The Best Black Actors And Actresses Under 40
From rising stars to Oscar winners, these are the best Black actors and actresses under 40. This list of young Black actors features up and coming celebrities in their 20s, and popular female actors under 30s. These aren't just the best African American actors - famous British Black actors, like John Boyega and Lupita Nyong'o, also appear on the list. We also have included Afro-Latinx actors, like Alfred Enoch and Tessa Thompson. Whether they're child actors or new faces in Hollywood, these young Black actors are on their way to becoming A-listers.
Who's your pick for the best Black actors under 40 in Hollywood right now? Check out the list of famous young Black actors below and vote up the ones you think are nailing their roles and taking the industry by storm.
- 1Age: age 30
- Birthplace: London, England, UK
British actor Daniel Kaluuya rose to prominence with his riveting performance in Get Out, which garnered him an Academy Award nomination. He has shown incredible versatility with roles across genres, from the sci-fi thriller Black Mirror to superhero flick Black Panther. With his undeniable talent, Kaluuya has quickly become one of the most respected actors in Hollywood.
- 2Age: age 23
- Birthplace: Oakland, USA, California
Originally making her mark as a Disney Channel star, Zendaya has evolved into a multifaceted actress with incredible range. Her role on the groundbreaking HBO series Euphoria earned her an Emmy, making her the youngest winner in the Lead Actress in a Drama Series category. Zendaya captivated audiences as the trapeze artist Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman.
- 3Age: age 32
- Birthplace: Santa Ana, California, USA
No stranger to critical acclaim, Michael B. Jordan has excelled in dramatic roles like those in Fruitvale Station and Creed. He solidified his status as a Hollywood powerhouse by playing the charismatic villain Erik Killmonger in Black Panther. Jordan's production company, Outlier Society, aims to create more opportunities for diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
- 4Age: 37
- Birthplace: Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Initially gaining fame as a Grammy-nominated singer, Janelle Monáe has since showcased impressive acting capabilities. She starred in critically acclaimed films Hidden Figures and Moonlight. Monáe's unique style and genre-blurring music have made her a trailblazer in both the music and film industries.
- 5Age: age 28
- Birthplace: San Bernardino, California, USA
Immensely talented, Lakeith Stanfield has made a name for himself with his edgy roles in both indie films and TV series. Standout performances include his work in Atlanta and Sorry to Bother You. As an aspiring creative powerhouse, Stanfield effortlessly navigates between acting, modeling, and rapping.
- 6Age: age 15
- Birthplace: Plano, Texas
A young force of nature, Marsai Martin is best known for her role as Diane Johnson in the hit TV show Black-ish. At just 14 years old, she became Hollywood's youngest executive producer with her film Little. Martin continues to advocate for inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry.
