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10 Black Celebs You May Have Forgotten Got Their Start On Nickelodeon
10 Black Celebs You May Have Forgotten Got Their Start On Nickelodeon,I'll never, ever forget Helen from <i>Drake & Josh.</i>

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

1. Kenan Thompson

Paramount Pictures / Nickelodeon, Frazer Harrison / WireImage

2. Keke Palmer

Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

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.

Nickelodeon Network / Courtesy Everett Collection

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

Nickelodeon Network / Courtesy Everett Collection, Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

3. Yvette Nicole Brown

Rodin Eckenroth / WireImage / Getty Images

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.

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Rodin Eckenroth / WireImage

4. Kel Mitchell

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

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.

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Amy Sussman / Getty Images

5. Leon Thomas III

Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

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.

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

6. Lil’ JJ

Jason Laveris / FilmMagic / Getty Images

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.

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Jason Laveris / FilmMagic / Getty Images

7. Raven Goodwin

Joi Stokes / Getty Images for BET x Tyler Perry’s Sistas

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!

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Joi Stokes / Getty Images for BET x Tyler Perry’s Sistas

8. Romeo Miller (formerly Lil’ Romeo)

Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

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!

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

9. Chelsea Tavares

Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

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.

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Jesse Grant / Getty Images for Disney

And finally…

10. Nick Cannon

Prince Williams / Getty Images

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.

Nickelodeon

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

Nickelodeon, Prince Williams / Getty Images

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Logan Perrin