Twenty-twenty one has seen a rise in young black actresses taking over Hollywood. And fans cannot get enough. Our 2022 predictions tell us that these five young stars are poised to spread more #blackgirlmagic in 2022. Of course, we cannot wait!
1. Celina Smith
Where you’ve seen her: It’s nothing close to a hard knock life for Celina Smith. This talented 13-year-old stole the show in Annie Live! The Atlanta-native starred alongside Hollywood heavy-weights such as Taraji P. Henson, Harry Connick, Jr., Tituss Burgess, among others and since then, has become even more of a household name. If her face looks familiar to you beyond that of Annie Live!, well, it should. Smith has been a cast member on Nickelodeon’s Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan!
What’s next: The young actress herself said in an interview with Young Entertainment Magazine that she has a clear vision for her future. In addition to doing more movies, Smith told the outlet that, “I really want to be a comedian like Tiffany Haddish.” She also shared her dream acting partners, which include: Marsai Martin or Will Smith.
2. Demi Singleton
Where you’ve seen her: Although Demi Singleton started dancing, acting, and singing at young ages, King Richard is what has landed this multi-talented teen in the world spotlight. And of course, this is just the beginning.
What’s next: Music! In a recent interview with Seventeen Magazine, the teen told the popular news outlet that she will be releasing new music soon.
“I’m looking forward to releasing my music. Music is something I’ve always been passionate about, and I haven’t really been able to shine a light on that part of my life, so I’m really thrilled to share what I’ve been working on. I’m also really looking forward to producing in the future. I love to create, so being able to help make and share stories that resonate with me, help change the world, and possibly inspire people is something I’ve always been excited about.”
3. Saniyya Sidney
Where you’ve seen her: Fifteen-year-old Saniyya Sidney is no stranger to the big screen. She not only is portraying Venus Williams in King Richard, Sidney has also been seen in Fences, Hidden Figures, The Passage, and more.
What’s next: According to her IMDb page, Sideny’s next project will be on the small screen as she will portray Sasha Obama in the 2022 TV series, The First Lady.
4. Nico Parker
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Where you’ve seen her: Nico Parker has acting in her blood. The daughter of famed actress, Thandiwe Newton, Parker made her big screen debut in the 2019 remake of the Walt Disney classic, Dumbo. Since then, Parker has been seen in the 2020 TV mini series, The Third Day, and in the 2021 movie, Reminiscence.
What’s next: According to her IMDb page, Parker’s next project, and upcoming TV series, The Last of Us, is currently filming.
5. Marsai Martin
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Where you’ve seen her: Marsai Martin is well-known for her role on the ABC hit television show, Black-ish. However, she has morphed into more than just a television star. She has become a true force to be reckoned with in the industry. Establishing her own production company, Genius Entertainment, Martin starred in Little, under her company’s umbrella. The film that landed her in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest Hollywood producer on record. Martin has gone on to establish an online program to teach kids about financial literacy and much more.
What’s next: Martin produced a pilot for a new Disney show, Saturday’s. Saturday’s has now been picked up by the media giant as a full series.
Who are some of your favorite young black actresses? Let us know! Sound-off and comment below. We want to hear from you!
