In a world where passion often battles practicality, Guyviaud Joseph chose to follow his heart. A successful corporate professional, Joseph’s pivot to acting wasn’t just a career change—it was a bold decision that transformed his life. Joseph, best known for his role as Tony on the hit series Sistas, has since become a rising star in the entertainment world. But his journey to this point wasn’t as simple as jumping into auditions. It was a path marked by reflection, risk, and a deep connection to his roots.
Words by Angel Neal
Photography by Shannon Wallace
Joseph recalls a significant moment in 2009-2010 when the U.S. economy was in crisis. “It was a moment of reset for me,” he explains. “So many friends were telling me that if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you need to follow your passion.” For Joseph, his passion was acting. Although he had been performing in school plays since his college days, it took a financial crisis for him to finally take the leap. “I realized that I couldn’t keep balancing both [acting and corporate work]. If I truly wanted to act, I had to step away from the corporate world,” he says. “So, I took the steps to walk away and create a strategy for my career moving forward.”
Taking that leap of faith wasn’t easy. “A lot of people are scared to make that career change,” Joseph admits. “But the advice I’d give is to have faith—faith in yourself and in your talents.” Raised by parents who were both ministers, Joseph’s faith in himself and his spiritual beliefs provided a solid foundation to move forward.
“Once I knew I could believe in myself, I didn’t need a Fortune 500 company behind me,” he says. “It sounds easier than it really is, but that faith was the key to making that move.”
As a Haitian American actor, Joseph brings his cultural background into the roles he takes on. He explains, “Knowing my roots has shaped how I approach roles. It’s about staying true to my values—there are certain roles I just wouldn’t take because they go against who I am as a person.” One such role was that of “Biscuit,” a gay character he portrayed on Power. While it was a challenge, Joseph used his personal values to guide his portrayal. “I’ve been through therapy and growth, and I try to bring that into my roles,” he says. “For me, it’s about using media for positive change and offering perspectives that help, not harm.”
As Tony on Zatima, Joseph’s character started as a friend who didn’t approve of Zach and Fatima’s relationship. But this season, Tony's character takes on a more prominent role. “You’re going to see Tony deal with real-life circumstances, things that people can relate to,” Joseph teases. “It’s about growth. Tony is no longer on the outside looking in—he’s a part of the chaos now.” Joseph also hints at the development of Tony’s friendships, particularly with Zach. “Tony is now a defender of Zach and Fatima’s relationship,” he says. “He realizes that Fatima is the best thing for Zach, and now Tony is there as a support system.” But the real growth comes when Tony faces his own personal struggles. “It’s easier to give advice than to follow it,” Joseph reflects. “In this season, Tony has to learn that sometimes the best way to be a friend is to let someone go through their own struggles and be there to support them after.”
Guyviaud's strong relationships with his castmates are key to creating believable, grounded performances. “We take our work seriously, but we also respect each other’s process,” he says. For example, during the filming of emotionally charged scenes, Joseph would sometimes keep his distance from his co-stars, like Devale Ellis, to stay in character.
“There’s a level of respect and freedom,” Joseph explains. “If one of us is going through something emotionally, we understand if we don’t communicate as much. It’s about staying in character.”
When asked how he prepares for intense, high-stakes scenes, Joseph talks about staying grounded. “When you're portraying a character dealing with multiple emotions, you have to get into the right headspace,” he says. “Fear, anger, hope—they all come at once. I dig into that to bring authenticity to the scene.”
Joseph’s method involves understanding his character’s motivations deeply, which allows him to react naturally when the cameras roll.
Advice for Aspiring Actors: Dedication to the Craft
For those looking to break into acting, Joseph emphasizes the importance of dedication.
“The most important quality an actor can have is dedication to the work,” he states. “You need to commit to the craft, whether that means taking acting classes, studying scripts, or understanding the industry. The work doesn’t stop once the cameras start rolling—it’s about putting in the hours behind the scenes, too.”
He also stresses the importance of staying current in the ever-changing industry, particularly with the rise of social media-driven careers. “You have to keep your finger on the pulse,” Joseph says. “Whether you want to be on TV, film, or even social media, you need to understand how to get in front of the right people and keep evolving.”
Joseph is also expanding his entrepreneurial endeavors. “Me and my fiancée started a CMOS company called Alice Spicy Moss,” he shares. The health-conscious couple launched the venture during the pandemic, and it’s been a hit ever since. “CMOS is something that’s been part of our culture for years, but we wanted to help change the stigma around it and get it out to more people,” Joseph says. In addition to this, Joseph stays active by working out regularly, which helps him stay grounded. He credits his workouts with maintaining both his physical and mental health. “I love working out—it keeps me focused and helps manage stress,” he says. “Plus, it’s great to stay connected with the community.”
Looking to the future, Joseph is excited about the types of roles he’d like to pursue. “I want to continue doing drama, but also incorporate action and comedy,” he says. “I love physical roles that let me use both my emotional and physical range.”Joseph’s versatility as an actor has already led him to work on a variety of projects. “There’s a film I’m producing called Hearsay, which looks at solutions for the issues African Americans face with law enforcement. I’m also working on a Scooby-Doo-inspired horror film called Regulars,” he reveals.
As a producer, Joseph is expanding his creative reach. “I started as a production assistant and worked my way up,” he says. “Now, I’m creating projects that control the narrative and offer new perspectives.” Joseph’s journey from the corporate world to Hollywood is a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and knowing when to take the leap. As Tony continues to evolve on Zatima, we can only imagine where Guyviaud Joseph's career will go next.
THOUGHTS ON
On Using His Influence
“I believe in using my influence to help reshape the narrative about success,” says Guyviaud Joseph. “There are so many successful Black people in this country, and it’s not as difficult to be successful as many might think. You just have to do the work.” Guyviaud emphasizes that success doesn’t require a secret formula—rather, it demands strategy, hard work, and a commitment to passion.
On Success
Guyviaud’s thoughts on success echo this simplicity: “Success isn’t as difficult as people think. You just have to be willing to create a strategy, put in the work, and pursue something you're truly passionate about.” It’s clear that for him, success isn’t measured by fame or fortune but by personal growth, dedication, and the drive to make a difference.
On Prayer
For Guyviaud, prayer is more than a ritual—it's a daily practice that serves as both therapy and guidance. “You should pray daily, both in the morning and at night,” he says. “Prayer helps you realign your focus, prioritize what's important, and reminds you of all the blessings you have. If you’re able to open your eyes at the start of the day, that’s a blessing in itself.” Guyviaud believes that prayer plays a crucial role in maintaining mental and emotional balance, acting as a constant reminder of life's many gifts.
On Intuition
Listening to one's intuition is another key pillar in Guyviaud's philosophy. “It took me a while to really understand this, and I’m still learning,” he admits. “Your intuition is the God in you telling you what's best for you. It’s easy to get distracted by external influences—ads, algorithms, and the noise of the world—but your intuition is something that you need to trust above all.” For Guyviaud, learning to listen to that inner voice is a practice that requires time and patience, but it’s one that ultimately leads to clarity and better decision-making.
On Something We All Know, But Bears Repeating
One of Guyviaud’s favorite concepts to share is a truth that many of us forget in the hustle of life: “No matter what problem you have, there’s always a solution out there.” He elaborates, “Every issue is just a remixed version of an old issue. There’s nothing new under the sun. If you take the time to research—whether through Google or by going to the library—you’ll find answers. The thing that often stops people from moving to the next level is that they don’t take the time to look for the solution that already exists.” In his view, knowledge is power, and reading plays a crucial role in unlocking the answers to life’s most pressing challenges.
When it comes to navigating the entertainment industry, few possess the clarity and drive that Guyviaud Joseph brings to the table. A passionate advocate for Black excellence and personal growth, Guyviaud offers insights that can inspire anyone, no matter their walk of life. To stay connected with Guyviaud and support his work, follow him on Instagram at @guyviaud.joseph or on Twitter at @guyviaud. For more industry-related content, his website, guyviaudjoseph.com, offers a glimpse into his professional life, including reels and other highlights. But for the latest updates and personal insights, Guyviaud recommends following him on Instagram, where he’s most active.
Guyviaud Joseph’s perspective on life and success is a refreshing reminder that with the right mindset, anything is possible. Through prayer, trust in your intuition, and the willingness to do the hard work, we can all find our own path to success. For Guyviaud, it’s about doing the work, being consistent, and trusting that the answers are always within reach.
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