PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A Portsmouth native is living proof that if you dream big and work hard — the sky is the limit.

Comedian Nicholas Gordon, is known as Cletus Kassady on stage.
“I’ve been doing this for about 20 years now,” Gordon said. “I went to Norfolk State in 2000. I went there to be a P.E. teacher… But I ended up meeting some people there who were in the entertainment industry. That shifted my focus.”

He later found comedy and says “it’s been an uphill fight ever since, but I love it!”

Gordon has traveled the country touring with big names like KeKe Wyatt.
“I’ve had the ability to move. I could live in New York, I could live in L.A., I could live in Atlanta. I specifically chose to stay here and try to make it from right here. Then I can show other people they can make it from here,” said Gordon. “I watch all of the city council meetings. I watch all the school board meetings. I’m really an advocate for the City of Portsmouth.”

After years of working in comedy clubs or in arenas, people can now watch Gordon as ‘Deacon Charles’ on the BET+ Original Series ‘Churchy.’
“Deacon Charles is very quirky,” Gordon said.

Gordon spent about 17-days in Los Angeles recording the series.
“I consider the role, similar to the janitor on Abbott Elementary. He wasn’t written into the script, as the main character, but every time he’s on the screen you have to know what he’s saying. That is what I do with Deacon Charles,” he said.

The show is written and produced by Kevin Frederick with the KevOnStage Studio.
“It’s really a story of perseverance because (Kevin) shot it himself using his own money after being turned down by the studio,” said Gordon. “It is with Springhill Studios, which is LeBron James’ company. LeBron James is one of the Executive Producers of the show, along with Kev, his wife and his brother. It’s an amazing journey!”

Gordon held a private screening of the show premier at the Book Club on High Street on Feb. 15., surrounded by his friends and family.
“It’s a lot of talent right here,” Gordon said. “Being a kid from Portsmouth does not actually hold you back. It actually propels you forward because the lessons that I learned here, I’m able to take and put them anywhere.”

Gordon hopes people watch the show and it is renewed for a second season. He jokingly said all of the money he makes will help fund his daughters college tuition.
“It showed me.. no dream is too big. No dream can’t be fulfilled!”