“I’m sort of on a quest—I’m trying to figure everything out.” Since his 2016 television debut as Cadillac in Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis’s ‘The Get Down,’ Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been a magnetic presence onscreen. His performances demonstrate profound interiority, deep care for his characters, and a thrilling range. “I wanted to just do whatever it is that I enjoyed,” he says of choosing roles in those early days. Now 40, and buoyed by the confidence of nearly a decade of professional experience, Abdul-Mateen is seeking out projects that compel him to invest in himself — on an artistic, financial, and spiritual level. See how he’s faring (spoiler: well) in his #CutCover interview at the link in bio. Photography by emmanuelsmonsalve Written by Lovia Gyarkye Styling by jessswill Photo assistants: ctsmt, louisvalderrama__ Digitech: nelsonncastillo Barber: pablothebvrbe Grooming: thejennysauce Manicure: yukie_miyakawa_nails Styling assistant: chardonnayt, lili._._.ilil Tailo...