Kiersey Clemons Makes 'Forbes' 30 Under 30 List

In a somewhat strange move, the latest Forbes' 30 Under 30 list features 56 people. With so many accomplished names on the list, it's easy to see why Forbes had trouble narrowing it down to only 30. From comedians to musicians to trans models to Olympic athletes, the list is a veritable who's who of 20-somethings and overly impressive teenagers. Basically, this list will motivate you to achieve your dreams in 2017. While everyone on the list has earned their place, there's one person whose career is going to go stratospheric in the next few years. On Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, the one to watch is Kiersey Clemons.

To date, the actor has appeared in shows like Amazon's Transparent, Netflix's Easy, and MTV's Eye Candy, making an impression with small screen roles. However, Clemons is about to become a household name, having been cast as Iris West in the DC movies, The Flash and Justice League. Appearing in such iconic films, with the potential for further sequels and spin-offs, will soon make her instantly recognizable. Also cast in Sony's upcoming reboot of Flatliners, and with a starring role in the movie The Only Living Boy In New York opposite Kate Beckinsale and Pierce Brosnan, Clemons's career is on the up, and it's easy to see why.

She starred alongside Nikki Reed in the Lady Gaga music video, "Til It Happens To You". The song was featured in documentary The Hunting Ground, which explored sexual assault on campus, and the devastating way in which women's allegations against their attackers are often ignored by colleges.

In an interview with Hunger in Oct. 2016, Clemons spoke extensively about her approach to acting, and her passion for activism. Of her acting choices, she said, “I turn things down that I don’t think are forward-thinking. I don’t want to take steps back." Clearly, it's important for the actor to make work that matters, and that speaks to the issues she cares about. It's exciting to hear that a young performer is making such informed choices, and won't compromise her beliefs for the sake of fame.

And when it comes to social media, the actor thinks that there are more important things people could be doing. She told Hunger,

It seems that because you’ve hashtagged something or said we should pray for a city, then we’ve healed something in some way. But you have to step outside and fight and go do something. Go out and sign the petition. Go out and protest... The world is f*cking crazy right now. Let’s get our asses off Instagram.

As Iris West, Clemons is going to reach an incredibly broad audience, which is particularly exciting considering the actor is so careful in her choices and in her approach to activism. She is one to watch, and her forthcoming movie roles are evidence enough of that. I can't wait to see what the performer chooses to do next.