,

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
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoWJfsk0gvk

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RD8aEbOJUM

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

Photo by Monstera Production:

Books by Black LGBTQ+ Authors To Explore This Pride Month

In honor of Pride Month 2025, we’ve some of our favorite books by Black LGBTQ+ authors …
Prom Looks

The Most Boldest and Outrageous 2025 Prom Looks

From Disney cosplay attire to beautiful proposal, we are sharing our favorite prom send offs …