15 male actors in their 20s making a name for themselves in Hollywood

Hollywood has shifted its focus to young talent, giving rising actors the opportunity to turn roles in tentpole releases into big breaks. This list spotlights 15 male actors — English, Black, blonde, and breakout performers alike — who are all currently in their 20s and building careers that demand serious attention. From Emmy winners to Oscar nominees, each has already made a mark that very few peers can match.

Key takeaways

Jacob Elordi (29) holds a Critics' Choice Award and an Oscar nomination — a rare double for any actor still in his 20s.
Jharrel Jerome (28) became the first Afro-Latino actor to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.
Myles Frost (27) is the youngest-ever solo Tony Award winner for Best Actor in a Musical, beating a record held by Ben Platt.
The list spans five nationalities — American, Australian, English, Dominican, and Latino — reflecting Hollywood's increasingly global talent pipeline.
Noah Jupe (21) is the youngest actor on this list, despite already appearing in major studio films opposite Oscar winners.

Actor	Age	Nationality	Notable projects
Jacob Elordi	29	Australian	Euphoria, Saltburn, Frankenstein
Jharrel Jerome	28	American	When They See Us, Moonlight, Unstoppable
Toby Wallace	29	Australian	Babyteeth, Pistol, Eden
Leo Woodall	29	English	The White Lotus, One Day, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Myles Frost	27	American	MJ the Musical (Broadway)
Rhenzy Feliz	28	American (Dominican)	Runaways, Encanto, The Tender Bar
Fred Hechinger	26	American	Thelma, Kraven the Hunter, The Pale Blue Eye
Xolo Maridueña	25	American (Latino)	Cobra Kai, Blue Beetle
Michael Rainey Jr.	26	American	Power Book II: Ghost, Body Cam
Caleb McLaughlin	24	American	Stranger Things, Concrete Cowboy
Myles Truitt	24	American	Black Lightning, Swagger
Jahi Winston	24	American	New Amsterdam, The Book of Clarence
Asante Blackk	26	American	When They See Us, This Is Us, Swagger
Cooper Hoffman	23	American	Licorice Pizza
Noah Jupe	21	English	A Quiet Place, The Undoing

1. Jacob Elordi

Jacob Elordi attends "The Dog Stars" World Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on August 20, 2026 in London, England. Photo by Jo Hale/FilmMagic
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jacob Nathaniel Elordi
Date of birth: June 26, 1997
Age: 29 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: Australian
Profession: Actor
Known for: Euphoria, Saltburn, Priscilla, Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein

Jacob Nathaniel Elordi, born June 26, 1997 in Brisbane, Australia, holds a Critics' Choice Award and three AACTA Awards, plus nominations for an Academy Award, three BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes. At the Critics' Choice Awards, Elordi won Best Supporting Actor for Frankenstein, transforming into The Creature — "the hulking and sensitive monster that acts as that movie's beating heart."

His other recent credits include Priscilla (2023), Wuthering Heights (2026), and the miniseries The Narrow Road to the Deep North (2025).

2. Jharrel Jerome

A24's "The Smashing Machine" L.A. Premiere - Arrivals
Jharrel Jerome at A24's "The Smashing Machine" L.A. premiere held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater on September 29, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. — A24's "The Smashing Machine" L.A. Premiere - Arrivals Jharrel Jerome at A24's "The Smashing Machine" L.A. premiere held at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Photo by Jesse Grant/Variety
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jharrel Jerome
Date of birth: October 9, 1997
Age: 28 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American (Dominican and Haitian descent)
Profession: Actor
Known for: Moonlight, When They See Us, I'm a Virgo, Unstoppable

Jharrel Jerome, born October 9, 1997 in New York City, made his film debut in Barry Jenkins's Moonlight (2016) and gained prominence for his portrayal of Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay's Netflix miniseries When They See Us (2019), earning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.

Jerome has since starred in Boots Riley's miniseries I'm a Virgo (2023) and as wrestler Anthony Robles in the sports biopic Unstoppable (2024).

3. Toby Wallace

Toby Wallace visits the IMDb Portrait Studio at Acura House of Energy on location at Sundance 2025 on January 26, 2025 in Park City, Utah. Photo by Mat Hayward
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Toby Wallace
Age: 29 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: Australian
Profession: Actor
Known for: Babyteeth, The Bikeriders, Pistol, Eden

Australia's Toby Wallace made a name for himself first in Babyteeth, opposite Eliza Scanlen, then in The Bikeriders. His work as Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones in Danny Boyle's 2022 biopic miniseries helped put him firmly on Hollywood's map.

The 29-year-old also starred in Ron Howard's survival thriller Eden, alongside Vanessa Kirby, Ana de Armas, and Sydney Sweeney.

4. Leo Woodall

Leo Woodall attends the "Tuner" New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square 13 on May 20, 2026 in New York City. Photo by Jamie McCarthy
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Leo Vincent Woodall
Date of birth: September 14, 1996
Age: 29 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: English
Profession: Actor
Known for: The White Lotus, One Day, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Prime Target

Leo Vincent Woodall, born September 14, 1996 in London, gained recognition with his roles in the second season of HBO's The White Lotus and in Netflix's romantic drama miniseries One Day.

In 2025, Woodall starred in Apple TV+'s thriller Prime Target and led Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy opposite Renée Zellweger, playing Roxster — Jones's younger and brazen new love interest.

5. Myles Frost

Myles Frost attends The American Theatre Wing's 2025 Fall Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on September 08, 2025 in New York City. Photo by Manoli Figetakis
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Myles Frost
Date of birth: July 21, 1999
Age: 27 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor, singer, dancer
Known for: MJ the Musical (Broadway)

Myles Frost, born July 21, 1999 in Silver Spring, Maryland, won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in the Broadway production of MJ the Musical, and received a Grammy Award nomination for the cast recording.

A YouTube video of Frost performing at a high school talent show drew the attention of producers. He is the youngest solo recipient of the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical — a record previously held by Ben Platt.

6. Rhenzy Feliz

Rhenzy Feliz at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Rhenzy Feliz
Date of birth: October 26, 1997
Age: 28 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American (Dominican descent)
Profession: Actor
Known for: Runaways, Encanto, The Tender Bar

Rhenzy Feliz was born on October 26, 1997 in New York City. He is an actor known for The Tender Bar (2021), Encanto (2021), and Runaways (2017).

His three-season run as Alex Wilder in Marvel's Runaways established him as a reliable ensemble lead. His voice role in Encanto — one of Disney's biggest animated hits — extended his reach to a global family audience.

7. Fred Hechinger

Fred Hechinger of 'A Long Winter' poses in the Getty Images Portrait Studio presented by IMDb and IMDbPro during the Toronto International Film Festival at InterContinental Toronto Centre on September 14, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. — Fred Hechinger of 'A Long Winter' poses in the Getty Images Portrait Studio presented by IMDb and IMDbPro. Photo by Gareth Cattermole
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Fred Hechinger
Date of birth: December 2, 1999
Age: 26 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor
Known for: Thelma, Kraven the Hunter, The Pale Blue Eye

Fred Hechinger, born December 2, 1999 in New York City, is an actor and producer known for Kraven the Hunter (2024), Thelma (2024), and The Pale Blue Eye (2022).

Hechinger has built a reputation for playing offbeat, richly textured supporting characters. His critically acclaimed turn in the indie hit Thelma opposite June Squibb was widely cited as a career breakthrough, pointing toward an ascending trajectory in both studio and independent film.

8. Xolo Maridueña

Xolo Maridueña attends the U.S. Premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures "Practical Magic 2" at Directors Village on August 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Chloe Kern/FilmMagic
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Ramario Xolo Ramirez (known professionally as Xolo Maridueña)
Date of birth: June 9, 2001
Age: 25 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American (Latino descent)
Profession: Actor
Instagram: @xolo_mariduena
Known for: Cobra Kai, Blue Beetle, Parenthood

Xolo Maridueña, born June 9, 2001 in Los Angeles, rose to prominence as Miguel Diaz in Netflix's Cobra Kai (2018–2025) and as Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle in DC's Blue Beetle (2023).

In December 2023, he was cast in the film Killing Castro, cementing him as one of the most prominent Latino actors of his generation.

9. Michael Rainey Jr.

Michael Rainey Jr. attends Prime Video's "Ride Or Die" New York Series Premiere at The New York Historical on July 13, 2026 in New York City. Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Michael Rainey Jr.
Date of birth: September 22, 2000
Age: 26 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor
Known for: Power Book II: Ghost, Body Cam

Michael Rainey Jr. is among the most prominent names in young Black Hollywood. He plays Tariq St. Patrick in Power Book II: Ghost on Starz — carrying the sequel to one of cable's biggest franchises as its undisputed lead. That sustained starring role has made him one of the most watched young Black actors in American television drama.

10. Caleb McLaughlin

Caleb McLaughlin attends the Los Angeles premiere of Columbia Pictures' and Sony Pictures Animation's "GOAT" at AMC Century City 15 on February 06, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. — Caleb McLaughlin attends the Los Angeles premiere of Columbia Pictures' and Sony Pictures Animation's "GOAT" at AMC Century City 15. Photo by Amy Sussman
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Caleb Reginald McLaughlin
Date of birth: October 13, 2001
Age: 24 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor
Known for: Stranger Things, Concrete Cowboy, Goat

Caleb Reginald McLaughlin, born October 13, 2001 in New York City, gained international recognition playing Lucas Sinclair in Netflix's Stranger Things (2016–2025).

He starred as a young Black cowboy in Concrete Cowboy (2020) and was part of Jeymes Samuel's The Book of Clarence and the viral sensation The Deliverance in 2024.

11. Myles Truitt

Myles Truitt at the season 2 premiere of "BMF" held at TCL Chinese Theatre on January 5, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Myles Truitt
Age: 24 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor
Known for: Queen Sugar, Black Lightning, Swagger

Myles Truitt is a rising Black actor in his mid-20s carving out an impressive niche in Hollywood. Best known for playing Tank in Apple TV+'s basketball drama Swagger, his portrayal of a teen navigating elite sport and street pressure has drawn strong critical attention, positioning him as one of the most compelling young Black actors in his 20s working today.

12. Jahi Winston

Jahi Di'Allo Winston attends Apple TV+ hosts FYC Event for "Government Cheese" at Hollywood Athletic Club on April 27, 2025 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Savion Washington/WireImage
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Jahi Di'Allo Winston
Date of birth: September 28, 2001
Age: 24 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor
Known for: New Amsterdam, Everything's Trash, The Book of Clarence

Jahi Winston is a young Black actor making real waves in Hollywood. He has expanded his dramatic range across prestige television and film, appearing in Jeymes Samuel's genre-bending biblical epic The Book of Clarence (2024). His growing body of work across streaming platforms marks him as a talent with serious long-term potential.

13. Asante Blackk

Asante Blackk speaks onstage during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 04, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. — Asante Blackk speaks onstage during the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Photo by Paras Griffin
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Asante Blackk
Age: 26 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor
Known for: When They See Us, This Is Us, Swagger

Asante Blackk is a compelling rising talent making a strong case for himself in Hollywood. He earned an Emmy nomination for his haunting supporting performance in When They See Us — playing alongside Jharrel Jerome — and has since appeared in This Is Us and Apple TV+'s Swagger, demonstrating dramatic range that consistently impresses.

14. Cooper Hoffman

Cooper Hoffman attends the "I Want Your Sex" New York Premiere at Metrograph on July 30, 2026 in New York City. Photo by Cindy Ord
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Cooper Alexander Hoffman
Date of birth: March 20, 2003
Age: 23 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: American
Profession: Actor
Known for: Licorice Pizza

Cooper Alexander Hoffman, born March 20, 2003 in New York City and the son of Philip Seymour Hoffman, made his acting debut in Paul Thomas Anderson's coming-of-age film Licorice Pizza (2021), for which he received a Golden Globe Award nomination.

Stepping into a leading role with no prior screen experience, Hoffman drew immediate comparisons to his late father's early work — before quickly proving his own distinct talent in one of 2021's most celebrated films.

15. Noah Jupe

Noah Jupe attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026 in London, England. Photo by Scott Garfitt/BAFTA
Source: Getty Images

Full name: Noah Casford Jupe
Date of birth: February 25, 2005
Age: 21 (as of October 2026)
Nationality: English
Profession: Actor
Known for: A Quiet Place, The Undoing, The Night Manager

Noah Casford Jupe, born February 25, 2005 in London, is a British actor with years of professional experience despite his age. As a child actor, he gained recognition for his roles in The Night Manager (2016; 2026) and The Undoing (2020).

His work opposite Nicole Kidman, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski marks him as one of the most technically accomplished young English actors working today — and the youngest on this list by a considerable margin.

FAQs

Who is the most acclaimed young male actor in his 20s right now?

Jacob Elordi holds accolades including a Critics' Choice Award, three AACTA Awards, and nominations for an Academy Award, three BAFTAs, and two Golden Globes. That is an extraordinary awards record for an actor who is just 29 years old.

Which young Black male actor was the first to win a Primetime Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited Series?

Jharrel Jerome earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his portrayal of Korey Wise in Ava DuVernay's When They See Us (2019) — making him the first Afro-Latino actor to claim that award.

Who is the youngest male actor in his 20s making waves in Hollywood right now?

Noah Casford Jupe, born February 25, 2005 in London, is the youngest at 21 years old. Despite his age, he has already appeared in major studio films opposite Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated performers.

Are there English male actors in their 20s making an impact in Hollywood?

Leo Woodall, born September 14, 1996 in London, broke through with The White Lotus and One Day before starring in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025). Noah Jupe is a second English actor on the list — together they represent a strong British contingent among Hollywood's youngest male talent.

Which young male actor holds a Tony Award?

Myles Frost won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Michael Jackson in MJ the Musical. He is the youngest solo recipient of the award in that category — a record previously held by Ben Platt.

Tuko.co.ke also highlighted facts about 15 famous actors who built successful careers without attending acting school, including Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Morgan Freeman and Idris Elba. The article explores how each found a different route into the film industry, from comedy and music to chance encounters and early on-set experience.

Morgan Freeman turned down a drama scholarship to join the US Air Force and did not land his first major film role until he was 49. His story is one of several reminders that a late start and no formal training do not have to stand in the way of a remarkable screen career.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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