10 Black Celebs You May Have Forgotten Got Their Start On Nickelodeon

1.Kenan Thompson

The SNL star made a name for himself acting in several Nickelodeon projects, including All That (where he often collaborated with Kel Mitchell), Kenan & Kel, and Good Burger. He also appeared in popular shows, like The Amanda Show and Cousin Skeeter.

Here's a side-by-side of Kenan then vs. now:

2.Keke Palmer

The beloved actor, singer, and TV host had numerous roles on Nickelodeon and was best known for starring in the sitcom True Jackson, VP. The actor also voiced Aisha in the animated series, Winx Club, appeared in Just Jordan and Degrassi: The Next Generation, and starred in the TV movie Rags.

Here's a side-by-side of Keke then vs. now:

3.Yvette Nicole Brown

Before Nickelodeon, the Community actor had been in a number of films and TV projects (including Girlfriends, Two and a Half Men, and 7th Heaven), but you may also recognize her from her memorable role as Helen Dubois in Drake & Josh. Brown also made appearances in shows like iCarly and Victorious.

Here's a side-by-side of Yvette then vs. now:

4.Kel Mitchell

Mitchell, the second half of the iconic Kenan and Kel duo, also started off as a cast member on All That. He then starred in Kenan & Kel and made appearances in The Amanda Show, Cousin Skeeter, and The Nick Cannon Show. The actor has had multiple roles in later Nickelodeon shows as well, including Sam & Cat, The Thundermans, Game Shakers, and Henry Danger.

Here's a side-by-side of Kel then vs. now:

5.Leon Thomas III

Thomas played the one-and-only André Harris on Victorious, and beforehand, he appeared as a recurring character on the comedy series Just for Kicks. He also provided the singing voice for Tyrone on The Backyardigans and appeared in other Nickelodeon shows like iCarly, The Naked Brothers Band, True Jackson, VP, and Robot and Monster.

Here's a side-by-side of Leon then vs. now:

6.Lil' JJ

Lil' JJ is best known for being the star of Just Jordan, but the actor and comedian was also a cast member on All That, appeared in Romeo!, and guest starred in Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.

Here's a side-by-side of Lil' JJ then vs. now:

7.Raven Goodwin

The Being Mary Jane star was on Just Jordan in the late 2000s, which was her first main role on TV. Oh, and BTW, she also played Teddy's best friend, Ivy, on Disney Channel's Good Luck Charlie!

Here's a side-by-side of Raven then vs. now:

8.Romeo Miller (formerly Lil' Romeo)

Miller famously starred in the sitcom Romeo! from 2003 to 2006. The rapper also appeared in The Nick Cannon Show, Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, and voice acted in All Grown Up!

Here's a side-by-side of Romeo then vs. now:

9.Chelsea Tavares

Tavares, who currently plays Patience Robinson in All American, portrayed Cranberry St. Claire in the popular sitcom Unfabulous. She also had a regular role in Just Jordan.

Here's a side-by-side of Chelsea then vs. now:

And finally...

10.Nick Cannon

The famous comedian, TV host, and actor started his career at Nickelodeon as a cast member on All That before hosting the comedy series, The Nick Cannon Show in the early 2000s. He's also hosted TeenNick Top 10 and the Kids' Choice Awards, and has appeared in other multiple Nickelodeon projects, including Kenan & Kel, Rags, and Big Time Rush.

Here's a side-by-side of Nick then vs. now:

Black History Month is here! Join us from Feb. 1 to Feb. 28 (or all year round) and support our content celebrating the culture.