50 famous black male actors every cinephile should know about
Cinema would not be the same without the brilliance of black male actors. They have delivered powerful performances and unforgettable roles. Legends such as Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Samuel L. Jackson have delivered timeless performances, while stars like Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan brought new energy to modern Hollywood.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Black male actors
- 50. James Earl Jones
- 49. Morgan Freeman
- 48. Bill Cosby
- 47. Danny Glover
- 46. Samuel L. Jackson
- 45. Denzel Washington
- 44. Dennis Haysbert
- 43. David Alan Grier
- 42. Laurence Fishburne
- 41. Forest Whitaker
- 40. Eddie Murphy
- 39. Wesley Snipes
- 38. Andre Braugher
- 37. Djimon Hounsou
- 36. Don Cheadle
- 35. Martin Lawrence
- 34. Chris Rock
- 33. Cuba Gooding Jr.
- 32. Jamie Foxx
- 31. Morris Chestnut
- 30. Will Smith
- 29. Bernie Mac
- 28. Chris Tucker
- 27. Idris Elba
- 26. Omari Hardwick
- 25. Michael Ealy
- 24. Omar Epps
- 23. Sterling K. Brown
- 22. Tyrese Gibson
- 21. Omar Benson Miller
- 20. Chadwick Boseman
- 19. Kevin Hart
- 18. Donald Glover
- 17. Michael B. Jordan
- 16. John Boyega
- 15. Tyler James Williams
- 14. Keith Powers
- 13. Bryshere Y. Gray
- 12. Jordan Fisher
- 11. Kelvin Harrison Jr.
- 10. Trevor Jackson
- 9. Brett Austin Johnson
- 8. Jaden Smith
- 7. Marcus Scribner
- 6. McCarrie McCausland
- 5. Michael Rainey Jr.
- 4. Caleb McLaughlin
- 3. Miles Brown
- 2. Issac Ryan Brown
- 1. Lonnie Chavis
- Who are the famous black actors with dreads?
- Who were the black male actors in the 90s?
Key takeaways
- Black male actors have played a central role in shaping Hollywood and global cinema.
- Icons like Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Samuel L. Jackson set the standard with powerful, timeless performances.
- Rising stars such as Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan brought fresh voices and representation to modern film.
- Their contributions go beyond entertainment, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
Black male actors
These top African American actors are among the best, with several of them also being among the best living performers today. Furthermore, some have received multiple honours over the years.
This table provides a general overview of well-known black male actors and their contributions to film. The categories, eras, and examples are for reference only and do not cover their full careers. Popularity and impact are subjective and may vary by audience and opinion.
| Actor name | Era | Notable works | Legacy |
| Denzel washington | 1980s - Present | Training Day, Malcolm X | Two-time Oscar winner, cultural icon |
| Morgan Freeman | 1970s – Present | The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy | Revered for gravitas, narration, and mentoring roles |
| Idris Elba | 2000s – Present | Luther, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom | Famous English star, versatile in drama and action |
| Jamie Foxx | 1990s – Present | Ray, Django Unchained | Academy Award winner, actor-singer-comedian |
| Michael B. Jordan | 2010s – Present | Creed, Black Panther | Represents young black male actors, reshaping modern cinema |
| Daniel Kaluuya | 2010s – Present | Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah | Academy Award winner, influential British actor |
| Wesley Snipes | 1980s – 2000s | Blade, White Men Can’t Jump | Brought action hero visibility for Black actors |
| Will Smith | 1990s – Present | Men in Black, Ali, King Richard | Global superstar balancing comedy, action, and drama |
| Chadwick Boseman | 2010s – 2020s | Black Panther, 42 | Cultural icon, symbol of resilience and representation |
| Caleb McLaughlin | 2010s – Present | Stranger Things, Concrete Cowboy | Represents the new generation of talent in Hollywood |
50. James Earl Jones
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- Full name: James Earl Jones
- Date of birth: 17 January 1931
- Age: 94 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Arkabutla, Mississippi, United States
James is renowned as one of the best actors in American history. James Earl Jones made his debut on screen in 1952 when he appeared as Dr Jim Frazier in the series Guiding Light.
During his career, James has won 28 different awards. In 2019, he voiced Mufasa in The Lion King's hit animated film. This man exemplifies the lasting influence of black male actors over 60, who continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
49. Morgan Freeman
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- Full name: Morgan Freeman
- Date of birth: 1 June 1937
- Age: 88 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Morgan is one of the most famous black male actors in Hollywood who has been in the industry for more than five decades. Morgan Freeman rose to fame in the 1970s for his role in the television series The Electric Company.
However, Morgan Freeman is best known for his appearances in many well-regarded motion pictures, including Driving Miss Daisy, Lean on Me, and Glory. He has won 64 different awards and one Oscar award. The wisdom and gravitas in Morgan Freeman's movies have made him a household name, often embodying mentorship, leadership, and resilience.
48. Bill Cosby
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- Full name: William Henry Cosby Jr
- Date of birth: 12 July 1937
- Age: 88 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Bill Cosby is a legendary American stand-up comedian who doubles up as an actor and author. Bill is globally famous for the NBC sitcom television series The Bill Cosby Show, which ran for 8 seasons (1984-1992).
The 85-year-old celebrity made his debut in 11965'sSpy Espionage. He also ventured into singing, producing his Silver Throat: Bill Cosby Sings. Bill Cosby is considered one of the most famous older black actors in the industry.
47. Danny Glover
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- Full name: Danny Lebern Glover
- Date of birth: 22 July 1946
- Age: 79 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: San Francisco, California, United States
Danny is a 76-year-old film director and political activist. Danny Glover is widely known for his lead role as Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon film series.
He also had leading roles in films such as Beyond the Lights (2014), Sorry to Bother You (2018), The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019), The Dead Don't Die (2019), and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019).
46. Samuel L. Jackson
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- Full name: Samuel Leroy Jackson
- Date of birth: 21 December 1948
- Age: 76 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United States
Samuel is among the most famous black movie stars who have been in the industry for 50 years now. Samuel L. Jackson has appeared in popular films and series like Coming to America (1988), S.W.A.T. (2003), and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014).
45. Denzel Washington
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- Full name: Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.
- Date of birth: 28 December 1954
- Age: 71 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Mount Vernon, New York, United States
Denzel has been recognised for his extraordinary talent multiple times. Denzel Washington has been in the acting scene for over four decades and has acted in over 60 movies and TV shows. Countless classics can be found among Denzel Washington's movies, from thrillers to inspiring dramas.
He has won a Tony Award, three Golden Globes, seventeen NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
44. Dennis Haysbert
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- Full name: Dennis Dexter Haysbert
- Date of birth: 2 June 1954
- Age: 71 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: San Mateo, California, United States
Dennis Haysbert is one of the most talented voice actors in Hollywood. Dennis Haysbert is well known for his excellence and deep, resonant voice.
He has starred as a secret service agent, Tim Collin in Absolute Power, Sergeant Major Jonas Blane in The Unit, and President David Palmer in 24 (the first five seasons).
43. David Alan Grier
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- Full name: David Alan Grier
- Date of birth: 30 June 1956
- Age: 69 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan, United States
He is a talented comedian and actor. David Alan Grier is best known for his work in the sketch comedy television show In Living Colour, which aired from 1990 to 1994.
He has appeared in numerous movies, including Jumanji, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!, and Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration.
42. Laurence Fishburne
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- Full name: Laurence John Fishburne III
- Date of birth: 30 July 1961
- Age: 64 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Augusta, Georgia, United States
Laurence has been critically hailed for his films' forceful, militant, and authoritative characters. Fishburne has appeared in films and series like Black-ish, History's Greatest Mysteries, and Year Million, where he was the narrator.
41. Forest Whitaker
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- Full name: Forest Steven Whitaker
- Date of birth: 15 July 1961
- Age: 64 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Longview, Texas, United States
Forest Whitaker's first acting role was in 1982 in the television series Making the Grade. Since his debut, he has appeared in more than 100 films and TV series.
His recent roles include Doc Broadus in Big George Foreman, August Bolo in Extrapolations, Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson in Godfather of Harlem, and C. L. Franklin in Respect.
40. Eddie Murphy
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- Full name: Edward Regan Murphy
- Date of birth: 3 April 1961
- Age: 64 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Eddie rose to fame on the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, for which he was a regular cast member from 1980 to 1984. At age 21, Eddie Murphy co-starred with Nick Nolte in 48 Hours, and he went on to star in Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, and Shrek.
Black male actors from the 80s and 90s, like Eddie Murphy, brought a new level of energy, action, and comedy to the big screen. Their work not only entertained but also expanded opportunities for others in the industry.
39. Wesley Snipes
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- Full name: Wesley Trent Snipes
- Date of birth: 31 July 1962
- Age: 63 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Orlando, Florida, United States
Wesley is an American actor, film producer, and martial artist. Wesley Snipes' film roles include New Jack City (1991), White Men Can't Jump (1992), and The Expendables 3 (2014). He has appeared in a total of 72 films and series as of this writing.
38. Andre Braugher
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- Full name: Andre Keith Braugher
- Date of birth: 1 July 1962
- Age: 63 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Andre Braugher is best known for his role as the stoic Captain Raymond Holt on the Brooklyn Nine-Nine television show.
He made his acting debut in the 1989 movie Glory. Braugher has acted alongside stars such as Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick.
37. Djimon Hounsou
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- Full name: Djimon Gaston Hounsou
- Date of birth: 24 April 1964
- Age: 61 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Cotonou, Benin
Djimon is a Beninese-American actor and model. Djimon Hounsou began his career appearing in music videos. He made his film debut in Without You I'm Nothing (1990) and earned widespread recognition for his role as Cinqué in the Steven Spielberg film Amistad (1997).
36. Don Cheadle
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- Full name: Donald Frank Cheadle Jr
- Date of birth: 29 November 1964
- Age: 61 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Besides acting, Don Cheadle is also a producer, director, and writer, best known for his performances in Crash, Hotel Rwanda, and Iron Man 2. He made his debut on the big screen in the comedy film Moving Violations in 1985.
Hollywood today thrives on the consistency and talent of black male actors over 40 like Don Cheadle, who balance blockbuster roles with critically acclaimed performances.
35. Martin Lawrence
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- Full name: Martin Fitzgerald Lawrence
- Date of birth: 16 April 1965
- Age: 60 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Frankfurt, Germany
Martin Lawrence is among the most talented black actors over 50. He came to fame during the 1990s, establishing a Hollywood career as a leading actor.
He got his start playing Maurice Warfield in What's Happening Now!! (1987–1988). After that, Lawrence starred in various films and series like Big Momma's House and A Thin Line Between Love and Hate.
34. Chris Rock
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- Full name: Christopher Julius Rock
- Date of birth: 7 February 1965
- Age: 60 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Andrews, South Carolina, United States
Chris Rock began his career as a stand-up comedian and progressed into acting and producing. He has shared screen space with several celebrated Hollywood actors and actresses. Chris Rock has appeared in at least 68 films and 43 TV shows.
33. Cuba Gooding Jr.
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- Full name: Cuba Mark Gooding Jr.
- Date of birth: 2 January 1968
- Age: 57 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: The Bronx, New York, United States
Cuba began acting in 1986 in the TV series Better Days as Bully. Cuba Gooding Jr. went on to appear in several other series like Hill Street Blues, The Bronx Zoo, and Coming to America.
32. Jamie Foxx
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- Full name: Eric Marlon Bishop
- Date of birth: 13 December 1967
- Age: 58 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Terrell, Texas, United States
Born Eric Marlon Bishop, Jamie Foxx has been in the entertainment industry since 1990. He is also an established comedian and singer with 84 acting credits under his name. His notable roles include Spider-Man: No Way Home, White Famous and Baby Driver.
31. Morris Chestnut
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- Full name: Morris Lamont Chestnut
- Date of birth: 1 January 1969
- Age: 56 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Cerritos, California, United States
Morris is an actor and producer born in Cerritos, California, U.S. Morris Chestnut has starred in several TV series and films, like Our Kind of People (2021), The Resident (2019-2021), and Being Mary Jane (2019).
30. Will Smith
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- Full name: Willard Carroll Smith II
- Date of birth: 25 September 1968
- Age: 57 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Will Smith is one of the most famous celebrities around the globe. He has appeared in iconic movies, which made him famous. The industry is also full of black male actors over 50 who remain central to modern cinema.
His breakout role was in the comedy-drama Six Degrees of Separation in 1993. Ever since his debut, Will Smith has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, displaying great talent in all.
29. Bernie Mac
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- Full name: Bernard Jeffrey McCullough
- Date of birth: 5 October 1957
- Died: 9 August 2008
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Mac was an American actor and comedian. Bernie Mac rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian and appeared in films and television shows such as Mo Money, Booty Call, Friday, and The Players Club, among others.
Mac Bernie is due to pneumonia complications. He also had sarcoidosis, an inflammatory illness of uncertain origin that causes tissue inflammation.
28. Chris Tucker
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- Full name: Christopher Tucker
- Date of birth: 31 August 1971
- Age: 54 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Chris Tucker is also known as Christopher Tucker. He is a comedian born in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Chris made his debut as a stand-up performer in the 1990s when he appeared in Friday, The Fifth Element, Money Talks, and Jackie Brown.
27. Idris Elba
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- Full name: Idrissa Akuna Elba
- Date of birth: 6 September 1972
- Age: 53 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: London Borough of Hackney, London, United Kingdom
Idrissa Elba is among the most famous black actors from England. He is also a producer and musician. Idris Elba is known for his role as Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
26. Omari Hardwick
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- Full name: Omari Latif Hardwick
- Date of birth: 9 January 1974
- Age: 51 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Savannah, Georgia, United States
Besides acting, Omari Hardwick is also a poet, rapper, producer, and podcaster. He is best known for his starring role as James "Ghost" St. Patrick, the protagonist of Starz's Power.
He is also known for his roles in Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls (2010) and as Andre in Being Mary Jane.
25. Michael Ealy
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- Full name: Michael Brown
- Date of birth: 3 August 1973
- Age: 52 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Michael Brown, commonly known as Michael Ealy, was born in Washington, D.C., United States of America. Before his breakthrough in the film industry, Ealy was a waiter.
He later joined the theatre in off-Broadway productions, where he appeared in various stage plays. Since his debut, Ealy has appeared in various films and series, currently boasting 57 acting credits under his name.
24. Omar Epps
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- Full name: Omar Hashim Epps
- Date of birth: 20 July 1973
- Age: 52 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Omar has appeared in films and TV series like Power Book III: Raising Kanan, This Is Us, Almost Christmas, and Love & Basketball. Omar Epps has produced films like The Devil You Know, Daddy Don't Go, and Tripaholics.
23. Sterling K. Brown
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- Full name: Sterling Kelby Brown
- Date of birth: 5 April 1976
- Age: 49 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Sterling K. Brown is one of the popular African American male actors, famous for appearing in films such as This Is Us, I Am Athlete, and Black Panther. Sterling K. Brown currently has over 72 acting credits, according to his IMDb.
22. Tyrese Gibson
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- Full name: Tyrese Darnell Gibson
- Date of birth: 30 December 1978
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Watts, California, United States
Tyrese Gibson is a successful songwriter, singer, and model. His first media debut was a Coca-Cola advertisement in 1994. After that, he worked as a model and acted on various TV shows.
However, Tyrese Gibson is mostly known for his recurring role in two of the highest-grossing film series: Fast & Furious and Transformers.
21. Omar Benson Miller
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- Full name: Omar Benson Miller
- Date of birth: 7 October 1978
- Age: 47 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Anaheim, California, United States
Miller has appeared in various films and television shows. One of his notable roles was in the HBO drama series Ballers, where he portrayed the character Charles Greane. Omar Benson Miller has also appeared in other shows such as Oni: Thunder God's Tale, True Lies, and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.
20. Chadwick Boseman
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- Full name: Chadwick Aaron Boseman
- Date of birth: 29 November 1976
- Died: 28 August 2020
- Place of birth: Anderson, South Carolina, United States
Cinema has been shaped by the brilliance, charisma, and dedication of famous black actors who’ve captivated audiences across generations. Chadwick Aaron Boseman was an American actor, writer, and director best known for his role as T`Challa in Black Panther.
Chadwick Boseman also played roles such as Jackie Robinson in the movie 42 and the R&B singer James Brown in Get on Up. Chadwick was born to Carolyn and Leroy Boseman. His dad was an entrepreneur, while his mother worked as a nurse. At the time of his death, he had appeared in 34 films and TV shows.
19. Kevin Hart
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- Full name: Kevin Darnell Hart
- Date of birth: 6 July 1979
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
From trailblazers of the past to stars dominating the present, famous black male actors over 40 and beyond have proven that talent knows no age. Kevin Hart is an actor known for his great sense of humour and talent. His stand-up shows are often awe-inspiring and can only be described as breathtaking.
Hart is a household name in many countries, some of which he has visited on his numerous comedy tours. In addition, Kevin Hart boasts 99 acting credits.
18. Donald Glover
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- Full name: Donald McKinley Glover Jr.
- Date of birth: 25 September 1983
- Age: 42 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Edwards Air Force Base, California, United States
Donald Glover, known by his stage name Childish Gambino, is a rapper, actor, singer, writer, comedian, director, and producer.
Donald rose to fame when he portrayed college student Troy Barnes on the television sitcom Community. He has also starred in several films, such as TheLazaruss Effect, The Martian, and The Lion King.
17. Michael B. Jordan
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- Full name: Michael Bakari Jordan
- Date of birth: 9 February 1987
- Age: 39 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Santa Ana, California, USA
Jordan is among the fast-rising actors in the entertainment industry. Michael B. Jordan is known for his film roles as shooting victim Oscar Grant in the drama Fruitvale Station (2013), Boxer Donnie Creed in Creed (2015), and Erik Killmonger in Black Panther (2018).
The future of cinema shines through black male actors under 40 who are pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a Hollywood star. Michael B. Jordan represents a new era, winning awards and taking on challenging roles that speak to contemporary issues.
16. John Boyega
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- Full name: John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega
- Date of birth: 17 March 1992
- Age: 33 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: London, England
John Boyega is a British actor known for his roles in film and television. John Boyega gained widespread recognition for portraying Finn, one of the main characters in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.
He has also appeared in other notable films, such as Attack the Block and Pacific Rim: Uprising.
15. Tyler James Williams
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- Full name: Tyler James Williams
- Date of birth: 9 October 1992
- Age: 33 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Westchester County, New York, United States
Tyler James Williams is an American actor and rapper best known for playing Chris on Everybody Hates Chris and Noah on AMC's The Walking Dead.
Tyler began acting in 2000 when he appeared in the TV series Sesame Street. Since then, Tyler James Williams has appeared in more films and series, boasting 39 acting credits.
14. Keith Powers
- Full name: Keith Tyree Powers
- Date of birth: 22 August 1992
- Age: 33 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Sacramento, California, United States
Keith is an American actor and model. Keith Powers is best known for his role in TV series such as Faking It, Fear the Walking Dead, and Hollywood Unlocked with Jason Lee Uncensored. He has also produced short films such as A Little Closure and Asterisk.
13. Bryshere Y. Gray
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- Full name: Bryshere Yazuan Grey
- Date of birth: 28 November 1993
- Age: 32 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Bryshere Y. Grey, also known as Yazz the Greatest, is an American actor and rapper. He is best known for his role as Hakeem Lyon in the popular television series Empire. In addition to his acting career, Grey has also released several singles, such as Respect, You're So Beautiful, and Good People.
12. Jordan Fisher
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- Full name: Jordan William Fisher
- Date of birth: 24 April 1994
- Age: 31 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Fisher is an actor, singer, and dancer. Jordan Fisher is famous for his roles in television series such as The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Liv and Maddie. Together with his dancing partner, he won the 25th season of Dancing with the Stars.
11. Kelvin Harrison Jr.
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- Full name: Kelvin Harrison Jr.
- Date of birth: 23 July 1994
- Age: 31 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Kelvin is an American actor who began acting with minor roles in the 2013 films Ender’s Game and 12 Years a Slave.
He has starred in several roles, with Luce Waves' films bringing him widespread attention. Kelvin Harrison Jr. has also been cast in TV shows such as StartUp, Godfather of Harlem, and Shots Fired.
10. Trevor Jackson
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- Full name: Trevor Howard Lawrence Jackson
- Date of birth: 30 August 1996
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Trevor is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He is among the most handsome black actors, best known for portraying Aaron Jackson on Freeform's original series Grown-ish. Trevor Jackson has also appeared in Let It Shine, Cold Case, Eureka, and Austin & Ally.
9. Brett Austin Johnson
- Full name: Brett Austin Johnson
- Date of birth: 22 May 1997
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United States
He began acting when he was three years old. Brett Austin Johnson has only appeared in six films and TV series. They include The Spirit God Gave Us, Cherish Alexander: Change Can Start with Me, American, The Bad Cut, Five Feet Apart, and Swamp Murders.
8. Jaden Smith
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- Full name: Jaden Christopher Syre Smith
- Date of birth: 8 July 1998
- Age: 27 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Malibu, California, U.S.
Jade Smith is an actor, singer, and rapper. He is famous for his role in films such as Karate Kid and After Earth. As a result of his hard work in the entertainment industry, Jaden Smith has won several awards, such as Grammy Awards, BET Awards, and Teen Choice Awards.
7. Marcus Scribner
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- Full name: Marcus Scribner
- Date of birth: 7th January 2000
- Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
Marcus became famous for starring as Andre Johnson Jr. on the sitcom television series Black-ish, where he appeared in 165 episodes from 2014 to 2022. Marcus Scribner has also appeared in Dragons: The Nine Realms, Grown-ish, and Mixed-ish.
6. McCarrie McCausland
- Full name: McCarrie McCausland
- Date of birth: 19 August 2000
- Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: USA
McCausland made his television debut in 2011 as David Burton on ABC/Lifetime's blockbuster drama TV series Army Wives. McCarrie McCausland went on to appear in other films, including Lean and The Breaking Point. His forthcoming film roles include Skill House and Broken Mirrors.
5. Michael Rainey Jr.
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- Full name: Michael Rainey Jr.
- Date of birth: 22nd September 2000
- Age: 25 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Michael is a young American actor who started his career by appearing in Un Altro Mondo. Michael Rainey Jr. has also appeared on reality TV shows such as The Real, Tamron Hall and Made in Hollywood. However, he is popular mostly due to his role on the Starz show Power.
4. Caleb McLaughlin
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- Full name: Caleb Reginald McLaughlin
- Date of birth: 13th October 2001
- Age: 24 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Carmel Hamlet, New York, United States
Caleb gained popularity after his role as Lucas Sinclair in the Netflix series Stranger Things. He started acting as a child, with his first-ever role being in an Opera.
He then went on to Broadway, where he played the role of Young Simba in The Lion King. Caleb McLaughlin has been an active actor since 2012 and has featured in several films and television series. Famous black male actors under 30, like Caleb McLaughlin, are already making waves, promising a bright future for diversity in film.
3. Miles Brown
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- Full name: Miles Brown
- Date of birth: 28th October 2004
- Age: 21 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Los Angeles
A new wave of young black male actors continues to bring bold perspectives to the industry. Miles Brown is among the actors who have captured the attention of many with his onscreen talent. Miles began his career in 2012 when he appeared in the film Battlefield America..
He is best known for his role in the series Black-ish as Jack Johnson. Miles Brown has also appeared in Drunk History, Goldie and Bear, and Mixed-ish.
2. Issac Ryan Brown
- Full name: Issac Ryan Brown
- Date of birth: 12th July 2005
- Age: 20 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Detroit, Michigan
Issac first appeared on screen in 2013 as Kip in the series Sam & Cat. He is one of the young black actors to appear in many films and television shows. Issac Ryan Brown currently has over 50 acting credits to his name, and some of his recent roles include Gus in the series The Owl House.
1. Lonnie Chavis
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- Full name: Lonnie Chavis, Jr.
- Date of birth: 23 November 2007
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2025)
- Place of birth: Downey, California, U.S.
Lonnie is a young American actor and activist. He is known for playing young Randall Pearson on the NBC drama This Is Us. He has also appeared in ten episodes of White Famous and the TV movie Kevin Hart's Guide to Black History. According to his IMDb profile, Lonnie Chavis currently has 20 acting credits.
Who are the famous black actors with dreads?
Some of the actors renowned for wearing dreadlocks include Ava DuVernay, Lalah Hathaway, Willow Smith, and Jaden Smith.
Who were the black male actors in the 90s?
Some of the actors who dominated the 90s include Wesley Snipes, Samuel L Jackson, and Denzel Washington.
Who is the most popular black male actor?
Arguably, Denzel Washington often comes up as one of the most popular. His long, decorated career, regular presence in major films, consistent award nominations & wins, and lasting cultural impact give him a strong claim. Others often mentioned similarly would include Will Smith, Morgan Freeman, and Idris Elba.
Who is the famous English black guy?
If you mean in acting / entertainment, one of the most internationally recognised is Daniel Kaluuya, from London. He’s won major awards (Oscar, BAFTAs) and has had breakout roles in films like Get Out and Black Panther.
Who are the top 10 best-looking actors?
Best looking is very subjective and depends on taste, culture, and criteria. But combining how often names appear on “handsome/attractive / style icon” lists, here are 10 who frequently pop up:
- Michael B. Jordan
- Idris Elba
- Chris Hemsworth
- Ryan Reynolds
- Henry Cavill
- Will Smith
- Tom Hardy (often in such polls)
- Paul Mescal
- George Clooney
- Robert Pattinson
Who are the top 20 hottest male actors?
“Hottest” tends to be about looks + charisma + public/fan opinion. Some that often appear on lists include:
- Michael B. Jordan
- Chris Hemsworth
- Ryan Reynolds
- Henry Cavill
- Chris Evans
- Paul Rudd
These 50 famous black male actors have shaped film in lasting ways. The range of black actors 40-50 highlights just how versatile this group can be, often shifting between action, drama, and even comedy with ease. For cinephiles, these actors represent the perfect blend of maturity and artistry.
Legit.ng recently published an article on the top wealthiest actors in the world. Most of these actors are known to many. They have been very successful, and some have been in the industry for decades.
So what is the net worth of the wealthiest actor in the world? Have a look at this article to find out more.
Source: Legit.ng
Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: mercymmbuthia18@gmail.com
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
