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The breakout star of Netflix’s Forever, Michael Cooper Jr., reveals insights into his rise in the industry in this exclusive interview. 
<figure id="attachment_110025" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110025" style="width: 1169px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-110025" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-1.jpg" alt="" width="1169" height="1462" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-1.jpg 1169w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-1-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1169px) 100vw, 1169px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110025" class="wp-caption-text">Shirt by Kimmica</figcaption></figure>
Netflix recently introduced audiences to “Forever,” a drama series adapted from Judy Blume’s 1975 novel of the same name. The series follows the story of two teenagers who are drunk by love. The main character, Michael Cooper Jr., portrayed by Justin Edwards, has gained recognition for his strong on-screen chemistry with Lovie Simone, who plays Keisha Clark. 
Michael Cooper Jr.’s career journey experienced a rapid rise, and today, he is starring in various films that have received enthusiastic responses from audiences. Curious about his background and the path that led him to his current fame? Follow DAMAN’s exclusive interview with Michael Cooper Jr. for an inside look. 
DAMAN: Hello Michael, thank you for taking the time for us. To start, please tell us a bit about your background before you became an actor? 
Michael Cooper: My acting journey started when I was 18 in 2020. I&#8217;m originally from Dallas so there is not much show business there. I decided that I wanted to graduate high school early and take a risk to pursue my passion and dream to act. I didn&#8217;t necessarily grow up in the theater, I primarily played sports, however I had always been into film. When I was 18, I booked my first movie then at 19 my second and in 2023, I landed the part of Justin Edwards in “Forever.” 
DA: What initially sparked your initial interest in acting? 
MC: I think being able to transform into different people inspired me. It also created a newfound perspective in which I viewed the world. It allowed me to feel great empathy and compassion for different walks of life and that I greatly appreciate. 
DA: Who have been some of the biggest influences in your life, especially when it comes to inspiring or encouraging you to pursue acting?  / 
MC: My faith is the biggest inspiration and my family of course! 
DA: Before landing roles in movies and TV shows, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced trying to break into acting? 
MC: One of the biggest challenges I faced before breaking into acting, was trying to understand what the craft actually is, and what it consists of. It&#8217;s a complicated gift but a fruitful one.  
DA: Let’s talk about “Forever”, which is currently airing on Netflix. How did you end up landing the role of Justin Edwards? 
MC: I auditioned on tape twice and Netflix flew me out to do a chemistry with the potential cast in front of the producers. After the second chemistry read, I got the role. 
DA: Are there any parts of your personality or life experiences you connect with in him? 
MC: Justin is very different from me. I am similar to him in the way he&#8217;s invested or passionate about something. He has tunnel vision. That&#8217;s me with my acting and my craft. 
<figure id="attachment_110028" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110028" style="width: 1169px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-110028" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-4.jpg" alt="" width="1169" height="1462" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-4.jpg 1169w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-4-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-4-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-4-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1169px) 100vw, 1169px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110028" class="wp-caption-text">Shirt by Y/Project; jeans by KidSuper; bag by Desmalter</figcaption></figure>
DA: What was the biggest challenge in playing Justin Edwards, and how did you tackle it? 
MC: The biggest challenge was layering humanity, emotionality, teen angst, and connectivity into one. 
DA: Many viewers really feel the chemistry between you and Lovie Simone. How did you two build that connection on set? 
MC: We hung out before shooting and we were able to get to know each other as just Michael and Lovie before stepping into Justin and Keisha. That really helped build trust.  
DA: Were there any unforgettable moments you can share while filming “Forever”? 
MC: The Prom scene, for sure. I didn’t go to my prom due to the Pandemic. Class of 2020 lol so it was a good time. 
<figure id="attachment_110027" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110027" style="width: 1169px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-110027" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-3.jpg" alt="" width="1169" height="1462" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-3.jpg 1169w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-3-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-3-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-3-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1169px) 100vw, 1169px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110027" class="wp-caption-text">Shirt by Passageway; sunglasses by Copa (courtesy of The Concept Store Germany)</figcaption></figure>
DA: What do you hope audiences take away from “Forever”? 
MC: Self-love is the best love. You have to love yourself before loving someone else. 
DA: Discussing the entertainment industry, what valuable lessons have you learned about the industry and yourself?? 
MC: Peace is the utmost importance. Being able to protect your peace in this industry is vital. The business and art are two separate things, but they must coexist. 
DA: As a relatively new actor, what areas are you constantly trying to improve or develop? 
MC: Everything all the time. Acting is a vocation that must be practiced every day. Whether it&#8217;s expanding my mind creatively, people watching or investigating emotionality. 
DA: How do you deal with the pressure and expectations that come with success in the entertainment industry?   
MC: Maintaining a space of clarity. A space where I can step back with family, friends and self and just enjoy. 
<figure id="attachment_110026" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-110026" style="width: 1169px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-110026" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-2.jpg" alt="" width="1169" height="1462" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-2.jpg 1169w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Michael-Cooper-2-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1169px) 100vw, 1169px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-110026" class="wp-caption-text">Mesh top by Champion; shirt by Kimmica</figcaption></figure>
DA: What are your thoughts on the evolution of TV series and streaming platforms like Netflix? 
MC: I think it&#8217;s amazing. Countless opportunities for artists to explore and create. 
DA: What are some of your passions outside of acting? 
MC: I like nature. I am an adrenaline junkie, love to skydive and bungee jump. 
DA: How do you find time for your hobbies despite your busy schedule? 
MC: Honestly, I&#8217;m trying to learn! So, if anyone has any recommendations, let me know! 
DA: What are your hopes and goals for your acting career down the road? Are there any specific genres or types of roles you’re eager to explore? 
MC: Whatever material slides across my desk that I can truly resonate with. I want to do something that differs from Justin in the short term. Currently a cool project is potentially in the mix but will see, you know! 
PHOTOGRAPHY &amp; STYLING Kimberly Yvette Goodnight 
Grooming ShaDara Holmes for Exclusive Artists using Lancôme and hair using UNITE hair 
Location AE Studio

The Unseen Journey: Exploring Michael Cooper Jr.’s Rise to Stardom