CORY HARDRICT EXPLAINS IT ALL

Television actor, Cory Hardrict’s work ethic is impeccable. His life story is the epitome of following your instincts and believing in yourself. Many of us are familiar with Cory Hardrict because he lace, Warm Bodies, Transcendence, Pacific Blue, City is a talented actor, married famous television twin Tia of Angels, Boston Public, NYPD Blue, Strong Medicine, Mowry, shared his profound love story on social me- Lincoln Heights, The Shield and Cold Case, Heroes, dia, and a family man. Hardrict also has a child with He’s Not That Into You, just to name a few. Mowry, named Cree Taylor Hardrict. However, the hard work doesn’t stop there. Hardrict Through his over decade long career Cory Hardrict was recently featured in the Oscar nominated film, has made a name for himself. However, some may not American Sniper with Bradley Cooper and Sienna Mill- know about his journey to stardom and his past strug- er in 2015. You can also catch him in the independent gles. It wasn’t an easy road for Hardrict but with faith, film, Brotherly Love on Netflix and will play Haitian persistence, consistency, and prayer, he immersed him- Jack in the 2PAC biopic, All Eyez on Me in 2017. Hai- self into acting. tian Jack was a music manager and executive for the late rap icon. The native began his career when he was fea- tured in local television shows, commercials, and print Hardrict took time from his busy schedule to speak ads. But, Hardrict earned his first national gig as a cast with Bleu Magazine about chasing the dream, finding member in the Oprah Winfrey’s film, There Are No the love of his life over a decade ago, fatherhood, his Children Here. The film was an enjoyable experience Netflix series, upcoming projects, and the life-lessons for Hardrict but an eye opener at the same time. He was he learned along the way. ready to hone his craft as an actor but needed to make some serious sacrifices if he wanted a shot in showbiz. Check out our exclusive with the television star! It was essential for Hardrict to pursue his dreams so he moved to Los Angeles with $75. He said good-bye to BLEU MAGAZINE: Thank you Corey for speaking the Midwest and hello, California. with Bleu today; we greatly appreciate it. I want to talk about your next movie, Spectral. After settling in the Golden State, Hardrict was featured CORY HARDRICT: Spectral is a science and thriller film M on television series, Smart Guy and Felicity. He also that will made it’s debut in December. In the film, we earned a shot on the big screen, debuting in the roman- are fighting with supernatural beings that are trying tic comedy, Fox 2000 Pictures’ Never Been Kissed with to take over New York City. It’s a great film for those and David Arquette. After the movie, who are interested in action films. I work with talent- he appeared in a plethora of films and television series ed people, from James Badge Dale to Nic Mathieu, including, Crazy/Beautiful, Battle: Los Angeles, Love- the director.

cracks. It was split into two characters as a way to let people the possible outcomes if we go left or right.

What was it like seeing Destined at the LA Film Festival and American Black Film Festival? I love the festival circuit and it was an amazing feeling to watch your film again at those festivals. People are recognizing my art and talent which is always a plus. I just want to keep it going from here on out. I make movies for the people, not for the money.

You’re also in the Tupac biopic, All Eyez on Me? What was it like playing Haitian Jack? It is truly a biopic worth watching! I enjoyed playing him in the movie and he was portrayed differently from songs and the media. He was an important person in Pac’s life, offered him guidance and support. I wasn’t CAN nervous because I love playing characters who are authentic and real. In order for me to play this role correctly, I had to do my research and study Haitian Jack. I had many conversations with Jack and he made sure I Can you explain to us your role in the movie Destined? played his character correctly. It’s going to be a great film; Demetrius I am thankful for being a part of this film; it’s a great movie. In the film, Shipp Jr, the guy who plays Pac is basically his twin. I am ruling for him I play two characters, Sheed and Rasheed. One is an architect and the because he is reliving Pac in this movie. other is a drug lord in two different worlds. The film gives you a repre- sentation of life’s parallels which are corporate and street life along with How have you evolved as an actor from when you first started? gentrification. I mean it’s a great story line and it reminds us about making I look back on my life and I believe I was able to have a career as an actor wise decisions. If you don’t, you can get caught up and fall through the because of God, my mother, and starring in my first professional film,

There Are No Children Here as an extra. It was a my personal life from my career. Acting is a job, big deal for me because after the film, I fell in love family is my main priority. with acting. And 22 years later, I can reveal real life experiences through art. My art has the ability to Would you like your son, Cree to join the intimidate real life and I am giving back to people at family business? the same time. It’s always about the people, not me., I mean he was offered a few commercials and proj- IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT I understand without God, I wouldn’t have a suc- ects. But, honestly, I want him to be happy and cessful career in this business. And now that I am enjoy being kid. I don’t want to pressure him into THE PEOPLE, NOT ME. I a husband and father, my outlook on life changed this business. I want Cree to go to school, have fun, greatly. I am a grown man who has a support system and learn. He’s five and already like sports. He also at home, my wife Tia and son Cree. plays the piano so he is pretty much exploring his UNDERSTAND WITHOUT talents and interests. The entertainment industry is known to be GOD, I WOULDN’T HAVE A very strenuous and cut-throat. How do you What advice would you offer young adults balance family with work? who do not have a strong support system First of all, people need to know that celebrities are at home? SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN still human beings. The only difference between NEVER give up! Fear is the trick of the enemy. me and the “average person,” according to society It will definitely talk you out of your dream. You THIS BUSINESS. is money. And with that being said, my family and have to stay focus and keep your eyes on the prize. home life comes first. I am a family man who ap- You have to believe yourself; if you don’t, then preciates his support system. My wife and son keep who will? Your way of thinking has to change and me grounded. My wife, Tia was there for me when I understand nothing happens overnight. I would didn’t have anything but believed in me. As a man, also say work on your craft, have faith, trust God, CORY HARDICT it is important for me to be there for my family and and understand that all things are possible. Go for keep everything in its’ proper perspective. I separate it, aim high!