Actor Rhoyle Ivy King joins us on Close-Up Culture to chat about his role in the CW/Netflix series, All American: Homecoming.
The show follows a young tennis hopeful from Beverly Hills and an elite baseball player from Chicago as they contend with the high stakes of college sports.
Hi Rhoyle, welcome to Close-Up Culture. Can you tell us about CW/Netflix’s All American: Homecoming and your role in the show?
Of course, All American: Homecoming is about the experiences of 9 people at an HBCU (historically black college / university). I play Nathaniel, a Non-Binary prelaw student running for SGA president. You’ll often see her being the soundboard for her friends. She’s fiercely loyal to those she loves, which is something she’s most known for.
The show has an all-black cast. What does it mean to you to be involved in a show with this representation for black actors?
I think it’s such an incredible thing to know your show is making history as the first original series on The CW to have a cast of all-black series regulars. I think it’s a testament to persevering through all the auditions where we were the “wild card” or the diversity character. To finally be in a show & having roles that were meant for us.
Shows like All American: Homecoming are a step forward. What else would you like to see happen in the industry?
I would like to continue seeing more black and people of color as film and TV writers because they are in one of the best positions to make sure that our stories are told authentically in Hollywood.
Braids: Velveda Nelms
Barber: Joshua Paris
What do you enjoy most about being a part of All American: Homecoming?
I love the bond I have with this cast and creative team. I love that we are having just as much fun the moment the cameras are cut as when the cameras are rolling.
As well as acting, you are an avid fitness guru. Can you tell us about your approach to fitness and what it brings to your life?
It’s really about carving out time to dedicate to pouring into myself mentally and physically. I make it consistent – 6 times a week, no matter how early I have to wake. It’s my way to prove to myself each day that I am a priority. I feel like more people need to allow themselves to be the priority because you can’t pour into another person’s cup if your cup is empty.
What type of roles and projects would you love to take on in the future?
I would love to work on A24 type projects, where it really is about the raw art of storytelling. I would also love to be in an action film one day!
What are your plans and ambitions for the future?
I definitely have some exciting things coming up the pipeline that I can’t divulge just yet, but honestly I can’t wait for Season 2 of All American: Homecoming to drop on Netflix this spring.
Photos courtesy of Kingdom City Entertainment
Braids: Velveda Nelms
Barber: Joshua Paris