COLUMBIA (WACH) - While Columbia has its long-standing reputation as a state capital and major college town, in recent years it has also become known-- to some-- as Hollywood East. The Midlands have produced quite a few stars: Monique Coleman of "High School Musical" fame; Kristin Davis of "Sex and the City;" Lee Thompson Young who appeared the film version of "Friday Night Lights;" and Leeza Gibbons, formerly of "Entertainment Tonight" and "Extra." All grew up in the Columbia area and all have become stars in their own right.
Columbia also has had its share of projects filmed here, including "Death Sentence" in 2007 starring Kevin Bacon. Also appearing in that film was a man who could be Columbia's next big star-- Kendrick Cross.
Cross graduated from Spring Valley High School, then went to USC-Salkahatchie on a basketball scholarship. He earned a degree in Computer Science and now works in that field. Cross has never formally studied acting. That is hard to tell, judging by his performances.
"A good person told me that acting is just being yourself on camera," said Cross. "Of course I would love to take classes and do all of that and I intend to. But, it's working for me now."
On the big screen, Cross had a small role as an armed security guard in "Death Sentence." He also worked on the "Nailed" project, filmed in Columbia but yet to be released. On the small screen, Cross has appeared in numerous television programs including "Dawson's Creek," "One Tree Hill," "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," and "Army Wives" which is filmed in the Charleston area.
"I've always been the type to grind," said Cross. "Anything to make myself more successful in this business, I do it."
That driving passion has paid off, big time. Cross landed his first leading film role in the upcoming romantic comedy "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do." He plays Vince, a hardworking family man who loves his wife and son but hates all the family drama. Demetria McKinney of "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" plays Vince's wife, Shonda. Cross says McKinney made his job easy despite the hectic filming schedule.
"We did 15 and 16 hour days," said Cross. "We finished a whole movie in 12 days which is rough."
To get through rough acting schedules, Cross said he gets tips and inspiration from his mentor, Columbia theater director and actor Darion McCloud.
"Kenny works hard," said McCloud. "He plays the biggest role in his success but I'm happy to have helped."
McCloud feels one of the best things Cross has going for him is his college basketball experience. "I like working with actors who have athletic backgrounds because they understand the importance of discipline and rehearsal."
Cross greatly appreciates the help and support he gets from McCloud. "He truly showed me that acting is more than just standing on camera and being able to read some lines."
As for stardom, Cross says that is not his primary goal. He just wants to be the best actor he can possibly be. If that, someday, puts him in the same company as Coleman, Davis, Young and Gibbons, great.
Film Screening Information
"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do"
Starring Kendrick Cross and Demetria McKinney
When: Friday, February 12
Where: Columbia Museum of Art
Tickets: 6:30 PM - $15
9:00 PM - $20
To Purchase: (803) 799-2810
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH