Rocky River native Michael Chernus praises Beck Center experience in Cleveland

Rocky River native Michael Chernus is making waves in the second season of Apple TV+’s “Severance,” where he plays the comically aloof Ricken Hale. With a career spanning nearly 80 credits, including roles in “Men in Black 3” and “Orange is the New Black,” Chernus credits much of his success to his formative years at the Beck Center for the Arts.

Reflecting on his time at Beck Center, Chernus shared, “I credit Beck for so much of not only my career but who I am as a person.” He fondly remembers tackling real plays and delving into acting and theater at a professional level, which prepared him for his future endeavors.

Recalling his role in the Bob Dylan biopic, Chernus, a self-proclaimed music enthusiast, expressed his awe at the experience. He marveled at the opportunity to witness Timothée Chalamet’s transformation into Dylan, especially during the Newport Folk Festival scenes.

Recently, Chernus took on the challenging role of serial killer John Wayne Gacy in Peacock’s limited series “Devil in Disguise.” He considers this project a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his growth as an actor.

In discussing his role in “Severance,” Chernus noted the unique challenges of the show’s premise, where characters undergo memory severance procedures. He emphasized the separation between innies and outies, reflecting on the parallels between their on-screen experiences and the real-world isolation during the pandemic.

Looking ahead, Chernus remains open to the idea of returning to Northeast Ohio for a stage show. Perhaps a one-man show based on his “Severance” character Ricken could be in the cards, titled “The One Man Man Show.” While he jokingly acknowledged that Ricken’s monologues might be a bit much for a 90-minute solo performance, he’s open to the idea.

With a diverse range of projects and a deep-rooted appreciation for his upbringing in Northeast Ohio, Michael Chernus continues to captivate audiences with his versatile performances and genuine passion for the arts.