By Staff
“There’s never been any pressure to choose singing at all, my family wants me to be the best at whatever I do.” -Marvin Lawrence Winans III
Marvin Lawrence Winans III -affectionately known as Three – walked as cool as he pleased onto the blue carpet at the premiere of Netflix’s TV series Forever. The 13-year-old represented well for Generation Alpha with his Streetwear chic attire. It was lights, action, and the rolling of cameras as he posed for photographers at Getty Images and Shutterstock. Flaunting an oversized brown jacket and blue jeans – the Hollywood rising star stood in the spotlight as he celebrated a career milestone, landing his first role as a series regular.
In his latest TV project, Three plays the role of Jaden Edwards, the younger brother of lead actor Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.) Although he can be annoying, Jaden (Marvin Lawrence Winans III) idolizes his big brother and enjoys any chance he gets to spend time with him. “What this role taught me about brotherhood is to always be there for each other, to stay with each other through thick and thin, and that brothers are going to be mad at each other,” says Three.
Forever, which debuted May 8th on Netflix, follows the magic and awkwardness of a love story between Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.) and Keisha (Lovie Simone) who reunite as teens and fall deeply in love. As a young couple, the two love birds experience joy and heartache as they explore their identities through the exciting, excruciating, confusing, and passionate journey of being each other’s first romance, first kiss, and first I Love You – a journey that changes their lives forever.
Reflecting on his on-screen brother’s romance, Three shared his thoughts on watching the teenage love affair from a distance. “I think the fact that it is their first true love that they’ve experienced in their lives, even though they had other crushes, is so cool. It’s like real love and I think that’s gonna resonate. It’s inspiring to see a strong love that pushes through things that could break their relationship up and what they’re willing to do to maintain that love. It’s beautiful to see people have real feelings for someone that strong.”
Inspired by Judy Blume’s 1975 classic novel, Executive producer and showrunner Mara Brock Akil brought the story to life with authenticity and humanity as she re-imagined the script for a new generation. “You believed me – that if we remembered our first love and stirred that into the recipe and if we remembered our love for Los Angeles and wove that into every frame we would create an epic and intimate love letter set inside a love letter to the city of Los Angeles and we did it,” Akil shared with the highly enthusiastic cast, crew and audience at the premiere of Forever.
With a musical score by Gary Gunn (A Thousand and One, David Makes Man, Quad Gods, Maggie Black, Master of Light) the Forever soundtrack features 45 minutes and 34 seconds of music that echoes the emotional core of the romantic drama series.
As a third-generation member of the most awarded and decorated family of Gospel in history, Marvin Lawrence Winans III admits that while he can at least hold a tune his passion is for basketball and acting – in that order. “There’s never been any pressure to choose singing at all, my family wants me to be the best at whatever I do.”
When asked what his favorite albums and music are, Three admits that music is not high on the list of his special interests but he loves the Winans Phase 2 album. Released in 1999, the album features hits like It’s Alright (Send Me) and El Shaddai sung by Marvin Winans Jr., Carvin Winans Jr., Michael Winans Jr., and Juan Winans. Three also loves music from his great-aunt Cece Winans (the most awarded Gospel artist in history to date).
For more information on Marvin Winans III (Three), follow him on Instagram.
