Xavier Mills is on a run with projects across film and television. In this interview, he discusses working alongside Sterling K. Brown and Wanda Sykes, his discipline, and how he approaches life and work.
You have four major projects landing across film and television over the next two years. What has this stretch of your career taught you about momentum and preparation?
The biggest thing it’s taught me is that faith without work is dead. When I first got into acting, I didn’t know what the journey would look like or that things could happen this fast. But when you put in the work, your life can change in seconds. Right now, I feel like this is all the result of planting seeds, doing the work, and allowing things to happen naturally.
In Is God Is, you play Sterling K. Brown’s son. What stood out most about working with him, both on and off camera?
Sterling K. Brown has a presence about him. He’s an A-lister for a reason. Working with him showed me why he’s reached that level. The choices he makes, the attention to detail, and the charisma he brings to set all stood out to me. He knows every shot. He understands exactly what each scene requires. Watching him balance being approachable while also staying locked into the work taught me a lot about what it takes to be a leading actor.
He’s also incredibly welcoming. He really takes people under his wing, and I appreciated that experience.
Chad Powers blends comedy and football culture. How did your athletic background help you step into the role of Nashaun Leonard?
That’s a funny question because when I played college basketball, I was the captain. I followed the rules and tried to make sure everyone handled their responsibilities. But there are always certain athletes who are naturally gifted and don’t have to go the extra mile to dominate.
Nashaun Leonard reminds me of those kinds of players. I’ve known teammates like that, so I pulled from those experiences while building the character. Some things can’t be taught. Some people are just born with that level of talent.
Do you think your basketball background gave you a different level of discipline and competitiveness in Hollywood?
Absolutely. It gave me a competitive edge, but it also taught me not to get too caught up in wins and losses. In acting, you audition constantly. Sometimes you hear back. Sometimes you get close. A lot of times you don’t get the role. That can make you feel like you’re falling behind.
Basketball taught me to show up every day and focus on effort more than results. That mindset helps me stay grounded. I know I belong here, and I know I have stories to tell.
What do you think your character contributes most to Is God Is?
I hope people understand that he’s a product of what his parents taught him, especially what he learned from his father. A lot of his decisions and the way he treats women come from learned behavior. I hope fathers watch this and realize that children pay attention to what you do more than what you say. We have to lead by example and teach kids how to treat people with respect.
Netflix’s Fight for 84 centers on boxing. How different was the preparation for that role?
It was some of the hardest work I’ve ever done. I thought college basketball preseason was tough, but boxing is completely different. These athletes put everything on the line. We trained for two months with real fighters. Our coach, Chris Algieri, is a former world champion, and he pushed us to understand what it takes mentally and physically to compete at that level.
I got into the best shape of my life during that project. Boxing requires discipline, confidence, and a mindset where you truly believe you belong in the ring.
What was it like sharing scenes with Wanda Sykes in Undercard?
Wanda is extremely disciplined and hardworking. I got to watch her step outside of her comfort zone and really lean into drama. We filmed the project quickly, so every day mattered. She stayed fully committed to every scene, and you could tell how passionate she was about proving she could do it all. I think she absolutely did that.
You’re balancing emotionally intense projects, sports stories and character-driven work all at once. How do you stay grounded?
I remind myself of the kid who dreamed about doing this. That version of me wasn’t focused on politics or outside noise. He just loved the craft. I try to take life one day at a time and be where my feet are. I’m grateful God allows me to use my voice and tell stories every day. That helps me stay present because all of this could change at any moment.
You mentioned being where your feet are. Where did that mindset come from?
I really learned that after my aunt passed away from cancer. Before she got sick, she was someone who always wanted everything perfect and in order because she loved deeply. But during her illness, I saw a different kind of peace in her. I remember holding her hand while she told me, “You’re my dreamer. Don’t ever settle.” What inspired me most was seeing how present she became. She focused on each day instead of worrying about everything else. That changed me. It taught me how important it is to stay present and appreciate every moment.
Looking ahead, what kinds of roles do you want audiences to associate with Xavier Mills?
I’m still young, and I still have a lot of energy. I want to take on physical roles and maybe step into action projects where I can really push myself and show off these guns (flexing his arms). I also want people to see that we can exist in every kind of story. Whether it’s action, drama or even something set in a dystopian world, I want to keep challenging myself and inspire young people to step outside their comfort zones.
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