Exclusive: Keith Powers Opens Up About Personal Growth and Relationship Support on the Red Carpet

Keith Powers is known for his acting skills and charming good looks, but the star got real about some deep personal growth during an interview with Baller Alert correspondent Ty Cole at the premiere of Netflix’s Uglies. When asked about an “ugly truth” he had to face within himself, Keith didn’t hold back.

“I realized I could be really selfish sometimes,” he confessed. “I feel like we’re all selfish to a certain extent, but that’s something I knew I had to work on. And if I’m being honest, I’ve even caught myself gaslighting without realizing it until the term became more well-known. That was a huge wake-up call for me, like, ‘I need to work on that.’ So I’m putting in the effort.”

Switching gears, Ty asked Keith how he stays mentally and physically healthy in the Hollywood grind, especially since fans often praise his timeless “’90s fine” glow. Keith’s advice was simple but powerful: “Drink a lot of water, treat everyone with respect and kindness, and understand that your success is subjective to you. Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re doing isn’t enough, because you’ll never be happy chasing something unattainable.”

Ty then brought up Keith’s unwavering support for his girlfriend, Ryan Destiny, especially since he tweeted in support of her latest film and made it clear to haters that she’s a force to be reckoned with. When asked about why it’s so important to back each other both privately and publicly, Keith didn’t mince words.

“I’ve seen her work so hard on this film,” Keith shared. “She went through so much to make it happen, and she doesn’t mess with anyone. But the internet talks about everybody. It triggered me because she’s so genuine and hardworking. You can talk about me all day, I don’t care. But for someone like her, who just does her thing and doesn’t bother anyone, I had to speak up. She’s going to show everyone that she’s one of the ones.”

He continued, “Supporting each other is crucial, and it’s not just about us, but our community of friends in this industry. We all lift each other up because this industry can take you to a dark place. It’s not for clicks or clout, I’m just genuinely proud. I come from a sports background, and when your teammate does something amazing, you hype them up. That’s what I was doing for her.”

Keith also opened up about how failure has been both a fear and a great teacher for him. He shared a recent experience of bombing an audition, describing how forgetting his lines and feeling off his game was a tough moment, but ultimately a learning experience.

“I had to go back to the self-taping office, make a new tape, and send it to the casting director. I needed that failure to remind me why I love this. It made me realize I still care deeply about this craft. Sometimes, you can lose sight of that when you’re in your head too much.”

It’s clear Keith Powers is all about growth—both personally and professionally—and isn’t afraid to share the less glamorous side of his journey. Fans can expect to see more of his authentic self as he continues to evolve in Hollywood.

We’re rooting for you, Keith! Keep shining and showing up for yourself and your loved ones.