In the glitzy, competitive world of Hollywood, Myles Bullock has carved his niche, blending raw talent with relentless passion. Known for his breakout roles in Starz’s BMF and Hulu’s remake of White Men Can’t Jump, Bullock is now taking on a new challenge in Peacock’s true-crime drama, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. The series, which became Peacock’s #1 premiere drama, casts Bullock alongside industry heavyweights like Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, and Taraji P. Henson. Based on the iHeartPodcasts series, it recounts the real-life heist staged during Muhammad Ali’s iconic 1970 comeback fight—a night that forever changed Atlanta.

Reflecting on his journey, Bullock shared with me the unlikely path that led him to acting. “It’s funny. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it,” he recalled, describing his first foray into theater. “I wasn’t focused on studying that first year of college, and my GPA tanked. I needed credits, and a theater professor offered me three if I joined a play.” That fateful rehearsal turned into a lifelong passion. “After that first play, I thought, ‘I wasn’t bad, that was pretty fun.’ Then I kept going with it.”

For Bullock, acting is more than just a job; it’s a calling that allows him to fully inhabit different worlds and perspectives. “Honestly, man, the ability and the opportunity—the privilege—to explore different ways of being…It excites me, and a lot of times, it makes me feel more alive,” he shared, his enthusiasm for the craft clear. The thrill of live theater, where he began his journey, still fuels his passion. “It’s almost like when you work out, trying to find your flow—it has that same type of energy.”

In Fight Night, Bullock steps into the shoes of Willie Black, a complex antagonist whose gritty drive mirrors the determination Bullock has shown throughout his own career. Reflecting on the challenges of playing characters with an edge, he explained, “I always have fun with them. There’s so much freedom in those roles…I enjoy finding the nuance, the difference in each character.” For Bullock, each role is a unique journey, one that he embraces by learning from the actors around him. “With each job, each actor I work with, I learn more. I’m always trying to figure it out.”

FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR HEIST — Episode 102 — Pictured: (l-r) Sinqua Walls as McKinley, Myles Bullock as Willie Black — (Photo by: Eli Joshua Adé/PEACOCK)

Despite his recent success, Bullock remains humble, grounded in a deeply personal sense of purpose. His journey, he admits, hasn’t been without its struggles. Moving to Los Angeles, Bullock quickly realized the competitive nature of the industry. “Sometimes I wouldn’t work for a year or more,” he confided. “I’ve had to find my own outlets and create opportunities. It can be tough, spiritually and financially.” During those challenging times, Bullock has relied on a spiritual foundation to keep him centered. “I pray every day—when I wake up and before I go to sleep. That habit gives me a foundation. I’ve also faced my own shadows, spent time with the negative thoughts… It’s taught me to appreciate the little things.”

Bullock’s gratitude extends to the relationships he’s built within the industry, which he now values above traditional markers of success. “I stopped making jobs about money. Now, it’s about the people. I feel more successful because of the relationships I’ve built,” he shared, adding with a smile, “I even get to chill at Samuel L. Jackson’s house now—it’s surreal.”

As Willie Black, Bullock brings a unique intensity to Fight Night, a role that challenged him to delve into the character’s motivations without judgment. “Not judging the character is important. If I find the justification for their actions, I can bring humanity to them,” he explained, underscoring the empathy that drives his performances. “As humans, we’re all capable of every part of humanity; we just haven’t been put in those circumstances.”

Looking ahead, Bullock remains focused on continuing to grow as an actor and storyteller, with Fight Night marking only the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. “It’s surreal to see my name with graphics of Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard, and Samuel L. Jackson,” he said with palpable excitement. “I’m hoping it opens doors for more opportunities.”

Myles Bullock’s journey is one of resilience, humility, and passion. As he navigates the highs and lows of Hollywood, he carries a grounded perspective that sets him apart. “We’re all just floating on this rock in the middle of vastness,” he reflected. “Life is temporary, and I don’t want to waste time feeling down about things I can’t control.” For Bullock, the journey is what matters most, and if Fight Night is any indication, he’s only getting started.

Photography Credit: Bettina Neidermann