20 Rising Black Actresses to Watch Right Now

Hollywood is buzzing with fresh faces, and Black actresses are leading the charge with bold performances and undeniable charisma. These rising stars are breaking barriers and bringing new energy to film and TV, making now the perfect time to spotlight their talent.

From gripping dramas to action-packed blockbusters, these women are proving they’re forces to be reckoned with. Here are 20 Black actresses you should keep on your radar for their standout roles and promising careers.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edebiri has become a household name as Sydney in ‘The Bear’ (2022–present), blending vulnerability and strength as a chef navigating a chaotic kitchen. Her comedic timing and emotional depth earned her an Emmy nomination.

She also popped up as Janine’s sister in ‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–present) and voiced Envy in ‘Inside Out 2’ (2024). Edebiri’s versatility and charm make her a standout in comedy and beyond.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey made history as Ariel in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), bringing heart and soul to the iconic role. Her performance, paired with her stunning vocals, captivated audiences worldwide.

She also shined as Nettie in ‘The Color Purple’ (2023) and is set to star in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (2024). Bailey’s grace and talent mark her as a rising star to watch.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid earned an Emmy for her role as Riley in ‘The Last of Us’ (2023), showcasing her ability to tackle intense, emotional roles. She also impressed in ‘The Nun II’ (2023) and ‘Missing’ (2023).

Her breakout as Meg Murry in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ (2018) set the stage for her growing career. Reid’s range, from horror to drama, makes her a must-watch talent.

Lexi Underwood

Lexi Underwood stole hearts as Pearl Warren in ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ (2020), showing her knack for complex characters. She’s also appeared in ‘The First Lady’ (2022) and ‘Sneakerella’ (2022).

Her stage work, including Broadway’s ‘The Lion King,’ highlights her versatility. Underwood’s growing resume and natural presence signal a bright future in Hollywood.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin charmed audiences as Diane Johnson in ‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022) and made history as the youngest executive producer for ‘Little’ (2019). Her comedic flair shines through in every role.

She’s also lent her voice to ‘PAW Patrol: The Movie’ (2021) and starred in ‘Fantasy Football’ (2022). Martin’s talent and hustle make her a powerhouse to watch.

Coco Jones

Coco Jones transitioned from music to acting, shining as Hilary Banks in ‘Bel-Air’ (2022–present). Her charisma and depth bring a fresh take to the iconic ‘Fresh Prince’ character.

She also starred in ‘Vampires vs. the Bronx’ (2020) and is set to appear in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (2024). Jones’ star power is undeniable, and she’s just getting started.

Lex Scott Davis

Lex Scott Davis wowed in ‘Ricky Stanicky’ (2024), showing her comedic chops alongside John Cena. She’s also set to shine in ‘Suits LA’ (2025), a spinoff of the hit legal drama.

Her roles in ‘The First Purge’ (2018) and ‘Sweet Girl’ (2021) highlight her range across action and drama. Davis’ dynamic presence makes her a name to follow.

Betty Gabriel

Betty Gabriel stunned as Georgina in ‘Get Out’ (2017), delivering a chilling performance that lingered long after the credits. She’s since starred in ‘Upgrade’ (2018) and ‘Clickbait’ (2021).

Her upcoming role in ‘NOVOCAINE’ (2025) is generating buzz for its intensity. Gabriel’s ability to convey deep emotion keeps her on the rise.

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne broke through as Tish in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018), earning praise for her heartfelt performance. She also starred in ‘The Old Guard’ (2020) and ‘Coming 2 America’ (2021).

Her role in ‘Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers’ (2022) showed her comedic side. Layne’s emotional range and screen presence make her a rising star.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright stole scenes as Shuri in ‘Black Panther’ (2018) and its 2022 sequel, blending wit and strength as Wakanda’s tech genius. Her role in ‘Mangrove’ (2020) earned her a BAFTA nomination.

She also starred in ‘Surrounded’ (2023) alongside the late Michael K. Williams. Wright’s charisma and versatility ensure she’s a talent to watch.

Lovie Simone

Lovie Simone captivates as Keisha in ‘Forever’ (2025), bringing depth to a complex teen navigating tough choices. Her nuanced performance showcases her ability to convey raw emotion.

She also shined as Zora Greenleaf in ‘Greenleaf’ (2016-2020) and led in ‘Selah and the Spades’ (2019). Simone’s commanding presence marks her as a rising star.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne powers through as Riri Williams in ‘Ironheart’ (2025), embodying a brilliant inventor with fierce determination. Her role in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (2022) introduced her to global audiences.

Her earlier work in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018) showed her emotional range. Thorne’s dynamic energy makes her a standout talent.

Chloe Bailey

Chloe Bailey shines as Sam in ‘Praise This’ (2023), blending her musical talent with strong acting chops. Her role in ‘Grown-ish’ (2018-present) highlights her comedic and dramatic skills.

She also appeared in ‘The Exorcism’ (2024) and is set for ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (2024). Bailey’s vibrant presence is lighting up Hollywood.

Rachel Hilson

Rachel Hilson brings heart to ‘Duster’ (2025) as Nina, tackling a gritty crime drama with ease. Her role as Beth in ‘This Is Us’ (2016-2022) earned her praise for emotional depth.

She also starred in ‘Love, Victor’ (2020-2022) and ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ (2023). Hilson’s versatility keeps her on the rise.

Sydney Elisabeth

Sydney Elisabeth commands attention in ‘Duster’ (2025) with her bold performance in the 1970s crime series. Her work in indie projects like ‘The Drop’ (2022) shows her range.

She’s building a name with her ability to tackle diverse roles. Elisabeth’s magnetic screen presence makes her a talent to watch.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi charms as Zoey Johnson in ‘Black-ish’ (2014-2022) and its spinoff ‘Grown-ish’ (2018-present). Her role in ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2023) showcased her in a fantasy setting.

Her nuanced performance in ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ (2019) highlights her emotional range. Shahidi’s poise and talent make her a rising star.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer delivers in ‘Nope’ (2022), blending humor and intensity in Jordan Peele’s sci-fi thriller. Her breakout in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ (2006) marked her as a prodigy.

She also starred in ‘Hustlers’ (2019) and ‘Alice’ (2022). Palmer’s boundless energy and versatility keep her shining bright.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson won hearts as Zuri Ross in ‘Jessie’ (2011-2015) and ‘Bunk’d’ (2015-2021). Her role in ‘The Watsons Go to Birmingham’ (2013) showed her dramatic chops.

She’s branching out with voice work in ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ (2024). Jackson’s charm and growing range make her one to watch.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain electrifies as Jennifer Pierce in ‘Black Lightning’ (2018-2021). Her role in ‘Descendants 2’ (2017) showcased her musical and acting talents.

She also appeared in ‘Hubie Halloween’ (2020). McClain’s vibrant energy and versatility mark her as a rising force.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg captivates as Starr in ‘The Hate U Give’ (2018), delivering a powerful performance on racial injustice. She also starred in ‘Everything, Everything’ (2017).

Her role in ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ (2024) shows her range in sci-fi. Stenberg’s emotional depth keeps her on the rise.

Which of these actresses has impressed you most, or is there another talent I should know about? Share your pick in the comments!