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‘Love Island’ Star to Make Acting Debut in Keke Palmer’s New KeyTV Series
Kordell Beckham, winner of Season 6 of “Love Island USA,” is stepping into a new spotlight as he begins his acting career. According to Deadline, the 22-year-old has been cast in “Southern Fried Rice,” a new series from Keke Palmer’s digital platform, KeyTV.
Beckham confirmed his debut on June 11 via Instagram, where he wrote, “Excited to announce my first scripted series!” His girlfriend and co-star Serena Page celebrated the news on her Instagram Story, writing, “And this is just the first one announced 🤭🤭🤭. Baby got more cooking up.”
“Southern Fried Rice” and Beckham’s Role
As reported by People, “Southern Fried Rice” will follow Koko, a Gen-Z Asian American woman raised by Southern Black parents. As she navigates life after being accepted into a prominent Historically Black College and University (HBCU), the show explores themes of identity, culture, and belonging. Page Yang stars as Koko in the lead role.
Beckham will portray Steve, described as a “carefree, artsy intellectual who marches to the beat of his own drum, literally as a music major.” The character also stands out for his “handsome face and unique style,” with producers describing him as spontaneous and sociable.
From Reality TV to Scripted Roles
Beckham rose to fame on Peacock’s dating series “Love Island USA,” where he won the sixth season alongside Serena Page. The couple has remained in the spotlight, frequently sharing updates about their relationship and professional projects.
Although Beckham had been expected to appear in the franchise’s spinoff series, “Love Island: Beyond the Villa,” People confirmed back in April that he would not be part of the main cast because he had been cast in a scripted series.
“I’m just doing the same thing, being me. The only difference is, I can actually see [the cameras] now. They have it in front of us,” Beckham told People about the spinoff. “It’s same old Kordell, same old me, just have some time with my girl.”
Relationship Update
Page recently opened up about the couple’s relationship status in an exclusive interview, revealing that while they’ve discussed moving in together, engagement would need to come first. “We’re able to just come out and slow things down a bit,” adds Serena, noting that living together “is not the next step” for the couple. “My finger’s still empty,” she points out.
“No apartment. There’s none of that. The next step would be engagement,” she reveals. “And we need some time for that.”
“This is naked. It is nothing,” she says, referring to her ring finger. “This is my apartment. My finger’s empty and so is my apartment. I can live with you when we’re engaged.”
