15 Rising Black Stars Under 25

This new generation of stars is nothing to play with! These talented entertainers keep breaking records, setting trends and, most importantly, being authentically themselves while doing it all. Now, it’s time we give them their flowers and open your eyes to some of the rising stars killing it in their respective fields. From Nigerian singer Ayra Starr to “The Lion King” actor JD McCrary, these 15 stars should be on everyone’s “to watch” list…

Storm Reid

At only 22, Storm Reid is already becoming a household name. The actress first got her start in the 2013 movie, “12 Years a Slave,” and ever since then, she hasn’t stopped shining! In “A Wrinkle in Time,” she played Meg Murry, the main characters in the novel turned movie. Reid also starred in “Euphoria,” alongside Emmy winner Zendaya. According to Blex Media, Reid is set to star in a new Netflix comedy called “Roommates.”

Miles Caton

Not too many people can say their breakout role was in a film directed by Ryan Coogler…but Miles Caton can! The 20-year-old starred in the 2025 movie “Sinners” as the main character, Preacher Boy. Now, folks are waiting to see exactly what is in store for him next. Between his incredible acting skills and his soulful singing talents, Caton is bound to be bigger than anyone can imagine.

KWN

KWN is putting on for the R&B singers in England! At just 25 years old, the singer has landed co-signs from folks like Kehlani and Chris Brown. Her biggest hit, “worst behaviour,” currently has 16 million views on YouTube, and it was only released in February. After dropping her first major EP since the song’s release, folks online can’t stop talking about the Nigerian-British singer, who is openly queer and killing it!

Marsai Martin

Ever since Marsai Martin was casted to play Diane in “Blackish,” Hollywood knew a star was coming. She’s only 20 years old, but already she has solidified herself as a fashion icon and talented director and film producer. She pitched her first major film, “Little,” which also starred Issa Rae and Regina Hall in 2019. She recently played the daughter of EGOT legend Viola Davis in “G20.” Now, it seems the world is Martin’s oyster as she continues to take Hollywood by storm!

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin first broke into the mainstream with his role in the Netflix drama “Stranger Things” in 2016. Ever since then, 23-year-old has remained set on proving himself to be one of the most versatile actors of his generation. From acting in the Lee Daniels “The Deliverance,” to starring in “American Dream: The 21 Savage Story,” playing a younger version of Atlanta rapper 21 Savage, McLaughlin is quietly finding his footing in Hollywood.

Riele Downs

Riele Downs just turned 21 in July, but already she keeps popping up on everyone’s Hollywood radar. You know her from Nickelodeon’s series and movie “Henry Danger.” But she’s had her fair share of acting roles alongside icons like John Amos and Eddie Griffin. In 2007, Downs was casted to play in the Canadian sitcom “Da Kink in My Hair,” which lasted two seasons.

Jordan Chiles

At 24, Jordan Chiles is already an Olympic gold medalist. She was an absolute star during the 2024 Paris Olympics, but controversy soon followed her after she was stripped of her bronze medal. Chiles is still fighting for her medal one year later, but that hasn’t stopped he rising star from paving her own lane in the world of gymnastics.

Miles Brown

Twenty-year-old Miles Brown has been working in Hollywood for most of his life. First starring in the Nickelodeon series “The Thundermans,” Brown then landed the role of a lifetime in “Blackish,” alongside Marsai Martin. The hit sitcom gave Brown the boast he needed to pursue other endeavors. Now, fans of the child star are waiting patiently to see what he has in store next.

Lexi Underwood

Maryland native Lexi Underwood will be 22 at the end of August. She famously starred in “Little Fires Everywhere” with Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon, throwing her into the limelight. Since then, Underwood has been building her portfolio, landed roles in “Cruel Summer” and “Sneakerella.” Underwood is also a rising star in the fashion world, drawing influence from 1990s style trends.

Ayra Starr

For those sleeping on 23-year-old Ayra Starr, this is your warning to wake up! It’s hard to call her a rising star when she’s already gotten cosigns from Rihanna and has gone platinum in the U.K., but just as her name suggests, Starr is not done shining yet. The Nigerian singer continues to turn heads and drop jaws as her distinct voice carries across the world. Many have compared her to Tems and Tyla, but truly, Starr is one of a kind.

Michael Cooper Jr.

He’s only 23 years old, but Michael Cooper Jr. is slowly becoming a household name. In his breakout role in Netflix’s “Forever,” Cooper Jr. played one of two main characters that had fans across the world falling in love with him. Now, the second season of the hit show based on the 1975 novel of the same name has been teased.

Jahi Winston

Atlanta native Jahi Winston has been putting in work since he was a child. Now at 21 years old, Winston is seemingly spreading his wings and making a name for himself. He famously starred in “Queen & Slim,” the 2019 drama featuring Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya. Recently Winston landed a role in the 2025 comedy “Government Cheese” starring David Oyelowo.

Quvenzhané Wallis

In 2012, Quvenzhané Wallis began taking over Hollywood. From her role as Hushpuppy in “Beasts of the Southern Wild” to her outstanding performance as “Annie” alongside Jamie Foxx, Wallis is no stranger to show business. Now at 21 years old, the actress continues to pave her way, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for her!

JD McCrary

He’s the youngest one on this list but he’s already landed roles that could surpass most of his peers! JD McCrary is 18 years old. He starred in Tyler Perry’s ‘The Paynes” before landing the biggest role in his career yet, “The Lion King,” with Donald Glover and Beyoncé. McCray played a young Simba, and given his vocal abilities, there’s no telling where he can go next!

Asante Blackk

After landing a role in Ava DuVernay’s “When They See Us” in 2019, Asante Blackk has been working to maintain his stardom. In 2023, Blackk starred in “Landscape with Invisible Hand,” a Sci-fi/Comedy with Tiffany Haddish and William Jackson Harper. Outside of this, the 23-year-old was just casted in a spin-off of one of America’s favorite crime dramas, “Snowfall.”