Not everything has come easy for Beyond the Gates breakout star Sean Freeman. The actor, who plays Andre Richardson, recently took to social media to share his journey and express how thankful he is for how how far he’s come.
Freeman posted a photo on Instagram along with the caption, “Story time: I got my first talent agent in 2020 during COVID. Wild—I know To many, I was late to the party having already reached my 30s😮💨. But hey, I booked my first network (tv) co-star role a year later. And that was insane. Booked my 1st network recurring role the following year. Had a handful of commercials and theatre projects in-between. And in 2024, I landed my 1st series regular (contract) role in ‘Beyond in Gates’ on CBS. Imagine that. For some, that’s not very much “motion” at all. For others, that’s a hell of a lot in just 5 years at the professional/union level. Truth is, what’s for me is for me & when it’s supposed to be. But it’s important to note that there were 6 years of grind, faith, confusion, hard sacrifices, and lessons before the ball really started to bounce for me in this way. NOTHING WAS OVER NIGHT.
11 years ago, 2014, I decided to pursue a career as a professional actor. This is after trying the traditional course, after college. I didn’t know how to connect A to B, or C to D. Didn’t know the first thing about acting school, agents, reels, sides, Meisner technique, industry training, the inner workings of showbiz, etc., and I damn sure didnt always have certain resources readily available. And still, I was out! I had to dip. Had to put 1 foot in front of the other. I was convinced that it was gonna happen for me, by hook or crook! So, I “moved” to New York City to make that dream a reality. That reality hasn’t always been sweet. I’ve learned a lot the hard way, “BUT WHEN I LOOK AROUND and I think things over🙌🏾… “ It’s grown me in spirit and in truth. The door is now open and I’m going full speed. It’s been a very wild, transformative journey, and I’ve gotten some cuts, but I’m grateful for every second.
To God be the glory.
Onward & upward.”
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CBS officially describes Beyond the Gates as a soap opera that is “set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States; a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.“
Beyond the Gates has a cast of over thirty contracted actors. The soap is anchored by the Dupree family, starring Clifton Davis (Vernon Dupree), Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), and Daphnée Duplaix (Nicole Richardson), and their respective families.
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Beyond The Gates is developed and produced by CBS Studios and the NAACP in partnership with P&G Studios a division of Procter and Gamble. The series is the groundbreaking first hour-long black soap opera to premiere in daytime. The creation is the brainchild of award-winning showrunner Michele Val Jean, in association with executive producer Sheila Ducksworth, and is the first new soap opera to premiere since NBC debuted Passions back in 1999.
Beyond The Gates airs weekdays at 2 p.m. EST on CBS and streamed daily on Paramount Plus.
Beyond the Gates can be streamed from the beginning on Paramount Plus.
