As The Chi continues to resonate with audiences, Rolando Boyce has become a staple of prestige television, anchored by his grounded portrayal of Darnell Washington. There is a calm confidence about him, the kind that comes from years of grinding before finally landing a role that audiences truly connect with.
While his on-screen persona often navigates the harder edges of life in Chicago, Boyce himself is thoughtful, measured, and quick to laugh. In a recent digital correspondence, the actor opened up about the steady nature of his career, the complexities of fatherhood on and off screen, and why he’s finally taking the time to enjoy the moment.
Justin O’Neal: How are you finding the start of 2025?
Rolando Boyce: It feels steady, and I like steady. (Laughs.) I’m grateful. I’ve been acting a long time, so when things finally start lining up in a real way, you don’t take it lightly. I’m just trying to stay present and enjoy it.
O’Neal: Let’s start with The Chi. What is it about Darnell that keeps you invested in his journey?
Boyce: He’s complicated. Darnell messes up, but he’s trying, and I think a lot of people see themselves in that. He’s not a superhero. He’s a regular guy learning how to be better, especially as a father. That honesty is what keeps me invested.
O’Neal: Your performance often carries significant emotional weight. How do you prepare for those heavier moments?
Boyce: I pull from life. Everybody’s got family stuff. Everybody’s got regrets. I don’t overthink it; I just show up open. Some days are heavier than others, but the cast makes it easy. There’s real trust there.
O’Neal: Looking back at your earlier years in the industry, the auditions and the grind, what was that period like for you?
Boyce: Man, humbling. Auditions, callbacks, long gaps between jobs. I did theater, commercials, guest spots, whatever came my way. I remember being excited just to book a few lines on something like Prison Break. Every little win mattered.
O’Neal: Was acting always the clear path for you?
Boyce: Pretty much. I grew up in Chicago, surrounded by stories and characters. Theater really shaped me early on; it teaches discipline. You don’t get second takes on stage, so you learn fast.
O’Neal: How has your approach to selecting roles evolved over time?
Boyce: I used to chase everything. Now I’m more selective. I care about the story, the people involved, and whether the character actually has something to say. At this point, it’s about longevity, not just visibility.
O’Neal: Fans have really responded to the fatherhood aspect of Darnell. Does that resonate with your own experience as a parent?
Boyce: Yeah, for sure. Being a dad changes everything. You start seeing the world differently. Playing Darnell while raising kids of my own adds layers I didn’t expect. Some scenes hit harder than they used to.
O’Neal: What is the atmosphere on set these days?
Boyce: Focused but light. We joke a lot between takes; you have to. The material can get intense, so laughter keeps everyone grounded. It feels like a family reunion most days.
O’Neal: When you step away from the work, what does your downtime look like?
Boyce: Very low-key. Cooking, spending time with my kids, and watching old movies. I’m big on quiet mornings and long walks. That’s how I reset.
O’Neal: Are you already looking ahead to what follows this chapter?
Boyce: Always. I’d love to do more film, maybe something indie, something raw. And eventually, I want to produce and help tell stories that often go untold. But I’m not rushing it.
O’Neal: Finally, if you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Boyce: Be patient. Your time will come; just keep doing the work.
Signing off, Boyce leaves us with a sentiment that defines his career: “I’m just thankful people care about the characters.” For an actor who has built his career brick by brick, early 2025 feels less like a peak and more like a solid foundation.
