Her spot on the Prime Video series (all episodes are out today) was hard won.
“And then as soon as she did, we were all like, ‘Oh, it’s her.
It’s absolutely her.’
Meagan Good on the Prime Video series ‘Harlem.'.amazon studios
And she was amazing.
And I was wrong,” Oliver said.
However, Tracy [Oliver] told us that you had a long audition process before booking the part.
Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson, Shoniqua Shandai, and Meagan Good play the leads on ‘Harlem’ on Prime Video.Sarah Shatz/Amazon Studios
What’s your side of how you ended up on the show?
MEAGAN GOOD:It’s crazy.
I read the script, I fell in love with it!
Whoopi Goldberg plays Meagan Good’s boss on Prime Video comedy ‘Harlem.'.amazon studios
I fell in love with Camille.
Maybe they weren’t coming to me."
And a lot of people are not familiar with me in this way.
Shoniqua Shandai and Meagan Good as Angie and Camille on ‘Harlem.'.amazon studios
So I kind of became the sexy girl, and the love interest, and all of that.
Because I wanted to do Camille so bad.
It was such a special character to me and such a special show for so many reasons.
So yeah, it was a bit of a process for sure.
How would you describe Camille?
What attracted you to the role, or even the show in general?
Well, Camille is an optimist.
She’s going to get it together and do the thing.
She’s awkward and can be vulnerable and insecure.
I think that we, as human beings, are that.
And that’s not always shown.
Sometimes it’s like, “Oh, they’ve got everything together.
They’re just such a boss.”
Or “They just don’t have anything together and they’re struggling with this thing.”
And it really is a mix of both.
You mentioned testing for the show, was that in person or on Zoom?
It was before COVID.
And it was always like, “Are we going to get to finish the show?
Are we going to come back?
Are we going to get Whoopi back?
Is this going to happen?”
And that was the best.
Yeah, I mean, those bonds were solid before the pandemic.
But when we got back to the set, it was like no time had passed at all.
All of it just further cemented how close we are.
While you’re no stranger to comedy, it’s been a while since you’ve done one.
What was it like to come back to the genre opposite comedy legends like Andrea Martin and Whoopi Goldberg?
Amazing to meet people that you look up to and respect, and they’re so humble and kind.
With Whoopi specifically, I was an extra inSoapdishwhen I was 10.
And I just was impressed by her, byJasmine Guy.
I mean, everybody that’s come through the show has been so lovely.
And just wanting to show up for the thing, and humble, and kind.
It’s so wonderful when you meet someone and they’re even better than I could have imagined.
Did Camille’s disappointment in their relationship bleed into your relationship with Whoopi?
It wasn’t hard, because I think I felt very safe with her.
The dynamic of our relationship on set was like her as a mentor.
It was like, “Oh my gosh!”
And I’m like, “Right, right, right.
I got it.”
And I’m just butchering it on her coverage.
And it’s taped across her breast for my coverage, just to see me win.
And that was the dynamic of our relationship and dare I say, friendship.
She’s so dope.
Because you’re like, “I’m safe.
It’s all good.
She knows my heart.”
We do something and Whoopi afterward is like, “I’m sorry!”
And I’m like, “It’s good girl, go harder.”
So it was excellent.
Was that the dynamic working on the rest of the show as well, with the other ladies?
I love you guys, in all your glory, and I want to see you win.
What do you need from me?"
And Mimi Valdes was always there supporting and loving, and pouring on.
And Tracy, she’s so special.
It’s been nothing but a woman love pile-on experience.
And like I said, it’s not always like that.
So it’s really special that it’s like that on this.
The entire first season ofHarlemis now streaming on Prime Video.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Check out ourdaily must-see picks plus news, celeb interviews, trivia, and more onEW’sWhat to Watchpodcast.
