Gen Alpha’s Favorite Actresses

As the first generation born entirely within the 21st century, Gen Alpha has developed unique media consumption habits shaped by streaming platforms and social media. Their favorite actresses often bridge the gap between traditional television, major cinematic franchises, and viral digital content. From the breakout stars of ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Stranger Things’ to the leading ladies of the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, these performers hold significant influence over the youngest demographic of viewers. This list explores the actresses who have captured the attention of Gen Alpha through their diverse roles and public personas.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega achieved global recognition for her titular role in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. She began her career as a child actress in the series ‘Jane the Virgin’ and the Disney Channel sitcom ‘Stuck in the Middle’. Ortega has also become a prominent figure in the horror genre with appearances in ‘Scream’ and ‘X’. Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams sparked viral trends across social media platforms used by Gen Alpha.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown rose to prominence as Eleven in the science fiction series ‘Stranger Things’. Beyond her work in television, she has led the ‘Enola Holmes’ film franchise on Netflix as both the lead actress and a producer. Brown also appeared in ‘Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ and its sequel, ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. Her beauty brand, Florence by Mills, is specifically targeted toward the Gen Alpha and Gen Z demographics.

Zendaya

Zendaya transitioned from Disney Channel fame in ‘Shake It Up’ to become a major cinematic lead in ‘Dune’ and the ‘Spider-Man’ franchise. She made history as the youngest recipient of two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Euphoria’. While ‘Euphoria’ is intended for older audiences, her role as MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe made her a household name for younger viewers. She also voiced Lola Bunny in the film ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’.

Ariana Greenblatt

Ariana Greenblatt has appeared in several of the highest-grossing films of the early 2020s, including ‘Barbie’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. She gained early popularity on the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’ alongside Jenna Ortega. Greenblatt also played a significant role in the science fiction thriller ’65’ and the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Ahsoka’ as a young Ahsoka Tano. Her involvement in the ‘Borderlands’ film adaptation further increased her visibility with gaming-centric audiences.

Leah Sava Jeffries

Leah Sava Jeffries gained significant attention for her role as Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’. Before this breakout role, she appeared in the action film ‘Beast’ alongside Idris Elba. Jeffries also had a recurring role on the musical drama series ‘Empire’. Her casting in the ‘Percy Jackson’ franchise has made her a central figure in modern youth-oriented fantasy media.

Mckenna Grace

Mckenna Grace is known for her extensive work as a young actress in both television and film, including a lead role in ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. She portrayed a young Sheldon Cooper’s rival, Paige Swanson, in the sitcom ‘Young Sheldon’. Grace also starred in the ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, for which she received an Emmy nomination, and led the cast of ‘The Bad Seed’. In addition to acting, she has released several singles that resonate with her young fanbase.

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink joined the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ in its second season as Max Mayfield, becoming a central character in the series. She received critical praise for her performance in the film ‘The Whale’ and starred in the ‘Fear Street’ trilogy on Netflix. Sink also appeared in Taylor Swift’s ‘All Too Well: The Short Film’, which garnered massive viewership among younger demographics. Her fashion work and public appearances have made her a style icon for the pre-teen age group.

Sofia Wylie

Sofia Wylie is a prominent star of the Disney+ era, leading the cast of ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’. She first gained fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Andi Mack’, which was praised for its progressive storytelling. Wylie also starred in the Netflix fantasy film ‘The School for Good and Evil’. Her background as a professional dancer has allowed her to showcase her skills in various musical productions.

Olivia Rodrigo

Although now primarily known as a global pop star, Olivia Rodrigo began her career as an actress on the Disney Channel’s ‘Bizaardvark’. She later moved to ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’, where her performance and songwriting led to her mainstream music career. While her focus has shifted to her music, her acting roots remain a key part of her appeal to Gen Alpha. Her documentary ‘Olivia Rodrigo: Driving Home 2 u’ provided fans with a look at her creative transition.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey reached a new level of fame after being cast as Ariel in the live-action reimagining of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She first gained recognition as part of the musical duo Chloe x Halle and for her role on the series ‘Grown-ish’. Bailey also appeared in the 2023 musical film adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Her performance as a Disney Princess has made her an inspirational figure for children globally.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler debuted as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ after an open casting call. She subsequently starred as Lucy Gray Baird in ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’. Zegler is also set to portray the title character in the upcoming live-action ‘Snow White’ film. Her presence in major theatrical franchises has established her as a leading actress of her generation.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey became a household name for Gen Alpha through their portrayal of Ellie in the television adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. They initially gained fame for playing Lyanna Mormont in ‘Game of Thrones’ and the title character in ‘The Worst Witch’. Ramsey also starred in the medieval comedy ‘Catherine Called Birdy’. Their performance in high-stakes drama has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

Iman Vellani

Iman Vellani entered the entertainment industry as Kamala Khan in the Disney+ series ‘Ms. Marvel’. She reprised her role in the feature film ‘The Marvels’, starring alongside Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris. Vellani’s character is the first Muslim superhero to headline a Marvel Cinematic Universe project. As a self-professed fan of the source material, she has become a relatable figure for the comic book community.

Xochitl Gomez

Xochitl Gomez is best known for portraying America Chavez in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. She also appeared in the first season of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ series on Netflix as Dawn Schafer. Gomez increased her popularity by winning the 32nd season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Her active presence on TikTok has helped her maintain a strong connection with Gen Alpha fans.

Maya Hawke

Maya Hawke joined the cast of ‘Stranger Things’ as Robin Buckley in the third season, quickly becoming a fan favorite. She is the daughter of actors Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke and has appeared in films such as ‘Do Revenge’ and ‘Asteroid City’. Hawke also voices the character Anxiety in the Pixar film ‘Inside Out 2’. Her music career and distinctive personality have made her a popular figure on social media platforms.

Priah Ferguson

Priah Ferguson portrays Erica Sinclair on ‘Stranger Things’, a character known for her wit and catchphrases. Originally a recurring guest, her character’s popularity led to Ferguson being promoted to the main cast. She has also appeared in the film ‘The Curse of Bridge Hollow’ and the series ‘Atlanta’. Her character’s “nerd” persona has resonated deeply with the younger audience.

Raegan Revord

Raegan Revord is widely recognized for her role as Missy Cooper on the hit sitcom ‘Young Sheldon’. She has played the character for seven seasons, growing up on screen alongside her Gen Alpha audience. Revord has also appeared in ‘Modern Family’ and the horror film ‘Wish Upon’. She is an active advocate for animal rescue and frequently shares her book recommendations with her followers.

Violet McGraw

Violet McGraw became a recognizable face in the horror genre after starring as Cady in the film ‘M3GAN’. She previously appeared in ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ as young Nell Crain and in ‘Black Widow’ as young Yelena Belova. McGraw’s performance in ‘M3GAN’ coincided with a viral dance trend that dominated Gen Alpha’s social media feeds. She continues to work frequently in high-profile thriller and horror projects.

Madeleine McGraw

Madeleine McGraw, the sister of Violet McGraw, gained fame for her role as Gwen in the horror film ‘The Black Phone’. She also voiced the character Maddy McGear in ‘Cars 3’ and appeared in ‘Outcast’. McGraw had a starring role in the Disney Channel series ‘Secrets of Sulphur Springs’. Her work in both film and television has made her a prominent young performer in the industry.

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss

Trinity Jo-Li Bliss portrays Tuk in the ‘Avatar’ film franchise, appearing first in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’. She is also an accomplished singer-songwriter, having released her debut album in 2023. Bliss stars in the Apple TV+ series ‘Best Foot Forward’ and the HBO Max series ‘The Garcias’. Her involvement in the massive ‘Avatar’ universe has given her significant international exposure.

Bailey Bass

Bailey Bass is known for her role as Tsireya in ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and as Claudia in the ‘Interview with the Vampire’ television series. She began her career in commercials and small film roles before landing her breakout part in James Cameron’s franchise. Bass is also an entrepreneur with her own jewelry line. Her roles often highlight her ability to perform in intensive, motion-capture environments.

Cailey Fleming

Cailey Fleming is best known for her portrayal of Judith Grimes on the long-running series ‘The Walking Dead’. She also appeared as young Rey in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’. Fleming starred in the 2024 film ‘IF’ alongside Ryan Reynolds. Her long tenure on a major cable drama has made her a familiar face to various age groups.

Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande maintains a strong connection to Gen Alpha through her legacy roles on ‘Victorious’ and ‘Sam & Cat’. While she is currently a major pop icon, her return to acting as Glinda in the ‘Wicked’ film adaptation has revitalized her status as an actress. Her voice work and television appearances continue to be discovered by younger audiences through streaming. Grande’s influence spans music, film, and her successful makeup line, R.E.M. Beauty.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez remains a favorite for Gen Alpha due to the enduring popularity of ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and her current role in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. She also voices Mavis in the ‘Hotel Transylvania’ film series, which is a staple for younger viewers. Gomez’s openness about mental health and her brand Rare Beauty have made her a role model for the younger generation. Her return to the ‘Wizards’ franchise with a new sequel series has further solidified her relevance.

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter gained early fame on the Disney Channel series ‘Girl Meets World’ before transitioning into a successful music career. She has appeared in films such as ‘The Hate U Give’ and the Netflix musical ‘Work It’. Her recent musical success has brought renewed attention to her past acting work. Carpenter’s aesthetic and social media presence are highly influential among pre-teens and teenagers.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron is a staple of the Gen Alpha childhood experience due to her dual roles in ‘Liv and Maddie’ and her portrayal of Mal in the ‘Descendants’ franchise. She has successfully transitioned into music and more mature acting roles in projects like ‘Schmigadoon!’. Her work in the ‘Descendants’ films remains a cultural touchstone for kids who grew up with the Disney Channel. Cameron’s evolution as an artist continues to be followed closely by her original fanbase.

Sofia Carson

Sofia Carson rose to fame as Evie in the ‘Descendants’ franchise, which remains highly popular in repeats and on Disney+. She starred in the Netflix film ‘Purple Hearts’, for which she also wrote and performed the soundtrack. Carson has appeared in ‘Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists’ and voiced characters in various animated series. She is also a Global Ambassador for UNICEF, a role that enhances her standing with socially conscious young viewers.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld is a prominent figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Kate Bishop in the ‘Hawkeye’ series. She also provides the voice for Gwen Stacy in the ‘Spider-Verse’ animated films, which are critically acclaimed and popular with Gen Alpha. Steinfeld starred in the ‘Transformers’ spin-off ‘Bumblebee’ and the Apple TV+ series ‘Dickinson’. Her dual success in acting and music makes her a versatile figure in entertainment.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy became a household name with ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, but she reached Gen Alpha audiences as the voice of Princess Peach in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’. She has starred in major films like ‘The Menu’ and ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’. Her distinctive look and high-fashion collaborations make her a frequent subject of social media discussion. Taylor-Joy’s range from indie horror to blockbuster animation has secured her a broad fanbase.

Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh is known for her role as Yelena Belova in ‘Black Widow’ and the ‘Hawkeye’ series, where her comedic timing made her a fan favorite. She has starred in major productions such as ‘Little Women’, ‘Oppenheimer’, and ‘Dune: Part Two’. Pugh’s “cooking with Flo” social media videos have also endeared her to younger fans who appreciate her personality. She is recognized for her versatility and her presence in several of the world’s largest film franchises.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney is a central figure in modern television due to her roles in ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’. While these shows are for mature audiences, her leading role in the romantic comedy ‘Anyone But You’ and her part in ‘Madame Web’ have expanded her reach. Sweeney’s frequent appearances in fashion magazines and brand campaigns make her a visible celebrity for Gen Alpha. She also runs her own production company, Fifty-Fifty Films.

Angourie Rice

Angourie Rice played Betty Brant in the ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy starring Tom Holland. She gained further recognition for her lead role as Cady Heron in the 2024 musical adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’. Rice also starred in ‘Mare of Easttown’ and the film ‘Honor Society’. Her relatability and presence in high-school-themed media have made her popular with the pre-teen demographic.

Reneé Rapp

Renée Rapp gained a massive following for her portrayal of Regina George in the ‘Mean Girls’ musical, both on Broadway and in the 2024 film. She also starred in the series ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. Rapp’s career as a singer-songwriter has exploded simultaneously with her acting, making her a dual-threat entertainer. Her candid personality on social media is a significant draw for Gen Alpha fans.

Julia Butters

Julia Butters earned critical acclaim for her breakout role in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. She was a series regular on the sitcom ‘American Housewife’ for several seasons. Butters also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film ‘The Fabelmans’. Her reputation as a serious young talent has made her a performer to watch in major cinematic releases.

Brooklynn Prince

Brooklynn Prince first impressed audiences with her performance in ‘The Florida Project’ at a very young age. She went on to star in the Apple TV+ series ‘Home Before Dark’ and appeared in the film ‘Cocaine Bear’. Prince also provided voice work for ‘The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part’. Her consistent work in both independent and mainstream projects has established her as a prominent young actress.

Mykal-Michelle Harris

Mykal-Michelle Harris is a well-known face on the Disney Channel, starring in the ‘Raven’s Home’ spin-off and ‘Mixed-ish’. She gained early viral fame for her “pony” video before transitioning into professional acting. Harris also hosts various segments for Disney and has appeared in the film ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’. Her energetic personality makes her a favorite for the younger segment of Gen Alpha.

Saniyya Sidney

Saniyya Sidney portrayed Venus Williams in the film ‘King Richard’, earning several award nominations. She has also appeared in ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘Fences’, and the series ‘The First Lady’ as Sasha Obama. Sidney is recognized for her ability to play real-life historical figures with depth and accuracy. Her career is marked by roles in prestigious, socially relevant films.

Demi Singleton

Demi Singleton starred as Serena Williams in ‘King Richard’ alongside Saniyya Sidney. Before her film breakout, she performed on Broadway in ‘The Lion King’ and ‘School of Rock’. Singleton also appeared in the series ‘Godfather of Harlem’. She is frequently featured in fashion campaigns and is considered a rising style icon for young audiences.

Faithe Herman

Faithe Herman is best known for her role as Annie Pearson on the acclaimed drama series ‘This Is Us’. She also plays Darla Dudley in the ‘Shazam!’ film franchise, representing the younger version of the superhero. Herman’s character in ‘Shazam!’ is known for her sweetness and iconic “I’m a good hider” line. Her work in a long-running drama and a major superhero franchise has given her wide visibility.

Dafne Keen

Dafne Keen first gained fame for her role as Laura (X-23) in the film ‘Logan’. She later starred as Lyra Belacqua in the HBO/BBC series ‘His Dark Materials’. Keen returned to the Marvel universe in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, much to the excitement of long-time fans. She also appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’, further cementing her status in major fandoms.

Malia Baker

Malia Baker starred as Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix revival of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She also appeared in the film ‘Harvest Moon’ and the ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ revival. Baker is known for her activism and frequently uses her platform to discuss social justice issues. Her relatable portrayal of a shy but capable teenager made her a standout in her breakout series.

Momona Tamada

Momona Tamada gained popularity as Claudia Kishi in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ on Netflix. She also portrayed a young Lara Jean in the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ film series. Tamada appeared in the film ‘Secret Headquarters’ and the series ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ as Ty Lee. Her interest in fashion, mirroring her character Claudia, has made her a style inspiration for many.

Anna Cathcart

Anna Cathcart is widely known for her role as Kitty Song Covey in the ‘To All the Boys’ film trilogy and her own spin-off series ‘XO, Kitty’. She also played Dizzy Tremaine in the ‘Descendants’ franchise. Cathcart has hosted various educational programs and starred in the web series ‘Zoe Valentine’. Her focus on roles that explore teenage identity and heritage has resonated with a global audience.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan was chosen from an open casting call to star in Mindy Kaling’s ‘Never Have I Ever’. She voiced the character Priya in the Pixar film ‘Turning Red’, which was a massive hit on Disney+. Ramakrishnan is known for her humorous social media presence and her advocacy for South Asian representation. Her lead role as Devi Vishwakumar made her a relatable figure for many Gen Alpha and Gen Z viewers.

Shay Rudolph

Shay Rudolph portrayed Stacey McGill in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She also had a recurring role on the series ‘Lethal Weapon’ and appeared in various television films. Rudolph is an advocate for sustainable fashion and often shares her personal style with her followers. Her character’s storyline involving Type 1 diabetes helped raise awareness among younger viewers.

Sophie Grace

Sophie Grace starred as Kristy Thomas, the founder of the club, in the Netflix series ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’. She began her acting career in local theater before landing her major television role. Grace has appeared in the television movie ‘Terror in the Woods’. Her portrayal of a determined and entrepreneurial young girl inspired many fans of the series.

Ruby Rose Turner

Ruby Rose Turner headlined the Disney Channel series ‘Coop & Cami Ask the World’. She also joined the ‘Descendants’ universe as Bridget (the young Queen of Hearts) in ‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’. Turner is a competitive dancer, a skill she has showcased throughout her career. Her presence on TikTok and YouTube has helped her maintain a loyal following among Gen Alpha.

Navia Robinson

Navia Robinson is a prominent Disney Channel star known for her role as Nia Baxter-Carter in ‘Raven’s Home’. She also starred in the Netflix series ‘Free Rein’ and the series ‘Gotham Knights’ as Carrie Kelley. Robinson has provided voice work for ‘The Rocketeer’ and other animated projects. Her consistent presence in youth-targeted programming has made her a familiar face to millions.

Sky Katz

Sky Katz gained early fame as a contestant on ‘America’s Got Talent’ as a rapper before becoming an actress. She starred as Tess O’Malley in ‘Raven’s Home’ and later led the Netflix series ‘Surviving Summer’. Katz continues to balance her acting career with her music, releasing several singles. her athletic and high-energy roles have made her popular with fans of sports and music alike.

Ruth Righi

Ruth Righi is best known for her lead role in the Disney Channel series ‘Sydney to the Max’. She has also appeared on Broadway in ‘School of Rock’ and the revival of ‘The King and I’. Righi provided the voice for the title character in the animated series ‘Eureka!’. Her roles often emphasize the importance of family and staying true to oneself.

Please share your favorite actresses from this list in the comments.