Best African American Actors Under 40

There is a generation of African American actors redefining what it means to lead a project. They move easily between big studio franchises and intimate character studies, and they carry stories across film and television with the kind of range that keeps casting directors busy. You see them fronting billion dollar universes, anchoring acclaimed limited series, and headlining breakout indies that travel the festival circuit.

What stands out is how many of them build careers with smart role choices and steady craft work. Some trained in conservatories, others learned on sets from a young age, and many create their own opportunities as producers. From superhero epics to grounded dramas to genre bending experiments, these twenty have already left a mark while still in their thirties.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan leads multiple successful film franchises and carries dramatic features with equal confidence. His work as Adonis Creed revitalized a classic boxing saga, and his turn in ‘Black Panther’ expanded his global profile. He began with memorable television roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘Friday Night Lights’, which laid a foundation for layered performances on the big screen.

Jordan also stepped behind the camera to direct an installment of ‘Creed’ and has produced films and series through his company. He collaborates frequently with top filmmakers and brands, and he invests in industry initiatives that develop new talent. His filmography includes action, drama, and science fiction, showing command of both character development and high intensity set pieces.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II brings a mix of stage training and blockbuster experience to his roles. He gained widespread attention with ‘Aquaman’ and ‘Watchmen’, earning awards recognition for the latter while building credibility in genre storytelling. His early television work in ‘The Get Down’ showcased musical and dramatic instincts that continue to surface in later projects.

He balances franchise commitments with ambitious dramas and thrillers. His slate includes leading roles in reimaginings and original properties, and he has taken on characters that require physical transformation and precise emotional shifts. He is also involved in production and has aligned with directors known for visually bold storytelling.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors broke through with festival hits before moving into larger studio projects. He delivered standout performances in ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’, demonstrating a strong command of tone and period detail. He then joined franchise films while maintaining a presence in character driven features.

Majors studied at Yale School of Drama and built stage experience that informs his screen work. He is known for intensive preparation and for shaping distinct physicalities for different roles. His credits span westerns, sports dramas, war films, and comic book adaptations, and he has received major nominations along the way.

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield has a résumé filled with inventive films and acclaimed television. He emerged in ‘Short Term 12’ and reached wider audiences through ‘Get Out’, ‘Sorry to Bother You’, and the series ‘Atlanta’. His choices often center on socially sharp stories and unusual narrative structures.

Beyond acting, Stanfield records music and contributes creatively to projects he leads. He moves between ensemble casts and headlining turns, and he often works with directors known for singular voices. His filmography includes psychological thrillers, offbeat comedies, and historical dramas, reflecting a steady interest in challenging material.

Kelvin Harrison, Jr.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. built a reputation through festival standouts and prestige television. He drew attention with ‘Luce’ and ‘Waves’, earning praise for roles that demanded precise emotional control. He has portrayed cultural icons in biographical projects and has continued to expand his range with period pieces and contemporary dramas.

Harrison trained as a musician, which has informed several roles that required performance skills. He frequently collaborates with directors who prioritize character first storytelling. His recent work includes studio features, limited series, and international productions, showing a career that blends careful curation with steady output.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins rose quickly from the stage to major films and television series. He portrayed Dr. Dre in ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and took on a key role in ‘The Walking Dead’, then led ’24: Legacy’ on network television. He also earned acclaim for his Broadway work, which sharpened his screen presence.

Hawkins continues to alternate between franchise entries and grounded dramas. He has participated in historical adaptations and modern thrillers, and he is known for clear vocal command and disciplined preparation. His choices reflect a consistent interest in stories with strong musical, historical, or procedural elements.

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge brings decades of experience that began in childhood and matured into commanding adult roles. He anchored the heist series ‘Leverage’, portrayed NFL great Jim Brown in ‘One Night in Miami’, and joined the superhero realm in ‘Black Adam’. His background includes violin training and significant voiceover work.

Hodge often works on projects that explore legacy and responsibility. He has produced and co developed content while continuing to lead in film and television. His credits cover legal dramas, biopics, action adventures, and anthology series, making him a reliable presence across formats and genres.

Trevante Rhodes

Trevante Rhodes became widely known after his performance in ‘Moonlight’, which won the Academy’s top honor. He followed with roles in ‘The Predator’, ‘Bird Box’, and the limited series ‘Mike’, showing physical versatility and a willingness to tackle real life figures. His athletic background informs a strong on screen physicality.

Rhodes has chosen projects that pair muscular action with character focus. He continues to work in both film and streaming series, building a slate that includes thrillers and intimate dramas. His collaborations span established franchises and new original stories that highlight personal struggle and resilience.

Shameik Moore

Shameik Moore leads a major animated franchise as the voice of Miles Morales in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and its sequels. He first appeared on television with ‘The Get Down’ and moved into features that blended music and coming of age storytelling. His voice work anchors films that combine experimental visuals with emotional clarity.

Moore also records music and brings performance skills to live action roles. He has worked across action, comedy, and drama, and he engages with projects that center on youth culture and identity. His career continues to balance animation leadership with on camera performances in films and series.

Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams grew from child star to ensemble leader with steady television success. He broke out with ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and later joined the cast of ‘Abbott Elementary’, which revitalized his network profile. He has taken on dramatic roles in ‘The Walking Dead’ and a range of television movies and guest spots.

Williams maintains a presence in both comedy and drama, and he has earned major awards for his television work. His experience spans single camera comedies, mockumentaries, and serialized genre shows. He also contributes music and voice work to select projects, reinforcing a versatile career path.

O’Shea Jackson Jr.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. entered the industry with a biographical role as Ice Cube in ‘Straight Outta Compton’. He transitioned into ensemble blockbusters with ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ and joined streaming series including ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. His filmography shows a quick move from breakout to sustained studio work.

Jackson takes roles that mix action, comedy, and crime drama. He works in both theatrical and streaming releases, often in stories with strong ensemble chemistry. He continues to develop projects that reflect West Coast culture while expanding into genre spaces that build on his early success.

Kofi Siriboe

Kofi Siriboe is a key cast member of ‘Queen Sugar’, where he developed a steady television following. He has appeared in films such as ‘Girls Trip’ and indie dramas that travel the festival circuit. His modeling background contributed to early visibility, which he converted into consistent acting roles.

Siriboe pursues stories centered on family, romance, and personal growth. He collaborates with filmmakers focused on community narratives and Southern settings. His credits span network pilots, streaming dramas, and feature films, and he continues to add producing responsibilities to select projects.

Ashton Sanders

Ashton Sanders made an early mark in ‘Moonlight’ and followed with roles in ‘The Equalizer 2’, ‘All Day and a Night’, and ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’. He gravitates toward characters in transition and stories that blend crime, music, and identity. His performances often anchor coming of age arcs within larger social contexts.

Sanders develops a steady presence in both limited series and features. He chooses directors who favor textured environments and authentic dialogue. His work includes biographical portrayals and genre films, and he continues to build a résumé that links breakout indie success to larger studio opportunities.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith moves between franchise adventures and grounded dramas. He co starred in ‘Jurassic World’ entries and led ‘Detective Pikachu’, then pivoted to intimate pieces like ‘All the Bright Places’ and ‘Genera+ion’. His roles often involve quick wit, technical problem solving, and emotional stakes.

Smith trained at the Orange County School of the Arts and brings musical ability to some projects. He collaborates with directors in both blockbuster and festival spaces, showing comfort with effects heavy sets and character centric scenes. His career reflects careful genre balance across film and television.

Jacob Latimore

Jacob Latimore stars in the series ‘The Chi’ and appears in features like ‘Sleight’ and ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’. He began as a recording artist and transitioned into acting with roles that emphasize resilience and community ties. His television work provides a long running platform for nuanced storytelling.

Latimore continues to release music while expanding his screen portfolio. He takes roles in thrillers, romances, and urban dramas, and he has carried lead responsibilities in indie features. His experience on a continuing series pairs with steady film appearances that keep his profile rising.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin gained global recognition as part of the ‘Stranger Things’ ensemble. He expanded into films like ‘Concrete Cowboy’ and voice roles that leverage his youthful energy. He began on Broadway in ‘The Lion King’, which gave him early professional training in performance discipline.

McLaughlin selects projects that bridge family friendly adventure with more mature themes as he ages on screen. He participates in campaigns that promote healthy social media use and community engagement. His trajectory shows a deliberate shift from child actor to young adult lead across mediums.

Michael Rainey Jr.

Michael Rainey Jr. anchors a successful television spinoff with ‘Power Book II: Ghost’. He joined the original ‘Power’ as a teen and grew into a leading man within the same universe. He has also appeared in films that explore mentorship and urban life.

Rainey maintains a strong presence in serialized storytelling, mastering long form character development. He engages with production on set and builds partnerships that support music and fashion ventures connected to his audience. His filmography continues to expand while he holds a central spot in a flagship series.

Keith Powers

Keith Powers moved from modeling to acting with roles in ‘The New Edition Story’, ‘Famous in Love’, and ‘What/If’. He often plays ambitious characters navigating entertainment or tech worlds, which suit contemporary settings and ensemble casts. His early work in teen and young adult projects established a steady television base.

Powers has since joined romantic dramas and features with social themes. He collaborates with creators focused on modern relationship dynamics and workplace stories. His credits span network, cable, and streaming platforms, which keeps him visible across different audiences.

RJ Cyler

RJ Cyler broke out with ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’ and continued with roles in ‘Power Rangers’, ‘White Boy Rick’, and ‘The Harder They Fall’. He mixes comedic timing with dramatic beats and often stands out in ensemble casts with quick rhythmic delivery. His television work includes arcs in ‘Scream’ and ‘Black Lightning’.

Cyler chooses projects that give room for personality while pushing into new genres. He alternates between indie films and studio releases and takes recurring parts in series that build character over time. His slate shows a commitment to varied material, from crime dramas to westerns to teen horror.

Quincy Isaiah

Quincy Isaiah earned attention portraying Magic Johnson in ‘Winning Time’. He captured athleticism and off court charisma while navigating a period production with complex ensemble demands. The role placed him at the center of a high profile sports drama with significant cultural detail.

Isaiah continues to explore roles that combine physical presence with character study. He has trained to meet sports specific requirements and collaborates closely with coaches and choreographers when needed. His developing career includes additional film and television projects that build on that introduction.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke broke out with ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Us’, bringing a mix of physical presence and sharp timing to both action and horror. He trained at the Yale School of Drama and worked on stage before landing screen roles, which shows in the control he brings to character work. His filmography also includes ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ and independent features that let him stretch beyond franchise storytelling.

He continues to alternate between large scale films and more intimate projects. He has taken on voice roles, dramatic leads, and ensemble parts that travel the festival circuit. His choices point to a career that balances mainstream reach with material that values character detail and craft.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome earned major attention for ‘When They See Us’ and followed it with work in ‘Moonlight’ and ‘I’m a Virgo’. He started in short films and indie projects, building toward roles that required a careful blend of vulnerability and precision. His early training included performance programs that emphasized on camera technique.

He continues to expand across genres with television, film, and music projects. He records and releases music while maintaining a steady acting slate. His recent roles show an interest in stories that mix social commentary with inventive storytelling techniques.

Algee Smith

Algee Smith drew notice with ‘Detroit’ and later joined ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The New Edition Story’. He began as a recording artist and transitioned into acting with roles that demanded musical performance and grounded dramatic beats. His work often centers on young men navigating pressure and public attention.

He has added romantic dramas, thrillers, and biographical pieces to his credits. He collaborates with directors who lean into contemporary style and music culture. His career reflects a steady build from television events to feature films and ongoing series.

Bryshere Y. Gray

Bryshere Y. Gray is widely known for ‘Empire’, where he combined acting with performance. He moved from live shows and music into screen roles with a focus on character driven arcs. His work includes television movies and guest spots that kept him visible during and after the series.

He has continued to appear in projects that integrate music and drama. He participates in community and youth programs that connect to his early career path. His screen choices highlight stories about family, ambition, and the industry machinery around talent.

Rotimi

Rotimi became a familiar face through ‘Power’ while keeping a dual track as a singer. He started with roles in ‘Boss’ and moved into films that combined crime elements with interpersonal drama. His background includes business studies that later informed producing and branding efforts.

He continues to balance touring, recording, and screen work. His acting slate includes thrillers, romantic dramas, and franchise adjacent television. He maintains partnerships with creators who build stories around loyalty, family, and the costs of success.

Jahi Di’Allo Winston

Jahi Di’Allo Winston began on Broadway and moved quickly into film and television with ‘Queen & Slim’, ‘Charm City Kings’, and ‘We Have a Ghost’. He shows a strong handle on coming of age material and urban dramas that require grounded performances. His early stage work provided a foundation in discipline and rehearsal process.

He keeps adding lead roles in features aimed at younger audiences alongside more mature projects. He works with directors who value authenticity and location based storytelling. His career path shows a deliberate mix of studio releases and festival films.

Marcus Scribner

Marcus Scribner is best known for ‘Black-ish’ and its spinoff ‘Grown-ish’. He started acting in childhood and grew into young adult roles that manage comedy, school settings, and family narratives. His voice work includes animated series that broaden his reach.

He supports environmental and literacy initiatives while maintaining a steady production schedule. He continues to develop projects that speak to coming of age experiences and community themes. His résumé reflects long form character growth across connected series.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith launched with ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and headlined ‘The Karate Kid’, later moving into projects like ‘The Get Down’ and ‘Life in a Year’. He balances acting with music, fashion, and social ventures that keep his profile in multiple arenas. His early training included martial arts work that supported action roles.

He continues to take selective parts while focusing on music releases and design collaborations. He has appeared in voice roles and experimental films that favor visual style and youth culture. His approach to screen work emphasizes partnerships with directors interested in movement, sound, and atmosphere.

Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher built a varied career across ‘To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You’, ‘Work It’, and stage productions such as ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He began with Disney projects and expanded into streaming films and live television musicals that highlight singing and dance. His training in choreography and vocals supports roles that demand performance agility.

He continues to lead romantic comedies and holiday films while returning to stage work between shoots. He also voices animated characters and develops music projects. His credits show a consistent blend of lighthearted storytelling and technical performance.

Jessie T. Usher

Jesse T. Usher is a core cast member of ‘The Boys’ and has appeared in films like ‘Shaft’ and ‘Independence Day: Resurgence’. He began with guest roles and smaller features before moving into action and superhero satire. His athletic preparation supports the physical demands of stunt heavy sets.

He works across network and streaming platforms and participates in video game and voice projects tied to genre work. He collaborates with stunt coordinators and directors who prize precise blocking and timing. His filmography highlights ensemble dynamics alongside lead responsibilities.

William Catlett

Will Catlett has delivered standout turns in ‘A Thousand and One’, ‘Black Lightning’, and ‘Love Is __’. He started in shorts and web series before moving into prestige television and acclaimed independent films. His background includes writing and directing, which informs his choices on set.

He continues to balance feature leads with memorable television arcs. He mentors emerging artists and develops material that centers on family, faith, and resilience. His recent work shows a clear commitment to character studies with strong communities around them.

Woody McClain

Woody McClain gained recognition as Bobby Brown in ‘The New Edition Story’ and ‘The Bobby Brown Story’. He moved from dance and touring into screen acting with biographical roles that required musical precision. His performance background supports rhythm and stage presence on camera.

He keeps a foothold in both drama and comedy through films and series. He collaborates with music departments and dialect coaches when projects call for it. His credits expand across crime sagas, family dramas, and holiday features.

LaRoyce Hawkins

LaRoyce Hawkins is a longtime cast member of ‘Chicago P.D.’ and has appeared in crossovers within that franchise. He began in stand up and theater and shifted into television with roles that emphasize procedural detail. His education included speech and acting that sharpened on camera delivery.

He maintains community outreach programs while continuing series commitments. He also writes and performs spoken word that connects to his on screen themes. His career shows steady growth inside a shared universe while keeping room for independent work.

Tequan Richmond

Tequan Richmond started as a teen on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and later joined ‘General Hospital’, earning recognition in daytime television. He moved into films and made for television projects that pushed toward more mature material. His early commercials and music videos provided set experience before longer arcs.

He continues to take roles in thrillers and family dramas and has worked as a producer on select titles. He studies fight choreography and camera technique to broaden his skill set. His recent credits reflect an interest in grounded stories with emotional stakes.

Leon Thomas III

Leon Thomas III built a career that spans ‘Victorious’, ‘Insecure’, and voice work in animation. He began on Broadway and moved into television with roles that leveraged singing and songwriting. He writes and produces music for other artists, which keeps him active between shoots.

He continues to act in comedies and romances while placing songs on soundtracks tied to his projects. He works closely with music supervisors and editors to align performance and score. His path shows a consistent blend of studio television, streaming films, and recording sessions.

Daniel Bellomy

Daniel Bellomy is known for ‘Power Book II: Ghost’, where he took on a central role within an established universe. He started with stage and independent shorts and moved into television dramas that required careful long form character work. His preparation includes voice and movement study that supports high pressure scenes.

He continues to add film appearances and streaming features that intersect with crime, family, and ambition. He collaborates with acting coaches and writers to refine arcs across seasons. His credits indicate a focus on serialized storytelling that rewards detail over time.

Mekai Curtis

Mekai Curtis leads ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ and previously appeared in ‘Kirby Buckets’ and ‘Girl Meets World’. He began as a child actor with commercial and voice gigs that taught set discipline. His transition to dramatic lead involved extensive dialect and period research.

He keeps up voice acting and animation while carrying a demanding series schedule. He works with stunt teams and music departments to capture era specific detail. His trajectory shows a careful shift from youth programming to mature crime drama.

Myles Truitt

Myles Truitt appeared in ‘Kin’, ‘Black Lightning’, and ‘BMF’. He started with roles that required balancing genre elements with grounded family stakes. His early work included guest spots that led to recurring roles and then series regular opportunities.

He continues to train in stunt work and dialect coaching to broaden casting range. He collaborates with filmmakers who focus on regional stories and real life figures. His credits align around crime sagas, science fiction, and community centered drama.

Skylan Brooks

Skylan Brooks broke through with ‘The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete’ and later joined ‘Empire’, ‘Castle Rock’, and ‘Archenemy’. He began in indie films and transitioned to streaming series that favor character driven storytelling. His roles often involve young men facing systemic pressure and personal crossroads.

He continues to select projects that travel festivals and streaming platforms. He participates in writing workshops and film labs to develop original material. His résumé shows a commitment to grounded drama with occasional forays into genre twists.

Chosen Jacobs

Chosen Jacobs is known for ‘It’, ‘It Chapter Two’, and ‘Sneakerella’. He started as a singer and moved into acting with roles that mixed music, fantasy, and coming of age stories. His training includes guitar and piano, which supports performance centered projects.

He continues to take parts in family films and teen dramas while developing original music. He works with choreographers and music producers when projects integrate live performance. His credits point to a growing slate that bridges studio releases and streaming originals.

Share your favorites from the list in the comments and tell us which performances you think deserve more love.