Actor Michael Cooper Jr., star of the hit Netflix series Forever, visited Howard University on Wednesday, filling the Ira Aldridge Theater for a fireside chat with students and faculty. In conversation with Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts (COFA) Professor Eric Ruffin, Cooper shared insights on acting, artistry and his journey in the arts.
The Sept. 24 event presented by COFA and supported by Congressman Shomari C. Figures and the Office of University Strategy and External Affairs, offered Howard students a chance to hear directly from a professional actor. His visit held special significance, as his character Justin’s love interest, Keisha, aspires to attend Howard in the show.
Cooper said there were few resources for acting growing up in Texas. He discovered his passion for acting during a student council meeting in high school. That same year, he was cast in “High School Musical,” and then went on to obtain an agent.
Although Cooper earned a degree in political science from the University of Texas and Texas Tech, he continued to pursue his true calling: acting. He discussed how, during high school, law was his main focus. Throughout his career, he found that political science and acting intersect because “acting is the artistic merit that stems from life itself.”
Cooper said his faith plays a central role in his career. On the set of “Forever,” he started a Bible study group with various people on set called “Forever in Faith.” He expressed how much his faith has been able to guide him throughout his career.
Before landing the role of Justin, Cooper faced multiple rejections. He offered advice to the many creatives in the room on how to deal with it.
“What’s meant for me is meant for me,” Cooper said. Rejection is simply a part of being an actor, he added.
When preparing for his role as Justin, Cooper said he immersed himself in research to bring depth to the character. He visited several private schools to observe students with ADHD, paying close attention to how they moved, interacted and expressed themselves.
“I wanted people to heal from the work I was putting out,” Cooper said.
Selma Apara, a senior computer science major, theatre arts minor, said she thoroughly enjoyed the panel.
“It was really inspiring to hear Michael express his creative vision and how he maintains integrity with the roles he chooses to accept,” Apara said.
The opportunity to ask questions was limited to attendees in the first two rows. She desired to ask him what expenses are necessary in order to be on the path to success. Apara also wanted to know more about his journey in Atlanta since he could not afford New York or Los Angeles, as it all resonated with her.
“Some of the key takeaways were that it’s possible to have a successful career while maintaining your artistic integrity,” Apara said.
Jordan Bowman, freshman criminology major from Maryland said he found the event both relatable and motivating.
“I feel like he gave a lot of insightful advice and finding out that he was kind of a similar major to me and he still pursues acting, it was really inspiring because that’s also what I’m trying to do as well,” Bowman said. “It just gave me a glimpse of hope that even though I’m on this other path or the other track that there’s a possibility for me to pursue my dreams and hobbies.”
He said Cooper’s emphasis on authenticity stood out to him.
“I love how he emphasized that he didn’t have to change himself or he didn’t have to change his values in order to make it.”
Copy edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
