Rhoyle Ivy King on Growth, Fashion, and Representation: A Conversation with the Star of ‘All American: Homecoming’

Rhoyle Ivy King discusses his character’s evolution in All American: Homecoming, his fashion influences, and the importance of representation.

As the third and final season of ‘All American: Homecoming’ premiered on The CW on July 8, 2024, fans are eager to see how the characters’ stories unfold. In an exclusive interview with Xmag, Rhoyle Ivy King shares insights into his character’s evolution, his unique fashion sense, and the importance of representation in Hollywood.

“This season feels like a gift,” King begins, expressing excitement for the encore of storylines left hanging over a year ago. He discusses the transformation of his character, Nate, from a person who “felt very deeply” to someone who uses emotions as a force for positive action. “I think now she’s bloomed into a person who uses her emotions as the force and the fuel to go after what she believes will help her community and one day the world,” King explains. He believes Nate’s evolution delivers an important message to those with “big hearts.” With each episode packed with challenges, King promises that “season 3 is our most tense season yet.” The series finale is set to air on September 30, 2024.

King is often compared to style icons like Lenny Kravitz and Prince, known for balancing masculine and soft elements in their fashion. When asked how he approaches style, King candidly responds, “Honestly, I would say it starts with not fixating on it. I think I stepped into the best version of myself when I took away the labels of ‘He, She, or They’ and was just Rhoyle.”

As a queer black actor on one of the few all-black-led shows on network television, King reflects on his role in Hollywood. “The biggest challenge,” he notes, “is understanding that oftentimes people have a preconceived idea of who your character is, and how your character has to act,” often layered with unintentional stereotypes. He emphasizes the importance of having conversations and advocating respectfully as a “requirement in what we do.”

“I stepped into the best version of myself when I took away the labels and was just Rhoyle”

Rhoyle Ivy King

King also highlights the importance of representation in media, likening film and television to a “gigantic mirror for the world.” “It’s vital that when people look into that mirror, they see themselves,” he asserts, underscoring the lessons and themes people can absorb from on-screen portrayals of humanity’s uniqueness.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is integral to King’s routine, impacting both his physical and mental well-being. “My physical and mental health work in tandem,” he shares, explaining how his morning gym sessions are moments to train his “mind, body, and soul.” King advises others to prioritize themselves: “I recommend putting yourself at number one. You’ll realize the time was always there; you just had to take it back.” His consistency stems from a personal standard that is “non-negotiable.” Even when faced with early alarms, he humorously maintains, “No one asked you.”

King’s holistic approach extends to both his work and personal life. He describes his sessions as opportunities to challenge himself physically while listening to something that also challenges his mind and perspective. “Trying to grow in all directions by 1% each day,” he states, is his definition of success.

Known for leading with love and encouraging others to be their best selves, King advises individuals to create a vibrant life that reaches in many directions. “I think it’s important to find the contrast to all the tasks and work we have to do,” he suggests. Reflecting on his career, he shares, “I’ve spent so long reaching for the career I placed on a pedestal only to learn how empty a lot of those things are. Now I see that the meaning is in the journey to get here and the friends we make along the way.”

Discussing his role models, King names Beyoncé as a significant inspiration. “She inspires me to relentlessly create the career and life I want,” he says, emphasizing that his “sometimes over-ambitious goals are meant for me, and the only thing I can bet on is myself.”

Addressing the issue of body-shaming on social media, King describes it as “always unacceptable.” He encourages those affected to remember that negative opinions are often projections of the critic’s own insecurities. “I noticed very early on that most of the hate comments I would receive came from accounts that don’t even use their own face as their profile photo,” he observes. A conversation on set with his co-stars Sylvester, Mitchell, and Martin about body dysmorphia highlighted the importance of transparency and self-love. “Yes, even we deal with these things,” he admits, “and we—as all different kinds of men—have to love ourselves intentionally.”

In a world where representation and self-acceptance are paramount, Rhoyle Ivy King’s journey and reflections offer inspiration and insight, reminding us of the power of authenticity and the importance of leading with love. As ‘All American: Homecoming’ draws to a close, King’s impact both on-screen and off continues to resonate deeply with audiences.