Cheryl Wills, originally from Hempstead and later a Uniondale resident, is a Uniondale High School alumna who graduated in 1984. After graduation, she pursued a career in broadcast journalism and is now an anchor at NY1. After spending years in front of the camera telling real-life stories, Wills had the opportunity to make a special cameo in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which was released in theaters July 31. Wills is no stranger to cameos, having appeared in other movies and television shows, including “Ghostbusters,” “Morbius,” “Law & Order: SVU” and “21 Bridges.” The Herald sat down with Wills to discuss her journey from Uniondale to broadcast journalism and her experience getting a taste of Hollywood.
Q: What did Uniondale and/or Hempstead expose you to that later helped you as a journalist?
A: Growing up in Hempstead and attending Uniondale High School exposed me to a vibrant, diverse, and resilient community. After my father, a NYC firefighter, passed away in 1980, moving to Long Island was a major turning point for my family. Living in the community taught me empathy and the importance of listening to everyday people whose voices often get overlooked. Those foundational experiences gave me the exact investigative curiosity and grounding needed for a long career in broadcast journalism.
Q: Was there a teacher or experience at Uniondale H.S. that helped you shape your career or did you decide in college you want to become a journalist?
A: Uniondale High School laid the academic and creative foundation that gave me the confidence to pursue broadcast journalism. My career path truly solidified during my time at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, but my high school educators—including Assistant Principal Wilma Tootle (whom I keep in touch with today) —constantly encouraged my passion for writing and public speaking.
Q: Do you have any family/friends in the community that recognized you from the film and reached out?
A: Ever since the movie came out, friends, family and former classmates from Uniondale, Hempstead and across the USA have been reaching out. People were thrilled and surprised to see a familiar face on the big screen in such a massive global blockbuster.
Q: Walk me through how you ended up getting a cameo in Spider-Man and we see news anchors in films most of the time – did you ever think in your life you would be “that” reporter in a film?
A: It was an absolute thrill! Film productions often seek authentic New York news anchors to deliver in-universe news updates, so the story feels real to audiences. When the production team reached out to feature authentic local journalists, I was honored to step into the role. Growing up as a news junkie, I never imagined that my real-life career as an anchor would eventually land me a cameo in the biggest Marvel movies of all time.
Q: What were you reporting in the movie?
A: In true Spider-Man fashion, I was delivering breaking news updates on camera about the Hulk and Spiderman!
Q: Was the cameo filmed in your studio?
A: The production captured authentic newsroom elements in our studios in Manhattan.
Q: As someone whose everyday job is telling other people’s stories, what was it like suddenly becoming part of the story yourself?
A: It is always humbling when the tables turn and you become part of the narrative — whether through a blockbuster film cameo or sharing my personal journey uncovering my Civil War ancestral roots.
Q: What would you tell a Uniondale student today who wants to become a journalist or pursue a career that seems far outside what they’re doing right now?
A: I always tell students: “You can’t be what you can’t see”. Recognize that your potential is limitless, and it does not matter where you start — it’s how high you fly. Master literacy and reading, because the ability to analyze and tell compelling stories is the ultimate key to opening doors in any field. Never let temporary obstacles define your future; persistence and dedication to your craft will carry you into spaces you once only dreamed of entering.
