Before They Were Famous: Childhood Photos of Your Favorite Black Stars

We’re taking a trip down memory lane with childhood photos of Will Smith, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington and others.

Photo: Getty Images Alekandra London, Matthias Nareyek, Slaven Vlasic

Some stars were meant to be entertainers. From a young age they were destined to take over the world. We were curious about where the path to stardom began for some of our favorites, so we fired up the time machine and took a nostalgic look back at the biggest Black stars before they were famous. For an early look at the most popular musicians, film and TV stars, check out these celebrities when they were still kids.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Don Lemon Breaks Down How He’s Building His Media Empire

Jamie Foxx

Screenshot: Bored Panda Screenshot: Bored Panda

The superstar entertainer has a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances. A talent that began when he was growing up in Texas.

Jamie Foxx

Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett Photo: Getty Images Leon Bennett

Beyonce

Screenshot: Bored Panda Screenshot: Bored Panda

According to Miss Tina Knowles, anyone who came to their house knew they would be sitting through a show because her daughters were born entertainers.

Beyonce

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

Uzo Aduba

Screenshot: UZO ADUBA/INSTAGRAM Screenshot: UZO ADUBA/INSTAGRAM

Tbis award-winning actress has kept us fascinated with all of her characters from the minute we started binging her work.

Uzo Aduba

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

Rihanna

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

Her rise from humble beginnings to superstardom and billionaire entrepreneur has inspired millions to join her Navy.

Rihanna

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison

Will Smith

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

He started as the Fresh Prince, but now we call him king of the box office. And yes, he’s an Oscar winner. They can’t take that from him.

Will Smith

Photo: Getty Images Hector Vivas Photo: Getty Images Hector Vivas

Bruno Mars

Screenshot: Catherine McGann/Getty Image Screenshot: Catherine McGann/Getty Image

One look at this tiny Elvis and it’s clear he had one career path in mind.

Bruno Mars

Kerry Washington

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

This adorable little one grew up to be one of our favorite actresses/activists. Her matching hair bows and shirt tell us she already had a keen sense of style.

Kerry Washington

Photo: Getty Images Alekandra London Photo: Getty Images Alekandra London

Erica Campbell

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

We’re sure she was already raising up her voice in worship from a young age.

Erica Campbell

Photo: Getty Images Presley Ann Photo: Getty Images Presley Ann

Michelle Obama

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

Who knew this little girl from Chicago was destined for fame-changing greatness?

Michelle Obama

Photo: Getty Images Erika Goldring Photo: Getty Images Erika Goldring

Boris Kodjoe

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

Even from a young age, this model/actor knew how to find the camera.

Boris Kodjoe

Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin Photo: Getty Images Roy Rochlin

Eva Marcille

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

An adorable little boss in the making.

Eva Marcille

Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer Photo: Getty Images Matt Winkelmeyer

Kandi Burruss

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

The singer/actress/TV personality clearly knew she was headed for a career in the spotlight.

Kandi Burruss

Photo: Getty Images Monica Schipper Photo: Getty Images Monica Schipper

Kevin Hart

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

This little guy was already giving off class clown vibes.

Kevin Hart

Photo: Getty Images Paul Morigi Photo: Getty Images Paul Morigi

Keke Palmer

Screenshot: Essence Screenshot: Essence

The former child star’s career began when she was young, but we always knew she could do anything.

Keke Palmer

Christina Milian

Screenshot: Instagram Screenshot: Instagram

A cutie pie who rocked a bold sense style right from the start.

Christina Milian

Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Vogue Photo: Getty Images Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for Vogue

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

'Watson,' 'The Vince Staples Show' and Other Black Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon

‘Watson,’ ‘The Vince Staples Show’ and Other Black Shows That Were Canceled Too Soon

With fan-favorite shows off the air, like ‘Watson’ and the ‘Sherri’ show, let’s take a look back at a handful of Black shows that were gone too soon! …
13 Disturbing Truths About Black Maternal Health They Don’t Want You to See

13 Disturbing Truths About Black Maternal Health They Don’t Want You to See

Before Black Maternal Health Week begins Saturday, we’re discussing 13 alarming truths no one should ignore, & the policy gaps still failing Black moms …
Sheinelle Jones Just Revealed the Terrifying New York Train Experience She Called Her 'Worst Nightmare'

Sheinelle Jones Just Revealed the Terrifying New York Train Experience She Called Her ‘Worst Nightmare’

TODAY Show host Sheinelle Jones had quite an experience recently on a NYC train and it’s a story that’s almost too crazy to believe! …
Shocking Development After Husband Arrested for Murder of Florida Vice Mayor

Shocking Development After Husband Arrested for Murder of Florida Vice Mayor

The city of Coral Springs celebrated the election of its first Black female commissioner. Now, they’re forced to mourn her shocking murder …
Astronaut Victor Glover Has a Special Message for All of Humanity

Astronaut Victor Glover Has a Special Message for All of Humanity

Even from halfway to the moon, Artemis II pilot Victor Glover wants to remind folks of the real magic happening back on Earth …
Jaafar Jackson Reveals Shocking Secret He Kept From His Famous Family After Landing Role in 'Michael' Biopic

Jaafar Jackson Reveals Shocking Secret He Kept From His Famous Family After Landing Role in ‘Michael’ Biopic

Jaafar Jackson is revealing how he reacted after learning he landed the role of his late uncle Michael Jackson, and the surprising things he did to prepare for it! …
Why Angel Reese Will Become The Face of The ATL

Why Angel Reese Will Become The Face of The ATL

Angel Reese has been traded from the Chicago Sky and lands with the Atlanta Dream …
Rapper Offset Shot in Florida: What We Know

Rapper Offset Shot in Florida: What We Know

Offset, Cardi B’s Ex is in stable condition after being shot at a casino in Hollywood, Florida …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Could This Black Man Flip the House Seat Left Vacant by Marjorie Taylor Greene?

Here’s everything to know about Shawn Harris, the Democratic candidate in Georgia aiming to fill Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s House seat …
DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

DaBaby Goes Off on Fan for Painting His Kids, His Reaction Has The Internet Divided

Rapper DaBaby is making news for how he responded to a fan who painted a picture of his daughters. Let’s get into it …
Terry Crews' Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Terry Crews’ Wife Reveals Shocking Health Diagnosis

Rebecca Crews, the longtime wife of actor Terry Crews, is opening up like never before about her health. And it’s something nobody saw coming …
Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

Trick Daddy Defends His Music After Performance at AKA Event is Cut Short

The room was filled with AKAs of all generations. So when Young began performing his hit songs like “I’m a Thug,” many were caught off guard …
Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Why Black Folks Are Side-Eyeing Jonathan Majors’ New DEI-hating Boss More Than His Set Accident

Jonathan Majors’ falls out of window while filming action movie with Daily Wire, causing crew members to walk off set …
Why Black People Dress up On Easter

Why Black People Dress up On Easter

While Easter is dedicated to serving the Lord, it’s also been a time for Black people to serve looks while honoring the ancestors …
The GOP is Losing its Black Voices as Trump Fails to Turn Endorsements into Black Votes

The GOP is Losing its Black Voices as Trump Fails to Turn Endorsements into Black Votes

MAGA is obsessed with advertising Black conservative candidates… but rarely do these Black GOP leaders get support they need to reach Black voters …
The African Pope Behind Easter That You Never Heard of

The African Pope Behind Easter That You Never Heard of

African-born Pope Victor I (c. 189–199 AD) pushed for Easter to be celebrated on Sundays and shaped early Christian practices, leaving a legacy that still shows up in how we honor the holiday today …
LeBron James' Comments About Memphis Have Some Calling Him a Culture Vulture

LeBron James’ Comments About Memphis Have Some Calling Him a Culture Vulture

NBA superstar LeBron James made it plain that he’d rather not have to spend a night in Memphis when he’s on the road. But his comments have garnered a strong reaction online …
Why A League of Voting Rights Group Are Challenging Trump's Latest Executive Order on Mail-in Ballots

Why A League of Voting Rights Group Are Challenging Trump’s Latest Executive Order on Mail-in Ballots

A coalition of voting rights groups is challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding mail-in ballots …
The Easter Speech Is The Original Masterclass of Black Excellence

The Easter Speech Is The Original Masterclass of Black Excellence

Long before they became icons, voices like Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah Winfrey were shaped in the Black church, where generations of children found their first stage and audience through the Easter speech …