Rome Flynn is steadily building a reputation as a formidable and thoughtful presence in Hollywood. His path to acting began not in an audition room, but at home, where as a child he would perform accents for his family. That early spark for performance led him, at 22, to make the decisive move to Los Angeles to chase his dream, bolstered by his family's unwavering support.
Growing up, Flynn found inspiration in the comedic timing and charisma of stars like the Wayans Brothers and Will Smith. "As an actor now, I appreciate his versatility," Flynn says of Smith, an admiration that informs his own pursuit of diverse and challenging roles.
Earning Respect on Set and On Screen
One of his first major breaks came on the hit series How to Get Away with Murder. Flynn recalls the surreal experience of seeing himself on TV for the first time, hosting watch parties to mark the milestone. On set, he initially felt unsure how to address the legendary Viola Davis, defaulting to "Mrs. V." "She encouraged him to just call her Viola," a simple gesture that broke the ice and paved the way for their intense scene work. Through those shared moments, Flynn felt he ultimately earned her respect as a collaborator.
For Flynn, his identity is a core part of his artistic mission. He takes great pride in his Afro-Latinidad, and his role on Amazon's With Love was a pivotal chance to bring that heritage to the forefront. "I love taking on projects that represent the world around you," he shares, highlighting the need for authentic storytelling. This commitment to genuine representation echoes the journeys of other artists, like Monique Palma, who champions independent filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.
Carving Out a New Frank Lucas
A significant career milestone arrived with the role of a young Frank Lucas in the latest season of Godfather of Harlem. "Playing Frank was a gift," Flynn states. "As an actor, it's always a dream come true to play an actual person." Understanding that his portrayal precedes the infamous era depicted by Denzel Washington in American Gangster, Flynn approached the character with a fresh perspective. "I get to see Frank as a blank canvas and carve out why he becomes who he becomes," he explains, focusing on the man before the myth.
When he's not on set, Flynn finds a crucial balance on the basketball court, which he describes as "therapy." The sport grounds him and fuels a competitive drive that translates to his work. That athleticism was on full display when he earned MVP honors at a recent NBA Celebrity All-Star Game, surprising fans with his skills. This underdog mentality, embracing a challenge to achieve greatness, is a thread that runs through his life.
Looking ahead, Flynn maintains a grounded outlook. "Whatever God has in store for me is cool. All I know is that I'm going to work hard." With a focus on meaningful roles and authentic representation, his trajectory is one to watch. His story of dedication and cultural pride resonates with a broader narrative of Latino artists shaping their fields, much like Rosalía, who continues to redefine Latin music.
You can see Rome Flynn's compelling performance as Frank Lucas in Godfather of Harlem, now streaming on MGM+.
