Xavier Smalls has emerged as an early breakout star of Tyler Perry’s Netflix drama Beauty in Black, captivating global audiences with his performance as Angel. Born on November 7, 1997, in California, this 27‑year‑old actor soared into prominence after the series debuted in October 2024, quickly becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched shows.
Fans and critics alike were drawn to Angel’s complex moral compass, a man caught between loyalty, survival, and ambition, and Smalls’ portrayal sparked conversations on social media and industry platforms.
Analysts and fans are buzzing about his upcoming role in Madea’s Destination Wedding (Netflix, July 11, 2025), another Tyler Perry project, and his performance in the short film Shelf Life. These high-visibility roles ensure Xavier Smalls remains firmly in the spotlight throughout 2025.
Where Did Xavier Smalls Grow Up? Family, Background & Education Explained
Xavier Smalls was born on November 7, 1997, in Sacramento, California, and is 27 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Scorpio, a sign often linked to emotional depth and introspection qualities that align with the characters he frequently portrays on screen. He holds American nationality and is of mixed ethnicity, with both African-American and white heritage. While Smalls hasn’t publicly discussed his religious beliefs in detail, those close to him have described him as spiritually grounded and reflective.
Raised in the Lincoln Village neighborhood of Sacramento, Xavier grew up in a close-knit, working-class family. His father, Ronald Smalls, worked in construction and later as a facilities supervisor, while his mother, Marcia Smalls, was an administrative assistant at a local public school. Their steady influence shaped Xavier’s values of humility, focus, and community responsibility.
He is one of three siblings. His older brother, Jermaine, is a basketball coach at a Northern California high school, and his younger sister, Alana, recently completed cosmetology training. Xavier has openly credited his family for his emotional grounding and work ethic, often calling them his “anchor” during times of professional uncertainty.
As a teenager, Smalls attended Foothill High School, where he took part in school plays and extracurricular drama programs, though at the time he planned to pursue a science degree. After enrolling at Sacramento State University, he eventually changed majors from biology to theater, graduating in 2020 with a renewed sense of purpose. He later relocated to New York City, where he completed a two-year professional acting program at the prestigious William Esper Studio in 2023.
Physically, Smalls has a naturally commanding screen presence. He stands approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 190 pounds, figures that have been consistent across casting listings and interviews. His height and strong build, paired with his emotive acting style, contribute to the layered, grounded characters he often plays.
Smalls’ upbringing, rooted in family, diversity, and artistic discovery, continues to inform the authenticity and emotional nuance he brings to his roles.
Is Xavier Smalls Married? A Look Into His Private Life and Relationships
Xavier Smalls is officially married to makeup artist Vanessa Martinez, confirming the long-rumored relationship. The two exchanged vows on December 7, 2024, during a beautiful beach ceremony in Tulum, Mexico, following an intimate engagement in August 2023.
These details are confirmed via their wedding registry on Honeyfund and corroborated by coverage from People magazine, which notes their long-term commitment and public celebration.
Leading up to their wedding day, Xavier shared a heartfelt Instagram moment at the proposal, writing, “I proposed to the woman of my dreams… can’t wait to see what God has in store for our relationship and future family.” This authenticity resonated with fans and further solidified the public’s genuine interest in their partnership.
Today, the couple resides in Santa Clarita, California, and Xavier has warmly embraced his role as a stepfather to Martinez’s young daughter, confirming that their household is a loving family unit. Despite his rising fame, Xavier maintains a careful balance between public appearances and private family life, often citing his wife and stepdaughter as his anchor in interviews.
How Xavier Smalls Became Famous: Full Timeline of His Acting Career
Xavier Smalls’ rise in the entertainment industry has been marked by consistent hard work and thoughtful preparation. After graduating from Sacramento State University in 2020 with a degree in theater, Smalls committed himself fully to the craft of acting. Recognizing the importance of professional training, he enrolled in the prestigious William Esper Studio in New York City, an institution known for its rigorous Meisner technique training. He completed the two-year conservatory program in 2023, an experience he has publicly credited with helping him deepen his emotional range and screen presence.
His earliest screen appearance was in the indie short film Shelf Life, where his nuanced performance in a minimalist setting garnered quiet praise on the film festival circuit. While the project didn’t launch him into mainstream fame, it introduced him to casting circles and caught the attention of key decision-makers in the industry.
In 2024, everything changed. Smalls landed his breakout role as Angel in Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, a dramatic Netflix series exploring themes of power, betrayal, and inner turmoil. The show premiered globally on October 24, 2024, and Xavier appeared in all 16 episodes. His portrayal of Angel, a conflicted, street-smart character navigating moral ambiguity, earned him widespread critical acclaim.
Viewers praised his ability to carry emotionally charged scenes with authenticity, similar to how Ben Rosenbaum, another breakout star of 2025, rose to fame in Hallmark productions. Social media quickly lit up with viral edits and clips of Xavier’s key moments.
Smalls’ path to the role was as organic as his talent. According to a report by Screen Rant, he had initially appeared in a minor role in a previous Tyler Perry production. His short but striking performance impressed the casting team, and Perry’s creative circle invited him to audition for Beauty in Black. Rather than being placed in a side role, Smalls secured one of the lead characters, a testament to both his screen magnetism and professional growth.
Building on that momentum, Smalls took on a key role in Perry’s upcoming Netflix comedy film Madea’s Destination Wedding, filmed in late 2024 and slated for release on July 11, 2025. The project marks his transition into more mainstream, family-friendly productions, showcasing his versatility as both a dramatic and comedic performer.
With back-to-back collaborations with one of the most prolific filmmakers in entertainment and a growing fan base behind him, Xavier Smalls has entered 2025 as one of Hollywood’s most promising new actors.
Xavier Smalls' Net Worth in 2025: How He Makes Money in Hollywood
As of mid-2025, Xavier Smalls’ net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $2 million, based on income from acting in Netflix series, film roles, and short films. He also earns from brand partnerships, modeling (represented by Dragon Fly Agency), and public appearances, mirroring the diversified income streams of Alexis Wilkins, who built her career through streaming royalties and live tours.
Instead of extravagant purchases, Smalls lives modestly with his wife and stepdaughter in Santa Clarita, California. He drives, remains grounded in his community, and supports young creatives, echoing his journey from uncertain student to rising actor.
What You Should Know About Xavier Smalls in 2025
Xavier Smalls is a rising American actor best known for his role as Angel in Tyler Perry’s Netflix series Beauty in Black, which premiered on October 24, 2024. Born on November 7, 1997, in Sacramento, California, he studied theater at Sacramento State University and later trained at the William Esper Studio in New York.
He is married to Vanessa Martinez, a makeup artist, as of December 2024, and lives with her and her daughter in Santa Clarita, California. In 2025, Smalls will appear in the Netflix film Madea’s Destination Wedding, marking another major step in his acting career.
Known for his grounded personality and strong on-screen presence, Smalls is quickly earning recognition, similar to comedian Nate Jackson, who transitioned from viral videos to industry-wide acclaim.
FAQs About Xavier Smalls People Are Searching in 2025
When is Xavier Smalls’ birthday?
He was born on November 7, 1997, in California.
Who is Xavier Smalls married to?
He is married to Vanessa Martinez, a makeup artist; they became engaged in August 2023 and married on December 7, 2024.
What role does Xavier Smalls play in Beauty in Black?
He portrays Angel, a layered character close to the show’s leads in Tyler Perry’s Netflix series.
Where did Xavier Smalls study acting?
He earned his theater degree at Sacramento State University, then trained at the William Esper Studio in NYC.
Has Xavier Smalls appeared in any movies yet?
Yes, he’s cast in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Destination Wedding (Netflix, July 2025) and acted in the short film Shelf Life.
Does Xavier Smalls have a Wikipedia page?
As of 2025, Xavier Smalls does not yet have an official Wikipedia page, though growing public interest and media coverage suggest one may appear soon.