Unbelievable Talent: 15 Young Actors Under 20 Who Will Blow Your Mind!

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A plethora of youthful talent is making waves in the world of cinema, with actors below the age of 20 demonstrating they can command attention on both large and small screens. These up-and-coming actors infuse their performances with a vibrant energy and raw ability that breathes life into each character they portray.

Ranging from emotionally intense dramas to high-octane action films, these talented young stars are mesmerizing global audiences. Below is a compilation, arranged in order, of the top 15 up-and-coming actors creating a stir in Tinseltown right now.

15. Christian Convery

16-year-old Christian Convery has captivated audiences as Gus in the Netflix series ‘Sweet Tooth’ (2020-2024), portraying a half-human, half-animal character in a post-apocalyptic setting. His talent for expressing innocence and strength is evident throughout his performance.

Apart from that, he’s been featured in the films ‘Playing with Fire’ (released in 2019) and ‘A Snake Marked’ (premiered in 2023). His ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles is evident. What sets Christian apart is his profound emotional range, making him truly remarkable.

14. Iain Armitage

Iain Armitage, aged 16, is most recognized for his role as the intelligent protagonist in ‘Young Sheldon’ (aired since 2017 up to present), a spin-off from ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ His captivating personality and impeccable comic delivery make the series flow smoothly.

Apart from that, he’s appeared in the television series ‘Big Little Lies’ from 2017 to 2019, as well as the movie ‘The Glass Castle’ released in 2017. Iain’s extensive theater experience and innate ability make him a multi-faceted actor.

13. Jeremy Maguire

When Jeremy Maguire was 14 years old, he won hearts as Joe Pritchett on ‘Modern Family’ (2009-2020), adding humor to the family sitcom. More recently, his appearance in ‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017-present) demonstrates his transition towards action roles.

As a firm believer, I can attest that Jeremy’s captivating charm and versatility in handling diverse roles, from the casual to the profound, mark him as an emerging star. Witnessing his expanding acting range unfold is nothing short of thrilling.

12. Wyatt McClure

Wyatt McClure, who’s 14 years old, portrays the character Billy Sparks in ‘Young Sheldon’ (since 2017), delivering witty comedic scenes. He has also featured in movies such as ‘Psychos’ (released in 2017) and ‘Glass Jaw’ (2018).

1) The fact that he has experience with stand-up comedy gives his acting an exceptional flavor, setting him apart. And with his infectious energy and knack for humor, it’s no surprise that Wyatt is quickly becoming a prominent figure in the Hollywood scene. (24 words)

2) With his background in stand-up comedy, Wyatt brings a distinctive touch to his acting roles. His vivaciousness and wit are propelling him towards stardom in Tinseltown. (30 words)

3) Wyatt’s comedic prowess gives his acting an interesting twist, making him stand out. The charm of his energy and humor is catapulting him to fame in the world of Hollywood. (29 words)

4) Thanks to his stand-up comedy background, Wyatt infuses a unique flavor into his acting work. His zest and comedic talent are propelling him towards stardom in the bustling scene of Hollywood. (32 words)

5) Stand-up comedy experience sets Wyatt apart in his acting, thanks to his vibrant energy and humor that’s making waves in the glitzy world of Hollywood. (27 words)

11. Brecken Merrill

16-year-old Brecken Merrill excels as Tate Dutton on the television series ‘Yellowstone’ (2018-present), playing a resilient young cowboy. He also appears in the shows ‘This Is Us’ (2016-2022) and ‘Lifeline’ (2025).

As a true film enthusiast, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Brecken’s knack for navigating complex familial dramas and delivering pulse-pounding action sequences. His raw, genuine acting talent leaves me spellbound every time.

10. Cameron Crovetti

17-year-old Cameron Crovetti portrays Ryan, a character from ‘The Boys’ series (aired from 2019 to the present), who is the son of the unstable Homelander. Additionally, he has acted alongside his twin brother in ‘Big Little Lies’ television show (from 2017 to 2019).

In the 2022 film ‘The Gray Man’, a performance by a younger Ryan Gosling showcased his versatility. The intensity and deep emotions portrayed by Cameron are truly noteworthy.

9. Ian Dolley

Ian Dolley, at the age of 16, made his film debut in 2022 and graced the Broadway stage in 2025, marking a fresh start for him. His performances on stage, such as portraying Ralphie in ‘A Christmas Story,’ highlight his strong stage presence.

Showing versatility in his artistic skills, Ian’s passion for singing and playing the piano is becoming increasingly evident. He’s an emerging talent worth keeping an eye on, excelling not only in films but also on stage.

8. Winslow Fegley

As a keen observer, I find myself consistently impressed by the talented young artist, Winslow Fegley. At just 16 years old, he hails from a lineage of performers and has already graced our screens in the captivating production, ‘A Billion Nights on Earth’ (2017). His remarkable contributions to theater productions showcase his extraordinary artistic versatility.

In 2020, he was seen in the movie ‘Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made’, and in 2021, he appeared in ‘Nightbooks’. Winslow’s captivating acting suggests a promising career ahead.

7. Malachi Barton

Malachi Barton, aged 18, captivated spectators with his performance as Beast Diaz in ‘Stuck in the Middle’ from 2016-2018. His part in ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’, released in 2019, highlighted his adventurous spirit.

Apart from that, he has lent his voice to characters in the show ‘Elena of Avalor’ (from 2016 to 2020). What sets him apart is his knack for comedy and his expanding portfolio.

6. August Maturo

August Maturo, aged 17, gained admirers for his portrayal as Auggie Matthews in ‘Girl Meets World’ (2014-2017). His leading role in ‘Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog’ (2020) left many touched.

In the movie ‘Slapface’ (2022), August demonstrates his acting flexibility by taking on more complex, darker roles. His wide-ranging emotions have kept him as a standout performer.

5. Noah Schnapp

Noah Schnapp, aged 19, is indelibly memorable as Will Byers in ‘Stranger Things’ (2016-2025), skillfully portraying the terror and emotions of a supernatural survivor. He made his debut in ‘Bridge of Spies’ (2015).

In the 2015 movie ‘The Peanuts’, it was Noah who lent his voice to the character of Charlie Brown, demonstrating his versatile talent. Moreover, he also owns a popular snack brand, TBH. His acting performances, particularly the emotional ones, are exceptionally moving and deeply impactful.

4. Emma Myers

Emma Myers, aged 19, brilliantly plays Enid Sinclair in ‘Wednesday’ (2022-present), adding a touch of warmth to the gothic comedy. Previously, she has also appeared in ‘Swim’ (2018) and ‘The Greater Evil’ (2018).

In the forthcoming ‘Minecraft’ film (2025), Emma’s unique mix of comedy and drama is propelling her to stardom as an up-and-coming actress.

3. Jace Norman

Jace Norman, aged 19, gained fame as Henry Hart on Nickelodeon’s ‘Henry Danger’ (2014-2020), and has also appeared in the films ‘Splitting Adam’ (2015) and ‘Bixler High Private Eye’ (2019).

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but admire the impressive body of work that Jace has produced on ‘Henry Danger’ and ‘Danger Force’ from 2020 to 2024. His ambition shines through in every scene, and his charm and drive are truly undeniable.

2. Max Charles

Max Charles kicked off his acting career at the tender age of six, appearing in the series ‘True Blood’ back in 2008. He then went on to portray a younger version of Peter Parker in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man,’ which hit theaters in 2012. Additionally, he was one of the stars in ‘The Three Stooges,’ another movie released in 2012.

In ‘The Lion Guard’ (2015-2019) and ‘The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show’ (2015-2017), Max showcased a wide range of vocal skills, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. His talent is continually expanding.

1. Jacob Tremblay

Jacob Tremblay, at the age of 18, captured everyone’s attention in ‘Room’ (2015), with his heartfelt performance as a child held captive, receiving numerous accolades. He has also lent his voice to Luca in ‘Luca’ (2021) and appeared in ‘Good Boys’ (2019).

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at this young talent who effortlessly juggles intense drama with hilarious comedy on the silver screen. He truly stands as a formidable force in Tinseltown.

Who’s your top young actor under 20, or did I miss a rising star? Share your picks in the comments!

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2025-07-06 20:15