In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema and television, a dynamic wave of talent has been noticed in these 25 famous young black actors who are still under the age of 40. They have not only captured the hearts of audiences worldwide but have also left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Their stories are as diverse as their abilities, and their journey to stardom has been paved with determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their roles.
25 Famous Black Actors Under 40 You Need To Know
1. Daniel Kaluuya
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1989
- Age: 34 years old
- Nationality: British
Daniel Kaluuya is a British actor and one of the famous black actors under 40 who needs to be known. He was born in Camden Town, London, United Kingdom, on February 24, 1989, and is 34 years old in 2023.
The British actor started his acting career in the early 2010s in a minor role in the 2011 movie Jonny English Reborn and also in the 2013 movie Kick-Ass 2. He also had a role in one of the episodes of Black Mirror Million Merits. Daniel Kaluuya gained international recognition for his role in Get Out, which earned him an Oscar nomination. His unique ability to bring depth to complex characters sets him apart.
The actor made history by becoming the inaugural black British actor to clinch the Oscar when he secured the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Judas and the Black Messiah on April 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. His notable films include Get Out, Black Panther, and Judas and the Black Messiah.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Sicario” (2015)
- “Get Out” (2017)
- “Black Panther” (2018)
- “Widows” (2018)
- “Queen & Slim” (2019)
- “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021)
- “Skins” (2007–2009) – Kaluuya appeared in the first two seasons.
- “Black Mirror” (2011) – He appeared in the episode titled “Fifteen Million Merits.”
Awards Won:
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021)
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021)
2. Trevante Rhodes
- Date of Birth: February 10, 1990
- Age: 33 years old
- Nationality: American
Trevante Nemour Rhodes is one of the unique American-born actors who has kept up outstanding performances in Hollywood movies. The actor was born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, USA, on February 10, 1990, and is 33 years old as of 2023. After his university education, Rhodes relocated to Kwa Thema, where he swiftly embarked on his acting career.
He took on supporting roles in various films and series, such as Ingoma, Open Windows, Shangri-La Suite, and The Night Is Young. Notably, Trevante portrayed Ramsey in the Tyler Perry / OWN series If Loving You Is Wrong. His television credits also encompass appearances in the Fox series Gang Related and the HBO series Westworld. Rhodes gained widespread recognition for his highly acclaimed portrayal of the adult Chiron in the 2016 movie Moonlight.
The movie achieved remarkable success by earning him the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture in the Drama category and the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. In 2018, he had roles in the science fiction action film The Predator and the post-apocalyptic thriller Bird Box, and in 2022, he took on the role of Mike Tyson in the Hulu miniseries Mike.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Moonlight” (2016) – Rhodes played the adult Chiron in this Academy Award-winning film.
- “The Predator” (2018)
- “Bird Box” (2018)
- “12 Strong” (2018)
- “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (2021)
- “Westworld” (2018)
Awards:
- 2016 Winner Special Honorary Award for casting in the award-winning movie Moonlight
3. LaKeith Stanfield
- Date of Birth: August 12, 1991
- Age: 32 years old
- Nationality: American
LaKeith Lee Stanfield is one of the famous black actors under 40 known for his versatile and compelling performances in film and television. He was born in San Bernardino, California, United States, on August 12, 1991, and is 32 years old as of 2023.
The actor’s acting career began when he was relatively young. He started in short films and gained attention for his roles in independent projects. LaKeith Stanfield’s breakout role came in the 2013 independent film Short Term 12, where he played Marcus. However, it was his performance as Darius Epps in the acclaimed FX series Atlanta that brought him into the spotlight. His portrayal of Darius received widespread critical acclaim and helped establish his reputation as a talented actor.
LaKeith Stanfield received critical acclaim for his role in Get Out (2017), which earned him several award nominations. He also received nominations for his role in the film Sorry to Bother You (2018). Stanfield’s performances continued to garner attention, and he was likely to receive more nominations and awards in the future as his career advanced.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Short Term 12” (2013)
- “Selma” (2014)
- “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)
- “Get Out” (2017)
- “Sorry to Bother You” (2018)
- “Knives Out” (2019)
- “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021)
- “Atlanta” (2016–present)
Awards:
- 2009 Winner Special Mention as Best Ensemble Cast Performance for 2013 movie Short term 12
- 2015 Winner Hamptons International Film Festival Awards as the Breakthrough Performer
- 2021 Gotham Awards Winner Tribute Award for the movie The Harder They Fall
- 2023 Winner Peabody Award for his role in the TV series Atlanta
4. John Boyega
- Date of Birth: March 17, 1992
- Age: 32 years old
- Nationality: British
John Boyega is one of the most famous black actors in the movie industry. He was born in Peckham, London, England, on March 17, 1992, and is 31 years old as of 2023. Boyega’s interest in acting began at a young age, and he enrolled in the Identity School of Acting in London.
His professional acting career took off in the late 2000s, with his first role in the British sci-fi comedy Attack the Block (2011). Boyega’s breakout role came in the 2015 film Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, in which he played the character Finn. This role catapulted him to international fame and made him a household name. His role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy increased his fame.
The actor has received several award nominations for his work. Notably, John Boyega won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016 for his outstanding contributions to the film industry. He has also received nominations for his role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and other projects.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Attack the Block” (2011)
- “Half of a Yellow Sun” (2013)
- “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015)
- “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (2017)
- “Detroit” (2017)
- “Pacific Rim: Uprising” (2018)
- “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (2019)
- “24: Live Another Day” (2014)
Awards:
- 2012 B-Movie Film Award Winner Golden Cob Award as Best Actor for the movie Attack the Block
- 2016 Winner Cannes Film Festival Chopard Trophy
- 2021 Winner Critics Choice Award for Best Actor in Limited Series
- 2021 Winner Golden Global as Best Performance by an Actor
- 2021 Winner U.S Dramatic Special Jury Award
5. Tyler James Williams
- Date of Birth: October 9, 1992
- Age: 31 years old
- Nationality: American
Tyler James Williams is one of the famous black actors under 40 in the movie industry. He was born in Westchester County, New York, United States on October 9, 1992, and is 31 years old as of 2023. The actor started acting as a child at about four years old, and his passion for the craft led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry in adulthood.
Tyler James Williams’s breakout role came with his portrayal of Chris in the American sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. This role helped him gain international attention and marked a significant point in his career. He has received about five awards, including the Black Reel Awards, Golden Globe Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Peabody Awards, and Young Artist Awards.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Rebound” (2005)
- “Unaccompanied Minors” (2006)
- “Dear White People” (2014)
- “Detroit” (2017)
- “Everybody Hates Chris” (2005–2009)
- “The Walking Dead” (2010–2011)
Awards:
- 2014 Winner Spark Award
- 2015 Winner Black Reel-Outstanding Breakthrough Performance
- 2023 Winner Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama TV Series
- 2023 Winner Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- 2023 Winner Peabody Award
- 2023 Winner Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
6. Kofi Siriboe
- Date of Birth: March 2, 1994
- Age: 29 years old
- Nationality: American
Kofi Siriboe is a black American actor who has achieved fame through his roles in films and television series. He was born in Los Angeles, California, United States, on March 2, 1994, and is 29 years old as of 2023.
The black American actor began his acting career at a relatively young age. He started with minor roles in television shows and films and gradually worked up in the entertainment industry. Kofi Siriboe’s breakout role came with his portrayal of Ralph Angel Bordelon in the critically acclaimed OWN drama series Queen Sugar, which premiered in 2016. His performance in the series garnered widespread attention and helped him gain recognition in the industry.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)
- “The Longshots” (2008)
- “Lincoln Heights” (2009–2009)
Awards:
- 2020 Winner Special Jury Award
7. Ashton Sanders
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1995
- Age: 28 years old
- Nationality: American
Ashton Sanders is one of the most famous black actors under 40 in the movie industry. He was born in Carson, California, United States, on October 24, 1995, and is 28 years old in 2023.
The actor began his acting career during his teenage years, as he attended a performing arts high school in Los Angeles and participated in various school plays and theater productions. His early experiences in theater laid the foundation for his acting career. Ashton Sanders gained widespread recognition for his role in the critically acclaimed film Moonlight (2016).
He played the teenage Chiron in the movie, and his performance in this coming-of-age drama brought him to the spotlight. Moonlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture and earned Sanders and his fellow cast members significant acclaim. Ashton Sanders received critical acclaim for his role in Moonlight and was part of the ensemble cast that won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Moonlight” (2016)
- “The Retrieval” (2013)
- “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)
- “The Equalizer 2” (2018)
- “Captive State” (2019)
- “The Retrieval” (2013)
Awards:
- 2013 Winner Audience Award as Best Narrative feature in The Retrieval
- 2013 Winner Audience Award for his role in The Retrieval
- 2013 Winner Copper Wing Award as Best Ensemble Acting in The Retrieval
- 2016 Winner BSFC Award as Best Ensemble Cast for his role in Moonlight
- 2016 Winner Special Gotham Jury Award as Best Ensemble Performance in Moonlight
- 2016 Winner SEFCA Award as Best Ensemble Cast in Moonlight
- 2017 Winner Robert Altman Award for his role in Moonlight
- 2017 Winner MTV Movie + TV Award Best Kiss for his role in Moonlight
8. Jharrel Jerome
- Date of Birth: October 9, 1997
- Age: 26 years old
- Nationality: American
Jharrel Jerome is an outstanding American actor known for his acting prowess. He was born in the Bronx, New York, United States, on October 9, 1997, and is 26 years old as of 2023.
He attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, where he developed his acting skills. Jharrel Jerome then pursued a professional career in the entertainment industry. The actor had his breakout role with his portrayal of Korey Wise in the Netflix miniseries When They See Us (2019), which was created by Ava DuVernay and depicted the true story of the Central Park Five.
Jerome’s performance in this series brought him to the spotlight and earned him widespread recognition. The actor’s performance in When They See Us earned him critical acclaim and several awards. He received the Primetime Emmy Award for portraying Korey Wise, earning recognition as the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Moonlight” (2016)
- “Robots” (2005)
- “When They See Us” (2019)
Awards:
- 2016 Winner BSFC Award as Best Ensemble Cast in Moonlight
- 2020 Winner Critics Choice Award as Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for TV for his role in When They See Us
- 2019 Winner Primetime Emmy as Oustanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in When They See Us
- 2016 Winner Special Gotham Jury Award for his role in Moonlight
- 2020 Winner Image Award for his role in When They See Us
- 2017 Winner Robert Altman Award for his role in Moonlight
- 2017 Winner MTV Movie + TV Award for his role in Moonlight
- 2016 Winner SEFCA Award
- 2019 Winner Rising Star Award
- 2016 Winner BOFCA Award
- 2019 Winner OFTA Television Award
- 2016 Winner ACCA
- 2019 Winner Gold Derby TV Award\
- 2019 Winner Black Reel
- 2017 Winner CIFCC Award
- 2019 Winner AAFCA Award
9. Caleb McLaughlin
- Date of Birth: October 13, 2001
- Age: 22 years old
- Nationality: American
Caleb McLaughlin is one of the most renowned black actors in the movie industry. He was born in Carmel, New York, United States, on October 13, 2001, and is 22 years old as of 2023.
Just like most famous actors, Caleb McLaughlin began his acting career at a young age. His breakout role came with his portrayal of Lucas Sinclair in the popular Netflix science fiction-horror series Stranger Things, which premiered in 2016. The series, created by the Duffer Brothers, catapulted him to fame and brought him into the spotlight.
His performance as Lucas was well-received by both audiences and critics. Caleb McLaughlin had received recognition for his role in Stranger Things, and the ensemble cast received various awards and nominations.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Concrete Cowboy” (2020)
- “High Flying Bird” (2019)
- “Stranger Things” (2016–present)
Awards:
- 2018 Winner Best Image Award
- 2017 Winner SAGA Actor
- 2017 Winner Young Entertainer Award
10. Miles Brown
- Date of Birth: December 28, 2004
- Age: 18 years old
- Nationality: American
Miles Brown is an exceptionally talented black actor who is famous for his roles in some notable movies. He was born in Oxnard, California, United States, on December 28, 2004, and is 18 years old as of 2023.
The actor began his acting career at a young age and gained widespread recognition for his role as Jack Johnson in the ABC sitcom Black-ish. The show premiered in 2014, making Miles one of the standout child actors in the series. His exceptional skills as an actor were evident in his portrayal of Jack, a witty and charismatic character who provided comic relief on the show.
Miles Brown’s ability to deliver humorous lines and exhibit a strong on-screen presence made him a fan favorite. He has been nominated for and won various awards, particularly for his performance as Jack Johnson. Miles has received multiple Young Artist Award nominations for his role on Black-ish. He has been nominated for the NAACP Image Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in the African-American community.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Black-ish” (2014–present)
Awards:
- 2022 Winner Image Award (NAACP)
- 2019 Winner Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking
- 2016 Winner Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Series
11. Ethan Herisse
- Date of Birth: November 30, 2000
- Age: 22 years old
- Nationality: American
Ethan Herisse is a black American actor who has gained wide recognition due to his acting career. He was born in Los Angeles, California, United States, on November 30, 2000, and is 22 years old in 2023.
Ethan Herisse gained significant recognition for his role in the Netflix miniseries When They See Us. The series received both positive and negative criticism from the public for its portrayal of a true story and the injustices faced by the Central Park Five, and Herisse’s performance was a significant part of its success.
Movies and TV Series:
- “When They See Us” (2019)
Awards:
- 2019 Winner OFTA Television Award
- 2019 Winner AAFCA Award
12. Niles Fitch
- Date of Birth: July 12, 2001
- Age: 22 years old
- Nationality: American
Niles Fitch is one of the outstanding black American actors who has successfully achieved fame through their acting career. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on July 12, 2001, and is 22 years old in 2023.
Niles Fitch’s breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his portrayal of young Randall Pearson in the popular NBC drama series This Is Us. He played the younger version of Sterling K. Brown’s character, Randall, in flashback sequences. The series received critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following for its emotional storytelling and the performances of its cast, including Niles Fitch.
Movies and TV Series:
- “The Lion King” (2019)
- “This Is Us” (2016–present)
13. Coy Stewart
- Date of Birth: June 24, 1998
- Age: 25 years old
- Nationality: American
Coy Stewart is an American actor who has gained wide recognition. The black actor was born in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, on June 24, 1998, and is 25 years old in 2023.
Coy Stewart first gained recognition for his role on the TBS sitcom Are We There Yet? The series aired from 2010 to 2012, and Coy Stewart played the character Kevin Kingston-Persons. His breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his portrayal of Troy Dixon in the Nickelodeon series Bella and the Bulldogs, which ran from 2015 to 2016.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Are We There Yet?” (2010–2012)
- “The Electric Company” (2009–2011)
- “Bella and the Bulldogs” (2015–2016)
- “Devil’s Whisper” (2017)
Awards:
- 2011 Winner Young Artist Award for his role in Are We There Yet?
14. Mamoudou Athie
- Date of Birth: 1988
- Age: 35 years old
- Nationality: American
Mamoudou Athie is one of the black actors who has shown great potential through his acting roles. He was born in 1988, but his exact date of birth remains unknown. The actor was born in Mauritania but migrated to the United States.
The Mauritania-born actor began his acting career after graduating from the Yale School of Drama. He trained as an actor and subsequently started auditioning for roles in film and television. His passion for acting and dedication to his craft contributed to his early success in the industry.
Mamoudou Athie’s breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his performance in the independent film Patti Cake$ (2017), where he played the character Bastard the Antichrist. The film received critical acclaim and was showcased at the Sundance Film Festival, helping to launch Athie’s career and gain recognition in the industry. His filmography includes Uncorked (2020) and Jurassic World: Dominion (2022).
Movies and TV Series:
- “Patti Cake$” (2017)
- “The Front Runner” (2018)
- “Uncorked” (2020)
- “The Get Down” (2016–2017)
- “Sorry for Your Loss” (2018–2019)
15. Shameik Moore
- Date of Birth: May 4, 1995
- Age: 28 years old
- Nationality: American
Shameik Moore is one of the best black actors in the movie industry. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on May 4, 1995, and is 28 years old in 2023. Just like most black actors, Shameik Moore began his acting career in the early 2010s, and he initially gained recognition for his work as a musician and dancer. He appeared in music videos and commercials before transitioning into acting.
Shameik Moore’s breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his voice-acting role as Miles Morales in the animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). The film was a critical and commercial success, and Moore’s portrayal of Miles Morales was widely praised. This role catapulted him to fame and introduced him to a wider audience. For his performance, he won an Annie Award for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Dope” (2015)
- “The Get Down” (2016–2017)
- “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)
Awards:
- 2019 Winner Black Reel
- 2019 Winner OFTA Film Award
- 2019 Winner LEGA Award
16. O’shea Jackson Jr
- Date of Birth: February 24, 1991
- Age: 32 years old
- Nationality: American
O’Shea Jackson Jr. is an American-born actor and singer who has added to his fame as a result of his roles. He was born in Los Angeles, California, United States, on February 24, 1991, and is 32 years old in 2023.
The Los Angeles-born actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. started his acting career in 2015 with his debut and breakout role as his real-life father, rapper, and actor Ice Cube in the biographical drama film Straight Outta Compton. His role in the film was significant, as he portrayed his father during the rise of the iconic hip-hop group N.W.A. His portrayal showcased his acting talent and drew attention.
O’Shea Jackson Jr. had received recognition for his work in Straight Outta Compton and had been nominated for several awards, including a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Actor.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)
- “Ingrid Goes West” (2017)
- “Den of Thieves” (2018)
Awards:
- 2015 Winner Hollywood Breakthrough Award
- 2016 Winner Image Award (NAACP)
- 2015 Winner BFCC Award
17. Doc Shaw
- Date of Birth: April 24, 1992
- Age: 31 years old
- Nationality: American
Doc Shaw is an Atlanta-born American actor whose role has successfully tossed him into the spotlight. His talent and passion gained him access to the entertainment industry. He was born on April 24, 1992, and is 31 years old in 2023.
Doc Shaw’s breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his role as Malik Payne in the TBS sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. The series aired from 2007 to 2012 and was created and produced by Tyler Perry, and became popular among viewers. Doc Shaw’s character, Malik, was a standout and contributed to his rising fame.
Movies and TV Series:
- “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (2007–2012)
- “Pair of Kings” (2010–2013)
Awards:
- 2009 Winner Vision Award
- 2009 Winner Young Artist Award
18. Tristan Wilds
- Date of Birth: July 15, 1989
- Age: 34 years old
- Nationality: American
Tristan Wilds is one of the famous black actors under 40 whose acting abilities sprang up in the mid-2000s. He was born in Staten Island, New York, United States, on July 15, 1989, and is 34 years old in 2023.
Tristan Wilds’ breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his portrayal of Michael Lee in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire (2006-2008). The film is considered one of the greatest television series of all time, and Wilds’ performance as a troubled and talented young student in inner-city Baltimore earned him significant attention.
Movies and TV Series:
- “The Wire” (2006–2008) – Wilds gained early recognition for his role as Michael Lee in this critically acclaimed crime drama series.
- “90210” (2008–2013)
- “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008)
Awards:
- 2019 Winner Newark IFF Award
19. Laroyce Hawkins
- Date of Birth: May 4, 1988
- Age: 35 years old
- Nationality: American
LaRoyce Hawkins is an American-born actor and comedian whose acting and comedic talent have gained him fame in the entertainment industry. He was born in Harvey, Illinois, United States, on May 4, 1988, and is 35 years old as of 2023.
The actor is recognized for his witty performances, which often contribute to the comedic elements of the projects he’s involved in. Hawkins’ breakout role was his portrayal of Officer Kevin Atwater in the popular NBC police procedural drama series Chicago P.D. The character of Kevin Atwater later crossed over to other shows in the Chicago franchise. His role in the series garnered significant attention and marked a turning point in his career.
Movies and TV Series:
- “The Express” (2008)
- “Straight Outta Compton” (2015)
- “Chicago P.D.” (2014–present)
20. Alfred Enoch
- Date of Birth: December 2, 1988
- Age: 34 years old
- Nationality: British
Alfred Enoch is one of the famous black actors under 40 whose background and acting skills helped bring him to the spotlight. He was born in Westminster, London, England, United Kingdom, on December 2, 1988, and is 34 years old in 2023.
The British actor began his acting career at a young age, and he comes from a family with a background in acting. Alfred Enoch gained recognition for his work on stage and screen, and he studied acting at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
Movies and TV Series:
- “Harry Potter” film series (2001–2011)
- “How to Get Away with Murder” (2014–2020)
21. Demetrius Shipp Jr.
- Date of Birth: November 20, 1988
- Age: 35 years old
- Nationality: American
Demetrius Shipp Jr. is an American actor who started his career with a significant and memorable role as the iconic rapper Tupac Shakur. The All Eyez on Me star was born in Los Angeles, California, in the United States.
The American actor made his acting debut portraying the iconic rapper Tupac Shakur in the biographical drama film All Eyez on Me, which was released in 2017. Shipp’s remarkable resemblance to Tupac Shakur, both in appearance and mannerisms, played a crucial role in his selection for this role.
Movies and TV Series:
- “All Eyez on Me” (2017)
22. Chris Warren Jr.
- Date of Birth: January 15, 1990
- Age: 33 years old
- Nationality: American
Chris Warren Jr. is one of the famous black actors under 40, whose birth in an entertainment family helped him gain fast rising to fame. The actor was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. He comes from a family with a background in entertainment, as his father, Chris Warren, is a former professional basketball player, and his mother, Brooke Kerr, is an actress. This family background likely played a role in his early exposure to the industry.
He started acting in television and film as a child, with his early roles primarily in family-oriented and Disney productions. Warren’s breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his portrayal of Zeke Baylor in the Disney Channel’s High School Musical film series, which began in 2006. The series achieved immense popularity among young audiences, and his character, Zeke, was a standout.
Movies and TV Series:
- “High School Musical” (2006).
- “High School Musical 2” (2007)
- “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008)
- “The Bold and the Beautiful” (2001–2002)
- “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” (2019–present)
Awards:
- 2021 Winner Hollywood Bivd Film Festival and Los Angeles Film Award
23. Jonathan Majors
- Date of Birth: September 7, 1989
- Age: 34 years old
- Nationality: American
Jonathan Major is an American actor who started his acting career in theater, film, and television series. He was born in Lompoc, California, in the United States. Jonathan Majors began his acting career after studying acting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
His breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his portrayal of Atticus Freeman in the 2020 HBO television series Lovecraft Country. The series, based on the novel by Matt Ruff, received critical acclaim for its blend of horror, science fiction, and social commentary, and Majors’ performance as the lead character earned him widespread recognition.
Movies and TV Series:
- “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (2019)
- “Da 5 Bloods” (2020)
- “Lovecraft Country” (2020)
- “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.”
Awards:
- 2021 Winner Tributes Award
- 2019 Winner New Generation Award from LAFCAA
- 2020 Winner Chlotrudis Award
- 2023 Winner STARmeter Award
- 2021 Winner Black Reel
- 2021 Winner AAFCA Award
24. Daniel Ezra
- Date of Birth: April 4, 1991
- Age: 32 years old
- Nationality: British
Daniel Ezra is an outstanding British actor whose acting talent has been recognized in the movie industry. He was born in Birmingham, England, in the United Kingdom. The black actor commenced his career in acting immediately after his studies. He attended the Birmingham School of Acting, after which he started auditioning for roles in film and television.
Daniel Ezra’s breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his portrayal of Spencer James in the American sports drama series All American. The series premiered in 2018 and is inspired by the life of professional American football player Spencer Paysinger. Ezra’s performance as Spencer James garnered attention and marked a significant turning point in his career.
Movies and TV Series:
- “All American” (2018–present)
25. Jordan Calloway
- Date of Birth: October 18, 1990
- Age: 33 years old
- Nationality: American
Jordan Calloway is one of the famous black actors under 40 who started acting at a young age and has gradually attained deserving fame in the industry. He began acting in the early 2000s and gradually built his career with appearances in various television shows and films.
Jordan Calloway’s breakout role and the project that brought him to the spotlight was his portrayal of Khalil Payne/Painkiller in the DC Comics-based television series Black Lightning. The series premiered in 2018 and is part of the Arrowverse, a shared universe of DC Comics-based shows. Calloway’s performance as Painkiller garnered recognition and marked a significant moment in his career.
Movies and TV Series:
- Black Lightning” (2018–2021)
