Cory Hardrict Talks Latest Film, 'Die Like A Man'

Cory Hardrict is a seasoned actor whose career spans nearly two decades across television and film. Known for his emotional depth and versatility, Hardrict has portrayed everything from heroes to heartbreakers to villains. With his latest role in Die Like a Man, he continues to embody layered Black masculinity with power and precision.

In this exclusive interview with MadameNoire, the 45-year-old opens up about the lessons he’s learned in Hollywood, the emotional weight of fatherhood on screen, and the legacy he’s building both in front of and behind the camera.

MadameNoire: Your acting career spans close to two decades. Before we get into Die Like a Man, what is something you now know about acting that you wish you had known before you started?

Cory Hardrict: That it’s a roller coaster. When you’re first starting out, you’re excited, green, and just eager to jump in front of the camera. I wish I had known more about the journey—how one moment you’re working great roles and then suddenly it’s radio silence. But now I know it’s all about keeping the faith and staying positive. What God has for you will happen in divine timing.

Let’s talk about Die Like a Man, which premiered on April 25. You play a powerful villain. What’s your process for humanizing a character that walks the tightrope between menace and mentorship?

I draw from my upbringing and my environment. Characters like Solo exist in real life—in the community—and I pull from that authenticity. If I can remind someone of their uncle, father, or grandfather, then I’ve done my job. I always try to make my characters honest and true, especially to Black culture. I speak to us first, and then the world catches on.

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You’ve played heroes, heartbreakers, and now a villain. Which type of role challenges you the most, and which one feels most authentic?

Action roles challenge me the most because of the physicality and emotional range—they give me an adrenaline rush. But I love gangster roles, too. They feel more grounded and human. I’m not a gangster, but I’ve got a little edge in me. That helps bring depth to those characters.

This film also addresses gentrification, gang culture, and LA’s changing identity. Why was it important for you to be a part of this story?

I’ve never done an LA story. I grew up watching LA films in the ’90s like Boyz n the Hood and Menace II Society. They made a lasting impact on me and inspired me to act. This film, directed by Eric Nazarian—who trained under John Singleton—gave me the chance to bring my Chicago background into an LA setting and represent the culture authentically. That was important to me.

You were spot on in your portrayal of Solo. He’s a complex father figure. Talk about the emotional weight of playing someone caught between survival and redemption.

I’m a father, so I channeled that energy into Solo, even though the advice he gives in the film is misguided. There’s always danger in his tone—you feel his control and need for power. He wants respect, he wants to be looked up to, and that’s what gives him life. That duality—of care and control—adds emotional weight to the role.

Your character Solo is also intimidating, even scary at times, but he’s also deeply layered. What do you hope viewers take away from this film?

I hope they see the humanity beneath the menace. Solo is a man shaped by his environment, driven by power and control, but also capable of emotion and mentorship. The film reflects real stories—of survival, gentrification, fatherhood—and I hope it resonates with people, especially those from communities like the one portrayed in the movie.

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