Cory Hardrict
Cory Hardrict, who has acted in film and television for more than 20 years, has appeared in shows such as “CSI: Miami,” “Law & Order,” and “ER.” He played a recurring role on “Lincoln Heights” and “S.W.A.T.” and co-starred in “The Oath.” He is co-starring in the new CW series “All American: Homecoming,” a spinoff following the fourth season of the CW’s “All American” set on the campus of an HBCU. It premiered in late February. He has worked as a producer on projects such as “Neighborhood Watch,” “Destined,” and “The Outpost.” He recently started his company Hardcor Films and is co-starring with Neil Brown Jr. in the company’s first film “Conmen,” which is about two Black conmen posing as FBI agents.
Jacket + Pants by Jeremy Willard
Boots by Pskaufman
What inspired you to start Hardcor Films?
What inspired me was having ownership over our narratives for film and television. I serve as a voice for the voiceless and want to inspire the next generation. I want to leave a legacy behind.
Tell us about the company and its mission?
Hardcor reflects the real world that’s underrepresented. The mission is to serve people, listen to the people, and deliver a great product that will last forever.
Suit by Jeremy Willard
Boots by Pskaufman
Is Hardcor working on any other projects right now?
Hardcor will be going into pre-production on a couple of films this Spring, "Conmen" and an Untitled Chicago-based film, about which I am excited.
What is your vision for the company and where do you see it growing in the coming years?
My vision with Hardcor is to always listen to that inner child’s voice when creating. To let my best work come from that space. I see Hardcor eventually growing into something similar to DreamWorks. Steven Spielberg is my idol. He’s always inspired me.
Left:
Jacket + Pants by Jeremy Willard
Boots by Pskaufman
Right:
Shirt by NORBLACK NORWHITE
Pants by Pro Club
Shoes by COS
What has been your favorite part of working on “Conmen”?
The collaboration and crafting great material with my brother Neil Brown Jr., who came up with this amazing film idea we both could star in. It's reminiscent of "Another 48 Hours" set on the backdrop of New Orleans. I'm excited about this one and we plan on making a franchise.
What made you want to take the role of Coach Marcus on “All American: Homecoming?”
I met with the show’s creator NK on the world she was creating as an expansion from the original "All American" series that was a huge hit for the CW. After reading the pilot I was blown away because this role hit so close to home with the relationships in the sports world set on the backdrop of HBCU’s and it was so real and authentic so I said it would be a blessing to be a part of something that could be so culturally moving and make a difference on television. This project will inspire our future leaders, and I want to be a part of that! I'm grateful!
What are you most excited for audiences to see in this first season of the show?
I'm excited for them to see how the characters evolve in these real-life situations in this show, which is entertaining and a lot of fun. It's a world that shows you anything is possible and gives it to you from the Black experience.
Varsity Jacket by Vintage
How did you prepare for the role?
I watched a lot of Denzel Washington, who is my favorite actor. Also, YouTube helped me because I researched tons of college coaches and HBCU coaches. I studied Deion Sanders, who’s a legend and he’s the head coach at Jackson State University in Mississippi. It was so inspiring to watch how he communicated with the athletes. I was moved so that helped me out as well.
Who or what most inspires you?
I will say I’m inspired by God because that’s the only reason I’m still here.
Coat by Vintage
Pants by Levis
On top of acting, you have also worked as a producer. Is this something you hope to explore and pursue more in the future?
Being a producer is top of my list! I'm about to go full steam ahead with it, learn more as I go from one project to the next.
Do you have any dream roles?
Denzel Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, and I save the world together. Someone please write it, lol.
Social Media.
Instagram: @coryhardrict
Shirt by NORBLACK NORWHITE
Pants by Pro Club
Shoes by COS
CREW CREDITS:
Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer + Creative Direction: Ben Cope
Talent: Cory Hardrict
Fashion Stylist: Erin Kobrin
Groomer: Courtney Housner at The Only Agency
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
