Young Black Actors
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Ashton Sanders was born on 24 October 1995 in Carson, California, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Moonlight (2016), The Retrieval (2013) and Captive State (2019).- Actor
- Soundtrack
Tequan (Tuh-kwon) Richmond arrived in Los Angeles from his hometown of Burlington, North Carolina nearly two decades ago and he certainly hasn't sat idle since planting his feet in Los Angeles soil.
He has appeared in a national Spalding basketball commercial with then Boston Celtic's Paul Pierce, as well as other national commercials for McDonald's, Pepsi, Verizon Wireless, Nintendo DS, Brand Jordan, Sears, Tide and many more.
Tequan has had guest-starring roles on shows such as Cold Case, ER, CSI, Memphis Beat, Private Practice, Detroit 1-8-7, Numb3rs, and The Shield to name a few. Tequan also appeared as Ray Charles, Jr. in "Ray," the much-anticipated musical biographical drama of American legend Ray Charles.
Tequan landed his first pilot for CBS a very short time after arriving in Los Angeles. He starred in an Aaron Spelling Production entitled "The Law and Mr. Lee" playing the grandson to Danny Glover (Henry Lee). Tequan had the opportunity to showcase his comedic chops playing the role of "Drew Rock" as a series regular in the hit television comedy "Everybody Hates Chris." Chris Rock narrated and produced this hilarious half-hour show on the CW Network. The show also starred Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews and is currently syndicated.
With no plans of slowing down, as Sundance 2013 rolled out their list of must-see films of the year, you could find Tequan starring alongside Isaiah Washington in a chilling performance playing one of the two Beltway snipers that terrorized the Washington, D.C. area in the thriller "Blue Caprice."
Richmond has also starred in the film "Nowhere, Michigan," in which he was a first-time producer.
While it appears there will be many more projects on the horizon for this talented act, Tequan has earned three Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of TJ Ashford in the long-running, daytime television show, General Hospital on ABC.- Actor
- Soundtrack
Tyrel Jackson Williams was born on 16 March 1997 in Westchester County, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for Party Down (2009), Brockmire (2017) and Thunder Force (2021).- Aaron Grady is an actor, writer, producer, and self proclaimed sex symbol from Detroit, Michigan. He was discovered by a talent scout as a young child and has been working in the industry ever since. He started his career as a series regular on Kevin Hart's ABC sitcom, "The Big House", but has also booked recurring and guest star roles on shows like "Everybody Hates Chris", "The Bernie Mac Show", "Ned's Declassified", and many more. Aaron's passionate determination towards displaying his talents is what continues to fuel his creativity and success.
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- Executive
Actor Michael Rainey, Jr. stars as Tariq St. Patrick on Starz network's hit drama series, Power Book II: GHOST where he leads a star studded cast a direct spin off from the hit series Power. Michael starred as Tariq St. Patrick in the hit series POWER, in a leading role alongside Omari Hardwick, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, and Naturi Naughton. He shot to fame at the tender age of ten, starring in the Italian film UN ALTRO MUNDO (2010), a role for which he mastered a new language and culture, and lived abroad for a year. Directed by Silvio Muccino, Michael spoke fluent Italian for the film and earned the immediate praise and attention of the industry's elite. Upon returning to the States, Michael's career took off. He made his first American film appearance in LUV (2012), starring in an all-star cast which included Common, Danny Glover. Charles Dutton, and Meagan Good. He went on to a prominent role in THE BUTLER (2013), with Oprah Winfrey, and Forest Whitaker, directed by Lee Daniels. Michael was then featured in seasons 1-3 of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK, and landed a starring role opposite Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer and Nicki Minaj in the third installment of the comedy franchise BARBERSHOP for Warner Brothers Pictures entitled BARBERSHOP 3: THE NEXT CUT. Michael also starred alongside McKinley Freeman in SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS (2014) for TV ONE.
Next, Michael co-stars with Nicholas Cage in the bank heist thriller 211, slated for release in 2018. He's also starring in a Netflix film in connection with Mandalay Bay Entertainment entitled AMATEUR. In it, Michael plays the role of Terron Forte, a young man whose basketball highlight video goes viral, and causes quite the stir. Written and directed by Ryan Koo, a participant in the 2014 Sundance Screenwriting Lab, the movie is set to premiere in 2018. Meanwhile, in the upcoming fifth season of POWER, Michael's character Tariq emerges as a pivotal figure in the storyline, showcasing Michael's acting chops in ways no one could have predicted.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys making music, playing video games, and living the life of a trendsetter for his generation. He's working on a memoir, chronicling his rise to stardom and how he has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. He gives back to his community through various philanthropic efforts, partnering with nonprofits across the country that target the homeless and impoverished communities. Michael Rainey, Jr. is an incredible example for young people of what happens when talent, humility and an incredible work ethic are brilliantly aligned.- Actor
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Jordan Calloway was born on 18 October 1990 in Los Angeles, California, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Black Lightning (2018), Riverdale (2017) and Countdown (2019).- Actor
- Additional Crew
Included in Variety's 2018 "Young Hollywood Impact Report" of talent poised for break-through, Myles Truitt was seen as the lead in the Lionsgate feature film Kin (2018). He portrays Eli, an adopted teenager searching for connection. The film begins as Eli is reunited with his step-brother, and details his cross-country journey of self-exploration. He stars opposite Dennis Quaid and James Franco. Earlier this year, Truitt co-starred in a pivotal flashback episode of the Emmy-winning FX comedy "Atlanta," which focused on middle-school bullying. Truitt also co-stars on OWN's "Queen Sugar" and the CW's "Black Lightning."
In 2017, Truitt co-starred as young Ronnie DeVoe in the BET mini-series "New Edition." The three-night television event chronicling the legendary music group set an all-time ratings record for the network. Also that year, Truitt appeared as Arlo Hastings in the Syfy original series "Superstition." Additionally, he completed production on the film "Dragged Across Concrete" alongside Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn, which is set to be released soon.
Since 2014, Truitt has worked with The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, performing a powerful solo during the presentation of "Soweto." A lover of the arts, and with aspirations to write, direct and produce original content, he has toured across HBCU campuses for a variety of youth presentations. When not singing or acting, Truitt enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his family. He lives in Atlanta. His slogan "Tru2itt" is the motivating force behind his upcoming t-shirt and apparel line.- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
RJ Cyler, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, was born Ronald Cyler II, the youngest of three boys. RJ has always been an entertainer in some way or form. At the age of 12, he started a dance team with his older brother. In January 2012, RJ heard a commercial for open auditions in the Jacksonville area. RJ was asked to Los Angeles for another acting camp, which at that time RJ's mentor asked his parents to consider relocating to California in order to support a possible future. Feb 22,2013,the family took a leap of faith; he along with his mother, moved to Los Angeles. Shortly after, his father and one brother also relocated as well. With his family behind him, RJ continues to focus on becoming a better young man, comedian & actor, not easily deterred when life comes at him, he is truly the laugh box of his family and to those who met him.- Actor
- Producer
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Jahking Guillory is one of the young faces of a new generation as a major talent on the rise. He recurred as the heartbreaking 'Coogie' in Showtime's series THE CHI, created by Lena Waithe and executive produced by Common and Elwood Reid with Rick Famuyiwa directing. He also recurs on Netflix's series ON MY BLOCK as well as on Facebook's first original series FIVE POINTS, produced by Indigenous Media and Kerry Washington. Jahking broke onto the scene starring in the Focus World film KICKS (with Oscar Winner Mahershala Ali) which premiered opening night at the Tribeca Film Festival before its west coast premiere at the LA Film Festival and theatrical release. Recently, Jahking can be seen on the CW Networks / Netflix hit show, Black Lightning and HBO's Insecure. Currently, he just wrapped three features, Hard Miles with Matthew Modine, Young, Wild and Free for Macro and indie, Summer of Violence.- Actor
- Producer
Kelvin Witherspoon is an actor, producer, and philanthropist who was born and raised in Miami, Florida.
His accomplishments to date exemplify the defiance of all the odds stacked against him from birth.
His father was deported back to Panama when he was only a few months old. He never had the chance to meet him before his passing.
Raised in this tough world by his mother, who struggled to feed Kelvin and his six other siblings, Kelvin being the youngest of seven, he endured many challenges that included dropping out of high school, being arrested, and being shot.
However, at the age of 21, his life started to change for the better, and his decision to take charge of his life enabled him to start his first business.
This molded his mindset and allowed him to understand that more was possible in life.
In 2013, his mother passed away from cancer. He had no reason to continue living in Miami, so in 2015, he uprooted his life and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. There, his acting journey began.
He started his acting career with no resources, no money, and no understanding of how the industry operated.
He stayed persistent.
Since then, he has worked on some of the biggest networks and studios, including Showtime, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO, to name a few.
He has been fortunate enough to work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
His journey, from where he came from to where he is now, and more importantly, where he is headed, is nothing but God's grace.
He had every excuse to quit. He had every excuse to say he can't. But his reason WHY was bigger than any excuse he could think of.- Actor
- Soundtrack
- Producer
Kelvin Harrison Jr. was born on 23 July 1994 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Luce (2019), Chevalier (2022) and It Comes at Night (2017).- Cayden K. Williams is known for Girls Trip (2017), David Makes Man (2019) and Beautifully Broken (2018).
- Actress
- Casting Director
- Akili McDowell was born on 30 December 2002 in San Francisco, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Criminal Activities (2015), Nightfall and The Waterboyz (2024).
- Actor
- Director
- Producer
Jordan Bolger was born on 9 November 1994 in Radford, Coventry, West Midlands, England, UK. He is an actor and director, known for Tom & Jerry (2021), The Woman King (2022) and iBoy (2017).- Micheal Ward was born on 18 November 1997 in Spanish Town, Jamaica. He is an actor, known for Empire of Light (2022), The Old Guard (2020) and Blue Story (2019).
- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
J.D. was born on 28 February 2000 in Conroe, Texas, USA. He is an actor and producer, known for Do Revenge (2022), Revolution (2012) and Outer Banks (2020).- Actor
- Additional Crew
- Camera and Electrical Department
Caleb McLaughlin is known for his role as Lucas Sinclair on the hit Netflix Original series, Stranger Things. However, Caleb has worked on several television shows which include: ABC Forever, CBS Unforgettable, NBC Law & Order SVU, HBO Miniseries Show Me a Hero, ABC 20/20 What Would You Do?, HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and CBS Blue Bloods starring Tom Selleck. Caleb can be seen as Jay-Jay on NBC's Shades of Blue starring Jennifer Lopez. Caleb also starred in the BET biopic mini-series on the New Edition Story as Ricky bell.
Caleb McLaughlin is a multi-talented, actor, singer and dancer- trained in ballet, tap, and jazz. Caleb made his Broadway debut as Young Simba in the Lion King on Broadway, 2012-2014. Caleb performed in the Off-Broadway show, Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek, written and Directed by Athol Fugard, where he received incredible reviews and praise for his role as Bokkie Caleb performed as Alex in the Kurt Weil Opera, Lost in the Stars with the Washington National Opera at Kennedy Center, Washington, DC and the Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown.
Caleb is a well- balanced kid and a true humanitarian. He loves God, his family and appreciates all those who support him on this journey.- Actor
- Producer
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Chosen Jacobs is definitely a rising star! Although new to Hollywood, he has always been able to entertain a crowd.
Chosen Jacobs is best known for his role as Mike Hanlon in the box office hit film, "IT Chapter One" and "IT Chapter Two". He has a recurring role on the hit CBS show "Hawaii Five-0," playing Will Grover, the son of Chi McBride's character. He can also be seen as Wendell Deaver on "Castle Rock", which can be seen on Hulu.
Other credits include playing Young Michael in the feature film "Cops and Robbers" and TV Land's "American Woman".
Chosen is an actor and a singer that was born in Springfield, MA and raised in Atlanta, GA. Chosen began his singing career with the Georgia Boys Choir, singing opera at the age of 6. He performed concerts locally, toured nationally, and internationally. At the age of 10, he began his acting career performing in Atlanta's local theaters. He performed in "The King and I", "Into the Woods", and "Hairspray". At the age of 13, he wanted to pursue his acting career even further, so he, his mother, and sister traveled to Los Angeles.
Chosen is no stranger to getting on stage and putting on a show! Chosen loves to spend his time in the studio writing and producing music. He is looking forward to putting out more music in 2019 and performing. He also had the opportunity to have his song "Losers" that he wrote and produced placed on the "IT Chapter One" "Losers' Club Playlist" on Spotify. He recently released his single "Missing You", inspired by his experience on "It Chapter Two". The song is now available on all streaming platforms.
Chosen has a special place in his heart for special needs children. He loves to give back to his community and the less fortunate by; feeding the homeless, donating his time, and partnering with organizations in Atlanta and Los Angeles that are close to his heart. He partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and a portion of the proceeds from his song "Me n Mine" will go towards funding to support their new "Harland Arts Club" for the youth in that community.
Fun Facts: One of Chosen's dream is to play Muhammad Ali and a Marvel character during his acting career. He is studying French and Mandarin. His favorite cartoon character is Naruto Uzumaki. He is a Sponge Bob and Marvel fanatic!- Daniel Bellomy was born on 27 December 1991 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He is an actor, known for A Matter of Time (2013), FBI: International (2021) and Blue Bloods (2010).
- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Lovell Adams-Gray is an actor, writer, producer born and raised in Toronto, Ontario (CA). Lovell attended and graduated from the Humber College Acting for Film and Television program, and continued his training at CFC actor's conservatory. He has had the fortune of working with acclaimed Canadian director; Clement Virgo, award winning producer/director Frank Van Keeken, and is known for his work on Lost & Found Music Studios, the short film; Damon, and as Peter Broome in the horror Anthology series; Slasher: Guilty Party. Lovell's debut project came as a hosting role on Frank Van Keeken's popular Family channel show, The Next Step Aftershow.- Akira Akbar was born on 2 October 2006 in the USA. She is an actress, known for Captain Marvel (2019), We Can Be Heroes (2020) and Criminal Minds (2005).
- Isaiah Russell-Bailey burst on the scene in 2018, and has quickly become a young actor to watch. He stars in the upcoming Netflix family comedy, "Family Reunion" starring Tia Mowry and Loretta Divine. Isaiah plays 'Shaka,' the mischievous, yet well-intentioned young son of the McKellan Family, as they move across the country to a small Georgian town. The series is already making huge waves for assembling an all- black writers room, a feat generally unheard of for a major studio show. Fans may also remember Isaiah from his roles as 'Burton' in the popular Disney series "Raven's Home," as young 'Dee' in the CBS crime drama "S.W.A.T.," or as 'Young Kevon Winters" in "Criminal Minds;" as well as his numerous national print and television campaigns. Isaiah was born in Fort Worth, TX. As a child, Isaiah would often accompany his mother to set where he first learned about break-dancing, one of his many passions. Outside of acting, Isaiah enjoys modeling, art, playing basketball, dancing and parkour.
- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Mike Merrill is an American actor, producer, and entrepreneur who has charted his own path to success in top-rated TV and film, emerging as one of Hollywood's exciting rising stars to watch in a new generation of leading men.
This year, Mike Merrill can be seen starring as Ty Washington in the second season of the Starz hit crime drama BMF, executive produced and created by Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.
In 2022, Mike starred as Martin Britton in Carl Weber's BET+ original, The Black Hamptons. The series garnered a 2023 NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special. Based on the New York Times Bestseller, the family-drama miniseries follows the brewing feud between the 'Brittons' and the 'Johnsons,' two of the most powerful families in the upscale Black town of Sag Harbor, NY, where the difference between old and new money is very apparent.
Additional television credits for Mike include CW's sports drama series All American, the Bounce TV Dramedy Finding Happy, BET Networks' American Soul and the NAACP Image Award-winning miniseries The Bobby Brown Story, and starring as Rodney in AMC's ALLBLK sexy drama, À La Carte.
In film, Mike was recently seen in the BET+ original movies, A Wesley Christmas, starring as Dennis Dobson and Keys to the City, starring alongside Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy) and Stephen Bishop (Money Ball).- Melody Hurd was born on 28 October 2011 in Prince George's County, Maryland, USA. She is an actress, known for Fatherhood (2021), Battle at Big Rock (2019) and Cross (2024).
- Actor
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Producer
- Niles Fitch, an Atlanta native, follows his passion for connecting with others through stage, print, commercials, television, film, and voice over. He loves to model, sing, dance, act, and make you laugh.
His father (a financial advisor) and his mother(an attorney), encouraged his excitement of smiling for the camera by securing his first talent agent at 3 years old. Since then, Niles has continuously booked print and commercial advertisements. At 7 years old, he signed with Wilhelmina Models (an international top five agency) and began commuting to New York City with his parents. At 9 years old, Niles signed with J. Pervis Talent in Atlanta and also made his theatrical debut as "Young Martin Luther King, Jr." in the musical "I Dream." The musical ran in the summer of 2010 and was directed by the renowned Jasmine Guy.
Ready to take his career to the next stage, Niles relocated with his family to New York City in August, 2010. In 2011, he was cast as "Young Simba" in Disney's The Lion King musical North American Gazelle Tour. While on tour, Niles won the Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Touring Show for his opening night performance and made his prime time television debut in an episode of Tyler Perry's House of Payne that aired on the same night (11/04/2011). In February, 2012 Niles returned to New York and continued the Young Simba role on Broadway. After ending his Broadway run Niles joined the cast of Army Wives in the role of Deuce, the son of Latasha Montclair (played by actress and Grammy Award winning singer Ashanti).
After relocating to Los Angeles in 2016 Niles became a series regular in the NBC #1 drama This Is Us as Teen Randall and also booked guest star roles in Mistresses, Best Friends Whenever, Mixedish, Atypical and other shows. Additionally, he booked leading roles in feature films Roman J. Israel, Esq. with Denzel Washington, The Fallout, and was Disney's 1st live action Black Prince in Secret Society of Second Born Royals.
Despite his rigorous schedule, Niles is a film student at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.