Kerrie Clark had professional photos taken the summer before her senior year at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. During the shoot, the photographer suggested that Clark go to a modeling agency and become a model.
“So, I took the Amtrak to Chicago, looked in the phone book and went to the first agency on the list, called A+ Talent,” says Clark, who left the agency with a two-year modeling contract.
Within a matter of months, she was modeling in Europe and Japan. Around the same time, Clark met a casting director at a wedding in Florida, and she suggested that Clark try acting as well.
“I think the liquid courage of the bubbly was talking. She sent me to an audition the next day,” says Clark, 43.
She didn't get the part, but the director was interested in her for another role. “Apparently my performance was too funny to ignore, even though I was trying to be serious,” she says.
The director called Clark, who had already returned to Milwaukee, and invited her to try out for another role. This one she got. The film was 1990's “Miami Blues,” starring Alec Baldwin, and Clark had two lines.
“I played a transvestite hooker,” says Clark. “I still get checks in the mail today for that role.”
After the film, Clark moved to Los Angeles, and rented a room from a friend already living there. She quickly scored a small part in “Wayne's World,” which, ironically, has dialogue about Milwaukee in it.
“I had one line,” says Clark, laughing. “You have to freeze-frame it to see me.”
Clark lived and worked in California for 11 years, doing lots of commercials, sitcoms (“Murphy Brown” and two episodes of “Friends”) and more films (including "Strippers"). During this time, she got into photography and make-up. Her passion for these art forms began out of necessity because so many of Clark's friends were aspiring actors who couldn't afford professional photographers or make-up artists.
“I fell in love with photography. And somehow it wasn't so important to be in front of the lens anymore,” says Clark.
Then, on a trip home from overseas, a woman who owned an East Side crystal shop showed Clark a deck of tarot cards created by Salvador Dali.
“I studied tarot for years and I'm no better than I was then. It just comes naturally. I'm able to read most people. It's like radio frequency. I can tune in and tell you where you're at so you can make choices to guide where you're going,” says Clark.
Clark reads tarot cards every Tuesday night at The Social, 170 S. 1st St., during the “Bad Girls' Night Out” event. She also reads at Esselle, 1919 E. Kenilworth Pl., and at private parties.
“I freak some people out, but mostly, I feel like what I do is a real gift and a good deed,” she says.
Seven years ago, Clark moved back to Milwaukee permanently. At first, she says she thought she had made a mistake, but says now she's happy to call Brew City her home.
“We've come such a long way this past 10 years. We should be proud. This city is cool and easy and people are really nice,” says Clark.
Aside from card readings, Clark earns a living working as a make-up artist and a photographer, specializing in marketing materials for actors and models. Last month she had a fine art photography show at Moct, 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave., and currently has work up at The Social. She still models occasionally.
“I'm trying to bring a little bit of Hollywood to Milwaukee and trying to be really kind with my readings,” says Clark.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
