No matter how famous, acclaimed and popular they become, ,most actors start out with small guest roles on television. If you’re a fan of sci-fi or police procedurals, you’ve seen stars like Michael B. Jordan, Courtney B. Vance and Aldis Hodge before they got their big breaks. As the new TV season kicks off, we thought it was a good time to revisit some of these early days with a fun roundup of your favorite Black stars before they were famous.
Suggested Reading
Michael B. Jordan – ‘All My Children’
Like a lot of future movie stars, Michael B. Jordan started in soaps, playing Reggie Montgomery, the adopted son of Jack Montgomery and the stepson of Erica Kane herself.
Michael B. Jordan
Up next for the actor/director is the new horror film, “Sinners,” directed by his frequent collaborator Ryan Coogler.
Angela Bassett – ‘Search for Tomorrow’
Angela Bassett didn’t appear on the soap opera “Search for Tomorrow” long, but it was evident even then that she was destined for stardom.
Angela Bassett
Our queen returns to protect Los Angeles as Sgt. Athena Grant in Season 8 of the ABC drama “9-1-1.”
Courtney B. Vance – ‘Percy and Thunder’
Courtney B. Vance started in the theater, notably performing in “Fences” opposite James Earl Jones. The pair reunited in the TV movie “Percy and Thunder,” which marked one of Vance’s earliest TV roles.
Courtney B. Vance
Now, he’s set to star in FX’s latest weird Ryan Murphy drama, “Grostequrie.” The series is executive produced by and co-stars Niecy Nash-Betts.
Niecy Nash-Betts – ‘That’s So Raven’
Actress/comedian Niecy Nash-Betts broke out on the comedy “Reno 911!” and the reality series “Clean House.” Before that she made multiple guest appearances in various comedies, including the Disney Channel hit “That’s So Raven.”
Niecy Nash-Betts
In FX’s “Grotesquerie,” Nash-Betts is a detective who must balance her tumultuous family life as she tries to track a gruesome serial killer.
Aldis Hodge – ‘Supernatural’
Before “Leverage” and “Black Adam,” Aldis Hodge memorably played “Supernatural’s” Jake, a soldier who became the victim of an evil demonic plan. Unfortunately, he ended up on the wrong side of the Winchesters.
Aldis Hodge
Hodge is set to take on a familiar role as he becomes the latest actor to embody Alex Cross in the new Prime Video drama “Cross.”
Morgan Freeman – ‘The Electric Company’
The Oscar winner famously got his start on the popular 1970s children’s show. He co-starred alongside fellow Oscar-winning legend Rita Moreno.
Morgan Freeman
Most recently, the legend was seen co-starring with Luke Hemsworth in the action film “Gunner.”
Tichina Arnold – ‘Ryan’s Hope’
Before she delivered everyone’s favorite one-liners on “Martin,” Tichina Arnold also got her start in soaps, playing Zena on “Ryan’s Hope.”
Tichina Arnold
The TV vet has Season 7 of her hit CBS series “The Neighborhood” preniering Oct. 21. She also returns as Rochelle in the animated comedy “Everybody Still Hates Chris,” airing on Comedy Central.
Jesse L. Martin – ‘Ally McBeal’
If you’re a theater nerd, you were already very familiar with Jesse L. Martin from his stage work, particularly as Tom Collins in “Rent.” His major breakout role came as the dreamy Dr. Greg Butters on “Ally McBeal.” Shortly after that, he began his long run on “Law & Order.”
Jesse L. Martin
Up next is Season 2 of his fascinating NBC drama, “The Irrational,” premiering Oct. 8.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
