Best African American Actresses Under 20

by

To discover the next generation of stars, we need to focus on young actors who are already gaining experience on set and on stage. These performers are developing impressive careers with leading roles, consistent appearances, and memorable performances in movies, TV shows, and streaming series. They’re working across all kinds of genres, including superhero films, historical dramas, comedies, and mysteries.

The following names all belong to young performers – under 20 years old – who are currently working on exciting projects. You’ll find they’ve already appeared in big movies, popular TV shows (on networks, cable, and streaming services), and even major stage productions like Broadway shows and national tours. If you’re looking for up-and-coming talent, this is a great place to start.

Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney first gained recognition for her work in films like ‘Fences’ and ‘Hidden Figures.’ She later starred in the TV series ‘The Passage’ and went on to play Venus Williams in ‘King Richard.’ Most recently, she showcased her acting skills with a recurring role on ‘American Horror Story,’ demonstrating her versatility on television.

She’s worked in both serious dramas and popular genre films, including ‘Fast Color,’ and has also appeared in several television shows. She skillfully manages both film and TV projects, collaborating with well-known directors and acting alongside talented casts.

Demi Singleton

Demi Singleton has taken on diverse roles, including a young Serena Williams in ‘King Richard’ and Margaret Johnson in ‘Godfather of Harlem’. She recently appeared in the western series ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ as Sally Reeves, adding another historical project to her growing filmography.

She’s performed on Broadway in shows like ‘School of Rock’ and ‘The Lion King’ (playing young Nala). In addition to acting, she also studies music and dance, skills that help her perform well on both stage and in front of a camera.

Lidya Jewett

Lidya Jewett is an actress recognized for her role as Sara Hill in the series ‘Good Girls’ and for starring in several films, including projects based on ‘The Night Diary’ and thrillers/horror movies. She gained early recognition for her work in the critically acclaimed film ‘Hidden Figures’.

She started her television career on Nickelodeon’s ‘WITS Academy’ as Gracie Walker and has consistently landed roles in a variety of shows, appearing on both traditional networks and streaming platforms.

Akira Akbar

Akira Akbar played young Monica Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’ and has since starred in several movies and TV shows aimed at families and teenagers. She’s also appeared in guest roles on popular dramas like ‘This Is Us’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, gaining valuable experience early in her career.

I’ve been following this actress for a while, and it’s amazing to see her really come into her own. She actually started working on sets as a kid, both modeling and acting, so she’s incredibly comfortable in front of the camera. Lately, she’s been leading some really great films on streaming platforms, and she’s fantastic at carrying those stories – especially for younger viewers. It’s clear she’s someone to watch!

Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson is well-known for her role as Erica Sinclair on ‘Stranger Things.’ She started with a smaller part on the show but became more prominent as it grew in popularity. She’s also been in several popular holiday and family comedies available on streaming services.

She’s appeared in shows like ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Mercy Street’, and is now building her film career while also taking on roles in long-running TV series with many characters.

Dior Goodjohn

Dior Goodjohn is known for playing Clarisse La Rue in the new series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians,’ marking a significant role in a popular fantasy world. Before this, she appeared in ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark’ and the comedy ‘Head of the Class.’

She’s currently working on projects filled with action and adventure, which involve coordinating stunts and working as part of a team. She also appears in shows aimed at young audiences, where her characters develop and change over the course of many episodes.

Leah Sava Jeffries

Leah Sava Jeffries plays Annabeth Chase in the series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. She previously starred in the movie ‘Beast’, a survival thriller, and began her acting career on the TV show ‘Empire’.

She contributed to holiday-themed romantic stories, including work on ‘Something from Tiffany’s’. Being chosen to lead a film series demonstrates her skill with big-budget projects and adapting novels for the screen.

Celina Smith

Celina Smith starred as Annie in NBC’s live musical production, performing both singing and acting for a national audience. She’s also appeared on ‘Young Dylan’ and the recent ‘The Wonder Years,’ giving her experience in both multi-camera and single-camera sitcoms.

She started her career touring the country with ‘The Lion King,’ playing young Nala. Now, she’s a musician and actress, working on both television and live shows designed for families, and continues to hone her skills through ongoing training.

Faithe Herman

I absolutely loved seeing Faithe Herman in both ‘Shazam’ movies as Darla Dudley! But she’s not just a superhero sidekick – she was also amazing as Annie Pearson on ‘This Is Us’. It was cool to watch her grow up as part of such a fantastic and award-winning ensemble cast on that show.

She’s proven herself as an actress who can handle both funny and serious roles, as seen in her work on superhero movies and TV dramas. She continues to take on projects that families can enjoy, alongside her ongoing commitments to regular television series.

Milan Ray

Milan Ray is known for her roles in ‘Troop Zero’ and the ‘The Wonder Years’ reboot, where she played Keisa. She’s also been in ‘The Magnificent Meyersons’ and a number of independent films, giving her experience with a wide range of projects.

She began her career appearing in national commercials and doing voiceover work, which helped her become comfortable in front of the camera. Now, she focuses on television roles that often explore themes of growing up and take place in school settings.

Sanai Victoria

Sanai Victoria has appeared in family-friendly shows like ‘The Paynes’ and ‘Diary of a Future President’, giving her consistent roles in the tween television space. She also works on both animated and live-action projects, giving her a wide range of acting experience.

She’s appeared in many TV shows and streaming series, often playing the roles of classmates or friends to the main characters. She continues to work on projects set in middle and high schools.

Aria Brooks

Aria Brooks began her career on the sketch comedy show ‘All That’ and went on to appear in the movie ‘Better Nate Than Ever’. In addition to acting, she’s also a musician who writes and releases her own songs.

She’s appeared on TV in guest spots and short-form videos showcasing her skills in comedy and music. She’s also actively seeking roles in films, all while creating music videos and recording her own music.

Kyliegh Curran

Kyliegh Curran is known for her roles as Abra in ‘Doctor Sleep’ and Harper in the Disney Channel series ‘Secrets of Sulphur Springs.’ More recently, she played a significant part in the cast of ‘The Fall of the House of Usher.’

She started her career performing as young Nala in Broadway’s ‘The Lion King.’ Now, she alternates between dramatic film roles and starring in mystery shows for kids and teens.

Jordyn Raya James

Jordyn Raya James portrayed Ami McKellan in the Netflix series ‘Family Reunion’, appearing in multiple parts and even holiday specials that expanded her role.

She started her career with commercials and short films before transitioning to regular roles on television. Currently, she’s focused on finding work in family-friendly comedies and sitcoms that are filmed with multiple cameras.

Mykal-Michelle Harris

Mykal-Michelle Harris is known for her roles as Santamonica Johnson in ‘Mixed-ish’ and Alice Baxter in ‘Raven’s Home’. She also starred in the family movie ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’, adding to her experience in film.

She frequently provides the voice for characters in animated shows, often those based on well-known stories. She also regularly appears in sitcoms and continues to do voice work, choosing roles that suit her age.

Jaidyn Triplett

Jaidyn Triplett is an actress who recently starred as Millicent in the new ‘iCarly’ series. She’s also been in shows like ‘The Affair’ and has experience in independent films and short comedies, highlighting her talent for comedic roles.

She uses her social media to promote her current TV shows, while also working on her music. She’s steadily gaining experience in comedic acting, particularly in single-camera sitcoms, and continues to appear in new episodes of various shows.

Camryn Jones

Camryn Jones gained recognition for her role as Tiffany Quilkin in the time travel series ‘Paper Girls’. She’s also lent her voice to a main character in the animated show ‘Pacific Rim The Black’, expanding her acting experience.

Besides her role in ‘Created Equal’, she’s also appeared in ‘Cherish the Day’ and other projects. Her dance training helps her with the physical demands of acting and learning choreography on set.

Skye Dakota Turner

Skye Dakota Turner has played iconic singers early in their careers – young Aretha Franklin in the movie ‘Respect’ and young Tina Turner in the Broadway show ‘Tina’. She’s also been featured on national TV shows discussing these roles.

She has a strong musical foundation from choir and stage experience, which helps her both sing live and perform in musical roles. She’s actively auditioning for film and theater projects that combine singing and acting.

Madalen Mills

Madalen Mills starred as Journey in ‘Jingle Jangle A Christmas Journey’ and has since appeared in films like ‘The Tiger Rising’ and ‘Summering’. In addition to acting, she’s also a musician who writes and performs her own music.

She began her career performing on national tours and on Broadway before transitioning to film. Now, she primarily appears in family-friendly movies, often musicals with large casts, and holiday-themed productions.

Jordyn Curet

I’ve been really impressed with Jordyn Curet lately! You might recognize her from shows like ‘Home Economics,’ where she played Shamiah, or her recurring roles on ‘Raven’s Home’ and ‘The Neighborhood.’ But what *really* caught my attention is that she was also in ‘Marriage Story’ – that’s a seriously well-made film, and it’s cool to see her involved in that kind of high-profile production.

She started her career making short films and commercials before moving into comedy for television networks. Today, she continues to work on shows that center around families and the experiences of children and siblings.

Melody Hurd

Melody Hurd is known for her roles as the daughter of Maddy Logelin in the film ‘Fatherhood’ and in the anthology series ‘Them,’ where she acted alongside Yvonne Orji. She also appeared in ‘Battle at Big Rock,’ a short film set in the ‘Jurassic World’ universe, giving her experience with major movie productions.

She began her career with modeling and commercials, which eventually led to roles in movies and TV shows. She now focuses on age-appropriate parts in family-friendly dramas and thrillers, and continues to hone her skills through acting and dance training to enhance her work on set.

Alaya High

Alaya High stars in the Nickelodeon show ‘That Girl Lay Lay’ and has also appeared in guest roles on other Nickelodeon comedies. Before becoming an actress, she was a singer, which adds to her musical performances on the show and its live audience tapings.

She writes and records her own music, and also creates music for her show’s soundtracks. Her work involves both recording in the studio and rehearsing with multiple cameras, fitting the fast pace of children’s television production.

Daria Johns

Daria Johns plays Sadie in the Disney show ‘Saturdays,’ which is about a group of teenage roller skaters. She’s also been in ‘Nappily Ever After’ and has shown off her talent for comedy in several TV sitcoms.

She’s worked on short films and promotional videos aimed at young people. In addition to regular rehearsals, she also trains physically through choreography and skating practice for the show ‘Saturdays’.

Danielle Jalade

Danielle Jalade, who plays Paris Johnson on ‘Saturdays,’ has also been in other TV movies and shows for kids. She often acts in scenes with other young actors and as part of family stories.

She’s a trained dancer, which helps her with movement and positioning during filming. She consistently works on shows aimed at younger audiences, projects that involve on-set tutoring and strict work hour limits for child actors.

Trinitee Stokes

Trinitee Stokes is known for her roles as Judy Cooper in ‘K.C. Undercover’ and as a recurring character on ‘Mixed-ish’, where she played a student. In addition to acting, she’s done voice work for animated shows and has also released music related to her on-screen projects.

She has experience in media, including hosting show segments and representing programs at press events. She combines this on-camera work with her education and continues to focus on projects geared towards children and teenagers.

Journey Christine

Journey Christine started her acting career with commercials and early TV appearances. She then landed roles in family comedies, holiday movies, and eventually appeared on the show ‘The Rookie’.

She works as a voice actor and records auditions for TV shows. She’s consistently booking roles in streaming and cable projects featuring children in elementary and middle school.

Anais Lee

Anais Lee is an actress known for playing young Natasha in ‘The Sun Is Also a Star.’ She’s also appeared in several TV shows, including dramas and family-friendly series, and has worked on independent films and short films that have been shown at festivals.

She often collaborates with her twin sister on certain projects, but also takes on acting roles independently in movies and television. Her background in ballet and singing enhances her performances both on stage and in front of the camera.

Mirabelle Lee

Mirabelle Lee started her acting career with a role in ‘Slapface’ and has since appeared in several TV shows as a guest star. She’s also worked as a model and in music videos, giving her valuable experience on set beyond just acting with lines.

She’s honing her acting skills, including learning different accents, so she can play a wide range of characters. She’s currently auditioning for roles in both movies and TV shows geared towards young adults, with projects filming in New York and Los Angeles.

Chloe Coleman

Chloe Coleman has appeared in several popular projects, including the films ‘My Spy’ and its sequel, as well as ‘Dungeons & Dragons Honor Among Thieves’. She also has experience working in television, notably as part of the cast of ‘Big Little Lies’.

I’m so impressed by her work! She’s involved in everything from big-screen blockbusters to streaming shows, and she’s a master of both practical stunts and visual effects. What really stands out is how she effortlessly moves between huge franchise films and smaller, character-focused stories – she clearly loves all aspects of filmmaking.

Peyton Z. Basnight

Peyton Z. Basnight is an actress who can be seen in Disney’s ‘Saturdays.’ She also has experience in other projects, including short films and TV shows, often playing characters in funny and relatable stories about growing up with friends at school or in their neighborhoods.

She’s involved in early stages of the show’s creation, like reading through scripts and practicing skating. She also continues to audition for TV series aimed at younger audiences, often filming both in studios and outside.

Makenzie Lee-Foster

Makenzie Lee-Foster is known for playing young Déjà on the popular TV show ‘This Is Us,’ a role that put her in a major network drama for several seasons. She’s also appeared in family-friendly comedies and critically acclaimed independent films early in her acting career.

She’s trained in acting techniques like scene work and improv, helping her deliver convincing emotional performances, especially in dramatic scenes. She often plays younger versions of main characters or appears in one-off TV films.

Mariah Bozeman

I first noticed Mariah Bozeman in ‘The Woman in the Window’ – she played young Anna’s daughter and was really good! But it turns out she’s been building a solid resume with roles in some cool indie films that have been making the festival circuit. Plus, she’s also done some modeling and commercial work, which I always think is a great way for actors to hone their skills and get their faces out there.

She works as an on-set tutor and collaborates with child welfare professionals during filming. She’s also actively auditioning for parts in thriller and family-friendly movies while balancing her schoolwork.

Jordyn McIntosh

Jordyn McIntosh has quickly gained experience with historical films, appearing in projects like ‘Emancipation’ and ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’. These roles involved wearing period costumes and mastering specific accents and speech patterns.

She takes voice and movement classes to improve her acting. She auditions for and lands roles in both streaming movies and TV dramas that are suitable for her age.

Ariana Jalia

Ariana Jalia is an actress and creator who has worked on projects geared towards young audiences, as well as independent films shown at festivals. She’s also contributed behind the scenes as a writer and producer on some of those projects.

She promotes her work through media interviews and enjoys working with arts programs in schools. She’s also constantly creating new content and trying out for parts in movies and TV shows.

Chloe Coleman

Chloe Coleman has also been working on voice acting for animated projects and making guest appearances on TV shows. When filming action scenes, she performs stunts under careful supervision and with strict adherence to studio safety protocols.

She balances her acting work in movies and television with schooling and other educational needs for young performers. She’s still working with directors on a variety of projects, including both funny and serious roles, for different types of media.

Share your picks for rising young talent in the comments and tell us who you would add to the list.

Read More

2025-10-08 16:23