Sawandi Wilson: Embracing His Roots, Career, and Individuality

Many may recognize Sawandi Wilson from his recent roles in General Hospital and Star Trek, but in an exclusive one-on-one interview, we get to explore a deeper look into his life, inspirations, and cultural roots.

Growing up in Long Island, New York, Wilson comes from a Trinidadian and Dominican background. He shared that his first connection to his heritage was through food, but he didn’t learn Spanish until later in life. After high school, he stayed in Long Island to attend Hofstra University, where he studied sociology. It was there that he discovered his passion for acting, taking classes that would ultimately shape his career. One class, in particular, with acting coach Susan Batson, solidified his decision. “I gave up every Sunday for two years to attend these classes,” he recalled.

Wilson vividly remembers the moment he booked his first big role and gained the confidence to pursue acting full-time. One of his early projects was Battle of the Year 3D, where he shared the screen with Chris Brown, Laz Alonso, and others. But the real highlight was seeing his parents’ reaction. “When they saw me on that screen, they finally felt like, okay, you can do this,” he said.

Reflecting on his identity, Wilson opened up about being a Black-presenting Afro-Caribbean man. “A cop isn’t going to stop you and say, ‘Oh, he’s Dominican. Oh, he’s Trinidadian.’ If you look Black, you’ll be treated as Black,” he explained. This understanding has influenced how he approaches his roles in projects like General Hospital and Star Trek, making sure  that his characters authentically reflect both his Black and Caribbean heritage.

Now, Wilson is gearing up for the release of El Heredero, a film that holds deep personal significance. In the movie, his character John grapples with the loss of his father, a role that resonated deeply with him, as Wilson himself lost his father just six months before filming. Shooting in the Dominican Republic was a euphoric experience, and while he embraced the opportunity, he hopes to return and explore the country further.

On set, Wilson found joy in the process, saying, “He always found the fun in the work.” Something he learned from his co-star on set. When it comes to the film he hopes that audiences will connect with his character and take away a valuable lesson, that “no matter how out of place you may feel, embracing your identity and individuality is what truly matters”