Dr. Meleeka Clary’s life is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of transformation. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Andrew Lee Clary, Sr., an entrepreneur, and Larriana Clary, a model, she comes from a richly diverse heritage of Black, Cherokee Indian, and Portuguese roots. Growing up as the sixth of eight children in a blended family from Mattapan, MA, Meleeka’s early years were marked by challenges that would shape her into the confident, no-nonsense, and independent woman she is today.
Early Life and Resilience
Meleeka’s parents loved deeply but struggled with personal hardships. Her father, despite his wisdom and business instincts, battled substance abuse, while her mother’s devotion to him ultimately led to depression. Even amid those struggles, her parents nurtured Meleeka’s creativity, encouraging her passion for dance and performance. At just 13, she was cast as Harriet Tubman in her school play, a pivotal moment that revealed her natural gift for storytelling and stage presence.
When both of her parents fell ill, her older brother stepped in to raise her through high school. By 17, she was living on her own, balancing survival with determination. The loss of her father at 18 was a devastating blow, but it motivated her to honor his wish for her to complete her education. She returned to high school, graduated, and pushed forward with relentless ambition.
Education, Family, and Career
Meleeka’s journey is marked by grit and academic achievement. She earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice, followed by a master’s degree in the same field from Curry College. She also completed a paralegal degree at Northeastern University. Along the way, she became a young mother, raising three children while juggling multiple jobs and caring for her mother.
Her drive led her to pursue law school at Concord, though life circumstances—including marriage, health challenges, and divorce—shifted her trajectory. Still, Meleeka never stopped striving for excellence. She turned her focus to psychology, realizing the importance of mental health, and is now pursuing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Walden University.
Returning to the Spotlight
Though she once left the entertainment industry due to harassment, Dr. Clary has re-emerged stronger than ever. Her semi-autobiographical film Three Corners of Deception (2020), available on Amazon Prime Video, captures the struggles of love, betrayal, and resilience in a powerful narrative drawn from her own life.
But Dr. Clary’s impact extends far beyond film. She is the host of The Dr. Meleeka Clary Show, powered by Sweet Recordings—a platform dedicated to conversations about growth, empowerment, and the power of change. On the show, she highlights stories of resilience, transformation, and purpose, shining a spotlight on how people can rise above life’s obstacles.
Her program has welcomed prominent guests such as Ernie Hudson, Richard Lawson, and Lawrence Jacob Hylton, offering audiences not only inspiration but also tangible examples of perseverance and success.
A Life of Change and Positivity
The heart of Dr. Meleeka Clary’s work—whether in film, psychology, or television—is about transformation. Her story is one of overcoming hardship, redefining self-worth, and uplifting others to do the same. Through Three Corners of Deception and The Dr. Meleeka Clary Show, she reminds the world that every setback can become the foundation for a comeback.
Today, Dr. Clary continues to balance her work as a clinical psychology professional, actress, filmmaker, and television host. Her journey proves that with determination, faith, and a refusal to give up, one can rise above even the most difficult circumstances—and inspire countless others along the way.
