We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cleo Berry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cleo below.

Cleo, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

Great Question!! So many amazing memories are flooding my brain at the moment but I definitely remember when I earned my first dollar as a creative!

I was twelve years old and living in Little Rock, Arkansas! I had just booked my first professional union job as “ Tootles” in PETER PAN, at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre. To celebrate receiving my first paycheck, my Mom took me to the credit union a few blocks away from the historic theatre. There, we opened my first checking and savings account. I will never forget how it felt to slide a paper check across the counter and receive cash money. We’d then put the money into my bank account.

I’m so grateful for being able to learn the value of a dollar, at such a young age. Also, I’m incredibly grateful that my Mom allowed me to chase my acting career at such a young age. I led the way but my family had my back at every turn. I still feel the same way I did when I was twelve years old, when I receive a check for my talents today. It’s such a beautiful thing to make a living, using my creative talents. Gotta love it. And I do!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. However, now, I’ve lived more years in other cities, than I lived there. I moved to the BIG APPLE at the ripe age of eighteen. Before graduating from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (NYC), I was already booking work as an actor. With a flair for comedy and the ability to create complex characters, I’ve been steadfastly building my entertainment empire.

I’ve recurred and guest starred on TV series such as “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me” (Netflix), “Weird City” (YouTube Premium), “Idiotsitter” (Comedy Central), “School of Rock” (Nickelodeon), “House M. D.” (Fox), “Young & Hungry” (Freeform) and more. I’ve also toured as a lead in stage productions like “Children’s Letters To God”. I’m honored to be the first African-American to portray “Horton” in the National Touring production of “Seussical the Musical”.

I’ve appeared in countless commercials and promos as “the funny guy”. Most recently, I filmed several spots for Best Buy. And Super Bowl commercials for Tide and Pampers.

I’ve starred in two horror-comedy feature films; The cult fan-fave “The Sand” and “American Nightmares”. You can also see me in the award winning LGBTQ film “Love is All You Need?”. Over the last few years, I’ve been recurring as the character of GRANT in the animated series FIREBUDS, on Disney, Disney + and Hulu!!

Now, I’m feverishly working to build my production company, Berry Good Entertainment. We have a slate of original pilots and films that we are working to get produced. I’ve always had a deep love for writing. So, I’m a writer on all the scripts as well.

My first project that I am directing, starring in and wrote begins filming in August. It’s my passion project. A dramedy called JARED, about a millennial dad; redefining life and love in L.A., after finally coming to terms with his sexuality. My childhood dreams are still coming true. I’m excited to see where this next journey of creating and becoming a multi-hyphenate takes me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes, I stay awake some nights planning how I can take my career to the next level. I’ve tested for a number of series regular roles and for films. So, finally nabbing one is at the TOP of my list. Now that I’ve created my production company, Berry Good Entertainment, I’m constantly planning how to turn it into a lucrative safe space for talented, unique creators/filmmakers to flourish!

By the end of this year, I’m working to complete filming on 3 proof of concept projects that are tied to current full scripts. Hoping to sale some scripts and continue creating more. I’m in my multi/hyphenate era and I love it!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society can make sure that we vote for politicians who vow to keep funding the arts. It seems like the arts are always the first to go. When more often than not, during the lean times, we need art more. So, yeah, give us the film tax breaks needed in CA. Hollywood to be more specific.

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTP://www.IMDb.me/CleoBerry
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totallycleo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleo.berry.520
• Twitter: https://x.com/cleoberry
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@themomenttvshow?si=-BNsUL2lWu7Ed1sn