Student Highlight: Maurice P. Kerry

You can spot Maurice P. Kerry as Randy Parker in “Beyond the Gates”, as well as other notable works, like “Stranger Things (S:5)”, “Law & Order: Organized Crime”, “The First Lady”, and many more!

Not only do we love watching our students gain confidence and succeed in their acting career, but we also love to share their successes with the world! One alumni that has really caught our attention lately is Maurice P. Kerry. You know Maurice as Randy Parker on Beyond the Gates, but don’t make the mistake of limiting him to a character. This marine veteran’s works spans years and platforms.

We are so excited to chat with Maurice to find out more about his journey.

Maurice, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with us! You’ve had quite an incredible journey. Let’s start at the beginning, tell us what made you want to become an actor.

Looking back, I think I always had the soul of an artist long before I ever called myself an actor. As a kid, I was drawing, writing stories, singing, rapping, performing on stages, and finding ways to express what I was feeling and imagining. I didn’t realize then that all those roads were leading me toward acting. My first experience on stage was in high school, and there was something powerful about stepping into another person’s shoes while still revealing parts of yourself. After serving in the United States Marine Corps and experiencing life at its highest highs and lowest lows, I discovered that acting gave me a way to channel those experiences into something meaningful. Today, acting feels less like a career choice and more like the art form I was always destined to find.

That’s such a beautiful discovery! It sounds like you are truly passionate about acting, but what would you say is the 'thing' that makes you want to stick with it?

What keeps me going is the opportunity to tell stories that move people. I love that a performance can make someone laugh, cry, think differently, or feel less alone in the world.

Acting allows me to explore the full spectrum of human experience while constantly challenging myself to grow. Every role is an opportunity to learn something new about people, life, and even myself.

As a combat veteran, father, and advocate, I’ve lived enough life to know how powerful stories can be, and I never take that responsibility lightly. The idea that something I create on screen could inspire someone years from now is what keeps me showing up.

What an incredible motivation! Your life experiences have really paved the way for your art. You clearly have a lot of joy in this career, so what are some of your favorite acting moments?

One of my favorite moments was working opposite Viola Davis on The First Lady. Before meeting her, she existed in my mind almost like a legend, but sharing scenes with her reminded me that even the greatest artists are still human beings committed to their craft.

Another unforgettable experience has been portraying Randy Parker on Beyond the Gates. Watching audiences connect with a character and discuss his choices online is something I’ll never take for granted. I also loved working alongside Morgan Freeman and seeing firsthand the professionalism that has sustained a legendary career.

More than any individual project, though, my favorite moments are the quiet ones when I realize a younger version of myself would be amazed by where I am standing today.

Wow! Those are amazing moments. What is something that surprised you about working on a set?

One of the biggest surprises was discovering how collaborative filmmaking really is. From the outside, people often focus on the actors, but when you step onto a professional set, you realize there are hundreds of talented people working together to create something special.

Another surprise was how normal extraordinary people can be. Early in my career I worked opposite actors I had admired for years, and I expected them to feel larger than life. Instead, I learned that the best performers are often the most grounded and professional. They show up prepared, do the work, and treat people with respect. That realization made me understand that greatness is built through consistency, not mythology.

That’s great that you can work confidently with legends. Can you share with us what makes you feel confident?

Confidence comes from preparation. Whether I’m stepping onto a set, walking a red carpet, speaking at a veterans event, or walking into an audition, I feel strongest when I know I’ve put in the work. My experiences as a Marine Corps combat veteran also give me perspective. After you’ve been tested in environments where the stakes are truly life and death, many of the fears that stop people begin to lose their power. I don’t see confidence as believing you’ll always win; I see it as trusting yourself to handle whatever happens. That mindset has served me well both on camera and in life.

YES! That is a terrific mindset to have especially in this career. Is there other great advice you have been given?

Some of the best advice I ever received was simple: “Be undeniable.” You can’t control casting decisions, industry trends, or timing, but you can control your preparation, professionalism, and persistence. Another lesson that shaped me came from the military: don’t quit. There have been moments in my life when I was homeless, uncertain, and facing obstacles that seemed impossible, but perseverance kept moving me forward. Success in this industry isn’t always about being the most talented person in the room; often it’s about staying in the fight longer than everyone else. Talent opens doors, but character keeps them open.

Do you have any advice for actors just getting started?

Don’t focus on becoming famous; focus on becoming excellent. Study the craft, train consistently, and learn every aspect of the business. Understand that rejection is part of the process and not a reflection of your worth. The people who succeed are usually the ones who keep showing up after everyone else has gone home. Also, live your life. The more experiences you have, the more truth you will be able to bring to your performances. Your uniqueness is your superpower, so stop trying to be the next version of someone else and become the first version of yourself.

What is a favorite resource that you love to share with other actors?

One of the greatest resources available to actors is observation. Watch people. Listen to them. Study how they move, speak, react, and communicate. Beyond that, I encourage actors to read widely, not just acting books. Read biographies, history, psychology, leadership books, and anything that helps you understand human behavior. I also believe physical fitness, meditation, and breath work are underrated tools for performers because they help build discipline, presence, and emotional control. Most importantly, find mentors whose careers reflect the kind of artist and person you want to become, and learn everything you can from their example.

Maurice, it has been such a pleasure to hear of your absolute passion and drive for this career! Before we go, do you have any acting projects coming up?

I’m currently continuing my work on CBS’s Beyond the Gates, where I play Randy Parker. It’s been exciting to watch the show grow and to be part of a groundbreaking series that has resonated with audiences around the world. Beyond that, I’m actively developing several projects through my production company, including stories that explore themes of resilience, redemption, and the veteran experience. As both an actor and producer, I’m increasingly interested in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. I believe some of the most impactful stories of my career are still ahead of me. Right now, my focus is on building a body of work that has lasting cultural impact.

Want to keep up with Maurice P. Kerry?

Check him out on:

Linktree

IMDb

Demo Reel

Coinology Podcast