Black Hollywood has been flooded with incredible actors over the last year, and there are a number of young melanated stars that are making their names known on TV and the big screen. From sci-fi and animation to drama and romance, these rising Hollywood titans are dominating the TV and film industry with their diverse roles and incredible talent.
Caleb McLaughlin
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Caleb McLaughlin rose to prominence on the Netflix hit series Stranger Things as Lucas Sinclair. Since then, the multi-talented star has been boasting his powerful acting chops in TV shows and films like BET’s The New Edition Story and the animated feature Warriors.
McLaughlin, 21, broke into the industry on Broadway starring as Young Simba in the theatric rendition of the iconic Disney film. He went on to shine in movies such as High Flying Bird and Concrete Cowboy.
The young actor embodies Black excellence down to a tee. BET noted that the rising star is classically trained in ballet, tap and jazz. He’s also the recipient of a BET and NACCP Image award.
Skylan Brooks
Skylan Brooks, the young star who rose to fame in the 2013 breakthrough film The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, is making his mark in the Hollywood industry.
You may remember the standout from the intense boxing drama South Paw where he starred opposite of Jake Gyllenhall. Brooks also captivated audiences at “Ra-Ra” in the Netflix smash The Get Down.
Now, the 24-year-old celeb is loading up his acting credits with unique characters that are sure to land him praise from the academy.
In 2022, Brooks sent fans reeling in Archenemy where he starred as Hamster, the sidekick of Max Fist in the dark superhero flick. The actor will also appear in the directorial debut of Aml Ameen’s A Night Worth Living. The forthcoming film centers on Brooks as a high school romance blogger who uses social media to anonymously end a relationship between his childhood bae and her cheating influencer boyfriend, with the hope of becoming her new romance.
Here are some more Black actors that are blowing up in Hollywood.
1. Chosen Jacobs
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Chosen Jacobs is making some buzz at the box office. The star catapulted into Hollywood stardom after he appeared in as Mike Hanlon in the hit Stephen King Film, IT Chapter One and IT Chapter Two.
His portrayal of the determined and resilient character showcased his ability to delve into complex emotions, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. Jacobs’ natural talent and dedication to his craft have garnered him praise, and he continues to expand his repertoire with diverse roles that highlight his versatility.
The star, who began his career in music and theatre, has wowed fans on shows such as Hawaii Five-O and God Friended Me. Jacob also shined in Disney’s Sneakerella as El, a sneaker designer from Queens who falls in love with a daughter of a sneaker mogul played by Lexi Underwood.
2. Shameik Moore
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Shameik Moore began his career in the entertainment industry as a dancer and singer, showcasing his talent and passion for the performing arts. However, it was his breakout role as Malcolm in the 2015 coming-of-age film Dope that propelled him into the spotlight.
Moore’s portrayal of the intelligent, geeky high school student earned critical acclaim, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters with authenticity and depth. He further demonstrated his versatility by lending his voice to the character of Miles Morales in the animated blockbuster Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Moore’s incredible range and undeniable charisma make him a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
3. John Boyega
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John Boyega burst onto the scene with his breakthrough role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. His portrayal of the conflicted Stormtrooper-turned-hero resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
Boyega’s charismatic presence, combined with his undeniable talent, propelled him into the international spotlight. Beyond his acting skills, Boyega has used his platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry, amplifying underrepresented voices and championing change. With a string of successful projects under his belt and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Boyega, 31, continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences with his performances.
The Britsh actor recently starred as King Ghezo opposite Viola Davis in the box office hit The Woman King.
4. Jacob Latimore
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Jacob Latimore’s journey to stardom began as a young singer, captivating audiences with his soulful voice and impressive dance moves. His transition to acting came naturally, and he quickly made a name for himself with his on-screen presence and undeniable talent.
In 2016, Latimore delivered a compelling performance in the indie drama Sleight, where he portrayed a street magician with a dark past. His ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters garnered praise from movie critics, further establishing him as a rising star.
With roles in The Chi, Gully, and the 2023 reprise of the iconic ’90s film House Party, Latimore shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. His continued success in both music and acting is a testament to his versatility and unwavering commitment to his craft.
5. JD McCrary
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JD McCrary’s talent extends beyond acting. He is also an accomplished singer who has impressed audiences with his powerful vocals. At a young age, McCrary landed the coveted role of Young Simba in Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Lion King.
His rendition of iconic songs like “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” showcased his incredible range and stage presence, earning him widespread praise. McCrary’s acting prowess and natural charm have wowed fans, cementing his status as a rising star. With a promising career ahead, he continues to showcase his talents on both the big and small screens.
We can’t wait to see where the 15-year-old showcases his incredible talents next.
6. Miles Caton
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In addition to bringing a fresh take on the classic vampire horror trope, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners introduced audiences to a fresh face: Miles Caton. Playing “Sammie,” in the blockbuster film, Caton blew fans away with his musical and acting performances alongside Hollywood powerhouse Michael B. Jordan, the horror flick’s leading man.
During an interview with USA Today, published April 21, Caton reflected on his journey to stardom telling writer Brian Truitt that as a kid, he always knew he wanted to act “subconsciously,” but never thought about pursuing it seriously until the opportunity to audition for Sinners came about.
“I said, ‘Hey, maybe this is my chance.’”
Caton took one incredible leap that would change his life forever. When he got the call to play Sammie, the young actor went into action, refining his acting skills for his big-screen debut.
Caton was already musically talented, having toured with H.E.R., and participated in the NBC competition show Little Big Shots in his teens, so channeling his character’s musical spirit was no biggie.
Caton learned to play the blues guitar to truly embody Sammie’s church background. In real life, the star is the son of gospel singer Timmy Figueroa.
In some ways, the buzzing actor said he felt as though the role was made just for him as he could relate to Sammie’s versatile background.
“We both had such a strong ambition, especially in music, just to pursue it and to be great. When everything around you in the world is going crazy, the guitar was something that he could really hold onto that was kind of safety for him, and also his first love,” Caton said.
7. Toheeb Jimoh
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British actor Toheeb Jimoh is recognized for his role as Sam Obisanya in Ted Lasso, earning a 2022 Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He has also appeared in the BBC One biographical film Anthony and the Amazon Prime series The Power, showcasing his versatility across genres.
The 28-year-old actor is gearing up to add another star-studded accomplishment to his resume. In March, Deadline reported that the British Hollywood standout would be joining the cast of HBO’s hit drama series Industry for Season 4.
8. Aaron Pierre
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British heartthrob Aaron Pierre, 30, has been booked and busy over the last two years. The rising Hollywood hunk appeared in Disney’s highly praised sequel The Lion King: Mufasa (2025), voicing the role of the wise Mufasa. He also made waves in the action-packed thriller Rebel Ridge in 2024.
During a conversation with GQ writer Jake Kring-Schreifels in January, the actor shared that his secret to success lies in choosing roles that challenge him and push him out of his comfort zone, roles that are deeply rooted in his own authenticity.
“When it comes to certain decisions that I make in my career, I have a habit of leaning into opportunities that challenge me to grow and evolve and learn more about myself as an artist, and more importantly, as a man, as a human being.”
9. Jharrel Jerome
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Keep an eye on Jharrel Jerome. This rising star has quickly made a name for himself as an actor and producer with a powerful presence on screen. He first gained major recognition for his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film Moonlight (2016) and later earned critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for his gripping performance as Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us (2019).
Jerome continued to impress audiences with his voice role in the animated hit Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) and the hilarious TV comedy series I’m a Virgo. Known for choosing complex, emotionally rich roles, Jerome is not just a performer to watch, he’s shaping up to be one of the defining voices of his generation.
