Michael Cooper Jr

Michael Cooper Jr. was born on March 5, 2002, in Dallas, Texas. His early life was marked by an involvement in sports, contrasting with his family’s background in healthcare. At the age of nine, he found his initial exposure to performance through a church play, portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This experience sparked an interest in theater, leading him to participate in various school and church productions. During his senior year of high school, a peer encouraged him to consider a professional career in film. Consequently, he took headshots and completed high school early. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he committed to pursuing acting, signing with an agent in January 2020, and subsequently relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. This period was dedicated to gaining practical experience, attending workshops, studying script analysis, and engaging with the film industry on various short projects and commercials.

His career advanced significantly towards the end of 2020 when he secured his first major film role in “The Inhabitant.” This project provided him with substantial on-set knowledge and experience. In 2021, he continued to build his portfolio with smaller projects, refining his skills. By the close of 2021, he was cast in his second film, “On the Come Up,” produced by Paramount. Concurrently with his acting career, Michael Cooper Jr. pursued higher education, studying Political Science at the University of Texas and Texas Tech University. He maintained a 4.0 GPA and graduated from Texas Tech in 2024. He gained further recognition for his co-leading role as Justin Edwards in the 2025 Netflix series “Forever,” an adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel, which explored first love and intimacy among high schoolers in Los Angeles.

In preparation for his role as Justin in “Forever,” a character living with ADHD, Cooper undertook extensive research, including observing students in classrooms in Atlanta and working closely with showrunner Mara Brock Akil. He has spoken about the emotional depth required for the role, noting the importance of portraying a Black male character who openly expresses emotion. His dedication to craft and his academic achievements demonstrate a consistent pursuit of excellence in both his professional and personal life. His work in “Forever” has been well-received by fans and critics, solidifying his position as an emerging talent in the entertainment industry.