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Exciting News!
Trinidadian actor Michael Cherrie joins the star-studded cast of Netflix’s “Shirley,” alongside Academy Award-winning actress Regina King. Cherrie, known for his acclaimed performances, portrays Conrad O Chisholm, the husband of Shirley Chisholm, in the brand new film produced by Participant and Regina King’s Royal Ties Productions.
She etched her name in history as the first black Congresswoman and the first black woman to seek the presidency of the United States. Born to a Barbadian family, Chisholm’s courageous journey and groundbreaking campaign serve as the cornerstone of this captivating narrative, drawing from exclusive conversations with those closest to her.
Michael received his professional training for the stage and screen at The National Theatre Conservatory’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts where he was seen in productions of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Oberon/Theseus), GB Shaw’s Arms and the Man (Capt. Bluntschli) and John Guare’s Landscape of the Body (Raulito/Dope King).
Cherrie’s talent and versatility have garnered him widespread recognition, earning him the label of “the Black Brando” for his standout performance in Britain’s Channel 4 television production of Kittitian-born Caryl Phillips’ “The Final Passage” in 1996. His onscreen presence is impressive, with credits including “Home Again,” “The Mystic Masseur,” and the recent Tribeca Film Festival-selected “She Paradise.”
With a Cacique Award to his name, Cherrie has left a tremendous mark on both Trinidadian and American stages, with notable roles in productions such as “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “A Raisin in the Sun” and “Equus”.
Michael Cherrie is also an Assistant Professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Academy for the Performing Arts. Cherrie thanks the institution for allowing him the space and time from his academic job to work on “Shirley”, an important project to him.
Commenting on his involvement in the Netflix featured production, Question Mark’s founders Simon Baptiste and Carolyn Pasea praised Cherrie’s talent and character, highlighting his dedication to his craft and his commitment to uplifting others.
Cherrie joins a stellar ensemble cast that includes Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Christina Jackson, Dorian Missick, Amirah Vann, W. Earl Brown, André Holland, and Terrence Howard.
“Each actor I worked with on that set brought fun, spontaneity, urgency and great value to the work. I learned to trust the process despite the odds. I think I taught them the wonder of what the Caribbean spirit can bring to the giant that is Hollywood.”
-Michael Cherrie
Advice from Mr. Cherrie to young actors:
“Know and understand story, know and understand your own story, read, observe and engage with people, engage with art – performing, literary, visual and audio-visual -, be curious, take acting classes, take every opportunity to practice your craft, find a tribe with whom you want to create and produce, believe in what you’re doing, what you’re saying and believe in yourself.”
Participant, known for its commitment to social justice, will align its impact work tied to “Shirley” with efforts to advance civic engagement and social justice.
Michael Cherrie stars alongside Regina King in the Netflix film “Shirley”, which has already premiered. I urge anyone from anywhere to pop some corn and check it out! After watching the movie, I was taken back by how much I identified with the main character, and how much of myself I saw in her- a Caribbean born woman- represented on screen in this way.
Megan hails from the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. She is a musician, singer/songwriter with a vast technical theatre background and can be called a rockstar of the creative world. Boasting a holistic understanding of multiple Creative Arts spanning a roughly 16 year career, while being an activist who is passionate about the empowerment of girls, womexn and the LGBTQ+ community, Megan exists at the intersection of the Creative and Cultural Industries and social change. She considers herself a citizen of the planet, having traveled considerably during her career, and is energized by her chosen family and professional networks that span the globe. Megan holds a Certificate in Digital Media Studies with a focus in Music Technology, BFA in Performing Arts with a focus in Theater Design and Production, a Master in Arts and Culture Management (hons) and has a vocation for coaching creatives. Megan also loves writing music, gigging, connecting with people of all cultures and prioritizes having the ocean waves underscore her daily life.
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