We had the good fortune of connecting with Thurston Cherry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thurston, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein. He said, “Nothing happens until something moves.” So many of us dream about achieving goals, and the same goals stay on our to do list from year to year. Why? A lot of it has to do with just not moving. Whether it’s out of fear or just not knowing what to do, the important part of the quote is to move. This has been my 2020 theme. During this pandemic, I’m listening to my inner self, asking for direction, and then making moves. By doing so, something is going to happen because I’m putting the effort in moving.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This year is challenging for so many people. Arts & entertainment have always been a form of escape from some of the hardships of reality. As a creative artist, I believe my purpose is to entertain with a message. Thurston Cherry is and always will be original. For example, my signature phrase is “thanxthanx”, and it is still around 22 years later. I’m not one to follow trends and participate in video challenges unless I started it myself. The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to bring my unique voice to the forefront. I didn’t jump into this business because I wanted to be famous. Most artists like myself didn’t have a choice; it’s born within us. The funny gene was passed down and added to my DNA. I entered this career without a Plan B because Plan A is the source that drives my determination and passion. I’d rather make a living from my career and gain respect than gain long lasting fame and stay broke. We are in a time where a revolution is taking place and our voices should be heard. My voice speaks through my creativity. Sometimes creating content is the only way I can express myself, and I’m thankful to have a platform where people listen. My brand is smart, no-nonsense, clean comedy, to uplift the spirit and tickle the mind. This is the reason I believe my Black History Month video and Junteenth video gained so much attention. Recently, my content has shifted from workplace scenarios, to the quarantine life experiences with Miss Corona and the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s challenging to take sensitive topics and spin them in a way to entertain and make people think. That’s the goal I strive to achieve in all of my posts. It’s important for my thoughts to come through in a direct, non-offensive way with my signature chuckle at the end.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If it’s their first time in Los Angeles, I have to make room in the itinerary for the usual touristy sites like Hollywood & Highland, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, L.A. Live, etc. We’ll knock those out early, and then we’ll move to the life of a local. My goal is for them to have an experience that will feed their mind, body, and soul. Outside Adventures: The weather out here is undeniably a reason why people love it, so much so we’ll have to take advantage of it. We’ll go hiking at Runyon Canyon, Fryman Canyon and maybe hit up some other trails that aren’t as popular. I’ve never been a huge beach person, but you can’t come to Los Angeles and not visit at least one beach. You’ll have a different experience from Santa Monica to Venice to Malibu, and I want my friend to see it all. Shopping: We’ll visit The Grove, Downtown LA, The Beverly Center, The Americana/Glendale Galleria, Westfield Century City, and Baldwin Hills Plaza. Amusement Parks: Disneyland is always fun, and I’m a fan of rollercoasters. Six Flags Magic Mountain is at the top of the list. Learning Opportunities: My friends know I appreciate art and gaining new knowledge, so exploring museums and exhibits will be on the list as well. The California African American Museum, The La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA and the Getty are a few of my favorites. Eating: Chain restaurants are forbidden on the trip. The point is to leave my friend with a new experience. I’ll take them to a few of my favorite places (The Griddle, Granville Cafe, Toi on Sunset) and then we can venture off and discover some new mom and pop eateries. I have a serious sweet tooth, so dessert spots will be thrown in there too. First place on the list is Southern Girl Desserts. They never disappoint when I need my sugar fix. Beats: If my friend wants to throw their hand up to a beat, we’ll visit The Room in Hollywood and El Dorado. I don’t think I’ve ever left those two places without a serious cardio workout. Spirituality: We will end the trip at the Self-Realization Lake Shrine in Pacific Palisades. It’s a beautiful relaxing place to walk around, write in your journal, meditate and pray.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I have to thank GOD for everything he’s done and continues to do in my life. Without him I would be nothing. This shoutout is dedicated to my 4F’s support system (Family, Friends, Frat, and Fans). I would be typing for days if I named everyone, so if you fall into any one of those categories, please know that I love and appreciate you. I’m thankful for my immediate family: my dad Apostle Dr. Luther Cherry, my mom Evangelist Symera Cherry, my sister Vocalist Andrea Cherry (ACinNC), and my nephew Andre Cherry. Thank you for your continued love and support. I also want to thank my Aunt Faye for always being a listening ear and always encouraging me to never give up. I’m thankful for my North Carolina and California family/friends for holding me down and always keeping it real with me. Special shoutout to my UNC-Chapel Hill Tarheel family, especially my Performance Studies professors D. Soyini Madison, Derek Goldman, and Della Pollock that helped to prepare me for this industry. I want to thank my NC mentor the two time Emmy Award winning Host Willa Brigham for showing me the ropes and inspiring me to make a difference with my artistry. I want to thank three of my talented LA mentors–Rita Pardue, Janora McDuffie and Cocoa Brown–for their friendship, love and guidance in various aspects of the industry. Shoutout to my brothers of the Mighty Mu Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Thank you for your brotherhood and support. Finally, I have to give a shoutout to ALL of my fans from every social media platform who send me messages, share my content, and show me so much love. It lifts my spirit when I read how much you appreciate and enjoy my work.

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thurstoncherry, http://www.instagram.com/dumbdumbspirit
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thurstoncherry
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thurstoncherry
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thurstonTCcherry, https://www.facebook.com/BlackCreatorsCollective/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/thurstoncherry
Other: https://www.imdb.me/thurstoncherry, http://resumes.actorsaccess.com/thurstoncherry