As she edited scenes for the new series “Forever,” Mara Brock Akil, renowned for creating shows like “Girlfriends,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “The Game,” had a moment of awe. She paused not because of a problem, but due to the outstanding performance of the show’s lead actress, Lovie Simone. Akil was captivated by Simone’s compelling portrayal, observing, “Oh my God, not only is this girl beautiful, she’s acting her (expletive) off.” Akil felt honored that her writing aligned perfectly with Simone’s remarkable performance.
The title “Forever” may ring a bell as it shares its name with a Judy Blume novel, originally published in 1965 and frequently criticized for its depiction of teen sexuality. However, this adaptation unfolds in 2018 and 2019, and features a Black couple at its heart. The series, set to premiere Thursday on Netflix, offers a fresh take on the classic coming-of-age story.
Simone, who had not read Blume’s “Forever…” before landing the role, believes the show effectively mirrors the book’s spirit and intent. She portrays Keisha, who, alongside Justin, played by newcomer Michael Cooper Jr., rekindles familiarity and romance after meeting at a New Year’s party. Their characters, once acquainted in their youth but long estranged, now experience newfound romantic sparks.
Simone emphasizes that while the show delves into young love and “firsts,” it also richly develops its characters. “It was like, ‘Wow, I am the love interest, AND I have a story to tell while being the love,'” she noted, appreciating the depth of her character beyond just being a girlfriend.
During early filming, Simone and Cooper intentionally kept their distance off-camera to authentically capture the characters’ reconnection on screen. “In the beginning of the story, they hadn’t talked in so long so, we didn’t want to have too much rapport,” Simone explained, adding that they aimed to “still kind of want to be strangers a little bit.”
Keisha’s character confronts challenges, including the betrayal by an ex-boyfriend who spread an intimate video of her. She changes schools to escape bullying, driven by a determination to succeed academically and gain admission to Howard University, fulfilling her mother’s dreams.
These pressures resonate with many teenagers, and Simone highlights the universal nature of these struggles, noting, “we can all relate to those feelings and how they make us feel.”
Set in Los Angeles, the series was filmed in genuine neighborhoods, enhancing its authenticity. Locations include shopping in the Fairfax District, Keisha’s residence in Crenshaw, and Justin’s upbringing in Park-Windsor Hills, a wealthy African American community.
Simone, a native New Yorker now residing in Atlanta, had little familiarity with LA before filming. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I don’t know too much about LA culture. I know the stigmas around it, but I don’t know LA culture, and coming here and falling in love with the true LA culture was so amazing.”
Beginning her acting journey at age 9, Simone is the sole actor in her family. Her twin sister Yuri, a musician known as Reiyo The Giant, shares her artistic inclinations. Initially aspiring to the roles of stars like Selena, Miley, Keke, and Zendaya, Simone dreamed of being the Disney Channel girl waving the neon wand to trace the logo. However, as she matured, she gravitated towards more serious narratives.
Her significant break came as Zora, a rebellious teenager, on the OWN drama “Greenleaf,” which explores the life of a prominent megachurch family. Simone’s character transitioned from a recurring role in the first season to a regular, earning her valuable experience.
“This was college for me,” she said, describing the opportunity to work alongside industry titans like Oprah Winfrey, Lynn Whitfield, and Keith David as fundamental to her development. The experience honed her ability to react authentically and set high standards for her future career choices. Through working with such legends, Simone has gained discernment in selecting future projects.
As “Forever” anticipates potential continuation, Simone expresses enthusiasm for exploring Keisha’s character in subsequent seasons, even imagining a future beyond college. “I just wanna know more about Keisha. I fell in love with her.”