Miles Gutierrez Riley On The Wilds, Lessons from Fordham University and His Personal Style
Snoopy Suds Rugby Sweatshirt ($435) & Pants (similar styles) ICEBERG
“ Playing a character that really felt like an accurate representation of me and my identity was special.”
Photographs by Ammar Thomas
What or who inspired you to get started with acting?
I saw the Lion King on tour when I was four years old in San Francisco, and legend has it I told my mom right after that, that I wanted to be an actor. I started doing community theater. I started writing and directing and stuff in high school. When it came time to apply to schools, I applied for acting, and that's why I moved to New York.
You graduated from Fordham University. What lessons from school are you applying to your career right now?
I had always thought I wanted to BFA as opposed to a BA. I got into BFA programs, and I ultimately chose the BA at Fordham because we had to take math, science, philosophy, theology, and all these things that were, you know, supposedly unrelated to acting. The philosophy of the theater program was that these other studies would ultimately make you a better performer, and make you a better artist because you have a more well-rounded understanding of the world. I feel like I use that every single day. It's important to be an actor and understand your craft, but having an understanding of other challenging subjects and studies makes you a critical thinker and makes you a more active participant in the world and society. Makes your brain a little bit more alive, I think.
What attracted you to the role of Ivan on The Wilds?
Yeah, Ivan is really particular and specific and has a lot of similarities to me. To be honest, I thought it was sort of kismet that I came across a role that felt so tailored to everything I believe in. He's a theater kid, gay, black, an activist, funny, kind of mean, you know what I mean? I felt like the universe had placed this opportunity in front of me. Here's someone you never thought you would see on TV when you were growing up. You never thought you would find a role similar to you and your beliefs. Playing a character that really felt like an accurate representation of me and my identity was special.
What challenges did you face while you were filming The Wilds?
It's a pretty demanding show, emotionally and physically. It's long days in the sun, long days on the beach, and a long time to be away from home --we were in Australia for six months. Not to mention, it's an ensemble show, so as much as you're working to support your own character, you're also balancing so many other characters you're working in an ensemble to create something that feels true and well oiled. I think there's just a lot to balance, especially it being my first, you know, sort of significant major project. There were a lot of challenges that came with rising to the occasion and stepping up to the plate, but those challenges ultimately made it more exciting.
Jacket (similar styles) CANALI
In real life, if you're stranded on a remote island, do you think you could survive with the experience you have now?
My answer changes every single time, it depends on the mood I'm in. Today, I'm going to say yes! I didn't think I could make it work, but I'm pretty smart and I used to be a Cub Scout.
You are a part of this new wave of young black LGBTQ actors coming in and being the faces of representation. To the people inspired by you and feel like they see themselves in you, what do you want them to learn or take from you as they follow your career?
I feel like my entire life I've never really felt like I fit into a box. One time in acting school, a professor, also black and queer told me that I had magic that if I tried to put it into words, or if anybody ever asked me to put it into words, I would explain it away and I would lose my power. I feel like that exact idea is how I move throughout the world. I've always moved to the beat of my own drum. I've been a little bit of this, a little bit of that, and not being afraid to surprise people with the main complexities and contradictions of my personality. I do think that's ultimately why I'm in the position that I'm in now. My advice is to continue finding the things within yourself that don't feel like they fit into a box. And it's the corny cliche message, but learn how to celebrate those things and bring them to the table in any field you're in because those things will set you apart and surprise people.
Mick Sweater ($550) AKNVAS, Pants (similar styles) FRIED RICE, Cooper Boots ($170) MARC FISHER LTD
I was enthralled by your whole personal style when you came on set. Who inspires your style, who's favorite designers, that whole spill?
I get a lot of my style from musical artists that I love. I try to look at a wide array of different types of artists. I have like my super fem queer, let's get into the skinny tops, pants vibe. And then I look at baggy, vintage T-shirts, the streetwear, the what Jordans are dropping all that stuff. I try and combine those many different styles into how I'm feeling on the day. Style has always been a way for me to express myself.
What's coming up next for you? What are you just manifesting for your future as far as your career goals?
After The Wilds, I also shot a movie in Atlanta for Paramount Pictures, On The Come Up, based on the New York Times bestseller by Angie Thomas. I'm hoping that comes out at the end of this year, or early next year. It was a really, really fantastic project to shoot. I'm hoping that we get to season three for The Wilds and then when it comes to manifest, and I'm honestly believing that this is just the beginning. I love acting, I love being in this industry, and I hope that I go on to do an indie movie that does really well and has its own little cult following. I hope to do a project that surprises people. Play a character, unlike the ones that I've played so far. Down the line writing, directing, producing, let's do fashion, let's do music, let's do all of it!
Photographer: Ammar Thomas @iam.ammarjamal
Styling & Interview: Nigel Isaiah @nigel_isaiah
Grooming: Crystal R. Smith @locdinstyle