Bo Yokely Interview: Modeling, Marvel, and Upcoming Series ”Blue Ridge“

Since his early days as an Abercrombie & Fitch model, Bo Yokely has embarked on an extraordinary journey, gracefully transitioning into a flourishing acting career that is now poised for the spotlight with the upcoming crime mystery Blue Ridge. In an exclusive conversation, we had the pleasure of delving into Bo’s beginnings, unraveling the story of how he made the leap from iconic modeling to the cinematic.

Best known for his role as coach Ken Nichols in Apple TV’s Swagger and has previously starred in films like Lifetime’s Secret Lives of Housewives, Switched Before Birth, the Ponysitters Club films, romance novel-turned-film After the Storm and Tubi original Gridiron Grind. He was also featured in Luke Comb’s music video “The Kind of Love We Make” and will next appear as the supporting role of James Brown in Tosca Musk‘s adaptation of the romantic comedy novel Wallbanger for Passionflix.

Beyond his acting prowess, Bo is a dedicated advocate for the “Not Alone Foundation,” which offers research, education, and financial assistance for those in need of help while on dialysis.

How did you get into acting and modelling?

Bo Yokely: “I have been modeling since I was 18.  I was actually scouted originally because I was one of those shirtless Abercrombie & Fitch models in the early 2000’s. Since that time I was modeling full time until one day my agent asked if I had any interest in being on a Marvel movie set as a small role in “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” to which I said of course. I’d be crazy to say no. I had minored in theater in college and had always dreamt of acting but had no real inroad or connections to that world. After that experience, I knew acting was a calling that I had been missing and have been fortunate enough to pursue this career ever since.”

You’ve played a wide range of roles in TV series like “Swagger” and the crime mystery series “Blue Ridge.” How do you approach preparing for different characters, and do you have a favourite role so far?

“Each character is different from another. My prep is also different based on what character I am going to be playing. One role might require me to be more in character on and off set than another character. The first thing I will do is to try to find the voice of the character I’m playing. The tone, and pacing of the voice is very important to finding an authentic charter. Music really helps me find a character as well. I will try to create a playlist for each character and listen to that leading up to the shoot and before specific scenes if need be. I wouldn’t say I use a specific technique, but more of a combination of each technique I’ve studied. No, I do not have a favorite role to be honest. I kind of enjoy not having a favorite so i don’t try to force a repeated performance in the subsequent role I may do.”

Is there a specific genre or type of project you’re particularly interested in exploring in the future?

“I am a huge fan of historical epics. Films like Gladiator, Braveheart, 300, and Troy all kind of shaped my youth and inspired me more than almost anything else in my life. To be a part of those types of films one day is definitely the goal and what i’m moving into.”

Congratulations on receiving the prestigious Diamond Award from the “Not Alone Foundation” for your philanthropic efforts. Can you share more about your involvement with the foundation and what receiving this award means to you?

“For sure. I was beyond ecstatic to hear that I received the 2024 Diamond Award for Actor of the Year for the film Gridiron Grind and my role of Coach Peterson. It is such an honor and a special thanks to Mark Dodd, the founder of Not Alone Foundation for recognizing me. The Not Alone Foundation is a non-profit based in Atlanta dedicated to providing transportation, financial assistance, educational and medical resources for Chronic Kidney Disease and End Stage Renal Disease patients and their families. These issues are near and dear to my heart and with this foundation we are drawing awareness to all the many people who suffer from these diseases, but also providing tools and funding for those in need.”

Looking back at your journey in the entertainment industry, what advice would you give to aspiring actors?

“I always tell people to have a thick skin, a short memory, and a clear vision of what you are willing to sacrifice to make it work.”

In your creative process as an actor, what are some key sources of inspiration that fuel your performances? Whether it’s specific artists, experiences, or forms of art, how do these inspirations shape the characters you bring to life on screen?

“Without a doubt music is a huge source of inspiration for me. In character development, but also in motivation to keep going. I also really focus more on great directors and their work as an inspiration for my work. Don’t get me wrong, I love great actors and I have a list of dream collaborators, but film is a director’s medium, so in order to put in the best work I can, I want to study great directors’ films and how they will make such clear and distinct choices while filming. Directors like Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, Michael Mann, and Guy Ritchie are my biggest inspirations for film acting. They seem to be able to make magic with anyone they work with so it seems they are the magicians behind the veil.”

Bo Yokely in Country Roads Christmas

When reflecting on your recent work, is there a particular aspect of the production process that stood out to you and you’d like to acknowledge?

When you’re not in front of the camera, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy? Whether it’s a favourite pastime, a place you love to visit, or any particular interests, we’d love to know more about the person behind the actor. What brings you joy and fulfillment outside of your acting career?

“I am a family man. Put me in my bed with my beautiful wife, my two angel daughters and my puppies with a great movie on tv and I am a happy man. I love working out and sparring. I was a fighter for years in boxing and kickboxing, and still train several times a week. I also try to watch a film a day. But new 2 year old and 7 month old eat up all the extra time I have throughout the day and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”