For anyone who’s from Chicago, there’s a sense of loyalty that runs through the veins of those who were born and raised there. For Cory, the same is true. Even though he moved to Los Angeles more than 10 years ago, with less than $100 in his pocket and a dream, his family (aside from his wife and unborn child) still resides in his hometown.
“Chicago has taught me everything I know,” Cory says, “It instilled some qualities while growing up there and I brought them to Hollywood.”
For all the things that Chicago can be, there’s little opportunity for those who want to be in the entertainment industry to “make it big.” There are only two locations in this country that’ll present greater opportunities on a larger scale and after some years of grinding it out in Chicago, Cory made the move to the one with palm trees, great weather and beautiful beaches. The cold, overcrowded, fast-paced city of New York didn’t stand a chance. So, at the young age of 20, he took all that he had and followed his dreams to the Los Angeles.
Channeling the grief from the loss of his mother and turning it into inspiration for him to pursue acting more vigorously is what motivated him to make such a life changing move. After all, his mother was the one who took him to his first acting audition in Chicago at the age of 13. It was after that first audition that Cory was bit by the acting bug. He became more passionate about his craft. He took acting classes, acted in plays and took on some small acting roles, but that wasn’t enough.
Just as you would imagine, the transition from the Midwest to the west coast was anything but easy. He worked hard at a “regular” job to pay the bills, while simultaneously pursuing his acting career. However, he quickly realized that no matter how hard it would be, he wouldn’t give up.
“There was many times I wanted to turn around and leave, but I knew I couldn’t because I knew I was here for a reason,” Cory says.
More than a decade later, he’s still in Los Angeles, he’s on the brink of the release of his latest project, “Battle: Los Angeles,” he’s happily married to his wife, actress Tia Mowry of the popular show “The Game,” and he’s preparing for the birth of their first child.
Besides focusing on his home life, he’s filtering through projects, trying to find those that are just right for him. Being selective is key, especially when trying to determine the outcome of his career and establishing his credibility as an actor, he adds.
“I have to be passionate about it, it has to mean something to me,” he says. “If it’s not lined up in certain areas, then I don’t want to be a part of the project.”
As for his other talent, Cory has a love for the game of basketball, he admits. While he plays in an entertainment league in Los Angeles, whenever he’s not working, the thought of a spot on one of the two Los Angeles’ NBA teams still lingers in his mind.
Although he still has “hoop dreams,” the reality is that a few other things are important to him right now.
“Whether it’s raising my son, whether it’s my career, being a great husband, a great friend,” he says. “I just want it all to mean something when it’s all said and done.”
Follow Cory on Twitter @CoryHardrict.
