Black Child Actresses Who Transitioned to Great Adult Careers

The entertainment industry is notoriously difficult for child stars who wish to maintain their success into adulthood. This challenge is often compounded for Black actresses who face systemic barriers and limited roles as they mature. Many talented performers have successfully navigated this transition to become powerhouses in film and television. The following list highlights women who started young and built enduring legacies or are currently dominating the industry.

Regina King

King began her illustrious career playing Brenda Jenkins on the sitcom ‘227’ during the late 1980s. She transitioned into film with memorable roles in ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘Jerry Maguire’ before conquering television drama. Her work in ‘American Crime’ and ‘Seven Seconds’ earned her multiple Emmy Awards. She cemented her status as a Hollywood legend by winning an Academy Award for her performance in ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’.

Zendaya

This actress started as a dancer and sitcom star on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’ and ‘K.C. Undercover’. She rapidly shed her child star image with roles in the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise and the musical ‘The Greatest Showman’. Her portrayal of Rue Bennett in the HBO drama ‘Euphoria’ made her the youngest two-time winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She continues to lead major blockbusters like ‘Dune’ and ‘Challengers’.

Keke Palmer

Palmer captivated audiences as a child with her breakout role in ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ and as the lead in the Nickelodeon series ‘True Jackson, VP’. She successfully moved into more mature roles in ‘Scream Queens’ and the critically acclaimed film ‘Hustlers’. Her performance in Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. She has also established herself as a host and musical artist with a vibrant media presence.

Raven-Symoné

She first charmed the world as the adorable Olivia Kendall on ‘The Cosby Show’ before becoming a Disney Channel icon. Her show ‘That’s So Raven’ showcased her comedic timing and physical comedy skills to a global audience. She later returned to the role in the spinoff ‘Raven’s Home’ while also serving as a host on ‘The View’. Her longevity in the industry spans over three decades of consistent television work.

Jurnee Smollett

Smollett began her career as a child in sitcoms like ‘Full House’ and delivered a powerful dramatic performance in ‘Eve’s Bayou’. She continued to work steadily through her teen years before taking on complex adult roles in ‘The Great Debaters’ and ‘True Blood’. Her portrayal of Black Canary in ‘Birds of Prey’ showcased her action capabilities. She recently received critical acclaim for her lead role in the HBO horror drama ‘Lovecraft Country’.

Meagan Good

Good started acting in commercials as a child before landing roles in ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and the Nickelodeon show ‘Cousin Skeeter’. She transitioned into adult stardom with performances in ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘Anchorman 2’. Her career has remained consistent with lead roles in television series such as ‘Minority Report’ and ‘Harlem’. She is widely recognized for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic projects.

Janet Jackson

Jackson rose to fame as a child actress on ‘Good Times’ and ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ before ‘Fame’. She eventually pivoted to become one of the best-selling music artists in history. Her acting career continued with lead roles in films like ‘Poetic Justice’ and ‘Why Did I Get Married?’. She remains a global icon who successfully conquered multiple facets of the entertainment industry.

Kim Fields

Fields is best known for her iconic role as Tootie Ramsey on the long-running sitcom ‘The Facts of Life’. She successfully transitioned to adult roles by starring in the hit 90s series ‘Living Single’. She has since moved behind the camera as a director for various television shows. She continues to act in projects like ‘The Upshaws’ while maintaining a strong presence in the industry.

Tia Mowry

Mowry gained fame alongside her twin sister in the popular sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’ during the 1990s. She successfully transitioned to adult roles with the comedy-drama ‘The Game’ where she played Melanie Barnett. She has also built a significant brand as a lifestyle influencer and cookbook author. She continues to star in television movies and series such as ‘Family Reunion’.

Tatyana Ali

Ali grew up on screen playing Ashley Banks on the cultural phenomenon ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. She pursued a music career and attended Harvard University before returning to acting full-time. She starred in the sitcom ‘Love That Girl!’ and appeared in numerous television films. She recently joined the dramatic reboot ‘Bel-Air’ in a recurring role.

Lisa Bonet

Bonet became a star playing Denise Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ and its spinoff ‘A Different World’. She took on grittier film roles such as in ‘Angel Heart’ to distance herself from her sitcom persona. Her adult career includes memorable performances in ‘High Fidelity’ and ‘Ray Donovan’. She remains a respected figure known for her bohemian style and selective acting choices.

Cree Summer

Summer gained recognition as Winifred Brooks on the college sitcom ‘A Different World’. She transitioned into a prolific career as a voice actress and became an industry legend. Her voice brings life to characters in ‘Rugrats’ and ‘Codename: Kids Next Door’ among hundreds of others. She stands as one of the most successful voice actors in the history of animation.

Kyla Pratt

Pratt was the voice of Penny Proud in ‘The Proud Family’ and starred in the ‘Dr. Dolittle’ film franchise as a daughter. She successfully moved into adult sitcoms with lead roles in ‘One on One’ and ‘Let’s Stay Together’. She recently returned to her voice role in ‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder’. She is currently a main cast member on the sitcom ‘Call Me Kat’.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg first gained major attention as Rue in the blockbuster film ‘The Hunger Games’. She transitioned to mature dramatic leads with films like ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Everything, Everything’. Her work often tackles complex social issues and highlights her range as a performer. She recently led the cast of the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’.

Yara Shahidi

Shahidi started her career in the film ‘Imagine That’ alongside Eddie Murphy. She became a household name playing Zoey Johnson on ‘Black-ish’ and subsequently led her own spinoff ‘Grown-ish’. She has balanced her acting career with activism and her education at Harvard. She continues to take on diverse roles including Tinker Bell in ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’.

Marsai Martin

Martin burst onto the scene as Diane Johnson on the sitcom ‘Black-ish’ at a very young age. She made history by producing and starring in the film ‘Little’ while still a teenager. She has successfully navigated her late teen years by expanding her production company. Her work continues to break barriers for young Black creators in Hollywood.

Storm Reid

Reid made her film debut in the Oscar-winning movie ’12 Years a Slave’. She secured a breakthrough lead role in Disney’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ before moving to more mature content. Her performance as Gia in ‘Euphoria’ and Riley in ‘The Last of Us’ demonstrated her dramatic depth. She continues to balance blockbuster films with intense character studies.

China Anne McClain

McClain became a Disney Channel star through the series ‘A.N.T. Farm’ and the ‘Descendants’ franchise. She successfully transitioned to adult television with a starring role in the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’. Her career also includes films like ‘Daddy’s Little Girls’ and various voice acting projects. She remains a versatile talent in both acting and singing.

Chloe Bailey

One half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle, Bailey started acting in films like ‘The Fighting Temptations’. She gained television prominence with her role on the spinoff series ‘Grown-ish’. Her transition to more mature roles includes the thriller ‘Swarm’ where she showcased her dramatic range. She continues to balance a successful solo music career with acting projects.

Halle Bailey

Bailey began acting alongside her sister in various small roles before gaining fame on YouTube and ‘Grown-ish’. She achieved global superstardom by playing Ariel in the live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She followed this with a role in the musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Her career is currently on a rapid upward trajectory in major studio films.

Lark Voorhies

Voorhies became a teen icon playing Lisa Turtle on the hit series ‘Saved by the Bell’. She continued to act in soap operas like ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and various sitcoms. Her role in the ‘Saved by the Bell’ franchise remains her most defining work. She recently reprised her character in the modern reboot of the series.

Tempestt Bledsoe

Bledsoe grew up on television as Vanessa Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’. She transitioned to hosting with her own talk show and appearing on ‘Clean House’. Her acting credits include voice work for ‘The Replacements’ and a role on the sitcom ‘Guys with Kids’. She remains a recognizable figure in television hosting and acting.

Countess Vaughn

Vaughn started as a vocal powerhouse on ‘Star Search’ before joining the cast of ‘227’. She found massive success as Kim Parker on ‘Moesha’ and its spinoff ‘The Parkers’. She later appeared on reality television shows such as ‘Hollywood Divas’. Her comedic timing remains celebrated by fans of 90s and 2000s sitcoms.

Reagan Gomez-Preston

Gomez-Preston played the daughter Zaria Peterson on the WB sitcom ‘The Parent ‘Hood’. She transitioned into a successful voice acting career with the role of Roberta Tubbs on ‘The Cleveland Show’. She has also created and directed her own web series content. Her work spans both on-camera acting and significant voice-over roles.

Camille Winbush

Winbush gained fame as the deadpan Vanessa Thomkins on ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. She successfully moved into teen drama with a long-running role on ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’. She continues to act in independent films and television movies. Her transition showcased her ability to handle both comedy and drama.

Imani Hakim

Hakim is best known for her role as Tonya Rock on the sitcom ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. She transitioned to adult roles with the biographical film ‘The Gabby Douglas Story’. She currently stars as a video game tester in the Apple TV+ series ‘Mythic Quest’. Her career has evolved from sitcom child star to a lead in modern streaming comedies.

Raven Goodwin

Goodwin started with roles in ‘The Station Agent’ and the Disney series ‘Good Luck Charlie’. She transitioned to more mature roles in the series ‘Being Mary Jane’ alongside Gabrielle Union. She has taken on lead roles in television movies such as the Clarke Sheppherd biopic. Her career demonstrates a steady climb from supporting child roles to leading lady.

Logan Browning

Browning began her career in the ‘Bratz’ live-action movie before joining ‘Meet the Browns’. She gained critical acclaim for her lead role as Samantha White in the Netflix series ‘Dear White People’. She also starred in the horror film ‘The Perfection’. Her roles often challenge social norms and showcase her dramatic versatility.

Paige Hurd

Hurd played Tasha on ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and appeared in ‘Beauty Shop’ as a child. She successfully transitioned to adult dramas with roles in ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and Tyler Perry’s ‘The Oval’. She currently stars in ‘Power Book II: Ghost’ as a key character. Her career path has led her firmly into the crime drama genre.

Parker McKenna Posey

Posey grew up on screen as the youngest child Kady Kyle on ‘My Wife and Kids’. She transitioned to adult roles with the drama series ‘Games People Play’. She has also appeared in ‘A House Divided’ and various reality television projects. Her social media presence complements her acting work in the modern entertainment landscape.

Jazz Raycole

Raycole was the original Claire Kyle on ‘My Wife and Kids’ before pursuing other opportunities. She appeared in ‘Jericho’ and ‘The Soul Man’ as she matured. She recently gained significant attention for her main role in the legal drama ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’. Her career has seen a resurgence with high-profile streaming roles.

Jennifer Freeman

Freeman took over the role of Claire Kyle on ‘My Wife and Kids’ and became a teen star. She appeared in films like ‘You Got Served’ and ‘Johnson Family Vacation’. She continues to act in television movies and the series ‘The Black Hamptons’. Her career remains active in the independent and urban entertainment markets.

Cherie Johnson

Johnson played the best friend on ‘Punky Brewster’ and later on ‘Family Matters’. She successfully moved into producing and writing while continuing to act. She reprised her role in the recent ‘Punky Brewster’ reboot on Peacock. She has authored several books and writes columns for various publications.

Naya Rivera

Rivera started as a child actress in sitcoms like ‘The Royal Family’ before her breakout adult role. She achieved global fame as Santana Lopez on the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Her performance was critically acclaimed for its groundbreaking representation. She continued to work in television and film until her untimely passing.

Naomie Harris

Harris began her career as a child actress in the UK television series ‘Simon and the Witch’. She gained international recognition as an adult in ’28 Days Later’ and the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance in ‘Moonlight’. She also plays Moneypenny in the modern James Bond films.

Naturi Naughton

Naughton started her career as a member of the teen R&B group 3LW and played Little Inez in ‘Hairspray’. She transitioned to serious acting with her role as Tasha St. Patrick in the hit series ‘Power’. She starred in the limited series ‘Queens’ alongside other musical legends. Her career successfully bridges the gap between music and dramatic acting.

Coco Jones

Jones began as a Disney Channel star in the movie ‘Let It Shine’. After a period of rebuilding her career she found massive success as Hilary Banks in ‘Bel-Air’. She simultaneously launched a successful R&B music career that earned her a Grammy Award. Her resurgence is a testament to her persistence and talent.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Wallis made history as the youngest Best Actress nominee ever for ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’. She starred in the remake of ‘Annie’ and transitioned into television with ‘Black-ish’. She currently stars in the sports drama series ‘Swagger’. Her career has evolved from child prodigy to a consistent working actress.

Samantha Logan

Logan had an early role in ‘666 Park Avenue’ and appeared on ‘General Hospital’. She found stability and fame as a lead on the sports drama ‘All American’. Her work includes films like ‘Polaroid’ and ‘The Empty Man’. She has established herself as a reliable lead in teen and young adult dramas.

Vanessa Morgan

Morgan started her career on the Canadian teen series ‘The Latest Buzz’ and the movie ‘My Babysitter’s a Vampire’. She gained widespread fame as Toni Topaz on the CW hit ‘Riverdale’. She recently took on a lead role in the series ‘Wild Cards’. Her career has remained steady in the genre of teen dramas and procedurals.

Skai Jackson

Jackson became famous as Zuri Ross on the Disney Channel series ‘Jessie’ and ‘Bunk’d’. She has transitioned into film roles and voice acting work for Marvel animations. She maintains a massive social media following that complements her acting endeavors. She continues to appear in thriller movies and independent projects.

Bianca Lawson

Lawson started as a teen in ‘Saved by the Bell: The New Class’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. She became known for playing teenagers well into her thirties in shows like ‘Pretty Little Liars’. She transitioned to more mature roles in the drama ‘Queen Sugar’. Her career spans decades of cult classic television series.

Ryan Destiny

Destiny began in the music group Love Dollhouse before starring in the musical drama ‘Star’. She transitioned to film with the boxing drama ‘Flint Strong’. She also appeared in the series ‘Grown-ish’ in a recurring role. Her career continues to blend her musical background with dramatic acting roles.

Tell us which of these career transformations impressed you the most in the comments.