Beyond the Gates broke new ground for CBS daytime, and with it came a lot of opportunities for its incoming cast of soap newcomers. Today Sean Freeman marked on social media the one-year anniversary of joining the beloved soap opera and the reel that helped him land the role.
The actor shared his story in the caption of his Instagram post, saying, “Wow. 1 year ago —October 8, 2024—I officially booked the part of Andre Richardson! My agent, Susan, delivered the news that I’d been offered the part of Armand (the original name) on the new CBS show The Gates. I’d submitted a 3.5 minute self-taped audition (clipped for IG purposes) a month prior, but didn’t think anything of it. As most actors do, we do the audition and get back to our day jobs; which was, for me, working as a full-time middle school substitute teacher in Sandy Springs, ATL (math and ELA, and later, special education💪🏾🧠). But weeks later, I was pinned for the part, and that came as a surprise. I didnt look or feel my best, I didn’t have all my ducks in a row, I hadn’t shot it in some fancy taping facility and I certainly hadn’t come with years of formal training. But shortly thereafter, I got the offer.
It was my TIME. We’d done it! But I didn’t do it alone. Here’s to chasing dreams, overcoming obstacles, and never giving up. Cheers to the journey ahead. #onward” Freeman concluded.
Freeman also explained some of the character changes that occured between auditions and filming in the comment section, sharing, “Alison” became Kat @colbynatasha , “Jennifer” became Dr. Nicole Richardson @theonlydaphneeduplaix & “Marcus” became Martin @brandonclaybon #FunFacts 🔥”
Costars Join in on The Celebration
Freeman’s costars joined in to celebrate the milestone in the comment section, with the likes of Ambyr Michelle sharing, “YEAAAAAHHHHHH🔥🔥🔥🔥,” Lauren Buglioli adding, “A STAR!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” and Maurice P. Kerry shared, “Great job!”
Fans React
The actors fans came in to help show their support. One fan wrote, “What a great story, Sean! Proud of you and love Andre. Everyone responsible for BTG does such a great job! 🙌👏❤️” with a second adding, “So glad BTG got you👏 Schools loss our gain❤️❤️Also glad they changed names for several characters you look more like an Andre than Armand😂” A third fan shared, This ain’t nothing but God!! You served him by being an educator to our children and he rewarded you for this awesome well deserved opportunity.”
Where to Watch Beyond the Gates
Fans can follow Freeman’s journey as Andre Richardson with brand new episodes of Beyond the Gates airing weekdays on CBS and streaming weeknights on Paramount+. Fans can also catch up from the beginning on Paramount+ or on Pluto TV’s dedicated 24/7 fast channel.