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Entertaining Angels

Corey McClure Talks About his Role as a Christian Entertainer

By: Kanette Worlds

With more than twenty theatrical credits under his belt, believe-it-or-not, Detroit native Corey McClure is just getting started. He’s graced the stage in numerous gospel plays such as “Lord All Men Can’t Be Dogs,” “Something Special is About to Happen,” and “Alone in this World.”

At the time of our last conversation, Corey was wrapping up production on an independent film by Christopher Armstead Young called “Say Goodbye Jimmy Springs.”

Corey’s affinity for the performing arts developed at the age of four. “It started with my grandmother then down to me. Everyone in my family is a comedian,” Corey said.

His family, including his mother, older sister and brother, belonged to a comedy gospel group called the “Clabba Buttermilk Singers.” They performed at various venues including his grandfather’s church, First Fellowship Baptist where his brother presently serves as pastor.

The church is a mainstay in Corey’s life. It’s where he received his foundation and keeps himself grounded in hard times.

“I was born into a church family and always affiliated with church. I felt like it was a part of me… something I was suppose to do. If I missed church I felt like I did something wrong.”

A self-taught computer technician, Corey is proficient in computer upgrading and networking. However, he decided to become a full-time entertainer in 1996. In addition to acting, Corey is also a singer, songwriter, and musician.

Over the years, he’s sang background for gospel artists like James Cleveland, Walter & Edwin Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Twinkie Clark and newcomer Pat Pennington-Kendricks, who is also his cousin.

The hustle-and-bustle of finding consistent work in the entertainment industry hasn’t deterred Corey from pursuing his dream. Encouragement from family and friends motivates him to remain faithful to his craft.

“My family knows I’m a passionate person and they support a black man doing something positive.”

In 1991 Corey’s future in entertainment came to an abrupt halt. Fifteen to twenty guys (thought to be gang members) attacked him while he was at a gas station. He lapsed into a coma and spent three months in the hospital rehabilitating.

“The doctors called me a miracle child. They said I should have been dead or a vegetable. I knew then that I was destined to do better, to be better.”

Corey met playwright T.J. Hemphill a couple years later through friends that were performing in his play, “Angels in the House.” Initially, Corey says that T.J. wasn’t very fond of his talent or his haircut.

“I have an old Jim Kelly look. I love having a distinguishing look. I like to stand out in everything that I do, but he (T.J.) didn’t know what to do with me.”

It didn’t take long for T.J. to realize that there was more to Corey than meets the eye. T.J. assigned Corey the role of Uncle Charlie in the 1996 debut of “Perilous Times 2.” His scene-stealing performance as the polyester pants, platform shoes-wearing flirt gave Corey the opportunity to display his alter ego.

“Uncle Charlie is my favorite character. He gives me a chance to clown, be myself and act silly. Uncle Charlie is me when I get older.”

November 23rd - 28th, Corey performs in the hit stage production, “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” at the Music Hall. Gospel recording artist Derrick Brinkley wrote the show, which is in its second-run. The message reveals how the power of forgiveness and the love of Christ can heal broken relationships.

Corey portrays a security guard, who is a cross between Otis from the TV show “Martin” and “Ready Freddy”. The all-star cast features R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo, Shirley Murdock, Christopher Williams, and Latrice Pace of the Pace Sisters. Visit www.meipresents.com for details.

On the road ahead, Corey looks to step off the stage and onto the silver screen in sitcoms and eventually movies. Nevertheless, his faith will remain number one on his priority list.

“God is the one through the Holy Spirit that has directed me in every decision that I make and my fear for God has strengthened me.”

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

Corey McClure Contact Info:

For more info, contact Miss Kanette S. Worlds II, Media Consultant & Freelance Writer for Generation Blessed Media,
5058 42nd Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104.
Phone: 248.802.0284
Email: