A powerhouse actor whose magnetic performances have captivated audiences across screens big and small. You may recognize him from his standout roles in hit TV series like “Atlanta” or from his heartwarming portrayal in BET Her’s “The Waiting Room.” But Kerry’s talent transcends genres, from spreading holiday cheer in “A Merry Single Christmas” to tackling the gritty world of crime in “Law & Order: Organized Crime.”
Yet, Kerry’s journey is more than just a reel of on-screen success—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Before gracing our screens, Kerry served as a United States Marine Corps Veteran, confronting the horrors of war with unwavering courage. Now, as a single father raising a teenage daughter, his real-life story is as compelling as any script he’s brought to life.
Kerry’s story doesn’t end there, he’s not just a performer; he’s an advocate. Through his work, he sheds light on the challenges faced by veterans, lending his voice to make a difference in their lives.
Your journey from being a Marine Corps Veteran to launching a successful acting career is truly inspiring. Can you share more about the challenges you faced during your transition, particularly dealing with homelessness, and how you overcame this period of your life?
My journey from being a Marine Corps Veteran to launching a successful acting career has indeed been a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges, one of the most daunting being my struggle with homelessness. After leaving Camp Pendleton with nothing but a box of MREs and a dream to make it big in entertainment, I found myself grappling with the harsh reality of not having a stable place to call home.
For a while, my fellow Marine’s beat-up 2004 Chevy Malibu became my makeshift shelter. It was cramped, uncomfortable, and far from ideal, but it was the only refuge I had as I navigated the uncertainties of transitioning from military life to civilian pursuits. Nights were spent huddled in the backseat behind grocery stores or in empty parking decks, the dim glow of streetlights serving as my only companions in the darkness.
During this time, the feeling of uncertainty weighed heavily on me. There were moments when self-doubt threatened to consume me, and the road ahead seemed insurmountable. But amidst the struggles, I clung to hope like a lifeline, refusing to let go of my aspirations despite the odds stacked against me.
I turned to platforms like Myspace, scouring for opportunities and occasionally finding a couch to crash on temporarily. But these fleeting moments of respite only served as brief respites from the harsh reality of my situation. Despite the setbacks and disappointments, I persisted, fueled by a relentless determination to turn my dreams into reality.
Overcoming homelessness was not easy, nor was it a quick fix. It required resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering belief in myself. I sought out every opportunity, no matter how small, and poured my heart and soul into honing my craft as an actor.
Slowly but surely, my perseverance began to pay off. Bit by bit, I started to gain traction in the entertainment industry, landing small roles and making valuable connections along the way. Each success, no matter how modest, served as validation that I was on the right path, propelling me forward with renewed determination.
Today, as I reflect on my journey from homelessness to success, I am reminded of the power of resilience and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. My experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, instilling in me a deep sense of gratitude for every opportunity and a profound empathy for those facing similar struggles.
While the road may have been fraught with challenges, it has also been marked by triumphs and moments of profound growth. Through it all, I have emerged stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever to continue chasing my dreams and inspiring others to do the same.
As a full-time single father, director, gamer, and acting coach, you wear many hats. How do you balance your various roles and responsibilities while pursuing your passions and career goals?
So picture this: I’m a full-time single father, actor, director, producer, gamer, and acting coach all rolled into one chaotic package. But you know who keeps me grounded in reality? My daughter, aka my little life coach. She’s like my GPS, constantly reminding me that there’s a real world outside of film and television. And get this—she’s not just my rock; she’s my secret weapon in the industry. Yep, you heard it right. Little ‘Jr.’ here has helped me book a whopping 95% of the network roles I’ve snagged. Talk about a pint-sized powerhouse!
Now, let’s talk about that pause button on my career and love life. Yeah, it was on full blast for a few years while I played the role of super-dad, raising my daughter solo. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade those chaotic, sleep-deprived nights for anything. Because every moment spent with her made me want to be a better man and a better actor. Why? Simple. I want to make her proud to call me dad.
So how do I balance it all? Well, it’s like a high-stakes game of multitasking Tetris. Sometimes pieces fit perfectly, and other times, it’s like trying to shove a square block into a round hole. But hey, I’m learning as I go, and I’ve got my mini-coach cheering me on every step of the way. So bring it on, the universe—I’ve got this, hat collection and all!
Your advocacy for physical and mental health is commendable, especially considering your own experiences as a disabled veteran with P.T.S.D. How do you prioritize self-care, and what advice do you have for others who may be facing similar challenges?
As a disabled veteran living with PTSD, my advocacy stems from personal experiences that highlight the importance of prioritizing self-care. I firmly believe that self-care is paramount in managing the challenges associated with PTSD and embarking on the journey towards recovery.
The goal of my advocacy efforts is to foster a more supportive and empathetic environment for veterans grappling with PTSD. It’s crucial to dispel misconceptions surrounding PTSD, as its portrayal as solely psychotic perpetuates public fear and misunderstanding of war veterans. Most cases do not fit this stereotype, and it’s imperative to communicate this truth.
One of the key messages I emphasize is that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a courageous step towards healing. I advocate for destigmatizing mental health treatment and encouraging individuals to reach out for support when needed.
Central to my advocacy is the reminder of how vital self-care is in managing PTSD. Only you know yourself best, and self-care practices tailored to your needs can significantly impact your well-being. It’s essential to prioritize activities that promote physical and mental health, whether it’s engaging in exercise, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional therapy.
Above all, my advocacy aims to convey a message of hope: that recovery is possible. No matter how challenging the journey may seem, with support, self-care, and resilience, veterans living with PTSD can find their path to healing. You are not alone, and there are resources and communities available to support you every step of the way.
You’ve mentioned being a full-time bully deterrent. Can you elaborate on this role and how it ties into your philosophy of strength and resilience?
As someone with a background in the US Marines, as an EMT, a bouncer, and armed base security, I’ve often found myself in the role of a protector. This extends to my philosophy of strength and resilience. I see myself as a full-time bully deterrent because I understand both sides of the equation. Having been on the receiving end of bullying, I recognize the pain and fear it can inflict. Most bullies operate out of fear themselves, targeting those they perceive as weaker without understanding the consequences of their actions.
My approach is to intervene when I detect bullying, stepping in to fight for those who are unable to defend themselves, provided they are in the right. This stems from a belief that standing up to bullies is essential for maintaining balance and justice in our world. However, I also acknowledge that a certain level of adversity, including some forms of bullying, can serve as a form of “stress” that helps individuals develop resilience and an understanding of life’s duality.
Just as iron sharpens iron, facing challenges and adversity can strengthen our character and prepare us for the realities of the world. It’s through overcoming fear and adversity that true bravery is cultivated. My role as a bully deterrent is rooted in this belief, as I strive to protect others while also recognizing the importance of facing and overcoming adversity as a means of personal growth and resilience.
Your mantras, including “Don’t Quit, Grit!” and “Hard ain’t impossible,” reflect a mindset of determination and perseverance. How do these principles guide you in both your personal and professional life?
“Throughout my life, I’ve lived by the mantras ‘Don’t Quit, Grit!’ and ‘Hard ain’t impossible,’ and they’ve been guiding lights both personally and professionally. You see, I’ve faced some tough challenges – from being homeless to serving in a war – but I’ve always held onto the belief that perseverance pays off. It’s like those Rocky movies I love; no matter how tough the fight, as long as you keep pushing forward, there’s a reward waiting at the other end.
By 2005, I had experienced more than my fair share of trials, but I refused to let them define me. I delved into music and even shared stages with icons like Ja Rule, KISS, and Destiny’s Child. It’s not about the setbacks; it’s about how you bounce back from them. I survived Marine Corps boot camp, arguably the toughest of its kind, and endured the perils of war in Iraq – bombings, gunfire, you name it – yet I emerged stronger each time.
For me, it’s all about focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. That mindset has seen me through the darkest of times, reminding me that as long as I keep fighting until the end, I’ll come out the other side, whole and intact. It’s about resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of persistence. And trust me, that’s an attitude I bring to every aspect of my life.”
As someone who has navigated through adversity and achieved success, what advice would you give to individuals facing their hardships or setbacks?
Navigating through adversity is an inherent part of the human experience, and it’s in those moments of challenge and setback that our true resilience and determination shine through. If I were to distill my advice into a guiding principle for those facing their hardships, it would be this: Stay Focused on Your Why.
Life’s journey is rarely a straight path; it’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Along the way, you’ll encounter obstacles that may seem insurmountable. But by anchoring yourself to your purpose, your “Why,” you can weather even the most turbulent storms with unwavering resolve.
Your “Why” is the driving force behind your actions, the deep-rooted motivation that propels you forward when the going gets tough. It’s the reason you get out of bed in the morning, the passion that fuels your dreams and aspirations. By staying connected to your Why, you can maintain a clear sense of direction, even when the path ahead seems obscured by darkness.
But staying focused on your Why isn’t just about maintaining a laser-like focus on your goals; it’s also about cultivating resilience, positivity, and unwavering commitment. It’s about recognizing that setbacks are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones on the path to success.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth and learning. It’s about embracing challenges as opportunities to prove your strength and determination, rather than allowing them to defeat you.
Positivity is a powerful force that can transform even the most daunting obstacles into manageable challenges. By maintaining a positive outlook, you can cultivate a mindset of possibility and abundance, allowing you to see opportunities where others see only barriers.
And finally, staying true to your goals means remaining steadfast in your commitment to your vision, even when faced with doubt, fear, or uncertainty. It’s about trusting in yourself and your abilities, and never losing sight of the life you envision for yourself.
So, to those facing their hardships or setbacks, I would say this: Stay Focused on Your Why. Stay resilient, stay positive, and stay committed to your goals. Remember that the path to success may be fraught with obstacles, but by staying true to your purpose, you can overcome adversity and create the life you envision for yourself.
How do you plan to continue making an impact, both personally and professionally?
Well, you know, making an impact, both personally and professionally, is something I hold close to my heart. Ask me tomorrow and I promise I’ll tell you tomorrow. But hey, let me give you a little peek into what’s cooking in my world.
There are several exciting projects on the horizon for me, my friend. I’m always on the lookout for roles that not only challenge me creatively but also allow me to keep growing as an artist. Right now, I’m in talks for a couple of potential film projects that have piqued my interest. One is this gripping drama that dives deep into complex human emotions. The other? Oh, it’s a big-budget action thriller that’s promising to be one heck of an adrenaline rush.
But hey, it’s not just about the silver screen for me. Nope. I’m exploring opportunities in other areas of entertainment, too. Like, I’m thinking about diving into executive producing a television series that tackles some important social issues, you know? Stuff that gets people talking in a real, thought-provoking way.
And let’s not forget about the personal stuff, my friend. Personal growth and well-being are just as important to me. I’m all about spending quality time with my family and friends, diving into hobbies that light me up, and investing in self-care practices. Because hey, maintaining that balance in life? That’s the key.
So yeah, I’m pumped about what the future holds. With each new project and opportunity, I’m all in, pushing myself creatively and making sure I’m leaving a positive mark both on and off the screen.
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