The part-Venezuelan actress has landed a recurring role on Netflix’s Forever.
Created by Mara Brock Akil,Forever is a reimagining of the 1975 novel by Judy Blume and follows the epic love story of two Black teens exploring their identities through the awkward — and moving — journey of being each other’s firsts in 2018 Los Angeles.
Like its inspiration, the show will examine “the idea of your first love being with you forever,” said Brock Akil, who created acclaimed stories of Black love and growth like sitcom Girlfriendsand drama Being Mary Jane. She was also a writer on the YA comedy Moesha.
Oscar winner Regina King will serve as executive producer and will direct the first episode.
Rae will portray Brittany, one of Keisha’s older cousins, and is described as a social climber who looks out for Keisha and her well-being like an older sister—even if she usually does it with a sarcastic sense of humor and blunt direct attitude. Brittany is a loyal support system for Keisha and her mom Shelly, and always brings a sense of fun to wherever she goes —including affectionately calling Keisha ‘Urkel’ due to her book smart nature.
Lovie Simone will star as Keisha Clarke and Michael Cooper Jr. will portray Justin Edwards. Karen Pittman, and Wood Harris round out the cast so far.
Within the television sphere, Rae currently stars as ‘Brittany Pitts’ in Paramount+’s reboot of The Game. Additionally, she recently led the cast of SYFY’s series Vagrant Queen, starred in NBC’s Chicago Fireand Hulu’s horror-thriller series Light As A Feather, and has guest starred on various shows including FX’s Atlanta, BET’s American Soul, and FOX’s musical drama Star, from the producers ofEmpire.
In film, she has had roles in Sony’sSuperfly with Jennifer Morrison, Trevor Jackson and Michael Kenneth Williams, and Netflix’s Burning Sandsalongside Alfre Woodard and Trevante Rhodes.
The 52-year-old Mexican-American media personality, Emmy-winning journalist and actress, is starring in Vito Schnabel-led dark comedy The Trainer, which has wrapped filming in Los Angeles, New York and the Bahamas.
Sanchez, who gained fame as an entertainment reporter and news anchor, is part of a cast that includes Paris Hilton, Finneas O’Connell, Sandra Seacat and journalist Gayle King.
Written by Schnabel and Jeff Solomon, the film is based on the former’s original story. It unfolds over eight days of sleep-deprived chaos and follows Jack (Schnabel), a down-on-his-luck fitness expert living with his mother in Los Angeles, who takes a maniacal swing at fame and fortune, trying to realize his version of the American dream.
Tony Kaye directed the film boasting one of the most eclectic ensembles in recent memory, which also includes Julia Fox, Steven Van Zandt, Taylour Paige, Stephen Dorff,John McEnroe, Gina Gershon, Luka Sabbat, Gus Van Sant, Lenny Kravitz, Beverly D’Angelo, Colleen Camp, Gavin Rossdale, Soo Joo Park, Brock O’Hurn, Bella Thorne, Laird Hamilton and Duke Nicholson.
Schnabel, Kaye and Jeremy Steckler are producing The Trainer, with George Paaswell serving as executive producer.
Sanchez has been seen on programs likeThe View, KTTV Fox 11’s Good Day LA, the Fox 11 Ten O’clock News, Extra,Larry King Live,The Joy Behar Showand Showbiz Tonight. Past film credits include Ted 2, White House Down, Celeste & Jesse Forever, We Bought a Zoo, Fantastic Fourand Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Akeelah and the Bee, The Longest Yard, The Day After Tomorrowand Fight Club. She’s also been seen on series like Rake, Dirtand Girlfriends, among others.
Sanchez also notably founded aerial production company Black Ops Aviation and serves as Vice Chair of the Bezos Earth Fund.
ABC is set to present a week of reunions within its primetime lineup starting October 7, with the 49-year-old Puerto Rican actor part of the roster.
“Cast from the Past” Week will feature reunited cast members and creative teams from iconic TV series and films on the network’s current shows.
On Sunday, October 13, Huertas and Seamus Dever will reunite with their former Castle co-star Nathan Fillion on The Rookie.
Additionally, actors and behind-the-scenes talent from the likes of Crazy Rich Asians, Girlfriends, Blues Brothers 2000, Cheers, Charmed, Wet Hot American Summer, House and The Drew Carey Show will be involved.
Here’s the full schedule:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7 The Good Doctor – Robert Sean Leonard (House) checks into The Good Doctor. Both series were created by executive producer David Shore. “Claire” – Dr. Claire Brown faces complications at home and work as she prepares to lead her first surgery. Meanwhile, a sports fishing accident challenges the rest of the staff as they look to treat the fisherman’s (Robert Sean Leonard) injuries without damaging his prize catch. (10 PM)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 The Conners – This episode reunites John Goodman and Dan Aykroyd (Blues Brothers 2000) as poker buddies. “The Preemie Monologues” – Harris is forced to confront Darlene about her lifestyle, while Jackie involves herself in other people’s problems to avoid confronting her own. Meanwhile, Becky is overwhelmed by the costs of raising a baby, so her family steps in to help. (8 PM)
Bless This Mess – Michael Ian Black is reunited with Wet Hot American Summer’s Lake Bell when he guest stars. “Omaha” – The ladies head to Omaha for their annual gyno exams, but the trip quickly goes off the rails: Jealous of Beau’s new dating profile on FarmersOnly, Kay is determined to find a guy to hook up with, with Rio as her wing woman. Back home, Mike, Rudy and Beau bond when an accident leaves them stranded in a tree. (8:30 PM)
Black-ish – Girlfriends stars Golden Brooks, Jill Marie Jones and Persia White reunite with Tracee Ellis Ross. “Feminisn’t” – When Bow learns that Diane and Ruby don’t believe in feminism, she brings Diane to meet the women in her feminist group. Bow’s friend Abby thinks the group needs to be more inclusive, so Bow invites three of her girlfriends to join. Meanwhile, Junior and Jack help Dre after he realizes he is out of touch with modern-day feminism. (9:30 PM)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 The Goldbergs – Stars of the iconic ‘80s hit comedy Cheers Kirstie Alley,Rhea Perlman,John Ratzenberger and George Wendtreunite. “Food in a Geoffy” – When a job for Geoff Schwartz’s new food delivery service goes awry, it’s up to Murray and Geoff to race all over Jenkintown in search of an important cheesesteak. Along the way, a handful of local customers (Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt) are anything but helpful. When the search finally ends, Beverly invites them over; and even though it’s the Goldbergs’ house, you might mistake it for a bar where everyone knows your name. (8 PM)
Single Parents – Adam Brody, Leighton Meester’s real-life husband and former co-star (Life Partners, The Oranges), returns as Angie’s ex-boyfriend Derek. “Derek Sucks” – Angie is sent into a tailspin when her long-absent ex-boyfriend Derek, Graham’s father, suddenly appears on her doorstep. She asks Will and Miggy for help because, despite his faults, she can’t resist Derek. Meanwhile, Douglas and Poppy try for a romantic second date. (9:31 PM)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 Grey’s Anatomy – Charmed stars Alyssa Milano and Holly Marie Combs are reunited with executive producers Krista Vernoff and Andy Reaser, who were writers on Charmed. “Reunited” – A patient at the hospital is brain dead after falling into a construction site, and her two sisters must decide whether or not to keep her alive. (8 PM)
A Million Little Things – Jerry Ferrara guest stars and is reunited with Think Like a Man castmate Romany Malco. “mixed signals” – On the verge of becoming a filmmaker, Rome takes a meeting with an old producer friend which causes him to feel torn about the creative changes he suggests for his script. Meanwhile, Gary steps in to help Danny prepare to audition for his school play, while Delilah craving some adult time agrees to go to dinner with Andrew. (9:01 PM)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 American Housewife – Westport rocks as Drew Carey, Ryan Stiles and Kathy Kinney guest star in an episode that reunites them with Diedrich Bader. “Bigger Kids, Bigger Problems” – When Anna-Kat’s school lunch lady (Kathy Kinney) refuses to make simple eco-friendly changes in the school cafeteria, Greg enlists the help of his friend and fellow environmentalist Bill Doty (Ryan Stiles). In an attempt to win over the lunch lady, they put on a show at the school highlighting the importance of recycling; but when those efforts fail, Greg is forced to call in reinforcements: “Mr. Green” (Drew Carey)! (8 PM)
Fresh Off The Boat – Ken Jeong (Crazy Rich Asians) returns as Louis’ brother Gene. “Grandma’s Boys” – After seeing Marvin blissfully enter retirement, Grandma Huang decides it’s her turn to retire from … something; but when Louis fails in celebrating her the way she wanted, it will take a visit from Hurricane Gene (and maybe a hot tub) to make things right. (8:30 PM)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 The Rookie – “Castle” alums Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas guest star. “The Bet” – Officer Nolan navigates building tension in his relationship with Jessica and a developing rapport with Grace while working a high-stakes criminal case involving an undercover homeland security agent. Meanwhile, Officer Chen meddles with Officer Bradford’s love life, and Officer Lopez learns some surprising news about Wesley. (10 PM)
BET has ordered the original series Being Mary Jane, which stars the 47-year-old Puerto Rican actress, to series.
Being Mary Jane, which was originally picked up as a movie, comes from the producers of the award-winning, record breaking BET comedy The Game, Girlfriendsand the movies Jumping the Broom and Sparkle.
The series is a follow up to the release of the Being Mary Jane movie of the week slated to launch on BET this summer.
Being Mary Jane centers on Mary Jane Paul, a one-woman-show: a successful TV news anchor, and an entirely self-sufficient powerhouse who remains devoted to a family that doesn’t share her motivation.
Intense drama and unforgettable moments unfold as Mary Jane juggles her life, her relationships, her work, and commitments to her family.
Along with Vidal, the series stars Gabrielle Union, Omari Hardwick, Richard Roundtree, Richard Brooks, Aaron D. Spears and Margaret Avery.