Flickering Myth chats with Manny McCord who stars alongside Jim Belushi in the new Hulu flick, Gigi and Nate…
Manny welcome to Flickering Myth. Before we dive-in, tell us a little about yourself.
Hey I’m Manny, actor and filmmaker originally from Indian Land South Carolina. I moved to Los Angeles in 2019 to pursue an acting career and I’ve also been involved in film production. One of my projects just screened at the Burbank Film Festival and will be screening at Chelsea Film Festival in October.
What got you into acting to begin with?
At a young age I had to choose between sports and the arts. Due to my parents work schedule, it wasn’t possible for me to dabble in both. So, I chose sports, which is what I became known for and eventually went to college on a football scholarship. In college I started modeling and doing commercial work which brought back the possibility and passion of becoming an actor. In college I had many opportunities to join theatre, but I didn’t because I was scared. I was scared to become something different around the community I had already created an image around. My junior year summer I visited LA. After that visit I knew, I was going to move here right after graduating to pursue acting.
You’re in the new Hulu movie Gigi and Nate with scenes with legendary actor Jim Belushi. Tell us about the film and your role.
In the movie Gigi and Nate I play an Army Sergeant. It was an awesome experience. Not only was it my first role in a feature film, but I got to fly home and film it. In 2019 my mom and dad dropped me off at CLT airport, for my one way ticket to LAX. Two years later I was flying back to CLT to shoot an airport scene in Charlotte. Also working with director Nick Hamm, and the legend Jim Belushi was amazing and very inspiring.
Any fun behind the scenes stories?
Everything moved FAST. In my head I thought I’d come in, rehearse a couple times with Jim, meet the director, etc…. But as soon as I stepped on set it was GO time! I was handed props and introduced to Jim seconds before rehearsing. We read our lines once, and Jim said, “I’m ready, lets shoot.”
How can we see the movie?
Right now, it’s in theatres nationwide. After its theatrical bow, it will be on Hulu.
Do you have a bucket list of actors/directors you would like to collaborate with in future?
Hmm that’s tough to answer. Actors would have to be, Denzel Washington, Hugh Jackman, Tom Hardy, Jon Bernthal, and Jonathan Majors – my list could go on and on, but I really admire these actors and appreciate their craft.
This is a tough question as well because there are so many beautiful films out there. But a few directors I’d love to work with one day are Tony Gilroy, David Fincher, Zack Snyder, and Gavin O’Connor.
What would be your dream role?
I think it’d be awesome to be a part of a film franchise or T.V series that allows the character to build with time. Like Matt Damon in the Bourne series or Cillian Murphy in Peaky Blinders.
If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
I’d encourage my younger self to sing, dance, and play more. I’d encourage him to question the social norm, teach him to be comfortable taking risks, and remind him that he doesn’t need permission to live an adventurous life.
If you weren’t into acting what else would you be doing?
If I wasn’t into acting, I’d be filmmaking. I know I know it’s a cheat code answer, but I really love film and I wouldn’t be happy or fulfilled doing anything else.
What advice can you give to an aspiring actor?
To any aspiring actors out there. Get in class, work your craft, and take the leap. Don’t allow people that aren’t where you want to be… tell you what to do.
What’s the best way to follow you online?
People can follow my journey on IMDb and Instagram
Our thanks to Manny McCord for taking the time for this interview, we look forward to seeing more of you in the future!
