Netflix’s newest series takes a heartfelt and intimate look at the lives of two teenagers as they navigate the complex emotions of first love. At the centre of this coming-of-age story is rising star Lovie Simone, who leads the cast with a powerful and deeply moving performance. The show promises to explore not only the sweetness and excitement of young romance, but also the challenges, vulnerability, and self-discovery that come with it — offering viewers a tender, relatable journey into the highs and lows of adolescence.

Lovie Simone is Netflix’s latest leading lady, fronting the streamer’s new Judy Blume adaptation. Based on the author’s 1975 novel of the same name, Forever is streaming now on the platform.

In the eight-episode drama, Simone plays Keisha, a promising track star whose school life is disrupted when her boyfriend shares an intimate video of her with other students. With her reputation on the line, the teenager is forced to transfer to an expensive school, which her mother can barely afford.

Upon relocating, she reconnects with her love interest Justin (played by Michael Cooper Jr.), a boy she had a crush on during elementary school.

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As well as navigating the woes of her first love, Keisha also faces the challenges of living with one parent who is struggling to make ends meet.

The protagonist is already captivating fans, but who is the actress that brings her to life?

Lovie Simone age

Lovie Simone is 26 years old (Image: Variety via Getty Images)

Born on November 29, 1998, Simone was raised in The Bronx, New York. She is currently 26 years old, turning 27 this fall.

Although she made her TV debut in 2017, the Netflix star began acting at just nine years old and dreamt of being a performer throughout her childhood.

In a 2020 interview with NME magazine, she recalled envisioning a future in the industry.

“I’ve always wanted to be an actress or a storyteller.

“When I was young I would have moments in my room alone when I’d be in front of the mirror crying and then I would accept my award. I was really dramatic and I always knew it had to go somewhere,” she said.

Twin sister

Simone’s twin sister is RnB musician Yorie Oppong, professionally known as Reiyo The Giant. Reiyo’s catalogue dates back to 2020, when she released a single titled ‘November.’

Her music draws inspiration from soulful artists like Billie Holliday, Sade and Nina Simone. At the time of writing, the 26-year-old boasts 55K monthly listeners on Spotify.

Where you’ve seen her before

Simone starred in Apple TV+’s Manhunt (Image: Variety via Getty Images)
Simone’s big break came in the Oprah Network drama, Greenleaf, in which she played the eldest daughter of the titular family. She would go on to land roles in Netflix’s dramedy Social Distance and Straz’s popular drama, Power Book III: Raising Kanan.

Before playing Keisha, the New Yorker starred as Mary Simms in Apple TV+’s hit historical drama, Manhunt. The 2024 limited series tells a fictional account of the manhunt that ensued after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.