Lovie Simone
She is a force to be reckoned with — and not merely due to her sun, Venus, and Mercury being in Sagittarius. “There’s a lot of fiery energy,” she laughs during our online chat. She adds, noting her Aries moon, yet mentions how her Pisces rising seems to bring some calmness.
Apart from her astrological birth chart, the actress has demonstrated herself as a talent to look out for this year. She leads in the Netflix series.
Forever
, an adaptation of the
1975 Judy Blume novel
The series shares its title with this show. It debuts on May 8, and Simone has already received a nomination.
a Gotham TV Award
For her performance, alongside Hollywood icons such as Kathy Bates and Sterling K. Brown.
The revamped traditional tale revolves around high school students Keisha Clark and Justin Edwards, old buddies who reunite at a New Year’s Eve celebration and develop feelings for each other throughout their final year. “I devoured this book in one go,” remarks Simone. “Since I’m fond of youthful romance, participating in an adolescent love narrative was exactly what I wanted to be involved in.”
Audiences might know Simone from her minor parts in the year 2016’s productions.
Greenleaf
or 2024’s
Manhunt
, but portraying Keisha was the first time she was able to explore the depths of a character as a main protagonist. “I’ve played the girlfriend before, but it wasn’t the girlfriend like this. This was a story that was mine to tell as well,” she says. “It was nice to have that space and have a story to dive into and empathize with.”
Acting alongside Michael Cooper Jr., Simone says filming together meant embracing teenage awkwardness and remembering what first love felt like — even the messy parts. “The hardest part about first love is letting go of it,” she says. “It’s a grieving process. A lot of the time, you only refer to grief when you’re thinking about actual physical death. But there’s so much grief in life, like the death of self or a relationship. It’s really intense and painful.”
Apart from Keisha and Justin’s relationship, Simone mentions
Forever
It celebrates Black love in every form. ‘It’s not only about romantic relationships between Black individuals,’ she explains. ‘There’s also familial bonds, friendships, and an abundance of communal affection.’ She adds, ‘I truly enjoy watching Mara [Brock Akil, the series creator], produce yet another hit that portrays how gracefully Black people can coexist, despite any conflicts.’ Known for her contributions to the 2000s television comedy,
Girlfriends
.
“I wish my prom was as good as Keisha’s prom.”
One major moment in the show revolves around prom, and who Keisha ultimately decides to go with. While her character in
Forever
has a few options to choose from, Simone’s real-life experience was a little different.
I envy how amazing Keisha’s prom was,” remarks Simone. “Transferring from my school in Harlem to one upstate gave me quite a cultural jolt; everything felt very different. While I wholeheartedly embrace Black love—the sole kind of love for me—I didn’t find anyone I wished to escort to my own prom. In the end, I went with my godbrother, which turned out to be pretty relaxed.
While Simone awaits news on whether the series will return for a second season, she’s channeling her efforts into a surprising new film venture. “This might be slightly frightening,” she admits. “But I’m looking forward to sharing more details since this character isn’t like Keisha—it’s an entirely different person.”
In the section below, Simone shares the romantic guidance she would offer to her character, along with her go-to coming-of-age romantic comedy and her comfort TV show.
What do you consider an ideal first date according to Elite Daily?
LS:
Any activity that was deliberately arranged. I enjoy engaging in various things. Therefore, perhaps if someone were to pick me up and take me to a rage room initially, followed by having dinner and going for a drive.
ED: What love advice would you give to Keisha?
LS:
Trust people more.
ED: What’s your favorite teenage rom-com?
LS:
[The 1980s-’90s sitcom]
A Different World
, Dwayne Wayne and Whitney [Gilbert-Wayne]. While this isn’t from a film, it’s a lifelong romantic comedy.
Editorial: The soundtrack of the show is exceptional. Which artists do you plan to listen to constantly throughout this summer?
LS:
I’m going to listen to some Daft Punk. Their music played a significant role in
Forever
.
ED: Mentioning summer, got any exciting plans lined up?
LS:
Relaxing with my sisters, blood and not.
ED: You post so many great outfits on Instagram. What’s one trend that you love right now?
LS:
I’m not into trends. I haven’t joined TikTok yet. I simply enjoy seeing vibrant hues on tan skin.
ED: Is there a particular hue you prefer to be seen in?
LS:
Probably green or orange.
ED: What is your favorite feel-good TV series?
LS:
Criminal Minds
If it’s a film, it will be
Coraline
.
ED: Who’s your favorite
Criminal Minds
character?
LS:
Spencer or Garcia.
Ed: You hail from the Bronx. Could you recommend the top pizza place in New York City?
LS:
Any pizza spot.
ED: Even dollar pizza?
LS:
Especially a dollar pizza.
ED: What kind of endeavor would you like to tackle next?
LS:
Literally anything and everything. I’m a storyteller, so I want to tell as many stories as I possibly can.
ED: Who is your dream co-star?
LS:
Denzel Washington.
ED: What are you manifesting right now?
LS:
Like two free days so I can sleep. It’s going to be so good when I get it. You’ve got to start small, you know? You don’t have to do big manifestations all the time.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.