Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Avila.
Hi Xavier, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Xavier Antonio Avila. I’m an Afro-Latino storyteller from Houston, Texas. Ever since I was a little kid I was infatuated with the performing arts, acting in particular. We were broke (not poor, my mother always said poor is a mindset, broke is a financial situation) when I was growing up so I wasn’t able take any classes or anything like that. But I was inspired when I saw actors like Wesley Snipes in Blade and Michael Jai White in Spawn or Will Smith in Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. People that looked like me doing cool things in film and television and being applauded for it. Artists, I would learn to call them. I was obsessed. Putting on reenactments, practicing stunts around my neighborhood, exploring comedic timing on the playground. I knew then the job for me would be the one where I could have many “careers” all in one lifespan. Follow my own path, and in doing so, walk many others.
In eighth grade I switched school districts to. one with arts funding and was able to put my ideas into action in a proper drama class. It fit like a glove. I finally felt like I found my tribe. It was that same year that I auditioned for and landed a lead role in my first school play. I know its just a junior high school play but its critical because it gave me my first taste of the stage. Now I was the one being applauded for my work. That was it. I caught the bug. From that point forward, theatre and learning the craft would become my passion. I continued theatre and did every school play until graduation, Highlights during that time include becoming a Thespian, being voted VP of the drama department, and winning Best Actor at my UIL One Act Play competition.
Once college came around I knew two things: I wanted to get my BFA in Acting, and I wanted to go to LA. I don’t know how to explain it but Los Angeles, the West Coast, just always felt like it was meant to be my home. Where I was supposed to be. I followed my heart (and my scholarship) to the illustrious American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) where I was overwhelmed, in the best way possible, with art 24/7. Classical training, Shakespeare, Improv, Stunt work, On Camera technique, full blown stage play production. It was beautiful. I finished my 4 year program in 3 years time and graduated with honors.
I gained representation from my college showcase and haven’t looked back ever since. Hustling for every audition. Grinding my butt off for every booking. Investing and reinvesting in myself and my craft. I’ve also continued taking classes after college such as finishing the core track at the Groundlings School of Improv, working at premier acting studios like Howard Fine Studio, John Rosenfeld Studio, and Alexia Robinson Studio, and doing workshops like Killian’s Commercial workshop. All with the goal in mind of constantly improving. Falling only to get back up, stronger.
In the years since I’ve been working professionally I’ve booked spots on networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, ALLBLK, Apple, Disney, and Amazon. I’ve had co-star spots that are one liners and series regular roles with character depth. Most recently you can catch me recurring on the hit HBO MAX show The Pitt as Medic Spratt. You can also see me as the titular character Hanokh in the Indie Feature film KNOW MERCY streaming on Apple and Amazon February 18th, 2025. The film recently won BEST FEATURE at the Culver City Film Festival 2024 and I was honored with the BEST ACTOR award at the San Diego Black Film Festival 2025.
This year I’ve gotten into my producing bag as well. I have a few projects slated for 2025 with some Emmy award winning mentors. Of course another series regular is always on the docket, but I’ve learned not to wait to create. Just do it! Creating with those around you will help build a team that can take you further than you could on your own. And who has time to sit around waiting for a call?
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Obstacles have been multiple unprecedented strikes in the industry and the pandemic shutting down almost all productions. As well as inflation and the never ending feeling that you’re working more, for less. LA is not a cheap place to live. Also, not overthinking.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
To me the difference between good and great, is detail. So as an artist I try to be as detailed as possible in my work. The ultimate goal of course: being undeniable. If there’s something you can do, there’s no sense in not trying to be great at it. Not good at it. Great at it.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Being able to live your life how you want.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xavieravila.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamxavieravila/ @iamxavieravila
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm8190958?s=52ca7c97-0e76-4edd-0349-cb933982da39&site_preference=normal
