Xavier Smalls’ breakout role in Netflix’sBeauty in Blackhas left audiences in awe, and it’s no surprise why.Beauty in Blackfollows a stripper as she becomes entangled with a wealthy family hiding an illegal empire. Meanwhile, Smalls' Angel is a straight man who dances and performs other favors for men. Angel is essentially a character caught between the allure of power and the consequences of his actions, with Smalls' portrayal showcasing his impressive range as an actor. He quickly became one of the standout stars of the series.
With the buzz surrounding his role inTyler Perry’sBeauty in Black, it’s clear that Smalls is an up-and-coming star. But the truth is, his talent speaks for itself, so it’s no wonder he’s on the rise. This begs the question of what’s next for this breakout actor. With the success of his current role and his growing fanbase, there’s little doubt that Xavier Smalls will be in demand for exciting new projects in the future.
How Xavier Smalls Was Cast In Beauty In Black
He Worked With Tyler Perry On A Previous Project
Before landing a part in thecast ofBeauty in Black, Smalls built his foundation in acting through various small gigs, honing his craft and gaining valuable experience. He attended Sacramento State University, where he studied theater. Smalls then attended William Esper Academy to practice his craft more intensely (viaThe Direct).
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Smalls caught a lucky (but deserved) break when it came to scoring the role of Angel inBeauty in Black. In an interview withLinnea Blogs Her Way,Smalls revealed thatBeauty in Blackcreator Tyler Perry himself encouraged him to audition for the role while they were working on another project together. Smalls said:
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.
To prepare for the audition, Smalls went back to his actor training, revealing that, “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.”
Xavier Smalls' Beauty In Black Character Is Full Of Conflict & Complexity
The Actor Discusses Angel’s Motivations
Xavier Smalls brings interesting tension to Angel inBeauty in Black. Angel is a multifaceted individual who navigates the challenges of power, temptation, and morality in a high-stakes world.Angel’s decisions and relationships reveal layers of conflict, from the personal to the professional, as he seeks to carve out a place for himselfin a world that constantly tests his boundaries. On playing Angel, Smalls toldLinnea Blogs Her Way,
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.
What’s Next For Xavier Smalls
He’s Likely Returning For Beauty In Black Season Two
After his breakout role as Angel inBeauty in Black, Xavier Smalls is poised for even greater success in the entertainment industry, and he will likely be returning forBeauty and Blackseason 2. Later in 2025,Smalls is also set to appear in theTyler Perry and Netflix project,Madea’s Destination Wedding, which is likely the project where he met Perry, which led to the young actor’s big break. Smalls will also play Pat in the upcoming short filmShelf Life, but few details about the project are available.
It’s clear from his performance as Angel inBeauty In Blackthat Smalls is a versatile actor who is able to portray complex characters. Now,Xavier Smallsis on the radar of major producers and casting agents, and his career is just getting started.
