Okay, so you’re curious about young black actors and want the full scoop – their net worth, who they’re dating, how tall they are, and basically everything else? I get it. These rising stars aren’t just talented, they’re building empires, and honestly, their stories are just as fascinating off-screen as they are when the cameras are rolling.
I’ve gone down the rabbit hole researching these incredible performers, and let me tell you, the information I found is wild. Some of these young actors are worth more than I’ll probably make in three lifetimes, and they’re still in their twenties and thirties. So let’s dive into the world of young black actors who are making serious moves in Hollywood and beyond.
The New Generation of Black Excellence
Before we get into the specifics, let me just say – this generation of young black actors is different. They’re not just waiting around for opportunities, they’re creating them. We’re talking production companies, fashion lines, tech investments, real estate portfolios. These folks understand that acting is just one revenue stream, and they’re diversifying like financial advisors told them to (which they probably did, because they can actually afford good ones).
The entertainment industry has changed dramatically over the past decade. Streaming platforms opened up opportunities that didn’t exist before, and social media gave actors the ability to build their own brands independent of studios. Young black actors have capitalized on this shift better than almost anyone else.
The Heavy Hitters: Net Worth Leaders
Michael B. Jordan – The Franchise King
Let’s start with someone who’s basically become a household name. Michael B. Jordan isn’t just an actor anymore, he’s a brand. Born February 9, 1987, he’s 38 years old now (which still counts as young in Hollywood, don’t @ me).
Net Worth: Around $50 million, according to recent estimates. That’s not just from acting either. Jordan’s production company, Outlier Society, has a first-look deal with Amazon. He’s also got endorsement deals with brands like Coach and his own rum brand, J’Ouvert.
Height & Build: Standing at 6’0″ (183 cm) and maintaining that superhero physique we all saw in Creed and Black Panther, Jordan takes fitness seriously. His weight fluctuates depending on roles, but he typically maintains around 190 pounds of pure muscle.
Relationship Status: He’s been pretty private about his personal life, but he’s been linked to various high-profile relationships over the years. As of my last update, he was keeping things low-key.
Business Ventures: Beyond Outlier Society Productions, Jordan became the first black principal owner of a NASCAR team. Yeah, you read that right. He co-owns a racing team with Denny Hamlin.
Damson Idris – The British Invasion
If you haven’t been watching Snowfall, you’ve been sleeping on one of the best performances on television. Damson Idris brought Franklin Saint to life in a way that had everyone talking.
Age & Background: Born September 2, 1991, Damson is 33 years old. He’s British-Nigerian, born in Peckham, South London, and is the youngest of six siblings. His mom Philippa is an entrepreneur, so business runs in the family.
Net Worth: Estimates range from $5 million to $13 million depending on the source. The range is wide because he’s been making serious moves lately, including landing the co-lead role in Brad Pitt’s F1 movie that just came out in 2025.
Physical Stats: He stands at approximately 5’11” (180 cm) and maintains an athletic build for his action roles.
Love Life: Damson made headlines when he dated Lori Harvey (Steve Harvey’s daughter). While that relationship ended, he’s kept his personal life relatively private since then.
Business: He founded his own production company and fashion brand. The guy’s not just relying on acting paychecks.
John Boyega – Star Wars Money
John Boyega became a global star when he joined the Star Wars franchise as Finn. Born March 17, 1992, he’s 33 years old and has been strategic about his career moves.
Net Worth: Estimated between $8-10 million. Not bad for someone who’s still in their early thirties.
Height: 5’9″ (175 cm), which proves you don’t need to be tall to be a leading man.
Personal Life: Boyega keeps his relationships very private, rarely discussing his dating life publicly.
Activism & Business: Beyond acting, Boyega’s been vocal about representation in Hollywood and has used his platform to support various causes. He’s also invested in production, wanting to create opportunities for other black British actors.
The Young Phenoms Making Waves
Marsai Martin – The Youngest Mogul
This is where things get absolutely crazy. Marsai Martin became the youngest person ever to produce a studio film when she executive produced “Little” at just 14 years old. Let that sink in for a second.
Age: Born August 14, 2004, she’s now 20 years old.
Net Worth: Estimated at $1.5 million to $2 million, but that number’s climbing fast with her production company Genius Productions.
Height: She’s 5’2″ (157 cm).
Career Highlights: Beyond Black-ish and producing Little, she’s got multiple projects in development. At 20, she’s already a producer, actress, and businesswoman.
Caleb McLaughlin – Stranger Things Success
Caleb became a household name playing Lucas Sinclair in Stranger Things, but his talents extend way beyond the Upside Down.
Age & Background: Born October 13, 2001, he’s 23 years old. He actually started on Broadway before landing Stranger Things.
Net Worth: Around $3 million, largely from his Stranger Things salary which increased significantly over the show’s run.
Height & Weight: Approximately 5’9″ (175 cm) and around 70 kg.
Personal Life: He’s kept his dating life mostly private, focusing on his career and using his platform for anti-bullying initiatives.
The Complete Breakdown: 40 Young Black Actors
Here’s a comprehensive table breaking down key information about these talented individuals. Note that net worth estimates can vary widely between sources and these figures represent approximate ranges based on available information:
| Actor Name | Age | Est. Net Worth | Height | Notable Work | Relationship Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael B. Jordan | 38 | $50M | 6’0″ | Creed, Black Panther | Private |
| John Boyega | 33 | $8-10M | 5’9″ | Star Wars, Small Axe | Private |
| Damson Idris | 33 | $5-13M | 5’11” | Snowfall, F1 | Single |
| Letitia Wright | 31 | $4M | 5’5″ | Black Panther | Private |
| Kelvin Harrison Jr. | 30 | $2-3M | 5’10” | Waves, Elvis | Private |
| Marsai Martin | 20 | $1.5-2M | 5’2″ | Black-ish, Little | Single |
| Storm Reid | 21 | $2-3M | 5’2″ | Euphoria, The Suicide Squad | Private |
| Caleb McLaughlin | 23 | $3M | 5’9″ | Stranger Things | Private |
| Ashton Sanders | 29 | $1-2M | 6’1″ | Moonlight, Wu-Tang | Single |
| Amandla Stenberg | 26 | $2M | 5’3″ | The Hate U Give | Private |
| Yara Shahidi | 24 | $2M | 5’2″ | Grown-ish, Black-ish | Private |
| Algee Smith | 30 | $1.5M | 5’11” | Euphoria, Detroit | Private |
| Jharrel Jerome | 27 | $2M | 5’10” | When They See Us | Private |
| Jacob Latimore | 28 | $1.2M | 5’8″ | The Chi, Detroit | Private |
| Chosen Jacobs | 25 | $800K | 5’8″ | It, The Harder They Fall | Private |
More Rising Stars
Shahadi Wright Joseph (Age 20) – After her chilling performance in “Us,” she’s been steadily building her career in both film and theater. Net worth estimated around $500K-$800K. Height: 5’4″.
Saniyya Sidney (Age 18) – Young but already impressive with roles in Hidden Figures and King Richard. Her net worth is estimated between $500K-$1M. She stands at 5’3″.
Lonnie Chavis (Age 17) – The young actor who played young Randall in This Is Us has an estimated net worth of $500K. Height: 5’5″ (still growing).
Priah Ferguson (Age 18) – Best known as Erica Sinclair in Stranger Things, her sassy character became a fan favorite. Net worth: approximately $1M. Height: 4’11”.
Akira Akbar (Age 17) – Featured in Captain Marvel and We Can Be Heroes, she’s building a solid resume. Estimated net worth: $300K-$500K.
The Business Side: Beyond Acting
What’s really interesting about this generation of young black actors is how they’re thinking about wealth building beyond their acting salaries. Let me break down some of the business moves these actors are making:
Production Companies
Almost every actor on this list either has their own production company or is planning to start one. Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society is the blueprint. They understand that owning content is where real wealth comes from.
Marsai Martin’s Genius Productions proves you’re never too young to be a boss. She’s developing multiple projects and has a first-look deal with Universal.
Real Estate Investments
While most young actors keep their real estate portfolios private, it’s an open secret in Hollywood that property investment is key to building lasting wealth. Many of these actors are investing in properties not just in LA, but in Atlanta, New York, and internationally.
Fashion & Endorsements
Michael B. Jordan’s partnership with Coach. John Boyega’s work with various brands. These endorsement deals often match or exceed their acting salaries. And we’re not talking about just slapping their face on a product – these are strategic partnerships that often include equity stakes.
Tech & Startups
The smart money in Hollywood is flowing into tech. Several young black actors are angel investors in startups, particularly those focused on diversity in tech and media.
Physical Transformations & Fitness
One thing that’s notable about many young black actors today is their commitment to fitness. This isn’t just about looking good shirtless (though that doesn’t hurt). It’s about being able to handle demanding physical roles and the grueling schedules that come with major productions.
Michael B. Jordan’s Creed training became legendary. He worked with professional boxers and trained like an actual athlete for months. His routine included:
- Boxing training 5-6 days per week
- Weight training focused on functional strength
- Strict diet with calculated macros
- Recovery protocols including ice baths and massage
Other actors like John Boyega and Damson Idris have also undergone significant physical transformations for action roles. The dedication is real, and it shows the professionalism of this generation.
Family Backgrounds & Support Systems
Something that comes up repeatedly when researching these actors is the importance of family support. Many come from working-class or middle-class backgrounds where their families sacrificed to support their dreams.
Damson Idris is the youngest of six children, and his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit clearly influenced him. Caleb McLaughlin’s family supported his Broadway dreams from a young age. Storm Reid’s family relocated to support her career.
This grounding seems to help many of them stay level-headed despite sudden fame and wealth. They’re not just building careers for themselves but creating opportunities for their families and communities.
Relationships & Dating in the Spotlight
Let’s be honest – everyone wants to know who these actors are dating. But what’s interesting is how private most of them keep their personal lives compared to previous generations of celebrities.
The Smart Approach
Most young black actors today understand that oversharing on social media can be detrimental. They’ve watched older celebrities deal with the fallout of public relationships and have chosen a different path.
Damson Idris and Lori Harvey’s relationship was one of the few high-profile relationships that played out publicly, and even then, they kept most details private. When they broke up, it was handled with maturity and respect.
Protecting Privacy
Actors like Letitia Wright, Storm Reid, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. keep their dating lives almost completely private. This isn’t because they’re hiding anything – it’s a strategic decision to maintain some normalcy and protect their relationships from public scrutiny.
Height, Weight & Physical Stats: Why It Still Matters
In Hollywood, physical appearance unfortunately still plays a significant role in casting. But what’s changing is the definition of what a leading actor should look like.
Breaking Stereotypes
You don’t have to be 6’2″ and look like a superhero to be a leading man anymore (though it doesn’t hurt). Actors like John Boyega (5’9″) and Jacob Latimore (5’8″) are proving that talent and charisma matter more than fitting some arbitrary physical ideal.
The Fitness Culture
That said, fitness is huge in young Hollywood. But it’s less about achieving some impossible body standard and more about being healthy, strong, and capable of handling demanding roles. The conversation has shifted from pure aesthetics to functional fitness and overall wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest young black actor?
Michael B. Jordan currently holds that title among younger actors with an estimated net worth of $50 million. However, if we expand “young” slightly, actors like Donald Glover also have substantial net worths from their multiple revenue streams.
How do young black actors build wealth beyond acting?
Production companies, real estate investments, endorsement deals, and equity stakes in brands are the main wealth-building strategies. The smartest ones aren’t just saving their acting salaries – they’re investing in appreciating assets and businesses.
What’s the average height of young black actors?
Based on the actors in this article, the average height ranges from 5’8″ to 6’0″, with most falling somewhere in the 5’9″ to 5’11” range. But height is becoming less of a barrier in Hollywood than it used to be.
Are young black actors paid fairly in Hollywood?
This is complicated. While there’s been progress, pay disparity still exists. Many young black actors have been vocal about negotiating for fair compensation and backend deals. The streaming era has actually helped some, as platforms are more willing to pay for talent that brings subscribers.
How much do young black actors make per movie?
It varies wildly. A breakout star might make $100K-$500K for their first major role. Established young actors like Michael B. Jordan can command $1-5 million per film, plus backend points. TV series pay differently, often with per-episode rates that increase over seasons.
The Impact of Streaming on Careers & Wealth
The streaming revolution fundamentally changed how young black actors build careers and wealth. In the old studio system, there were fewer opportunities and actors had less leverage. Now, with Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+, Hulu, and others competing for content, there’s more opportunity than ever.
The Good:
- More roles available
- Greater diversity in storytelling
- Ability to reach global audiences immediately
- Better negotiating leverage
The Challenges:
- Streaming pay structures can be less lucrative than traditional backend deals
- No residuals in many cases
- Content can get buried in massive catalogs
- Job security is different when shows can be canceled with less warning
Education & Training Background
What’s interesting about this generation is how many went through formal training or started young in the industry:
Formal Training:
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts
- John Boyega trained at Identity School of Acting in London
- Many attended performing arts high schools
Early Starters:
- Marsai Martin started acting at age 5
- Caleb McLaughlin performed on Broadway before Stranger Things
- Storm Reid has been acting since she was a child
The combination of formal training and early experience has created a generation of actors who are extremely professional and skilled at their craft.
Social Media Presence & Personal Branding
In 2025, your social media presence is almost as important as your talent (almost). Here’s how some young black actors are handling it:
Strategic Approach:
Most maintain active Instagram accounts but are thoughtful about what they share. They use social media to:
- Promote projects
- Share behind-the-scenes content
- Advocate for causes they believe in
- Connect with fans (but with boundaries)
The Balance:
What they avoid:
- Oversharing personal drama
- Getting into social media beefs
- Posting too much or too little
- Letting social media define their worth
Looking Ahead: Future Projects & Potential
The future looks incredibly bright for young black actors. With more black directors, writers, and producers in positions of power, there are more authentic stories being told and more opportunities for diverse performances.
Upcoming Trends:
- More actors directing and producing their own content
- International collaborations increasing
- Greater representation in sci-fi and fantasy genres
- Continued breakdown of traditional casting barriers
Wealth Building Trajectory:
If current trends continue, we’re going to see several young black actors become extraordinarily wealthy over the next decade. Not just “rich actor” wealthy, but “generational wealth that creates opportunities for entire communities” wealthy.
The Reality Check: Challenges That Still Exist
Let’s keep it real though – it’s not all sunshine and big paychecks. Young black actors still face challenges:
Typecasting: While it’s getting better, actors still fight against being pigeonholed into certain types of roles.
Pay Gaps: Studies show that black actors often make less than their white counterparts for similar roles and experience levels.
Limited Opportunities at the Top: While there are more roles, leading roles in major franchises still predominantly go to white actors.
Industry Gatekeepers: Despite progress, many decision-makers in Hollywood are still from the same demographic that’s always held power.
But here’s what’s different about this generation – they’re not just complaining about these challenges, they’re working around them. Starting production companies. Creating their own content. Building direct relationships with fans through social media. They’re not waiting for Hollywood to change, they’re changing it themselves.
Health, Wellness & Mental Health
One area where this generation of actors differs from previous ones is their openness about mental health and wellness.
Breaking the Stigma:
Several young black actors have spoken openly about therapy, mental health challenges, and the pressure of fame. This openness is helping to break down stigma in the black community around seeking help.
Physical Wellness:
Beyond just working out for roles, many are advocates for overall wellness:
- Regular exercise as stress relief
- Meditation and mindfulness practices
- Healthy eating as lifestyle, not just for roles
- Work-life balance (as much as possible in entertainment)
Investment Strategies & Financial Literacy
Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough – many young black actors are becoming financially literate early in their careers. They’re working with financial advisors, understanding tax strategies, and making smart investment decisions.
Common Investment Areas:
- Real estate (both residential and commercial)
- Stock market investments
- Private equity in startups
- Art and collectibles
- Cryptocurrency (though this varies widely)
The ones who build lasting wealth aren’t just earning well – they’re saving and investing smart from the beginning of their careers.
Final Thoughts: A New Era
We’re witnessing something special with this generation of young black actors. They’re talented, business-savvy, socially conscious, and strategic about their careers in ways that previous generations couldn’t be.
Their net worths will continue to grow as they take on more lucrative roles and expand their business ventures. Their influence extends beyond entertainment into fashion, tech, activism, and culture at large.
What’s most exciting is that we’re still in the early chapters of their stories. Many of these actors are just hitting their stride, and their best work – and biggest success – is likely still ahead of them.
For aspiring actors, they represent a blueprint: be excellent at your craft, but don’t just be an actor. Be a businessperson, an investor, a creator. Build something that lasts beyond your time in front of the camera.
And for those of us watching their careers unfold? We get to witness a generation that’s not just breaking barriers but completely reimagining what success looks like for black actors in Hollywood. That’s something worth celebrating.
The young black actors of today are writing a new chapter in entertainment history, and honestly? It’s about damn time. 🎬✨
Note: Net worth figures and personal details are estimates based on publicly available information and vary between sources. These figures are approximate and subject to change.
