25 Teenage Black Actresses In 2022

Stella Aurora

Even though age is simply a number, accomplishing a great deal before turning 20 is still impressive. These rising young black actresses on this list are the trendiest trends of 2022 on-screen and on social media. 

They have given some standout performances, and some of them have even done it in different fields, such as the world of modeling, music, or movies. Here’s the list of the top 25 Black actresses in their teens in 2022, not in any particular order.

#25 Saniyya Sidney - 15 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney was born on born October 30, 2006. She is an actress from the USA. Her awards include NAACP Image Award, Black Reel Award, Critic’s Choice Award, and nominations for Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Sidney gained popularity after appearing in independent and short films with the horror series “American Horror Story: Roanoke” (2016). In 2016, her big break came in “Fences,” a historical drama. She subsequently appeared in the superhero movie “Fast Color” (2018) and the historical movie “Hidden Figures” (2016).

Sidney received recognition for playing teenage Venus Williams in “King Richard” and starring in the 2019 vampire movie “The Passage” on FOX (2021). She won numerous honors and praise for her portrayal of “King Richard,” including nominations for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer and the Black Reel Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.

#24 Madison Curry - 14 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress aaa

Madison Curry was born on June 11, 2008. She was reared in Los Angeles, California, where she first discovered her passion for acting by performing for her relatives while they were together. Madison began working in school productions, and soon after that, she was accepted into the Amazing Grace Conservatory Performing Arts Theater in Los Angeles, where she honed her craft. 

When Madison was chosen for the Oscar-winning director Jordan Peele’s Universal/Monkeypaw Productions movie “Us,” she got her big break. Alongside Winston Duke of the Black Panthers and Academy Award winner Lupita Nyongo, Madison was a series regular on the FOX/ABC show “Bless This Mess” for one season starring Lake Bell and Dax Sheppard just before the release of “Us.”

Curry gained prominence for her role as Young Adelaide Wilson in the 2019 suspense and horror movie “Us.” She played the young movie actress Lupita Nyong’o in the film. She has also appeared on “Bless This Mess and Piper’s Picks TV.”

#23 Stormy Merriwether - 15 years old

Stormy Merriwether was born in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA, USA, on September 21, 2008. Black actress Stormy was cast in the Ava DuVernay-helmed film “Selma” at 5, and her acting career officially got underway. Stormy has kept busy modeling, acting classes, short films, theater, commercials, and print work.

#22 Daria Johns - 14 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Daria Johns

Daria Johns was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 21, 2007. At six, she made her acting debut in several commercials and adverts. In a short film, “Kayla’s Light,” she had her acting debut in 2016. In 2018, she portrayed the character of Zoe in Nappily Ever After,” a Netflix movie. Her portrayal of Zakaria in the 2018 TV show “Rel” is another of her well-known roles. 

Johns’ appearance in the “I Found Dory” Kellog’s commercial brought her international recognition. She also starred in the independent film Animator, and in the 2018 movie “Nappily Ever After,” she played the lead for the first time. 

Since then, Daria has continued to work on television, film, and commercial projects, and she gave the go-ahead for Zakaria in “Rel.” In 2021, she made appearances in the TV shows “Mixed-ish,” “The Upshaws,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” and, of course, “Saturdays,” where she played Simone.

#21 Samaya Clark-Gabriel - 13 years old

Samaya Clark-Gabriel is a young American actress born on October 1, 2009. She is an athlete from a New York neighborhood in Brooklyn. Since she was four, she has been acknowledged for her athletic prowess.

Gabriel won the title “Athlete of the Year” in 2016 after helping the Brooklyn Stars soccer team win their first title. She was given the Lion’s Heart Award in addition to various tournament victories for her perseverance and skill against numerous all-boys teams. She has since stopped playing soccer to concentrate on playing basketball.

Samaya has recently been on the Olympics’ radar after being highlighted in a Monday Motivation piece. Samaya appeared in Melissa McCarthy’s “Little Big Shots” in 2020. Samaya had her debut in acting in 2018 in the independent film “Froster.”

#20 Jillian Estell - 18 years old

NYB - Teen Black Actress Jillian Estell

Jillian Estell is a famous Movie Actress. Her birthplace is Texas, born on June 9, 2004. Jillian is also highly known for playing the young actress Eloise Anderson in the prestigious 2014 movie “Black or White.” She made appearances in the film “So This Is Christmas” and “The Night Shift.” American origins can be traced back to Jillian. 

In the movie “Black or White,” she appeared with Octavia Spencer, Anthony Mackie, and Kevin Costner. Kristin, her mother, has been actively supporting her career. Before becoming well-known, she performed in many commercials before landing any dramatic roles. She appeared as a guest star in “Bob, the Builder, and A Poem Is..” from Disney.

#19 Ariana Neal - 18 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Areana Neal

Ariana Neal was born on May 19, 2004. She is an actress from the USA. She has appeared in the television shows “Archive 81” (post-production 2022), “Brothered Up” (TV Movie) in 2016, “Hidden Figures,” and “Restored Me.” She is a talented vocalist who performs covers of songs by Sam Smith, Adele, Alessia Cara, and Nina Simone on her YouTube account. She portrayed Lisa Lopes’ baby in the TLC story “CrazySexyCool: The TLC” Story on VH1. 

Tatiana from Fruitvale Station and Makayla from “Get Hard” are only two examples of actress Young Actress Ariana’s roles in movies and television programs. In the biographical film “Crazy, Sexy, Cool: The TLC Story,” she portrayed the young Lisa. 

In 2015, Ariana was given a role in the sitcom “Nicki,” which is based on the life of Nicki Minaj. She became famous in the film “Nicki” because of her portrayal of the part of the young Nicki.

#18 Sydney Mikayla - 19 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Sydney Mikayla

Sydney Mikayla is an American actress born on February 1, 2003. In 2004, her portrayal in the Lifetime movie as the Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas got a Young Artist Award. In 2019. She became a cast member of the ABC daytime soap opera “General Hospital” as Trina Robinson. 

Mikayla is also the voice behind the character of Wolf in the Netflix animated series “Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts.” One of Mikayla’s first appearances was in an episode of “Yo Gabba Gabba,” which she adored as a kid. and a segment from the “Days of Our Lives” daytime drama.

Mikayla secured her first credit-bearing part in the 2011 television movie “Little in Common,” which was the pilot for a series. Later, she would appear in “Whitney,” Parenthood,” “Hawthorne, Community,” and “Hot” episodes in Cleveland. Mikayla was paired with Academy Award winner Regina King in the “Lifetime” biopic in 2013 as a teenage Gabby Douglas. The Young Artist Award was given to Mikayla in 2014 for her depiction of Douglas.

#17 Trinitee Stokes - 16 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Trinitee Strokes

Trinitee Stokes is an American singer, fashion designer, and child actress born on April 12, 2006. She. She became famous in the Disney Channel drama “KC Undercover” when she played the role of Judy Cooper. At three, Stokes started her performing career at neighborhood theaters. Since then, she has made distinct appearances in advertisements for well-known businesses like Kellogg’s, Carrier, and McDonald’s.

In 2014, Stokes had her first significant role in the drama film “Tempting Fate.” On January 18, 2015, “Undercover” made its Disney Channel debut. In November 2016, the show received a third-season renewal. Additionally, Stokes appeared in a Disney Channel comedy episode of “Austin & Ally” as a guest star. She appeared as Laura in a guest role in the TV Land sitcom “Teachers” in 2017.

#16 Bailey Tippen - 18 years old

Bailey Tippen was born on January 9, 2004. She is an Atlanta, Georgia, native. Bailey Tippen enjoys creating and directing films. She participated in the Rise awards, which give importance to learners with Down syndrome.

Bailey became famous when she starred in the following movies: “Underground” by WGN America,” Fox’s “Sleepy Hollow,” NBC “Constantine,” and Hallmark channel’s “The Watsons Go To Birmingham.”

#15 Kyliegh Curran - 16 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Kyliegh Curran

Kyliegh Curran was born in Miami, FL, on December 10, 2005. She played the role of Harper in “Secrets of Sulphur Springs,” a mystery series on the Disney Channel. She trained in theater at an Actors’ Playhouse institute nearby the Broadway theatrical district throughout the first and second grades. 

British Academy of Performing Arts in Marietta, Georgia, and the Renaissance International School of Performing Arts in Milton, Georgia, are the two prestigious schools where Curran took her studies. In Coral Gables, Florida, “Madeline’s Christmas” was Curran’s debut performance. At the age of ten, Curran was given a chance to portray the role of Young Nala in “The Lion King,” a Broadway production. 

She applied for the Stephen King-based horror movie “Doctor Sleep” while residing in Georgia. She was chosen for a lead role opposite Ewan McGregor, the psychically gifted young woman Abra.

#14 Shahadi Wright Joseph - 17 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Shahadi Wright Joseph

On April 29, 2005, an American actress, singer, and dancer, Shahadi Wright Joseph, was born. Her most well-known work is as the star of Jordan Peele’s 2019 horror film “Us” and for being the Young Nala’s voice in Jon Favreau’s musical movie “The Lion King” (2019). At age nine, Joseph had her first significant acting assignment when she was chosen to play the young Nala in the Broadway musical rendition of “The Lion King.”

Joseph played Madison, an original cast member in the musical adaption of “School of Rock by Andrew Lloyd Webber.” She participated in the 2016 NBC musical television special “Hairspray Live!” as Little Inez Stubbs. which received favorable reviews. She started appearing in the podcast “Six Minutes” in 2018. She performs as Holiday, the lead.

#13 Faithe Herman - 14 years old

Faithe Herman was born on December 27, 2007. Faithe Herman, an American child actress, is most recognized for her role in the television series “This Is Us” (2016). Also remarkable is Faithe Herman’s appearance as Darla Dudley in another performance for the film “Shazam.” Later, she made an appearance in the “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” release in 2023.

Faithe Herman’s career as Morgan Kids on “Criminal Minds” began in 2016. She then appeared on the program “This Is Us” later that same year. Faithe played the part of Grace in the 2017 film “Bodied,” in which she was featured. Her performance was also genuinely valued. She then played Darla Dudley in the 2019 film “Shazam,” and she will reprise her role in the 2023 sequel. Faithe Herman played a part in the “Watchmen” TV series in 2019.

#12 Eris Baker - 17 years old

Eris Baker is an American actress born on August 4, 2005. She played a pre-teen aspiring actress on the highly acclaimed “This is Us” and had a polished and endearing presence. Before winning a recurring guest role on the well-liked Disney Channel series “KC Undercover,” she made her TV debut in a satirical comedy, “Drunk History,” in 2013.

Baker played Tess Pearson, the oldest child of Randall and Beth Pearson. She was simultaneously working on that series and going to school. Baker received a promotion to series regular in 2017 on the well-liked, Golden Globe-nominated show.

#11 Quvenzhané Wallis - 19 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis is an American actress born on August 28, 2003. In 2012, she was chosen to play the role of Hushpuppy in “Beasts of the Southern Wild.” She was nominated for Best Actress in the Academy Award for her portrayal of the drama film. 

In 2014’s “Annie” remake, she also played Annie Bennett, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical. Wallis appeared in Beyoncé’s “All Night” music video in 2016. 

Wallis is also an author of children’s books; some of the books that she wrote are “Dancy’s Pants,” “Break and Egg,” and “To the Rescue,” a book series about friends Shai & Emmie.

#10 Priah Ferguson - 16 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson is an American actress born on October 1, 2006. After seeing “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “Crooklyn” movies, she felt that she also wanted to act on the big screen. She started appearing in locally-made indie short films in 2015.

On the 2016 FX Network in Mercy Street and the Civil War drama, “Atlanta,” Ferguson marks her debut on television. In 2017, she played the role of Erica Sinclair in the science fiction/horror Netflix series “Stranger Things” 2017. 

After recurring in earlier seasons, she was allowed to become a series regular. She will star with Marlon Wayans in the 2022 Halloween comedy “The Curse of Bridge Hollow” (formerly known as Boo!).

#9 Marsai Martin - 18 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Caila Marsai Martin

Caila Marsai Martin is a famous American actress. She acted in the DreamWorks films “Dragons: Rescue Riders” and “Black-ish.” August 14, 2004, saw the birth of Marsai Martin. In 2014, she appeared in an ABC sitcom, “Black-ish,” as Diane Johnson.

Martin made her debut acting in “An American Girl Story,” an original movie, in 2016. In 2019, she had her studio movie debut in the comedy film “Little” by Universal Pictures. In the history of the film industry, Martine is the youngest American producer at the age of 13.

#8 Storm Reid - 19 years old

Storm Reid is an American actress born on July 1, 2003. In 2013, she made her acting debut in the historical drama appearing in a cameo in the television movie “A Cross to Bear” (2013). In 2018, she got her significant role in a fantasy film, “A Wrinkle in Time.” In 2016, she became famous when she got the lead role in “Sleight,” a superhero movie.

In 2019, she starred in the movie, “Don’t Let Go.” She also starred in a Netflix miniseries thriller, “When They See Us.” Still, in 2019, Reid was chosen to be a part of a horror movie, “The Invisible Man.” Currently, she is included in the cast of an HBO drama series, “Euphoria.” Reid got the supporting role in “The Suicide Squad,” a 2021 film.

#7 Bailey Bass - 19 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Bailey Bass

An American actress, Bailey Bass, was born on June 18, 2003. In 2010, she became part of the sequel of “Avatar.” She portrayed the role as Tsireya, a teenage Na’vi freediver from the Metkayina clan and the daughter of the clan’s leaders, Ronal and Tonowari.

Tsireya was referred to as “the young Neytiri of the ocean” from an early point, probably because they were both the daughters of the chieftains of their respective clans. Tsireya is anticipated to have a significant role in the Avatar sequels, given her heritage.

Bass will appear in the “Avatar: Next Generation” alongside actors Filip Geljo and Duane Evans Jr., portraying Aonung and Rotxo, two other young Metkayina members.

#6 Demi Patricia Singleton - 15 years old

Demi Patricia Singleton, also known as Demi Singleton, is an American singer, dancer, and actress from America born on February 27, 2007. She has become recognized for her roles as the young Serena Williams in the movie “King Richard” and the criminal TV series “Godfather of Harlem.”

Singleton had her Broadway debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “School of Rock” when she was ten. She performed there for almost a year before joining Disney’s “The Lion King” as a young Nala. Singleton started acting in 2017. As Margaret Johnson, the granddaughter of Forest Whitaker’s character in the Epix criminal thriller “Godfather of Harlem,” Singleton was cast in September 2018. 

The Warner Bros. sports film “King Richard,” starring Will Smith and focusing on the rise to stardom of Serena and Venus Williams, will be released in 2020, and Singleton has been cast to play Serena Williams and finally be released in November 2021. Additionally, she played a young Serena Williams in the Bumble Super Bowl ad from 2019.

#5 Lexi Underwood - 19 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Lexi Underwood

Lexi Underwood is an American actress born on August 28, 2003. In “Will Vs. The Future,” a science fiction series, she portrayed Athena. At ten, Underwood made her professional stage debut when she played the Want/Urchin Girl in a rendition of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” at the Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.

On December 15, 2014, she performed in Mister Magoo’s “Christmas Carol,” a charity event directed by Peter Flynn and John McDaniel. In 2015, Underwood became part of the cast of “The Lion King” for Disney Theatrical Productions, playing the role of young Nala for Broadway and the Lion King Gazelle North-American Touring Company.

#4 Sofia Wylie - 18 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Sofia Wylie

Born on January 7, 2004, Sofia Wylie is an American singer, dancer, and actress. Wylie started her career as a dancer before becoming famous for portraying a character in the comedy-drama series on the Disney Channel, “Andi Mack,” as Buffy Driscoll. Wylie has kept working with Disney. In 2019, she starred in “Back of the Net,” playing the role of Cory Bailey, and in the animated series “Marvel Rising,” she played the role of Riri Williams. 

In the 2019 web series, “Shook,” she played the role of Mia Brooks, and in the Disney+ parody “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” she played the role of Gina Porter. She was chosen to play the lead role in the fantasy film on Netflix, “The School for Good and Evil.”

Wylie began her career in dancing and appearing on “America’s Got Talent” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” She performed in the “Purpose World Tour” of Justine Bieber. She launched an IGTV instructional dance, “Dancing with Sofia Wylie,” in 2019.

#3 Lyric Ross - 19 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Lyric Ross

Lyric Ross is an American actress born on September 30, 2003. In NBC’s drama series, “This Is Us.” She played the character of Deja Pearson. She began acting when she was only five, appearing in commercials and as a guest performer in the drama series “Chicago Fire” and “Sirens.” 

During her eighth grade at James Hart School in Homewood, Illinois, in 2017, she began acting by portraying the character of Deja Pearson in an NBC drama series, “This is Us.” Lyric was eyes to be part of the cast of “Ironheart,” a 2023 film.

#2 Nico Parker - 17 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Nico Parker

Nico Parker was born on December 9, 2004. She is an English Actress. As Milly Farrier, she made her acting debut in the Walt Disney Picture “Dumbo” (2019), a Tim Burton movie playing Milly Farrier. Parker is the daughter of Ol Parker, a playwright and director Ol Parker and Thandiwe Newton, an actress.

In 2020, she starred in “The Third Day,” an HBO miniseries. In the 2021 science fiction movie “Reminiscence,” she co-starred with her mother. She is eyed to be cast in the upcoming film “The Last of Us,” an HBO production wherein she will play the role of Sarah.

#1 Taylor Mosby - 19 years old

NYB - Teenage Black Actress Taylor Mosby

Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Taylor Mosby is an American actress well-known for her roles in “Thunder Force,” “Breakthrough,” “In The Last OG,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” She also played a younger Miranda Bailey. Taylor Mosby, who was born in Oklahoma on December 28, 2002, got her start on stage at the age of six. Teachers and directors started noticing the young actress’ enthusiasm, presence, and sharp sense of self-awareness by the time she had performed in a few performances. 

After appearing in a local natural gas commercial, Mosby immediately branched out into on-camera work. When this was a pleasant experience, her parents decided to travel to Los Angeles so that Mosby could attend auditions for more significant jobs. In addition to making prominent appearances on the television shows “The Middle” and “Twisted,” Mosby plays a part in the comedy “Cleaver Family Reunion” (2013) after appearing in the short film “Palms” (2012).  

The following year, when she started portraying the recurring part of Markayla Davis in the crime drama “Criminal Minds,” Mosby was given an even more prominent role. Taking each fresh opportunity in stride, Mosby accepted a still more significant position in 2017, co-starring in the sitcom “The Last OG” with comedic legend Tracy Morgan.

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