How did the 'Forever' stars Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone meet? Stars opens up about their 'weird' first encounter

Netflix’s latest teen romance series, Forever, has caught the eye of many for its touching storytelling and the undeniable chemistry between its lead actors, Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone.

This show, which is based on Judy Blume’s 1975 novel and brought to life by the talented producer Mara Brock Akil, focuses on the evolving relationship between two high school students, Keisha and Justin, who find their way back to each other after years apart.

Simone told TheWrap,

“I was not familiar with Michael, but when I first met him, I was really upset because we were on our way to the first chemistry read — I think we had like two or three — and he was sitting in the window seat on the way to Los Angeles from Atlanta on this five, six-hour flight.

She continued the story,

"We were sitting next to each other. I was in the aisle and he was by the window, and I was really upset about that. I was like, ‘Who is this guy?’ Because I really love a window seat.”

Cooper also gave his pov on the situation, stating,

“We sitting next to each other. I had my earbuds on, she had her earbuds on. I just remember getting to the hotel [where were staying], and the same girl who was sitting right next to me got to the hotel, and I was like, ‘Are you, is it?’”

Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone’s off-screen connection

Behind the scenes, the dynamic between Cooper and Simone developed in a surprisingly natural way. Before their characters even met on screen, they unknowingly sat next to each other on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles for their first chemistry reads. That chance meeting—characterized by quiet observation instead of chatter—would later reflect the kind of familiarity and distance that their characters experience. As they went through the audition process, the two actors gradually formed a bond.

Simone shared that when she first properly met Cooper, he approached her and they exchanged a few words. Later, she had a moment of recognition, realizing she had seen him before. They began practicing their scenes together in the hotel, and a natural rapport developed between them even before their characters officially met.

She also mentioned that Executive Producer Regina King had instructed them to maintain a sense of distance, as their characters hadn’t seen each other in a long time and weren’t supposed to talk much. Simone felt that the situation mirrored their real-life experience, adding a layer of authenticity to their performances. She explained that, much like their characters Keisha and Justin—who shared a complicated history—the emotions and interactions between her and Cooper felt genuine, often resembling a reunion between old friends.

“It was this cool bonding experience where Michael and Lovie got to know each other before Justin and Keisha, and that started the groundwork," cooper added.

Spending time rehearsing lines in hotel rooms and working through early read-throughs helped establish the emotional connection that the story demands. Under the guidance of executive producer Regina King, they were encouraged to tap into a sense of long-lost connection—an essential element of Keisha and Justin’s rekindled relationship.

Gomala Devi is a journalist at Primetimer. 

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering and has over three years of experience as a content writer.

Gomala was drawn to writing after reading the Harry Potter series, and she developed an interest in fashion and pop culture at the same time.
She loves exploring the newest developments in the lifestyle space and crafting interesting opinion pieces. She references official websites, interviews, and social media to ensure that her work is factually sound.

In her spare time, she loves to read books and play chess.