Meagan Good & Jerrie Johnson Discuss “Harlem”
Actor Jerry Johnson says that Amazon is Harlem series is the sex in the city show that she’s always been wanted, while Meagan Good has learned lessons about friendship from her character, Camille.
The series revolves around four black friends who are strikingly stylish and sport bold personalities as they navigate the realms of life, love and career. For Johnson’s co-star Meagan Good, the series represents an opportunity to address issues that black women “are concerned with and want to talk about.” With the return of the show’s second season, Good’s statement couldn’t be truer.
Fans continue to be wowed by the storylines portrayed by each of the Harlem leading ladies. Camille, played by Good, struggles to break away from her ex and explore new options romantically. At the same time, she promotes her career in education. While Tye, played by Johnson, strives to initiate a divorce from her ex-husband. And build long-term romantic bonds with female suitors.
Quinn played by Grace ByersShe struggles to keep her mother happy after going from being an office worker to being a business owner. And decides to explore the possibility of dating the opposite sex for the first time. Angie, played by Shoniqua Shandai, is struggling with a failed Broadway career, having been signed to a record deal five years earlier and then dropped from the record label. Ultimately, Harlem keeps viewers interested by being unpredictable in its plot. But without fear of approaching themes and scenarios that many shows would simply avoid.
Jerrie Johnson talks fluid sexuality Harlem
Jerrie Johnson and Meagan Good sat down exclusively The shadow room Editor-in-Chief, Jadriena Solomon. And shared why the show is a breath of fresh air in today’s entertainment. Also, participating in the series has fostered better friendship skills.
Jadriena Solomon: Harlem has a modern girlfriend vibe, and it’s safe to say we don’t have too many shows like this today. Jerry, how does it feel to be a part of such a rarity in today’s entertainment sea?
JerryJohnson: It feels great because I feel like I’m playing a character that my younger self would have loved to see. Additionally, it may open doors for more writers that make room for queer people not just being on the sidelines — not just playing best friend, having a storyline, and… that it’s not a constant coming-out story. I understand that coming out is important, but some queer narratives are all about coming out. Or all rooted in some kind of confusion.
Sexuality is a choice and it is fluid. A different choice can always be made, but it is up to the person. And I think what Tracy has created – even making sure the writer’s room has queer writers – is important for people to know that queer people exist. And you don’t have to do a show without queer people because you’re not a queer person. Tracy has realized that her friend group has queer people. And while she’s not a queer person, she wanted to write a character that expresses it so her friends would feel seen.
I think it’s nice that the door is now open. And I’m curious to see what nuances will emerge from this. I look forward to seeing more queer characters starring in films that aren’t just about their queerness.
“What taught me about being with the women on this show is that I have friends too.” – Meagan Gut
Jadriena Solomon: The women of “Harlem” trust each other with the good, the bad, and the ugly. Meagan, what lessons have you learned from your role and the other ladies on how to present yourself as a better friend?
Meagan Gut: I think I’ve learned a lot from our collaboration because in many ways we’re very new to each other’s lives. And I think we’ve all had friendships in a way that have that [lasted for] almost life at this point… trust [is something] I’m having a little trouble [with]. It’s not difficult for me to be vulnerable or to have a desire to confide in me. But I have a hard time trusting that someone really has me and is really covering me up. And that they have my best interest.
What I’ve learned is to trust more and to see that God brings certain things at certain times in your life. And embrace that and appreciate that. Also, to understand that it is a gift and to treat it as such.
I feel like I’m trying really hard to be a really good friend and to be trustworthy. I try to be very honest and show up when people ask me to. And protect their privacy and secrets — all those things. But I think the biggest thing for me is that I’ve spent a lot of time being other people’s friends — being good friends to them. But without allowing them to be a good friend to me… So I guess… what’s taught me to be close to the women on this show is that I have friends too. I’m not just a friend, I have friends too. Good friends.
https://theshaderoom.com/meagan-good-jerrie-johnson-harlem/ Meagan Good & Jerrie Johnson Discuss “Harlem”
