Starting Pride Month, we are excited to spotlight Rhoyle Ivy King, a creative, talented, and fashionable individual. I first became acquainted with him through his portrayal of Nathianiel Hardin in The CW’s All American: Homecoming. He and his character introduced a unique element that has never been seen on a Black television show before. I have been fortunate to have two conversations with Rhoyle about the series, his experience as an actor, and the significance of representation in television and film. As the third season of All American Homecoming is about to premiere, it was only appropriate to feature Rhoyle on the cover of Perception.

Cox: The third season of All American: Homecoming is set to premiere on July 8th. Upon reflecting on the series what thoughts come to mind?

Rhoyle: Honestly, this season has such a special energy to it. I remember, there was a moment early last June when I started to settle with the reality that we weren’t coming back. That season 2 had essentially been our final bow. So being here now, a year later. I look at season 3 like it was a gift, an encore.

Cox: Nathaniel’s character on the show has undergone a significant evolution, transitioning from being increasingly outspoken to displaying multiple love interests. How does it feel to witness her evolution?

Rhoyle: This season we get to see her play out a lesson that I think all young adults have to experience eventually. Which is learning how to separate what is personal and what is business with people you love. A lesson that has no specific tie to race or gender, but simply coming of age. 

Cox: Nathaniel’s portrayal on a black show offers a unique perspective that has not been witnessed before. What kind of impact do you hope a character like her has on viewers who can relate to her, right here at home?

Rhoyle: Growing up there was nothing that made me feel more seen, and understood then when I looked up and saw Prince on TV. As a male who also didn’t conform to what was supposed to be “normal,” my hope is that for non-binary people they are able to see Nate, and see themselves. Not being non-binary myself, it’s been my goal to listen to what they are saying and to tell their story as authentically as possible. 

Cox: What impact do you believe the portrayal of Nathaniel on national television has on individuals who lack familiarity with specific identities, such as her own?

Rhoyle: I believe it allows a certain level of proximity. I feel it’s a lot easier to judge something or someone when you have no connection to it, and that’s where I feel the power of storytelling truly lives. It touches your empathy. My hope is that regardless of any preconceived ideas of non-binary people, that some have a moment where they think “Hmm, I would love to have a friend like her in my life.” 

Cox: As a teenager or even a freshman in college, what would it have meant for you to see Nathaniel Hardin on the screen?

Rhoyle: My hope is that non-binary people seeing Nate on screen, would be just as impactful as me seeing Prince on screen. I think in the process of discovering who you are, being able to see someone you relate to helps you carve your path. I remember seeing Prince and it being like an “Ah-ha” moment for me. 

Cox: Wouldn’t it be great to see more characters like her on television and in films, with a more inclusive and diverse storyline that transcends race, nationality, and ethnicity?

Rhoyle: Absolutely, that’s why it’s just as important to have the representation we see in front of the camera, on the other side of the lenses. Storytelling begins way before the actor ever receives the script. 

Cox: What does it mean to balance the masculine and feminine sides when talking about Rhoyle Ivy King?

Rhoyle: Honestly, I would say it starts with not fixating on it. I think I stepped into the best version of myself when I took away the labels and operated in what wasn’t necessarily “He, She, or They” just Rhoyle. 

Cox: As it is Pride Month, I would greatly appreciate hearing about your personal interpretation of Pride and the reasons why we should continue to commemorate it.

Rhoyle: I think Pride is truly about celebrating who you are, especially when for so long many had to suppress it. To me Pride is truly a celebration of uniqueness. 

Cox: You place great importance on maintaining a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle, encompassing emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Could you please explain how you manage to accomplish all of those tasks? What does a typical day or routine typically entail?

Rhoyle: It really is accomplished by being very disciplined with time. Regardless of if my call time is 5am or later, I will be up hours before to make sure I have my gym time. I think the earliest I’ve ever gotten up is 11:45pm for a 3:00am call time. The principle behind it for me is putting myself first. And not allowing me to make any excuses for not doing so. I guess you could say the standards I set for my life are non negotiable. 

Cox: It is evident that you are renowned for your creative abilities. From when does all of that originate for you?

Rhoyle: I think it was always there. When I was growing up In Houston if you drove past our house you would most likely see me in the front yard running around talking to myself. But, in my head I had a whole imaginary world I was in and was surrounded by bad guys I had to fight. Or you would find me on my bike riding around the neighborhood pretending to pick people up and drop them off. Playing out scenes & scenarios that were vivid in my head. 

My imagination is where I would often live, and that’s still the same to this day. When people ask me what’s my favorite thing to do, my weird but honest answer is to daydream. My granny loves to remind me how quiet and shy I was, until she came to pick me up from daycare and realized I had snuck my boombox there and was performing Destiny’s Child with a t-shirt on my head. Performing or playing out superheroes was the only thing that got me out of my shell. 

Cox: What are some sources of inspiration that you find enjoyable for drawing?

Rhoyle: I think no one inspires me creatively more than Beyoncé. The cover shoot for this magazine is inspired by her. It honors her impact on who I am today, and our Texas roots. Whenever I think I’ve created a concept too big, or I’m getting too fixated on details, or I’m not going to bed tonight because I’m throwing the shoot away and redoing it, Beyoncé reminds me I’m not crazy. That I know what I’m capable of and I refuse to settle. 

Cox: If you were to portray your personal style, what would it entail?

Rhoyle: 9 times out of 10. If you ran into me I would probably be in a matching Fear of God or Adidas set, Balmain bag, and a hat. I tend to create a uniform for myself. On the other hand, I love me a clean suit for appearances. 

Photo Credit:
Photography: Jonny Marlow
Creative Direction: Kingdom City Entertainment
Videography: Morgan Willams
Hair: Velveda Nelms
Blonde: Amara Yiv
Make up: Lauren Guzman