The many faces of Actor, writer, poet director, and photographer Will Catlett who plays Yasir, a broke aspiring writer/director in Love Is__.

ENTERTAINMENT

In Love Is__, a new drama series on OWN,  Will Catlett plays Yasir, a broke aspiring writer/director who navigates the complexities of love and power with Nuri (Michele Weaver).

BY KAZAD

Will Catlett as Yasir and Michel Weaver, Nuri on the cover Love Is

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA- The story of love is often full of intrigues, magic, joy, and sadness. So is the story Love Is___, a new drama series on Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The series features actor, writer, poet, director, and photographer Will Catlett as Yasir and Nuri (Michele Weaver).  Set primarily in the 1990s Los Angeles, the series follows a couple from seemingly opposite worlds, as they chase their dreams and learns to follow their hearts in black Hollywood.

Love Is___ tells the love story of a modern-day power couple navigating the complex set of social codes they face, transiting from the good to the bad. The story goes from present day to the past to reveal the struggle and challenges faced by the couple as they tried to make it in the entertainment industry. The story begins with Yasir, a broke aspiring writer/director.  In addition to living a life of penury, he is also in a bad relationship, living unhappily with his on-again, off-again ex.  Just when it appears all hope is lost, he meets the stunning Nuri, a bubbly personality with big dreams who is struggling to make a name for herself as a sitcom staff writer while juggling an assortment of romances. In Nuri, Yasir finds a reason to alter his life and the drive to access his potential.

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This story delves into culture revealing its influences on the people within.  The romantic drama exposes the social issues and vibrant African-American culture of that time, reflecting on how it all aligned to shape the lives of Yasir and Nuri nearly 20 years later. It brings to the fore how the power couple, navigating a complex set of social codes, is able to balance successful careers and a beautiful family.

Love Is__  is from proven show hit-makers Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil. The duo’s credits include Black Lightning, Being Mary Jane, Girlfriends, The Game, The Jaime Foxx Show, and Moesha. However, their role in this new series goes beyond just producing it. The series draws inspiration from the Akil’s real-life relationship. It explores the highs, the lows and the magic of falling-and staying-in love.

Will Catlett’s role as Yasir is integral to the new series. His experience in several other TV series is expected to bring the series home. In addition to other appearances, Will is a recurring guest star on The CW’s #1 new groundbreaking Marvel series Black Lightning. The show features the first black superhero family on network TV. In the series, Will played villain Latavious ‘Lala’ Johnson, a high-ranking member of The 100 who causes trouble for superhero Black Lightning (Cress Williams) and his two daughters Anissa Pierce (Nafessa Williams) and Jennifer Pierce (China Anne McClain).

Born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Will Catlett attended the legendary T.C. Williams High School, Remember The Titans.  He grew up playing basketball. After finishing his secondary education at the University of La Verne California, Will’s desire to be a basketball ended. Since his Hoop Dreams became a memory, Will’s love for the Arts became his future. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2007, Will has had much success in television, appearing on several popular TV shows and commercials. Most recent is an ESPN segment with Stephen Curry, Time Warner Cable, Stages – Short Film, CBS’s The Mentalist, HBO’s Brothers in Atlanta, and The Hustle.

Furthermore, Will Catlett is currently the lead actor on two hit web series: That Guy on Black & Sexy TV and First, on Issa Rae’s Channel. Will Catlett is set to shoot his Feature Film Griffin this year. Additionally, he is pitching his TV Series Garden Hills, Welcome to the Garden, It Ain’t Just Football. A uniquely gifted actor, Will lives by a strategic motto “Build it and they will come”. In his rare spare time, Will runs his own production company and volunteers with underprivileged youth in the community. He enjoys staying athletic and spending time outdoors.

Love Is__ which premieres Tuesday, June 19 on OWN.

There is a high expectation for Love Is __.  What do you think? Do you think Will Catlett and other cast members will be able to carry the show through? Share your comments.