New York City-based actor Justiin Davis is everything we’ve been missing! You can spot Justiin on HBO’s Emmy-winning drama Boardwalk Empire or, as of most recently, the highly anticipated Amazon series “The Boys” which is already on season 3. Justiin has been acting and modeling since the impressive age of nine, and it is incredible to see what he can do now! Justiin’s talent goes beyond acting due to his pursuit of building an arts program that aids inner school systems through Mission Society. Justiin is impressive, but you have to see for yourself! If you are interested in his work with Boardwalk Empire, Justiin’s journey, and his advocacy for inner-city youth, please continue reading below!

Where are you based?
I’m based in New York City. Brooklyn baaabyyy! [laughs]

How did you know acting was a passion of yours?
Gosh, I’ve always just known, you know.. Ever since I was young it’s been an industry I’ve been captivated and intrigued by. I told my aunt at about eight or nine I wanted to make a career of this, and it’s been a go ever since. I’ve always loved movie making and tv and theatre, and thought if I can do that for a living I’d honestly be the happiest dude in the world.

What was your first movie/series role, and how did it shape your industry perspective?
Wow, my first role was an under five way back in the day on The Sopranos. It shaped my perspective of the industry because I was finally able to see it all in a new way. Other than the commercials I’d done I was finally able to be a part of the magic in a whole new aspect. I loved the hurry up and wait, and the sort of electric energy / physical buzz that came from working. It excited every part of me, and I still get that same feeling when I work today.

Boardwalk Empire is a fantastic show! What was your experience while filming? Do you enjoy starring in period pieces?
I loved every minute of working on Boardwalk Empire! How could you not? A cast and team like that, each of which are at the top of their fields! And I did all this while getting an undergrad degree! I had the time of my life! And being on for a few seasons let me grow and mature a bit. Not only on the show, but in life as well. By season four I’d graduated from college, I was living on my own, and I was ready to jump in full fledged.

And yes, I love period pieces! They’re like ways of traveling through time and exploring different decades in history as well as telling the story of those who were alive during that time. Let’s be real, not all decades have been equal, but every story is valid and everyone’s story deserves to be told.

What genre of entertainment do you gear towards the most? Are there any genres that you would like to explore?
Well, I love a great comedy and a stellar drama. Those have always peaked my interest but I’m also very into theatre. It’s where I was trained early on and it will always hold a huge place in my heart. Really anything with something I can sink my teeth into though. I’m a story teller a heart. I love a great tale or a story of dueling sides or love a sci-fi. I just want to have fun with the work.

I’d still love to explore things set in the future and even more action. While that means a whole new world of CGI I’m up for that challenge and telling those stories as well.

Can you tell us a bit about your highly anticipated joining of the AMAZON series, “The Boys”? What is the show about? Can you tell us a bit about Young Stan Edgar?
Of course, the show is about a group of vigilantes who set out to take down superhero’s that abuse their powers and the company behind them. That company is run by Stan Edgar originated by the incomparable Giancarlo Esposito. On the new season there have been flashbacks and I play the young Stan Edgar. He’s just as smooth and direct as he is in the present day, but still on his way up the ladder eventually becoming who we know him to be today.

Do you see parts of yourself in any characters you play?
Yes, of course. Not in everything or all parts — that’s the acting, but I definitely see parts of my self in characters. I specially work on bringing more of myself to the characters if possible. Whether it be something physical, their speech cadence, gravitas etc… A large part of acting is reacting truthfully in situations you may never have been in while still bringing bits of what makes us human to the character you’re building. The first place we explore is within to see how we connect. Then you do all your actor homework and allow that to fill in the rest.

What has been your favorite role thus far?
Favorite role? That’s a tough one to answer. I’m so grateful to have worked on the projects that I have and have a few that will always be memorable, for different reasons. Chicago Med because of the story, and The Boys of course because, well… it’s The Boys… The Equalizer because I got to really hold down a bit of action and take part in a nice story arc while being woosh’d away by the Queen, Queen Latifah [laughs], and The Politician because Bette Midler is one of the most awesome scene partners in the world!

You started booking commercials and small productions at just three years old. Do you contribute much of your success and ability to thrive in the industry to your early start?
Of course I do. I think everything counts. Being in it at a young age gave me an opportunity to build relationships in the industry and many of them I still have til today. While I didn’t get into SAG until my teens, growing up in an ever changing industry is challenging, but it’s those relationships and artists that you meet over time that really hold down your corner and have your back. Some of my team I’ve been with for over 15 years. A bond like that is more than just industry. It’s family.

What was it like working opposite Denzel Washington in “The Taking of Pelham 123”?
Well, it was brief, but I had an awesome time working on that film. I remember one weekend both Madison and Park Aves were shut all the way down just for filming. I was still young at the time and it was my first time filming in New York City on that scale. There’s honestly nothing like filming in NYC.

Do you still model? If not, would you be open to modeling again?
I don’t model as much as I used to, but of course I’d love to do more if the opportunities present themselves. Let’s do it!

What was your reaction when you were named “Man of The Month” by Essence Magazine?
I was thrilled and humbled to even be considered. Essence has always been a beacon of style, refinement, class and beauty. My grandmother, my mom and I had all grazed through the pages of Essence for years prior, so it’s legendary. To be given that opportunity was awesome and the beginning of a very full circle moment in life.

You are a fantastic actor, but you also do humanitarian work. What is the Mission Society, and what is your role there?
The mission society or MiniSink is an organization that deals with inner city schools and kids and provides after school programs that foster to serving each communities needs. My role and goal was to bring arts programs back to kids that schools had previously done away with.

Why do you think it is important to bring the arts back to inner city schools?
It’s important to not only bring the arts back to inner city schools, but back to all schooling because when you take away the arts and creativity in a sometimes mis-structured system you also take away the imagination and ability to dream of being something bigger than yourself.

I wouldn't be doing what I’m doing today without the arts and knowing it can also be a very therapeutic release in this age, I’d say it’s needed.

You are also working with Marc Baptise and Selita Ebanks to help rebuild Haitian Schools and Orphanages, which were affected during the 2010 earthquake. Can you tell us a bit about this?
Of course. When I was on Boardwalk Empire the three of us set out to give back in which ever way we could, so together we held fundraiser’s and events where proceeds went to the rebuilding of essential buildings that were lost during the earthquake, like schools and orphanages. Sad to say but there have been many other natural disaster’s and tragedies since. What’s important to remember is that we can still help the world. Of course we have to take care of home but when given the opportunity we can’t forget the rest of the world needs us too. Everything helps.

As a New Yorker, how did you weather the pandemic? Are you back to normal now?
The pandemic was a rollercoaster. Like many, I knew people that contracted covid and passed because of it. I also had friends who lost family and so much more. My heart and prays are always with them and so many others.

Now-a-days things are mostly back to normal. There’s testing all the time and check ups still. If there’s one thing all this has taught us is how to take care of ourselves and pay closer attention to our health. I’m just grateful we’re on this side of it. Not gone yet, but definitely not where we started.

What is your motto in life?
Never give up! No matter what you do, never give up. You know what’s on the side of the process and the journey. You see it everyday — but what if you push past the uncomfortable, push past the doubt? What if we get on the other side of that? Then there are infinite possibilities… So, never give up!

Please follow Justiin Davis on the platforms below:
Instagram: @officialjustiindavis
Cameo: Justiin_Davis

Photography by Hosea Johnson.

Justiin Davis: Push Past The Uncomfortable