Best Afro-American Actors Under 20

A wave of exceptionally talented young Black actors is changing the face of Hollywood. Before they’ve even turned twenty, they’re landing leading roles in huge blockbuster movies and giving unforgettable performances in critically acclaimed TV shows and dramas. They’re proving their skills in everything from fantastical superhero films to realistic, modern stories, showing they can excel in any genre. These actors represent the future of acting and storytelling, bringing both impressive talent and commitment to their work.

Javon Walton

Javon Walton quickly became well-known for his powerful performance as Ashtray in the popular show ‘Euphoria’. Even though he’s young, he’s proven he can convincingly play complex and serious characters. Beyond acting, Walton is a skilled boxer and gymnast, and he’s been training to compete at the Olympics. He’s continued to build his career with roles in major shows like ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and the film ‘Samaritan’, where he starred alongside experienced actors, demonstrating his ability to take on leading roles.

Dallas Dupree Young

Dallas Dupree Young is an actor best known for playing Kenny Payne in the hit series ‘Cobra Kai’. He became a fan favorite in the fourth season, portraying a student who overcomes bullying by learning karate. Before ‘Cobra Kai’, Young appeared in the Nickelodeon show ‘Cousins for Life’, and he’s also had roles in ‘The Fosters’ and the film ‘Ready Player One’. His skills as an athlete, combined with his knack for comedy, make him a well-rounded performer.

Isaiah Russell-Bailey

I’ve been so impressed watching Isaiah Russell-Bailey’s career blossom! I first noticed him as Shaka in ‘Family Reunion’ on Netflix – he was brilliant at handling both the funny family moments and the more real, relatable struggles of growing up. Then, in 2023, he really showed his versatility with a leading role in Disney+’s ‘Crater’, playing a boy on the moon! It’s amazing to see someone so talented also express themselves through dance and modeling, and he shares it all with his fans online. It’s cool to remember he started with roles on shows like ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘Raven’s Home’ too – he’s come so far!

Jalyn Hall

Jalyn Hall gained widespread recognition for his moving performance as Emmett Till in the 2022 film ‘Till’, which critics praised and helped establish him as a rising star. He’s also known for playing Dillon James in the popular series ‘All American’. Beyond those roles, Hall has appeared in films like ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls’ and ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’, and consistently chooses projects that explore important Black stories from the past and present.

Amir O’Neil

Amir O’Neil first became well-known for playing the twin brother of his real-life brother on the sitcom ‘Marlon’. He quickly proved he was a gifted comedian, leading to a regular role on the CBS show ‘The Neighborhood’. He’s also done voice work for ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ and appeared on ‘Raven’s Home’. People often notice his energetic and engaging personality when he’s performing. He’s successfully moved from playing child characters to taking on more grown-up teen roles in different television pilots.

Lonnie Chavis

Lonnie Chavis became well-known for his moving portrayal of young Randall Pearson in the popular NBC series ‘This Is Us’. His performance was a key part of the show’s success and earned him award recognition with the rest of the cast. Since then, he’s starred in films like the fantasy drama ‘The Water Man’, directed by David Oyelowo, and the suspenseful thriller ‘The Boy Behind the Door’, proving his range as an actor. He continues to be a popular choice for roles that require emotional depth and a mature presence.

Terrence Little Gardenhigh

Terrence Little Gardenhigh is a rising star known for his roles in family-friendly shows and movies. Many young viewers recognize him as Miles from the Nickelodeon series ‘Danger Force’. He first gained attention for his funny performance in the Netflix film ‘Coffee & Kareem’, alongside Ed Helms. He’s particularly good at physical comedy and timing, which has made him a favorite in superhero comedies. In addition to ‘Danger Force’ and appearances on shows related to ‘Henry Danger’, he’s also been a guest star on ‘Just Roll with It’. Gardenhigh is quickly becoming a well-known face in family entertainment and action-comedy.

Seth Carr

As a film fan, I’ve been really impressed with Seth Carr’s work. Most people probably know him as young Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’, which was a fantastic performance. But he’s done so much more! I especially enjoyed him as George ‘Sticky’ Washington in ‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’. He’s also popped up in shows I love, like ‘Bosch’ and ‘Free Rein’, and he was great as Gabrielle Union’s son in the thriller ‘Breaking In’. It’s cool to see someone balance big movie roles with consistent work on quality TV shows – he’s definitely one to watch.

JD McCrary

JD McCrary is well-known for voicing young Simba in the 2019 live-action version of ‘The Lion King’. Beyond voice acting, he’s a skilled singer and performer who’s been on shows like ‘Little Big Shots’. He showed off his talents for acting, singing, and dancing as Brett in the Netflix musical ‘13: The Musical’. He’s also appeared in ‘The Paynes’ and ‘The Lion Guard’, and continues to create his own music while looking for leading roles in movies and TV shows.

Keith L. Williams

Keith L. Williams became well-known for his funny role as Lucas in the comedy film ‘Good Boys’. His dry wit and perfect timing made him a standout in the movie, which led to more acting jobs. He’s been on TV shows like ‘The Last Man on Earth’ and ‘Selfie’, and he even played a main character in Nickelodeon’s ‘The Astronauts’. He consistently shines as a central part of any cast, whether in movies or on television.

Malachi Barton

Malachi Barton is a rising star who first gained recognition as Beast Diaz in the Disney Channel’s ‘Stuck in the Middle.’ He then successfully moved into movies, playing Diego in the live-action ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold.’ Currently, he’s starring in the Disney series ‘The Villains of Valley View,’ demonstrating his development as an actor. Barton began his career with commercials and quickly landed consistent roles in popular sitcoms aimed at families. He’s known for his energetic and engaging personality, and is a familiar face on Disney programming.

Maceo Smedley

Maceo Smedley first became known for playing James in the historical drama ‘Underground’, where he showed impressive acting skills for his age. He’s also appeared in shows like the superhero series ‘Cloak & Dagger’ and provided voice work for ‘The Stinky & Dirty Show’. More recently, he had a guest role on the comedy ‘Young Sheldon’ playing a rival to the character Sheldon. Smedley continues to thrive in a variety of roles, from historical dramas to contemporary comedies.

Thaddeus J. Mixson

Thaddeus J. Mixson impressed audiences in the Disney+ movie ‘Safety,’ where he played a key role as the lead character’s brother, bringing a lot of emotional depth to the story. He also appeared in ‘Creed III,’ the latest film in the popular ‘Creed’ boxing series. Beyond acting, Mixson is a skilled rapper and dancer, and he often showcases these talents publicly. Throughout his career, he’s proven he can confidently perform alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

Jahzir Bruno

Jahzir Bruno quickly became a rising star after playing a key role in the 2020 remake of ‘The Witches’, directed by Robert Zemeckis. He acted alongside Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer, demonstrating his talent for leading big-budget films. He’s also known for voicing Lincoln Loud in the live-action ‘The Loud House’ series, and has appeared on the show ‘Atlanta’, proving his versatility in different kinds of stories. His natural and engaging performances have made him a familiar face on screen.

Ethan Hutchison

Ethan Hutchison is an actor widely recognized for his powerful performance as Blue Bordelon in the popular series ‘Queen Sugar’. Directed by Ava DuVernay, he received consistent acclaim for his subtle and moving work throughout the show’s run. He’s also been in ‘The Way Unit’ and ‘The Path’. These early roles in high-quality dramas quickly established him as a talented and promising actor, and he’s known for bringing a lot of feeling and authenticity to the characters he plays.

Ja’Siah Young

Ja’Siah Young became well-known for playing the main character in the Netflix series ‘Raising Dion’. He portrayed a young boy learning about his superpowers, while his mother worked to protect him. Over two seasons, the role challenged him with demanding special effects and emotionally complex storylines. He’s also been on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and done voice work for different projects. His work in ‘Raising Dion’ helped him stand out as a rising star in family-friendly science fiction.

King Moore

King Moore is a promising young performer who’s quickly gaining recognition. He’s appeared in the TV movie ‘The Waltons’ Homecoming’ and the film ‘Praise This,’ where he showed off his singing and acting abilities in the competitive world of gospel choirs. A talented singer, Moore has performed at major events like halftime shows. He’s currently working on several exciting new projects, and is known for his energetic personality and diverse skills as an entertainer.

Caleb Dixon

Caleb Dixon is a rising actor who’s appeared in several well-known TV shows, including ‘The Neighborhood’ on CBS and the drama ‘9-1-1’. He’s also gained experience through short films and commercials, steadily building his career. Known for his realistic acting and ability to work well with others, Dixon is now starting to land bigger roles in new television pilots.

De’Jon Watts

As a film and TV fan, I’ve been really impressed with De’Jon Watts lately. You might recognize him from shows like ‘Black Lightning’ and ‘The Crossover’ – he’s got this incredible energy that just jumps off the screen. A lot of people have commented on how athletic he is, which makes total sense given the kinds of roles he takes – they’re often pretty physical! He’s built a strong following, especially with younger audiences thanks to his work on Disney+ and The CW. It’s clear he’s looking for roles that let him show off both his acting skills and his amazing physical abilities, and I’m excited to see what he does next.

Let us know in the comments which of these rising stars you’re most looking forward to seeing in future roles!

2026-02-07 17:46