I had the fantastic opportunity to speak with Tye White on his returning role as Jack Fortin in NBC’s American Auto. Tye is an exceptional actor from Detroit who has been putting in the time and work to get to where he is today. With recurring and guest roles on shows like OWN’s Greenleaf, American Crime Story, and Chicago Fire, he is making his way in Hollywood in his time. He was open and honest about his journey in Hollywood and his leap of faith to get his career started.   

What should we look forward to for this new season for American Auto?  
This season you are going to get more character development. Reviewers will get to see more of his romance life evolve as well. Remember, last season, he was only around because he had gotten hit by a car, so this time, you will finally see him with a real job and not just floating around between the different departments. I’m excited because I can play around with this character even more.   

You mentioned playing around with the character more. Is that something you and the other actors get to do after a successful first season?  
When it comes to the show, it’s always a collaborative effort. The first seasons of comedies are always about figuring everything out and what meshes well together. You think of it like this: the producers have an idea to pitch, the writers write the pitch and ideas into a script, and the actors come in for the job to bring it to life. So, after the first season, we all have found a good groove and our sweet spot for the show and our characters. Season two is even funnier because of this.   

How was it for you to get the role?  
It was indeed a blessing. You know it’s a dream to be on a network like NBC. Like you said, it’s one of those things, everyone. It’s another step on my journey to be a leader in primetime television. This was a goal on my proverbial vision board. I don’t really do vision boards, but I like to project all the things I want to God and the Universe. This role improves my work-life balance because the studio is five minutes from my home. As a new father, I’m grateful because I want to have some normalcy with my wife and kids. When I shot shows life Greenleaf, I was in Atlanta for five to six months paying double the rent. Not only double rent, but then you have to do things like ship your car or rent one. Then after you get back, you have to work to find your groove again with your friends and family since you have been gone for several months. This all worked out in my favor because I knew I wanted to film only in LA.   

Being a father and providing balance for your family’s top priority?  
Yes, it’s significant for me. Even before we had kids, the idea was floating around for me that when we did, I didn’t want to move the family or me being away for several months. I want to be a full-time dad for my kids right now.   

You have accomplished in your career; would you consider to have made it yet?  
I don’t know that even to this day. I can’t say that I have made it, and that’s something we all have in common in this industry, even those who are vastly more successful. We don’t say this because it drives us to keep going. In this industry, roles are finite. There are only a certain number of positions I can fit, being Black and over six feet, unless I create roles for myself. This is why many people try to talk others out of this industry. Remember, the NBA has only 450 spots, so for you to get one, you have to be exceptional. I use this as an analogy for how many opportunities will be available year-round, and I know I will at least get one.   

Now take me back, was acting your first career choice?  
Actually, I was a banker at Chase. I got the job right after I graduated college. When I was talking to my best friend about my retirement goals, I realized this wasn’t the path for me. Like I’m already thinking about retirement in my 20’s. That’s how much I knew I disliked it. I had other job offers in New York on Wall Street, but I didn’t want to do that either. Everyone around me encouraged me like these were great opportunities. I thought to myself, like years they are, but I’m only 22, and I will still just think about retirement.   

I thought about acting but have yet to pursue it, so I revisited it. I knew I didn’t have any wife or kids like I do now, so I could give it a shot. I didn’t have to worry about financially supporting anyone, so I could eat ramen for dinner and go broke if necessary to pursue the dream. Even when I made the decision, people in my circle were naysayers and didn’t believe I would make it.  

You stayed laser focused even when you had naysayers doubt your career change?  
I’m one of those who plays his dreams and goals to their chest. I knew everyone would believe in it, so I only told them after I had put my two weeks’ notice in and already had plans to move. I do this because speaking to people about your dreams before you have your goals together gives them the energy to downplay you. This could ultimately affect you if you don’t do what you will do.   

The naysayers keep me going because you doubted me, and I want to show you that everything I put my mind to is possible. This surprises them. When I left for LA, some probably thought I would be back. So, you must be decisive when choosing who you share your dreams with.   

This is a challenging industry to be in. Did you ever have any moments where you wanted to quit? What kept you going?  
Yes, I definitely had those times, but that’s why I now appreciate the more minor things in life instead of fixating on the bigger things I want to do with my career. For example, I had a time before I booked my first costar role when I was the most broke in my life. My car got reposed, and I slept on friends’ couches and floors. This was a situation where everything wasn’t going right financially, and I was borrowing money from friends and family.   

I take this moment and circle back to when I finally got a gig and started getting myself together financially. I had got a car again, my own place with my girlfriend (now wife), and got my dog back. I had to foster my dog because I didn’t have the money then. I just remember I got up one day, got a cup of coffee, sat on my couch, and said, “I’m grateful for this.”  

Now I care more about peace in my life than worry. I’m not trying to press and make things happen. I know I will go on an audition and look for opportunities, but I don’t stress about them like I did before. I put my hat in the ring and let what happens to happen. I don’t fixate on the next job because I have family, and they bring me peace. They are where I find my safe space.   

During the pandemic, you experienced a lot, from back surgery to you and your wife catching COVID. How was that overall experience?  
It was a snowball effect of things good and bad for us. The good was the blessing of our children and landing the role on American Auto. But the bad came with me gaining weight, catching COVID twice, and having to get back surgery. I took that time after everything settled to get myself back together. It was mental and physical for me when I returned to the gym. The gym is my sanctuary. I’m like that old guy now that he spends time talking to everyone after he works out. I’m just hanging out there because it’s like the country club.   

Before we end, with everything you have been through since you moved to the city until now, what have you learned about yourself?  
That I’m a man of my word. If I say I’m going to do something, then I will do it. That’s how I have been with acting. I said I would do it, and I am still doing it regardless of everything I have experienced. If I make promises to anyone, I will deliver on those. The best thing I can tell anyone is to be a person of your word. 

Styling Credit: Veronica Graye 
Photography Credit: Storm Santos