The People You’ll Know in 2024 (2024)

Kingsley Ben-Adir

Kingsley Ben-Adir played Ken—or at least the basketball version of Ken—in last year’s highest-grossing film, Barbie. His next part is his most prestigious to date, with the London-born actor transforming into reggae icon Bob Marley for the upcoming biopic Bob Marley: One Love. The 37-year-old completely engrossed himself in the role, learning how to sing and play guitar for the film in theaters on Valentine’s Day.—Tyler Piccotti

Margaret Qualley

The Montana-raised Margaret Qualley, 29, inherited plenty of charm and chops from her mother, actor Andie MacDowell. After stealing scenes in The Leftovers and The Nice Guys and leading Netflix’s 2021 limited series Maid—naturally, MacDowell played her onscreen mom—Qualley is poised to break through in an even bigger way with a starring role in February 23’s Drive-Away Dolls, a buzzy road-trip comedy from director Joel Coen. After that, she’ll re-team with her Poor Things director, Yorgos Lanthimos, in the mysterious Kinds of Kindness, rumored to release in time for next Oscars season. Plus, she’s the muse for her high-profile husband, mega-music producer Jack Antonoff, whose band Bleachers is dropping a new album of Qualley-inspired songs in March.—Andrew Daniels

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph might have accompanied Paul Giamatti and Dominic Sessa in The Holdovers, her breakout 2023 movie, but this year, the 37-year-old actor is ready for a takeover. Fresh off her Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress, the Philadelphia native’s emotional portrayal of Mary Lamb in the holiday drama has picked up buzz for March 10’s Academy Awards. Up next, she’s starring in the thriller film Shadow Force with Kerry Washington and the action-comedy Bride Hard.—T.P.

Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor

Tennis, anyone? Mike Faist, 32, and The Crown alum Josh O’Connor, 33, form a new kind of doubles team as competing love interests for Zendaya in the sports drama Challengers. It’s likely they’ll steal some viewers’ hearts, as well, when the movie releases April 26.

The Ohio-born Faist is also part of the ensemble cast for 2024’s The Bikeriders, a film about a fictional 1960s motorcycle club called the Vandals. You can hit the open road with Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and the rest of the crew on June 21 when the movie zooms into theaters.—T.P.

Marisa Abela

Bob Marley isn’t the only musician on the big screen this year. Marisa Abela—coincidentally, another Barbie alum from the United Kingdom—is set to portray Amy Winehouse in Back to Black, the highly anticipated biopic about the late singer releasing on May 10.

The 27-year-old reportedly “blew away” studio executives and director Sam Taylor-Johnson at her audition, suggesting Abela could be in the running next awards season. Not bad for someone who considered a law career before acting. —T.P.

Paul Mescal

How do you top the one-two punch of breaking out in the TV adaptation of a best-selling book (2020’s Normal People) and nabbing a surprise Academy Award Best Actor nomination for a tender drama (2022’s Aftersun)? If you’re 27-year-old Paul Mescal, how about reportedly beating out some of Hollywood’s biggest rising stars for the prized role of Lucius Verus in Gladiator 2, this fall’s hotly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 epic Oscar-winner? (He’ll go toe-to-toe with Denzel friggin’ Washington, to boot.) If the Ireland native aces his test to become the next great blockbuster hero on November 22, count on him being on big screens for at least a few decades to come.—A.Daniels

Brian Jordan Alvarez

Brian Jordan Alvarez is absolutely having a moment, but it’s a moment long in the making. The 36-year-old actor and comedian from New York has been working since 2008 and, after catching the eye of casting directors in the 2010s, landed supporting roles in Jane the Virgin and the reboot of Will & Grace. But Alvarez is likely to blow up in 2024 thanks to the opportunities he made for himself, specifically his massively popular TikToks. Viral hits like “Sitting” have led to roles in major movies like M3GAN and 80 for Brady, as well as a forthcoming FX series, English Teacher, which he created and stars in.—Michael Natale

Erling Haaland

At a mere 23 years old, Erling Haaland is already making waves in the soccer world. In his Premier League debut season for Manchester City, the striker from Norway stunned observers by not only becoming the top scorer of the season, but also breaking the record for most goals scored by a single player in a season with 36. He’s proven to be the kind of player fans want to keep an eye on, and millions are: His Instagram follower count is 37.7 million and growing. (Watch out, Ronaldo and Messi.) As for what 2024 holds for the soccer star? He’s apparently eyeing a move to Real Madrid.—M.N.

Caleb Williams

Already a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Southern California, 22-year-old quarterback Caleb Williams is considered one of the best NFL prospects in years. It’s widely expected Williams will declare for the upcoming draft, with the question being which team will select him.

The Chicago Bears are on the clock first on April 25 but already have an explosive signal-caller in Justin Fields. Perhaps the Washington Commanders at No. 2 step in, setting up a D.C. homecoming for Williams in the pros.—T.P.

Sophia Smith

The U.S. Women’s National Team is in need of a good comeback, and forward Sophia Smith, 23, is poised to usher in new momentum at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Come summer, look for No. 11 to secure a spot on her first Olympic squad then get to work doing what she does best: scoring goals. The Windsor, Colorado, native led the USWNT in scoring in 2022 and netted half of the team’s (unusually few) goals during the 2023 World Cup. Smith is a standout for her club, too. She’s been the top scorer on the Portland Thorns for two years running with a league MVP award to boot. Olympic soccer kicks off the first day of the games, July 24.—Adrienne Donica

Shilese Jones

A disappointing finish at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Trials left gymnast Shilese Jones one spot away from Tokyo. Months later, her father died. Without one of her biggest cheerleaders, Jones found a way to rebound. The 21-year-old out of Auburn, Washington, has picked up plenty of medals since, including all-around silver and bronze as well as team gold at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. Those performances, some while she battled shoulder and foot injuries, indicate she will fly through this year’s trials, starting June 27. A month later expect her to be a serious contender on her first Olympic stage.—A.Donica

Noah Lyles

The fastest man in the world is American track sprinter Noah Lyles. The 26-year-old won three gold medals at the 2023 World Championships in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100-meter relay—making him the favorite at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. But Lyles has been clear that he wants to transcend the sport, much like Usain Bolt. To do that, he’s dabbled in high-fashion, quipped with NBA players, and starred in a biographical Peaco*ck series. This summer, before he takes the world stage this August, the Florida-based athlete will be featured in a Netflix show about track and field, in a similar vein to Drive to Survive.—Theo Kahler

Sha’Carri Richardson

After making headlines in 2021 for a positive marijuana drug test—and thus missing out on the Tokyo Olympics—Sha’Carri Richardson had a quiet 2022. But last year, Richardson, 23, emphatically returned to form. She stormed to a U.S. title in the 100 meters and won gold in the event at August’s World Championships in a new championship record (10.65 seconds). “I’m not back, I’m better,” the sprinter from Dallas said.

In 2024, Richardson will have her eyes on an Olympic gold medal in her signature event. But don’t be surprised if she brings home hardware in the 200 meters and 4x100-meter relay, as well.—T.K.

Bailey Zimmerman

Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, and Zach Bryan were among the country artists that dominated popular music in the past year. Illinois native Bailey Zimmerman, 23, is a good bet to become the industry’s next star. He was named Billboard’s inaugural Country Rookie of the Year in 2023, when his Religiously. The Album. peaked at No. 3 on the country album chart. Zimmerman’s accompanying tour is coming to big cities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland starting on February 1.—T.P.

Gracie Abrams

Fine, Gracie Abrams is another nepo baby. But when you get past her famous father, sci-fi director J.J. Abrams, the Los Angeles–bred 24-year-old is forging her own path as a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter specializing in heart-on-sleeve confessionals. Abrams has a good shot at snagging Best New Artist amidst a crowded field at the Grammys on February 4, but even if not, she’ll keep building on the momentum of a hit debut LP (2023’s Good Riddance) and a coveted spot opening up for Taylor Swift’s record-shattering Eras Tour. Abrams returns to lead off another North American leg of Swift’s tour this fall, and before long, she just might headline stadiums of her own. Album No. 2 is in the works, after all.—A.Daniels

Noah Kahan

Performing his signature song “Stick Season” on Saturday Night Live in December brought more fans into the Noah Kahan orbit, but he’s got plenty of room to grow in 2024. The Vermont singer-songwriter, 27, could bring home his first Grammy for Best New Artist on February 4 or record his first Top 10 hit on the Billboard 100. He’s come dangerously close so far, plus “Stick Season” topped the U.K. charts at the start of the year. One thing’s for certain, his 2024 We’ll All Be Here Forever Tour comes to this side of the Atlantic in March before his run of shows in the United States begins May 20.—A.Donica

Tyla

South Africa’s Tyla was raised listening to popular artists like Aaliyah, Michael Jackson, and Rihanna. Now, the 21-year-old, whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal, could earn her place among their ranks one day. Her 2023 single “Water” launched a viral dance craze on TikTik—#TylaWater has 1.3 billion views and counting—and earned her a Grammy nomination in the new category Best African Music Performance. With a self-titled debut album due March 1 and a world tour (with 16 stateside concerts) beginning not long after, Tyla isn’t cooling down anytime soon.—A.Donica

Tate McRae

With a Saturday Night Live appearance and an upcoming tour beginning April 17, nobody should be surprised to see Tate McRae listed as someone poised to have a big 2024. But you might be surprised to know just how long McRae has been in the public eye. The 20-year-old Canadian musician won many fans in 2017 with the viral single “One Day,” but McRae actually got her start in the early 2010s with appearances on competition shows Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation, as well as an acting role in the animated series Lalaloopsy. What that means is that while McRae was making headlines in 2023 for her singing, 2024 could be an even bigger year for a bonafide triple-threat in the entertainment industry.—M.N.

Xavi

What does Xavi, a 19-year-old Mexican American singer from Phoenix, have in common with Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma? A No. 1 global hit on Spotify. And yet, Xavi is the only one who can claim bragging rights as the first artist of Mexican descent to achieve the feat solo, thanks to his song “La Diabla.” The single, released in late November, is currently sitting at No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200 and comes on the heels of his earlier TikTok hit “La Víctima,” from August 2023. Given his contract with Interscope Records, we can only hope Xavi—real name, Joshua Xavier Gutiérrez—is queuing up his debut album next.—A.Donica

Maria Callas

Move over, Oppenheimer. Soon, the lesser-known historical figure everyone is going to be talking about, thanks to a major biopic, is Maria Callas. Born in New York City and raised partially in Greece, the opera singer quickly became a star of the stage after her 1941 debut at the Royal Opera of Athens. International fame and her most well-known performances in Tosca and Norma awaited, as did a heartbreak that turned the soprano into a recluse in the years before her 1977 death.

Angelina Jolie dons the diva’s persona and stylish looks for Maria, due out later this year and directed by the same man who helmed Jackie and Spencer.—A.Donica

Gypsy Rose Blanchard

Gypsy Rose Blanchard, released from prison in late December, has already had a new docuseries and book released this year. The subject of an infamous Munchausen syndrome by proxy case that led to her orchestrating her mother’s murder, 32-year-old Blanchard will continue to share her side of the story as she navigates her new freedom. She is already a social media celebrity with 18 million followers across TikTok and Instagram.—T.P.

Taylor Tomlinson

Taylor Tomlinson, a comedian from Temecula, California, began doing stand-up in church as a teen. The 30-year-old’s next stage is slightly bigger. She’s taking over the CBS window previously held by James Corden to become the only female host on late-night TV. Her debut as emcee of the mock game show After Midnight is set for January 16. And if you’re looking for more laughter, catch Tomlinson’s third Netflix stand-up special Have It All, which starts streaming February 13.—T.P.

Sarah J. Maas

Newbies to #BookTok have a good chance of encountering author Sarah J. Maas, 37, within their first several scrolls. The hashtag of her name alone has more than 3 billion views. The fantasy writer from New York City has penned 15 books across three massively popular series and isn’t slowing down. She picked up a four-book deal in March 2023 on top of three titles she already had under contract. Her new book from the Crescent City series, titled House of Flame and Shadow, arrives January 30. And 2024 could finally see movement in the long-awaited Hulu adaption of her most popular series, A Court of Thorns and Roses.—A.Donica

Alix Earle

The TikTok star millions have been getting ready with is now getting ready to have her biggest year ever. Alix Earle, a 23-year-old social media influencer who began making content while a freshman at the University of Miami, is known for a mix of vulnerable, confessional videos and business-savvy brand endorsem*nts. Earle has amassed more than 6 million followers on TikTok, and her brand partnerships have proved so fruitful that “the Alix Earle effect” has been coined in response to how quickly products can sell out once she highlights them. Recently named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30, this is an influencer whose influence is bound to spread even further in 2024.—M.N.

Druski

If you don’t recognize the name, you absolutely know the face. No matter what social media platform you use, you’ve seen videos and reaction memes featuring Drew Desbordes, better known as Druski. His early Instagram skits led to collaborations with rapper Jack Harlow, and soon Druski was appearing in music videos for Harlow, Lil Yachty, and even Drake. This past year saw the 29-year-old from Georgia embark on the Coulda Woulda Shoulda comedy tour and launch his 4Lifers sports agency, an intriguing career move that opens up a whole new landscape.—M.N.

Griselda Blanco

In our Peak True Crime era, the casual consumer would be forgiven for thinking all the major players have already been covered ad nauseam. Allow us, then, to introduce you to Griselda Blanco. The vicious “Godmother of Cocaine” was responsible for trafficking 3,400 pounds of the drug into the United States every month by the late 1970s. Her involvement, sometimes suspected, in three husbands’ deaths only added to her notoriety, but given that the Colombian cartel leader was murdered in 2012, all things Blanco have been, well, quiet.

But as the subject of Netflix’s upcoming limited series Griselda—starring Sofia Vergara in the titular role—she’s about to dominate headlines and conversations once more. Get ready to binge watch on January 25.—A.Donica

The Menendez Brothers

Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted of first-degree murder in 1996 after killing their parents. Almost 30 years later, the complicated story of the imprisoned siblings, who are now 55 and 53, is heading to streaming giant Netflix in the second season of Monster. The show’s first season was a massive hit, eclipsing more than 1 billion hours streamed and drawing acclaim for Evan Peters’ portrayal of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The show is expected to return later this year, this time featuring Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Erik and Lyle, respectively.—T.P.

Sarah McBride

Sarah McBride, 33, has already made history as the first openly transgender person to be elected to a state Senate seat (in 2020) and hopes to do the same in Congress this year. The Delaware representative is a Democratic contender running to succeed U.S. House Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester on November 5. First, she must win the primary in September.

Considered a rising star in politics, McBride has cited climate change, gun violence, and abortion rights among her key policy issues “This campaign isn’t just about making history—it’s about moving forward,” she said.—T.P.