We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hick Cheramie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hick below.
Alright, Hick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I became sober at the age of 36. I started acting at 40. I’m now 46. I’ve learned in this journey that it takes a sober mind and sober heart to present your true self. Both recovery and acting have a lot of similarities. It takes honesty and integrity not only with yourself but the people around you. In recovery your truth is your walk and your walk is everything, your character is everything. In acting your truth is what makes your character believable. I decided to use my trauma and my experiences to bring characters to life. Even though I’m healed from trauma I never forget how it makes me feel, I’m able to use those feelings in a healthy way and produce art, tell a story to inspire others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Many years ago, a few years after I got sober I was doing a podcast. I was asked a question, “Is there any dreams that alcohol and drugs stole from you?” There was one that stood out, I had always wanted to be an actor. Film and television was an escape for me as a child from my own parents issues in our home. So, that was my answer. The response to that answer was, “why don’t you? You’re beating addiction.” Two weeks later I was asked by my hair stylist who was at the time doing make up on a film if I would be an extra in this film, so I agreed. That was it! The bug had bitten me after I walked away from that set. While I was on set the director and camera man suggested I apply to do more background work, so I did. It was an amazing experience. I worked on some amazing movies and television series from NCIS New Orleans to films like Antebellum. While filming Antebellum I met another actor and he persuaded me to start studying the craft of acting, so I got to work on that. While studying I booked some amazing independent films which helped me network with likeminded individuals and hone the craft of acting. I believe after a few months of studying I booked a major supporting role on and indie horror film called Obsidian. I then booked Money Plane directed by Andrew Lawrence and Adam The First directed by Irving Franco. I spent the next year booking independent films and ended up landing my first speaking role on Showtimes Your Honor. I had one line with Bryan Cranston, which was a little wild. I continued to do independent films and study after that. In 2021 with no representation I booked a supporting role on Emancipation an Apple Studios production starring Will Smith & directed by Antoine Fuqua where I had a few scenes with Will. At that time I was SAG Eligible. On set I met an actor who gave me the advice I needed to further my career. This advice led me to gain representation. I was very blessed with an amazing agent, Angie Moncrief with Action Talent Agency. Since then I’ve gained tremendous momentum. A month after signing with her I booked a co-star role on AMC televisions Anne Rices Mayfair Witches, a principal role in a national Super Bowl commercial for the He Gets Us campaign, a tv pilot called Raymar and multiple commercials. I continue to do independent films between big budget films. I have two this year that are coming out called Evangeline directed by brilliant filmmaker Cory St. Ewart about my Cajun/Acadian culture. It was a challenging role because all dialogue was in French and This Soldiers Heart written and directed by another amazing filmmaker Matthew Carroll where I was able to do a scene with my mentor and acting coach Billy Slaughter. I think the one thing I try to do is always support my fellow actors, I want to see everyone win. I feel like I’ve been blessed with such great opportunities you know? To keep it I have to give it away, if that makes sense.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I may book one out of one hundred roles. Rejection is inevitable. You have to continue to believe in yourself, love yourself and trust yourself. Same with sobriety. I’m coming up on 10 years in December. I have to know who I am, sobriety isn’t bought, it’s rented and the rent is due everyday. I have to love myself enough everyday not to drink or use drugs.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn taking criticism so harshly. I had to separate constructive/positive from criticism that had more to do with the person who was giving it than me personally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hickcheramie_actor
- Facebook: Hick Cheramie
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm10373034?s=d2c81e0a-33d5-1c20-4545-4b87a2b914e0&site_preference=normal
