Who is Lovie Simone? Meet the actress playing Keisha Clark in Netflix's Forever

American actress Lovie Simone Oppong has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most compelling young talents, thanks to her spirited turn as Keisha Clark in Netflix’s latest teen drama, Forever. Adapted by Mara Brock Akil from Judy Blume’s iconic 1975 novel, the series relocates the story to 2018 Los Angeles and explores first love through the eyes of two Black teens navigating everything from social pressure to digital intimacy.

Simone first captured attention as Zora Greenleaf on Oprah Winfrey Network’s Greenleaf (2016–2020), where her portrayal of a budding musician earned critical praise and a loyal fanbase. Born in the Bronx and raised in Orange County, New York, the 26-year-old trained at a New York acting school before landing a national JC Penney commercial that jump-started her career.

With her nuanced performance already earning glowing reviews from outlets like Decider for its authenticity and depth, Simone’s leap into Judy Blume’s world feels both natural and electrifying.

Meet Lovie Simone, the actress behind Keisha Clark

Lovie Simone breathes realness into Keisha Clark, a hardworking junior who’s determined to make her mark at a new private school. Keisha shows up with more than books in her backpack—she’s chasing a scholarship that could change life for her and her single mom. Simone nails the balance between Keisha’s steely resolve and the cracks of vulnerability that appear once an old flame uploads a private video without her consent.

The spark between Simone and Michael Cooper Jr. (who plays Justin Edwards) brings chills and laughter in equal measure, reminding us that teenage highs and the tough lessons of online privacy go hand in hand. Off-screen, Simone tapped into her own “new-kid” experiences to craft Keisha’s grit, giving the character a down-to-earth sincerity that instantly clicks with viewers.

From Greenleaf to Forever: Simone’s career and the heartbeat of the show

Before stepping into Judy Blume’s universe, Simone built an impressive résumé: she was raised in a close-knit Ghanaian-American family, began acting at age 11, and earned her stripes on Orange Is the New Black and Blue Bloods guest spots.

Her breakout came as Zora Greenleaf, whose complex journey through faith, family drama, and self-discovery mirrored Simone’s own desire for layered storytelling. On the festival circuit, she turned heads in Monster (2018), Share (2019), and Selah and the Spades (2019), each role underscoring her knack for bringing empathy and nuance to every character.

Now, in Forever, Simone isn’t just reimagining an iconic character—she’s at the forefront of a cultural moment that prioritizes Black teen narratives with authenticity and joy. Critics from Time to The Cut laud the series for its grounded storytelling, praising Simone for her earnest portrayal that feels both universal and deeply personal. Speaking to Variety, Simone admitted she’s “Team Justin and Keisha,” hinting that this chapter is just the beginning of Keisha’s story in fans’ imaginations.

With her vibrant portrayal of Keisha Clark, Lovie Simone proves she’s more than ready to carry a series on her shoulders and then some. As Forever streams on Netflix, she cements her status as a rising star whose performances resonate long after the credits roll.

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Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.