CORY HARDIN is an actor, writer, and improviser based in Chicago, originally from Kentucky. He is a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf, a BFA Acting alum of Western Kentucky University, and trained with renowned acting coach Kathryn Gately at the Gately/Poole Conservatory. Cory regularly performs with the house team Dad’s Records at The iO Theater, where he also produces the Chicago Tribune recommended Voila! The Improvised Musical every Friday at 9:30PM and the new, hybrid improvised show Improv: The Play Thursdays at 7:30PM

Recent stage work includes productions with The Goodman Theatre, The Gift Theatre, Steep Theatre, Theater Wit, StageOne, and the National Theater for Children. His on-screen credits include Shirley (written/directed by John Ridley, starring Regina King) Love Language (produced by Colin Jost) Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa (Netflix); and Chicago Fire (NBC). His commercial work spans campaigns for ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Liquid Death, WeatherTech, the Illinois Lottery, and Cars.com.

As a writer, Cory is currently developing a solo show with aims toward a 2026 premiere. His work explores themes of family, identity, and emotional inheritance — often through a lens that is both humorous and emotionally raw.

UP NEXT:

Love Language (feature film) directed by Joey Power; produced by Colin Jost; starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Anthony Ramos, and Manny Jacinto.

ON GOING:

Improv: The Play (at The iO Theater) Thursdays at 7:30PM

Voila! The Improvised Musical (at The iO Theater) Fridays at 9:30PM