20 Best Young Black Actresses Under 20
A new generation of talent is taking the spotlight in film and television. These young Black actresses are building impressive resumes across studio features, prestige dramas, and hit streaming series while balancing school, voice work, and stage training.
From leads in franchise projects to scene stealing turns on network shows, they have already worked with major directors and production companies. Here are twenty under twenty whose credits show real range across genres and platforms.
Saniyya Sidney
Saniyya Sidney portrayed Venus Williams in ‘King Richard’ and appeared in ‘Fences’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. She played Sasha Obama in ‘The First Lady’ and carried the thriller ‘The Passage’ on television.
Her film and TV experience includes lead and ensemble work across sports drama, period drama, and horror. She has also performed in limited series and broadcast projects for major networks and streamers.
Demi Singleton
Demi Singleton played Serena Williams in ‘King Richard’ and appeared as Margaret Johnson in ‘Godfather of Harlem’. She has stage roots from early work on Broadway and has moved into screen roles across drama and biographical projects.
Her screen credits span film and television with roles that involve music, sports, and historical figures. She has experience with both series regular parts and high profile feature films.
Priah Ferguson
Priah Ferguson is known for ‘Stranger Things’ where she joined the series in its second season and became a recurring presence. She starred in the family horror comedy ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’.
Her additional credits include guest roles on scripted TV and voice work. She has participated in promotional campaigns tied to major streaming releases tied to her projects.
Akira Akbar
Akira Akbar played young Monica Rambeau in ‘Captain Marvel’ and starred in ‘We Can Be Heroes’. She portrays Ashley Banks in ‘Bel Air’.
Her work covers superhero films, family adventure movies, and a dramatic reboot of a classic sitcom. She has also appeared in fashion and commercial campaigns in parallel with acting.
Faithe Herman
Faithe Herman played Annie Pearson on ‘This Is Us’ across multiple seasons. She also portrayed Darla Dudley in ‘Shazam’ and returned in ‘Shazam Fury of the Gods’.
Her television work includes network drama and sitcom appearances alongside her franchise film roles. She has performed at awards events with casts from her shows.
Kyliegh Curran
Kyliegh Curran starred as Abra Stone in ‘Doctor Sleep’. She leads the Disney series ‘Secrets of Sulphur Springs’.
Her experience includes starring roles in feature films and multi season family mystery television. She began performing on stage before moving into screen work.
Lidya Jewett
Lidya Jewett was a series regular in ‘Good Girls’. She headlined the dark fantasy film ‘Nightbooks’ and appeared in the horror feature ‘The Exorcist Believer’.
Her credits include supporting and lead roles across broadcast TV and streaming films. She has also worked in voice and print campaigns connected to her projects.
Aria Brooks
Aria Brooks joined the revival of ‘All That’ and later appeared in the Disney musical film ‘Better Nate Than Ever’. She contributed music releases that tied into her on screen work.
Her acting includes sketch comedy, musical projects, and guest appearances on scripted series. She balances recording with television and film schedules.
Trinitee
Trinitee Stokes played Judy Cooper on ‘K C Undercover’. She has voice roles in animated series and has released a book for young readers.
Her screen work includes multicam sitcoms, animation, and guest spots on network shows. She has performed at live events that support literacy and youth education.
Milan Ray
Milan Ray made a mark in ‘Troop Zero’ as part of the main scout group. She then joined ‘The Wonder Years’ playing Keisa Clemmons.
Her film and TV work blends coming of age stories with network family comedy. She has completed national ad campaigns alongside her acting roles.
Leah Sava Jeffries
Leah Sava Jeffries stars as Annabeth Chase in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. She also appeared in the survival thriller ‘Beast’ and the Fox sitcom ‘Rel’.
Her credits include network comedy, theatrical features, and a fantasy adventure series. She has been featured in international press tours for franchise television.
Madalen Mills
Madalen Mills led the Netflix holiday musical ‘Jingle Jangle A Christmas Journey’. She starred in the family drama ‘The Tiger Rising’.
Her experience includes lead roles that combine acting with singing across film musicals and dramas. She has appeared on major talk shows to promote her projects.
Jordyn Raya James
Jordyn Raya James played Ami McKellan in the Netflix sitcom ‘Family Reunion’. She has also appeared in digital series geared toward younger audiences.
Her work focuses on family friendly comedies and streaming content. She has participated in cast interviews and social campaigns that highlight the show’s milestones.
Jaidyn Triplett
Jaidyn Triplett joined the ‘iCarly’ revival as Millicent. She previously booked guest roles on shows including procedural and family series.
Her credits include multicam comedy and single camera guest spots. She engages with fans through official show channels and convention events tied to the revival.
Mychal-Bella Bowman
Mychal-Bella Bowman appeared in ‘The Underground Railroad’ in a pivotal episode. She starred in the sci fi adventure series ‘Endlings’.
Her roles include period drama and science fiction that target both adult and family audiences. She began as a print and commercial model before moving into television.
Sanai Victoria
Sanai Victoria has recurring and guest roles across Disney and Netflix projects including ‘No Good Nick’. She has also contributed voice work to animated programming.
Her resume features sitcoms, sketch comedy, and live action kids series. She has hosted youth events and participated in brand collaborations connected to her shows.
Malia Baker
Malia Baker portrayed Mary Anne Spier in ‘The Baby Sitters Club’. She later joined the Disney film ‘Descendants The Rise of Red’ as Chloe.
Her credits also include anthology and limited series work. She has partnered with youth centered organizations that support reading and creative arts.
Celina Smith
Celina Smith played Annie in the live musical production ‘Annie Live’. She also stars on the Nickelodeon series ‘Tyler Perrys Young Dylan’.
Her background includes stage training and music performance alongside screen work. She has performed live numbers on televised specials and cast albums.
Alaya High
Alaya High also known as That Girl Lay Lay leads the Nickelodeon series ‘That Girl Lay Lay’. She brings music and performance into her episodes through original tracks.
Her acting credits include guest spots on kids comedies and film cameos. She releases singles and tours while filming her series.
Dior Goodjohn
Dior Goodjohn plays Clarisse La Rue in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. She previously starred in the reimagined sitcom ‘Head of the Class’.
Her credits also include the limited series ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark Ghost Island’. She has appeared at fan events and panels supporting her fantasy series.
Share your favorites from this list in the comments and tell us who else deserves a spot.