Black actors get fewer chances to break out

Emerging Black actors get an average of six leading roles in the first decade of their career, compared with their white counterparts’ nine. Fewer opportunities also translate to less consistent income and thus less viability and incentive to stay in the industry.

White actors receive more opportunities for lead roles early in their careers than Black actors do—and the gap only widens over time.

To read the article, see “Black representation in film and TV: The challenges and impact of increasing diversity,” March 11, 2021.