Every memorable city has something that it's known for, its landmarks and places. This goes for Cleveland with its lakefront skyline, its three professional sports teams, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the city's immersive art scene, food and history. 

But a big part of what makes a city special is the people who call it home. Halle Maria Berry is one of the most famous persons to make it big from Cleveland, Ohio. 

Growing Up

Berry‘s childhood was tough. The daughter of a white mother and Black father, she encountered racism from an early age. Born and raised in Cleveland, she then attended Bedford High School southeast of the city and faced bullying from her peers.

“Because my mother was white and my father was Black, we got called Oreos and other names," she told People Magazine. "Kids just didn’t understand, so we were different.”

Despite the bullying, Berry overcame the jokes and ended her time at Bedford High School in 1984 as an honor student, cheerleader and class president. She eventually moved and attended Cuyahoga Community College in Highland Hills, Ohio. 

Berry’s Career

Before becoming the tremendous actress she is, Berry began her career as a model and entered several beauty pageants, winning Miss USA and Miss World in 1968. Being in beauty pageants led to Berry‘s first role in the 1989 sitcom “Living Dolls,” about four teens pursuing a modeling career in New York City. 

Not too long after her acting debut, Berry landed her breakthrough role in Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever” and soon after appeared in the romantic comedy “Boomerang” alongside Eddie Murphy in 1992. This performance opened the doors to a very successful career for Berry, and she appeared in well known films, including “The Flintstones” (1994), “Bulworth” (1998) and a breakout performance in “Monster Ball” (2001).

A year after its release, she made history, becoming the first African-American woman to win an Oscar for best actress for “Monster Ball.” 

The film won plaudits, many for Berry's role as the grieving widow "Leticia Musgrove" alongside Billy Bob Thornton's "Hank" in the moving tragedy of race, violence and abuse. It was also notable for allowing Berry to establish herself as one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood.

Most recently, Berry's work includes starring in the horror thriller “Never Let Go” (2024). She also co-starred with Mark Wahlberg in the Netflix film “The Union.” 

Outside of film, Berry’s hobbies and talents include her company Respin, a menopause wellness brand that focuses on support and a community for women navigating that phase of life. Her brand offers women community programs, expert guidance and helpful resources. 

Her importance for film 

Film is a very important part of Cleveland's character. The Greater Cleveland Film Commission actively promotes the region as a filming location, and the city and surrounding areas have hosted major productions, including from Marvel and DC Comics. 

Berry's love of the area and its film scene are obvious. When she returned to Cleveland’s Valley View theater to promote her movie “Perfect Stranger,” over 800 excited fans waited to meet her before the screening.

“I’m so happy to be home," Berry greeted them to applause."I’m here. I’m from here, and I’m one of you.” 

Berry's filmography explores a wide range of themes, including the impact of trauma, the search for redemption, and overcoming adversity. She frequently dives into psychological drama,action and thriller genres. She often displays a strong female character who tackles situations that challenge her characters.

Berry matters to audiences, especially to women for her groundbreaking achievement as the first Black woman to win an Academy Award. The accolades showered on her during her decades at the forefront of film ensure her legacy. But perhaps where she is most beloved is right here, in Cleveland, which will always call itself her home.