Young people everywhere dream of making it big in Hollywood. They stream awards shows, dreaming of fame. For most, it’s a fantasy, but for a few, it’s real.
We often praise experienced actors like Meryl Streep and Al Pacino, but young stars in their 20s are proving their talent too. Zendaya, Jenna Ortega, Jharrel Jerome, and Timothée Chalamet show they can lead major projects just as well.
It’s easy to forget the hard work behind the scenes: long days, many auditions, and years of training. Staying relevant and rising in the industry is tough, especially with fierce competition.
Whether they broke free from typecasting as child stars or entered the industry later, these actors didn’t get to the top by chance. Their drive, talent, and unique perspectives make them stand out. Here are the top actors in their 20s.
1. Amandla Stenberg
- Age: 25
- Notable Role: Starr Carter in The Hate U Give
Remember Rue from The Hunger Games? That was Amandla Stenberg, and they totally shattered our hearts. Since then, this nonbinary actor has been making waves with powerful performances. One standout is their role in The Hate U Give, a movie that dives deep into issues of racism and police brutality.
But Stenberg isn’t just about acting. They’re also a fierce activist, especially for LGBTQ+ youth. If you’re curious about their work, don’t miss The Eddy, The Darkest Minds, and keep an eye out for Dear Evan Hansen when it drops. Oh, and did I mention they’re also into music? With all these talents, Amandla Stenberg is definitely someone to keep on your radar.
2. Florence Pugh
Florence Pugh is such an intriguing actress. It feels like she’s constantly switching up her genres and roles.
Sure, she’s done her share of period dramas—like playing Amy March in Little Women, which even snagged her an Oscar nomination for Supporting Actress—but she doesn’t stop there.
She’s nailed it in modern horror films like Midsommar, and killed it in the sports comedy-drama Fighting With My Family.
And guess what? She’s now part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Yelena Belova in Black Widow. She’s worked with some big names like Scarlett Johansson, Maisie Williams, Chris Pine, and Michael Shannon. Florence Pugh is definitely someone to watch out for; she’s bound to keep surprising and captivating us with whatever she does next.
3. Jenna Ortega
- Age: 21
- Notable Role: Wednesday Addams (Wednesday)
Jenna Ortega is having an incredible year. Remember her from Disney Channel’s “Stuck in the Middle”? Well, she’s come a long way since then. Jenna had to show she could tackle more mature roles, and wow, has she nailed it.
She started with family-friendly comedies like “Yes Day” and then leaped more serious and grown-up roles. Think about her performances in “You,” “X,” and “The Fallout.” And let’s not forget, she’s now a part of the iconic “Scream” franchise.
Jenna’s really become a favorite in the horror scene. Her big break? Playing Wednesday Addams in Tim Burton’s Netflix series “Wednesday.” The first season was a smash hit and turned her into a star. And guess what? She’s already working on more exciting projects, including a rumored role in a “Beetlejuice” sequel.
At just 20 years old, Jenna Ortega has everything it takes to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Keep an eye on her—she’s just getting started!
4. Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney may just be in her mid-20s, but she’s already made a huge impact on TV. Though her career kicked off in 2009, you might first remember her from Netflix’s short-lived show, Everything Sucks! That same year, she really started making waves with her roles as Eden Spencer in Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale and on HBO’s Sharp Objects.
But it was her portrayal of Cassie Howard in Euphoria that truly showcased her talent. If you haven’t watched The White Lotus yet, you’re missing out on her subtle, infuriating, and deeply moving performance. Oh, and she grabbed two Emmy nominations in 2022 for her work on those HBO shows. Pretty impressive, right?
5. Victoria Pedretti
Ever had a sleepless night thanks to a TV show? If you’ve seen The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix, you know what I’m talking about. Victoria Pedretti’s chilling portrayal of Nell Crain, who turned out to be the bent-neck lady (surprise!), probably gave you some serious goosebumps. She’s a Carnegie Mellon School of Drama grad, showing us that you don’t need famous parents to make a big splash in Hollywood.
Hill House was such a hit that Victoria came back for more spooky fun, playing the troubled yet endearing nanny, Dani Clayton, in The Haunting of Bly Manor. But wait, there’s more! You can also find her in Shirley, a biographical drama about the author behind the original Haunting story, and in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood.
And if you’re a fan of the thriller series You, you’ll recognize her as Love Quinn. Seriously, Victoria Pedretti is everywhere these days. It feels like it won’t be long before this “Scream Queen” snags an Emmy nod. Keep an eye on her—big things are definitely on the horizon.
6. Zendaya
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Most Disney Channel stars have a hard time shaking off the “child actor” label. They either fade away as they get older or go through a very public, often messy transformation, kind of like Miley Cyrus. It’s also not a given that actors who start young will keep growing into successful, serious artists.
Zendaya breaks that mold completely. She smoothly transitioned from her Disney days on Shake It Up to winning an Emmy for her role as Rue Bennett, a complex, drug-addicted teen in HBO’s Euphoria. She’s got this incredible knack for moving between genres.
From kids’ movies like The Greatest Showman to big blockbusters like Spider-Man: Far from Home, and even to more artsy films like Malcolm and Marie, she fits right in. She’s natural and relatable, making her a perfect fit for any role.
7. Lana Condor
Lana Condor might not have an Emmy or Oscar under her belt just yet, but trust me, she’s headed that way. You probably know her best as Lara Jean from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and its sequels.
She snagged the Hollywood Critics Association’s Next Generation of Hollywood Award in 2020. Lana, originally from Vietnam, made her big debut in X-Men: Apocalypse as Jubilee, and she’s been on a roll ever since.
She starred in Moonshot and is gearing up for Girls Night. Plus, she’s landed a lead role in Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes live-action/animated flick Coyote vs. Acme, acting alongside John Cena and Will Forte. And that’s not all – she’s set to star in and executive produce the action-comedy series Take Out for Hulu.
8. Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi shot to fame as Zoey Johnson on Kenya Barris’ “black-ish,” but she’s been acting since she was a kid. Remember her in “Imagine That” with Eddie Murphy? She’s also popped up in “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “Scandal.”
Shahidi was the first from the ABC sitcom to get her own spin-off, “Grown-ish” on Freeform. She’s been killing it there for five seasons! And that’s not all—she starred in “The Sun Is Also a Star” in 2019 and is set to play Tinker Bell in “Peter Pan & Wendy.”
Oh, and she graduated from Harvard! Plus, she’s super vocal about equality and racism. Yara Shahidi is a powerhouse on-screen and off. Expect to see a lot more of her in Hollywood!
9. Kiernan Shipka
Hey, remember the little girl from Mad Men? Well, Kiernan Shipka has come a long way since playing Sally Draper. Now 23, she’s taken on some impressive roles, like the iconic Sabrina Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Shipka really shined in that series, captivating audiences with her magical performance.
But that’s not all! If you’re a fan of animated shows, you might be surprised to learn that Kiernan lent her voice to Jinora in 25 episodes of The Legend of Korra. Pretty cool, right?
Back in 2018, she snagged an IMDb Top 10 Breakout Stars Award. And honestly, with her talent, it’s safe to bet she’s got more awards and nominations coming her way.
10. Anya Taylor-Joy
- Age: 28
- Notable Role: Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit
Remember when Anya Taylor-Joy made chess super cool? Everyone suddenly needed a chess set after binge-watching The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. Her performances are always top-notch, whether she’s scaring us in The Witch or scheming in Peaky Blinders as Gina Gray.
If you loved her in The Witch, you’ll be thrilled to hear she’s teaming up again with director Robert Eggers for a Nosferatu remake. Sure, she didn’t bag an Emmy for The Queen’s Gambit, but with all the exciting projects she has lined up—Laughter in the Dark, Last Night in Soho, and Furiosa—an award is surely on the horizon.
11. Phoebe Dynevor
Remember those early pandemic days when everyone was binge-watching Netflix?
That’s when we all fell for Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton in the steamy hit series Bridgerton. Her on-screen chemistry with Regé-Jean Page was off the charts—seriously, you couldn’t look away!
If you’ve ever watched Younger with Hilary Duff and Sutton Foster, you might also recognize her as Clare O’Brien.
Phoebe comes from a talented family, with her mom, Sally Dynevor, being an actress and her dad, Tim Dynevor, a screenwriter. No wonder she’s killing it! Be on the lookout for her in new projects like I Heart Murder and Exciting Times.
12. Millie Bobby Brown
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At 20, Millie Bobby Brown is already a name everyone knows, thanks to her unforgettable role as Eleven in “Stranger Things.”
She wowed audiences with her intense performance and hasn’t slowed down since. She’s also taken on roles in the Godzilla franchise and played the clever Enola Holmes.
Millie’s not just an actress; she’s a businesswoman too. She launched her own beauty line, Florence by Mills, and runs her production company, PCMA Productions.
With her talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Millie’s Hollywood journey is only just beginning.
13. Mckenna Grace
Mckenna Grace, already at age of 18, is one of those faces you recognize instantly. She’s played younger versions of characters in big hits like “Captain Marvel” and “I, Tonya.”
But her lead role in “Gifted” showed she’s got the chops to carry a film all on her own.
Recently, she starred in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” proving she can tackle any genre. Oh, and she’s also getting into the music world, adding yet another layer to her already impressive career.
14. Marsai Martin
Marsai Martin, at just 19, has already made a huge impact.
She stole hearts as Diane Johnson on “Black-ish,” and at 14, she made history as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood with the film “Little.”
Marsai balances acting with producing, showing off her smarts and business sense. She’s a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion, inspiring young people everywhere.
15. Storm Reid
Storm Reid, 20, first captured our attention as Meg Murry in “A Wrinkle in Time.”
Then she took on a completely different role in HBO’s “Euphoria” as Gia Bennett. Storm’s versatility is clear from her performances in “The Invisible Man” and “When They See Us.”
She keeps taking on challenging roles, and it’s paying off—she’s one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars.
16. Auli’i Cravalho
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Auli’i Cravalho, now 23, became a star overnight as the voice of Moana. She didn’t stop there, stepping into live-action roles in “Rise” and the TV series “The Power.”
Auli’i’s musical talents and acting skills make her a force to be reckoned with.
Her Hawaiian heritage brings a unique flavor to her Hollywood career, making her performances even more special.
17. Emily Alyn Lind
Emily Alyn Lind, 22, has been in the game for a while, starting with roles in “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Doctor Sleep.”
Her portrayal of Audrey Hope in the “Gossip Girl” reboot shot her to fame.
Emily’s knack for playing complex characters with depth makes her a standout.
She’s steadily building a diverse career in both film and TV.
18. Rowan Blanchard
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Rowan Blanchard, 22, became a household name as Riley Matthews on “Girl Meets World.” But she’s much more than a Disney star.
Rowan is an outspoken activist and author, fighting for social justice.
She’s seamlessly transitioned into more mature roles, with standout performances in “Snowpiercer” and “A World Away.”
Her intelligence and activism heavily influence her career choices.
19. Alyvia Alyn Lind
Alyvia Alyn Lind, 16, has been acting since she was a child, starting with roles in “The Young and the Restless” and “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.” She demonstrated her versatility in “Daybreak,” where her portrayal of Angelica Green showcased her ability to handle both drama and comedy.
Since then, Alyvia has continued to build an impressive portfolio. She stars as Lexy Cross in the Syfy/USA Network series “Chucky,” which expands on the iconic “Child’s Play” franchise.
This role has allowed her to explore the horror genre and further demonstrate her range as an actress. Alyvia will also appear in the upcoming “The Spiderwick Chronicles” series, playing the character Calliope, adding another exciting project to her diverse career.
20. Luna Blaise
Luna Blaise, 22, started her career with a recurring role as Nicole on the ABC series “Fresh Off the Boat,” where she played the neighbor of the Huang family. She gained further acclaim with her role as Olive Stone in the NBC/Netflix series “Manifest,” where her portrayal of Olive was praised for its emotional depth and complexity.
Alongside her acting career, Luna is also pursuing music, having released singles like “Over You” and “Secrets.” This combination of acting and music highlights her versatility and broad talent as an artist.
21. Dafne Keen
Dafne Keen, 19, made a huge splash as Laura in “Logan.” Now she’s wowing audiences in HBO’s “His Dark Materials.”
Dafne’s ability to convey intense emotions and her dedication to her craft makes her one of the most promising young actresses around.
22. Maddie Ziegler
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Maddie Ziegler, 21, transitioned from “Dance Moms” to acting with ease. She’s taken roles in films like “The Book of Henry” and Sia’s “Music.”
Her performance in “The Fallout” showed she can handle serious drama. Maddie’s dance background adds a unique dimension to her acting, making her a versatile performer.
23. Kyliegh Curran
Let’s GO!! https://t.co/0P9tlslAA5
— Kyliegh (@KylieghCurran) March 21, 2023
Kyliegh Curran, 18, wowed everyone with her role as Abra Stone in “Doctor Sleep.” She’s now starring in the Disney Channel series “Secrets of Sulphur Springs.”
Kyliegh’s ability to convey complex emotions at such a young age makes her a promising talent. She keeps taking on diverse roles, proving her versatility as an actress.
24. Lola Tung
25. Ella Jay Basco
Ella Jay Basco, 17, made waves as Cassandra Cain in “Birds of Prey.” She nailed both the action and drama, showing she could handle intense roles and still bring emotional depth.
Besides acting, Ella’s also diving into music, proving she’s a versatile artist. Her music career lets her explore another side of her creativity, making her a multi-talented star to keep an eye on.
26. Julia Butters
Julia Butters, only 15, blew everyone away as Trudi Fraser in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Holding her own with Leonardo DiCaprio? Impressive! She’s got a knack for playing complex characters, and her career is just taking off.
Julia’s been in a bunch of different roles, both in movies and on TV, proving she’s here to stay. She was Claire in “The Gray Man” and Reggie Fabelman in Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans.” Plus, she’s set to be in “Queen of Bones” and “Freaky Friday 2″
27. Lexi Underwood
Lexi Underwood, just 20, made a huge splash as Pearl Warren in “Little Fires Everywhere.” Critics loved her, and it was clear she was on the rise in Hollywood. She kept impressing us with roles like Malia Obama in “The First Lady,” where she acted alongside big names like Viola Davis, who played Michelle Obama. Lexi’s ability to bring depth and emotion to her roles really stood out.
On top of that, Lexi starred in the Disney+ movie “Sneakerella,” a fun, musical twist on Cinderella. She played Kira King, showing off her versatility and talent in a family-friendly, music-filled story that flipped the traditional gender roles on their head, making the classic fairy tale feel fresh and new
28. Miya Cech
- Age: 17
- Notable Role: Zu (The Darkest Minds)
At just 17, Miya Cech made a huge splash with her role as Suzume “Zu” Kimura in “The Darkest Minds.” Even with minimal dialogue, she nailed those complex emotions.
She kept shining in the Netflix film “Rim of the World,” playing ZhenZhen, a young girl caught in an alien invasion at summer camp. This role really showed off her skills in the sci-fi adventure genre and her ability to handle intense, action-packed scenes.
Miya also starred as Akiko Yamato in the reboot of “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” This Nickelodeon series let her dive into the horror genre, proving her versatility as an actress. Her performances in these varied roles highlight her natural talent and ability to connect with audiences through her emotional depth and range.
29. Peyton Elizabeth Lee
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At just 19, Peyton Elizabeth Lee shot to fame with her lead role in “Andi Mack.” Her performance was a hit, praised for being deep and relatable. But she didn’t stop there. She kept impressing audiences with roles in “Secret Society of Second-Born Royals” and “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”
In “Secret Society of Second-Born Royals,” Peyton plays Princess Sam, a rebellious royal who finds out she has superpowers and joins a secret training program to save the world. This superhero role added a cool new dimension to her acting skills.
Then there’s “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” a reboot of the classic “Doogie Howser, M.D.” In this series, Peyton stars as Lahela “Doogie” Kamealoha, a teenage prodigy juggling her medical career and the usual teenage drama. The show’s gotten great feedback, with Peyton’s portrayal of a young doctor being both engaging and inspiring.
30. Isabella Gomez
At 26, Isabella Gomez became a household name thanks to her role as Elena Alvarez in “One Day at a Time.” People loved her portrayal of Elena, finding it deep and relatable. She truly stood out in the series.
After her big break in “One Day at a Time,” Isabella jumped into the horror genre with the movie “Initiation.” In it, she plays Kylie, a sorority sister wrapped up in a string of murders on a college campus. She found working on “Initiation” super exciting and a real change from her sitcom days. She loved the challenge of horror and appreciated how everyone on set was so supportive and collaborative.
Now, you can catch Isabella in the HBO Max reboot of “Head of the Class.” She’s playing Alicia Adams, a young, eager teacher trying to connect with a diverse group of students. Isabella sees this role as a perfect next step in her career, blending comedy with meaningful interactions. It’s a mix she’s really enjoying.
