Best Black Gay Actors Under 50

2 hours ago 2

4AllThings Android App

From breakthrough TV roles to acclaimed stage turns and buzzy films, a new generation of Black gay talent is shaping screens and stages around the world. The names below span drama, comedy, music driven projects, and Broadway powerhouses, with credits that show real range and steady momentum. Each has built a body of work that continues to grow with leading roles, festival favorites, and franchise appearances. Here is a spotlight on who they are and where you may have seen them.

Jeremy Pope

Jeremy Pope earned two Tony nominations in one Broadway season for ‘Choir Boy’ and ‘Ain’t Too Proud’. He received an Emmy nomination for his lead performance in ‘Hollywood’. His film profile rose further with the Marine drama ‘The Inspection’. He continues to work across stage, television, and film with a focus on complex leading roles.

Tituss Burgess

Tituss Burgess became widely known for ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ and collected multiple Emmy nominations for the role. He has an extensive Broadway background that includes ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. His voice work features in animated projects and family films. He also records music and appears in concert settings.

Keiynan Lonsdale

Keiynan Lonsdale broke out as Bram in ‘Love, Simon’. He played Wally West in ‘The Flash’ and ‘Legends of Tomorrow’. His film credits include dance comedy ‘Work It’. He releases music and continues to alternate between screen roles and recording projects.

Justice Smith

Justice Smith first drew wide attention in the series ‘The Get Down’. He co stars in franchise entries like ‘Jurassic World’ and ‘Pokémon Detective Pikachu’. Recent work includes the thriller ‘Sharper’ and the fantasy adventure ‘Dungeons and Dragons Honor Among Thieves’. He regularly appears in independent films alongside larger studio titles.

Jeremy O. Harris

Jeremy O. Harris is the playwright behind the Broadway sensation ‘Slave Play’ and appears on screen as well. He has on camera credits that include ‘Emily in Paris’. He serves as a producer and consultant on television projects such as ‘Euphoria’. His work often bridges theater and television with a focus on new voices.

Omari Douglas

Omari Douglas received major acclaim for the series ‘It’s a Sin’. He has led West End productions and national tours including ‘Cabaret’. Additional television work includes ‘I Hate Suzie Too’. He continues to balance prestige TV roles with high profile stage appearances.

Layton Williams

Layton Williams is known for the sitcom ‘Bad Education’. He starred as Jamie in the West End hit ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’. His television work spans comedy and musical specials. He also tours widely in stage productions across the United Kingdom.

Fisayo Akinade

Fisayo Akinade broke through in the interconnected dramas ‘Cucumber’ and ‘Banana’. He portrays beloved art teacher Mr Ajayi in ‘Heartstopper’. Stage credits include work with leading British companies. He continues to move between youth focused series and serious drama.

Ryan Jamaal Swain

Ryan Jamaal Swain played Damon in ‘Pose’. His theater background includes regional and off Broadway productions. He has appeared in fashion campaigns and arts initiatives tied to dance and performance. He remains active in stage and screen projects that center young artists.

Dyllón Burnside

Dyllón Burnside is known for ‘Pose’ and for national tours as a singer. He has appeared in ‘American Horror Stories’ and network procedurals. Broadway and concert work complement his television roles. He also engages in producing and storytelling initiatives for LGBTQ communities.

Nicholas L. Ashe

Nicholas L. Ashe became a series regular as Micah in ‘Queen Sugar’. He performs in theater including the acclaimed ‘Kill Move Paradise’. His screen credits extend to independent features and shorts. He also writes and performs music.

Brandon Black

Brandon Black led the Netflix comedy ‘Tyler Perry’s A Madea Homecoming’. His television appearances include guest roles in network and streaming comedies. He has performed stand up and sketch in Los Angeles based venues. He continues to build a filmography in feature comedy and light drama.

Devere Rogers

Devere Rogers appears in features such as ‘Honk for Jesus Save Your Soul’ and the action comedy ‘My Spy’. His television work includes ‘Physical’ and other streaming series. He writes and produces short form projects alongside acting. Commercial and voiceover credits round out his portfolio.

Bernard David Jones

Bernard David Jones co starred in the ABC comedy ‘The Mayor’. He has appeared in series like ‘Good Trouble’ and ‘Sherman’s Showcase’. His background includes theater and digital shorts. He also works behind the scenes developing comedy concepts.

J. Harrison Ghee

J Harrison Ghee earned a Tony Award for the Broadway musical ‘Some Like It Hot’. Television credits include guest appearances on scripted series. They are a frequent headliner for concerts and special events. Their stage career includes national tours and major regional productions.

Jaboukie Young-White

Jaboukie Young White is a stand up comic and actor who voiced a lead in ‘Strange World’. He appears in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Past work includes writing and on air segments for ‘The Daily Show’. He also releases music and writes for film and television.

Rickey Thompson

Rickey Thompson gained a following through digital comedy and moved into acting with ‘Foursome’. He appears in projects such as ‘Swarm’. He hosts live events and fashion focused collaborations. His voice work includes narration and brand campaigns.

Kalen Allen

Kalen Allen rose to prominence as a commentator and performer on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. He acted opposite Seth Rogen in ‘An American Pickle’. Additional credits include holiday specials and voice appearances. He produces food and pop culture content while pursuing narrative roles.

Karamo Brown

Karamo Brown is a culture expert on ‘Queer Eye’ and has acting credits in scripted series. He previously appeared on ‘The Real World Philadelphia’. His hosting work spans talk shows and specials. He often guest stars in comedies and dramas while leading unscripted projects.

Devin Way

Devin Way starred in the 2022 reimagining of ‘Queer as Folk’. His credits include guest spots on long running network series. He also works in independent film. Modeling and fashion collaborations complement his screen work.

Todrick Hall

Todrick Hall has appeared in television musicals and guest starred on ‘Glee’. He starred on Broadway in ‘Kinky Boots’ and ‘Chicago’. He judges and mentors on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ related programs. His visual albums and tours showcase both acting and vocal performance.

Brandon Kyle Goodman

Brandon Kyle Goodman voices and writes for ‘Big Mouth’ and its spinoff ‘Human Resources’. On screen credits include the Netflix film ‘Feel the Beat’. He has written and produced projects centered on queer narratives. He also hosts podcasts and live storytelling shows.

Moses Sumney

Moses Sumney is a recording artist who has ventured into acting with ‘The Idol’. His screen presence includes music driven films and performance art pieces. He contributes original music to visual projects. He continues to blend cinematic roles with multidisciplinary work.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett is known for playing Jamal Lyon on ‘Empire’. His earlier credits include films like ‘The Skinny’ and childhood roles in ‘The Mighty Ducks’. He has released music and directed independent projects. His career includes both acting and producing work.

Ncuti Gatwa

Ncuti Gatwa broke out in ‘Sex Education’ and took on the Time Lord mantle in ‘Doctor Who’. His film credits include ‘Barbie’ and festival features. Stage work spans the National Theatre and major touring productions. He continues to balance franchise visibility with character driven projects.

Alex Newell

Alex Newell first drew wide attention in ‘Glee’ and later won a Tony Award for ‘Shucked’. Additional television work includes ‘Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist’. Concert tours and studio recordings run alongside screen roles. Broadway and regional theater remain central pillars of their career.

Nicco Annan

Nico Annan leads the Starz drama ‘P-Valley’ as Uncle Clifford. His screen work includes appearances in ‘This Is Us’ and ‘All About the Afterglow’. He has an extensive background in theater development and movement direction. Workshops and new play labs feature strongly in his stage résumé.

Terrell Carter

Terrell Carter appeared in ‘Empire’ and ‘Diaries of a Mad Black Woman’. Television credits include ‘The Quad’ and guest roles on long running dramas. He has released multiple R and B albums. Stage musicals and national tours complement his screen projects.

Miss Lawrence

Miss Lawrence acted in ‘The United States vs. Billie Holiday’ and the series ‘Star’. Additional appearances include ‘Bros’ and ‘Hairspray Live’. Fashion and beauty work runs parallel to on camera roles. He frequently collaborates with filmmakers on music driven stories.

Shaun Ross

Shaun Ross features in films like ‘Honeyglue’ and appears in ‘The Neon Demon’. Television and short form projects include guest roles and music driven narratives. He is known for fashion campaigns and choreography based visuals. Recent work blends modeling, acting, and creative direction.

Tarell Alvin McCraney

Tarell Alvin McCraney co wrote the Oscar winning ‘Moonlight’ and acts on stage and screen. He created the series ‘David Makes Man’. Theater leadership roles include running major drama schools and labs. His projects often develop through workshops before moving to television and film.

Kevin Abstract

Kevin Abstract appears in narrative shorts and music centered films tied to his albums. He has directed and acted in visual projects for group and solo releases. Television work includes guest appearances and docu style specials. He continues to develop scripted features alongside music.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X guest stars in television comedies and animated projects and appears as himself in scripted episodes. Music videos frequently employ narrative storytelling with film crews and stunt coordination. He develops long form specials tied to touring. Brand partnerships often include short skits and promotional shorts.

Share your favorite performances from this list in the comments and tell us who else deserves a spotlight.

Read Entire Article