Shawn Wells is stepping into a new era of his career, and he’s making sure the world takes notice. The actor has landed his first major lead role in the upcoming film First Christmas Home, and his excitement is palpable.

“I feel like I’m working in God’s favor, man. I feel very blessed and anointed,” Shawn shared in our recent conversation as I caught up with him for the second time. 

The film tells the powerful story of Malcolm, a man who returns home after being wrongfully imprisoned, only to find love in the most unexpected way during the holiday season. Describing the film as “a very warm, loving drama-filled story,” Shawn notes that while it carries the heart of a Christmas drama, it also sprinkles in some comedic elements.

This major opportunity came through producer Jahmar Hill, a BET project veteran, who saw something special in Shawn.

“I think I wrote something pretty much around you, and I think that you would just bring it to life perfectly, man,” Jamar told him.

Still, stepping into a leading role comes with its own set of pressures. Shawn admits he felt the weight of expectation but remained focused on the challenge ahead.

“There’s big pressure,” he acknowledged. “I have to deliver and do justice to the character. It’s about showing up every day and being prepared.”

With First Christmas Home, Shawn hopes audiences take away a message of “overcoming” and the beauty of “second chances.” But in many ways, that theme mirrors his own journey. This role isn’t just a milestone—it’s proof of his deliberate efforts to reshape his career, moving beyond the reality TV label and into the world of serious acting.

Breaking Free from the Reality TV Mold

Reality television can be a launching pad, but for many, it becomes a cage. Shawn Wells refused to let it define him. From the moment he stepped into the industry, he had a clear vision for his career—one that didn’t involve being boxed in by his reality TV past.

“I really feel like having a vision is everything. I had to step back and look at what everybody in reality is doing,” he shared with me. And instead of following the well-trodden path of reality stars bouncing from show to show, he chose to take a different route.

Shawn made a bold move—he distanced himself from reality TV entirely. Not because he wasn’t grateful for the exposure, but because he knew it could overshadow his true ambitions.

“I definitely kept myself away from reality,” he explained.

That meant saying no—over and over again.

“After Too Hot to Handle, I had three offers for other reality shows, different networks, Netflix again. And yeah, I had to say no.”

For many, turning down those kinds of opportunities would be unthinkable. But Shawn wasn’t in this for fleeting fame—he was building something lasting. His patience and persistence paid off when he landed a role in the hit series BMF.

And let’s set the record straight—he earned that role.

“I auditioned for that just like all the other people did. I just ended up booking it like any other actor had done on the show.”

For Shawn, acting isn’t about showing up and reciting lines. It’s about depth, nuance, and truly understanding the psychology behind his characters.

“I think a lot of studying psychology helps. Acting is about honing in on who you are and understanding the human psyche,” he reflected.

The Future: Building a Career with Purpose

Shawn Wells is playing the long game. His goal isn’t just to work in entertainment—it’s to build a meaningful career.

“God has blessed me enough to where I can definitely choose and operate my career where I’m going,” he said with gratitude.

To those still stuck in the reality TV cycle, he offers a word of caution: don’t take jobs just to stay afloat. Build something bigger. Choose wisely.

With First Christmas Home, Shawn is proving that he’s more than just a familiar face from reality TV—he’s a leading man in the making. And if his past choices are any indication, this is just the beginning.

Photo Credit:
Photographer: @inaribriana
Posing/Coordination: @taaylito
Styling: @iamkaylambell_