Celebrity News
Gail Bean exemplifies how hard work and a strong support system can contribute to success in one's career and personal life.
The actress, who has been in the entertainment industry for over a decade, recently wrapped up her breakout role in the acclaimed FX series Snowfall, which aired its final episode last year. In the show, Bean portrayed Wanda Bell, a character who journeyed from a struggling addict in Franklin Saint's (Damson Idris) drug crew to a woman forging a new life beyond the streets.
The 31-year-old's compelling performance earned her an NAACP Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Building on this success, Bean has diversified her portfolio by appearing in other projects, including Atlanta and P-Valley. These roles have further cemented Bean's status in the industry.
To date, the actress is set to appear as a recurring character in the third season of Amazon Prime's hit series Harlem. Despite Bean's professional success, much of her personal life remains private. While Bean hasn't publicly confirmed being in an exclusive relationship, she has found peace and solidarity in her close friendship with Power Book 3: Raising Kanan star Malcolm Mays.
In an interview with xoNecole, Bean discussed the value of having a support system in the industry and expressed her appreciation for Mays.
During the discussion, the P-Valley star addressed dating rumors about her and Mays, which arose when the pair were spotted out together at various events. Bean clarified that their friendship has helped her maintain a sense of normalcy.
“It’s nice to have someone in the industry. We go to the movies, watch indie films, work on projects, and talk about real life,” she said. “It’s great having someone you can play tennis with about everything. There’s times when I want to post pictures, but I already know people are gonna say we're in a relationship. At no point have we said we’re together. But he knows I love him down, and he loves me. That’s going to be my best friend until the end of eternity.”
Further into the interview, Bean expressed that when she decides to date, her friendship with Mays won't compromise the relationship because she is "a loyal partner." Towards the end of the conversation, Bean recounted how Mays' unwavering support helped her overcome a challenging period of not booking roles.
"Malcolm is very well-rounded, and he's like a man's man. He tells me the truth. But also, he talks to me about my career and myself as a woman. I remember sitting in his car crying about the industry; at the time, I kept getting callbacks but never booking the roles," she explained. "I was sick of people 'liking' me; I wanted them to book me. He said, 'Gail, you're a talent, and your time is going to come. This time next year, you're going to book a show,' and I did."
Lastly, the Atlanta star expressed gratitude for Mays' friendship by highlighting the rarity of their dynamic, particularly within the industry.
“As women, we naturally pour into others like that, but you don’t always get that from men. Because they don’t typically get that. So it’s nice to have a man there like that. There’s one other time where I cried about my career, and it was actually to my brother,” she stated.
Although Bean and Mays are not romantically involved, they continue to demonstrate how surrounding oneself with the right people can foster personal and professional growth.
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Feature image by Giles Williams
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