Comedian, musician and actor Barry Brewer is taking over television and expanding his reach year after year. Presently, as the star of ‘Tyler Perry’s Bruh’ on BET, he is sharing his story and some words of advice with his fans.
Having been in the industry for 18 years, Brewer spent a lot of time perfecting his various crafts. A triple threat, he has broken into nearly every industry type constantly fueling his passion and creativity. However, with tons of work under his belt, his current role as “John” on Tyler Perry’s newest series stands as an affirmation that he’s moving in the right direction.
“The experience has just been overwhelming. I’ve been going after this journey of stand up and acting … it has been 18-years now. He notes Martin Lawrence and Kevin Hart as those who inspire him and have influenced his career, hoping to reach their level of success. For now, however, he is grateful to be on such a fulfilling path. “It’s rewarding to see your dreams and your beliefs come to pass, it has been really great.”
As the lead character, John navigates his thirties with three of his friends. Together, they deal with careers, relationships and the constant routine of finding themselves in today’s society. “John Watts is a very layered character. He didn’t finish college for reasons that the show will reveal later on. He borrowed money from his friends and he’s trying to navigate life as it relates to finding his identity for his career and what he wants to do,” Brewer details. “John has big dreams to be something great.”
Brewer digs within to connect with his character John as he finds some familiarity in their stories. “As an actor, I always try to connect personal experiences or even try to put myself in a situation as the character so that I can react authentically at that moment.” As far as his connection to John, “I relate to maybe being the underdog or people not really knowing what you’re capable of,” he said. Sharing further, “That was something that I dealt with early on in life.”
Born in Chicago, Brewer moved to Los Angeles and shared stories about wanting to get his big break with comedy. Even once meeting the legendary director Spike Lee, he hoped for an extension into the entertainment industry but Lee simply wanted to give him his props. He shared that it was moments like those he found to be his most challenging.
“I think in an actor’s career you can really get so many no’s and trying to stay encouraged and stay enthusiastic about going after your dreams has been a challenge for sure,” he says. “You remind yourself that what you dreamed about is real and you’re steady chasing it despite the challenges.”
Nevertheless, the star is going places. He recalls his first standing ovation during his debut as a standup comedian as the moment he decided to take his craft seriously. “Truly, that moment of doing entertainment was the moment that I discovered this is what I want to do.”
Since then, Brewer has been working hard to ensure his dreams and vision become a reality, a vision that includes a studio that houses both film and music. “Dreams do come true.”
“If you have a dream, I think there’s something to that and you should believe in it. I hope that my life is a testament that you can believe and it will come true. That is the truth. That is a real thing, not just a fantasy.”
As he continues to make his dreams come true, he vows to stay optimistic and create things out of love. Brewer recently taped the comedy special, “Chicago I’m Home,” which met great reviews after two sold-out shows in his native city. Also a content creator, Brewer is consistently producing videos for YouTube and Facebook for viewers to take in. Even during a global quarantine, he’s finding time to focus on his craft and level up.
“I just stay optimistic because I believe that there’s power in that perspective. I’ve been trying to do everything I can. I’ve been creating content, I’ve been writing my film, a feature during quarantine. I’ve put my music studio in my new place. I’ve been very busy during quarantine,” he laughs. “I play smart you know, but I’m not living in fear as a relates to my future.”
“When you chase your dreams, it opens up and puts you in a position to make other people’s dreams come true. So, as it relates to my future, I am just excited to continue to put myself in position to be one of those pillars to open up doors for others,” he explains, tying things together. “Everything I’m doing personally is for my bigger picture.”
In the bigger picture more is to come for the talented star. He is holding tight to the advice he shared for his younger self, “Don’t take it personal.”
“Stay focused. Stay encouraged, it’s going to come to pass but don’t take it personal. You’re going to be okay. You’re going to make it. Just understand it’s a journey and it’s a marathon, it’s not a sprint.”
For now, watch Barry Brewer take another journey as John on BET+ every Thursday.
