EXCLUSIVE: Netflix has rounded out the cast for Forever, adding Xosha Roquemore (Captain America) and Marvin Lawrence Winans III (Abbott Elementary) as series regulars opposite Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone in the upcoming drama series from Girlfriends and Being Mary Jane creator Mara Brock Akil. Additionally, five have been cast in recurring roles. They are Barry Shabaka Henley (A Star is Born), Ali Gallo (Unhuman), Niles Fitch (This is Us), Paigion Walker (All American) and E’myri Crutchfield (Fargo). In addition to Simone and Cooper, they join previously announced Wood Harris and Karen Pittman.
L-R: Barry Shabaka Henley, Ali Gallo, Niles Fitch, Paigion Walker & E’myri Crutchfield
Courtesy/Betsey Newman/Getty/Courtesy/Jamaal Murray
A reimagining of Judy Blume’s influential — and controversial — 1975 novel Forever… for a new generation, the series adaptation tells the epic love story of two Black teens, Keisha Clark (Simone) and Justin Edwards (Cooper Jr.) exploring romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other’s firsts, set in Los Angeles, 2018.
Roquemore will play Shelly. No stranger to hard work and hard knocks, Keisha’s (Simone) mother Shelly has never had a lot, but has always taken care of her family.
Winans portrays Jaden, Justin’s (Cooper) younger, and often annoying, brother, who idolizes his big brother and enjoys any chance he gets to hang with him.
Henley recurs as George. Laid back and funny, Keisha’s grandfather, George, looks out for his granddaughter, acting as her surrogate father and protector — giving her advice and taking an active interest in her life.
Gallo plays Chloe. Self-assured, outgoing, and sometimes immersed in her own self-involved and naïve bubble, Chloe is a popular girl who comes from wealth. She’s Keisha’s best friend and confidante, who always has Keisha’s best interest at heart.
Fitch portrays Darius. Athletic, charming, and focused on girls, Darius is Justin’s assertive best friend who loves to offer what he thinks is sage advice to a more tentative and less confident Justin. But at the end of the day, Darius is loyal and always helping Justin come out of his shell.
Walker plays Tiffany. Beautiful and stylish, Heather is one of Keisha’s older cousins. Heather loves her new role as mother but still wants to cling onto her old life as much as possible— even if that means leaving for the bathroom to pump during a girls night out.
Crutchfield portrays Tammy, Keisha’s rival on their high school track team that’s confident, cute and athletic. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to regain the number one spot that Keisha stole from her.
Brock Akil, who serves as showrunner, executive produces alongside Blume, Susie Fitzgerald, Erika Harrison, Sara White, Regina King, Reina King, Shana Waterman and Anthony Hemingway. The project stems from Brock Akil’s overall deal at Netflix.
Roquemore is repped by UTA, Authentic Talent & Literary Management, Schreck Rose Dapello; Winans by First Class Talent Agency; Henley by BRS/Gage Talent Agency & Rugolo Entertainment; Gallo by Innovative Artists; Fitch by Entertainment 360, Verve, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher; Crutchfield by CAA, Untitled Entertainment & Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christoper.