Black Actresses Who Started As Child Stars

Many of the most celebrated performers in Hollywood began their journeys in front of the camera before they reached adulthood. These actresses transitioned from beloved child stars to versatile professionals with decades of experience in film and television. Their early roles often defined cultural eras and provided representation for audiences around the world. This list highlights Black actresses who successfully navigated the challenges of growing up in the spotlight.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné began her professional career at age three when she joined the cast of ‘The Cosby Show’. She portrayed Olivia Kendall for several seasons and became a breakout star on the popular sitcom. Later she found further fame as the lead in ‘That’s So Raven’ on the Disney Channel. Her early work earned her multiple Image Awards and a loyal fanbase. She continues to act and produce in the industry today.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer made her acting debut at age nine in the film ‘Barbershop 2 Back in Business’. She gained widespread recognition for her breakout role in the film ‘Akeelah and the Bee’. Following this success she starred in the sitcom ‘True Jackson VP’ for several seasons. Palmer has since transitioned into major film roles and television hosting duties. She remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry with a career spanning twenty years.

Regina King

Regina King started her career at age fourteen playing Brenda Jenkins on the sitcom ‘227’. This role established her as a talented young actress in the television industry. After the show ended she transitioned into film with roles in movies like ‘Boyz n the Hood’. She eventually became an Academy Award winning actress and a respected director. Her career serves as a blueprint for long term success after starting as a child star.

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett began acting in the early nineties with a recurring role on the sitcom ‘Full House’. She received critical acclaim at age ten for her performance in the independent film ‘Eve’s Bayou’. This role proved her capability to handle complex and mature dramatic material at a young age. Smollett continued to work steadily in both television and film throughout her adolescence. She is now recognized for her powerful performances in major television dramas and action films.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good started her career as an extra in television shows and films before landing a breakout role in ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She was a teenager when she appeared in the sitcom ‘Cousin Skeeter’ which aired on Nickelodeon. Good worked consistently through her teen years to build a diverse filmography in various genres. She successfully moved into adult roles in both romantic comedies and horror films. Her career has remained steady for over three decades in the entertainment business.

Zendaya

Zendaya rose to prominence as a child star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She portrayed the character Rocky Blue and showcased her talents in both acting and dancing. After her time on the network she successfully transitioned into major cinematic projects and high fashion. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her lead role in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Zendaya is now considered one of the most influential actresses of her generation.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin began her career at age ten when she was cast as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. She received numerous accolades for her comedic timing and performance throughout the series. At age fourteen she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history for the film ‘Little’. Martin has also launched her own production company to create more opportunities for diverse storytelling. She continues to be a powerhouse in the industry while still in her youth.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry became a household name in the nineties while starring alongside her twin sister in the sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’. The show followed the lives of separated twins who reunite as teenagers and ran for six seasons. After the series ended she continued to work in television movies and eventually starred in the sitcom ‘The Game’. She has also found success as an author and a television host. Her career remains focused on family friendly content and lifestyle programming.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis made history at age nine as the youngest person ever nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She earned this recognition for her incredible performance in the film ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’. Shortly after she took on the lead role in the modern remake of the musical ‘Annie’. Wallis has also authored children’s books and appeared in several television series. She remains a talented young actress with a promising future in the industry.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson started her career as a child model before transitioning into acting with roles in films like ‘The Rebound’. She became widely known for her role as Zuri Ross on the Disney Channel series ‘Jessie’. She continued to play the same character in the spin-off series ‘Bunk’d’ for several more years. Jackson has used her platform to advocate against bullying and has written a book about her experiences. She continues to take on new acting roles as she moves into adulthood.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid made her film debut with a small role in the Academy Award winning movie ’12 Years a Slave’. She gained international fame when she was cast as the lead character Meg Murry in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. This role established her as a rising star capable of carrying a major studio production. Since then she has appeared in high profile projects like the series ‘Euphoria’ and the film ‘The Suicide Squad’. Reid is now a well established actress known for her emotional range and screen presence.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi began her acting career at a young age appearing in numerous commercials and the film ‘Imagine That’. She achieved widespread recognition for her role as Zoey Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’. Her character was so popular that it led to a spin-off series titled ‘Grown-ish’ which followed her character to college. Shahidi is also known for her activism and her commitment to education and social justice. She has successfully balanced her acting career with her studies at Harvard University.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first caught the attention of audiences for her role as Rue in the film ‘The Hunger Games’. This tragic and memorable performance made her a standout young talent in the industry. She went on to star in several young adult film adaptations including ‘Everything, Everything’ and ‘The Hate U Give’. Stenberg is praised for her thoughtful approach to her roles and her vocal advocacy for social issues. She continues to choose projects that challenge societal norms and offer unique perspectives.

Tatyana Ali

Tatyana Ali began her career as a child performer on ‘Sesame Street’ before landing her most famous role. She played Ashley Banks on the hit sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ for six seasons. During her time on the show she also launched a successful music career with a gold certified album. After the series concluded she took time to attend Harvard University and earned a degree in African American studies. Ali continues to act in television and film while also participating in various charitable causes.

Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keshia Knight Pulliam became the youngest actress ever nominated for an Emmy Award at age six. She earned this honor for her role as Rudy Huxtable on the legendary sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’. Audiences watched her grow up on the screen over the course of eight seasons. In her adult career she joined the cast of ‘Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’ and appeared in several reality television programs. She remains an iconic figure in the history of child actors.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson started her career as a child actress appearing on the variety show ‘The Jacksons’ with her family. She later gained fame for her roles on sitcoms like ‘Good Times’ and ‘Diff’rent Strokes’. Her time as a child star provided a foundation for her eventual transition into a global pop superstar. Despite her massive success in music she has returned to acting in films such as ‘Poetic Justice’ and the ‘Why Did I Get Married’ franchise. Jackson remains one of the most influential entertainers in the world.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields began her career at a very young age in a famous commercial for Mrs. Butterworth syrup. She gained national fame for her role as Dorothy Tootie Ramsey on the long running sitcom ‘The Facts of Life’. After the show ended she successfully transitioned to another hit sitcom called ‘Living Single’. Fields has also expanded her career into directing and producing television content. She has spent over forty years working consistently in the entertainment industry.

Lark Voorhies

Lark Voorhies started her acting career as a child in commercials and small television guest spots. She became a teen icon for her role as Lisa Turtle on the hit series ‘Saved by the Bell’. Voorhies played the fashion conscious character through several iterations of the show including the original pilot. After the show ended she appeared in various soap operas and films. She remains best known for her contributions to the pop culture of the early nineties.

Bianca Lawson

Bianca Lawson began acting in the early nineties and appeared in the series ‘Saved by the Bell The New Class’. She spent much of her youth working on various television shows aimed at teenagers. Lawson is famously known for her youthful appearance which allowed her to play teen roles for several decades. She has held recurring roles in popular series like ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Pretty Little Liars’. She continues to work steadily in major television dramas.

Brandy Norwood

Brandy Norwood began her career as a backing vocalist before starring in the short lived sitcom ‘Thea’. She achieved massive success as a teenager with her lead role in the sitcom ‘Moesha’ which ran for six seasons. During this time she also became a multi platinum recording artist and starred in the television movie ‘Cinderella’. Her work as a teen star made her a major cultural figure in the nineties. Brandy continues to release music and act in both television and stage productions.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain started her career at age seven in the film ‘The Gospel’. she became a Disney Channel star with her lead role in the series ‘A.N.T. Farm’ where she also showcased her musical abilities. McClain later gained further fame for her role as Uma in the ‘Descendants’ film franchise. She has also appeared in the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’ as Jennifer Pierce. She remains a versatile talent in both acting and music.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith made her acting debut at age seven in the film ‘I Am Legend’ starring alongside her father. She followed this with a role in the film ‘Kit Kittredge An American Girl’. Smith also voiced a character in the animated movie ‘Madagascar Escape 2 Africa’. While she has shifted her primary focus to music and fashion her early roles showed her natural talent for performing. She continues to be a prominent voice in the entertainment industry today.

Camille Winbush

Camille Winbush began her career as a child actress with roles in ‘Ghost Dog The Way of the Samurai’ and ‘7th Heaven’. She became widely recognized for her role as Vanessa Thomkins on ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. Her performance as the eldest niece earned her several Image Awards and Young Artist Awards. After the sitcom ended she joined the cast of ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’. Winbush has continued to work in television and voice acting projects.

Dee Dee Davis

Dee Dee Davis started her career at the age of five when she was cast as Bryana Thomkins on ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. She was a central part of the cast for the entire five season run of the popular sitcom. Her comedic timing as the youngest child on the show made her a fan favorite. After the series concluded she decided to step away from the spotlight to focus on her education. She remains remembered for her contribution to one of the most successful Black sitcoms of the two thousands.

Parker McKenna Posey

Parker McKenna Posey began her acting career at age five playing Kady Kyle on the sitcom ‘My Wife and Kids’. She appeared in over one hundred episodes of the series and grew up in front of the television audience. Following the end of the show she continued to work on various independent film projects. As an adult she has returned to television with a role in the drama series ‘Games People Play’. She also maintains a significant presence on social media.

Cree Summer

Cree Summer began her career as a child actress providing the voice for Penny in the animated series ‘Inspector Gadget’. She later transitioned into live action roles and became famous for playing Winifred Freddie Brooks on ‘A Different World’. Summer has since become one of the most prolific voice actresses in the entertainment industry. She has lent her voice to hundreds of characters in cartoons and video games over several decades. Her career began in childhood and has never stopped growing.

Countess Vaughn

Countess Vaughn started her career as a child singer on the talent competition show ‘Star Search’. She soon transitioned into acting and joined the cast of the sitcom ‘227’ as Alexandria DeWitt. Her biggest success came as a teenager when she played Kim Parker on ‘Moesha’ and later the spin-off ‘The Parkers’. Vaughn has also appeared in various reality television series throughout her adult career. She remains a recognizable figure in Black television history.

Reagan Gomez-Preston

Reagan Gomez-Preston began her acting career as a teenager playing Zaria Peterson on ‘The Parent ‘Hood’. The show ran for five seasons and established her as a talented young actress in the sitcom genre. She later provided the voice for Roberta Tubbs on the animated series ‘The Cleveland Show’. Gomez-Preston has also appeared in numerous films and television guest spots over the years. She continues to work as an actress and has also explored writing and directing.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet became an overnight sensation as a teenager when she was cast as Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. Her character was so popular that it led to the spin-off series ‘A Different World’ which focused on her college life. Bonet also appeared in the film ‘Angel Heart’ which helped her transition into more mature roles. While she has been selective about her projects her impact on fashion and culture as a young star was significant. She remains an icon of eighties and nineties television.

Tempestt Bledsoe

Tempestt Bledsoe began her career at age eleven playing Vanessa Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. She was a mainstay of the series for eight seasons and became a familiar face to millions of viewers. After the show ended she earned a degree in finance while continuing to act in various projects. She has hosted her own talk show and appeared in several television movies and series. Bledsoe has maintained a steady career in the industry for nearly forty years.

Erika Alexander

Erika Alexander started her acting career as a teenager with a role in the film ‘My Little Girl’. She gained wider recognition when she joined the cast of ‘The Cosby Show’ as Cousin Pam. This role served as a stepping stone to her most famous performance as Maxine Shaw on ‘Living Single’. Alexander has since become an accomplished actress in both television and film. She is also a writer and producer who co-founded her own entertainment company.

Kellie Shanygne Williams

Kellie Shanygne Williams began her career as a child model before being cast as Laura Winslow on ‘Family Matters’. She played the character for nine seasons and became a central figure in the long running sitcom. During her time on the show she was a popular figure among young audiences. After ‘Family Matters’ concluded she appeared in the series ‘What About Joan’ and several other television projects. She has also spent time working on youth programs to help children in her community.

Danielle Nicolet

Danielle Nicolet started her acting career as a teenager with a recurring role on the sitcom ‘Family Matters’. She played the character Vonda Mahoney and later moved on to star in the sitcom ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’. Nicolet has had a long career with many roles in television dramas and comedies. She currently stars as Cecile Horton on the superhero series ‘The Flash’. Her career has spanned over thirty years since her start as a young performer.

Maia Campbell

Maia Campbell began her career as a teenager appearing in the film ‘Poetic Justice’ alongside Janet Jackson. She became widely known for her role as Tiffany Warren on the sitcom ‘In the House’. Her performance as a stylish and bright teenager made her a popular star in the late nineties. Campbell also appeared in several music videos and television guest spots during her youth. She remains a memorable part of the nineties entertainment landscape.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete had her first television appearance as a child on ‘Sesame Street’ where her father was a producer. She gained major fame as a young adult for her role as Officer Judy Hoffs on ’21 Jump Street’. She followed this success with a lead role in the sitcom ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’. Peete has continued to work as an actress and has also become a prominent advocate for autism awareness. Her career has remained successful across several decades.

Danielle Spencer

Danielle Spencer became a child star in the seventies for her role as Dee Thomas on ‘What’s Happening!!’. Her character was known for her witty comments and sibling rivalry with her brother Raj. After the show ended she reprised her role in the sequel series ‘What’s Happening Now!!’. Spencer eventually decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine while still occasionally appearing in entertainment projects. She is remembered as one of the most iconic child actors of her era.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris began her acting career at age eleven when she starred in the British television series ‘Simon and the Witch’. She continued to work in television throughout her teenage years in projects like ‘The Tomorrow People’. Harris eventually transitioned into a major film career with roles in ’28 Days Later’ and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in ‘Moonlight’. She is now a world renowned actress and an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton made her film debut at age sixteen in the movie ‘Flirting’. This early role launched a career that would lead her to become an international star. She has appeared in many critically acclaimed films including ‘Beloved’ and ‘Crash’. Newton gained widespread recognition for her role as Maeve Millay in the series ‘Westworld’ for which she won an Emmy Award. She has worked consistently in the industry for over three decades.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey began her career as a child actress with a role in the film ‘Last Holiday’ starring Queen Latifah. She soon formed a musical duo with her sister and gained the attention of Beyoncé. Bailey starred in the series ‘Grown-ish’ for several seasons before landing a major film role. She was cast as Ariel in the live action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Her career continues to reach new heights in both acting and music.

Chloe Bailey

Chloe Bailey started acting at a young age with roles in films like ‘The Fighting Temptations’ and ‘Last Holiday’. She spent her youth performing with her sister in their musical group and appearing in various television projects. She became a series regular on ‘Grown-ish’ where she played Jazz Forster. Chloe has since launched a successful solo music career while continuing to take on acting roles. She is recognized as a multi talented performer with a strong artistic vision.

Shahadi Wright Joseph

Shahadi Wright Joseph began her career on Broadway at age nine playing Young Nala in ‘The Lion King’. She gained massive cinematic recognition for her dual roles in the horror film ‘Us’ directed by Jordan Peele. Joseph also provided the voice for Young Nala in the photorealistic remake of ‘The Lion King’. She has appeared in the series ‘Them’ and continues to take on challenging roles. Her early start in theater provided a strong foundation for her success in film.

Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson began her acting career with small roles in television shows like ‘Atlanta’ and ‘Mercy Street’. She achieved breakout fame for her role as Erica Sinclair on the hit series ‘Stranger Things’. Her character was so popular that she was promoted to a series regular in later seasons. Ferguson has since starred in the film ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ and provided voice work for animated projects. She is one of the most promising young actresses currently working in television.

Faithe Herman

Faithe Herman started her career at a young age and became widely known for her role as Annie Pearson on ‘This Is Us’. She appeared in the series for its entire six season run and won several awards as part of the ensemble cast. Herman also played Darla Dudley in the superhero film ‘Shazam!’ and its sequel. Her performances have been praised for their charm and emotional depth. She continues to be a busy young actress in both television and film.

Lyric Ross

Lyric Ross began acting as a child in commercials before landing guest roles on series like ‘Sirens’ and ‘Chicago Fire’. She gained significant recognition for her role as Deja Pearson on the drama ‘This Is Us’. Her portrayal of a foster child navigating a new family dynamic earned her critical acclaim. Ross has since appeared in the film ‘The Wendell and Wild’ and has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She is known for her ability to bring complex emotions to her characters.

Eris Baker

Eris Baker started her professional acting career when she was cast as Tess Pearson on ‘This Is Us’. She spent her formative years working on the acclaimed drama and growing as a performer. Her role allowed her to explore important social issues and family dynamics on screen. Baker has also appeared in other television projects and is known for her interest in fashion. She continues to pursue new opportunities in the entertainment industry as she enters adulthood.

Rhyon Nicole Brown

Rhyon Nicole Brown began her career as a child actress with a role in the film ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’. She later became known for her recurring role as Madison on the sitcom ‘That’s So Raven’. Brown has also appeared in the series ‘Lincoln Heights’ and ‘Empire’ as she transitioned into adult roles. She is a multi talented performer who also writes and performs music. Her career has remained active for over twenty years.

Cherie Johnson

Cherie Johnson became a child star in the eighties for her role as the best friend of the title character on ‘Punky Brewster’. She used her real name for the character and appeared in both the live action and animated versions of the show. After the series ended she joined the cast of ‘Family Matters’ as Maxine Johnson. Johnson has since worked as a producer and writer in addition to her acting career. She recently returned to her famous role in the ‘Punky Brewster’ revival series.

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