Recently, I caught up with the super talented actor and model, Xavier Smalls! You can catch him gracing our screens, portraying “Angel” in Tyler Perry’s series “Beauty In Black,” available on Netflix. Xavier is a true testament to allowing God to order your steps and following his orders. He is a true example of what it looks like when you commit, step fully into your gifts, and purpose. Check out this interview and learn more about his journey into acting.
Let’s go back a bit. What led you into a journey of acting and also modeling? When was the passion born?
That’s a great question! So I didn’t always want to be an actor; I think I ended up getting bit by the acting bug in college. Modeling was a little different. For modeling, my mom actually signed me up for this little “model competition” that kind of ended up being a scam, but on the flip side they told me which real modeling agencies to apply to. That’s when I applied to a big agency in San Francisco, and I got signed when I was 18 years old. As far as acting, I had taken this appreciation for acting class in college to fulfill the art requirement, and the teacher and I didn’t get along, to say the least. She graded my papers pretty harshly, so I didn’t do very well in class, but then some seniors who were theatre majors came in and offered the students extra credit to anyone who participated in their 10-minute plays that they were directing for their class. I was the only person who signed up. Fast forward to actually performing it, I was terrified. I remember being super nervous, but it gave me this euphoric feeling that I didn’t get anywhere else. So I never looked back. I ended up changing my major to theatre, and the rest is history.
Let’s talk about “Beauty in Black”! You’re SO amazing, and the show is EXCELLENT!! Listen, this show is by far the most intriguing series I’ve ever seen! Tell us about your character, “Angel.” How did this role come about for you, and how did you prepare for it?
Thank you very much. I appreciate that, and I’m glad you liked it. So Angel is a young man who is trying to play the cards he was dealt with in the best way he knows. You see in the series that he can’t catch a break; he ends up getting trafficked along with Kimmie and Rain by Jules. His only desire in life is to get a better life for him and his family and get the hell out of the strip club, permanently. How the role came to me was actually by a conversation with Mr. Tyler Perry. I did a project with him prior to BIB that’s in the works, and he and I hit it off. So he had reached out to me suggesting that I audition for his new series. So I auditioned, and I was cast. By the grace of God. As far as preparation, I just did everything my acting teacher Suzanne Esper taught me. Reading the script several times, sitting with the circumstances, emotional preparation, outlining my actions, etc.
When you first read the script and learned about what the show entailed, what were your initial thoughts?
My initial thoughts were, “Man, this is going to be a hell of a ride!” Each episode I read, I got more and more invested into the story and did NOT want to put the script down. It just kept getting crazier and crazier, and I was blessed to be a part of that ride.
What did portraying this role of “Angel” and the entire filming experience teach you about yourself as an actor?
It taught me that you never really get to the point of “Oh, NOW I know who this character is, or NOW I’m really this character.” I learned that you’re kind of always getting to know the character you’re portraying as you perform.
What was your most memorable scene in “Beauty in Black,” and why?
My most memorable scene was probably the scene where my car gets destroyed by my baby momma in the show. Only because the stakes were really high, and I love doing scenes where the stakes are super high.
What’s your dream role—a role you’d love to portray in the future? We are going to claim it right now!
You know what’s interesting is I’m more of a story guy than compared to desires a specific role. If it’s a really good story, I’m all in. But if I were to choose, I’d love to be a villain in a Star Wars movie, or if not in Star Wars, some type of iconic villain, like Heath Ledger’s Joker, Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lector, etc.
When you’re not busy, how are you practicing self-care to maintain your well-being?
Every morning I wake up, I read my Bible and meditate on God’s word. It’s important because it not only feeds my spirit, but it also grounds me in who God is and how he works. I also work out a lot (4-5 times a week). And after I do those things, I’m focusing on getting better as an actor/storyteller.
Before you go, drop a gem or some great advice for our readers out there. Feel free to state whatever compels you. I like to call this section UnpackingYour Thoughts. Let them know, King!
Get to know the Lord Jesus Christ, so he can show you your purpose in life. Once you figure that out, figure out the best way to accomplish those goals/purposes. Try to work as hard as you possibly can consistently for a long period of time, and pray that God allows you to reap what you sow.
Thank you so much, Xavier!
Keep up with Xavier Smalls:
Instagram: @xaviersmalls_
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamxaviersmalls
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.”~Maya Angelou 