Exclusive Interview: Rhoyle Ivy King Talks CW’s All American: Homecoming, Making History on the Network, and More

Rhoyle Ivy King is a gifted storyteller who has brought compelling narratives and characters to life in projects including Good Trouble, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and Pose.

Earlier this year, Rhoyle made history with his portrayal as Nathaniel on the CW’s All American: Homecoming. Nathaniel (she/her/they) became the network’s first non-binary BIPOC character.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Rhoyle about his breakout role in All American: Homecoming, the collaboration with the series’ showrunner, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and storytelling?
Rhoyle: It really started when I felt its impact freshman year of high school while doing the play Stand and Deliver. It’s such a powerful story, and I really felt moved and inspired by it every night we performed. I could tell the audience was too. They blanketed the entire experience with a very uplifting atmosphere. Performing that show was where I felt I was living in my purpose. I felt full. I still feel that every time I’m acting.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Rhoyle: As an actor, I would say I’ve always been inspired by Jeffrey Wright, Viola Davis, and Meryl Streep. Those are three artists that I have watched over and over since college to study how they do the craft.

PC: You are starring as Nathaniel (she/her/they) on the CW’s All American: Homecoming. Your character is making history as the network’s first non-binary BIPOC character. What was the creative process like working with the showrunner as you brought this pivotal character to life?
Rhoyle: The creative process was filled with wonderful conversations with the showrunner. NK was so set on making sure that we weren’t making a character where queer was the beginning and end of her journey. We were blooming a young adult that just so happens to be queer. That was something I was proud she articulated to me!

PC: What have you learned about yourself and your craft playing Nathaniel?
Rhoyle: That leading with love is a strength, not a vulnerability. Even with some of the pushback from other students at Bringston, Nate always chooses to check them with love. Not because they deserve it, but because it’s who she is.

PC: The All American franchise has been incredibly well received. What do you think is resonating most with audiences? What do you hope they take away?
Rhoyle: I think more than anything our show resonates with the dreamers (of all ages). Everyone that is going through the pushes and pulls of chasing after something. I hope they watch these shows and know that they aren’t alone.

PC: Besides All American: Homecoming, what’s next for you?
Rhoyle: I’m so excited to see a project I worked on briefly premiere: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. I got to work with the phenomenal Evan Peters, Shaun Brown, and Ato Blankson-Wood. It’s set to release this year on Netflix.

Make sure to follow Rhoyle on Twitter and Instagram. Watch All American: Homecoming every Monday at 9/8c on the CW.