Good Stinkin' Actresses/Actors with a Future

by shearerelizabeth | created - 30 Dec 2011 | updated - 31 Dec 2011 | Public

Actors/Actresses that I think have a future and are actually good at their jobs. Some of them aren't super young, but they are young enough. This list is not just anyone who has their own Disney/Nick TV show. Just look at Ben and/or Fred Savage: they were perfect for their own shows that ran longer than any Disney show could dream of, yet as adults, they have little future in acting. (I love them both dearly, but it's the truth)

1. Chloë Grace Moretz

Actress | Kick-Ass

Moretz is best known for her work in the sci-fi thriller series The Peripheral, created by Scott B. Smith; the Mattson Tomlin-directed sci-fi thriller Mother/Android; Neil Jordan's thriller Greta; Roseanne Liang's Shadow in the Cloud, which claimed the Midnight Madness People's Choice Award at the ...

I've seen several of her movies and I think she is amazing in them all. She has good comedic ability shown in 500 Days of Summer. We all know she does creepy well with Let Me In, Amityville Horror, and Wicked Little Things. And for her age, she has some of the best action experience with Kick-Ass. I'm excited to see more from her

2. Bailee Madison

Actress | Bridge to Terabithia

This young actress has worked with a number of the industry's biggest stars in a variety of diverse and challenging roles. She won rave reviews and a Critics Choice Movie Award nomination for her powerful work on the feature film, Brothers (2009), opposite Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman and Jake ...

I think she is too stinkin cute. The first time I saw her I think was in Bridge to Terabithia, a GREAT movie if you haven't seen it. She played the younger sister and was just amazing. I saw her guest star on a few TV shows and knew she was the real deal. I watched her in Brothers with Natalie Portman and just melted. This girl has serious talent!

3. Elle Fanning

Actress | Super 8

Mary Elle Fanning was born on the 9th of April 1998 in Conyers, Georgia, USA, to Heather Joy (Arrington) and Steven J. Fanning. Her mother played professional tennis, and her father, now an electronics salesman, played minor league baseball. She is of German, Irish, English, French, and Channel ...

I watched Phoebe in Wonderland partly because I love Bailee Madison and partly because I love Dakota. Yes, I know Elle was in it, but still, I hoped she got some of her sister's acting skills and she absolutely did! This girl can act. She is growing up so fast too. She guest starred on both Criminal Minds & SVU and she was spectacular. I hope she stays just as pure as her sister has

4. Dakota Fanning

Actress | War of the Worlds

Hannah Dakota Fanning was born on the 23rd of February 1994, in Conyers, Georgia, USA, to Heather Joy (Arrington) and Steven Fanning. Her mother played professional tennis, and her father, now an electronics salesman, played minor league baseball. She is of German, Irish, English, French, and ...

I Am Sam gets me crying every time. As well as Hounddog. I know Hounddog is poorly looked upon by many, but she really does an amazing job and proves her acting skills. Man on Fire, War of the Worlds, and Hide and Seek all blew me away. She is just great in everything (although I haven't seen the Twilight movies so I don't know how she is in them)

5. Conchita Campbell

Actress | Scary Movie 4

Conchita Elizabeth Campbell was born in the year 1995 on the 25th of October. She was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to a Polish mother and a Spanish-American father. As a child, her nickname was "Banana kid" because she was very active, and loved bananas! She is fluent in Polish and ...

I'm not sure if this girl is still working, but I remember watching her on The 4400 and she was great. I hope that she continues working because she really has a knack for it.

6. AnnaSophia Robb

Actress | Bridge to Terabithia

Actress AnnaSophia Robb most recently starred in two of Hulu's most critically acclaimed limited series. In 2019, she co-starred opposite Patricia Arquette in THE ACT. This spring, she portrayed the flashback version of Reese Witherspoon's "Elena Richardson" character in LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE, ...

I mentioned earlier Bridge to Terabithia & she was great in that. I always thought she was cute, but after seeing her in Soul Surfer I think she has real talent. As well as Sleepwalking with Charlize Theron. Perfect look for her daughter and real depth. As long as she stays out of trouble, I think I'll keep liking her.

7. Hayden Panettiere

Actress | Heroes

Hayden Lesley Panettiere was born on August 21, 1989 in Palisades, New York, to actress Lesley Vogel and fire department captain Skip Panettiere. Her younger brother was actor Jansen Panettiere (1994-2023). Her parents are both of half Italian descent, along with German and English. Her mother got ...

Okay, so I know she's a bit old, but she's great. My only hope is that she goes back to movies with substance rather than movies/TV in which she is just the hot popular girl. She was amazing as a child on Guiding Light and I loved her in Raising Helen and Remember the Titans.

8. Saoirse Ronan

Actress | Hanna

Saoirse Una Ronan was born in The Bronx, New York City, New York, United States, to Irish parents, Monica Ronan (née Brennan) and Paul Ronan, an actor. When Saoirse was three, the family moved back to Dublin, Ireland. Saoirse grew up in Dublin and briefly in Co. Carlow before moving back to Dublin ...

Amazing. There's really no other way to describe this girl. She is just great. I watched Atonement and fell in love with her. Then I had to watch Lovely Bones and she had me bawling. So then I watched Hanna and she owned that role too. I suspect she can do anything and hope that she continues to.

9. Kristen Stewart

Actress | Snow White and the Huntsman

Though most famous for her role as Isabella "Bella" Swan in The Twilight (2008) Saga, Kristen Stewart has been a working actor since her early years in Los Angeles, California. Her parents, John Stewart and Jules Stewart, both work in film and television. The family includes three boys, Kristen's ...

I know I may get some flack for this, but I think KStew is a great actress. As I said before, I haven't seen Twilight, so she's on my list for her other works. Before judging her, I think everyone should watch Panic Room and Speak. And if you're old enough, watch Welcome to the Rileys. She owned both of those. If you can watch the movie Speak and honestly say she sucks, fine. I highly doubt it though.

10. Ariel Winter

Actress | Sofia the First

Ariel Winter is one of Hollywood's most promising young talents with notable roles in both television and film. Ariel stars on ABC's critically acclaimed and Emmy® winning hit series, "Modern Family (2009)." Winter plays 'Alex Dunphy,' the brainy middle child in the Dunphy family, opposite Ty ...

Honestly, I go back and forth with her. Sometimes she is great and sometimes I don't think so. But it might be that I simply don't like the character she is playing. I'm not sure, but I really liked her in One Missed Call & her Criminal Minds episode, so she made the list

11. Emily Alyn Lind

Actress | Revenge

Emily Alyn Lind's body of work would be impressive for any Hollywood actress, but for a rising star of such a young age, it is quite remarkable. Emily will next star alongside Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson in the Warner Bros. film Doctor Sleep (2019). Based on the popular Stephen King novel, ...

She's coming out soon. She was amazing on Criminal Minds and so far, I've really enjoyed her short segments on Revenge

12. Sofia Vassilieva

Actress | The Little Things

Sofia Vassilieva was born on October 22, 1992 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. She is an actress, known for The Little Things (2021), Looking for Alaska (2019) and My Sister's Keeper (2009).

I really liked her on Medium and then I watched her in My Sister's Keeper and she was perfect!

13. Joey King

Actress | The Act

Joey King started acting professionally when she was four years old. A national spot for Life Cereal was Joey's first commercial. It has been said that Joey inherited the love of acting from her grandmother, who used to perform in live theater.

She has appeared in several television shows and movies...

She's adorable. I haven't seen much with her, but she did great on a few episodes of Ghost Whisperer. She's continued working so I think there has to be more

14. Isabelle Fuhrman

Actress | The Novice

Isabelle Fuhrman is a critically acclaimed actress who can next be seen in Kevin Costner's HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA, opposite Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Danny Houston, Giovanni Ribisi and Luke Wilson.

In 2021, Fuhrman starred as Alex Dall in Lauren Hadaway's directorial debut, THE NOVICE. Her ...

Dang she scared the crap out of me in Orphan. Such amazing talent.

15. Caitlin Carmichael

Actress | Roadkill

After starting her professional acting career at just three years old, Georgia-born Caitlin Carmichael has continued to make her mark on Hollywood as one of the brightest young actors.

Carmichael can be seen in Lionsgate's film "Midnight in the Switchgrass" as 'Tracey Lee.' This thriller revolves ...

I kept seeing her in lists of up-and-coming actresses and I just didn't believe it. Then I saw the final episode of Bag of Bones and realized that she is the real deal.

16. Olivia Thirlby

Actress | Juno

Olivia resides in New York City where she was born and raised. She has trained extensively in classical Shakespearian acting in New York at the American Globe Theatre, and in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She began acting professionally in 2003, and plans to pursue a career in both ...

I think I might have liked her more than Ellen Page in Juno. She's great and once again, she's a bit older than most of the list, but I think she's great

17. Jared Gilmore

Actor | Once Upon a Time

Jared Gilmore was born on May 30, 2000 in San Diego, California, USA. He is an actor, known for Once Upon a Time (2011), Mad Men (2007) and The Back-up Plan (2010).

So far this kid has been great on Once Upon a Time. I don't know if he'll actually work once he's gotten through his cute phase, but for the moment he's good.

18. China Anne McClain

Actress | Hubie Halloween

China Anne McClain comes from an artistic family. Her father, Michael McClain, is a music producer, vocalist, writer and sound engineer. His first production was on Beyonce's younger sister, Solange Knowles (Solo Star CD - track no.16 entitled Sky Away). China Anne's mother, Shontell, is also a ...

I know she's now a Disney star and that kind of upsets me, but she was great in Daddy's Little Girls and has one heck of a voice

19. Adair Tishler

Actress | Heroes

Adair Tishler was born on October 3, 1996. She is an actress, known for Heroes (2006), Ten Inch Hero (2007) and Dollhouse (2009).

She's a cutie and she has talent. She was great in Ten Inch Hero

20. Mae Whitman

Actress | One Fine Day

Mae was born in Los Angeles, California to Pat Musick, a voice artist, and Jeffrey Whitman, a personal manager and set construction coordinator. She began her career with a voice-over for a Tyson Chicken commercial. Whitman attended Ribét Academy, a private preparatory school in Los Angeles.

Whitman...

I've loved her since she was little. I guess I was little too. I think she is great in everything and although her character pisses me off a lot, she plays her well.

21. Kay Panabaker

Actress | Fame

Stephanie Kay Panabaker is an American actress, who was born on May 2, 1990 in Orange Grove, Texas, USA. She is the daughter of Donna (née Mayock) and Harold Panabaker. She has an older sister, Danielle Panabaker, who is also an actress. She started acting at various community theaters in Chicago, ...

She's another one who has been great since she was little and I just hope that she doesn't grow out of that talent.

22. Danielle Panabaker

Actress | The Flash

Danielle Nicole Panabaker was born in Augusta, Georgia. Her younger sister, actress Kay Panabaker, starred in the TV series Summerland (2004)(WB, 2004-05). Panabaker started acting at a summer camp before joining community theater productions when she was 10 years old. Panabaker moved to Naperville...

I can't really mention one without mentioning the other can I? It's just not right!

23. Laura Marano

Actress | The Royal Treatment

Laura Marano started acting in the theatre when she was five years old. She has done numerous plays at the Agoura Children's Theatre, and continued her acting in many national commercials.

She is now starring in the new Disney Channel pilot, Austin & Ally (2011), where she is playing the title ...

I hate that she's on a Disney show now. I remember her as one of the first class of Are You Smarter... and then guest starring on Sarah Silverman Program. I guess it's good that she'll acquire fame, but the show just seems so stupid.

24. Vanessa Marano

Actress | Saving Zoë

Vanessa Marano started acting in the theater when she was seven years old, performing in numerous plays at A.C.T. in Agoura Hills, California. She began her professional career with several national commercials.

Marano is most recognized for her roles as "April Nardini", the daughter of "Luke", in ...

She's always been that girl that doesn't quite fit in. I guess that's why I laugh when I see her little sister playing a prissy role.

25. Jimmy Bennett

Actor | Star Trek

James 'Jimmy' Bennett was born on February 9, 1996 in Seal Beach, California. He has appeared in guest starring roles on The Guardian (2001), Judging Amy (1999), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) and recently Everwood (2002), and has been cast in some of the most successful productions in that ...

Pretty good actor. Great in Orphan.

26. Christa B. Allen

Actress | 13 Going on 30

Christa B. Allen was born on November 11, 1991 in Wildomar, California, USA. She is an actress, known for 13 Going on 30 (2004), Revenge (2011) and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009).

I fell in love with her in 13 Going on 30 & once again with Revenge. She has grown into a beautiful woman and I'm really impressed with her.

27. Bella Thorne

Actress | The Duff

Actress and singer Annabella Avery "Bella" Thorne, known for Shake It Up (2010), The DUFF (2015), Blended (2014), and Midnight Sun (2018), was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to Tamara (Beckett) and Delancey Reinaldo "Rey" Thorne. She has three siblings, Remy Thorne, Dani Thorne and Kaili Thorne, ...

Yes, I'm embarrassed to have this girl on my list, but I think she's great. I can barely handle watching her entire show because of the rest of the cast, but she brightens my day. Great acting in Forget Me Not.

28. Carly Schroeder

Actress | Mean Creek

Carly Brook Schroeder is an actress, animal rights activist, environmentalist, and nutritional advocate, known for Gracie (2007), the Disney Channel's Lizzie McGuire (2001), and General Hospital (1963).

Schroeder was born on October 18, 1990, in Valparaiso, Indiana. She began doing print work at the...

I remember her being Lizzie Mcguire's little brother's BFF and just thinking she was the shiz. I still think that she is the shiz and try to watch things with her as often as I can

29. Britt Robertson

Actress | Tomorrowland

Brittany Leanna Robertson was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Beverly (Hayes) and Ryan Robertson, a restaurateur. She was raised in South Carolina, the oldest of seven children. Her mother's worries about the public school system led to Robertson being home-schooled. She began acting at the ...

I love her. I hate to love her, but I do. I enjoy pretty much everything she is in.

30. Evan Rachel Wood

Actress | Thirteen

Evan Rachel Wood was born September 7, 1987, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her father, Ira David Wood III, is a theatre actor, writer and director, and her mother, Sara Wood, is an actress and acting coach. She has two older brothers--Dana Wood, a musician, and Ira David Wood IV, who has also acted. ...

I have loved her since time began. Nobody can beat her childhood performance in Practical Magic. Just perfect. She got even better as she grew up and I still have to see everything she's in

31. Emma Roberts

Actress | We're the Millers

Emma Roberts was born in Rhinebeck, New York. She was a baby when her parents separated, and she grew up living with her mother, Kelly Cunningham. She was educated at Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles, California.

Emma is the daughter of Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts, and the niece of ...

Just watch Scream 4. Or her father. Or her aunt. You will see more of her whether you want to or not.

32. Jenna Boyd

Actress | The Missing

Born in Bedford, Texas, on March 4, 1993, the multi-talented Jenna Boyd has been "on the go" in her life since the age of 2. Her mother, Debbie, entered Jenna into a modeling search when she was two years old. Her enthusiasm and sweet nature captured the hearts of agents who informed her mother to ...

She was great in the first Sisterhood movie as Bailey and she was great in her Criminal Minds episode starring across from Dylan McKay... whatever his real name is

33. Troian Bellisario

Actress | Pretty Little Liars

Troian Bellisario, daughter of producers Donald P. Bellisario and Deborah Pratt, made her film debut at the age of 3 in Last Rites (1988). She made several TV and movie appearances in her teens (most of the TV appearances were in shows produced by her father) before attending the University of ...

I think she has talent, but even if she doesn't, she'll go somewhere because her father is so powerful

34. Lucy Hale

Actress | Truth or Dare

Lucy Hale has captured the attention of millions through her dynamic on-screen performances in some of the most buzzed about projects in film and television. Hale recently starred as the lead, DC Lake Edmunds, in the new series, Ragdoll, which is streaming on AMC and Alibi. Last year, she finished ...

I think she's just adorable. No matter what show or movie she's in she is always so fashionable. She has been constantly working lately and I think she'll make it further than any one else on Pretty Little Liars (other than Troian)

35. Jodelle Ferland

Actress | Case 39

Jodelle Micah Ferland has built up an impressive resume filled with roles in film, television and, at the beginning of her career, commercials. Born on October 9, 1994, she got her start in an episode of CTV's Cold Squad (1998), before landing the lead role in her first film, Mermaid (2000) at an ...

Great in Case 39

36. Alexa PenaVega

Actress | Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams

Alexa Ellesse PenaVega was born Alexa Ellesse Vega on August 27, 1988 in Ocala, Florida and raised in Los Angeles, California to Gina Denise Rue, a former model & Baruch Jairo Vega, a photographer. She is known for her role as Carmen Cortez in the Spy Kids series and Shilo Wallace in the film Repo!...

I cry every single time I watch Odd Girl Out. She's awesome and I sincerely hope she continues working

37. Emmy Clarke

Actress | My House in Umbria

Emmy Clarke was born on September 25, 1991 in Mineola, Long Island, New York, USA. She is an actress, known for My House in Umbria (2003), Monk (2002) and Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006).

I loved her on Monk. At first she was kind of boring, but she grew into something I think. Plus she is just naturally gorgeous

38. Alexa Nikolas

Actress | Red State

Alexa Nikolas is an American actress born on April 4, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois, known for portraying as Nicole Bristow on the American comedy-drama television series, Zoey 101 (2005) aired on Nickelodeon Cable. She also appeared in the several popular television series including, That's Life (...

I think she guest stars on every TV show I watch and I get excited every time I see her name in the credits.

39. Willa Holland

Actress | Legion

Willa Joanna Chance Holland (born June 18, 1991) is an American actress, voice actress and model. She is known for her role as Kaitlin Cooper in the FOX teen drama The O.C., Agnes Andrews in The CW series Gossip Girl and, most recently, Thea Queen / Speedy in Arrow. Holland was born in Los Angeles,...

Just a gorgeous girl. I loved the way she played Caitlin on The OC and wish she was on more.

40. Katie Cassidy

Actress | A Nightmare on Elm Street

Katie Cassidy was born Katherine Evelyn Anita Cassidy on November 25, 1986, in Los Angeles, California. Her father, David Cassidy, was a pop star in the 1970s. Her famous relatives include uncles Shaun Cassidy, Patrick Cassidy and Ryan Cassidy, the sons by her grandfather Jack Cassidy's marriage to ...

She was amazing on Taken. I wish she didn't have a famous father because I think she'd get more credit for being a good actress.

41. Alexandra Krosney

Actress | The Last Day of Summer

Alexandra Krosney was born on January 28, 1988 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She is an actress, known for The Last Day of Summer (2007), Psych (2006) and Last Man Standing (2011).

She also guest stars on every TV show. The thing is that she usually plays the awkward kid, but now they've done her up with a lot of makeup and have her being someone completely different. I'm not sure if I like it.

42. William Brent

Actor | Lab Rats

William Brent was born in Palm Beach County, Florida, on October 15, 1995. He and his family moved to Los Angeles, CA in 2006. He quickly began his career working in television, film, and motion capture. Having trained in gymnastics and martial arts at a young age, William began doing his own ...

He really played the great younger brother in You Again. Just perfect.

43. Taissa Farmiga

Actress | The Final Girls

Taissa Farmiga is an American actress, and the younger sister of Academy Award nominee Vera Farmiga, who is 21 years her senior. She was born in Readington Township, New Jersey, USA, to Ukrainian-born parents Michael and Lubomyra (Spas) Farmiga.

Unlike her older sister, Taissa initially had no ...

She is amazing on American Horror Story, especially for pretty much a rookie appearance!

44. Josh Hutcherson

Actor | The Hunger Games

Joshua Ryan Hutcherson was born on October 12, 1992 in Union, Kentucky to Michelle Fightmaster, who worked for Delta Air Lines, and Chris Hutcherson, an EPA analyst. He has one younger brother, Connor Hutcherson. From the age of four, Josh knew that he wanted to be an actor. In order to pursue his ...

I have the rest of the Bridge cast on here, so I don't know why I shouldn't include hi. He's pretty great. Just as good in Fragments.

45. Mika Boorem

Actress | Hollywood.Con

Mika Boorem is an actress, director, writer and producer based in Los Angeles. Boorem is well- known for her acting career which includes over 40 major motion pictures and network television series roles. She has recently completed her first narrative feature length film, Hollywood.con, as a ...

I've loved her since Blue Crush. She was great in Augusta, Gone which I would recommend for any fans of her. I hope she comes back into popularity because she hasn't been in too much lately.

46. Amber Heard

Actress | Aquaman

Amber Laura Heard was born in Austin, Texas, to Patricia Paige Heard (née Parsons), an internet researcher, and David C. Heard (David Clinton Heard), a contractor. She has English, Irish, Scottish, German, and Welsh ancestry.

Heard appeared in the Academy Award-nominated film, North Country (2005), ...

I'll be honest. I sometimes wonder if she's really good, or just realy good looking. I think she's got the horror brand down pat if you watch Stepfather & The Ward.



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