Claude Harris Jr. hadn’t even aspired to get into acting in movies when a friend of his in Charlotte, who happens to be in the film industry, put up a post on social media looking to catch up with old schoolmates.
“It was so cool how it happened,” said Harris, who recalls his friend, actor Jeremy Carr, asking if Harris may be interested being in a movie.
The film was “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret,” an adaptation of the classic 1970 young adult novel by Judy Blume, featuring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates and Wilbur Fitzgerald.
“He said, ‘There’s this role open that I know they’re looking to fill,’ ” Harris recalled. “It’s a singing pastor, which is something I actually do in real life.”
Harris is a co-pastor and music minister of New Life Worship Center, the church founded by his parents, Pastors Regina and Claude Harris Sr., in 1982.
In the movie, the younger Harris pastors a church the main character, Margaret, visits.
“She has so many questions about her life, from puberty, growing into a young woman, and also religion,” Harris said. “She’s visiting this Black church, and it’s Spirit-filled, we’ve got the choir singing, so that’s kind of a culture shock for her.”
Harris has been in the music ministry since he was a child, playing the piano at church; but his mother tells him he’s been singing since age two. He fondly remembers him and his sister as kids, singing along with their mother on car trips, as their mother encouraged them to mimic and harmonize with her own vocals.
“You know, even though it was fun, I look back on those moments and I’m like, ‘that was actually vocal training,’” he said.
While this is Harris’ first performance in a major studio production, he’s not a total stranger to show business. He has performed in productions with local filmmaker Karlton Clay (usually playing a preacher); and alongside ministry, he’s also a songwriter, producer and recording artist. He’ll be releasing a new single, “Rain,” on May 5; part of his EP project, “Merrimac Ave.,” tentatively due mid-June.
“That’s something that I love to do. It’s one of those things I like to do in my downtime, so It doesn’t feel like work,” said Harris. “So I just had the bright idea that since this movie is coming out, let’s have some music ready to put out as well.”
For artists, Harris stresses the importance of honing one’s craft, and remembering that relationships matter, noting that he and Carr didn’t really “talk every day” before the film role came about.
He has also said that he’s open to more film roles, including parts in faith-based movies, if the opportunities arise, as his own artistry is an extension of his ministry.
“I think everything happens for a reason,” said Harris. “And especially for God’s glory. If me being in a movie will attract someone to maybe hearing the message of Christ from me, then, so be it.”
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” will open in theaters on April 28.
New Life Worship Center is currently holding services at its West Campus, 3940 Desoto Dr. in Martinez, on Sundays at 9 a.m.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
