“The business no longer supports struggling actors the way it did when I was coming up,” the 36-year-old explained. Powell recalled how a small role on NCIS in 2012, where he played Marine Sergeant Evan Westcoat, was enough to cover his expenses for a year. While he didn’t disclose his earnings, Powell said, “Those little jobs, like getting a commercial, keep life in the system. You’re not necessarily able to afford anything significant, but you are able to stay there.”
Between 2003 and 2013, Powell landed guest roles in shows like Jack & Bobby, Without a Trace, CSI: Miami, and Rizzoli & Isles. These gigs, while small, helped him survive in Hollywood. “There’s no harder place to live as a struggling actor,” he admitted. “The currency of that town is how relevant you are and what your last job is.”
In 2015, Powell broke through with his role as Chad Radwell on Scream Queens, followed by notable performances in Hidden Figures and Top Gun: Maverick. Despite his success, Powell remains empathetic toward struggling actors and offered advice for staying resilient. He encouraged aspiring talents to believe in themselves and draw inspiration from the journeys of Hollywood legends who faced similar challenges.
Looking ahead, Powell is set to return to TV with Chad Powers and has roles lined up in Running Man and other projects. While his career continues to thrive, Powell remains grounded, focusing on delivering meaningful performances for his audience. “Things can change in an instant,” he said, emphasizing the importance of staying humble and putting the audience first.