Xavier Smalls 2025 Biography: Rising Star of Beauty in Black Gains Global Fame

Xavier Smalls has quickly become a breakout star after captivating audiences worldwide with his portrayal of Angel in Tyler Perry’s Netflix drama Beauty in Black. The show premiered on October 24, 2024, and quickly rose to become one of Netflix’s most-watched series. Fans and critics alike were drawn to his emotionally complex character, which sparked widespread online conversations.

Upcoming Projects in 2025

Building on his success, Smalls is set to appear in Madea’s Destination Wedding, releasing on Netflix on July 11, 2025. He also received praise for his work in the short film Shelf Life, and analysts believe these roles will keep him in the limelight throughout the year.

Background and Upbringing

Born on November 7, 1997, in Sacramento, California, Xavier Smalls is 27 years old. He grew up in a close-knit working-class family in the Lincoln Village area. His father, Ronald, worked in construction and facilities management, while his mother, Marcia, was an administrative assistant. He is of mixed ethnicity—African-American and white—and holds American nationality.

Education and Acting Training

Initially interested in science, Smalls studied biology at Sacramento State University before switching to theater. After graduating in 2020, he moved to New York and completed a two-year acting program at the William Esper Studio in 2023.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Xavier began his acting journey with the indie short film Shelf Life, which gained attention on the film festival circuit. His performance in a minor Tyler Perry production later helped him land the lead role in Beauty in Black, a move that launched his career.

Personal Life and Marriage

Xavier is married to makeup artist Vanessa Martinez. The couple got engaged in August 2023 and tied the knot on December 7, 2024, in a beach ceremony in Tulum, Mexico. “I proposed to the woman of my dreams… can’t wait to see what God has in store for our relationship and future family,” he wrote on Instagram. The couple now lives in Santa Clarita, California, with Vanessa’s young daughter.

Financial Success and Lifestyle

As of 2025, Xavier Smalls’ net worth is estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million. His income sources include acting, brand partnerships, modeling (via Dragon Fly Agency), and public appearances. Despite his rising fame, he leads a modest life and remains grounded.

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

• 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 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.”