Carl Gilliard

Michigan State University, B.A., Communications/Political Science 1980

Came to Osborn from GRANT ELEMENTARY in September, 1972. I remember it as a daunting experience. HUGE SCHOOL. KNEW ONLY my GRANT classmates. Formed some of my lifelong friendships there. SHERRI GIBSON is the most 'serendipitious'. Sherri and I went to GRANT together (1970-72), then OSBORN (72-76), then Michigan State (76-80) and now both live in Southern California (present day). I have been in contact with her consistently since 1970. My main HS hang out buddy was KYLE JACKSON, who I still talk to REGULARLY today. At Osborn, was where my creative side was birthed. I was a MUSICIAN for much of that time; playing in STAGE BAND with Mr. Paxton, then acting in my first play in 1975 (The Brides Bouquet) and working with the CCTV group. Miss Kleffman was the drama teacher and she was my FIRST OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION to the DRAMATIC ARTS; where I work as a PROFESSIONAL today. I had always been a movie buff before that, but it wasn't until I did the play at OSBORN that I believed it to be a real option as a vocation. CLASSMATE PATRICK CYCONNE was also a part of that. HE was the friend who TALKED ME INTO auditioning. PATRICK also lives here in LOS ANGELES and works as a SOUND MIXER in FILMS.

My coolest and most humbling memory was being voted HOMECOMING KING in 1975. That was surreal and totally unexpected as I remember it. I appreciated that experience.

Film, Avid News Junkie, Church/Church-Related Activities, Filmmaker

So many HIGH (and low) points. Met & worked with MANY famous & talented people along the way and know a few personally....:)

Examples: Took an acting/business class with actor/director BILL DUKE in 1998. I ran that class with Oscar nominee TARAJI P HENSEN. Other classmates included Anthony Anderson, Shamar Moore, LisaRaye & Monica Calhoun

One highlight was a few years back. I worked with DON RICKLES on a sitcom called "DADDY DEAREST" on FOX and he did his INSULT thing on me......was so cool....

I am living my dream working in this business, but it is the hardest thing that I have ever loved to do and I have paid a high price to be here to do this.

Alpha Phi Alpha
Screen Actors Guild
American Federation Of Radio & Television Artists

Ghana, Acapulco

CHERYL GILLIARD Duh!!!!???!!!!
Tina Terry
Kyle Jackson
Sherri Gibson
Michael Hurst
Lawrence Robinson
Tanga Jones
Diane Bradford
Teena Williams
Patrick Cyconne
Craig Gilliard (now that YALL done ADDED '79 behind my back!!) My esteemed Younger BROTHER this is. (Yall notice how ALL the GILLIARD's have PICS??)

"Happiness is not having what you want, it's wanting what you have"