Cory Hardrict is no stranger to taking risks and making them count. The actor, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, opened up to Baller Alert Correspondent Ty Cole at the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Gala about his journey in the entertainment industry, his passion for storytelling, and how he’s laying the groundwork for the next generation.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career, Cory shared a story about his bold move to Los Angeles. “I took a shot by getting a one-way ticket to California,” he revealed. “The ticket was $75, and I remember telling my stepdad that I knew someone here. I really didn’t, but I knew when I came, I wasn’t going back to Chicago. And now, here I am, talking to you. Look at God.” Cory’s leap of faith paid off, and his career has flourished since that decisive moment.
Cory’s recent role in Divorcing the Black has people talking, showcasing his ability to dive deep into complex characters. When asked if he ever surprises himself with his performances, Cory humbly replied, “I’m into the service business. It’s all about the people. I act from a place of an audience member. I know what I want to see, so I give it to them. I just go a thousand.” He expressed gratitude to Tyler Perry for the opportunity and left it all on the screen, which resonated with audiences globally. “The movie went on to be a global hit, number one, streaming, and it’s still doing amazing for Amazon. I’m blessed to be a part of something like that,” he said, giving a shoutout to his co-star Megan Good as well.
But Cory isn’t stopping there. He’s taking his talents behind the camera by launching his own production company. “I started my own production company, and my first film is coming next summer. We’re starting in June, and we’re shooting in Chicago,” he announced proudly. “It’s something I’ve been working on for years, and it’s been hard to get everything going, but now we have it all squared away. I want to give back, help other people, bring opportunity to the city of Chicago, and leave a legacy behind for my kids.”
When Ty asked if he’d consider casting him in a future project, Cory was supportive but real. “If you’re great at what you do and it fits you, go fight for it. Keep fighting for it,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication.
Family is clearly a priority for Cory, and he lights up when talking about his children. “My son is very proud of me. He tells me all the time, ‘Dad, I’m so proud of you, I love you.’ His friends come up to him and say, ‘Man, your dad’s amazing.’ That makes me smile because my son can look up to a positive Black man in this world,” Cory shared. He’s equally supportive of his kids’ dreams, no matter what they choose to pursue. “My son wants to be a pilot. He wants to go to the NBA and to aviation school. He’s really great at planes. Me and his mom support him in everything, and that’s what we do. We put the kids before everything, as you should.”
