Cory Hardrict is a seasoned actor whose career spans nearly two decades across television and film. Known for his emotional depth and versatility, Hardrict has portrayed everything from heroes to heartbreakers to villains. With his latest role in Die Like a Man, he continues to embody layered Black masculinity with power and precision.
In this exclusive interview with MadameNoire, the 45-year-old opens up about the lessons he’s learned in Hollywood, the emotional weight of fatherhood on screen, and the legacy he’s building both in front of and behind the camera.
MadameNoire: Your acting career spans close to two decades. Before we get into Die Like a Man, what is something you now know about acting that you wish you had known before you started?
Cory Hardrict: That it’s a roller coaster. When you’re first starting out, you’re excited, green, and just eager to jump in front of the camera. I wish I had known more about the journey—how one moment you’re working great roles and then suddenly it’s radio silence. But now I know it’s all about keeping the faith and staying positive. What God has for you will happen in divine timing.
Let’s talk about Die Like a Man, which premiered on April 25. You play a powerful villain. What’s your process for humanizing a character that walks the tightrope between menace and mentorship?
I draw from my upbringing and my environment. Characters like Solo exist in real life—in the community—and I pull from that authenticity. If I can remind someone of their uncle, father, or grandfather, then I’ve done my job. I always try to make my characters honest and true, especially to Black culture. I speak to us first, and then the world catches on.
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