Jermaine Sain | When We Speak TV
If you have been tuned into the groundbreaking CBS daytime soap opera Beyond The Gates, you already know the cast is delivering absolute fire. One actor who is truly capturing audiences in his role as Andre Richardson is the incredibly talented Sean Freeman. His journey to this milestone role is just as compelling as the drama unfolding on screen.
Let’s take it back to where it all began for us at When We Speak TV.
Our First Meeting: The Finding Happy Era
I first had the pleasure of speaking with Sean Freeman when he was starring in the hit Bounce TV series Finding Happy. Back then, he was rocking a full head of hair, and you could already see the undeniable star power radiating from him. We caught up with Sean alongside some of his amazing castmates, and his energy was simply magnetic.
Watch our first interview with Sean Freeman and the Finding Happy cast here:
The Spiritual Story Behind His Name Change
Here is a fascinating, exclusive-feeling fact you might not find on Sean Freeman’s IMDb page. Sean Freeman was not originally his name! In 2017, he made the powerful and spiritual decision to legally change his name from Derek Lashawn Kennedy to Sean Freeman.
Why did he make the change? Sean has revealed that he wanted a name that truly complimented his ultimate dream and life mission. Rooted in faith and a deep desire for personal evolution, he took his middle name, Lashawn, and remixed it into “Sean”, a name meaning “God is gracious.” For his last name, he deliberately chose “Freeman” to honor his ancestors, specifically paying tribute to the legacy of those who chose that surname after emancipation. Talk about speaking your destiny into existence!
Reconnecting At The SHEEN Magazine Awards
Fast forward to recent times, and Sean’s career has only continued to elevate. We ran into him again on the red carpet at the SHEEN Magazine Awards in Atlanta. This time, he was sporting a super sharp, fresh cut, having chopped all the hair off! Even with the sleek new look, his signature warmth, humility, and charisma were exactly the same as the day we first met.
Check out our quick catch up with Sean on the SHEEN Awards red carpet:
The Beyond The Gates Family Connection
Sean is in fantastic company on Beyond The Gates. The show features a powerhouse ensemble, including the phenomenal Timon Kyle Durrett. We actually had the honor of speaking with Timon during the premiere of the brilliant documentary Xernona Clayton: A Life In Black And White.
If you want to read more about that incredible night and the impact of the film, check out our full coverage of how Xernona Clayton: A Life In Black And White became a triumph at film festivals.
You can also watch our red carpet conversation with Timon Kyle Durrett right here:
Stay Tuned For More
Sean Freeman is living proof that when you align your purpose with your passion, incredible things happen. We are so proud to watch him shine in his breakout role as Andre Richardson. Make sure you are tuning into Beyond The Gates to support Sean and the rest of the phenomenal cast!