Chicago’s own Corey Hendrix is an actor, director, producer, and writer who currently plays former pro baseball player turned sommelier Gary “Sweeps” Woods on the Emmy award-winning FX/Hulu series The Bear.
The Westside native was encouraged by his mother to pursue acting because she sensed something special in him as a child, with his ability to entertain with the animated stories he had a knack for telling. While attending Southern Illinois University @ Carbondale, he took heed of her advice and got started there doing student films with his brother. After graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts, Corey moved to St. Louis, where he spent time with the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre before coming home to Chicago and diving into the city’s rich theatre scene, ahead of landing standout roles on shows such as The Chi, Fargo, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.
Hendrix’s latest project finds him starring alongside Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, and Quavo in the recently released film Moses The Black, which tells a powerful story of crime, faith, and redemption. Executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and directed by Yelena Popovic, the story follows a Chicago gang leader who finds redemption through the story of the 4th-century saint of the same name.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Hendrix to learn more about his start in the industry, his current successes, and the goals he has his sights set on for the near future
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N’DIGO: Who is Corey Hendrix?
Corey Hendrix: I’m a father and a regular guy who’s gotten to do some extraordinary things. Every day I get up and work to be better than the day before.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Caring. Funny. Honest.
How did you get started on your path into the world of film and television?
I started acting in my brother’s student films in college, and it sorta snowballed from there. I was soon doing small plays, and after college, I moved to St. Louis and began working with the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, which allowed me to tour and grow in the craft. After that, I came back home to Chicago and got into the local theatre scene here and then got started in some indie films…
What were some of your first big roles?
One of my first roles was in a movie called “Get A Job” with Lil Rel back in 2010, which some consider a cult classic. As far as television, my first big show was Empire.
Can you talk a little about the success of The Bear and what it means to you to be part of this huge show that showcases Chicago in this way?
It’s a blessing being on The Bear. The show gives a lot of love to Chicago, and the city gives the love back. I get to work in my hometown and be a part of something great. My character is Gary “Sweeps” Woods, who undergoes a significant transformation and becomes a sommelier. The work is rewarding, and I’m having fun with it.
Please tell us about your new film, Moses The Black, and your character, Mike?
Moses the Black is a film about revenge and redemption, and which path serves us in the long run. It’s a modern-day crime drama inspired by the 4th-century saint that follows a Chicago gangster’s transformation after receiving an icon of St. Moses the Black from his grandmother. Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, and Quavo lead the film. I play a guy named Mike who is sort of the moral compass for Omar Epps’ character, Malik.
What, if anything, in particular drew you to the character of Mike?
Mike is from the same place that I’m from. I knew this dude immediately. I was instantly familiar with his story, his duty to those around him, and his efforts to steer the people around him in a better direction.
Best acting advice you can give?
Take Classes. Study. Do good theatre.
Best acting advice you’ve ever gotten?
Never stop learning the craft.
What’s next for Corey Hendrix?
There’s always more work to be done in this game. There are always auditions and finding the next good project to sink my teeth into. I’m also etching out the time to shoot my own feature film in the near future.
For more information on Corey Hendrix, please connect with him on social media at @CoreyMakesMovies
