Cory Hardrict On Portraying Black Excellence On 'All American: Homecoming'

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Cory Hardrict is passionate about representing the culture.With starring roles on new cultural phenomenon series like The Chi and a new exciting venture on the way, the actor is actively using his decades of experience and acting talent to tell authentic Black stories.Hardrict plays Coach Marcus Turner hit CW drama series All American: Homecoming; a former Bringston University baseball player who returned to the school to coach the team after being sidelined from the pros by an injury.Hardrict, much like the average fan, got instantly hooked on the original iteration of the show when he stumbled across it via word-of-mouth from his son Cree.“My son actually told me [about All American],” he revealed. “He said, ‘Dad, you need to watch this show.’ So one day, me and my son, binge-watched like 10 episodes back-to-back.” Aside from the exciting sports line and gripping drama of the show, Hardrict believes its appeal comes from its positive depiction of Black life.

Though each character deals with their individual issues, it’s all done in a matter that doesn’t sensationalize struggle. “It’s great because it’s showing Black excellence.

It’s showcasing Blackfolks in a great way – HBCUs, the family dynamics, the relationships – it’s just so authentic and real.

So I’m blessed to be a part of it, for real.”All American: Homecoming has the added advantage of tapping into recently renewed interest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which, though always popular in some circles, are suddenly a booming choice of institution for Gen Z college hopefuls. “It’s not a fad, but it feels like, now, it’s in the limelight,” he says of HBCU culture. “It’s for all the right reasons because it has been overlooked, and a lot of people.