Michael Cooper Jr.
Michael Cooper Jr | |
|---|---|
| Born | Dallas, Texas |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2020–present |
Michael Cooper Jr (born March 5, 2002) is an American actor. He has a co-leading role in 2025 Netflix series adaptation of Judy Blume novel Forever.
Early life
He was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and started acting in church plays before getting a part in his school musical, a production of High School Musical, as a sophomore. He studied political science at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University and graduated from Texas Tech in 2024.[1]
Career
He had early roles in the 2022 horror movie The Inhabitant in which he appeared with Leslie Bibb, and the Paramount+ film adaptation of On the Come Up, based on the book of the same name by author Angie Thomas.[1][2][3]
He was cast in a lead role alongside Lovie Simone as Justin Edwards in 2025 the romantic drama television series Forever, an adaptation for Netflix of the novel of the same name by Judy Blume reimagined by producer and screenwriter Mara Brock Akil into the 21st Century Los Angeles.[4][5] He first auditioned for the role in 2023. His mother was a fan of the book, and he read it after being cast in the series. He described his character as having "one foot in confidence and the other foot in insecurity" and that he thought "there was something so palpable and raw about that. I think it's important because I've never seen a [character like] Justin on screen before. It's important for young boys to really see someone who's able to communicate in that way". He also felt the depiction of a character with ADHD as being important.[6][7] The series was released on May 8, 2025.[8]
Partial filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Inhabitant | Carl | |
| 2022 | On the Come Up | Malik | |
| 2025 | Forever | Justin Edwards | Lead role |
References
- ^ a b LeGardye, Quinci (12 May 2025). "Meet Michael Cooper Jr., the Newcomer Who Plays Justin in Netflix's 'Forever'". Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ Perkins, Njera (11 May 2025). "Michael Cooper Jr. Never Saw Anyone Like His Forever Character Before". Huffington Post. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ Welsh, Daniel (10 May 2025). "Forever Cast: Where Have You Seen The Stars Of Netflix's Teen Romance Before?". Huffighton Post. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ Hailu, Selome (Jan 30, 2025). "'Forever' Teaser: Netflix Reimagines Judy Blume Novel About Losing Virginity With Black Cast". Variety. Retrieved 5 May 2025.
- ^ Murrell, Morgan. ""Forever" Stars Lovie Simone And Michael Cooper Jr. Tried To Guess Each Other's Favorite Romance Movie, And His Surprising Confession Has Me Floored". Buzzfeed. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ Walker, Ebonie (May 12, 2025). "How Forever's Breakout Stars Lovie Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. Built That Simmering Chemistry". Refinery29.com. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ "Michael Cooper Jr. and Lovie Simone chat 'Forever,' portraying someone with ADHD". Yahoo Entertainment. 12 May 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ Lee, Abigail (5 March 2025). "'Forever' Premiere Date: Judy Blume Adaptation Hits Netflix in May (TV News Roundup)". Variety. Retrieved 5 May 2025.