented young actress who excels in dramatic parts.

Mykal-Michelle Harris

Mykal-Michelle Harris is an actress most famous for playing Santamonica Johnson in the ABC comedy ‘Mixed-ish’. She also hosts ‘Disney Insider’ on the Disney Channel and has been on ‘The Carmichael Show’. Before becoming a professional actress, she first became popular online with a viral video called “Pony.” Harris is known for her energetic personality and talent for comedy, which she brings to every role.

Danielle Jalade

Danielle Jalade is quickly becoming a familiar face on Disney Channel. She plays Paris Johnson in the series ‘Saturdays,’ which follows a group of friends on a roller-skating team. You might also recognize her from the movie ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ with Marlon Wayans. Danielle often uses her background in skating and dance in her acting, bringing a lot of energy and movement to her performances.

Olivea Morton

Olivea Morton recently starred as Nancy Bobofit in Disney+’s ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians,’ marking her biggest role yet. Before this, she gained experience in short films and commercials. Critics have praised her performance, highlighting her ability to create a memorable character alongside a talented cast. Morton is part of a growing group of new actors joining popular streaming series.

Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen

Jaynee-Lynne Kinchen is an actress known for her work in horror and drama. She appeared in ‘The Curse of La Llorona,’ which is part of ‘The Conjuring’ film series, and has also been in ‘Self/less’ and the TV show ‘The Resident.’ Even early in her career, Kinchen has shown a talent for tackling challenging roles in intense genres. She’s continuing to expand her work in both film and television.

Aria Brooks

Aria Brooks quickly won over audiences as a talented performer on the show ‘All That’. She’s also been in the movie ‘Better Nate Than Ever’ and the series ‘Mixed-ish’. Aria is a skilled singer and often includes musical numbers in her acting work. She seems poised for a successful career in both acting and music.

Melody Hurd

Melody Hurd is a rising young actress known for her roles in both drama and horror. She played a young Maddy in the film ‘Fatherhood’ and starred as Gracie Emory in the Amazon Prime series ‘Them’. Critics particularly praised her powerful and nuanced performance in ‘Them’, highlighting her ability to portray complex and emotionally demanding characters. Hurd has quickly proven she can handle mature and challenging roles with impressive skill.

Blue Ivy Carter

Blue Ivy Carter recently started acting by narrating the audiobook for ‘Hair Love’, the Academy Award-winning animated short film. She’s also been featured in her mother Beyoncé’s films, like ‘Black Is King,’ and even performed on stage during the ‘Renaissance’ World Tour. Though she’s famous for her impact on music and culture, people are also praising her voice acting and how comfortable she is in front of the camera. She’s quickly becoming one of the most well-known young stars in the world.

Madison Curry

Madison Curry impressed audiences with her debut in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’, skillfully playing both the young versions of Adelaide and Red. Her performance was essential to the story, as she had to convincingly portray two very different and creepy characters. Critics praised her technical skill and her ability to create a sense of fear and suspense. Curry continues to be a promising young actress in the horror genre.

Quinn Copeland

Quinn Copeland plays Izzy in the new version of the show ‘Punky Brewster’. Before that, she performed in ‘Waitress’ on tour across the country. She’s brought a lot of energy and humor to the classic series, making it fun for a new audience. Quinn is a talented singer and actress, which makes her a well-rounded performer on TV.

Kyrie McAlpin

Kyrie McAlpin is an actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like ‘The Equalizer’, ‘Snowfall’, and ‘Black-ish’, as well as the film ‘Birdie’. She’s praised for making her characters feel realistic and relatable, whether she’s in a serious drama or a comedy. You can still frequently see her appearing in shows on major networks.

Ava Louise Murchison

Ava Louise Murchison is the star of the Apple TV+ series ‘Jane’, playing a young activist inspired by Jane Goodall. The show features her working with computer-generated animals and leading other actors in exciting, educational adventures. Critics are impressed with Murchison’s genuine and dedicated performance, especially how she brings the show’s environmental message to life. She’s quickly becoming a promising new face in family and educational programming.

Dani Lane

Dani Lane is a rising star, known for her funny videos online, especially the ones she makes with her sister, Dannah. She’s brought her popular comedic style to TV shows like ‘The Neighborhood’ and ‘Kenan,’ proving she’s just as funny on screen. Dani’s great at timing jokes and doing physical comedy, making her a perfect fit for sitcoms. She’s successfully moving from creating content online to a career in traditional acting.

Dannah Lane

Dannah Lane gained a large online following creating funny videos with her sister, Dani, which eventually led to acting roles. She’s been on shows like ‘The Neighborhood’ and ‘The Real’, where she’s demonstrated her skill at improv. Dannah is known for her quick humor and engaging performance style, and she’s a leading example of a new generation of stars who began their careers online.

Genesis Tennon

I have to say, I was really charmed to learn that Genesis Tennon, Viola Davis’s daughter, has started her acting journey! She actually made her debut with a voice role in ‘The Angry Birds Movie 2,’ which is adorable. You’ve probably seen her alongside her mom at premieres – she’s already comfortable in the spotlight. It’s clear she’s got the performing arts in her blood, and it’ll be fascinating to watch this young talent develop. She comes from a pretty incredible artistic family, and I’m excited to see what she does next.

Liyou Abere

Liyou Abere is known for playing young Allison Hargreeves in the popular Netflix series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. She’s also been in ‘The Boys’ and ‘Mrs. America’, demonstrating her talent for roles in imaginative and complex shows. Abere’s work on ‘The Umbrella Academy’ was crucial in building the history of a key character, and she consistently appears in significant streaming series.

Summer Rose

I’ve been noticing Summer Rose popping up in a lot of TV shows lately – she really commands the screen! She’s worked with all the big networks, and I get the feeling she’s definitely aiming for those leading lady roles in both movies and TV. She’s still building her name, taking on solid supporting parts, but she’s part of this new wave of incredibly driven young actors trying to make it in Hollywood, and it’s a tough game out there.

Jaidyn Triplett

Jaidyn Triplett shines as Millicent in the new version of ‘iCarly’, playing Freddie Benson’s clever and tech-loving stepdaughter. Critics are praising her performance for its smart humor and relatable personality. Triplett has also shown her acting skills in dramas like ‘The Affair’ and ‘See’, proving she can handle both funny and serious roles. She’s quickly becoming one of the most prominent and successful young Black actresses on TV sitcoms today.

Share your favorite performances by these rising stars in the comments.

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2026-02-07 18:48