A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of chatting with Andrew Tyree, an actor, comedian, public speaker, correspondent, and fill-in host for WXIA 11 Alive’s daily lifestyle program, Atlanta & Company.
Tyree recently relocated to Atlanta from Los Angeles, where he spent years honing his craft as an actor, writer, and spoken word artist. He has performed on some of the biggest stages, including Broadway, where he shared the spotlight with "some pretty cool artists."
"Hosting found me when I started hosting a real estate show on VH1," Tyree says. His hosting career took off from there, leading him to Amazon Prime and Apple TV, where he hosted Beyond the Block for three seasons. He also hosted a program for the Tennis Channel before eventually landing in Atlanta, where he now serves as a correspondent and fill-in host for Atlanta & Company."
“I always knew I wanted to be an entertainer,” he says. “I’m creative, and I can’t sit behind a desk! I was always determined to make it work, and there was never a plan B."
"The caveat to not having a plan B is that there are a lot of A minuses," he admits. "I worked a lot of jobs in between gigs. One day, you could be on a big TV show, and once it's over, you can be out of work for at least six months! I’ve bussed tables, worked in factories, and even drove for rideshare services just to make ends meet until I could get to the point where I didn’t have to do that anymore." He shares.
Today, Tyree is a TV host, entertainer as well as a devoted dad and husband.
For Andrew, stepping on a film set, or onto the stage is much like playing sports. “It’s almost as if nothing else is happening,” he said. “Whatever worries or cares I had before stepping on set or stage are gone.”
Tyree, who has worked in various environments shares "I’ve worked in places where I didn’t like the environment, the people, or the producers,"
"But once I was on camera, those concerns faded. In the end, you get to leave with something tangible—a finished product you can see once the work is done,” he said. “A lot of professions don’t offer that. You do the work, and when it’s done, someone else might take the credit.”
Andrew Tyree has learned an important lesson: “You aren’t everyone’s cup of tea,” he said. “The thing about my job is that you can never get too high or feel too lofty about yourself because the next audition you go on, you can be told something completely different.”
Tyree recalled working on a show that won three awards and was renewed multiple times. "However, that show ended," he said. "Afterward, I went on a string of auditions, and casting was like, ‘Nah! You’re not it!’ I thought to myself, ‘Who’s not it?’”
Andrew said he faced rejection every day, and that there was no “Plan B.” “It’s not that I couldn’t do a Plan B, but I wouldn’t be happy,” he said. “I could get an office job, but I would hate it. The clicking of the keyboard would drive me insane!”
Tyree’s friend, actor Kareem Grimes, who stars on " All American,” introduced him to the concept of "Leaving it in the room." “Go, do your thing, and leave it all in the room,” Tyree explained. “It’s a good muscle to exercise.” He credits his upbringing with helping him embrace this mindset.
Andrew Tyree shares about a pivotal moment in his career that significantly shaped his path as a host and actor.
"I've always taken leaps, and I think I get that from my mother. I planned to graduate high school and not go to college—honestly, I wasn’t planning on doing anything! I was involved in theater in high school and also got into trouble. I went to jail a couple of times for fighting.
The COO of the jail just so happened to be a deacon at the church I attended in St. Louis. He sat me down and said, "You’re at a crossroads, and you have a decision to make." Luckily, I listened to those words. Shortly after that, I moved to New York with no plan, job, or money. Eventually, I found my way and got into school on an acting scholarship. Later, I moved to Los Angeles with about $600.
Moments like these—where I feel like I’m supposed to be doing something—are moments I can only fight for so long. At some point, my body tells me to "go!" It shoves me, and I do it!"
Andrew shares a piece of advice for graduating high schoolers, looking to pursue a career as an actor or host.
“When I was growing up, you had to present yourself until someone chose you. That is no longer the case. Now, you can take your phone, grab some friends, and create—whether it is writing, filming, scoring, or distributing—your own movie and put it on YouTube all by yourself. My advice to high schoolers is to 'Just do it.' Do not let fear or the desire for perfection paralyze you. Just take action and put it out there.” He said.
Andrew shares a G.E.M. (Great Educational Moments with Movers and Shakers) for those currently navigating their career as an actor in the film and TV industry.
Click the link below to view our full conversation.
"Years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Tom Hanks at a restaurant. I ran into him while he was waiting for his car. I approached him and said, “Excuse me, I am an actor and a big fan. Do you have any advice for me?” Hanks shared a piece of advice that has stuck with me. He told me that, early in his career, he felt like He was out of his acting group and was the least talented actor among his peers. The only reason he made it, he said, was because he did not quit. If you want to know why people make it, they just don’t quit! So, don’t quit!"
To connect with Andrew, you can connect with him on Tik Tok where you can catch his bi-weekly show, titled Concepts of a Show @andrew_tyree, and he’s also on Instagram @hostedbyandrewtyree. You can also catch him at noon on WXIA 11 Alive on Atlanta & Company.
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