The majority of social criticism directed at black people was based on their race and, obviously, their skin tone. However, many actors not only showed their value to the entertainment industry but also proved that they were just as competent as or even more so than the public perceives them to be.
On the list below, however, are famous black actors under the age of 40 who have made a name for themselves as accomplished artists and made significant contributions to the Hollywood film industry.
#1 Michael B Jordan – 35 Years Old
American actor and producer Michael Bakari Jordan started his acting career with the film “Black and White” in 1999. He made his acting debut in “The Sopranos” the same year, and he is most recognized for playing Oscar Grant in “Fruitvale Station,” Donnie in “Creed,” and Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther,” among other parts.
Jordan was born on February 9, 1987; thus, he is currently 35 years old as of 2022. Moreover, he was the middle of three children of his parents, Donna and high school counselor Michael A Jordan, and he grew up in Santa Ana, California. Additional information, the actor is not related to or named after the basketball legend Michael Jordan.
From California, Jordan and his family moved to Newark, New Jersey, when he was still a young child. And from then, he started working as a child model, which led to his first acting role in 1999. Michael B Jordan graduated in 2005 from Newark Arts High School.
#2 Shad Moss – 35 Years Old
American actor, rapper, and TV host Shad Gregory Moss is better known by his stage name, Bow Wow, which was formerly Lil’ Bow Wow. He started his rap career in 2001 with the release of the movie “Carmen: A Hip Hopera” and made his television debut on “The Steve Harvey Show” the same year. The actor Moss is well-known for his studio albums, including “Beware of Dogs,” “Doggy Bag,” and “Unleashed,” and his hit films, including “Lottery Ticket” and “Like Mike.” He is among the best actors and singers under 40.
Shad Moss was born on March 9, 1987, and is currently 35 years as of the year 2022. His parents, Teresa Rena (Jones) and Alfonso Preston Moss, gave birth to him in Columbus, Ohio, in the United States and later raised him in nearby Reynoldsburg. However, he never saw his father since he was born. Thus, he was raised by his mother, now a Caldwell, and Rodney Caldwell, his stepfather. He also has step-sisters named Erica and Jasarah.
Shad began rapping when he was five, going by the moniker “Kid Gangsta,” and a year later, while rapper Snoop Dogg was on “The Chronic Tour,” Shad impressed him and was given the name “Lil’ Bow Wow.” Subsequently, Shad was engaged by Snoop Dogg to perform as his opening act, and Jermaine Dupri, the producer who aided Shad’s career, was introduced to him.
#3 Donald Glover – 38 Years Old
American actor, comedian, singer, rapper, producer, director, and writer Donald McKinley Glover Jr., is best known by the alias Childish Gambino. He started his first appearances in the 2005 film “Mystery Team” before moving on to the TV show “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” Moreover, Glover is most known for his roles as Andre in “Magic Mike XXL,” Aaron Davis in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” and Niko in “The Lazarus Effect.”
Donald Glover was raised by his parents, Beverly Smith and Donald Glover, in Stone Mountain, Georgia, but was born at Edwards Air Force Base in California, U.S. Furthermore, the actor is currently age 38 as of 2022, born on September 25, 1983. Additional information, he is not related to Danny Glover.
Glover enrolled in the DeKalb School of the Arts and was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. Later, he studied at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, earning a dramatic writing degree in 2006. Furthermore, Glover won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series.
#4 Lance Gross – 40 Years Old
Lance Darnell Gross, also known as Lance Gross, is a Ghanaian-American actor, producer, model, and photographer. He is notable for his works, such as his award-winning portrayal of Calvin Payne on Tyler Perry’s hit TBS sitcom “House of Payne” in 2006, “Sleepy Hollow” in 2013, and “Temptation: Confession of a Marriage Counsellor” in 2013.
Gross was born on July 8, 1981, and is now 40 years old as of 2022. His birthplace was in Oakland, California, US. He is currently married to his wife since May 23, 2015, Rebecca Jefferson, and gave birth to two children, Berkeley Brynn Gross, and Lennon Lorin Gross.
In his teen years, Gross attended Bonanza High School, where he has crowned the Prom King in his last year of school and was an exceptional athlete, granting him a full track and field scholarship at Howard University. Although Lance Gross was naturally talented in athletics, he happened to turn down the offer of becoming a Pro Track and Field athlete to pursue his other dream, which is acting.
#5 Daveed Diggs – 40 Years Old
American actor, singer-songwriter, vocalist, and rapper Daveed Daniele Diggs is most known for playing the Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson role in the musical “Hamilton: An American Musical,” which earned him a Tony Award and a Grammy Award. He also performs with the American experimental hip-hop group “Clipping.”
Daveed Diggs is currently 40 years old, born on January 24, 1982, to his Jewish mother and African-American father. His parents, Dountes Diggs and Barbara Needell gave birth to him in Oakland, California, U.S. Moreover, he also has a brother named Malcolm Diggs.
He enrolled at Berkeley High School throughout his secondary education, when he was recognized that he was a gifted athlete. As a result of his track skills, he was recruited by the Brown Bears, a sports team at the university. In 2004, he received a bachelor’s in theatrical arts from the institution and graduated.
#6 Jesse Williams – 41 Years Old
American actor Jesse Wesley Williams, better known as Jesse Williams, is also a director, film producer, and activist. He made his first appearance in the 2008 film “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” after beginning his career in the 2006 television series “Law & Order.” He rose to prominence for playing Dr. Jackson Avery in “Grey’s Anatomy,” Holden McCrea in “The Cabin in the Woods,” and James Lawson in “The Butler,” among other well-known parts.
Jesse Williams is currently at age 41 and was born on August 5, 1980, in Illinois, U.S. He has two siblings and is the son of Reginald Williams and Johanna Chase. He married Aryn Drake-Lee in 2012; they had two children together before divorcing in 2020.
Additionally, he was a former high school teacher. Furthermore, before becoming an actor and director, Jesse Williams was included among its board of directors in the Advancement Project, a civil rights organization and research tank. Additionally, he is the executive producer of “Question Bridge: Black Males,” a multimodal media project.
#7 Nick Cannon – 41 Years Old
American actor Nicholas Scott Cannon, professionally known as Nick Cannon, is also a comedian, rapper, singer, and TV host. In 1998, his first appearance in acting was in the TV show “All That,” and in 2000, Cannon made his big screen debut in the movie “Whatever It Takes.” In “Men in Black II,” Cannon played the MIB Autopsy Agent, and in “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” he played Alvin Johnson.
Nick Cannon is currently age 41 as of 2022, born on October 8, 1980, to his parents, Beth Gardner and James Cannon. In 2008, he was married to Mariah Carey and gave birth to three children, Golden Cannon, Monroe Cannon, and Moroccan Scott Cannon, and they eventually divorced in 2016. In addition, he lived in California with his paternal grandparents while growing up but also spent time with his father, a pastor, in North Carolina.
Cannon has served as the face of the “National Association of Letter Carriers” food campaign since 2011. In 2012, he battled mild kidney failure. Lupus nephritis was later identified as the cause of the failure. In 2016, Cannon attended at Howard University.
#8 Lakeith Stanfield – 31 Years Old
American actor Lakeith Lee Stanfield, also known as Keith Stanfield, is also a rapper. Although Lakeith Stanfield is most recognized for performing with the band Moo, he has also acted in several different projects. To name a few, he was well recognized for his portrayal in the film “The Purge: Anarchy,” “Snowden,” “Get Out,” “Dope,” and “Selma.”
Stanfield is at age 31 years old as of 2022, born on August 12, 1991. His parents, Karen Garrett and Gary Stanfield, gave birth to him in San Bernardino, California, U.S. He was raised in Victorville and Riverside. In terms of his romantic relationships, he has a kid with the best actress Xosha Roquemore, and also a black person.
Stanfield started attending the John Casablancas Modeling & Career Center in Orange County when he was fifteen. In 2008, he tried out for Destin Cretton’s then-college thesis movie “Short Term 12” a few years later. Then, he also performed in theater productions and appeared in several short films, including “The Fires, Howling,” “King Ripple,” “Tracks,” and “Hard World for Small Things.”
#9 Kendrick Sampson – 34 Years Old
In addition to being an activist and producer, American actor Kendrick Smith Sampson, commonly known by his stage as Kendrick Sampson, is well-known for his roles in the television series “The Vampire Diaries” from 2009, “How to Get Away with Murder” from 2014, and “Gracepoint” from 2014.
Kendrick utilizes his voice to raise awareness of issues of injustice and to give oppressed populations more power. His advocacy is centered on racial justice, intersectional feminism, criminal justice reform, and bringing together black, brown, and indigenous people.
Sampson is currently 34 years old as of the year 2022, born on March 8, 1988. His parents, Daphne Smith Sampson and Hoyle Sampson Sr. gave birth to him in Houston, Texas, US. Between 2007 and 2008, he attended private coaching, improv, and scene study classes in Los Angeles. He previously signed on to play Lamar in “Resurrection: The JR Richard Story” in 2005.
Then, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, to pursue his acting career. Additionally, he is a steadfast supporter of the “Standing Rock” and “Black Lives Matter” movements, as well as of liberal political causes and social justice education.
#10 Charles Michael Davis – 38 Years Old
American actor Charles Michael Davis is also a known model, producer, photographer, and director. Davis began his career as a model before landing the character of “Marcel Gerard” in the TV series “The Originals.” In the television series “Noah’s Arc,” Davis had his acting debut in a minor role. Later, he played recurrent parts in shows including “Switched at Birth” and “The Game.” Davis played the character Dr. Jason Myers in the medical drama series “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Davis is 38 years old as of 2022, born on December 1, 1984, to his parents, Marina Davis, a Filipino, and Charles Davis, an African-American. Davis received his schooling at Riverside’s Stebbins High School. Later, he studied at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Since he was young, Davis has been interested in modeling. Davis began his modeling career in Cincinnati with Wings Model Management. He had a notable start when he was seen at an event going on by the agency Actors, Models, and Talent for Christ, and he has appeared for renowned brands, including Nike and FootLocker.
#11 Winston Duke – 36 Years Old
Tobagonian actor Winston Duke is best known for his role as M’Baku in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” films “Black Panther” in 2018, “Avengers: Infinity War” in 2018, “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019, and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022. He also starred in Jordan Peele’s horror film “Us” in 2019.
Tobagonian actor Winston Duke was born on November 15, 1986, and is currently at the age of 36 years old. He may have been born in Argyle, Saint Paul, Tobago; however, Winston Duke soon moved to the US at nine years old with his mother, Cora Pantin, and his sister. Duke studied at Yale School of Drama alongside “Black Panther” co-star Lupita Nyong’o. While still a student, they fantasized about working together on a Marvel film one day, eventually earning together.
He attended Brighton High School in Rochester, New York, and graduated in 2004. Then Duke earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater from the University of Buffalo. He subsequently attended Yale School of Drama, earning a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in acting in 2013. Duke began his acting career with Portland Stage Company and Yale Repertory Theatre before landing the role of Person of Interest.
#12 Leslie Odom Jr. – 41 Years Old
American actor and singer Leslie Lloyd Odom Jr. doesn’t only appear in any film or on television but also performs on the stage. He is notable for his role as Hamilton in the Broadway musical. His performance garnered him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical in 2016, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Additionally, Leslie Odom Jr., an established television actor, plays a vital part in the musical series “Smash.”
Leslie Odom Jr. is 41 years old and was born on August 6, 1981. He was raised in Philadelphia after being born in Queens, New York. Furthermore, he is married to actress Nicolette Robinson and a proud father of a lovely daughter.
He attended Carnegie Mellon University and moved to Los Angeles after graduating in 2003. Since childhood, Odom Jr. has been interested in acting and singing, and at the age of 17, he made his Broadway debut with the ambition of becoming an actor. Leslie Odom Jr. is also an author, having written “Failing Up: How to Take Risks,” “Aim Higher,” and “Never Stop Learning.”
#13 Jay Ellis – 41 Years Old
Jay Ellis is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and television and film actor, known for his portrayal in the TV series “The Game.” He also won the role of NAACP Image Awards for his Outstanding Supporting Actor in the comedy series “Insecure.”
Jay Ellis was born on the 7th of December 1981 and is currently 41 years old as of the year 2022. Ellis, who was born in Sumter, South Carolina, spent most of his youth traveling with his military family. His father served in the Air Force for over 15 years, and his mother was a successful financial professional and former board member of the Federal Consumer Advisory Council.
Jay earned his Suma Cum Laude diploma from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, where he also played basketball and served as student body president. He previously worked with the Portland Trailblazers before joining AmeriCorps to provide care and services to underprivileged Portland students.
Jay relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career before obtaining his first role on the BET series “The Game,” which lasted 147 episodes. Jay has been in critically praised shows such as “Masters of Sex,” “Grace and Frankie,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “NCIS.”
#14 Corbin Bleu – 33 Years Old
American actor, producer, dancer, and singer Corbin Bleu is most recognized for his portrayal of Chad Danforth in Disney’s “High School Musical.” He also had appearances in TV series, such as “High Incident,” “ER,” “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” “Hannah Montana,” and “Phineas and Ferb,” only to name a few. Corbin is also a talented vocalist, and his song “I Don’t Dance,” which he performed with Lucas Grabeel, was listed in the top ten on the Billboard Top 100.
Corbin Bleu is now 33 years old and was born on February 21, 1989, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents David Reivers and Martha Callari. His father is of Jamaican origin, while his mother is Italian-American. Bleu has three sisters: Jag, Hunter, and Phoenix. He was inspired at a young age by his father, who was also an actor.
At the age of two, Corbin began appearing in television ads for brands such as “Life cereal,” “Bounty, Hasbro,” and “Nabisco.” Bleu began dancing at a young age and studied Ballet and Jazz. In 1996, his entire family migrated to Los Angeles, and his passion for dance led him to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. He then attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music, Art, and Performing Arts, where he studied theatre.
#15 Evan Ross – 34 Years Old
American actor and musician Evan Ross, also known as Evan Olav Ross-Naess, has starred in several popular films and television programs since making his debut in “ATL.” He developed himself as a skilled actor with roles in films such as “Life Support,” “Pride,” “According to Greta,” “Mooz-lum,” “96 Minutes,” “All the Wilderness,” and “Supremacy.”
Evan Ross is currently at the age of 34, born on August 26, 1988. His parents, Arne Naess Jr., a Norwegian businessman, and Diana Ross, a lead vocalist of the band Supremes, gave birth to him in Greenwich, Connecticut. His maternal uncle was Arthur “T-Boy” Ross, who composed successful songs for musicians such as Michael Jackson. Additionally, he has a brother called Ross Naess.
Despite being famous in his own right, he is best known as the youngest child of legendary artist Diana Ross, the lead vocalist of the American female singing group “The Supremes.” Following in his mother’s footsteps, he has released two songs, “Yes Me” and “How To Live Alone,” and is now working on his first album.
#16 John David Washinton – 38 Years Old
John David Washington was not only an American actor and producer but also a former professional football player. He is notable for his role as “Ricky Jerret” in HBO’s “Ballers.” He has also acted in the 1992 feature films “Malcolm X,” as well as “Coco” in 2016 and “Monsters and Men” in 2018.
John David is 38 years old as of the year 2022 and was born on July 28, 1984, in Los Angeles, California. His parents are Pauletta Washington and Denzel Washington, an actor. He has two sisters, Katia and Olivia, as well as a brother named Malcolm. The actor is said to be romantically associated with dancer Vivian Nixon in terms of his personal life.
Moreover, he attended Campbell Hall School, where he was a letterman in basketball, football, and track. Washington subsequently played football at Morehouse College, where he earned a football scholarship due to his outstanding skills on the field. After an excellent collegiate career, he was an undrafted free agent, and he was signed by St. Louis Rams. He also ran back for the United Football League’s California club.
#17 Damon Wayans Jr. – 40 Years Old
American actor, writer, and comedian, Damon Kyle Wayans Jr., is widely recognized for his portrayals in the TV series “Happy Endings” and “New Girl.” He comes from the well-known ‘Wayans Family’ and is the son of American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, and writer Damon Wayans. Wayan Jr. made his movie debut in his father’s superhero comedy-parody film “Blankman.”
Damon Wayans Jr. is currently 40 years old as of the year 2022 and was born as the eldest on November 18, 1982. His parents, Damon Wayans and Lisa Thorner, gave birth to him in Huntington, Vermont, U.S. Moreover, Michael Wayans is his brother, while Cara Mia and Kyla Wayans are his sisters. Wayans Jr. is related to the well-known ‘Wayans Family,’ which has produced filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, and comedians.
Following the footsteps of his father and other family members, Wayans Jr. studied acting at Otis College of Art and Design and the New York Film Academy, aiming to break into the entertainment industry as a child actor. Additional information, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Kim Wayans are some of the family’s well-known members.
#18 Tristan Wilds – 33 Years Old
Actor and hip-hop musician Tristan Paul Mack Wilds goes by the stage names Tristan Wilds for acting and Mack Wilds for music. He is well-recognized for his roles as Michael Lee in the HBO original drama series “The Wire” and Dixon Wilson in the CW adolescent drama series “90210.” Wilds made his acting debut in an episode of the TV miniseries “Miracle’s Boys” in 2005, and his first movie role followed a year later in the drama film “Half Nelson.”
Tristan Wilds was born on 1989 of July 15, and is now 33 years old as of 2022. His parents, Paul Wilds and Monique Moncion, gave birth to him in Staten Island, New York, U.S. His mother is Afro-Dominican and Irish, while his father is African-American. Between 2013 and 2014, Wilds was in a relationship with American singer-songwriter Sevyn Streeter.
He graduated from the Michael J. Petrides School in New York. Wilds made his television debut as AJ in the miniseries “Miracle Boys” when he was 15 years old. He then moved his skills to a new platform and tried his hand at theater. He collaborated with Phylicia Rashad and the Roundabout Theater Company on the Cherry Lane Theater workshops Wool and Stockholm Brooklyn as Bryce.
#19 Laroyce Hawkins – 34 Years Old
American theatre and film actor and stand-up comedian Laroyce Hawkins earned his first major role as Art Baker in the big motion feature “The Express.” From then, he went on to make notable television appearances on shows like “House of Payne,” “Detroit 187,” and “UnderEmployed.” Hawkins made his television debut as a series regular on the Dick Wolf series “Chicago PD,” and he also appears on “Chicago Fire” and Mark Wahlberg’s HBO program “Ballers.”
Laroyce Hawkins is 34 years old as of the year 2022, born on May 4, 1988, in Harvey, Illinois, US. He was raised by his parents, Leah Bradley, his mother, and his father, Leonard Hawkins. LaRoyce studied at Thornton High School, where he initially became interested in acting and stand-up comedy. Then, he enrolled at Illinois State University on a full tuition scholarship and majored in acting.
LaRoyce, a native Chicagoan, spends his off-screen time in his neighborhood lecturing in middle and high schools, mentoring and encouraging students who have faced similar struggles. Additionally, Hawkins received a 2019 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community/Public Service – Single Spot/Campaign for his work on “The Salvation Army Red Kettle 2018.”
#20 Daniel Kaluuya – 33 Years Old
The British English actor and writer Daniel Kaluuya is known for his role in films and a variety of television series, such as “Get Out” in 2017, in which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. Furthermore, he also appeared in “Black Panther” in 2018 and for portraying Fred Hampton in “Judas & The Black Messiah” in 2021. He also had minor roles, such as “Johnny English Reborn” in 2011 and “Kick-Ass 2” in 2013.
Daniel Kaluuya is currently at age 33 years old and was born on February 24, 1989, to his parents Damalie Namusoke, and Stephen Kaluuya, in London, England, United Kingdom. Kaluuya was raised on a council estate in Camden with his mother and older sister, and then he attended an all-boys St. Aloysius College.
At the age of nine, Kaluuya authored his first play, which was played locally at Hampstead Theatre, but he eventually left his potential in that field in favor of playing soccer. Nonetheless, his mother had enrolled him in a program at the Anna Scher Theatre, and after a four-year wait, the restless teen found an outlet for his creative energy through improvisation workshops.
#21 Trevante Rhodes – 32 Years Old
American actor Trevante Nemour Rhodes rose to prominence for his role as Chiron in the Award-winning Academy film “Moonlight,” not only that, but he also earned multiple award nominations. Rhodes is also well-known for his roles in the TV show “If Loving You Is Wrong” and “Westworld.” In his youth, he was a talented track and field sprinter, earning a gold medal at the Pan American Junior Athletics Championships in 2009.
Trevante Rhodes is now 32 years old as of 2022 and was born on February 10, 1990. Rhodes, who was born in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and raised north of Dallas, Texas, is a naturally gifted athlete who attended the University of Texas on a track and field scholarship. He was the son of Jessi Rhodes and accountant Demour Dangelo. He came to Texas with his parents and brother Giovanni when he was ten years old and attended Little Elm High School. Additionally, the multitalented Rhodes is a “mama’s boy” who is particularly close to his mother.
He was a sprinter for the Texas Longhorns from 2008 to 2012, winning a gold medal at the Pan American Junior Athletics Championships in 2009. Despite being a famous athlete, Rhodes opted to consider a career in acting at UT Austin. He was always been a fan of movies and movie celebrities and has been influenced by actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Robert De Niro.
#22 Alfred Enoch – 34 Years Old
British screen actor Alfred Enoch is notable for his portrayal of Dean Thomas in seven famous “Harry Potter” films. He also played Wes on the ABC series “How to Get Away with Murder.” However, among the seven films in “Harry Potter,” there is one movie he didn’t appear, which is “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.” Moreover, in a 2014 episode of the hit TV show “Sherlock,” he appeared with series star Benedict Cumberbatch.
The British actor Alfred is 34 years old as of 2022 and was born on December 2, 1988. His father, William Russell, was also a television actor, while his mother, Balbina Gutierrez, was born in Brazil and worked as a doctor.
He went to Westminster School, a known public (private) school in London. Enoch is also fluent in Portuguese and is enrolled at Queen’s College, Oxford, for a degree in Portuguese and Spanish. Following the “Harry Potter” films, Enoch featured in a variety of London plays, including “Coriolanus,” “Timon of Athens,” “Antigone,” “Happy New,” and “The Ballard of Salomon Pavey.”
#23 Aldis Hodge – 36 Years Old
A SAG Award-winning actor Aldis Alexander Basil Hodge, professionally known as Aldis Hodge, is notable for his portrayal of Noah in the WGN smash series “Underground” in 2016, alongside Juree Smollett and Christoper Meloni. He established a vibrant career as a versatile performer who excelled in roles in cinema and television.
The American actor is currently 36 years old as of 2022 and was born on September 20, 1986. Aldis Hodge is the son of Aldis Basil Hodge and Yolette Evangeline Richardson, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was given birth in Onslow County, North Carolina. Additionally, he has a younger brother, who is also an actor named Edwin Hodge.
As a child, Hodge played both the clarinet and the violin, but as he grew up, his primary instrument was the violin, which he bought when he was 18 years old. In 2010, Hodge was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in Television for his role in “Leverage.” However, Aaron Paul of AMC’s “Breaking Bad” took home the award.
#24 Demetrius Shipp Jr. – 34 Years Old
American actor Demetrius Shipp Jr. is known for his portrayal of the role of late rapper and actor Tupac Shakur’s “All Eyez on Me,” the 2017 biopic, and gang leader Tyrone Moore in “All American.” Shipp’s movie appearances include “Cut Throat City” and “Same Difference.” A friend of Shipp Jr. recommended that he should audition for the role of Tupac Shakur in 2011 because of his strong resemblance to the legendary hip-hop singer.
Shipp Jr., an American actor, was born on November 20, 1988, and will be 34 years old in 2022. He was given birth in Carson, California, U.S. In addition, before pursuing a career in acting, he first worked at Target and Dish Network.
#25 Yahya Abdul-Mateen II – 36 Years Old
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is an American actor most well-known for his role as Cadillac in the television series “The Get Down.” He also appeared in “Baywatch” and “The Greatest Showman” in 2017, and he played the role of David Kane, the villain Black Manta in “DC’s Aquaman” in 2018. Abdul-Mateen II earned a Primetime For his work as Cal Abar in HBO’s short series “Watchmen,” Abdul-Mateen II received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. He also made appearances in “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Black Mirror.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is 36 years old as of the year 2022 and was born on July 15, 1986. His parents, Yahya and Mary, gave birth to him in New Orleans, Louisiana, US. He also has three sisters named; Nikkie, Khadijah, and Aamina; regarding his brother, the name is unknown.
Abdul-Mateen II attended Yale University and majored in theater. He was also enrolled at New York University and Harvard University. In addition, he also studied Architecture at Berkeley.
#26 Robert Ri’chard – 39 Years Old
American film and TV actor Robert Andrew Ri’chard is best known for his appearances as Bobby Walker on Nickelodeon’s “Cousin Skeeter” and Arnaz Ballard on UPN’s “One on One.” He also made an appearance as himself on the iconic Nickelodeon gameshow “Figure It Out” and also starred in movies such as “Coach Carter” and “House of Wax.” Robert had his moment in the television adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel “The Feast of All Saints,” in which he played the young Marcel, who blossoms into a man within society.
Robert Ri’chard was born on January 7, 1983, and is now 39 years old as of 2022. He is of Creole descent from Louisiana, and his parents gave birth to him in Los Angeles, California, US. He’s the son of Beverly Ann Ri’chard and Andrew Robert Ri’chard. Additionally, at the young age of 13, Ri’chard has already been professionally acting.
#27 Elijah Kelley – 36 Years Old
American actor, singer, and dancer Elijah Kelly is well recognized for his portrayal of Seaweed in the film “Hairspray.” In addition to “28 Days,” “Take the Lead,” “Red Tails,” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” and NBC’s live musical event “The Wiz Live!” he has appeared in films such as “The New Edition Story” as Ricky Bell, and in “Star.”
Elijah Kelley is 36 years old as of the year 2022 and was born on August 1, 1986, in LaGrange, Georgia, US. In his hometown of LaGrange, Georgia, he is founding the Elijah Kelley Foundation to support local youth in pursuing their goals. The performing arts center he established, “The Elijah Kelley Center for Performing Arts,” provides classes in music, dance, and theater.
Elijah Kelley attended Long Cane Middle School and Troup County High School, where he spent several years in the school’s show choir. Kelley and his family then moved to Los Angeles after graduating from high school to pursue his career. When he was a child, Elijah appeared in Coca-Cola commercials and in the film Mama Flora’s Family. Moreover, he also sang in a church choir and was part of a gospel band with his family.
#28 Brian Tyree Henry – 40 Years Old
Brian Tyree is most well-known for his portrayal as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles in the FX comedy-drama series “Atlanta,” for which he earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In addition, he has appeared in “Boardwalk Empire,” “This Is Us,” and “How to Get Away with Murder.”
Brian Tyree made his movie debut in 2018 with roles in Steve McQueen’s heist movie “Widows,” Barry Jenkins’ romantic drama film “If Beale Street Could Talk,” and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”
The actor was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S., and is currently 40 years old as of 2022, celebrating his birthday since the year 1982 every March 31. Brian’s father was in the military, and his mother was a teacher named Willow Dean Kearse.
Brian Tyree completed his master’s degree from Yale School of Drama after attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, as a business major-turned-actor in the early 2000s. Brian then started his career on the stage, making an appearance in various plays and musicals. In 2007, in Shakespeare in the Park’s “Romeo and Juliet” production, he portrayed Tybalt.
#29 Corey Hawkins – 34 Years Old
American actor, Corey Antonio Hawkins, is notable for his roles in “24: Legacy” and “The Walking Dead,” as well as his performance as Dr. Dre in the 2015 film “Straight Outta Compton.” In addition, Hawkins is also a talented singer. Corey Antonio was nominated for a number of awards, including the SAG Award, for his role as Dr. Dre, and in 2015, he received the Hollywood Breakout Ensemble Award. In 2017, Corey Antonio was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for “Six Degrees of Separation.”
Corey Hawkins is 34 years old as of 2022 and was born on October 22, 1988, in Washington, D.C., USA. Hawkins was raised by his police officer mother, Monicamarie Hawkins.
Hawkins, a native of Washington, D.C., attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and later enrolled at Juilliard School in New York City, where he was a member of the Drama Division’s Group 40. After graduating, he began acting in off-Broadway plays. He also received the prestigious John Houseman Award for classical theatrical excellence.
#30 Brandon P. Bell – 37 Years Old
American writer and actor Brandon P Bell is well-known for his portrayal in the television series “Dear White People” and “Hollywood Heights.” Brandon was given the role of Jake Madsen in the 2012 television series “Hollywood Heights.” Then in 2014, he played Troy Fairbanks in the comedy-drama film “Dear White People,” which was converted the same name into a Netflix series.
The American writer and actor was born on January 13, 1985, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is 37 years old as of 2022. He attended the University of Southern California on a drama scholarship. Brandon played soccer for seven years before focusing solely on his acting career, earning France’s USA Cup Gold Medal.
#31 Chris Warren Jr. – 32 Years Old
Christopher Warren Jr., popularly known as Chris Warren, is an American actor who works predominantly in the entertainment industry. Warren Jr. is best known as Zeke Baylor in “High School Musical,” Jason Parker in “Grand Hotel,” and Ty in “The Fosters.” Since 2020, he has played Hayden in the BET TV series “Sistas.”
Chris Warren was born on January 15, 1990, and is currently at the age of 32 as of 2022. His mother is the actress Brook Kerr, best known for her role as Whitney Russell on the NBC daytime serial series Passions, and her spouse Christopher Warren. Christopher was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and born and brought up with his siblings in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Christopher Warren Jr. enrolled and graduated from the elite Chaminade College Preparatory with a Bachelor’s degree. He had previously obtained graduate certificates from both elementary and high school.
#32 Jonathan Majors – 33 Years Old
American actor Jonathan Majors is most recognized for his role as Jimmie Fails’ best friend in the film “The Last Black Man in San Francisco,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Majors rose to prominence with “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” and went on to appear in “White Boy Rick,” “Captive State,” “When We Rise,” and the forthcoming series “Lovecraft Country.”
Jonathan Majors is now 33 years old as of the year 2022 and was born on September 7, 1989. His parents, who are pastors, gave birth to him in Dallas, Texas. Majors had wanted to be an actor since he was a kid. Jonathan has garnered several accolades for his performances in the “TFA Tournaments” and “One Act Play” at Duncanville High School.
Then he obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts before graduating from the Yale School of Drama. He received his big break during his last semester at Yale. Major started his career in acting with stage productions. He portrays Henri Marx in Jeff Augustin’s production, which ran from March 8 to April 7, 2013, titled the “Cry Old Kingdom,” at Kentucky’s “Actors Theatre of Louisville” as part of a “Humana Festival.”
#33 Arjay Smith – 39 Years Old
Arjay Smith is a young black American actor whose career varies between television and film. Arjay is famously known as the title character in the Nickelodeon TV series, which aired from 1997 to 2000, “The Journey of Allen Strange.” Arjay went on to feature in a variety of well-known television episodes, including “The West Wing,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Cold Case,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” and “NYPD Blue.”
Arjay Smith is currently 39 years old as of the year 2022 and was born in Redlands, California, US, on November 27, 1983.
Arjay Smith began his acting career at the age of 11 or 12 in 1995. Additionally, he has also starred in famous films such as “The Day After Tomorrow,” a catastrophe thriller, and “Vacancy 2: The First Cut,” a horror sequel video.