In the world of entertainment, the paths to success are as varied as the stars themselves. For Sylvester Powell, a charismatic and talented actor, the journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. His story is not just about achieving fame but also about perseverance, faith, and the support of a solid community. 

Sylvester’s love for acting began early, influenced by his family’s diverse interests. “My mom and my stepdad put me in a lot of activities,” he recalls. “My mom had me in tumbling, basketball, football, and track, and she would always put me in acting classes.” Despite his initial resistance to acting—”I stayed in acting class for a week and told my mom I didn’t like it”—his mother’s persistence paid off. She reintroduced him to acting, and it wasn’t long before he won an award in a play, solidifying his passion.

This epiphany set him on a course that would eventually lead him to Los Angeles, the city of dreams.

What draws Sylvester to acting is the ability to live multiple lives within one profession. “I get to do everything in one,” he says with enthusiasm. “I can wake up and book a role where I’m playing an NBA player, a doctor the next day, or an astronaut. I can have every job in one. That’s one thing that I love about what I do.” This versatility keeps his love for acting alive, allowing him to explore different facets of the human experience.

Like many actors, Sylvester faces internal struggles and self-imposed pressure. “I always think in certain situations that I should be further, or I should be doing this or that,” he admits. Despite these internal battles, he finds strength in his support system. “I thank God for the people around me. They always uplift me and never make me feel less than what I should be.”

There have been moments of doubt, where the pressure felt overwhelming. “There have been countless times that I just wanted to say, ‘Forget the whole industry,'” he confesses. However, the encouragement from friends and family, coupled with his own resilience, keeps him moving forward. “Even when I feel like giving up, I have great people around me who make sure my faith is intact and help me get back on the horse.”

Faith plays a significant role in Sylvester’s journey. “I don’t believe in scarcity,” he shares. “I believe all things work together for the good, according to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” This belief has guided his decisions, even when turning down roles that didn’t align with his values. “I say no a lot. There are certain things I will do and certain things I won’t do.”

His faith was particularly tested during a tough period when he was homeless. “I used to stand outside Warner Brothers and pray,” he recalls. “At the time, I was sleeping in my car. I prayed to be on ‘All-American’,” he says. His prayers were answered when he landed a role on the show’s spin-off, ‘All-American Homecoming.’ “My goal was to just get one speaking line.” I got way more than I ever prayed for.”

Playing the character JR on “All-American Homecoming” has been both a challenge and a blessing for Sylvester. JR’s journey mirrors many real-life struggles, dealing with issues such as family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and personal growth. Sylvester’s portrayal of JR is raw and authentic, bringing a depth to the character that resonates with audiences.

Sylvester credits his acting coach, Mykel Shannon Jenkins, for helping him navigate the complexities of JR. Their sessions often involved intense debates about character motivations and actions, pushing Sylvester to explore facets of his character that he might have otherwise overlooked. This meticulous preparation has paid off, making JR one of the most compelling characters on the show.

Being part of ‘All-American Homecoming,’ a show with an all-Black cast set in an HBCU, means a lot to Sylvester. “These are stories that I love to tell,” he says. “I wanted to go to Clark Atlanta because of Drumline, and I got a chance to experience it on the show.” The show deals with complex issues that resonate with many viewers. “It feels good to know I’m part of something that’s not just a show but a representation of real-life experiences.”

As “All-American Homecoming” approaches its final season, Sylvester reflects on his journey with gratitude. While fans are disheartened by the show’s conclusion, Sylvester views it as a mission accomplished. “I prayed for one line, and I got so much more,” he says, his voice tinged with emotion. This sense of fulfillment propels him forward, as he sets his sights on new horizons.

Sylvester’s aspirations are clear and ambitious. He dreams of starring in blockbuster films and even having his own TV show one day. His favorite movies—”The Lion King,” “Pursuit of Happiness,” and “Men of Honor”—serve as benchmarks for the kind of impactful storytelling he hopes to achieve. He speaks with conviction about his future, not as a wish but as a certainty. “It’s already happening,” he declares, embodying the faith and determination that have carried him this far.

Photography Credit: Kevin Scanlon