Entertainment
Pretty Little Liars is about to kick off its final season (*sob*), but showrunner I. Marlene King has wasted no time creating a new TV series to add to our Tuesday night lineup. Famous in Love premieres on Freeform on April 18, and it has all the makings of your next TV obsession. Based on the young adult book by Rebecca Serle, the series follows the story of Paige Townsen, an ordinary college student whose life changes overnight when she lands a lead role in a Hollywood blockbuster. The always fabulous Bella Thorne plays Paige — but she's not the only seriously impressive member of Famous in Love cast.
Paige & Co. will be busy this season — along with their hectic filming schedule, there will be offscreen romances (natch) and a mystery to solve. It's not all glitz and glamour for the stars — a pop star has mysteriously vanished from the public eye, and who better to investigate her disappearance than a group of young actors? Paige will also keep up with her studies, so she's going to be one busy young woman this season.
Luckily, she's got plenty of company. Get to know the Famous in Love characters and the actors who portray them.
Bella Thorne (Paige Townsen)
After landing the lead role in a blockbuster film, Paige jets off to Maui to begin a glamorous new life. Thorne is the most famous face in the cast — she's previously appeared in the MTV series Scream, the film Shovel Buddies, and Lifetime's Perfect High. Thorne is also the author of a young adult trilogy and she uses her platform to support causes including the Boys and Girls Club SMART Girls initiative, The Thirst Project, and the Dyslexia Foundation.
Carter Jenkins (Rainer Devon)
Jenkins plays Rainer, an actor who falls for Paige on set and vies with another co-star for her affections. His TV resume is extensive and includes appearances on Mad Men, Lie to Me, CSI: Miami, Lost, Scrubs, and Everwood. He also appeared in the film Valentine's Day opposite Emma Roberts.
Charlie DePew (Jake Salt)
Jake, a down-to-earth guy from the Midwest, has dreams of becoming a screenwriter and indie filmmaker. DePew's career took off in 2010 when he appeared in the Disney Channel's original series Shake it Up. Since then, he's appeared on Mad Men, Awkward, and The Goldbergs. His career expanded to the big screen with roles alongside Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield in The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Georgie Flores (Cassandra Perkins)
Flores, who plays Paige's roommate and best friend, began her acting career with guest appearances on the CSI franchise. She also appeared in Big Time Rush before landing her Famous in Love role.
Niki Koss (Alexis Glenn)
Alexis is Paige's rival both on and offscreen — so expect some serious drama between these two. Koss has appeared in multiple films, including Trafficked, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, Red Wing, The Appearing, Girl on the Edge, and Lifetime's Stepdaughter. She's also a budding writer, director, and producer. Much like Thorne, Koss is an advocate for causes close to her heart such as animal rescue, environmental issues, fighting homelessness, and empowering women.
Pepi Sonuga (Tangey Turner)
Tangey Turner is the missing pop star who was romantically involved with both Jordan and Rainer prior to her disappearance. You may recognize Sonuga from her role as Lacey on Ash vs. Evil Dead. The Nigerian-born actor hopes to someday return to her country of birth to build schools that will provide an amazing education for a new generation of leaders.
Keith Powers (Jordan Wilder)
Jordan is the "troubled star" on set and he'll come to blows with Rainer — not only do they both have feelings for Paige, but it's hinted that the pair has a complicated history. Powers is best known for his role as Anthony on MTV's hit comedy series Faking It. He also appeared in the critically acclaimed motion picture Straight Outta Compton.
Perrey Reeves (Nina Devon)
Rainer has the ultimate stage mom — and she just happens to be half of one of Hollywood's most powerful couples. Reeves starred opposite Will Ferrell in the film Old School, and you may also recognize her from HBO's hit series Entourage. When she's not busy filming movies and TV shows, Reeves can be found in Costa Rica at a sustainable yoga retreat that she owns and operates.
Now that you've gotten to know the key players, let the glitz, glamour, drama, and mystery commence!
