Cory Hardrict–I'm An Actor

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Touré Show – Cory Hardrict Episode

Introduction In the April 23, 2025 episode of The Touré Show, host Torre engages in an insightful conversation with acclaimed actor Cory Hardrict. Known for his roles in films like Die Like a Man and All Eyes on Me, Cory delves into his journey in the acting industry, personal life, parenting after divorce, and his perspectives on Hollywood’s evolving landscape.

Early Career and Acting Inspirations Cory begins by reflecting on his early inspirations, prominently citing Denzel Washington as a major influence. He emphasizes Denzel's dedication to his craft and the mystique he maintains, which has kept him respected in the industry.

Cory Hardrict (01:02): "I love Denzel Washington because he came up in an era where it was just all about his craft and acting. There wasn't a focus on how famous he was outside of his abilities."

Cory traces his passion for acting back to his childhood experience as an extra in an Oprah Winfrey movie in Chicago. This early exposure ignited his desire to pursue a career in acting.

Cory Hardrict (20:49): "When my mom took me to an open casting call for Oprah Winfrey's movie, I loved being an extra. It was my first step into what I could do for my career."

Personal Life and Parenting A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Cory’s life post-divorce and his approach to co-parenting. He discusses the challenges of raising children while balancing his career, highlighting the importance of being a present and supportive father.

Cory Hardrict (34:43): "I am a present dad. I see my kids two, three, four times a week and make sure I'm there for their events and daily needs."

Cory shares heartfelt anecdotes about his interactions with his 13-year-old son and six-year-old daughter, emphasizing the different approaches required for each child’s emotional and developmental needs.

Cory Hardrict (38:52): "My daughter gives me so much strength because when she sees me, it's like, 'Daddy, I love you.'"

Acting Techniques and Method Cory discusses his acting process, highlighting his balance between preparation and spontaneity. He prefers to connect personally with his characters without overpreparing, allowing his instincts to guide his performances on set.

Cory Hardrict (12:24): "I read the script, identify qualities I share with the character, and create a backstory. I don’t overprepare because I like my instincts to kick in on set."

He touches upon his approach to Method Acting, admitting he employs some techniques but maintains a clear boundary between his personal life and his roles.

Cory Hardrict (17:14): "I would say some Method. When the camera's on, I'm method, but off camera, I'm not living that character."

Experiences Working with Esteemed Directors Cory shares memorable experiences working with legendary directors like Clint Eastwood and Tyler Perry. He praises Clint Eastwood’s efficiency and direction style, which demands preparedness and adaptability.

Cory Hardrict (26:08): "Clint Eastwood shoots fast and lets you do your thing. It requires you to be prepared and brings out the best in your performance."

Similarly, his collaboration with Tyler Perry is highlighted as a positive experience where Perry’s relaxed and encouraging demeanor allowed Cory to enjoy the process and deliver authentic performances.

Cory Hardrict (28:09): "Tyler Perry gives you the freedom to have fun and let loose. It was an amazing experience."

Hollywood Industry Insights Cory offers a candid critique of Hollywood’s shift towards intellectual property and blockbuster franchises, expressing a longing for the return of character-driven, original storytelling that dominated earlier decades.

Cory Hardrict (23:58): "Character stories and indie spirit films like Die Like a Man are rare now, but they’re a breath of fresh air."

He acknowledges the necessity to adapt to the changing industry while maintaining his commitment to his craft.

Cory Hardrict (24:20): "The times are changing; it’s more like an entertainment business first. But if you have real talent, you’ll find your way through."

Challenges and Resilience as a Black Actor Addressing the unique challenges faced by Black actors, Cory discusses the resilience and strength inherent in the Black experience. He underscores the importance of representation and creating opportunities within the community to sustain and amplify Black voices in the industry.

Cory Hardrict (52:32): "I love the struggle and our resilience as being Black. We have so much strength and so much to give."

Cory also highlights the disparities in opportunities, contrasting his experiences with those of his White counterparts, and emphasizes the need for perseverance and community support.

Cory Hardrict (55:33): "I have a list of credits, but opportunities grind slow. It gets exhausting, but I stay prepared and keep doing what I’m meant to do."

Future Aspirations and Projects Looking ahead, Cory expresses his ambition to expand his influence by running his own production company, Hardcore Films, aiming to revive the impactful storytelling of the 90s and bring authentic Black narratives to a global audience.

Cory Hardrict (59:12): "I want to create films that serve our community and take them global through our experience."

He remains hopeful that his dedication and continuous improvement will eventually lead to more prominent roles and collaborations with influential filmmakers.

Cory Hardrict (51:38): "I believe that what’s meant for you will find you. I’m open to meeting new people and showing the world what I can do."

Conclusion The episode concludes with Torre thanking Cory for his candid and inspiring insights. Cory’s journey exemplifies resilience, dedication to craft, and a deep commitment to his family and community. Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of Cory Hardrict’s multifaceted life as an actor and father navigating the complexities of Hollywood.

Torre (59:38): "Thank you so much, Cory, for a great interview."

Cory Hardrict (59:38): "Thank you."

Notable Quotes:

• Cory Hardrict (01:02): "There’s still a mystique about [Denzel] and it works for him. And I'm just like, he's so awesome to this day."
• Cory Hardrict (24:20): "The times are changing; it’s more like an entertainment business first."
• Cory Hardrict (52:32): "We have so much strength and so much to give."

This episode offers a deep dive into Cory Hardrict’s personal and professional life, shedding light on his motivations, challenges, and aspirations. It's an inspiring listen for aspiring actors and anyone interested in the dynamics of balancing career and family in the entertainment industry.

Transcript

[Torre]

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[Corey Hardrict]

Who are the actors who you have really watched? To teach you yourself, this is how it's done.

Denzel. Everything about Denzel's career I love. Like always be like, I'll be calling myself sometimes I'll just be playing. I'd be like baby Denzel, you know. But I love Denzel Washington because he came up in an era where it was like, you know, it was just all about his craft and acting. It wasn't about how famous you were outside of his, you know, abilities to show you that he's the greatest or one of the greatest. And he still held onto that today. There's still a mystique about him and it. And it works for him. And I'm just like. And he's so awesome to this day. And I just, I look up to him. The Turret show. Okay, though the tour ratio.

Okay, though that might be the best question I've ever been asked.

You's a phenomenal person. I mean, you legendary. I am a fan of you. My brother.

Corey Hardrick is an amazing young actor. He stars and ep'd Die Like a Man. A very interesting new piece. He's been an actor for a long time. So I wanted to talk about the craft. I wanted to talk about raising kids after divorce. I want to talk about being single in Hollywood right now. Let's get into it. It's Cory Hardrict on Torre show. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Corey, we're talking about your son, but really, let's talk about you. Okay, Right, because you're like, your son grows up in southern la, right? Yes. Two great parents, right?

Yeah, yeah.

So he's chilling, right? Private school, you come up out the mud, right? He's never gonna be as hard as you are. Were'cause of where now we could be like, that's good. He should not have. Cause your hardness is part of the trauma that you're dealing with. Grow up in the bullshit in Chicago. But we do notice the kids are not as tough as we are. We worry about, what is it? So just what do you think about all of that?

Well, what I do think about it, you gotta have good balance now for these kids. Because like I say, growing up in la, he's used to. You know, my son loves sushi and nannies. Yeah, I didn't grow up. You know, all the kids watch each other, right? Momma go to work, mom and dad go to work. You all on your own, trying not.

To get shot, right?

Just navigating, walking.

How long were you when you saw a dead body?

Oh, wow. You know what? I don't think I saw a dead body. I saw it, like, happening, but I don't know if they died or not. I don't. I didn't stick around for that. I didn't stick around.

Right, right.

Oh, they shooting. I'm getting hell out of here. Somebody got shot. You duck and you're running. You don't know. Like, you may hear the aftermath, but you didn't see it.

And thank God your kids know nothing.

They don't gotta see. And thank God that, you know, we're in a great place to make sure our kids will never see that now, at least, so. But I try to teach them, like, you need that. You need that toughness, though, to survive in this world. Because outside of mom and dad, it's like, when you get out in that world, it's. It's some sharks out here, it's wolves. They don't care. It's like, you know, you gotta. You gotta really be prepared for it. And what more can you teach your kids? Like, it's through experience. So I try to let him know who his family is. I try to give him tough love. Like we. I wrestle with them, just slap them slap by, like, come on, let's fight.

You do.

Oh, you come at me with his head down, boy. Put your head up. You gotta see what you. I just. I do that and it's just like, I love my son, but I'm like, I know what he needs.

A little work. Is he. Does he get. Does he know how to fight, like with you, or is he kind of soft?

He gotten to no fight yet, so we still working on trying to prepare him if that happens.

Just the fight spirit is not spirit.

It's. No, it's really not. You know, he's a gentle giant. Like he's going to be like tall, like at the high butt, you know, up here, the waist. He's only 13, probably be like 6, 8 or something. But really he's going to be a big, big guy. Yes.

Where that from?

I don't know, cuz you ain't that.

That tall.

By four and a half.

So how he gonna be six? Who?

I don't.

Your dad. Her dad.

Her, her grandfather was really tall and my dad is tall.

Okay. Yes.

And his pediatrician was like, yeah, he's in the like 95. He's gonna be really big.

That's crazy.

Yeah.

So would he go into entertainment or really? Would you encourage him to go into entertainment or you'd be like, nah, you don't want.

He already had opportunities. Like he was on his mom's show. He also had opportunities to do like movies and other shows. He said, I don't want to do it. I want to play basketball and just go to school. I didn't force him. I was like, you sure, son? This is. You can pay for your own school with this, son. N. Dad, I, I want to.

Cuz some actors are like, you don't want to be in this.

Yeah, I gave, I, I let him decide and I gave him the, the choice, like, and his mom did too. And I said, okay, whatever makes you happy, you know, but if you want to do it later, you know, you can help me out on some of these bills, you know, if you want to start paying for some of your stuff, son. But now I love my son whatever he wants.

You're a father figure in your movie Die Like a Man. Yes. But also a thug.

Yes.

So is there a duel and you're the EP and the star. Yes. But is this the duality of like, he's a good guy, but he's also got some rough edges?

No, my character was nothing good about him.

Okay. But he's a father figure.

He's a father figure, but misguiding this young man in the wrong direction, like he condones the street life. You got to get out there and earn your stripes, you know, through gun violence and you know, you know, like not like not being soft, you know, you got to earn your keep in the community. So I, I encourage the violence aspect of him. And what I'm saying is the movie is really truthful to like that culture, you know, because it's, you know, Los Angeles is tough. And then especially this movie was shot in, like, the Venice, Culver City area. And it gives you that 90s feel of LA, like that boyz n the Hood. But it's more of, like, a slow burn. It's like an indie spirited film, but it has that slow burn feel. But it represents black and brown culture. Like, it's so truthful because our filmmaker, Eric Azarian, is from that area and he lived that life. So we were shooting in the real communities. East LA gangsters was rolling up on us, taxing the production. They didn't tax me.

See, y'all had to check in.

You checked in, they were serious, but.

You didn't check in.

I didn't check in.

How did you get out of it? But the film had to fit in.

You know what? When I saw it going down, I just kind of walked right around the house and said, I'm going to be back here. Because I got the teardrop right here in braids. And I'm like, they know we're filming. But then they start looking like, where you from? I'm like, you see these cameras? They walk right past the police. The police was like, that's crazy.

Yeah. So nothing we can do.

But what happened was it did bring out that real thing. Like, okay. I felt threatened a little to give the performance of my life. Kind of like, because we're in this environment, I used it, see.

Well, talk about that. Seeing the real guys gave you a sense of pressure, a sense of like, that's what I'm going for.

Like, it gave me a sense of, like, danger. But it was like an exciting danger element that I gotta use this because I knew I was gonna be cool, but I was like, okay, let me use this because it's real around here. So I'm gonna. Let me absorb this atmosphere and put it into the camera. And that's what I did, so. And yeah, I embodied the guy, so it was fun.

They really. You don't usually see these sort of people. They don't just hang out. And when you are near them, there is an energy, a menace. Even if they're chilling, you know, like, it could pop off. They are looking at the world in a different way. Right. You can clearly see, like, they've been through some.

They've been through it.

They started some, they finished some shit.

They still in the shit. They still in it, right?

Like. And you can. And. And I mean, you can use that, I guess.

You can use it. Yeah. I remember I got followed Back to the freeway a couple times. Yeah, like, fought, like, because we were shooting in El Monte, like Easter, like east la. And I remember a few times I got, like, followed, like, to the freeway. And then I was just, you know, wait a second. What's going on? I ain't, you know, let me. All right, let me gun it a little bit. Hit that freeway, I'm out. Boom.

They following you to what?

I have no idea. I didn't stick around. Find out. Didn't stick around. I got out of there.

You're not stick around a person.

I'm not sticking around to find out. Hey, I'm not gonna slow down. Hey, what's going on? No, I'm from Chicago. Don't. Survival. See, growing up in Chicago, some survival instincts. Someone else will panic or fold under pressure. I've been there. I know your eyes are cut in every direction. All the mirror. I know you sense when it's something, and then you just know how to. Okay, I'm gonna get past that. I know how to get past that.

You know, when somebody starts running, don't ask, why are they there? Just go.

He tell black folk, when someone run, we just. Are we all running?

Just what are we running?

If you get up and run now, me, we all running up outta here with you. I'll ask you on the street like, hey, it's Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown.

And Chris Sullivan from that Was Us.

[Torre]

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[Corey Hardrict]

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[Torre]

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[Corey Hardrict]

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[Corey Hardrict]

Yeah.

When I give you a script, this is your next job. What do you do from that moment till you hit the set so that you're ready?

First I read the script. I see if there's anything I can identify with the character that has qualities of myself to bring to it. And then I start researching like far as what kind of film it is. Make a backstory for the character as well. Just give them a lot of different layers and a lot of things to pull from. And then I just. What I like to do is I don't over prepare or overstudy for a character because I like my instincts to kick in a lot when I show up to set. Like if I show up to set and in the script it was like it's sunny outside, 80 degrees and it's raining. I gotta know how to adapt to the rain. Now your lines, the delivery's changing so I try to go in open because of the weather. Yeah, like that little thing will make you know, you don't know if you know, you shaking now, you wet, so you gonna respond different than when it was hot. So it's kind of like I like to keep some type of instincts where it's gonna be natural and authentic the day of, you know, I kind of know my foundation of where I need to be. But then I'm up for anything to. I need, I need to, you know, go with the flow. And that gives like an authenticity to the performance.

Okay. You're in the moment. I'm not just doing what I prepared at home, but I am very much here.

Yes.

And you're responding to what your scene or line partner is doing. Right.

And you respond. It's like a tennis match. You got to respond, you got to do a lot of listening. But like I say, and then you. I want to give the director and I want to put it all in the camera and give him something, or her, whoever's the filmmaker, something to Say, I wasn't thinking of that. How did I. How did he bring out something else to add it to this character? And that's what I do. And I leave it there, and it's up to them to edit it, cut.

It how they want it. A lot of times actors will pause in the midst of their thing, right? I got three sentences, and I take a big pause in the midst of those three sentences. And the other person just sitting there waiting for you to fit it into. And like you. You stretching out your bow.

Some people stretch it, but if they stretch it, that's their moment, right? Until. If the director don't, no one says nothing, then I guess that's their moment. And I'll just wait and just take that in and listen. And, you know, it's about a lot of listening. And those moments are very key. Like, the best acting is when there's nothing being said right. To me, it's like the stillness.

Well, if you can make me feel or understand what is happening at that moment in the story. Without words. That's really powerful.

Without words. Yeah. I think it was because I used to watch a lot of Marlon Brando movies and famous acting. Acting coach, I think it was. Meisner is like a thousand words. Is like. It's like thoughts or something's. Like this term that he used to use. But, like, your thoughts are more important than, like, your words. Like, the thought of. Of the action is way more important than actual words. I'm gonna find that quote because I don't want to misquote him. But it was like. I was like, okay, so.

So. So you're in the moment, doing the scene.

Yes.

And you want to. You want to be. You remember the lines, but you want to be here. But are you internally imagining yourself to be this other person? So it's not Corey, it's him. Because internally, your internal monologue is him.

Yes. And there's no right. There's nothing wrong. Like, everything is right that I do because it's not me. So I can't even think like Corey. I gotta think like the character. So everything is, like, I feel like is okay to explore with. Right? So it's like. That's the fun part about it. Like, just letting go and breathing this character and living in the character and taking risks as the character without thinking. Corey made that decision. Cause Corey didn't.

You do think like the character.

Corey didn't. So I try it all on set. I experiment. When I'm on the set, I just experiment.

It's interesting because I can control my body. It's hard to control your thoughts. Right. Like, extraneous thoughts will come in and you may push it back. But. Right. People be like, I'm fat. I'm like, I don't want to think that.

Right.

You know, focus here in the grocery store. Like, I'm at work. Like, why are you so. So to tell me that you're thinking, like the character. I'm like, that's this extraordinary amount of control. Because the mind is like, I'm gonna do. Right. The mind seems to be the one part of the body that's like, I'm gonna do what I want to do. You figure it out.

Yeah, but it gives me a sense of freedom playing characters, because it's not me. So whatever you're seeing is not Corey. You know what I'm saying? Like, I know how to go back to Corey when I'm not in character. So that's where the freedom lies for me.

So are you method?

I would say some. A little bit. I would say some. Some method.

It's funny.

Cause I would say some.

In my experience as an interviewer, most black actors say, no, I'm not method because I couldn't be. Because I'm quite often playing a violent individual. And being that in the rest of the set would be unacceptable.

Oh, you mean to stay. See, I'm method. When the camera's hidden, like, I'm method. But when it's off camera, like, I'm not gonna go to the Starbucks. And he's still in character. Like, I'm not, I'm not that type of character, if that's what you mean. Like, he takes it home with him, you know, can't do that. No, I don't really take it home because it's still just acting. At the end of the day, I take it so serious, but it's still acting.

I, I, you know, I love taking.

Method somewhere else in the street, somewhere you get your ass whooped for real. Something to go down, you know, like, just gotta stay at work.

So. With the hood guys.

Yeah.

I really respect you for your. In All Eyes on Me, the Tupac.

Oh, wow. Yes.

You played Haitian Jack, who. You know, those of us who remember Pac lived through Pac. I covered him on the sexual assault trial. I was there. The man had sexual. I was there every day.

Wow. Okay.

You know, before Jack shot him. After Jack shot him, he came in the wheelchair. So Jack was a very real character to us. Like, and, and, and we heard stories about how big and bad he was that couldn't make it to the news. So that. That was a hell of a character.

Yes, I spoke. I spoke with him.

You did?

I spoke with him. Yeah, I spoke. What you want to talk about, man? Just Benny, Benny Boom, the director. He wanted me to speak to him because, like, I said. Everything you said, they say he was really that guy. All the stuff you heard was true. And I'm like, oh, man, let me see if I can get some. Some jewels from him just to bring some authenticity. And he definitely was. You know, it was some cool conversations and listening to him and the stories he would tell me. And I would be like, wow, you know, okay. He would call me sometimes.

Like, you talked to him a bunch?

Yeah. What's up? We talk. Cause I was trying to, like. And then we stopped talking because I was like, okay, I got everything I need. Cause he's like, you know, let me fly you down here. I'm. Nah, I'm still a movie, you know, Let me focus on the character. But it's all good. I appreciate you, but they had to change his name because of the movie. They. They made his name. His name was Nigel in the film. Because of some other things going on, we knew that they can't. Can't make the name do right.

What did you get from. From talking to him.

From talking to him, I just felt like he was. He was really feared. He was not for real. Like, I can hear in his voice some of the stories. I don't know if I could share them, but I was like, he was fear. It was scary talking on the phone, so. But he was cool.

He was cool as hell, but he was feared. Yes. He would show up and people would be like, oh, my God.

Yeah. I believed every word he said. Like, you know, he talks somebody. I was like, no, I believe this guy.

Yeah.

And, yeah, he. He was. Anything you need, Corey, I'll be down there. And I. Do you need me? No, I'm. I'm cool. I'm not in the streets like that, you know, a thousand people show up. I got you. No, I'm okay. I'm. I'm an actor. I know. No, I'm okay. I'm not going to make them calls.

Why are you an actor?

So I love it, you know, I feel like I was born to do it. It's my purpose.

Yeah.

Yeah. I love. I love playing characters that represents us or, you know, that can go universal, that people can relate to. And I just love everything about it.

When did the love start?

When my mom took me to open casting Call for Oprah Winfrey's movie. There are no children here. It was like 30 years ago, 32 years ago in Chicago. And I was an extra in the movie. I had one line, and that line was just, hey, that was started there. You month and a half, two months on that set. That's all I said was, hey, love being an extra. I loved it. I don't.

Because I've done a tiny bit. Being an extra was not fun. Being in the midst of it and having lines and like.

But when this first. That was my first anything. So I would see Oprah from a distance, and I felt like Oprah was like, God, you know, in Chicago, Oprah, Michael Jordan, they were like, the biggest ever for Chicago. And just to see Oprah. And I was like. And breathing the same air as her, you know, like, that's Oprah.

Yeah.

I was so excited. And then they throw us in that room with one bag of donut, the box of one donuts and water, and we all had the chairs. I was. That was exciting because this was. I was like. And then you saw some people in there, you know, like, yeah, I don't want to be here. And I was like, man, I want to really be here. This is amazing. When do I go back on set to say hey again? Like, that was fun. Then it just hit me from there. I said, this is what I could do for my career.

Looking at a lot of things you did early on Felicity and never been kissed. It's girl centric. So I'm like. He was like. The girls was like, he's cute. So keep putting him in front of the girls. Like, was that the vibe?

No, the vibe was just trying to get work just to. Just to eat.

You wanted that. I wanted what the industry is like, he's cute. Girls want to see.

Okay, I can see that. I can see that. Yeah, I can see that. And then it got into, like I said, after that, it started getting to more like, you know, characters like menacing figures, you know, And I've never, like, really been a menace in real life, even though I grew up around it. And. And then it just went to that. But I told. I. I told Michelle, like, I want to do a romantic comedy. I want to. I want to, you know, get the. Say, get the girl from the building, you know?

But you had to learn how to be menacing.

Yeah, a little bit.

Because people were asking you to do that.

They love it. They love me playing this hard character. And I love action as well. I've done a lot of action films as well. But something about playing the menacing character gives me. It just kind of gives me that adrenaline rush, you know, thinking like, Marvel villain is next for me. That's what I'm speaking. I'm putting that in the universe.

You want to be a Marvel villain?

Yeah, I want to play. I want to play one of those characters, though.

I mean, that would be an honor. To be a Marvel villain.

Yeah. Never having the opportunity to even read for Marvel. I would love to have that opportunity one day, you know.

I know you've heard the Don Cheadle story. They called him at his kid's birthday party.

No.

Would you like to be. Oh, you have one hour to decide. I'm at my kid's birthday party. It's Saturday afternoon. Do you have 59 minutes to just like. Yes, yes.

He didn't hang up that phone. He's like, oh, in the 58th minute, I'm doing it.

Yes, yes.

You don't say no to Marvel. Like, yes, please. Come on.

But this is an interesting point because this is where we are in Hollywood now, that we used to get a lot of character driven, original, artful stories and now we get a lot of intellectual property and movies that are about products or characters. And like, yes. The actors aren't really the stars. The intellectual property is the star. And like.

Yes.

How do you feel about that?

The times is changing, you know, it's more like it's entertainment business, you know, first.

Yes.

Character stories and those type of. Those indie spirit, like Die Like a Man's. And so those films are not really here no more. That's why I was, you know, when I read it, I was like, this is like a breath of fresh air, you know, to do that type of film. But it's the way of the business. You gotta adapt to it. I mean, I feel like if you do have real talent, you continue to find your way through. Like, you won't. You'll be fine. Even if the business is moving and shaping to what it is today, you know? Cause I keep the main thing, the main thing, which is my crap, you know, and that's what's important to me.

Do you go to class?

I have a few acting coaches and I study for each job I get. Even when I get a movie or a show, I study every night when I rap or even before I prepare.

By studying, you mean you're going through your lines?

Yes, but with a coach and still get coached. So I'm not like, I have a class that I go to every once in a while, but I have more of a day to day coach.

One relationship that still coaches me. One single person for everything.

Yep, yep, everything.

What does that do? Working with a coach.

Just keeps me sharper, just keeps me on my toes, keeps me prepared. And you know, someone who's just not. They're not really in the business. So it's kind of like they can give it to me like straight, like keep me real with me. And you know, they're not here just to say, hey, I'm a help you with this just because you're an actor. It's like I really trust this person, you know what I'm saying? Because they're not even in the business like that. So. Yeah.

You did two movies with Clint Eastwood. What is that like?

Amazing. I love Ms. Clint Eastwood because he, he's like one take, he'll shoot the rehearsal or he'll shoot the take and then you move on. So you really got to be prepared. Like when you're working with him and he lets you do your thing, like ad lib, he lets you just get it off, like whatever you got to get off. If it's good, he lets you do it. And I love that. Like, I love everything about him because it's just like, you know, west, like the western man's man type of feel. And that's what I am as an actor. And it's just like he gets it with me, so I wish I could work with him again.

So actors director.

Yeah, yeah, Actors director. For sure. For sure.

He seems very tough and gruff to me, having never met him.

He's a man of few words, but he's so powerful. When I say powerful, he'll come on set, he'll give one look and it's so. It's radio silent and everyone's moving. You see everyone moving, but it's like they're gliding. How everyone's moving, but things are getting done. And his days are 8 to 10 hour day film days. On action. Like on action. We were doing American Sniper, like action movie, 8 Days and he's done. We're out. He's not. Explosions. Yeah, his days are short.

Why are you doing short?

Because everyone knows their position and they get the job done. Like you don't. There's no time for like a lot of downtime. Like things are really efficient, you know what I'm saying? And they really respect him. He's had the same people that worked with him for like 30 years. 30 or 30 years plus. Yeah.

And then you've done a bunch of.

Tyler Perry as well, I'd done. Yes. I've done one film. That was my first one, Divorce in the Black. It came out last summer, and it did really well. It, like, broke records for Amazon.

Entirely different experience than working with Clint Eastwood.

Similar, because Tyler shoots fast, too.

He does shoot fast.

Yes. But I would say Tyler and Clint Eastwood are similar because Tyler gave me the freedom like Clint did. Tyler gave me the freedom, him, like, to go and have fun, like, you know, just let loose. And he was enjoying it. Like, I would see him laughing behind the camera, and when I see a filmmaker laughing, I'm like, okay, I got him. Like, we're together on this thing. He's gonna let me rock. And he, like I said, it was an amazing experience. And he shoots. Shoots really fast because he knows what he wants. He kept saying, corey, you're gonna be happy. Trust me. I got you gonna be happy. He kept saying that throughout the whole shoot. So he liked what I was doing. And it did amazing.

So he shoots fat. I know he shoots fast.

Sometimes his bullhorn, you know, I got the bullhorn on set.

I was like, slow down.

He goes fast.

Why you go so fast? There's no race.

He goes really, really fast. But it worked, man, because everyone loved the movie. And people still, like, to this day, are like, man, Dallas, like, walking around. They call me Dallas. And I love that character.

I know. I know people love his audience. Loves him to death, and God bless him. And he serves. He super serves his audience, you know, I mean, I've had this conversation with him of, like, maybe you could slow down, right? And it would be better.

But if it works, it works. If it works, it works. It works.

And he's developed a lot as an actor, I think, over time.

Yes.

And personally, don't just say yes.

I'm saying yes. What am I supposed to say? No, Tori, No. No. Yes.

And don't just say.

You want me to elaborate?

Yes.

You want me to elaborate on it.

I don't want to talk about your relationship. I want to talk about the future.

Yeah.

Are you dating?

No. Not dating my kids. I ain't got time right now. Busy man. You know, I'm locked in, I'm focused. And I believe dating is something that I will be open for. It just gotta feel like I'm not chasing it. It's kind of coming to me, you know? And right now it's just like, I'm still trying to figure out who I am right now, you know what I'm saying? Being, you know, in a relationship for a while and being married for a while. And my priorities is like career and children. So right now, this is where I am today. You know, who knows, a year from now where that may be 20 years.

In one situation, it's a whole adjustment. Even, like I walk down the street with another person. Like, this is different. Like, I've been doing that over here. Happy, sad, whatever. Like switching it up is like.

Right, right. I mean, I haven't done that yet. So it just. Sometimes it feel. It just feels. The idea of it feels frightening. Like you just walking down the street and holding somebody else hand or, you know, having a girlfriend or date. Like, I just feel like. Feels a little frightened right now.

You haven't even. You haven't broached this side of life at all.

You say broach. What do you mean?

Have you been having. You have not had dates since your marriage ended?

Well, you the first one that's asked me this. You the first person got some companionship, friends, you know, I would say just friends. Yeah. I'm just locked in, so.

Right.

You know, I'm just kind of locked in right now. You know.

I respect.

I'm locked in right now. I can really bear.

Cannot live by work alone.

I know. You know, I like to go to the gym. You know, I like to swim tore.

You know, like you would probably have. The dating seed would come to you and would interrupt you as you're trying to work out.

You know, just to let you know.

Just in case you're interested, I am available.

Listen, I am single and occasionally I mingle. There you go.

What are you looking for?

Nothing. Whatever God has for me, I ain't looking for nothing. I'm being honest.

What trips the eye?

Intelligence. Yeah, intelligence.

Can't see intelligence across the room, Corey.

Yeah, you can. You see. You see it in the eyes.

You see it.

You feel it. You feel the vibration.

You can definitely feel somebody who's thinking more. More than somebody who's knocked. I think that's fair.

Yeah. Like I say, I'm. I haven't. Like I said, I have not been out in the world like far as, like socially a lot. You know what I'm saying? Like, I really. I'm closed off. I'm just still learning how to get out and be about and just move on. Because sometimes it still feels like you married. Like it sometimes still feels that way. It's just, you know, you been with someone so long, 20, 24 years, married almost 15. It's just like. That's like your life. Right. So just the new normal Is. I don't know what that still feels. I don't even know what that feels like.

Imagine co parenting makes you feel like we're still in it because you're kind of going through some of the same exercises and can you pick up you whatever, all those sort of things.

And we're co parenting. We attend all our children's functions like far as, like one's in basketball, one's in track, and we're still family to this day. You know, of course the love is still there. We still love each other, we still support each other. It's still there. And so that's. And then we go to our separate homes, you know what I'm saying? Outside of when I have my children or when I have the kids. So that's still adjust like for me just to adjust that life to adjust to that life still is just still new to me.

So did you get a fair schedule?

What you mean.

Like you like you have them 50 of the time or.

Yeah, so I, I, you know, we have a fair co parenting schedule. She, you know, the kids, of course, live with the mom, but I, you know, I get the kids when I get them and I'm, I see my kids two, three, four times a week.

Beautiful.

Yeah. So I'm present, I'm present all the events. I'm, I'm the president, I'm a present dad. I only live five minutes away. And you know, I'm close, you know, and if she needs me, I'm there. Like, I'm still, I'm still there. You still feel my presence? Daily.

That's beautiful. Cause it's, it's, it's, it's hard. It's tough after the divorce and dad moves and like you gotta be active and conscious and intentional to continue being that constant presence that you were when you lived there.

Right. You gotta kind of do double. Cause you're not there. So you gotta. I gotta send more advice to my side. I talk to him more. Son, make sure you, you know, you setting the alarm. Like, I still live there. Son, make sure you. And it is because it's just like you, you, you're. When the dad's still there, it's kind of like the protector's there so you can take over and take care of some of them things, you know, like, well, when I'm not there, I'm like, hey son, you gotta do this, you gotta do that. Did you swim today? You do your laps, you homework and it's just like. Yeah, it gets exhausting.

It's tricky about 13 and 6 where you are your kids, at least I found they're not so big on the phone. I could talk to you face to face, but for me to call you, their attention span is very short on the phone. So I can't make up.

He wants to get off the phone with me and I gotta talk to my friends, man. Yeah, sad.

So I can't make up the time by like texting and calling you. I gotta be in your face. I gotta be in your face like, you know I love you. Here's a advice. Whatever, whatever.

Right, right. But see, when I see my son, it's just like I gotta play catch up like for the week. So it's kind of like, okay, we gotta do 10 things a day, just. And I gotta pump all this advice and knowledge and wisdom into him in this short span so he can take that for the week into his life. And so sometimes that does get a little like I'm burning, I'm burning myself out doing that. So I know he's like, man, he's. But so when I see him, I gotta let down a little bit and just enjoy my son for what it is. Like, dad loves you and we're here and that's we can chill.

You feel this pressure to make the time super valuable for both of you.

Right.

Rather than let's just be together. Right.

I'm learning now how to just sitting.

There with you could be very memorable and enriching for him. I just sat there with my dad. We didn't say anything. It was so nice.

We just watched tv.

Yes. And you know, and, but you feel that extra pressure of like, yeah, let.

Me give you, let me give you, let me give you. Right? And I, we were in the car. Cut the radio off, we're talking. I talk for an hour straight and I'm like, man, I just talked to him for an hour straight. I'm tired of talking. I know he tired of listening shit like I'll be saying to myself. So I'm learning how to be a little more relaxed with him.

Well, what about the 6 year old? Because the 13 year old, you can kind of have adult conversations. She's six year old, just got finished being a baby. We can't have a.

No, we're not having none of those. She's just so happy though. Yeah. My, my, my six year old daughter, she gives me so much strength because she's like, when she sees me, it's like, daddy, I love you. And then when she, when it's by, it's Just like Daddy. She's still happy. That gives me energy. Until I see her again, seeing her so happy. Like, okay, this is better for me now. Right. But my son is 13, but he's a little more, like, emotional, like, dad. My dad. You know what I'm saying? Like, my. So he's a little more. So I have to talk more with her. It's just. It can be all fun, you know, eating or watching movies with her. It's all fun. And it's just like. It's happy. She's putting on dance videos for me. I record her. So, yeah, she. She definitely keeps me going. He does, too. But she. You know, that's my. That's my girl. It's my daughter. So it's just like. Yeah.

It's crazy, though.

I see it in her eyes. Like, daddy, we gonna be a even. She's six. It's like, you see that, Daddy? We're gonna be fine. I love you, Daddy. Like, she loves me. That's my baby.

That's beautiful. Yeah. The relationship you have with your boy is so different than with the girl.

Yeah.

You know, the ways that you can communicate and it's crazy.

Yep, yep. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. They. They're. It's like, she's, like, more mature. You know what I'm saying? Like, he's.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

It's like, she's six. I'm just like, geez.

Yeah.

You know, and she's so strong. She just started track, too.

Yeah.

So she's out there. Track. She's running the 100, 200, and the long jump. Yeah. So she just got in it. Yeah. And she wanted to quit Right. When I got her in track, too.

Like, she wanted to quit. Yeah. Because it's hard.

Yeah. But I'm like, you know, kids need to be told what to do.

Do you. The thing we talked about with your son and not being hard and all that.

Yes.

Do you deal with that with your daughter or. Because as a girl, it's like. Well, it's different.

Meaning.

Meaning she's not as tough as you were. But.

But she's still tough, though.

Okay.

Something about. She still has that.

She's got a toughness that your boy does not have.

Correct. She's tough. She's tough. She's sick, she's tough. She's strong. Like, she's really, really strong. Really independent. Where my son needs us a little more. Like, he needs more reassurance with everything, you know, teenager coming in at, like, insecurities. You know what I'm saying? Like, His. His peers at school adapted. You know, it's just like he's 13, but, yeah, he's like, you know, still trying to find his place right now, but 13 is tricky.

Starting to get into it, maybe he'll get a girlfriend. Maybe he'll try smoking a joint. Maybe he'll.

Oh, no, you know, say that, like.

To start typically tiptoeing into, like, trying to push the boundaries, and then you got to be like, do we crack down on this or say, okay, do we?

No, that ain't happening. Because I'm still. I still got them principles like James Evans from Good Times, you know?

What's that mean?

You know, father, remember, you know? Yeah, Like, I'm still like that daddy. Like, he ain't doing. I don't play.

You spank.

But the look is enough. I can give him a look. And he knows. Do you know that look?

I do know.

You know that look.

I do know the look.

I play so many gangsters. You see them looks I give them people in movies, man. You know, I can give it to my son. I give it to my.

No, that's hysterical.

Yeah.

Your seed partner doesn't know if you're gonna shoot him or not. He knows you ain't gonna shoot me. You don't spank?

No.

Or you do?

I spanked him. He's gotten spankings, but not a lot.

A little couple. A little.

A couple. A few. Yeah. His mom don't believe in spanking.

My wife. My wife educated me on that because I got. I got lit up.

You got your ass whooped.

And she was like, we're not doing that.

And.

And I was like, oh, okay. I know it's right because you said that, but I don't understand how that works. And I had to go research and read Dr. Poussaint and figure it out of, like, different. Okay, so it's not good. It's not helpful.

Right?

Okay. All right. I'm rocking with you. And we never did. I couldn't even imagine it.

Nah, we got extension cords.

You did.

I. I'm saying we. I don't know. I'm talking about, like, you and I growing up in that.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, go take a bath first. Come on. Get out the tub wet.

Oh, you really.

Yeah, I'm like, now it's just like, that's abuse.

You're. You're mom.

I mean, I just told on everybody. This happened so long ago, but then get hit. Listen, we used to get our ass whooping then where I'll be with the alcohol after Remember, they take the alcohol and.

No, I don't remember that.

Oh, damn.

I never heard.

Okay, never mind. We moving.

No, no, no. What are you talking about?

No, I'm just saying, like, it was. It went down, like. And it's just like, all my friend. Like, they knew about the extension cord, like, getting hit and it wraps around you and you let that scream out, but none comes out your mouth. You know, you're like. You know, you can't say nothing.

I remember if you. If you. If you got. If you took the first hit and you didn't say anything, then my dad would be like, you know, don't. Don't try. Don't try to play me. Like. Like, if you don't let me know that I have hurt you, then I'm going to keep going.

I remember. Yes. My brother. I think what happened was I was. He was getting his whooping first and I was second. And I had to watch it, right? So he got bold with it, right? So I had to watch him getting his spanking. I was like, in a line.

Your mom or your dad?

It was a stepdad at the time. Okay, he had a stepdad at the time. He was. That was a whole nother story. But I was next. I'm watching. And this. This guy grabbed. He grabbed the belt, like, with his hand and caught it, right?

Yeah, yeah, for sure. Yeah.

And he was like, enough or whatever. Like, I was like, oh, my God.

We.

Oh, my God. Why he do that?

He's.

He's. He about to die. He grabbed the belt.

Yes. Many of us have tried to grab the bel.

It scared everybody. It scared. It's scared. And I said, wait, he grabbed the belt.

So what happened?

You know what? I think it's. I think it's scared. I think it scared my mom too. He grabbed the belt, said, I'm done getting whooped around here. So I think the whooping slowed down after he grabbed that belt. Yeah.

There is. See, there is a point, like, it's enough where a boy will get old enough and big enough, and he's like, I'm sick of this. And then what you gonna do? And you do have to have a relationship with them whereby I am your father, and it's not backed up by military force. It's backed up by wisdom and respect. And you're gonna listen because I asked you to, because maybe you respect me, not cause I'll beat your ass if you don't, because you. You have.

How tall is your boy right now? He's. He's almost 5. He's like 5, 10 and a half 13.

Okay, 5, 10 and a half 13. So you got like a year and he gonna be taller than you?

Yeah, he's.

How tall are you?

I'm almost like 6:1. Almost.

So maybe you got 18 months.

He's gonna be.

He's right, but the growth spurt into four, maybe 15. He's taught, but, like, it's coming.

It's coming. I know it.

And you said he could be six, eight.

That's. That's what his pediatrician said. So you. You, you better, because he didn't hit the spurt yet. Like, he didn't really hit the growth spurt yet.

Your gangster look might not work.

Might not work. Six, three.

When your little boy is six, four, and he's. When your kid starts looking down at you and you hug them and you're coming in on their shoulder, it changes things.

Listen, if I'm looking right at his stomach, he gonna feel one right, right in the center, right, right where you poke right here. He's still gonna. That real quick. That little jug right there. He's still gonna get it. Come on now.

You stupid. You stupid. Who are the actors who you have really watched to teach you yourself? This is how it's done.

Denzel. Everything about Denzel's career I loved. Like, I always be. Like, I'll be calling myself, sometimes I'll just be playing. I'm like, baby Denzel, you know? But I love Denzel Washington because he came up in that era where it was like, you know, it was just all about his craft and acting. It wasn't about how famous you were outside of his, you know, abilities to show you that he's the greatest or one of the greatest. And he still held on to that today. There's still a mystique about him and it. And it works for him. And I'm just like. And he's so awesome to this day. And I just. I look up to him, like, to Denzel Watson.

What makes him so great?

Just everything about. I just think the way he carries himself. Like, I love that about him. You know, he's. He doesn't feel like an actor. He still feels like a human being. And I met him from a distance before. I don't even know him at all. But just from what I see, I just feel like he's a human being first. I feel like he's God fearing. I still feel like that God fearing man. He has principles, integrity. He stands on what he stands on. And yeah, it's just Admirable to watch.

I think he's incredibly compelling, and you're always captivated. And whether he's a boxer or Malcolm X or, you know, it's just extraordinary. Even go back to Soldier's Story.

Soldier's Story. Mm.

You know, and I think, too, that there's something. Maybe you could articulate it better. Something in the. In the diction, in the way he talks that makes his comment, his line readings more powerful. But he's not, like, adding a thing. It's just he's being. And it's freaking powerful.

Yeah, it's powerful. And I love how he studied theater. Like, comes from theater, you know, like, that's his foundation. And I've never been, like, in theater. I've took a few play, and I felt it was challenging for me, like, to be on the stage. But I think a lot of that comes from. He's trained there, but he also has this instincts about him, like, he's from the com. Like, he's from the culture still. Like, you know, and that's something that you can't really fake. And that's what I love about him.

You know, you see that in Fences. From the culture. The culture in other places, but in the. In Fences, it's really, like.

Yeah. And he's, like, still, like, the top of the top, like, for me. And like, I say, I. Like I said, I have a lot of work to do. I feel like I'm just getting started, you know? But that's someone I would love to. That's, like, the blueprint for me. Like, I'm looking at him like, man, if I could have just a piece of his career or how the direction he's went in his career, I would love that for myself.

I feel like actors are either chameleons or they're basically playing themselves over and over, but it is so compelling that you don't care. And I do. I know that Denzel has the chameleon potential because we have seen, but do you think this late stretch, he's kind of doing the same person? He's kind of doing the same character a lot, but it's super compelling.

No, I don't think so. Not Othello. The Gladiator, too.

That's different.

Yeah, it felt different. But Denzel's still Denzel. Like, he's stronger. Like, when Denzel's doing Denzel, that's what people love to see. Like, that's what I love to see. Like, I don't care if he's done it a million times over. Just like, there's only one Denzel I remember doing. When he did the movie with Whitney Houston. Was that the Preacher's Wife? It was like a.

Okay.

It was a long. It was like a movie. It was like a comedy. Like, kind of like a comedy.

Okay.

He went right back, and I just felt like, okay, that was cool. But it was. It didn't feel like Zel. He went right back into what he does, like. And I just felt like he just fell right back into.

Do you think that you're a chameleon or that you do Corey and it's compelling.

I can be a chameleon. I feel like a lot of people don't know that I have, Like, I have a wide range. Like, I can do multiple things. I just feel like, you know, it does get frustrating sometimes that I'm not going out for, like, some of these jobs or getting in front of some of these people. Like, you know, for these. You know, like, these bigger. Bigger, I guess, like, bigger opportunities. Like, I first time I met Spike Lee at the Knicks game the other day, and I'm like, wow. I never even been up for an opportunity for Spike or, like, the big prominent, you know, filmmakers, you know, like, the ones that gave me a shot. We've always. The films broke records. Like, I didn't know Mr. Perry, he called me, and the film broke records. Like, I just need the opportunity. So I think a lot of it is, like, I'm 30 years later. I'm like. I'm still waiting, like, you know, to get a shot, but I'm prepared for it. But it gets a little tired. I ain't gonna lie. It gets a little exhausting.

How do you move up to that level where you're getting the meeting with so and so and so and so.

I guess it's fake timing, God's plan, purpose, you know, I don't know how, really. It just gotta keep doing what I'm doing and what's meant for you. It'll find you, I believe, you know, that's all. But I'm open to meeting. Like I said, I'm open, like, right now. Like, I just want to show the world what I could do, because I know I got it. Like, I'm holding so much in that I'm just ready to just unleash for the world, so. And just having the proper. The proper people support.

I. Usually people come on the show, I talk to them about what it means to be black and where it shows up in the work. And you've done a lot of Portraying blackness in different ways. What does it mean to you to be a black actor?

That's tricky when you say, what does it mean to be a black actor? Because I look at myself as an actor who just. Who's black. Right. But I'm an actor first. But I can transcend, like, the work, like, international, you know what I'm saying? From the black experience. You know what I'm saying? Because I feel like black people makes everything important and cultural significance far as what we do. And it comes from the black experience. Everyone wants to be black, but they don't want to feel what it's like to be black, you know, and go through. We go through.

Yep.

But they'll reap the benefits of the black experience. Right? Just with everything. Sports, entertainment. But I love everything about being a black man. I love the struggle, though. I love the struggle. I love our resilience as being black, you know, because we have so much to give. Like, we have so much strength. Like, we. It's like, Jesus, we keep getting knocked down, but we never stop coming.

Yes.

And that's the beauty of it. I couldn't be white and feel that because maybe it's like, it's different. Like, I have some white friends. They're like, Yeah, I had 100 auditions meetings, like, in past month. You're like, what, a hundred Asking me for acting coaching lessons, Right? And yeah, you. You only made that on that movie. I made this. You were like. So it's. That's a real conversation.

Wait, when they're doing 100 auditions?

No, I'm just saying.

But how many are you doing?

Maybe like five or six.

And when you're talking about they're making X and you're. What is that? Or what's the differential?

That's a big.

Just so we understand, it's a big jump.

Say, like, I take it here. Here's one thing. It was a guy had his first TV show, and I had had like, maybe five or six at the time. And first show, he got offered $100,000 a week. Episode, first show out the gate. You know, first show. That's what he got at that point. And I was like, getting.

40 a week.

Yeah.

So you're 40.

They wasn't moving past 40 an episode.

You're more experienced.

No credits. I probably almost had 100 credits at that time. He was like, I got offered 100. You're like, really? And then when you call and ask somebody and they're just kind of like, everyone plays, like, they don't know what's happening. It's like, this is a real thing. So can you imagine how. What's going on in this. Like, I feel the pain, struggle of all. Like, when we get up and win them Oscars and the tears come out. It's from a lot of other shit. It is that we gotta deal with, you know, So I feel for us, but we're resilient and we're, you know, we're strong. We're just strong. And I love everything about that, though.

I know that feeling for sure. Like, I know I put in the same work he did. I know I'm more talented than he did. And he got what?

See, I love that you said that. I love that you said that. Because I be feeling the same way. I'd be like, man, what, are you kidding me? Got 150 credits, and I got.

I got a list.

Right.

I was coming up and I'm here, like. And he came in the industry after me and leapfrogged me. Okay, I see how y'all do.

Right? What do you do? Like, what's the. What do you do? I'm like. I'm like, you. Oh, man.

Plugging.

Yeah.

Because you. What, you can't do anything but that.

Right.

Sometimes. Sometimes you can try to aim your career toward black organizations.

Yeah.

You know, or black communities. Like, let's create, you know, a black director and, you know, co star. So we have a. So everybody in this community respects me, takes care of the. You know, But I mean, like, that can't be everything. I mean, like.

Yeah.

I don't know. I wonder what Hollywood's response to the administration's attempt to end dei. What is. What does that look like in Hollywood?

I don't know. I don't know what it looks like, to be honest. I really don't. I just hear a lot of. Like, I say, you get a lot of calls, like, the business is changing, you know, even though. Without bringing up dei. But it's. I'm sure that's in there. But it's like, it's changing. It's slow. Or it's the climate. You get a lot of that. It's the climate. And you're like, okay, but we used.

To be a hot commodity. What, about 10 years ago? Right. Somebody pointed out to me, like, Django Unchained came out.

Yeah.

And then. And 12 Years a Slave was, like, right after that.

Yep.

Right. And it. And it helped create a lot of energy. So here come moonlight. Here come. Yeah. You know, Issa Rae, Lena, Waithe. Like, all these people blowing up on tv and we're having a moment, and then the shit dissipated. And now we're not.

And then now we're not. And all the people you name, like I said, I'm sure, have generated billions of dollars for the industry, but it's like we're good enough to build the studios up. You know, the network's up. All right, thank you. All right, let's put it over here now. And y'all have a seat for the next five, 10 years. And we'll come back when we need to get. We need to come back up again. That's what it feels like. When we need you again, we'll come and get you.

I mean, I remember being in College in the late 80s, early 90s, and it was Spike, John Singleton, Matty Rich, the Hughes, Hughes brothers. And then it went away. And then we got a little sort of thing, right? It was loving basketball. It was some cute things. And then it went away.

Then it went away.

And then, you know.

Yeah.

And Steve McQueen. And then it goes away.

Yeah.

And then we're not.

And then we're not. It's kind of like the Academy Awards. It's like you already know, like, every five years or every. You know, that's when the moment will come back. It's just like. It's not, like, a consistent thing, you know, and that's what's tricky. So you got to have a lot of faith and just a lot of willpower just to stay in it, because it can get to the point where you'd be like, that's why I started a production company my own, called hardcore films, like, to bring back those 90s feels of films like you named John Singleton, the boys in the Hoods, you know, because a lot of those movies went on to create superstars, and they've been timeless. And I want to do those movies that serves our community and take them global, you know, through our experience, because that's what I know.

Yeah.

You know, that's what I know. So I want to do that.

Good luck.

I know.

Good luck.

I know.

Thank you.

Thank you.

That was fantastic. Thank you so much. Thanks so much to Corey for a great interview, and thanks to you for listening. Tore show gives you fuel to power your dreams, because you can use your dreams like a rocket ship to blast you into a life you never imagined. You can make your dreams a reality, and maybe this show can help. Torre show is written by me, Torre, and produced by Ashley Hobbs. Our editor is Ryan Woodhull. Our booker is Ray Holiday, and we're distributed by DCP Entertainment. And we will be back next Wednesday with more amazing guests because the man can't shut us down.