Best African American Actors Under 20

Spotlighting the next generation means paying attention to the work they are already putting on screen. These young performers have built strong resumes before turning 20, from leading television series to carrying feature films and voicing major animated characters. Their credits include acclaimed dramas, popular family shows, and franchise projects that reach global audiences.

Each name here is under 20 as of today and already has notable roles in film or television. You will find lead turns, key supporting parts, and voice performances for hit titles that many viewers know well. The focus is on verified screen work, character names, networks, and projects in development so you can quickly place where you have seen them and what is coming next.

Jalyn Hall

Jalyn Hall plays Dillon James on the series ‘All American’ and starred as Emmett Till in the feature ‘Till’. He also led the Disney series ‘The Crossover’, which adapts the Kwame Alexander novel and casts him as Josh Bell.

His film credits include ‘Bruiser’ and ‘Shaft’, and he appears in episodes of shows like ‘Family Reunion’ and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’. Hall began acting as a child and continues to work across both television and film in lead and supporting roles.

Lonnie Chavis

Lonnie Chavis is known for playing young Randall Pearson on ‘This Is Us’ across multiple seasons. He also starred in the thriller ‘The Boy Behind the Door’ and appeared in ‘Magic Camp’.

Chavis has guest roles in series including ‘Supergirl’ and ‘White Famous’. He began modeling and acting at a young age and has been recognized by ensemble nominations with the ‘This Is Us’ cast.

JD McCrary

JD McCrary voiced Young Simba in ‘The Lion King’, working alongside Donald Glover and Beyoncé on the 2019 film. He appeared on ‘American Soul’ as Kenny Payne and had a recurring role on ‘Tyler Perry’s The Paynes’.

In addition to acting, McCrary performs as a singer and released music through major label collaborations. His on-screen work includes appearances on ‘Little Big Shots’ and ‘K.C. Undercover’, which introduced him to broad audiences.

Dallas Dupree Young

Dallas Dupree Young joined ‘Cobra Kai’ as Kenny Payne, bringing a new student perspective to the series. He has appeared on ‘The Good Place’, ‘Shameless’, and ‘Mixed-ish’ in guest roles.

Young started acting in commercials and short projects before moving into recurring television parts. His work on ‘Cobra Kai’ places him in a central ensemble that films in Georgia and streams globally.

Evan Alex

Evan Alex played Jason Wilson and Pluto in Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’, portraying dual roles in the film. He has credits on ‘Kidding’ and ‘Man with a Plan’ and appeared in music videos tied to major artists.

Alex began working in short films and television before moving into feature productions. He continues to book screen projects in both comedic and dramatic spaces.

Keith L. Williams

Keith L. Williams co-starred in ‘Good Boys’ and led the Nickelodeon series ‘The Astronauts’. He voiced characters in ‘The Last Kids on Earth’, which adapts the book series for animation.

Williams has recurring or guest roles on ‘Teachers’ and ‘The Goldbergs’. He started acting in commercials and steadily added film and series work that spans live action and voiceover.

Isaiah Russell-Bailey

Isaiah Russell-Bailey starred in ‘Family Reunion’ on Netflix as Shaka McKellan. He also led the action film ‘We Can Be Heroes’ and returned for the follow-up.

Russell-Bailey appears in ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’ in guest spots. He began with print and commercial work, trained in dance, and shifted into television and film with leading youth roles.

Ethan Hutchison

Ethan Hutchison played Blue Bordelon on ‘Queen Sugar’ across multiple seasons. He appeared in ‘The Path’ and has credits in films such as ‘American Refugee’.

Hutchison started acting as a child and built a recurring presence on cable drama. He continues to work in television while expanding into feature projects.

Ja’Siah Young

Ja’Siah Young led the Netflix series ‘Raising Dion’ as Dion Warren, a boy discovering his powers. He also appeared on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Billy on the Street’.

Young began modeling and acting in early childhood and has worked in commercials and music videos. His lead role on ‘Raising Dion’ placed him at the center of a science fiction series produced by Michael B. Jordan.

Christian Isaiah

Christian Isaiah portrayed Liam Gallagher on ‘Shameless’ during its later seasons. He appeared on ‘Unsolved’ and booked commercials and short films before joining the long-running series.

Isaiah has done voiceover and modeling alongside on-camera roles. His time on ‘Shameless’ included major storylines as the series moved toward its conclusion.

Thaddeus J. Mixson

Thaddeus J. Mixson played Fahmarr McElrathbey in ‘Safety’, a film based on a true Clemson football story. He appears on ‘The Wonder Years’ revival and has roles in projects like ‘South of Heaven’.

Mixson started with short films and television guest spots. He continues to book film and series roles that blend sports stories, family narratives, and drama.

Elisha Williams

Elisha Williams starred as Dean Williams on ‘The Wonder Years’ revival for ABC. He voiced characters in animated projects and began acting after working in broadcasting and music as a youth performer.

Williams filmed the series in Atlanta with an ensemble that includes adult and child actors. He continues to work in television and pursue additional voice roles.

Christian J. Simon

Christian J. Simon is known for ‘Sydney to the Max’ on Disney Channel. He voices Kai Brightstar in ‘Star Wars Young Jedi Adventures’ and has voice roles in ‘The Chicken Squad’ and ‘The Casagrandes’.

Simon started in commercials and live appearances before moving into series regular work. His voiceover portfolio covers preschool and kids action adventure shows for major networks and streamers.

Keivonn Woodard

Keivonn Woodard played Sam in ‘The Last of Us’, appearing in the first season of the HBO series. He is a deaf actor and also performs in theater and short films.

Woodard has engaged with advocacy and visibility for deaf performers within mainstream productions. His screen work continues with festival projects and television appearances.

Jahzir Bruno

Jahzir Bruno starred in ‘The Witches’ as the boy at the center of the story and appeared in ‘The Christmas Chronicles 2’. He plays Clyde McBride on ‘The Really Loud House’ and its related projects.

Bruno began with commercials and television roles and then moved into major studio films. He continues to work in both holiday features and family series aimed at younger audiences.

Amir O’Neil

Amir O’Neil co-starred on the NBC comedy ‘Marlon’. He has voice roles and guest appearances across children’s television, including animated series for Nickelodeon.

O’Neil works frequently with his twin brother on separate productions and sometimes in related projects. His credits include commercials, sketches, and short-form web content in addition to TV.

Amari O’Neil

Amari O’Neil played Cory Long on ‘The Wonder Years’ revival. He appears in episodes of ‘Station 19’ and ‘All American’.

O’Neil began as a child model and transitioned to acting alongside his twin brother. He continues booking roles in network television and streaming projects.

Micah Abbey

Micah Abbey voices Donatello in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ and related media. He appeared on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and worked on Nickelodeon productions.

Abbey started with commercials and short roles before joining the TMNT ensemble. His voice work includes games and promotional content connected to the animated film.

Braelyn Rankins

Braelyn Rankins has a recurring role on ‘Raven’s Home’, appearing as Dylan during multiple seasons. He also appears in the feature ‘The 5th Quarter’ and in independent projects.

Rankins began acting through local theater and student films before moving to television. He continues to build credits across Disney productions and family features.

Terrence Little Gardenhigh

Terrence Little Gardenhigh starred in ‘Coffee & Kareem’ on Netflix and led the Nickelodeon series ‘Warped!’. He also appeared on ‘Just Roll With It’ and other Disney and Nickelodeon shows.

Gardenhigh started performing in local productions and trained in improv that supported his television work. He continues to book roles in comedy and family programming across streaming and cable.

Chase W. Dillon

Chase W. Dillon played Homer in ‘The Underground Railroad’, appearing across the limited series with scenes alongside the lead character Cora. He later portrayed Gabbro in ‘Haunted Mansion’, working in a principal ensemble for the Disney feature.

His television credits include roles on ‘First Wives Club’ and ‘That Damn Michael Che’. Dillon began in commercials and short films before landing recurring and feature parts, and he continues to work in U.S. productions across drama and family titles.

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre

Nathaniel Logan McIntyre starred as Seren on the drama ‘David Makes Man’, appearing opposite a teen ensemble set in South Florida. He also played Theo in the Disney film ‘Magic Camp’, adding feature work to his television resume.

McIntyre’s early credits include guest roles on ‘The Kids Are Alright’ and ‘Criminal Minds’. He trained in theater before transitioning to screen, and he continues to book roles that span family projects and grounded coming-of-age stories.

Jaylin Webb

Jaylin Webb earned attention for playing Jalen in ‘Armageddon Time’, working opposite an adult ensemble in a period-set drama. He appears on television with credits that include guest spots and supporting turns that connect him to prestige film projects.

Webb began acting through youth casting calls and short-form work before moving into features. He continues to add roles in independent films and studio-backed dramas, building a resume that mixes festival titles and mainstream releases.

Danny Boyd Jr.

Danny Boyd Jr. appeared in ‘Bruised’, the sports drama centered on a comeback story. He has television credits on projects that include limited series work and recurring roles tied to dramatic storylines.

Boyd began with commercials and student films before moving into larger productions. He continues to add credits in both film and television, focusing on character-driven projects and stories built around families and communities.

Jalon Christian

Jalon Christian portrayed Hurut in ‘Black Adam’, appearing in the origin storyline at the center of the film. He also played Jordan in ‘A Journal for Jordan’, working from a real-life memoir adaptation.

Christian’s early roles include short films and television guest appearances. He continues to work across studio features and streaming projects, splitting time between action-adventure material and grounded family dramas.

Peyton R. Perrine III

Peyton Perrine III stars on ‘That Girl Lay Lay’, playing Marky as part of the show’s family ensemble. He appears throughout multiple seasons with school and home storylines that anchor episodes.

Perrine began with commercials and sketch appearances before being cast in the Nickelodeon series. He continues to work in multi-camera comedy and has booked guest roles on other kids and family programs.

Rodney L Jones III

Rodney L. Jones III appears in ‘Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.’, sharing scenes with the film’s lead performers. He has television credits that include recurring and guest roles on scripted series filmed in the United States.

Jones started acting through local projects and regional casting calls. He continues to book roles in feature films and premium-cable or streaming series, expanding into dramatic and comedic material.

Jecobi Swain

Jecobi Swain played Kelvin on ‘Home Economics’, appearing across episodes as part of the show’s school-age circle. He also recurs on ‘The Wonder Years’ revival, connecting with storylines centered on neighborhood friends.

Swain began with commercials and short films and moved quickly into network television. He adds voiceover and film festival projects between sitcom arcs, building a portfolio that spans comedy and family drama.

Ian Foreman

Ian Foreman starred as Isaiah Cole on ‘Let the Right One In’, appearing opposite the series lead as a New York City preteen who becomes central to the plot. He also guest-starred on ‘The Equalizer’, working within a procedural format.

Foreman trained in stage programs before moving to screen roles. He continues to book work in genre series and dramatic guest spots, adding credits that highlight urban settings and character-focused stories.

Ethan William Childress

Ethan Childress played Johan Johnson on ‘Mixed-ish’, appearing in the core family throughout the show’s run. He also guest-starred on network comedies and dramas, adding single-episode credits across multiple seasons.

Childress started with commercial work and youth theater before transitioning to television. He continues to audition for multi-camera comedies and single-camera dramedies, with additional experience in voiceover sessions.

Ozie Nzeribe

Ozie Nzeribe portrayed Royale on ‘Swagger’, part of a youth basketball ensemble created with NBA influences. He appears across seasons with storylines that track team dynamics, family pressures, and recruiting.

Nzeribe records music under the name Zee and balances studio sessions with on-camera work. His credits include guest appearances on other scripted series, and he continues to build roles in sports dramas and teen-focused shows.

TJ Wright

TJ Wright played Sekani Carter in ‘The Hate U Give’, appearing in pivotal family scenes that frame the film’s climax. His additional credits include roles in independent features and guest spots on television series.

Wright began acting through open calls and worked with coaches focused on dramatic material. He continues to seek roles in book adaptations and contemporary dramas that center family and community narratives.

Thomas Boyce

Thomas Boyce co-starred in ‘Crater’, a science fiction adventure about friends on a lunar colony. He appears as part of the film’s adolescent ensemble, sharing scenes with leads across action and bonding sequences.

Boyce’s early work includes commercials and day-player television roles. He continues to pursue family adventure projects and has added guest credits on youth-oriented series for streaming platforms.

Aaron Kingsley Adom Jr.

Aaron Kingsley Adom Jr. portrayed Terry at an early age in ‘A Thousand and One’, appearing in scenes that establish the character’s family life. He also books commercials and episodic guest roles filmed in the United States.

Adom Jr. began through modeling and transitioned into screen acting with coaching geared toward naturalistic performances. He continues to work in independent features and cable dramas that cast child actors in key family arcs.

Aven Courtney

Aven Courtney played Terry during middle-school years in ‘A Thousand and One’, carrying the character through transitional chapters. He adds short film and television anthology credits that focus on teen life.

Courtney trained in on-camera technique and dialect work as he moved into larger roles. He continues to build a resume with festival-bound films and recurring parts on scripted series that explore urban stories.

Jasun Jabbar Wardlaw Jr.

Jasun Jabbar Wardlaw Jr. appears on ‘Swagger’, joining the basketball ensemble with recurring storylines tied to school and team pressure. He also has credits on ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’, adding period-set television to his experience.

Wardlaw Jr. started with music videos and shorts before moving into episodic work. He continues to work in dramas that mix music and sports with coming-of-age themes, building roles across streaming platforms.

Divine Love Konadu-Sun

Divine Love Konadu-Sun portrayed Toussaint in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, appearing in the film’s closing chapter. He also works in commercials and short-form projects filmed in North America.

Konadu-Sun began with print and on-camera campaigns before his feature debut. He continues to audition for studio films and streaming series, focusing on roles for middle-grade characters in adventure and family stories.

Ramone Hamilton

Ramone Hamilton voices lead and supporting characters in animated television, including work on ‘The Loud House’ franchise and related specials. He records principal roles and additional voices across episodic sessions.

Hamilton also appears on camera in guest roles for family sitcoms and streaming projects. He trains in voice and microphone technique between bookings and continues to add credits in kids’ animation and live-action comedy.

Maceo Smedley

Maceo Smedley played young Tyrone Johnson on ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’, appearing in flashback sequences that establish the hero’s backstory. He has additional credits on network dramas and cable series filmed in the United States.

Smedley began acting in Texas and transitioned to larger productions through regional casting. He continues to work in superhero-adjacent projects and family dramas, with experience across both single-camera and limited-series formats.

Share your favorite performances from these young actors in the comments and tell us who you think should be added next.