Netflix hit “Forever” features former HBCU basketball player

Xavier Mills, one of the stars of Netflix’s hit series Forever, is making waves both on screen and off, with a unique journey that began on the basketball court at an HBCU. Mills plays Christian, the charismatic ex-boyfriend of lead character Keisha, whose storyline includes NBA aspirations and a controversial leaked sextape. Before breaking into acting, Mills played two seasons of college basketball at Winston-Salem State University, averaging modest stats but building the discipline that would carry over to his acting career.

Mills gained early attention in the 2023 legal drama The Burial, portraying a witness in a case centered on corporate exploitation. His background as an HBCU athlete helped inform the role, bringing authenticity and depth. He later showcased his emotional range in the 2022 short film Grief and demonstrated genre versatility with a role in the supernatural series Legacies. Now a rising star, Mills is set to appear in the upcoming series Chad Powers, joining an acclaimed cast.

His breakout role in Forever and growing list of credits reflect a dynamic talent whose path from HBCU athlete to screen actor is inspiring. Mills’ story is a reminder that today’s college athletes might be tomorrow’s streaming stars.