Walking with God, Working in Grit: Da’Vinchi’s Hollywood Calling

Photographer: Harvey Jackson

Videographer: Dante Williams

Fashion Stylist: Chris Sandford

Grooming: Mariana Jimenez

Interns: Jasmine Llivicura & Madeline Jhun

Best known for his magnetic portrayal of Terry "Southwest T" Flenory on Starz’s hit crime drama BMF, Da’Vinchi is cementing himself as a powerful presence on and off the screen. But behind the fame lies a young man with a story of spiritual transformation, cultural pride, and relentless ambition.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” — Da’Vinchi, quoting James 1:17

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian roots, Da’Vinchi’s earliest influences weren’t agents or auditions—they were his family, especially his grandmother, who raised him speaking French and Creole. “I take a lot of pride in being Haitian,” he says. “We were the first to gain our independence. One of the most profound revolutions in the history of the world.” He thinks his Haitian roots and the revolutionary history of his nation allow him to carry that strength across his daily life and career.

Yet his childhood wasn’t without turbulence. Getting into trouble in the streets of New York eventually led him to live with his father in Citrus County, Florida, which was a huge cultural shift for him. It was in Florida—among unfamiliar communities and new social codes—that Da’Vinchi developed the adaptability that would later serve him in Hollywood. “It opened my mind to how different people are, how they communicate. That helped me become a better actor and person and taught me how to navigate adversity.”

Like many young men, Da’Vinchi once believed he was destined for the NFL. But fate had other plans. He and his brothers would act out scenes from films like Blade, unknowingly preparing him for the screen. “We grew up in the arts and sports. I thought football was it, but God had a different path.”

While in college, he dabbled in music, which eventually led to a friend recommending acting classes to improve his stage presence. What started as a means to an end became a calling. He was hooked. Under the guidance of veteran actor Marc John Jeffries, Da’Vinchi honed his craft and eventually met rapper Lil Mama, who introduced him to her manager in Los Angeles. That connection opened the door to representation, and the rest is history.

“Once you give God the glory, you’ll never fail.” — Da’Vinchi

Da’Vinchi’s TV debut came in 2018 on Marvel’s Jessica Jones—a thrill that also came with growing pains. “It was scary. A new level of exposure. But it pushed me to step up,” he recalls. He soon landed a recurring role on Grown-ish as Cash Mooney, the breakout moment that had fans recognizing him on the streets. “That whole process was nothing but the grace of God.”

His decision to move to LA was a leap of faith—literally. “I told everyone God was telling me to move. They said LA only messes with big names. But I booked a flight, and that same week, I booked Grown-ish. I was couch surfing, but I knew I was where I was meant to be.”

Today, Da’Vinchi is notoriously recognized for his role as Southwest T on BMF, a gritty series chronicling the real-life Black Mafia Family. The show skyrocketed him into the limelight, proving his ability to tackle complex, real-world characters with depth and presence. He shared with us that stepping into this role was pretty simple since he was able to act on what he grew up with. He mentions that the characters on BMF are like the kids he saw within his community in Brooklyn, and that made it easier for him to step into this role.

For Da’Vinchi, his growing success is not a matter of luck—it’s divine design. “I would tell other actors: get your spirit right. Do the work on yourself first. Read the Bible. Know your soul before chasing roles,” he says.

He credits his relationship with God as the foundation for everything. “I started studying people’s lives, reading scripture, and getting my mind and heart aligned. Once I did that, I knew what I wanted to do. And I knew it was possible.”

“We’re just stewards of the blessings. This favor is not for us to use for our own fleshy purposes—it’s for God’s will.” — Da’Vinchi

Whether he’s quoting scripture or discussing his heritage, Da’Vinchi approaches life with reverence, purpose, and clarity. He believes that when you surrender to purpose, success follows—not the other way around. “Every skill and gift we have is from God. Steward it right, and it will come back tenfold.”

With BMF continuing to thrive and more roles undoubtedly in the pipeline, Da’Vinchi is just gearing up and getting started. But no matter how high he climbs, he keeps one thing clear: “It’s not about fame. It’s about purpose. I’m just doing what God told me to do.” As he continues to keep God at the forefront of his success and the reason for his growth through the film business, he shows that his devotion and loyalty have been the cause and root of all we are witnessing him accomplish today.