Best Afro-American Actors Under 20

The landscape of Hollywood is being reshaped by a new generation of incredibly talented Afro-American male actors who are making their mark before even reaching their twenties. These young performers are not only taking on lead roles in major blockbuster franchises but are also delivering powerful performances in prestige dramas and groundbreaking television series. From the supernatural heights of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the gritty realism of contemporary streaming hits, their versatility is evident across every genre. As the industry continues to evolve, these actors represent the future of storytelling with their impressive range and dedication to their craft.

Javon Walton

Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton gained international recognition for his breakout role as Ashtray in the hit series ‘Euphoria’. He displayed immense talent for portraying gritty, mature characters despite his young age. Walton is also a highly accomplished boxer and gymnast, training for Olympic-level competition alongside his acting career. He later joined the cast of ‘The Umbrella Academy’ for its third season, further solidifying his presence in major streaming productions. His role in the superhero thriller ‘Samaritan’ showcased his ability to lead a feature film alongside established stars.

Dallas Dupree Young

Dallas Dupree Young is best known for his role as Kenny Payne in the popular martial arts series ‘Cobra Kai’. He joined the show in its fourth season, portraying a bullied student who finds strength through karate. Before his success on Netflix, he starred in the Nickelodeon sitcom ‘Cousins for Life’. His filmography also includes appearances in ‘The Fosters’ and ‘Ready Player One’. Young’s athletic background and comedic timing have made him a versatile talent in both drama and comedy.

Isaiah Russell-Bailey

Isaiah Russell-Bailey starred as Shaka McKellan in the Netflix multi-camera sitcom ‘Family Reunion’. He showcased his range by balancing comedic family dynamics with more serious coming-of-age themes throughout the series’ run. In 2023, he took on a leading role in the Disney+ science fiction adventure film ‘Crater’, playing a boy living on a lunar mining colony. He is also a skilled dancer and model, frequently sharing his creative work with a large social media following. His career began with recurring roles on shows like ‘S.W.A.T.’ and ‘Raven’s Home’.

Jalyn Hall

Jalyn Hall delivered a powerful and critically acclaimed performance as Emmett Till in the 2022 biographical drama ‘Till’. This role established him as one of the most promising young dramatic actors of his generation. He is also well known for his portrayal of Dillon James on the long-running sports drama series ‘All American’. Hall’s work extends to projects like ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls’ and the film ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’. He continues to take on significant roles that highlight historical and contemporary Black experiences.

Amir O’Neil

Amir O’Neil rose to fame playing the twin brother of his real-life sibling in the sitcom ‘Marlon’. He displayed a natural talent for comedy, which led to a recurring role in the CBS series ‘The Neighborhood’. O’Neil also provided voice work for the animated series ‘The Powerpuff Girls’ and appeared in ‘Raven’s Home’. His performances are often noted for their high energy and charismatic screen presence. He has successfully transitioned from child roles to more mature teen parts in various television pilots.

Lonnie Chavis

Lonnie Chavis earned widespread acclaim for playing the young version of Randall Pearson on the NBC drama ‘This Is Us’. His emotional performance contributed to the show’s massive success and earned him numerous award nominations alongside the adult cast. He transitioned to film with a starring role in ‘The Water Man’, a fantasy drama directed by David Oyelowo. Chavis also demonstrated his versatility by starring in the intense horror thriller ‘The Boy Behind the Door’. He remains a sought-after talent for projects requiring deep emotional resonance and maturity.

Terrence Little Gardenhigh

Terrence Little Gardenhigh became a household name for young audiences as Miles in the Nickelodeon series ‘Danger Force’. He first captured attention with his comedic performance in the Netflix film ‘Coffee & Kareem’ opposite Ed Helms. His expressive facial expressions and timing have made him a standout in the superhero comedy genre. Beyond his work on ‘Henry Danger’ spin-offs, he has made guest appearances on shows like ‘Just Roll with It’. Gardenhigh continues to build a strong resume in the world of family entertainment and action-comedy.

Seth Carr

Seth Carr is notably recognized for playing the young version of Erik Killmonger in the Marvel blockbuster ‘Black Panther’. He followed this success with a starring role in ‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ as George ‘Sticky’ Washington. His television work includes recurring roles on ‘Bosch’ and the comedy series ‘Free Rein’. Carr also appeared in the thriller ‘Breaking In’ as the son of Gabrielle Union’s character. His career is marked by a balance of high-profile cinematic roles and steady work in prestige television.

JD McCrary

JD McCrary reached a massive global audience as the voice of young Simba in the 2019 live-action reimagining of ‘The Lion King’. In addition to his voice work, he is a talented singer and performer who appeared on ‘Little Big Shots’. He starred in the Netflix musical ’13: The Musical’ as Brett, showcasing his triple-threat abilities in acting, singing, and dancing. McCrary also had a recurring role in the series ‘The Paynes’ and appeared in ‘The Lion Guard’. He continues to release original music while pursuing major roles in film and television.

Keith L. Williams

Keith L. Williams gained major recognition for his hilarious performance as Lucas in the R-rated comedy film ‘Good Boys’. His deadpan delivery and comedic timing were highlights of the movie, leading to further opportunities in the industry. He has appeared in television series such as ‘The Last Man on Earth’ and ‘Selfie’. Williams also starred in the fantasy series ‘The Astronauts’ on Nickelodeon, where he played a leading role. His work often highlights his natural ability to anchor ensemble casts in both film and television.

Malachi Barton

Malachi Barton is a prominent young star known for his role as Beast Diaz on the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’. He made a successful transition to film by playing Diego in the live-action movie ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’. Barton also stars in the Disney series ‘The Villains of Valley View’, showcasing his growth as a teen actor. His career began with commercial work before landing steady roles in popular family-oriented sitcoms. He is recognized for his charismatic energy and consistent presence on the Disney network.

Maceo Smedley

Maceo Smedley first gained attention for his role as James in the historical drama series ‘Underground’. He demonstrated maturity beyond his years in the intense series focused on the Underground Railroad. Smedley also appeared in the superhero series ‘Cloak & Dagger’ and voiced a character in ‘The Stinky & Dirty Show’. On the comedy front, he had a guest role in ‘Young Sheldon’ as the character Sheldon’s rival. He continues to find success in both dramatic period pieces and modern television comedies.

Thaddeus J. Mixson

Thaddeus J. Mixson delivered a standout performance in the Disney+ biographical sports drama ‘Safety’. He played the younger brother of the lead character, providing the emotional heart of the film. Mixson further expanded his filmography by appearing in ‘Creed III’, the third installment of the successful boxing franchise. He is also a talented rapper and dancer, often integrating his musical skills into his public persona. His career is characterized by his ability to hold his own alongside major Hollywood stars.

Jahzir Bruno

Jahzir Bruno made a significant impact with his leading role in the 2020 reimagining of ‘The Witches’, directed by Robert Zemeckis. He starred alongside Anne Hathaway and Octavia Spencer, proving his ability to lead a major studio production. Bruno also voiced the character of Lincoln Loud in the live-action ‘The Loud House’ projects. He has appeared in the series ‘Atlanta’, further showcasing his range in more contemporary, stylistic storytelling. His expressive acting style has quickly made him a recognizable face in both film and television.

Ethan Hutchison

Ethan Hutchison is best known for his compelling portrayal of Blue Bordelon in the critically acclaimed series ‘Queen Sugar’. Working under the direction of Ava DuVernay, he earned praise for his nuanced performance throughout the show’s multiple seasons. Hutchison has also appeared in the series ‘The Way Unit’ and ‘The Path’. His early career success in a prestige drama established him as a serious young talent in the industry. He is often noted for the emotional depth he brings to his characters on screen.

Ja’Siah Young

Ja’Siah Young rose to fame as the titular character in the Netflix superhero drama ‘Raising Dion’. He played a young boy discovering his supernatural abilities while his mother attempts to keep him safe. The role required him to handle heavy special effects work and complex emotional arcs over two seasons. Young has also appeared in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and provided voice talent for various projects. His performance in ‘Raising Dion’ made him a standout figure in the genre of family-focused sci-fi.

King Moore

King Moore is a rising talent who appeared in the television movie ‘The Waltons’ Homecoming’. He also showcased his musical and acting talents in the film ‘Praise This’, which focuses on the world of competitive gospel choirs. Moore is an accomplished singer and has performed at various high-profile events, including halftime shows. His career is currently on an upward trajectory with several upcoming projects in development. He is recognized for his infectious personality and multifaceted entertainment skills.

Caleb Dixon

Caleb Dixon is a young actor who has made several notable appearances on popular television series. He had a guest role on the CBS sitcom ‘The Neighborhood’ and appeared in the procedural drama ‘9-1-1’. Dixon has also worked on various short films and commercial projects, building a steady foundation in the industry. He is known for his natural acting style and ability to fit into diverse ensemble casts. As he matures, he is beginning to take on more significant roles in television pilots.

De’Jon Watts

De’Jon Watts gained visibility through his roles in high-energy television productions. He appeared in the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’ and the sports-themed series ‘The Crossover’. Watts is praised for his athleticism, which often complements his roles in physically demanding shows. His work on Disney+ and The CW has helped him establish a presence among younger viewers. He continues to pursue roles that highlight both his acting range and his physical capabilities.

Please share which of these young actors you are most excited to see in future projects in the comments.