Black Actresses Who Started As Child Stars

Numerous famous Hollywood actors and actresses started their careers as children. These actresses, once well-known child stars, have become accomplished professionals with long-lasting careers in film and TV. Their early work often captured the spirit of the times and offered representation for diverse audiences. This focuses on Black actresses who successfully managed the difficulties of growing up in the public eye.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné started her career at just three years old with a role on ‘The Cosby Show,’ where she played Olivia Kendall and quickly became well-known. She gained even more popularity starring in the Disney Channel’s ‘That’s So Raven.’ Her early success brought her several Image Awards and a dedicated following. She’s still working as an actor and producer today.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer began her acting career at just nine years old with a role in ‘Barbershop 2 Back in Business’. She became well-known for her performance in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’, and then starred in the popular TV show ‘True Jackson VP’ for several seasons. Since then, she’s moved on to bigger roles in movies and has also become a television host. For twenty years, Keke Palmer has remained a successful and recognizable face in the entertainment world.

Regina King

I’ve been following Regina King’s career for ages, and it’s seriously inspiring. Most people probably remember her as Brenda on ‘227’ – that’s where I first noticed her, and she was fantastic even back then! After that show wrapped, she smoothly moved into movies, with a memorable part in ‘Boyz n the Hood.’ But it’s amazing to see how far she’s come – an Oscar winner and a director now! She really shows how a kid actor can build a truly lasting and successful career, and she’s a great example for anyone hoping to do the same.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett started her acting career in the early 1990s with a part on the TV show ‘Full House’. When she was just ten years old, she received praise for her work in the independent film ‘Eve’s Bayou’, demonstrating her ability to tackle challenging and serious roles even at a young age. Throughout her teenage years, Smollett continued to work consistently in television and movies. Today, she’s known for her strong performances in popular TV dramas and action films.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good began her acting career with small roles on TV and in movies, eventually gaining recognition for her part in ‘Eve’s Bayou’. As a teenager, she appeared on the Nickelodeon sitcom ‘Cousin Skeeter’ and continued to work steadily, building a varied portfolio of films. She then transitioned successfully into more mature roles, appearing in both romantic comedies and horror movies. For over thirty years, she’s maintained a consistent presence in the entertainment industry.

Zendaya

Zendaya first became well-known as a young actress on the Disney Channel show ‘Shake It Up,’ where she played Rocky Blue and demonstrated her skills as an actress and dancer. Since then, she’s moved on to star in major movies and become a fashion icon. She’s won several Emmy Awards for her starring role in the hit drama ‘Euphoria,’ and is now recognized as one of the most important actresses of her generation.

Marsai Martin

I remember first noticing Marsai Martin on ‘Black-ish’ – even back then, at just ten years old, she had incredible comedic timing! She really shined throughout the series, and it was clear she was destined for big things. But what really blew me away was when she became the youngest executive producer ever, at fourteen, with the movie ‘Little’. It’s amazing! She didn’t stop there either, launching her own production company to help bring more diverse stories to life. Honestly, she’s a total force in Hollywood, and she’s still so young – it’s really inspiring to watch her career unfold.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry rose to fame in the 1990s as one half of the twin duo in the popular sitcom ‘Sister, Sister,’ which followed the story of reunited twin sisters. The show ran for six seasons, and after it ended, Tia continued acting in TV movies and later starred in ‘The Game.’ Beyond acting, she’s also become a successful author and host, consistently focusing her career on content and programs geared towards families and a healthy lifestyle.

Quvenzhané Wallis

As a film buff, I was completely blown away by Quvenzhané Wallis when she burst onto the scene! She made history as the youngest ever nominee for Best Actress at the Oscars – can you believe she was only nine?! That was for her amazing work in ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild.’ And she didn’t stop there! She quickly followed that up by starring as Annie in the remake of the classic musical. Beyond acting, she’s also a published author and has been in a bunch of TV shows. Honestly, she’s a seriously talented young performer, and I can’t wait to see what she does next – she has a really bright future ahead of her.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson began her career as a child model and later started acting, appearing in movies like ‘The Rebound’. She became popular for playing Zuri Ross on the Disney Channel show ‘Jessie’, and she continued that role in the spin-off series ‘Bunk’d’ for several years. Beyond acting, Jackson uses her voice to fight against bullying and has even written a book sharing her personal experiences. She’s now taking on new acting projects as she grows up.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid began her acting career with a small part in the award-winning film ’12 Years a Slave’. She became widely known for playing the lead role of Meg Murry in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, which proved she could star in big-budget movies. Since then, she’s been in popular projects like the series ‘Euphoria’ and the film ‘The Suicide Squad’. Now, Storm Reid is a respected actress recognized for her ability to convey deep emotions and her captivating presence on screen.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi started acting when she was very young, appearing in commercials and the movie ‘Imagine That’. She became well-known for playing Zoey Johnson on the TV show ‘Black-ish’. Because her character was so popular, it even got its own spin-off series called ‘Grown-ish’, which followed Zoey as she went to college. Shahidi is also dedicated to making a difference through activism, focusing on education and social justice. She’s managed to successfully pursue both her acting career and her studies at Harvard University.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first became known for her moving performance as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. This role quickly established her as a promising young actress. She continued to appear in popular young adult films like ‘Everything, Everything’ and ‘The Hate U Give’. Stenberg is admired not only for her careful and insightful acting, but also for speaking out about important social issues. She consistently chooses roles in films that push boundaries and offer fresh viewpoints.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali started her entertainment career as a young performer on ‘Sesame Street.’ She became widely known for her role as Ashley Banks on the popular TV show ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ where she starred for six seasons. While on the show, she also began a successful music career, releasing an album that went gold. After ‘The Fresh Prince’ ended, she went on to study at Harvard University, earning a degree in African American studies. Today, Tatyana Ali continues to act and is also involved in several charities.

Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keshia Knight Pulliam made history as the youngest Emmy nominee ever at just six years old, thanks to her memorable role as Rudy Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show.’ Viewers loved watching her character grow up over the show’s eight seasons. Later in her career, she starred in ‘Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’ and also appeared on several reality TV shows. She’s still remembered as one of the most iconic child actors of all time.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson began her career as a young performer on the show ‘The Jacksons’ alongside her family. She then became known for her appearances in popular sitcoms like ‘Good Times’ and ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. These early acting roles helped prepare her for a hugely successful career as a pop music icon. Even with her musical achievements, Jackson has revisited acting in films like ‘Poetic Justice’ and the ‘Why Did I Get Married’ series. She continues to be a major and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields started her entertainment career as a child, appearing in a memorable Mrs. Butterworth syrup commercial. She became well-known for playing Dorothy ‘Tootie’ Ramsey on the popular TV show ‘The Facts of Life.’ After that show ended, she starred in another successful sitcom, ‘Living Single.’ More recently, Fields has moved behind the camera, working as a director and producer for television. She’s enjoyed a steady career in the entertainment industry for over four decades.

Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies began acting as a child, appearing in commercials and on various TV shows. She became a popular teen star for her role as Lisa Turtle on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ a role she played throughout the show’s many seasons and even in the original pilot episode. After ‘Saved by the Bell’ ended, she continued to act in soap operas and films, but she’s still most remembered as a defining face of 1990s pop culture.

Bianca Lawson

Bianca Lawson started her acting career in the early 1990s with a role on ‘Saved by the Bell: The New Class’. Throughout her teenage years and beyond, she appeared in many TV shows geared towards young audiences. Lawson is well-known for looking remarkably young, which allowed her to play teenage characters for a long time. She’s had memorable recurring roles in popular shows like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Pretty Little Liars’, and she continues to be a regular face on major television dramas.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood started her career singing backup vocals and then landed a role on the sitcom ‘Thea’. She quickly rose to fame as a teenager starring in the popular show ‘Moesha’, which ran for six seasons. At the same time, she became a highly successful recording artist and even played Cinderella in a TV movie. Brandy’s work during her teen years made her a significant pop culture icon of the nineties. She continues to pursue both music and acting, appearing in television shows, movies, and stage productions.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain began her acting career at just seven years old with a role in the film ‘The Gospel’. She rose to prominence as a star on Disney Channel, leading the series ‘A.N.T. Farm’ and sharing her singing talents. McClain continued to gain recognition playing Uma in the popular ‘Descendants’ movies, and later starred as Jennifer Pierce in the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’. She continues to be a talented performer in both acting and music.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith started her acting career at just seven years old, appearing in the film ‘I Am Legend’ with her father. She continued acting with roles in ‘Kit Kittredge: An American Girl’ and as a voice actor in ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’. Although she now focuses on music and fashion, these early roles demonstrated her natural acting ability. She remains a well-known figure in the entertainment world.

Camille Winbush

Camille Winbush started acting as a child, appearing in films like ‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’ and the TV show ‘7th Heaven’. She became well-known for playing Vanessa Thomkins on ‘The Bernie Mac Show’, where she played the oldest niece and won multiple Image and Young Artist Awards. After that show ended, she joined the cast of ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’. Winbush continues to work in television and as a voice actor.

Dee Dee Davis

Dee Dee Davis began acting at just five years old, landing the role of Bryana Thomkins on ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. She was a key part of the show for all five seasons, and her funny delivery as the youngest child quickly made her a beloved character. When the series ended, she chose to prioritize her schooling and take a break from acting. However, she’s still fondly remembered for her work on one of the most popular Black sitcoms of the 2000s.

Parker McKenna Posey

Parker McKenna Posey started acting when she was just five years old, becoming known for her role as Kady Kyle on the sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids.’ She was on the show for over a hundred episodes, and many viewers watched her grow up. After the show ended, she worked on several independent films. Now an adult, she’s back on television in the drama series ‘Games People Play,’ and she’s also active on social media.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer started her acting career young, voicing the character Penny on the cartoon ‘Inspector Gadget.’ She then moved into live-action roles, becoming well-known for playing Winifred ‘Freddie’ Brooks on ‘A Different World.’ Since then, Cree Summer has become a hugely successful voice actress, providing the voices for countless characters in cartoons and video games over many years. She began acting as a child and continues to thrive in the industry today.

Countess Vaughn

Countess Vaughn began her entertainment career as a young singer on the show ‘Star Search’. She then became an actress, landing a role on the sitcom ‘227’. She gained widespread popularity as a teenager playing Kim Parker on ‘Moesha’ and continued that success in the spin-off series, ‘The Parkers’. As an adult, she’s also been featured on several reality TV shows and remains a well-known face in Black television.

Reagan Gomez-Preston

Reagan Gomez-Preston started acting as a teen, becoming known for her role as Zaria Peterson on the show ‘The Parent ‘Hood,’ which lasted five seasons. She later voiced the character Roberta Tubbs on the animated series ‘The Cleveland Show.’ Throughout her career, she’s been in many films and made guest appearances on various TV shows. Still working as an actress today, Gomez-Preston has also expanded into writing and directing.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet quickly became famous as a teenager when she played Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show.’ The character was so well-loved that it led to her own show, ‘A Different World,’ which followed her experiences in college. Bonet also starred in the film ‘Angel Heart,’ helping her move into more adult roles. Though she’s chosen her projects carefully, she had a big influence on fashion and culture as a young star and continues to be a memorable figure from eighties and nineties TV.

Tempestt Bledsoe

Tempestt Bledsoe started acting at just eleven years old, becoming well-known for her role as Vanessa Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. She was a regular on the show for eight seasons, making her a beloved figure for many viewers. After ‘The Cosby Show’ ended, she went on to earn a degree in finance while continuing to work as an actress. Over the years, she’s hosted a talk show and appeared in numerous TV movies and series, maintaining a consistent career in the entertainment industry for almost four decades.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander began acting as a teen in the movie ‘My Little Girl.’ She became more well-known as Cousin Pam on ‘The Cosby Show,’ but she’s best remembered for playing Maxine Shaw in ‘Living Single.’ Since then, she’s continued to succeed as an actress in both TV and film. Beyond acting, Alexander is also a writer and producer, and she co-founded her own entertainment company.

Kellie Shanygne Williams

Kellie Shanygne Williams started her career as a child model and became well-known for her role as Laura Winslow on the sitcom ‘Family Matters’. She played Laura for nine seasons, becoming a key part of the show’s success and a favorite among young viewers. After ‘Family Matters’ ended, she appeared in the series ‘What About Joan’ and other TV shows. She’s also dedicated time to working with youth programs, helping children in her community.

Danielle Nicolet

Danielle Nicolet began acting as a teen with a part on the show ‘Family Matters’, playing Vonda Mahoney. She then went on to appear in ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ and has since built a successful, thirty-year career in television, with roles in both dramas and comedies. Currently, she’s well-known for playing Cecile Horton in the superhero series ‘The Flash’.

Maia Campbell

Maia Campbell started acting as a teenager, appearing in the movie ‘Poetic Justice’ with Janet Jackson. She became well-known for playing Tiffany Warren on the sitcom ‘In the House,’ where her portrayal of a fashionable and smart teen made her a popular star in the late 1990s. Throughout her youth, she also appeared in various music videos and made guest appearances on other TV shows. She’s still remembered as a prominent figure from 90s pop culture.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete began her acting career as a child with an appearance on ‘Sesame Street,’ where her father worked behind the scenes. She became well-known as Officer Judy Hoffs on the show ‘21 Jump Street’ and later starred in the sitcom ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper.’ Throughout her long and successful career, Peete has also dedicated herself to raising awareness about autism.

Danielle Spencer

Danielle Spencer rose to fame as a child actor in the 1970s, playing Dee Thomas on the TV show ‘What’s Happening!!’. Her character was popular for her funny lines and playful competition with her on-screen brother, Raj. She later returned to the role in the show’s sequel, ‘What’s Happening Now!!’. While continuing to make occasional appearances in entertainment, Spencer ultimately chose a career in veterinary medicine. She remains a beloved and memorable child star from that time period.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris started acting at age eleven in the British TV show ‘Simon and the Witch’, and continued to appear in shows like ‘The Tomorrow People’ throughout her teens. She then moved into films, with notable roles in ‘28 Days Later’ and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies. Harris received an Academy Award nomination for her acclaimed performance in ‘Moonlight’ and is now a globally recognized actress, honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton began her acting career at sixteen with the film ‘Flirting’, which helped launch her to international stardom. She’s known for her performances in highly praised movies like ‘Beloved’ and ‘Crash’. More recently, she gained widespread recognition and won an Emmy Award for playing Maeve Millay in the series ‘Westworld’. Newton has been a consistent presence in the film and television industry for over thirty years.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey started acting as a child, appearing in the movie ‘Last Holiday’ with Queen Latifah. She and her sister then formed a singing duo and caught the attention of Beyoncé. After several seasons on the TV show ‘Grown-ish’, Bailey landed a leading role as Ariel in Disney’s live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’. She continues to achieve success in both acting and music.

Chloe Bailey

Chloe Bailey began her acting career as a child, appearing in movies like ‘The Fighting Temptations’ and ‘Last Holiday’. Growing up, she performed with her sister as part of a musical duo and also took on different roles on television. More recently, she became well-known for her role as Jazz Forster on the show ‘Grown-ish’. Since then, Chloe has built a thriving solo music career while continuing to act. She’s celebrated as a remarkably talented artist with a clear and unique creative perspective.

Shahadi Wright Joseph

I first noticed Shahadi Wright Joseph when she was just nine, absolutely captivating as Young Nala on Broadway in ‘The Lion King’! But she really blew me away in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ – playing dual roles is no easy feat, and she nailed it. It was cool to then hear her voice as Young Nala again in the new ‘Lion King’ remake. She’s clearly someone who isn’t afraid to tackle tough projects, like we saw in ‘Them’, and it’s no surprise she’s doing so well. You can really tell that starting out on stage gave her an incredible base for everything she’s achieved on screen.

Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson started her acting career with minor roles in shows like ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Mercy Street’. She became well-known for playing Erica Sinclair in the popular series ‘Stranger Things’, and her character became so loved by fans that she was made a main cast member later on. Since then, she’s appeared in the film ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ and has done voice acting for animated projects. Priah is considered one of the most talented young actresses working in TV today.

Faithe Herman

Faithe Herman began acting at a young age and is best known for playing Annie Pearson on the popular TV show ‘This Is Us,’ where she appeared throughout all six seasons. She won awards as part of the show’s cast. She also starred as Darla Dudley in the movies ‘Shazam!’ and its sequel. Critics have consistently praised her for bringing both charm and emotional honesty to her roles. She remains a sought-after actress in both television and film.

Lyric Ross

Lyric Ross started her acting career young, appearing in commercials and on TV shows like ‘Sirens’ and ‘Chicago Fire’. She became well-known for playing Deja Pearson on the hit drama ‘This Is Us’, where she received praise for her realistic and moving portrayal of a child in foster care adjusting to a new family. Since then, she’s been in the film ‘The Wendell and Wild’ and has become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ross is celebrated for her ability to convincingly portray characters with deep and complicated feelings.

Eris Baker

Eris Baker began her acting career with the role of Tess Pearson on the popular show ‘This Is Us.’ She spent several years on the series, developing her skills as an actress while portraying a character that dealt with complex family relationships and social topics. Beyond ‘This Is Us,’ Baker has also worked on other TV shows and enjoys fashion. As she gets older, she’s continuing to look for new and exciting projects in the entertainment world.

Rhyon Nicole Brown

I’ve been following Rhyon Nicole Brown’s career for years! It’s amazing to see how far she’s come since her early days in ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’.’ A lot of people probably remember her as Madison from ‘That’s So Raven,’ which was a really fun show. She’s consistently worked since then, with parts in shows like ‘Lincoln Heights’ and ‘Empire,’ smoothly making the transition from child to adult roles. But she’s not just an actress – she’s incredibly talented all around, also writing and performing her own music. It’s been over two decades and she’s still going strong, which is really impressive!

Cherie Johnson

Cherie Johnson first became well-known as a child actress in the 1980s, playing Punky Brewster’s best friend – a character who shared her own name. She appeared in both the original live-action series and its animated spin-off. After ‘Punky Brewster’ ended, she joined the cast of ‘Family Matters’ as Maxine Johnson. Since then, Cherie has worked not only as an actress but also as a producer and writer, and she recently reprised her role in the ‘Punky Brewster’ reboot.

Share your favorite performances from these talented women in the comments.

2026-02-18 11:21