In this enlightening conversation, I had the pleasurable opportunity to explore the life and career of Guyviaud Joseph, who brings the charismatic Tony to life in the popular TV series Zatima. Guyviaud takes us on a journey from his days in corporate America to becoming an actor, sharing how faith, determination, and strategy guided his path.

Taking the Leap of Faith from Corporate to Entertainment

Stepping into the unknown is a daunting prospect. For Guyviaud Joseph, it meant leaving the comfort of a corporate career to pursue his passion for acting. Armed with faith and the wisdom of Psalm 23, he closed the chapter on stability and walked headfirst into uncertainty, trusting that his calling lay beyond the office walls.

Michael: Let’s start at the beginning. You spent four years at CBS as an account executive. What made you take the leap into acting?

Guyviaud: In my late 20s, I found myself at a crossroads. I was working in what we called the “Black Office” at CBS—one of the few spaces with some diversity, though still limited. On the surface, things were stable. But I began feeling unfulfilled, like the paycheck wasn’t enough to keep me excited. I had a candid conversation with the head of sales one day, and I realized I couldn’t see myself doing it long-term. After talking it over with my mom—who always encouraged me to follow my passions—I knew it was time to leave.

Michael: Leaving behind a steady job can’t have been easy. Was there a specific prayer or scripture that gave you the courage to walk away from that life?

Guyviaud: Psalm 23—The Lord is my shepherd—became my anchor. I grew up in a Haitian church, so I memorized those verses in Creole. Even when I couldn’t recall the full translation in English, the meaning stayed with me. It gave me peace and confidence during that transition. I remember whispering it to myself as I rode the elevator out of the building for the last time. It felt like I was walking into the unknown, but I trusted that God was guiding my steps. Faith isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about trusting that your path, no matter how difficult, is unfolding the way it’s supposed to.

Michael: How did it feel, stepping away from security and into uncertainty?

Guyviaud: Terrifying. I was sweating bullets that day. But I had a plan. I spent months researching the industry, learning how things worked, and networking—even if that meant getting scammed once or twice along the way. It was all part of the process.

The Early Struggles and Strategy

The road to success in acting is often paved with rejections and hard lessons. For Guyviaud, the challenges were real, but his corporate background equipped him with a strategy. He treated acting like a business—learning, networking, and creating opportunities while navigating the highs and lows of a competitive industry.

Michael: How did your corporate background shape your approach to acting?

Guyviaud: I applied the same principles I used at CBS. I spent time researching the industry—going to libraries, watching films, and understanding how things worked. Networking was key. I knew I couldn’t just wait around for auditions; I needed to build relationships. I even got scammed a couple of times, but that’s part of the game. You learn and keep moving forward.

Michael: Were there any early wins that kept you motivated?

Guyviaud: Booking small indie projects and music videos was how I started building my reel. Those were small wins, but they felt huge to me. Every role, no matter how small, reinforced my belief that I belonged in this industry.

Representation in Zatima

As Zatima continues to captivate audiences with its raw and honest portrayal of love, friendship, and personal growth, it also breaks new ground in how Black men are depicted on television. The show goes beyond the surface of its dramatic plotlines, diving into deeper themes of brotherhood, resilience, and acceptance. In a conversation about what makes Zatima stand out, we explore not only the significance of its characters and their stories but also the power of representation in today’s media landscape. From challenging stereotypes to celebrating diverse friendships, this dialogue reveals what truly sets Zatima apart.

Michael: What initially drew you to Zatima when you first had the opportunity to audition for the role of Tony?

Guyviaud: The first thing that drew me to Zatima was that it felt different. We don’t really see this type of representation on TV anymore, especially the way it was 20 or 30 years ago. The show brings a unique perspective by allowing male friendships to have honest conversations, which reminds me of old shows like Martin or Rock that dealt with real issues but were still entertaining..

Michael: How does Zatima reflect the type of stories you feel are missing in today’s television landscape?

Guyviaud: With Zatima, it’s a story about a guy who’s had all these negative experiences—almost like he’s living life with one arm behind his back. But through his own growth, mentally and emotionally, he turns things around. We don’t often see stories of Black men who have been in such tough situations, like being ex-convicts, and then coming out on top, owning businesses, taking care of their families. It’s a positive story that’s really needed today.

Michael: Why do you think it’s significant that Zatima showcases male friendships in such a supportive way, especially with characters like Zack and Tony?

Guyviaud: I think it’s significant because it highlights a real kind of friendship where men can have deep, honest conversations about their relationships, like Zack and Tony do in the barbershop. Tony’s able to tell Zack, “You’re a grown man, whatever you decide, I’ve got your back.” That’s real talk. Having a friend who can challenge you, disrupt things, but still stand by you—that’s what real friendships look like, even if their views on reality differ.

Michael: How does the show address friendships and acceptance across different communities, particularly with Remington, a queer character, and his relationship with Zack, Tony, and Nate?

Guyviaud: That’s one of the things I really appreciate about Zatima. Tony and Nate, two straight Black men, are friends with Remington, who’s queer. Zack stays friends with him even after Remington hit on him. It shows that just because someone’s sexual orientation is different, it doesn’t take away from their qualities as a person. And in season two, we see Tony and Nate telling Remington they miss him, showing love. It’s important for the show to highlight that kind of acceptance and inclusion.

The Role of Tony in Zatima

After years of persistence, Guyviaud found himself stepping into a role that would resonate deeply with audiences. In Zatima, he portrays Tony, a character who reflects the complexities of Black male friendship and relationships with honesty and heart. It’s a performance that not only challenges stereotypes but also fills a much-needed gap in television storytelling.

Michael: When it came to landing the role of Tony, did you have a sense that this was your role from the start? Or was it more like just another audition where you set it and forget it, and if they called, great, but if not, you’d still keep moving?

Guyviaud: Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to get it. I’ve auditioned for Mr. Perry 9 times, so by this point, I wasn’t expecting much. I had just auditioned for a role on Sistas a month and a half before, so when this came in, I thought, “Man, why are you playing with my emotions? You know what I can do!” I still went in and worked hard, but I didn’t get my hopes up. There was even some miscommunication with my manager, who had recently passed, and the email wasn’t getting through to the right place. I only had a few hours to send it in, so it felt rushed. When I got the callback, I was honestly surprised. It turns out, Devale played a role in that—he brought my name up to the powers that be, and that’s how they saw my audition. Devale and I have known each other for years, worked together on Power, and have been part of the New York acting community since about 2014 or 2015. So, when it finally came together, I was like, “For real? This is happening?”

Michael: Where do you feel Tony fits in when it comes to representing Black men in terms of social dynamics, friendships, and brotherhood?

Guyviaud: Tony represents that cool uncle figure—the one you can have fun with, but who’s also going to give you guidance when you need it. I think a lot of us see our fathers as strict disciplinarians, not as people we can really be friends with. Tony’s more like the friend who might not love the rules, but understands we still have to live by them. He’s self-aware enough to say, “Look, we might want to hit the strip club, but what’s it really going to do? You’re just going to end up in trouble.” There’s this moment in season two where Zack calls Tony, and Tony talks him off the ledge of doing something dumb. I have friends like that—one of my best friends is always the one telling me, “Don’t mess this up, you’ve got a good thing going.” That’s real brotherhood. A true friend is going to check you, whether it’s something serious like your relationship or something simple like saying, “Bro, you’ve got a booger hanging out of your nose.” It’s about looking out for each other, no matter what.

Reflecting on Success

Success in the entertainment industry is rarely a straight line. For actors like Guyviaud Joseph, the journey from auditioning to becoming a series regular on a hit show like Zatima comes with challenges, growth, unforgettable moments and new avenues of entrepreneur exploration. 

Michael: You’ve experienced a lot of professional growth in recent years, both on-screen and off. During the pandemic, you and your wife launched Isle of Spice, a business focused on sea moss, which has incredible health benefits. How did that idea come about, and what’s the mission behind the brand?

Guyviaud: The pandemic was a time of reflection for a lot of people, including myself. I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness, and sea moss is something that’s been a staple in my life for years. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals, supports immune function, and aids digestion—it’s a superfood. My wife and I noticed there was a growing demand for it in the U.S., especially during a time when everyone was looking for ways to boost their health naturally. That’s when Isle of Spice was born. The goal was to bring something to the market that could help people take care of their overall well-being in a natural, accessible way. Starting a business during the pandemic wasn’t easy, but we believed in what we were offering, and it’s been a blessing to see how it’s helped people.

Michael: From your first audition to now being a series regular, how has your experience on Zatima shaped your career?

Guyviaud: It’s been incredible. At first, I wasn’t a series regular—it started with just an audition, like any other. But the chemistry between the cast was undeniable, and over time, that led to me being promoted to a regular role. That was a huge milestone for me. Working with Tyler Perry has been a dream come true. He’s someone who pushes you to bring your best, and being part of such a talented, diverse ensemble has really pushed me to grow as an actor. The whole experience has opened doors for me in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first started.

Michael: What advice would you give to someone who’s on the fence about pursuing their passion, especially in a competitive field like acting?

Guyviaud: Don’t let fear hold you back. I get that acting, like any other career, comes with a lot of stress and uncertainty, but if it’s what excites you, it’s worth the risk. There will be obstacles, but you have to believe in your talent and trust the process. Success takes time, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But if you stay committed and don’t give up, you’ll find that those moments of doubt are just stepping stones to something bigger. Keep showing up for yourself and your dreams.

Guyviaud Joseph’s journey from the corporate world to Hollywood is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and self-belief. His story serves as a reminder that success comes in many forms, and sometimes it takes walking away from comfort to find your true purpose. Whether he’s captivating audiences as Tony in Zatima or building a wellness brand with his wife, Guyviaud’s commitment to growth and authenticity shines through. His message is clear: trust the process, embrace the challenges, and never stop pursuing your passion.

Photography Credit: Shannon Wallace.