Photographed by: John Russo
Interview: Ken Waller
Styled by: Chloe Takayanagi The Wall Group
Grooming: Kathy Santiago
Video by: Ken Waller Media
KW: What drew you to the role of Xavier Collins in “Paradise”?
SKB: Xavier’s a man of action. He’s not as comfortable with his emotions and words, so he has a very different way of navigating the world, of navigating his pain, as compared to Randall Pearson. I thought he was someone that folks hadn’t seen me play already. And I found that very interesting.
KW: Can you tell us about your experience working with Dan Fogelman again, especially after your successful collaboration on “This Is Us”?
SKB: I love Dan. He’s a great writer and an even better man. He’s very confident! And I think his confidence creates space for other people to contribute. He doesn’t feel threatened by much. And I think that’s why the collaboration works as well as it does.
KW: Who has been the most influential person in your career, and why?
SKB: Hmmm…good question! I could say a tie between my mom and my dad, but I won’t. My dad’s sheer love for tv and film have to be a major influence, along with mom’s unwavering support, but I’m going to choose someone else.
If it wasn’t for my Stanford professor, Dr. Harry J. Elam Jr., I wouldn’t be an actor. He was the first person that made me realize that a career in the arts was not a waste of time. That it was valuable. That the stories we put out into the world mean something. And to receive that validation from someone who looks like you, that you respect tremendously, made all the difference in the world.
KW: If you could star in a remake of any classic film, which would it be and why?
SKB: Let’s see…Out of Sight, Let’s Do It Again, The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly…I’m thinking out loud here…I’d go with Let’s Do It Again. One of the great comedy caper flicks ever made! Hilarious! Entertaining AF! And unapologetically BLACK! Plus my pops loved this flick, so I’d be smiling the whole time I was making it!
KW: What excites you most about being a part of the “Invincible” universe?
SKB: Invincible is the shit! If you’re not hooked after watching that pilot…then I don’t know what to tell you! And there’s something really fun about being the disrupter! Sure, every kid wants to be the good guy, but as you get older you realize bad guys have more fun!
KW: Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about that you can share with us?
SKB: We got a lot going on right now! I filmed an independent movie called, “Is God Is”, written and directed by Aleshea Harris, which I think is pretty special. It’s an all Black cast led by two outstanding actresses, Kara Young and Mallori Johnson! Trust! They are going to blow people away! I also filmed a dark comedy with Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega tentatively entitled The Gallerist! It’s got a wonderful ensemble and a diabolical premise. Should be a lot of fun. That’s directed by Cathy Yan.
And currently, I’m working on Voltron! Which is really cool because it’s a cartoon I grew up watching, and hopefully it’ll be something I can enjoy with my kids.
KW: Are there any roles or genres you haven’t explored yet that you’d like to?
SKB: Sure! Rom coms, horror, noir, whatever! Great stories are genre agnostic. They exist in all spaces. Film and television. I just want to work with great creatives that have clear visions. Whether it’s Jeymes Samuel, Ari Aster, Chris Nolan or Gina Prince-Bythewood…when the vision is clear, the story has a greater chance of resonating with its audience.
KW: What has been the most significant change in Hollywood since you started your career?
SKB: I’d have to say streaming. The way we consume our media. It tends to be a much more individual experience than communal. Before streaming, the theater was where you saw most of your movies, and certain nights were your go-to’s for your favorite tv shows. Now you have to ask yourself will this movie do better in the theater or on the platform? Will I wait to watch this with my wife, or just go ahead and take it down right now? The convenience is undeniable. But the shared experience is sacrificed.
KW: If you could go back in time for 1 hour to any period in history. Who would you spend that hour with and why?
SKB: Oh boy…one hour…this is very hard…I almost said Paul Robeson rehearsing Othello with Uta Hagen, but that sounds too hifalutin (along with the word hifalutin)!
I’m going to go back to 1979 just to hang out with my dad as an adult, and watch him with 3 year old me. So many of my memories of him have faded overtime, but the feeling of love has never gone away. I would love to witness it up close. That would be an hour well spent.
KW: In 100 years, when an acting student researches your career, what is the most important thing you want them to know about you, your career and your life?
SKB: Jeez…I feel like I’m Inside The Actor’s Studio or something. Good questions! I’d like to be remembered as someone who was honest. In his craft and his life. As someone who loved acting and loved life. As fearless. I want to do everything, and hopefully, do it fairly well. That would be cool.