I had the exceptional opportunity to speak with the Texarkana-native Telvin Griffin about his start in acting and, most recently, landing the role of Reggie in the Academy-Award-Nominated film Babylon. He moved out to LA on faith, and his belief that God has a bigger purpose for him is paying off. It was a wonderful conversation, learning about his journey and how his spirituality plays a significant part in everything he does. Some of Telvin’s recent and past credits include The Bold and the Beautiful, Queen Sugar, Dynasty, Black-ish, and Deputy.   

Cox: Telvin Griffin, I’m happy to have you hear and talk about your recent success in landing the role of Reggie in Babylon. But I would love to learn about your start and journey in acting.  

Griffin: You know that feeling when something’s fun, but is not fully getting your creative juices following? That’s what journalism was for me, right before I graduated college in 2012, I was a journalism major. I always had this love of acting and that never stopped.  

Cox: So, what was next after you had that epiphany and now a newly graduate  

Griffin: Right after graduation, I moved to Dallas. I met an agent who had recently moved back. He said, “Dude, I’m ready to sign you, just tell me what you want to do”. So, the first audition with him I got into SAG. It’s just been up for me, from there.   

Cox: That’s amazing to hear because it’s like something you see in a movie. Then two years later, you left on faith and moved to LA in 2014. How was that journey for you initially?  

Griffin: It’s been a journey. There’ve been ups and downs, but without those downs, it’s harder to really appreciate the ups. I kept pushing and every year has been more fruitful than the last.   

Cox: I think that’s beautiful to hear. You said something earlier about stepping back into acting before graduating. Please take me back to when you first felt that acting would be it for you.   

Griffin: It was in high school. I entertained my classmates and was regularly in trouble with my teachers. I was a good student and got my work done but they definitely had my mama on speed dial. I was asked to host a pageant for our school, and it was such a great feeling, letting my gift work through me. An elderly couple came up to me that night and said, “You sure are talented and remind us of a young Wayne Brady – you need to really pursue this passion.” That stuck with me. That night I told my mom I wanted to be an actor. She told me I could do that once I attended college and got my degree.  

Styled By Dotty & Michelle, Shot by Dotty, and MUA by Kimberly Slack. Outfit: Top Miller’s Room, pants Nordstrom Rack Look

Cox: When you look back, do you wish you had gone the traditional route of acting  

Griffin: I’m happy with my route. I always wanted to attend college. It was the college experience that I loved. I played football for two years as an undergrad and threw parties. Those parties were how I paid my rent. I loved creating that space where everyone could have fun and chill out. This is an experience I would never want to be any different because it shaped and informed who I am today. When I’m at an event here in LA, it takes very little for me to figure out how to work the room. There’s nothing wrong with going to conservatories when you know you want to be an actor. I knew 100% that this was what I wanted to do. Back then I thought I wanted to be a journalist. I was striving to be like all the top Black journalists I saw on television.  

Cox: Speaking of your journalism dreams. How did you know that journalism wasn’t going to be your calling?  

Griffin: You know, bro, God’s favor is impressive. During my college time, I was already doing things on air. After graduation, I had job offers from quite a few stations. But I didn’t want to report on the hard news which was the focus for them. I wanted to be someone who could uplift people who look like me and be an inspiration to all people.  

It was essential for me to set an example for young Black men, let them know that they could do this too. So, yes, there is a place for you, and with your hard work and full commitment, anything is possible. This made me realize that I needed to step out on faith, and act instead of continuing to pursue journalism.   

Cox: You came in when you had steady growth, and the Pandemic hit. It affected the entertainment community and put everything on pause. How did that time affect you personally and professionally?   

Griffin: This was the time I decided to focus on a lot of internal work and self-reflection. I did three things during the Pandemic to better myself. The first was cleansing. Second was focus on my growth. Third was accepting who I was and not trying to be something I wasn’t. I was able to really sit back and focus on the true priorities in my life. I began to understand the true meaning of gratitude, and that life in general is more significant than just mine.    

Cox: You mentioned you found a new level of peace during the Pandemic.  

Griffin: Yes, that came from my higher level of thinking and understanding the part I’m playing in the grand scheme of life. Man, when you get to a new place of peace, you know it! You will protect it at all costs. There is no amount of money or success that you would sacrifice for that peace.   

Styled By Dotty & Michelle, Shot by Dotty, and MUA by Kimberly Slack. Outfit: Trench, shirt Miller’s Room, pants Nordstrom Rack boots Nordstrom Rack

Cox: Speaking of peace, how do you stay grounded in this industry when you aren’t working as much since roles aren’t guaranteed.  

Griffin: I’m out here refereeing YMCA games for the kids when I’m not working on set or stage. The ultimate goal is to make sure the next generation is passed the baton. Life is about leadership, and we must remember many younger individuals don’t have role models to look up to. This keeps me grounded and centered, so when the acting job comes, it’s like, oh, I get to go play on set, then I get to go back to the kids again.   

Cox: It sounds like your mindset had shifted from when you went to LA to now.  

Griffin: Yes, I am in a different headspace. You are ready to do anything to get fame, money, and notoriety when you get here. When I first got here, I was grinding and driving Lyft. But now I’m focused on more than my career. It’s about balance and proper priorities.   

Cox: Before we end, I want to ask you about Babylon and what it meant to you to land the role.  

Griffin: This film is beautiful, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It was such a fantastic experience to film and be chosen for the role. Damien is an Oscar-winning director. As an actor, being chosen for this role definitely helped my confidence. I had confidence going in, but there is something different when someone you respect and someone who has created such amazing masterpieces, decides that you are the one they want for a film.   

This massive opportunity is making the job a little easier for my team to get me in front of more people. I was also introduced to the Paramount Studios family. Now I can explore more opportunities. This new wave of young and talented African American actors is coming through and on the rise. I’m happy and honored to be part of this.  

  

Styled By Dotty & Michelle, Shot by Dotty, and MUA by Kimberly Slack. Outfit: Sweater Miller’s Room, pants Nordstrom Rack, Boots Nordstrom Rack

Cox: Beyond these extraordinary opportunists that come from being in the film, what drew you to it  

Griffin: First of all, I love that Jazz is integral to the film. The director is a massive Jazz lover. Second, I love that you see these characters go through trials and tribulations and make it through to just to go through even more. After reading the script, I knew this was a powerful film where people could relate to the characters and see how they can overcome a lot in their lives. The struggle is real!