Boris Kodjoe is a father, actor, athlete, and advocate whose life is grounded in movement- both physical and spiritual. Born in Vienna and raised between cultures, Kodjoe was a world-ranked tennis player before finding a new rhythm in storytelling. Today, he brings the same discipline, intentionality, and presence to every role he inhabits—on screen, in family life, and in his wellness practice. Whether through morning meditation, time on the court, or moments of stillness with his children, he moves with a deep awareness of the mind-body connection and a commitment to living fully.
In conversation with JACQUES, Kodjoe reflects on the metaphors he’s carried from sport into life, the courage required for reinvention, and how tending to the self is an act of service to others.
Can you share your connection to the philosophy of an active mind and body?
The mind-body connection is paramount for me and my life and has led me to create daily routines that allow me to focus on increasing consciousness and being more present in every moment. Life keeps on 'lifing', so it's important for me to find ways to go from reactive to proactive and be the change or growth I want to see in my experience. Taking the time every morning to meditate and to work out has been key in being able to create peace and fulfillment in who I am.
How did your upbringing shape the structure and intention you bring to your life now?
My upbringing was the very definition of 'chaotic harmony', lots of changes around a pretty stable support system. What I knew was love and resilience, what I had to learn was discipline and courage. I was lucky to have a few very important role models in the first 25 years of my life who helped me understand and embrace the concepts of consistency and failure. Practicing discipline taught me the magic of consistency, and finding the courage to allow myself to make mistakes while being true to myself showed me the power of failure. On my journey so far I have yet to know success without either.
Tennis has remained a thread in your life. Over time, what has that connection revealed to you - about yourself, your mind, your body, and life beyond the game?
Tennis has been the accompanying soundtrack of my life since I could remember. Every memory or event was somehow connected to the game or the relationships I built through the game. It's such an important part of who I am because it helped program my hard drive. My whole value system was greatly informed by some of the lessons I learned on and around the tennis court. The game is such a perfect metaphor for life's challenges and triumphs. "You always have a chance, it's never over until the last point is played, mind over matter, every day is another day, you can always get better etc."
Tennis provided the safety and comfort that gave me confidence and identity. But transitions and transformations are a big part of life. I had to learn that honesty and courage are the first steps to being able to embrace who I presently am, then take the necessary and often scary steps to venture out of my comfort zone and into the unknown. That's when change and growth happens. I had to move to another country far away from everything I knew, meet new people, find my way around a new culture, learn a new language and start in a new business. It wasn't easy but today I feel like I can do anything.
You have built a life grounded in wellness, even within the chaos of a public life. What does it look like to stay in sync - and in integrity - both as an individual but also as a father and partner?
I believe that most people have abandoned themselves in the name of responsibility and every-day pressures. We think that we can't take care of ourselves while taking care of others, especially as fathers and partners. I strongly subscribe to the notion that my physical and mental and emotional health comes before anything and anyone else. I can only be the best provider, protector, supporter, motivator, teacher, partner, father and husband if I am my full, strong and healthy self. It's the most important investment I can make in my life, I therefore dedicate at least an hour every day to maintaining and growing that investment.
Who have been your greatest teachers and what lessons have you carried forward from them?
I've been very fortunate to have some amazing people in my life. I consider those relationships my biggest assets while my kids are my greatest accomplishments. And I found the greatest teachers to be those who do not aim to teach but to live authentically and with purpose.
For those walking their own rising paths - what do you hope to pass on, not just in form, but in feeling?
If I could share one piece of advice, it would be to live fully each day and without regret.
What practices do you return to when life feels particularly full — the rituals that help you recalibrate your mind and body?
Loving myself through meditation, prayer, exercise and eating good food.
How do you navigate ambition without losing presence?
I don't invest in the future more than in the now.
