Best Black Gay Actors Under 30

These rising performers are shaping film and TV with memorable roles, breakthrough projects, and growing influence on and off screen. Each has already built a real body of work across movies, series, or stage, with credits that make them names to watch as they take on bigger parts and expand representation along the way.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg broke out with lead roles in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’ before playing the dual Force-wielding Mae and Osha in ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’. They trained at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and published comics work with ‘Niobe’ alongside actor-writer Ashley A. Woods. Stenberg starred in A24’s slasher satire ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and voiced Spider-Byte in ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. They also composed and performed original music for the series ‘The Eddy’ and continue to develop projects as a producer.

Rickey Thompson

Rickey Thompson parlayed viral comedy into acting work with roles in the feature ‘F the Prom’ and appearances on ‘All American’ and ‘Good Trouble’. He cohosted the popular podcast “We Said What We Said,” which expanded his reach to live shows and branded specials. Thompson has hosted major fashion livestreams, including red-carpet coverage for the Met Gala, and fronts campaigns for high-profile labels. He also voices characters in animated projects and frequently guest stars on music videos and short-form series.

Quintessa Swindell

Quintessa Swindell earned early attention as Tabitha on ‘Trinkets’ and as Anna in the anthology ‘In Treatment’. They moved into studio features playing Cyclone in ‘Black Adam’ and followed with starring roles in indie dramas like ‘Granada Nights’ and ‘Master Gardener’. Swindell trained in theater and dance, which shows up in their physical screen work and action choreography. They advocate for inclusive casting and speak regularly about nonbinary visibility within mainstream productions.

Myha’la

Myha’la’s breakout came as Harper Stern in ‘Industry’, anchoring the series with extensive finance jargon and long single-take scenes filmed in London’s financial district. She moved to features with ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ and the tech-thriller ‘Leave the World Behind’. Before screen work, Myha’la built stage credentials at Carnegie Mellon and in regional theater productions. She continues to work between the United States and the United Kingdom, adding British productions to an expanding resume.

Yasmin Finney

Yasmin Finney made her screen debut as Elle Argent in ‘Heartstopper’, joining the ensemble after growing a large audience with performance videos and commentary online. She filmed scenes for ‘Doctor Who’ as the character Rose during the show’s anniversary era, bringing her to a global sci-fi audience. Finney is also an experienced stage performer, having worked with youth theaters in Manchester before moving into television. She collaborates with fashion houses during show seasons, which has led to brand partnerships and runway appearances.

Kizzy Edgell

Kizzy Edgell plays Darcy in ‘Heartstopper’, bringing a mix of humor and heart to storylines across school settings and family arcs. They started in short films and modeling before landing the Netflix series, which films on location in England. Edgell participates in fan events and panels that highlight on-screen authenticity and supportive sets for young performers. They have since booked additional streaming projects and voiceover sessions as their profile grows.

Share your favorite under-30 Black gay actors in the comments and tell us who should be added to the watch list next.