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. That’s why wanted to present some of the most popular actresses who are young, just in their 20s, as it can serve as a motivation for everyone to chase their dreams.
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 Timothรฉe 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. Definitely one of the actresses that will have a long-lasting career.
But Stenberg isnโt just about acting. Theyโre also a fierce activist, especially for LGBTQ+ youth. If youโre curious about their work, donโt miss The Eddy, The Darkest Minds, and keep an eye out for Dear Evan Hansen when it drops. Oh, and did I mention theyโre 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 dramasโlike playing Amy March in Little Women, which even snagged her an Oscar nomination for Supporting Actressโbut 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? Sheโs 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.
We are expecting that she will become one of the actresses with tens of memorable movies.
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 Burtonโs 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 Hollywoodโs biggest stars. Keep an eye on herโshe’s just getting started! We think there is a high chance she will get into the Hall of Fame as one of the most iconic actresses ever.
4. Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney may just be in her mid-20s, but she’s already made a huge impact on TV. Most people will think about here when someone mentions young actresses.
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 Handmaidโs Tale and on HBOโs 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, youโre 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 youโve seen The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix, you know what Iโm talking about. Victoria Pedrettiโs chilling portrayal of Nell Crain, who turned out to be the bent-neck lady (surprise!), probably gave you some serious goosebumps. Sheโs a Carnegie Mellon School of Drama grad, showing us that you donโt 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, thereโs more! You can also find her in Shirley, a biographical drama about the author behind the original Haunting story, and in Quentin Tarantinoโs Once Upon a Timeโฆ In Hollywood.
And if youโre a fan of the thriller series You, youโll recognize her as Love Quinn. Seriously, Victoria Pedretti is everywhere these days. It feels like it wonโt be long before this “Scream Queen” snags an Emmy nod. Keep an eye on herโbig 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 HBOโs Euphoria. Sheโs 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. Sheโs 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, sheโs headed that way. You probably know her best as Lara Jean from To All the Boys Iโve Loved Before and its sequels.
She snagged the Hollywood Critics Associationโs Next Generation of Hollywood Award in 2020. Lana, originally from Vietnam, made her big debut in X-Men: Apocalypse as Jubilee, and sheโs been on a roll ever since.
She starred in Moonshot and is gearing up for Girls Night. Plus, sheโs landed a lead role in Warner Bros.โ Looney Tunes live-action/animated flick Coyote vs. Acme, acting alongside John Cena and Will Forte. And thatโs not all โ sheโs 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 Barrisโ “black-ish,” but she’s been acting since she was a kid. Remember her in “Imagine That” with Eddie Murphy? Sheโs 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. Sheโs been killing it there for five seasons! And thatโs not allโshe 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, sheโs 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!