Headshot of Harris Craig J. Harris
It’s not often that you meet someone who has been brave enough to take such a path into the world of film and television. Craig J. Harris, who has been a producer, actor, writer, stuntman, and even a voiceover actor, was kind enough to meet with me recently to share his experience and journey into the entertainment industry.
Throughout our interview, Harris spoke about his struggles, breakthroughs, and the very human moments that made his career. “I’ve been doing it ever since,” he said, “Once again, I like to be multifaceted because it keeps me grounded in every facet of the production, so that when I’m in a position as an executive producer, I can understand the perspective of a stunt person, of an actor, of a writer, of a director, because I’ve worked those jobs.”
Harris is also well known behind the scenes. As a veteran TV producer and creative writer, he has his works aired on networks like CNN, A&E, HGTV, Discovery, and Lifetime. He has won five Emmy Awards and four Telly Awards. He’s acted in known shows like Empire, Prison Break and Shameless. He’s also produced documentary series like Chicagoland and wrote award winning projects like Skin Complex.
Harris was even recognized on the 2020 Reel Chicago Black List. His experience is proof that you can be a person of creativity, follow your instincts, and explore each opportunity as it comes along.
In the beginning of the interview, Harris started thinking back to his youth. He talked about how he grew up in a family that valued both education and creative imagination.
“Imagination ruled supreme in our household,” Harris said, He mentioned that he was surrounded by music, history, and encouragement to dream for something more. A mindset that would later guide his path in the entertainment industry.
Before Harris committed to entertainment full time, he had already spent about a decade working in information technology. But during that time, something started to shift. As he mentioned in our interview, it was a moment of quiet reflection that caused what he expressed as an “existential worry.”
“And I stepped back… I heard this huge sigh… and it just set off a chain of existential worry, right? Because I was like, what am I doing?”
That moment led him to a conversation with his wife, one that would change the direction of his life. “I told her, I want to quit this job and I want to go into the performing arts. I felt like the best way forward was to jump in with both feet.”
Once Harris made the transition, he got himself into any part of the entertainment industry he could be. His early starts were focused on whether he was doing stunts, acting in TV shows, or even just contributing to productions. When asked about his stunt work and how he prepares mentally for the risk.
He responds, “When I’m preparing for stunt roles, I continue to learn from some of the best stunt men in the business, and I make sure that I keep my exercise and diet conducive to that sort of work. It’s about staying in shape and being ready for any opportunity that comes up.”
For him, it shows that he is always prepared and open to any opportunity that comes along. He’s open to taking on new challenges, whether it’s learning stunt work or exploring different roles.
Another growth in Harris’s career came when he decided to move behind the camera. While many dream of being the star in front of it, he mentioned that real creative control remains in the roles of writing and producing.
Harris’ transition to writing and producing gave him the opportunity to create his own works and take control of his career.
Harris mentioned, “There are so many opportunities in the production industry and television, film, or just creative content… If you’re building a career behind the camera as a producer, you can start creating your own content and even hire yourself. I’d say to your audience: think about a career behind the camera. It’s rewarding, it gives you creative control, and it pays well.”
In an industry where on screen talent can come and go as fast as an opportunity, Harris’s choice to step behind the camera as a writer and producer is a reminder that the most lasting impact is created. Harris’s journey shows that it is often when you are behind the camera that you have the most power.
One recurring conversation we had was about the importance of mentorship. Harris spoke about the challenges of finding a mentor in an industry where people are “headstrong and ambitious”.
But eventually, “Only one person actually really invested in me and became my mentor out of all those years, and his name is Gary Sherman. I’m a television producer today because Gary took a chance on me”.
Now, with years of experience, he takes the opportunity to mentor up and coming talents.
He believes that, “God provides opportunity for you, whether you’re a believer or not…if it’s not meant for you, you’re not going to get it. Not everything is for you, but the things that are meant for you, are for you. Nobody can deny me my blessings because they’re mine.”
So, for anyone looking to make it, this is testament to having faith in yourself and taking that leap when the right opportunity comes your way.
Harris’s story reminds us that the road to success is going to have both risks and rewards. So, whether you’re an upcoming actor, a writer, and so on. His story is a reminder that taking a leap of faith can result in something greater.