There are 25 promising young male actors under 30 you should keep under watch in 2024. In this article, we will be revealing the most popular ones you should be aware of.
An abundance of films and television series, frequently produced on an annual basis, creates ample opportunities for actors. As a result, there has been a noticeable surge in the number of highly acclaimed young male actors under the age of 30.
While some individuals embark on their acting journeys before reaching the age of 10, the majority of actors secure their initial roles in their 20s.
Who stands out as the top performers under 30? Given the continuous shifts in production and distribution within the industry, the list of exceptional young actors is subject to constant evolution.
Moreover, each celebrity brings unique skills to the table, with some excelling in acting, while others showcase their talents in scripting or directing.
Top 25 Promising Male Actors Under 30 in 2024
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Iain Armitage – 15 years
Iain Armitage, recognized as one of the youngest theatre critics in the United States, has earned acclaim for his notable performances. His most prominent role to date has been portraying Young Sheldon in the highly acclaimed spin-off series.
Additionally, Armitage contributed to the cast of Big Little Lies, playing the character Ziggy Chapman. His exceptional performances have secured him frequent hosting appearances on renowned talk shows like The Ellen Show, where hosts often express their belief in his future prominence in Hollywood.
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Noah Schnapp – 19 years
Noah Cameron Schnapp, a Canadian-American actor, is renowned for his role as Will Byers in the acclaimed science fiction series Stranger Things on Netflix.
Alongside his fellow cast members, Schnapp received the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for their remarkable work on the show.
Since his acting debut in 2015, Schnapp has graced the silver screen in notable films such as The Legend of Hallowaiian, Bridge of Spies, Hubie Halloween, Waiting for Anya, and The Peanut Movie.
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Max Charles – 20 years
Max Charles, celebrated for his exceptional talent and notable television appearances, stands out as one of the finest actors under 30.
His diverse roles include portraying Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man and contributing to the comedy series The Neighbors.
Charles has not only showcased his acting talents but has also established himself as a skilled singer and songwriter, notably contributing to the official motion picture soundtrack for I Am Looking for Asians as both a singer and producer.
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Finn Wolfhard – 20 years
Finn Wolfhard, a multi-talented actor, writer, and director from Canada, has gained prominence for his role in the hit series Stranger Things on Netflix.
Beyond his acting career, Wolfhard boasts a substantial social media following, particularly among young actors, with over 20 million followers on Instagram.
He is set to join the cast of the highly anticipated Ghostbusters film, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility.
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Jackson A. Dunn – 20 years
Jackson A. Dunn is an American actor best known for his role as Brandon Breyer in the 2019 superhero horror film “Brightburn.” Born on December 9, 2003, in San Diego, California, Dunn began his acting career at a young age.
In “Brightburn,” Jackson A. Dunn delivers a standout performance as the titular character, a young boy with superhuman powers who takes a dark turn. The film explores the darker side of the superhero genre, offering a unique and chilling take on the origin story.
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Jaeden Martell – 20 years
Jaeden Martell, an American actor, has left a mark on the entertainment industry with impressive roles in various notable productions.
His notable performances include roles in Defending Jacob, Knives Out, and the film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel It.
Since starting his acting journey in 2014, Martell has continued to showcase his talent in films like The Book of Henry, The True Adventures of Wolfboy, Midnight Special, The Lodge, and numerous television series.
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Abraham Attah – 22 years
Abraham Attah gained popularity through his groundbreaking role in the Netflix film Beasts of No Nation.
Notable for his exceptional debut, he has continued to make appearances in significant productions, including Spider-Man: Homecoming: Extras and Yuki Kaji.
Despite having minimal prior acting experience, Attah has garnered attention as a rising star in Hollywood.
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Jace Norman – 23 years
Jace Norman gained popularity through his prominent role in the highly acclaimed Nickelodeon television series Henry Danger.
With success in Henry Danger, The Danger Force, and Thunder, Norman impresses audiences with his remarkable talent and extensive experience. Additionally, he has shared his journey as an individual with dyslexia, using acting as his path to success.
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Charlie Plummer – 24 years
Charlie Plummer, a youthful American actor, rose to prominence with his breakthrough role in the drama Lean on Pete.
His exceptional performance in the film earned him the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Emerging Actor at the 74th Venice Film Festival.
Since then, he has continued to make notable appearances in films like Words on Bathroom Walls and Spontaneous, showcasing his talent and versatility.
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Jaden Smith – 25 years
Jaden Smith, known for his notable performances and Hollywood upbringing, stands out as a highly renowned male actor under 30.
His significant cinematic achievement came with the release of The Karate Kid in 2010. Despite a hiatus to focus on his music career, Smith remains one of the most gifted celebrities, having released over five albums under renowned labels Roc Nation and Columbia.
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Tanner Buchanan – 25 years
Tanner Buchanan, one of the youngest male actors in the industry, gained recognition for his portrayal in the ABC political drama series Designated Survivor.
With appearances in notable shows like The Fosters, Grey’s Anatomy, and Cobra Kai, Buchanan has showcased his talent and versatility since his acting debut in 2010.
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Jharrel Jerome – 24 years
Jharrel Jerome, an actor of Afro-Latino descent, made history by becoming the first Afro-Latino celebrity to win an Emmy. His role as Kevin in Netflix’s “When They See Us” earned him this prestigious accolade.
Hailing from New York, Jharrel Jerome has also impressed audiences in acclaimed productions like “Moonlight.” Besides acting, Jharrel is a talented rapper with hit singles like “For Real” featuring Kemba gaining popularity on major New York radio stations.
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Asa Butterfield – 24 years
Asa Butterfield, a London Film Critics Circle Award nominee, is a standout young male actor under 30. Known for his lead role in the 2018 series “Sex Education” on Netflix, Asa gained widespread recognition. Despite actively using social media for show promotion, he maintains a low profile.
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Hero Fiennes Tiffin – 24 years
Hero Fiennes Tiffin, a renowned English TV personality, producer, and model, gained fame through his performances, notably as Hardin Scott in the After film series.
He also portrayed a young Tom Riddle in the 2009 film adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” Recognized for his performance, Hero received awards at the Ischia Film Festival and Teen Choice Awards in 2019.
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Lucas Hedges – 24 years
Lucas Hedges, the son of acclaimed filmmaker Peter Hedges, is a talented actor with notable roles in productions like “Boy Erased” and “Mid90s.” Garnering award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2017, Hedges has made a mark in the industry.
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Thomas Stanley Holland – 25 years
Thomas Stanley Holland, a renowned actor from the United Kingdom, is celebrated for his lead role in the 2019 blockbuster “Spider-Man: Far from Home.”
Known for his candidness and strong opinions about the film industry, Holland has gained popularity not only for his acting talent but also for his engaging personality.
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Joel Courtney – 25 years
Joel Courtney, a renowned American actor, gained acclaim for his roles in “Super 8” and “The Kissing Booth.” With versatility in movies and television shows, including “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” and “The Messengers,” Joel has showcased his acting prowess.
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Khylin Rhambo – 25 years
Khylin Rhambo, a multi-talented individual excelling in acting and writing, made notable appearances in TV shows like MTV’s “Teen Wolf” and the 2019 series “47 Meters Down: Uncaged.”
Known for his privacy, Rhambo’s unconventional approach to fame adds to the curiosity surrounding him.
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Callan McAuliffe – 26 years
Callan McAuliffe, recognized for his role in the film adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” and a brief appearance in “The Walking Dead,” is celebrated as one of the finest performers under 30.
Besides acting, he has succeeded as an author with his best-selling book, “The Hill Ghost.”
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Kofi Siriboe – 27 years
Kofi Siriboe, a model and actor from Los Angeles, gained recognition for his roles in popular shows like “Queen Sugar” and “Girls Trip.” Active in fashion projects, Kofi has collaborated with renowned fashion agencies and brands throughout his career.
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Will Poulter – 28 years
Will Poulter, an award-winning actor, is recognized as one of the UK’s most promising young male actors under 30. Known for his roles in “The Maze Runner” and “We’re the Millers,” Poulter is also an advocate for increased funding in dementia research.
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Bryshere Yazuan Gray – 28 years
Bryshere Yazuan Gray, known as Yazz, gained fame for portraying Hakeem Lyon in the musical drama TV series “Empire.” Despite facing controversies, Gray has ventured into independent films, including the 2019 film “Canal Street.”
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Cole Sprouse – 29 years
Cole Sprouse, known for his roles in Disney’s “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and “Riverdale,” returned to acting after a hiatus for education. His portrayal of Jughead in “Riverdale” showcased his exceptional acting skills.
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John Boyega – 29 years
John Boyega, a British-Nigerian actor, gained recognition for his performances in “Watership Down” and “Small Axe,” and his impactful role in the 2011 film “Attack the Block.”
Known for his pristine reputation, Boyega seldom finds himself embroiled in controversies.
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Mizero Ncuti Gatwa
Mizero Ncuti Gatwa, renowned for his compelling role in Netflix’s “Sex Education,” has received widespread acclaim.
This talented actor of Rwandan-Scottish descent earned recognition with two BAFTA Television Award nominations and a BAFTA Scotland Award for his outstanding performance on the show.
Moreover, his portrayal garnered a nomination in the Best Kiss category at the MTV Movie Awards. Beyond his role in Netflix’s hit series, Ncuti has showcased his talent in other productions, including “The Last Letter from Your Lover” in 2021 and “Stonemouth.”
Unfortunately, he has faced notable criticism for his identification as a Scottish celebrity, with some attributing the backlash to issues related to his skin colour.