Before They Were Famous: Childhood Photos of Your Favorite Black Stars

We’re taking a trip down memory lane with childhood photos of Will Smith, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington and others.

Photo: Getty Images Alekandra London, Matthias Nareyek, Slaven Vlasic

Some stars were meant to be entertainers. From a young age they were destined to take over the world. We were curious about where the path to stardom began for some of our favorites, so we fired up the time machine and took a nostalgic look back at the biggest Black stars before they were famous. For an early look at the most popular musicians, film and TV stars, check out these celebrities when they were still kids.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Social Media Split After Bishop T.D. Jakes Retires from The Potter’s House

Jamie Foxx

Screenshot: Bored Panda Screenshot: Bored Panda

The superstar entertainer has a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances. A talent that began when he was growing up in Texas.

Jamie Foxx

Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett

Beyonce

Screenshot: Bored Panda Screenshot: Bored Panda

According to Miss Tina Knowles, anyone who came to their house knew they would be sitting through a show because her daughters were born entertainers.

Beyonce

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

Uzo Aduba

Screenshot: UZO ADUBA/INSTAGRAM Screenshot: UZO ADUBA/INSTAGRAM

Tbis award-winning actress has kept us fascinated with all of her characters from the minute we started binging her work.

Uzo Aduba

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

Rihanna

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

Her rise from humble beginnings to superstardom and billionaire entrepreneur has inspired millions to join her Navy.

Rihanna

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison

Will Smith

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

He started as the Fresh Prince, but now we call him king of the box office. And yes, he’s an Oscar winner. They can’t take that from him.

Will Smith

Photo: Getty Images Hector Vivas Photo: Getty Images Hector Vivas

Bruno Mars

Screenshot: Catherine McGann/Getty Image Screenshot: Catherine McGann/Getty Image

One look at this tiny Elvis and it’s clear he had one career path in mind.

Bruno Mars

Kerry Washington

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

This adorable little one grew up to be one of our favorite actresses/activists. Her matching hair bows and shirt tell us she already had a keen sense of style.

Kerry Washington

Photo: Getty Images Alekandra London Photo: Getty Images Alekandra London

Erica Campbell

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

We’re sure she was already raising up her voice in worship from a young age.

Erica Campbell

Photo: Getty Images Presley Ann Photo: Getty Images Presley Ann

Michelle Obama

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

Who knew this little girl from Chicago was destined for fame-changing greatness?

Michelle Obama

Photo: Getty Images Erika Goldring Photo: Getty Images Erika Goldring

Boris Kodjoe

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

Even from a young age, this model/actor knew how to find the camera.

Boris Kodjoe

Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin

Eva Marcille

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

An adorable little boss in the making.

Eva Marcille

Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer

Kandi Burruss

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

The singer/actress/TV personality clearly knew she was headed for a career in the spotlight.

Kandi Burruss

Photo: Getty Images Monica Schipper Photo: Getty Images Monica Schipper

Kevin Hart

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

This little guy was already giving off class clown vibes.

Kevin Hart

Photo: Getty Images Paul Morigi Photo: Getty Images Paul Morigi

Keke Palmer

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

The former child star’s career began when she was young, but we always knew she could do anything.

Keke Palmer

Christina Milian

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

A cutie pie who rocked a bold sense style right from the start.

Christina Milian

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Vogue Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Vogue

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

These Little-Known Black History Facts Are Sure to Shock You

These Little-Known Black History Facts Are Sure to Shock You

100 years after the first Negro History Week, we’re looking at some amazing, little-known Black history facts …
Understanding the Plight of Somalis Making it to the U.S. -- Only to Get Trashed By Trump

Understanding the Plight of Somalis Making it to the U.S. — Only to Get Trashed By Trump

In order to understand the Somali Civil War and why President Trump is targeting Somalis, you have to start form the very beginning …
TODAY Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Gets Surprising News Months After Losing Husband to Cancer

TODAY Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Gets Surprising News Months After Losing Husband to Cancer

Sheinelle Jones has had a tough year as she took some time away from her role on the TODAY Show. But now things are looking up thanks to this new announcement! …
Vince Staples' Comment About How Black Folks Would've Dressed For Jan. 6 Insurrection is Deeper Than You Think

Vince Staples’ Comment About How Black Folks Would’ve Dressed For Jan. 6 Insurrection is Deeper Than You Think

Vince Staples joked that Black folks simply look “better” during revolutions, and the Civil Rights Movement and Black Panther Party are prime examples of why he has a point …
Rep. Jim Clyburn Stands With Michelle Obama on This Hard Truth About the American People

Rep. Jim Clyburn Stands With Michelle Obama on This Hard Truth About the American People

Congressman Jim Clyburn echoes Obama, calling out America’s double standard on women in power …
Why Singer Jason Derulo Vows to <i>Never</i> Work With Women Again

Why Singer Jason Derulo Vows to Never Work With Women Again

Jason Derulo states that he feels uncomfortable working alone with women ever since his sexual harassment case …
Why Lil Rod's Part in Shocking Diddy Documentary Was So Jarring

Why Lil Rod’s Part in Shocking Diddy Documentary Was So Jarring

Producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones’ confessional was just one of many in Netflix’s new Diddy doc. But it’s got a lot of people talking for a lot of reasons. Let’s get into it! …
All About the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect

All About the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect

Authorities arrested Brian Cole Jr., a Black man and loner who lived in his mom’s basement, as the suspect who planted pipe bombs on Jan. 5, 2021 …
Mother Who Stabbed a Nurse to Fund Her Teen's Cheerleading Trip Learns Her Fate

Mother Who Stabbed a Nurse to Fund Her Teen’s Cheerleading Trip Learns Her Fate

Years after a nurse was stabbed 17 times, a cheer mom who needed cash for her daughter’s trip just learned her fate after pleading her innocence …
The Real Story Behind the Woman Everyone Identified as 'Juror 160' From the Diddy Netflix Doc

The Real Story Behind the Woman Everyone Identified as ‘Juror 160’ From the Diddy Netflix Doc

This woman has gone viral for a photo she took with Diddy more than 15 years ago. Here’s how it connects to the Netflix doc and how everyone has it all wrong …
Kimora Lee Simmons Finally Breaks Silence Over Her Daughter Dating Man 44 Years Older

Kimora Lee Simmons Finally Breaks Silence Over Her Daughter Dating Man 44 Years Older

Kimora Lee Simmons isn’t holding back her thoughts when it comes to the controversial relationship her daughter got entangled in, in 2024! …
The Story of Jasmine Crockett's Political Journey From Local Politics to an Historic Senate Run

The Story of Jasmine Crockett’s Political Journey From Local Politics to an Historic Senate Run

Long before her viral read on Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Jasmine Crockett has been committed to doing the work of the people. Now, she has her sights set on the Senate …
Busta Rhymes Runs Up on Content Creator Who Said He Looks Like Tracy Morgan -- and It's Not Pretty

Busta Rhymes Runs Up on Content Creator Who Said He Looks Like Tracy Morgan — and It’s Not Pretty

In a now-viral clip, Busta Rhymes had to get a fan together after a case of mistaken identity …
Small Town of Latta, S.C. Makes History Twice With One Election of Black Mayor

Small Town of Latta, S.C. Makes History Twice With One Election of Black Mayor

Marcus McGirt’s historic victory in Latta came after generations of Jim Crow and racism in the South Carolina town …
How Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run Could Completely Reshape U.S. Politics Right Now

How Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run Could Completely Reshape U.S. Politics Right Now

On the final day candidates can qualify for the primary election, Root 100 honoree Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced she’s running for Senate …
Is Tyra Banks OK? Why Fans Don't Think So

Is Tyra Banks OK? Why Fans Don’t Think So

Tyra Banks is looking to expand her ice cream brand just in time for the holiday season, but her latest attempt has fans genuinely concerned and confused! …
How Cynthia Erivo’s Latest 'Wicked' Press Run Proves Misogynoir is Alive and Well

How Cynthia Erivo’s Latest ‘Wicked’ Press Run Proves Misogynoir is Alive and Well

Cynthia Erivo has been forced to endure awkward press moments and field inappropriate interview questions that Ariana Grande and her other non-Black “Wicked” co-stars don’t have to …
What Jeannie Mai and Jeezy Have to Say About Their Messy Divorce a Year Later Might Surprise You

What Jeannie Mai and Jeezy Have to Say About Their Messy Divorce a Year Later Might Surprise You

The divorce between Jeezy and Jeannie Mai kept going from bad to worse, but now it seems like the two have come out on the other side of it and are speaking out! …
Wait, Again?? Manhunt Underway for More Escaped New  Inmates in New Orleans

Wait, Again?? Manhunt Underway for More Escaped New Inmates in New Orleans

Months after 10 inmates escaped from a Louisiana prison, a second manhunt is underway in the same state for more escaped inmates …
3 Shocking Takeaways From Marjorie Taylor Greene's Bombshell '60 Minutes' Interview

3 Shocking Takeaways From Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Bombshell ’60 Minutes’ Interview

Weeks after announcing her resignation from Congress, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is back with an interview to spill all the tea on Trump and MAGA …