Millennials’ Favorite Black Actors

Millennials grew up during a transformative era in cinema and television where representation for Black actors expanded significantly across genres. From the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to the Golden Age of television, these performers have become household names through their versatility and social impact. Many of these actors have earned prestigious accolades including Academy Awards, Emmys, and Golden Globes while breaking box office records. Their work spans high-octane action, profound historical dramas, and innovative comedies that have shaped the cultural landscape for a generation. The following list highlights the most influential Black male actors who have captured the attention and admiration of Millennial audiences.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is a two-time Academy Award winner known for his powerful performances in films like ‘Training Day’ and ‘Malcolm X’. He first gained national attention on the television series ‘St. Elsewhere’ before becoming a major Hollywood leading man. Throughout his career, he has portrayed numerous historical figures including Rubin Carter in ‘The Hurricane’ and Frank Lucas in ‘American Gangster’. Washington is often cited as one of the greatest actors of his generation for his range and commanding screen presence. He has also successfully ventured into directing with projects such as ‘Fences’ and ‘The Great Debaters’.

Will Smith

Will Smith became a global icon after starring in the hit sitcom ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ during the 1990s. He successfully transitioned to film with blockbuster hits such as ‘Independence Day’, ‘Men in Black’, and ‘Bad Boys’. Smith earned critical acclaim for his dramatic roles in ‘Ali’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, both of which garnered him Oscar nominations. In 2022, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Richard Williams in ‘King Richard’. His influence on Millennial pop culture remains significant due to his long history of commercial and critical success.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson is one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, having appeared in over 150 films throughout his career. He is widely recognized for his frequent collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino in films like ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Hateful Eight’. Jackson became a staple of the Millennial movie-going experience through his role as Nick Fury in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. He also voiced the character Frozone in the beloved animated film ‘The Incredibles’. His distinct voice and energetic delivery have made him a permanent fixture in modern entertainment.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman is celebrated for his authoritative voice and calm demeanor in classic films such as ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘Seven’. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘Million Dollar Baby’ in 2005. Freeman played Lucius Fox in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy, which significantly impacted the superhero film genre. He has also served as a narrator for numerous documentaries and films, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in the industry. His career highlights include a wide variety of roles ranging from ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ to ‘Invictus’.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba first rose to prominence in the United States for his portrayal of Stringer Bell on the critically acclaimed series ‘The Wire’. The British actor later starred in the psychological crime drama ‘Luther’, for which he won a Golden Globe Award. His film career includes major roles in ‘Pacific Rim’, ‘Beasts of No Nation’, and the ‘Thor’ franchise as Heimdall. Elba is also known for his work in ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ where he played the titular South African leader. He is frequently praised for his versatility and has become a prominent figure in international cinema.

Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman left an indelible mark on cinema through his portrayal of T’Challa in the groundbreaking film ‘Black Panther’. Before joining the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’, he gained recognition for playing real-life icons Jackie Robinson in ’42’ and James Brown in ‘Get On Up’. His final film role in ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win. Boseman’s dedication to his craft and his cultural impact earned him deep respect from audiences worldwide. He remains a symbol of excellence and representation for the Millennial generation.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan began his career as a child actor in ‘The Wire’ before gaining mainstream fame in ‘Fruitvale Station’. He is widely known for his starring role as Adonis Creed in the ‘Creed’ franchise, which revitalized the ‘Rocky’ film series. Jordan also received critical praise for his complex portrayal of the antagonist Erik Killmonger in ‘Black Panther’. In addition to acting, he has launched his own production company and directed ‘Creed III’. His presence in high-profile franchises has made him one of the most influential young actors in Hollywood.

Mahershala Ali

Mahershala Ali is a two-time Academy Award winner who rose to prominence with his roles in ‘House of Cards’ and ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’. He won his first Oscar for his supporting performance in ‘Moonlight’ and a second for ‘Green Book’. Ali also starred in the third season of ‘True Detective’ and voiced Prowler in ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’. He is set to join the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as the titular character in the upcoming ‘Blade’ reboot. His career is characterized by subtle, deeply emotional performances that have earned him universal critical acclaim.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx is a multi-talented performer who won an Academy Award for his transformative portrayal of Ray Charles in the biopic ‘Ray’. He started his career in stand-up comedy and became a household name on the sketch show ‘In Living Color’. Foxx has starred in a wide range of films, including the action-packed ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. He is also an accomplished musician, having released several successful albums and winning a Grammy Award. His ability to balance comedy, drama, and music has made him a versatile force in the entertainment industry.

Daniel Kaluuya

Daniel Kaluuya gained international fame after his lead role in the social horror film ‘Get Out’, which earned him his first Oscar nomination. He later won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Fred Hampton in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. Kaluuya also appeared in ‘Black Panther’ and the sci-fi thriller ‘Nope’, directed by Jordan Peele. Before his film success, he was a writer and actor on the British teen drama series ‘Skins’. He is recognized for his intense emotional depth and his ability to carry complex narratives.

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield made his film debut in the indie drama ‘Short Term 12’ before becoming a breakout star on the series ‘Atlanta’. He has since appeared in high-profile films like ‘Get Out’, ‘Sorry to Bother You’, and ‘Knives Out’. Stanfield received an Academy Award nomination for his role in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. He is known for his eccentric and transformative acting style, often choosing unconventional projects. His career continues to flourish as he takes on leading roles in films such as ‘The Book of Clarence’.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover is a polymath who has achieved success as an actor, writer, director, and musician. He gained a loyal following for his role as Troy Barnes on the comedy series ‘Community’ before creating the award-winning show ‘Atlanta’. Glover joined the ‘Star Wars’ universe as a young Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ and voiced Simba in the 2019 remake of ‘The Lion King’. Under his stage name Childish Gambino, he has released several influential albums and won multiple Grammy Awards. His creative vision has made him one of the most influential figures in Millennial entertainment.

Sterling K. Brown

Sterling K. Brown became a prominent figure in television with his Emmy-winning role as Randall Pearson on the drama ‘This Is Us’. He also received an Emmy for his portrayal of Christopher Darden in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story’. Brown has successfully transitioned to film with roles in ‘Black Panther’, ‘Waves’, and ‘American Fiction’. His performance in ‘American Fiction’ earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2024. He is widely praised for his articulate delivery and high emotional intelligence on screen.

Jeffrey Wright

Jeffrey Wright is a veteran actor known for his intellectual approach to roles in films like ‘Basquiat’ and ‘The French Dispatch’. He portrayed the character Bernard Lowe in the HBO series ‘Westworld’, earning multiple Emmy nominations. Wright is also recognized for playing Felix Leiter in the James Bond films starring Daniel Craig. In 2023, he received critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his lead role in ‘American Fiction’. His career spans theater, television, and film, establishing him as one of the industry’s most respected character actors.

Don Cheadle

Don Cheadle earned an Academy Award nomination for his powerful lead performance in ‘Hotel Rwanda’. He is perhaps best known to younger audiences as James Rhodes, also known as War Machine, in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. Cheadle starred in the series ‘House of Lies’, for which he won a Golden Globe Award. His filmography also includes the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy and the acclaimed drama ‘Crash’. Beyond acting, he is an outspoken activist for environmental and humanitarian causes.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his terrifying portrayal of Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’. He has had a long and varied career with roles in films such as ‘Platoon’, ‘Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai’, and ‘The Butler’. Whitaker joined the ‘Star Wars’ franchise as Saw Gerrera in ‘Rogue One’ and appeared in ‘Black Panther’ as Zuri. He is currently the lead in the crime drama series ‘Godfather of Harlem’. His performances are often noted for their intensity and deep character study.

Laurence Fishburne

Laurence Fishburne is iconic for his role as Morpheus in ‘The Matrix’ trilogy, a performance that defined sci-fi cinema for Millennials. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Ike Turner in ‘What’s Love Got to Do with It’. Fishburne’s early career included a memorable performance in ‘Boyz n the Hood’, which became a cultural touchstone. He has also starred in ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and its sequels, reuniting with Keanu Reeves. On television, he played the lead in ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ and ‘Hannibal’.

Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie rose to mainstream fame as Sam Wilson, the Falcon, in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’. He officially took on the mantle of Captain America in the Disney+ series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Before his superhero fame, Mackie earned critical praise for his work in ‘The Hurt Locker’ and ‘Half Nelson’. He has also starred in the sci-fi series ‘Altered Carbon’ and the action-comedy ‘Twisted Metal’. Mackie is known for his charisma and has become a leading face in major Hollywood productions.

John Boyega

John Boyega gained international stardom as Finn in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, beginning with ‘The Force Awakens’. He first caught the attention of critics in the British sci-fi comedy ‘Attack the Block’. Boyega won a Golden Globe for his role in the anthology series ‘Small Axe’, specifically in the film ‘Red, White and Blue’. He has also produced and starred in films like ‘Pacific Rim: Uprising’ and the historical drama ‘The Woman King’. His vocal advocacy for social justice has further solidified his influence within his generation.

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Chiwetel Ejiofor received widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in ’12 Years a Slave’. He began his career with roles in ‘Amistad’ and ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ before becoming a staple in major Hollywood films. Ejiofor joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Mordo in ‘Doctor Strange’. He also voiced Scar in the 2019 live-action remake of ‘The Lion King’. His stage work is equally impressive, having won an Olivier Award for his performance in ‘Othello’.

David Oyelowo

David Oyelowo is best known for his portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in the 2014 film ‘Selma’. He received a Golden Globe nomination for the role and was praised for his historical accuracy and gravitas. Oyelowo has appeared in several other notable films including ‘The Butler’, ‘A United Kingdom’, and ‘Interstellar’. On television, he starred in the miniseries ‘Nightingale’ and the western drama ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’. He is recognized for his commitment to telling stories that highlight Black history and excellence.

Winston Duke

Winston Duke became a fan favorite for his role as M’Baku in the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ film ‘Black Panther’. He followed this success with a lead role in Jordan Peele’s horror-thriller ‘Us’, playing the dual roles of Gabe Wilson and Abraham. Duke also starred in the independent film ‘Nine Days’, which received critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival. He has appeared in several high-profile action films including ‘Spenser Confidential’ and ‘The Fall Guy’. His physical presence and comedic timing have quickly made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II won an Emmy Award for his role as Cal Abar/Doctor Manhattan in the HBO limited series ‘Watchmen’. He is also known for playing the villain Black Manta in the ‘Aquaman’ films. His film credits include ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’, where he played Bobby Seale, and the lead role in the 2021 horror film ‘Candyman’. He recently portrayed Morpheus in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’, taking over the role from Laurence Fishburne. Abdul-Mateen II is considered one of the most versatile and rising stars of the current era.

Damson Idris

Damson Idris rose to fame as the lead character Franklin Saint in the hit FX crime drama ‘Snowfall’. The British actor’s performance as a young drug kingpin earned him critical praise throughout the show’s six-season run. He has also appeared in films such as ‘Outside the Wire’ and the anthology series ‘Black Mirror’. Idris is set to star alongside Brad Pitt in an upcoming high-budget Formula 1 racing film. His transition from British television to American superstardom has been marked by a series of intense, dramatic roles.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has become a prominent force in both film and television, winning an Emmy for his guest role in ‘Euphoria’. He received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in ‘Rustin’. Domingo is also known for his long-running role as Victor Strand on ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. His filmography includes ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’, and ‘The Color Purple’. He is highly respected for his stage presence and his ability to inhabit complex, historical figures.

Brian Tyree Henry

Brian Tyree Henry gained recognition for his role as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles on the FX series ‘Atlanta’. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the drama ‘Causeway’. Henry has appeared in several major franchises, including the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ film ‘Eternals’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. He also provided the voice for Jefferson Davis in the animated ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ series. His career is characterized by a mix of soulful dramatic performances and sharp comedic timing.

Daveed Diggs

Daveed Diggs rose to prominence after winning a Tony Award and a Grammy for his dual roles as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in ‘Hamilton’. He transitioned to television with a lead role in the post-apocalyptic series ‘Snowpiercer’. Diggs also starred in and co-wrote the critically acclaimed film ‘Blindspotting’, which explores themes of gentrification and race. He provided the voice for Sebastian in the 2023 live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. His work often intersects with his background in experimental hip-hop and theater.

Michael Kenneth Williams

Michael K. Williams was best known for his legendary portrayal of Omar Little on the HBO series ‘The Wire’. He later starred as Chalky White in ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and received multiple Emmy nominations throughout his career. Williams was also recognized for his roles in ‘The Night Of’ and ‘Lovecraft Country’. His ability to bring humanity and complexity to street-hardened characters made him a favorite among critics and viewers. He remained a powerful advocate for social reform until his passing in 2021.

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito became a cultural icon for his portrayal of the chilling villain Gus Fring in ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’. He has since become a frequent presence in major franchises, playing Moff Gideon in ‘The Mandalorian’ and Stan Edgar in ‘The Boys’. Esposito’s career dates back to the 1980s with roles in Spike Lee films such as ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘School Daze’. He is also known for his voice work in various video games, most notably as Antón Castillo in ‘Far Cry 6’. His calm yet menacing delivery has made him one of the most recognizable antagonists in television history.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore became a television staple for his long-running roles on ‘The Young and the Restless’ and ‘Criminal Minds’. He currently stars as the lead character, Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, on the action drama ‘S.W.A.T.’. Moore also appeared in the film ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’, which was a significant success in the mid-2000s. He provided the voice for Cyborg in several ‘DC Animated Movie Universe’ films. His consistent presence on network television has maintained his popularity across multiple decades.

Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut first gained fame for his role as Ricky Baker in the classic 1991 film ‘Boyz n the Hood’. He became a romantic lead in successful films like ‘The Best Man’ and its sequel ‘The Best Man Holiday’. Chestnut has had a prolific television career, starring in ‘Rosewood’ and the medical drama ‘The Resident’. He is often recognized for his longevity in the industry and his roles in the ‘Best Man’ limited series. His career has spanned across drama, action, and romantic comedy genres.

Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs made his film debut in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’, which established him as a major star in the late 1990s. He is also well known for his role as Benny in the original Broadway cast and film version of ‘Rent’. Diggs starred in the legal drama ‘Kevin Hill’ and the long-running ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ spin-off ‘Private Practice’. More recently, he played a central role in the teen drama series ‘All American’. He remains a prominent figure in both the musical theater and television communities.

Tyler James Williams

Tyler James Williams rose to fame as a child actor playing the lead in the sitcom ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. He successfully transitioned to adult roles with a notable turn in the film ‘Dear White People’ and a recurring role on ‘The Walking Dead’. Williams currently stars as Gregory Eddie on the hit mockumentary ‘Abbott Elementary’, for which he won a Golden Globe. His performance on the show has been praised for its comedic timing and relatability. He is frequently cited as a successful example of a child star maintaining a thriving career into adulthood.

Jharrel Jerome

Jharrel Jerome first gained attention for his performance in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Moonlight’. He achieved major critical success for his role as Korey Wise in the Netflix miniseries ‘When They See Us’. This performance earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series, making him the first Afro-Latino to win the award. He recently starred in the surrealist series ‘I’m a Virgo’, created by Boots Riley. Jerome is recognized for his intense emotional range and his ability to tackle heavy, socially relevant subject matter.

Aldis Hodge

Aldis Hodge began his career as a child actor but gained widespread recognition for his role as Alec Hardison on the series ‘Leverage’. He portrayed MC Ren in the N.W.A biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and starred in the historical drama ‘Hidden Figures’. Hodge also played the DC superhero Hawkman in the film ‘Black Adam’ and starred in the series ‘City on a Hill’. He is currently the lead in the ‘Alex Cross’ television series based on the James Patterson novels. His career has transitioned from ensemble television roles to major film and lead television positions.

Stephan James

Stephan James gained critical acclaim for his portrayal of Jesse Owens in the biographical sports drama ‘Race’. He starred as the lead in Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’, which was a major awards season contender. James also appeared alongside Julia Roberts in the first season of the Amazon series ‘Homecoming’. He received further praise for his role in the civil rights drama ‘Selma’ as John Lewis. His performances are often noted for their quiet strength and romantic sensitivity.

Ashton Sanders

Ashton Sanders became a breakout star for his role as the teenage Chiron in the Oscar-winning film ‘Moonlight’. He later starred in the action thriller ‘The Equalizer 2’ and the drama ‘Native Son’. Sanders also portrayed RZA in the Hulu series ‘Wu-Tang: An American Saga’, capturing the legendary producer’s early years. He appeared in the historical drama ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ alongside Daniel Kaluuya. His choice of roles often reflects a commitment to gritty, character-driven storytelling.

John David Washington

John David Washington transitioned from a professional football career to acting, starting with a role in the HBO series ‘Ballers’. He received critical acclaim for his lead role in Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman’, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Washington later starred in Christopher Nolan’s high-concept sci-fi film ‘Tenet’ as the Protagonist. He also appeared in the drama ‘Malcolm & Marie’ and the film ‘Amsterdam’. He is the son of Denzel Washington and has carved out a distinct path with leading roles in major auteur-driven films.

Terry Crews

Terry Crews is a former NFL player who became a beloved comedic actor through his roles in ‘White Chicks’ and ‘Everybody Hates Chris’. He is widely recognized for his long-running role as Terry Jeffords on the sitcom ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Crews has also hosted ‘America’s Got Talent’ and appeared in ‘The Expendables’ action franchise. He is known for his physical comedy and his advocacy for men’s mental health and social issues. His energetic persona has made him a fixture in Millennial television comedy.

Kelvin Harrison, Jr.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. earned critical praise for his breakout roles in the independent films ‘Luce’ and ‘Waves’. He has since appeared in major historical dramas such as ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’ and ‘Chevalier’. Harrison portrayed B.B. King in the 2022 biopic ‘Elvis’ and is set to voice Scar in the prequel ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. He is recognized for his ability to play complex, often troubled characters with a high degree of nuance. His rapid ascent in Hollywood has made him one of the most promising actors of his generation.

Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. became a household name after originating the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’. He won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Grammy for the show’s soundtrack. Odom Jr. transitioned to film with an Oscar-nominated performance as Sam Cooke in ‘One Night in Miami…’. He has also appeared in ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. His career successfully bridges the worlds of Broadway, music, and film.

Omari Hardwick

Omari Hardwick is best known for his lead role as James “Ghost” St. Patrick on the hit Starz drama series ‘Power’. Before his success on ‘Power’, he appeared in films such as ‘For Colored Girls’ and ‘Kick-Ass’. Hardwick has also starred in the Netflix action film ‘Army of the Dead’ directed by Zack Snyder. He is known for his intense screen presence and his work as a spoken word poet. His role in ‘Power’ made him one of the most recognizable faces in premium cable television.

Wood Harris

Wood Harris is iconic for his portrayal of drug kingpin Avon Barksdale on the HBO series ‘The Wire’. He also gained fame for his role as Julius Campbell in the classic sports film ‘Remember the Titans’. Harris has appeared in the ‘Creed’ franchise as Tony “Little Duke” Evers, a role he reprised in the sequels. He also had a notable role in the 1998 film ‘Paid in Full’, which remains a cult classic. His career is marked by his ability to play both street-level characters and authoritative figures.

Bokeem Woodbine

Bokeem Woodbine has been a consistent presence in film and television since the early 1990s, appearing in ‘Jason’s Lyric’ and ‘Dead Presidents’. He received widespread critical acclaim for his role as Mike Milligan in the second season of ‘Fargo’. Woodbine joined the ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe’ as Shocker in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. He also starred in the ‘Halo’ television series as Soren-066. His career has seen a significant resurgence in recent years due to his standout performances in high-profile television dramas.

Corey Hawkins

Corey Hawkins first gained major recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Dre in the biopic ‘Straight Outta Compton’. He went on to star in the action series ’24: Legacy’ and appeared in ‘Kong: Skull Island’. Hawkins received a Tony nomination for his work in the Broadway play ‘Six Degrees of Separation’. He also starred in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’ as Benny. His versatility allows him to move seamlessly between biographical roles, action films, and musical theater.

Keith David

Keith David is a legendary character actor with a career spanning over four decades in film, television, and voice acting. He is known for his roles in cult classics like ‘The Thing’ and ‘They Live’, as well as the drama ‘Platoon’. David voiced the Arbiter in the ‘Halo’ video game series and Dr. Facilier in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’. He recently starred in the series ‘Greenleaf’ and Jordan Peele’s film ‘Nope’. His deep, resonant voice and commanding presence have made him a staple in both live-action and animation.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith gained prominence with his lead role in the Netflix series ‘The Get Down’ and the film ‘Every Day’. He achieved major box office success as the lead in ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’ and appeared in the ‘Jurassic World’ franchise. Smith also starred in the critically acclaimed independent film ‘I Saw the TV Glow’. He is recognized for his ability to lead big-budget blockbusters while maintaining a presence in experimental indie cinema. He is considered one of the leading young actors of the Gen Z and Millennial crossover era.

Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin rose to global fame as Lucas Sinclair on the hit Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’. Before his television success, he performed on Broadway as Young Simba in ‘The Lion King’. McLaughlin has transitioned into film with a lead role in the urban western ‘Concrete Cowboy’ alongside Idris Elba. He is also a singer and has released several singles as he expands his career beyond acting. His growth on ‘Stranger Things’ has allowed him to become a prominent young voice in the entertainment industry.

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy is a comedy legend who dominated the 1980s with hits like ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Coming to America’. He reached a new generation of fans as the voice of Donkey in the ‘Shrek’ franchise and Mushu in ‘Mulan’. Murphy received an Academy Award nomination for his dramatic role in the 2006 film ‘Dreamgirls’. He recently experienced a career resurgence with the acclaimed biopic ‘Dolemite Is My Name’ and the sequel ‘Coming 2 America’. His influence on comedy and film remains unparalleled, bridging multiple generations of audiences.

Lance Reddick

Lance Reddick was highly respected for his roles in several of television’s most acclaimed dramas, including ‘The Wire’ and ‘Fringe’. He became a fixture in the ‘John Wick’ film franchise as Charon, the concierge of the Continental Hotel. Reddick also provided his voice and likeness to major video games such as the ‘Destiny’ series and ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’. He starred as Albert Wesker in the ‘Resident Evil’ series and appeared in ‘Bosch’ as Irvin Irving. His career was defined by his professional gravitas and his ability to elevate every project he was a part of.

Please share your favorite performances from these actors in the comments.