#353: Corey Reynolds - Swing for the fences

Corey Reynolds is one of the most versatile performers working in the business today. From his breakout Broadway debut as "Seaweed" in HAIRSPRAY (nominations for Outer Circle Critics Award, Drama Desk Award and the prestigious Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical), to seven seasons playing "Sgt. David Gabriel" opposite Emmy Award- winning actress Kyra Sedgwick on TNT's smash hit series THE CLOSER (five SAG Award nominations, two NAACP Image Award nominations and two Vision Award nominations) Reynolds has been honored for both his comedic and dramatic work.

Reynolds recently starred in SYFY's "Resident Alien." The series, which ran for four seasons, follows an extraterrestrial who crash-lands on Earth with the intent to destroy the planet but develops a moral dilemma. He plays "Mike Thompson," the local sheriff who runs the town with a chip on his shoulder, a cowboy hat on his head and an iron fist. He is currently reprising his role of "Cliff Mosley" on season 8 of The CW's ALL AMERICAN.

Reynolds has starred in Universal's critically acclaimed film STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON directed by F. Gary Gray. The film chronicles the rise of rap group N.W.A. and has Reynolds playing "Lonzo Williams", the rap group's former nightclub boss whose unwillingness to support their vision sets the stage for N.W.A.'s eventual rise to stardom. He has also starred in THE RUNAROUND starring Emile Hirsch and JK Simmons, and THE MEDDLER starring Susan Sarandon and Rose Byrne.

Reynolds can also be seen in the Academy Award-nominated Paramount feature film SELMA, directed by Ava DuVernay and produced by Harpo Films. Reynolds plays the pivotal role of civil rights activist and Martin Luther King confidant, "Rev. C.T. Vivian" opposite David Oyelowo, Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey.

He was born and raised in Richmond, Va., beginning his professional career at age 16 performing around his hometown.  He went on to perform in the national and international tours of the Broadway musicals Smokey Joe's Café and Saturday Night Fever, as well as regional performances of Parade and Avenue X before his work on Broadway and his eventual move to Los Angeles.

We chat about what a psychic told him, writing + his Green Lantern spec script, his love of Resident Alien, being emancipated at a young age, gut feeling and leap of faith, choosing Hairspray over The Lion King, working on cruise ships, generosity of spirit plus plenty more!

Check Corey out on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreyreynoldsLA/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@coreyreynoldsla

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