For BET’s 45th anniversary, we’re honoring our legacy of discovering and uplifting talent with “The Future of Black Culture” series. From Kendrick Lamar’s first televised performance to spotlighting legends like Beyoncé in her early career, BET has always been a platform for rising stars. This year-long series will kick off with five profiles, followed by a new feature each month, showcasing the next generation of trailblazers across entertainment, music, sports, art, tech, and activism.

Why We Co-Sign: Jharrel Jerome isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller who brings depth, authenticity, and raw emotion to every role he takes on. From “Moonlight” to “When They See Us,” he’s built a career on performances that challenge perceptions and center underrepresented voices. 
Breakout Moment: Jerome made history in 2019 as the first Latino actor to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his powerful portrayal of Korey Wise in “When They See Us.”
What’s Next: Jerome steps into the role of Anthony Robles in “Unstoppable,” a film about the real-life NCAA wrestling champion who defied the odds after being born with one leg.

Jharrel Jerome has built a career defined by powerful performances and a deep commitment to telling stories that matter. From his breakout role in “Moonlight” (2016) to his Emmy-winning portrayal of Korey Wise in “When They See Us” (2019), Jerome has proven time and again that he is one of Hollywood’s most intentional and impactful actors. Now, with his role in “Unstoppable,” he steps into the shoes of Anthony Robles—a one-legged wrestler whose story of resilience and triumph challenges the limits of what’s possible.

In 2019, Jharrel Jerome made history as the first Latino actor to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role in Ava DuVernay’s “When They See Us.” In the Netflix miniseries, Jerome portrayed Korey Wise, one of the Exonerated Five wrongfully convicted as teenagers for a crime they didn’t commit. His performance was searing, raw, and unforgettable, catapulting him into the spotlight as both an acting talent and a voice for underrepresented communities.

“I’m very intentional about what I take on,” Jerome tells BET. “It’s really about quality over quantity. I want to look back at my career when I’m 40 and say, ‘I had hit film after hit film.’ But there’s a risk in being selective. There aren’t many projects like “Moonlight,” “When They See Us,” or “Unstoppable” that come around every few months. I love where I’m at because it allows me to do work that’s real and challenging, creating longevity—not just momentary success.”

Jerome’s career is rooted in his upbringing in the Bronx, where he grew up surrounded by a vibrant but often overlooked Latino community. It’s this foundation that fuels his passion for taking on roles that elevate marginalized voices and challenge Hollywood’s narrow lens.

In “Unstoppable,” Jerome takes on the role of Anthony Robles, a real-life wrestler who defied expectations to win an NCAA championship despite being born with one leg. The film, co-starring Jennifer Lopez, is more than a sports drama—it’s a testament to grit, identity, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

“This was a passion project,” Jerome explains. “I trained for seven months in the gym, worked on the mat with Anthony, and even learned to use crutches to really understand what he went through. I wanted to embody his story as authentically as possible. Every time I looked at Anthony on set, it wasn’t just, ‘What’s up, man?’ It was a deep respect for what he’s accomplished. That care and honesty opened the gates for me to bring real vulnerability to the role.”

Anthony Robles’ journey is one of defiance against the odds. Wrestling, for him, wasn’t just a sport—it was a test of mental and physical resilience. Born with one leg, Robles faced not only the challenges of the mat but the societal barriers of being underestimated.

“If my body could speak, it would probably tell me I’m crazy,” Robles has said. “There were moments it was screaming, ‘Stop this immediately!’ But wrestling taught me to push through that. It’s about developing mental toughness—training your mind to push a little further, even when your body says it’s done.”

This mentality carried Robles to the pinnacle of collegiate wrestling and inspired a film that aims to tell his story with authenticity and heart.

Jerome’s commitment to roles like Robles is emblematic of his broader mission to bring untold stories to the forefront. Latino stories, in particular, remain underrepresented in Hollywood. Despite the industry’s lip service to diversity, the numbers reveal that progress is slow.

“Latino stories are still rare on the big screen,” Jerome points out. “But Unstoppable could be the moment that signals a shift—a film that doesn’t just cast Latino actors, but centers a narrative deeply rooted in the community’s lived experience.”

Alongside Lopez, a beacon of Latina representation in Hollywood, Jerome brings star power and cultural authenticity to a story that challenges Hollywood to do better.

With “Unstoppable,” Jerome continues to build a career defined by intentionality, talent, and a fearless dedication to representation. From the Bronx to Hollywood’s brightest stages, he remains a trailblazer—uplifting stories that inspire, resonate, and redefine the limits of what can be achieved.

“Unstoppable” is currently streaming on Prime Video.