Alex R. Hibbert
Alex R. Hibbert is an American actor born on July 4, 2004, in New York City, best known for his breakout role as the young version of the protagonist Chiron, nicknamed "Little," in the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight (2016).[1][2] He gained further recognition for portraying a young kid in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther (2018), for his role as Kevin Williams in the Showtime drama series The Chi (2018–2023), and for appearing in Good Burger 2 (2023).[3][4][5] Hibbert departed The Chi after its sixth season in 2023 to pursue other opportunities and has continued his acting career, including a role in the short film The Newlyweds: Blood at the Altar (2025).[4][6] He has cited influences like Denzel Washington and described acting as a therapeutic outlet, encouraging young people, particularly Black boys, to follow non-traditional dreams.[7][8]Early life
Family background
Alex R. Hibbert was born on July 4, 2004, in New York City.[1] He grew up primarily in the Queens borough, where he resided with his mother during his early years.[9][2] Hibbert's mother, Donna Wellington, worked at a nursing facility and raised him as a single parent in the urban environment of Queens.[2] He has an older half-sister, Robin, who shares the same father but grew up separately in New York with their father, whose identity remains private.[2][10] Hibbert spent the first seven years of his life in Queens, immersed in the bustling, multicultural dynamics of New York City's outer borough, before his family relocated in 2011.[9] This move to Miami with his mother was motivated by a desire to live closer to her own mother, Hillary Frye.[2]Education and early interests
Alex R. Hibbert was born on July 4, 2004, in New York City and lived in Queens until 2011, when his family relocated to Miami, Florida, to live closer to his grandmother.[2][9] In Queens, he attended Number Four School until the second grade.[11] Upon arriving in Miami, he enrolled at Benjamin Franklin K-8 Center, continuing his elementary education in the new environment.[11] In middle school, Hibbert attended Norland Middle School in Miami Gardens, a performing arts magnet program where he began engaging more deeply with creative pursuits around age 12.[2][11] Under the guidance of his drama teacher, Tanisha Cidel, he participated in theater activities that allowed him to express his energy and emotions in a supportive setting.[7][12] Hibbert's mother, Donna Wellington, encouraged his artistic inclinations during this period, fostering an environment that nurtured his budding creativity without immediate pressure toward professional paths.[2] Prior to his deeper involvement in drama, Hibbert's early interests centered on sports and academics, including a strong affinity for basketball, which he enjoyed playing recreationally, and science classes, where he expressed ambitions like curing cancer.[2] He also took part in general school activities and local outings in Miami, such as visits to community spots like trampoline parks, which helped shape his active and exploratory youth before formal acting opportunities emerged.[2][7]Acting career
Breakthrough in film (2016–2017)
Hibbert's entry into professional acting began in 2016 when his drama teacher at Norland Middle School in Miami, Tanisha Cidel—who had a connection to the film's writer and also appeared in the movie as the school principal—encouraged him and his classmates to audition for roles in Barry Jenkins' upcoming film Moonlight. At the time, the 11-year-old Hibbert had no prior acting experience beyond school theater and initially believed the audition was for a local stage production rather than a feature film. Cidel's recommendation led to an open casting call in Miami, where Hibbert impressed the directors with his natural presence, securing the role of young Chiron, the protagonist's childhood incarnation nicknamed "Little."[2][13] In Moonlight (2016), Hibbert portrayed "Little," a shy, bullied boy navigating poverty, abuse, and emerging identity in 1980s Liberty City, Miami—a character marked by quiet vulnerability and emotional restraint. The film, shot entirely on location in Miami's neighborhoods including Liberty Square (known locally as the Pork and Beans Projects), allowed Hibbert to draw from familiar surroundings, enhancing the authenticity of his performance during the three-week production for the first act. Jenkins praised Hibbert's intuitive grasp of the role, noting how the young actor conveyed profound isolation without dialogue-heavy scenes, such as the pivotal swimming lesson that symbolizes tentative trust and self-discovery.[14][15][16] Hibbert's debut received widespread critical acclaim for its raw sensitivity, with reviewers highlighting how his understated portrayal anchored the film's exploration of Black queer adolescence amid systemic hardship; The New Yorker described the performance as part of a "lyrical" ensemble that avoided melodrama in favor of subtle emotional builds. This contributed to Moonlight's broader success, including Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), and Best Adapted Screenplay in 2017, marking it as a landmark in independent cinema. Building on this momentum, Hibbert filmed a brief but memorable cameo in 2017 as the Young Oakland Kid in Ryan Coogler's Black Panther (2018), appearing in the mid-credits scene where he approaches King T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) at a community outreach event in Oakland, asking, "Who are you?"—a moment symbolizing hope and representation for young Black audiences.[17][18] At just 12 years old during the 2017 awards season, Hibbert navigated intense media scrutiny following Moonlight's triumphs, including red-carpet appearances and interviews that thrust him into the spotlight overnight. The sudden fame presented challenges, such as balancing celebrity obligations with seventh-grade routines; he returned to Norland Middle School days after the Oscars, where classmates and teachers provided a grounding normalcy amid flashing cameras and national headlines. Hibbert later reflected on the whirlwind as overwhelming yet motivating, emphasizing the support from his family and Cidel in managing the pressures of early stardom without derailing his education.[19][20]Television roles and rising fame (2018–2022)
In 2018, Alex R. Hibbert transitioned to television with a lead role as Kevin Williams in the Showtime series The Chi, created by Lena Waithe, marking a significant step following his early film breakthrough in Moonlight.[21] Hibbert portrayed Kevin, a middle schooler on Chicago's South Side, initially focused on everyday adolescent concerns like a school crush, but whose life dramatically shifts after witnessing a shooting and becoming entangled in a murder investigation.[21] This role positioned Hibbert as a central figure in an ensemble drama exploring interconnected lives amid urban challenges, with Kevin's arc emphasizing resilience and growth in a predominantly Black cast and creative team.[22] Across Seasons 1 through 5 (2018–2022), Kevin's character evolved from a vulnerable, impulsive youth grappling with trauma and family dynamics to a young adult pursuing personal aspirations, including developing skills as a video game designer while navigating independence and loss.[22] In early seasons, Kevin contends with the immediate aftermath of violence, including police interactions and community pressures, but by Season 4, his journey incorporates deeper emotional layers, such as coping with the death of his father and a surrogate figure, and confronting moral dilemmas like involvement in a shooting without facing institutional repercussions.[22] Hibbert's performance highlighted Kevin's earnestness and street-smart innocence, contributing to the series' portrayal of Black experiences in Chicago, blending hardship with moments of joy and familial support.[21] Filming The Chi in Chicago provided Hibbert with immersive experiences in the city's neighborhoods, where he noted the supportive local community, including fans interrupting shoots to express enthusiasm for the cast.[23] At age 13 during Season 1 production, Hibbert balanced the demanding schedule with middle school at Norland Middle School in Miami, rehearsing school plays while traveling for shoots, which he credited with building his confidence and communication skills.[23] He emphasized maintaining normalcy amid rising visibility, with peers treating him unchanged despite his growing profile. No major supporting film roles emerged during this period, allowing Hibbert to focus on his television commitment. Hibbert's public persona matured through media appearances, where he discussed The Chi's role in representing authentic Black narratives, including "Black love" and the "beautiful parts of Chicago" beyond stereotypes of violence and absentee fathers.[22] In a 2021 interview, he reflected on Kevin's ongoing emotional depth and the show's pride in Waithe's writing, which allowed for nuanced explorations of police brutality and community bonds.[22] Earlier, in 2018, Hibbert highlighted the series' importance for young Black actors, noting its rarity in providing dramatic leads for child performers from films like Moonlight.[21] These discussions underscored his rising fame as a thoughtful voice on representation, inspiring peers to pursue diverse passions while staying grounded.[23]Recent projects and transitions (2023–present)
In 2023, Hibbert expanded his film portfolio with a mix of comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing his versatility beyond television. He portrayed Ed 2, the son of the original film's beloved character Ed, in the Nickelodeon sequel Good Burger 2, directed by Neal Brennan, where he contributed to the film's lighthearted exploration of friendship and corporate absurdity at a fast-food chain. That same year, Hibbert appeared as Maurice in Story Ave, an indie drama directed by Aristotle Torres, playing the best friend of a troubled graffiti artist navigating grief and crime in the South Bronx; the film premiered at SXSW and earned praise for its authentic portrayal of urban youth struggles.[24] Additionally, he starred as Ben in The Graduates, a coming-of-age drama directed by Hannah Peterson that premiered at the Tribeca Festival, depicting the emotional aftermath of a school shooting through the eyes of high school seniors grappling with loss and uncertainty.[25] Hibbert's tenure on The Chi concluded after six seasons, with his character Kevin Williams exiting the series in the Season 6 finale aired in 2024, marking the end of a foundational role that spanned his formative years as an actor.[26] In reflecting on his departure, Hibbert expressed gratitude for the growth the show provided, stating that he had learned invaluable lessons and was eager to pursue new projects, emphasizing personal and professional development as key motivations without disclosing further details.[26] This transition aligned with broader career shifts, as confirmed in early 2025 announcements for Season 7, where Hibbert was noted as not returning; the season premiered on May 16, 2025, and concluded on August 3, 2025.[27][28] Looking ahead, Hibbert took on a role in the 2025 short horror film The Newlyweds: Blood at the Altar, directed by Lucien Christian Adderley, which blends romance, action, and supernatural elements in a story of a couple fighting supernatural forces on their wedding day; the project premiered at festivals like the Pan African Film Festival, highlighting his entry into genre filmmaking.[6] These recent endeavors reflect Hibbert's evolving focus on varied narratives, from ensemble comedies and intimate dramas to horror, signaling a deliberate move toward broadening his artistic range post-The Chi.[4]Filmography
Film roles
Hibbert made his film debut in 2016, portraying the young Chiron, known as "Little," in Barry Jenkins's Moonlight, a coming-of-age drama that follows the protagonist's life in three stages. In 2018, he appeared as the Young Oakland Kid in Ryan Coogler's superhero film Black Panther, a brief but memorable role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe entry centered on the Wakandan king.[3] Hibbert starred as Mo, the loyal friend and graffiti partner of the lead character, in Aristotle Torres's 2023 drama Story Ave, an expansion of Torres's award-winning short film exploring themes of aspiration and loss in the Bronx. That same year, he played Ed 2, the son of the eccentric inventor Ed, in Phil Traill's comedy sequel Good Burger 2, reuniting the original Good Burger cast in a fast-food adventure. In Hannah Peterson's 2023 debut feature The Graduates, Hibbert portrayed Ben, the returning best friend entangled in a web of grief and relationships following a school shooting. Hibbert portrayed Kendrick in the 2025 horror short The Newlyweds: Blood at the Altar, directed by Lucien Christian Adderley and Richard "Byrd" Wilson, where a couple faces supernatural threats from their loved ones on their wedding day.[6]Television roles
Hibbert's television career is primarily anchored by his starring role as Kevin Williams in the Showtime drama series The Chi, where he portrayed a young aspiring video game designer navigating life in Chicago's South Side neighborhood. He appeared in 57 episodes across Seasons 1 through the first half of Season 6, from 2018 to 2023.[1] The role earned him recognition for depicting Kevin's growth from a middle school student dealing with trauma in early seasons—highlighted in episodes like Season 1's "Pilot" (Episode 1), where Kevin confronts the aftermath of community violence—to a teenager exploring independence and relationships in later arcs, such as Season 4's "The Spook Who Sat By The Door" (Episode 5), focusing on his entrepreneurial pursuits.[29] No other major television appearances or guest roles for Hibbert have been credited as of 2025.[1] His work on The Chi significantly contributed to his rising profile in ensemble television casts.[26]Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards | Best Ensemble Cast | Moonlight | Won | [30] |
| 2016 | Boston Society of Film Critics Awards | Best Cast | Moonlight | Won | [30] |
| 2016 | Critics' Choice Awards | Best Young Actor/Actress | Moonlight | Nominated | [31] |
| 2016 | Gotham Independent Film Awards | Special Jury Award for Ensemble Performance | Moonlight | Won | [31] |
| 2016 | Las Vegas Film Critics Society | Best Youth in Film | Moonlight | Won | [30] |
| 2017 | BET Awards | YoungStars Award | Moonlight | Nominated | [31] |
| 2017 | Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Male | Moonlight | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Film Independent Spirit Awards | Robert Altman Award | Moonlight | Won | [32] |
| 2019 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | The Chi | Nominated | [31] |
| 2020 | BET Awards | YoungStars Award | The Chi | Nominated | [31] |
| 2021 | BET Awards | YoungStars Award | The Chi | Nominated | [33] |
| 2021 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Under 18) | The Chi | Nominated | [31] |
| 2021 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a TV Series – Leading Young Actor | The Chi | Nominated | [34] |
| 2022 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series | The Chi | Nominated | [31] |