5. Jerrod Carmichael
Emmy winner Jerrod Carmichael has a hand in just about every entertainment aspect. As a comedian, actor, writer, and director, his work spans from the stage to television. He publicly came out during his HBO special Rothaniel, securing him the Emmy award for writing in a variety special. His latest venture, HBO’s Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, is a docu-series detailing his dating and family life.
6. Jemelle Simon
Jermelle Simon played Bennie in the Netflix hit The Upshaws. A Southerner, he moved to Los Angeles to follow his dream of acting. Today, he is breaking barriers in Hollywood.
7. Dewayne Perkins
Dewayne Perkins got his first taste of the spotlight while training at The Second City Theatre in Chicago, his hometown. As a standup comedian, he has played to crowds all over the country, and that led him to the writer’s room on shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine. As an actor, he had a role in The Upshaws on Netflix. He wrote and starred in his first full-length film, The Blackening, in 2022.
8. Tian Richards
Tian Richards is likely best known for playing the title role of Tom Swift in the CW’s reimagined spin-off of Nancy Drew. He made history as the first Black gay male lead on a network television show.