Black Actors You Won’t Believe Are Turning 40 Next Year

Time flies in Hollywood, and many performers who burst onto the scene as young talents are now approaching a significant milestone. The upcoming year marks the fortieth birthday for several prominent Black male actors who have made their mark in film and television. These entertainers were born in 1986 and have spent years building impressive resumes across various genres. From superhero blockbusters to critically acclaimed dramas, this list highlights the diverse careers of men entering a new decade of life.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke gained global recognition for his commanding portrayal of M’Baku in the Marvel Cinematic Universe blockbuster ‘Black Panther’. He reprised this powerful role in subsequent Avengers films and expanded his range with a dual role in Jordan Peele’s horror film ‘Us’. The actor has established himself as a dominant screen presence through his work in both action and drama genres. Duke continues to secure high-profile roles that showcase his versatility and physical imposition on screen.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has rapidly ascended Hollywood ranks with his Emmy-winning performance in the limited series ‘Watchmen’. He terrified audiences as the titular character in the modern sequel to ‘Candyman’ and battled a superhero in ‘Aquaman’. His career includes diverse projects ranging from historical dramas like ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ to major sci-fi franchises like ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. This Yale School of Drama graduate consistently delivers intense and transformative performances.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs first captured widespread attention with his fast-rapping dual role in the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’. He successfully transitioned to television and film with a leading role in the dystopian series ‘Snowpiercer’. Diggs also voiced characters in major animated features like ‘Soul’ and the live-action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. His work often blends his musical background with his acting talents to create unique character interpretations.

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge has built an impressive resume with his role as Hawkman in the superhero film ‘Black Adam’. Audiences also recognize him from his long-running stint as a hacker in the series ‘Leverage’ and its recent revival. He delivered a compelling performance as Jim Brown in ‘One Night in Miami’ which garnered critical acclaim. Hodge consistently demonstrates his ability to handle both physically demanding action roles and complex dramatic characters.

Kingsley Ben-Adir

Kingsley Ben-Adir achieved major acclaim for his portrayal of civil rights icon Malcolm X in ‘One Night in Miami’. He recently took on the challenge of playing a music legend in the biographical film ‘Bob Marley: One Love’. The British actor also played a significant villain in the Marvel series ‘Secret Invasion’. His career is defined by his ability to embody historical figures and complex antagonists with depth and nuance.

Evan Ross

Evan Ross made his acting debut in the coming-of-age drama ‘ATL’ before joining the massive franchise ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’. He has maintained a steady presence in both film and television over the last two decades. Ross often takes on roles in independent dramas that allow him to showcase his emotional range. He continues to work in the industry while balancing his musical endeavors and family life.

Tahj Mowry

Tahj Mowry became a household name as a child star in the popular sitcom ‘Smart Guy’. He successfully transitioned to adult roles with a long-running character in the comedy series ‘Baby Daddy’. His career spans voice work in animated series like ‘Kim Possible’ and various guest appearances on network television. Mowry remains a recognizable figure to audiences who grew up watching his comedic timing in the nineties and early two thousands.

Elijah Kelley

Elijah Kelley showcased his singing and acting talents as Seaweed J. Stubbs in the musical film ‘Hairspray’. He later took on the role of the Scarecrow in the live television production of ‘The Wiz Live!’. Kelley also appeared in the historical drama ‘The Butler’ alongside a star-studded cast. His work frequently utilizes his triple-threat abilities in singing, dancing, and acting.

Drake

Aubrey Graham originally gained fame as an actor playing Jimmy Brooks on the teen drama ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’. Although he is primarily known now as a global music superstar, he has returned to screens for hosting duties and comedic sketches. He occasionally serves as an executive producer for acclaimed television series like ‘Euphoria’. His early acting work remains a significant touchstone for fans of the long-running Canadian series.

Tell us which of these actors you were most surprised to see on this list in the comments.