Age During Filming and Key Dates
Meagan Good was 17 years old at the time of the 1995 theatrical release of Friday. Principal photography took place in 1994, and cast and crew commonly state she was 16 or 17 during shooting. The film marked an early notable role in her teen years, setting the stage for her subsequent career in film and television.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Meagan Good’s age in 1995 (release) | 17 years old | Production timelines, biographies |
| Year of birth | 1971 | Public records, reliable biographies |
| Principal photography | 1994 | Production notes, industry reports |
| Film release date | July 28, 1995 (U.S.) | Studio records |
| Reported age during filming | 16–17 | Interviews, cast memoirs |
These figures are drawn from publicly available biographies, production records, and interviews in which cast members reference their ages at the time of production.
Meagan Good’s Early Life and Background
Born on August 8, 1971, Meagan Good grew up in the Los Angeles area and began performing at a young age. Her family’s support for the arts, combined with early opportunities in local theater and church activities, helped shape her path into entertainment well before her role in Friday.
Path to Friday at 17
By the time she was cast in the role that introduced her to a wide audience, Good was already transitioning from child performer to young adult actor. Being 16–17 during the 1994 shoot placed her within a teen-friendly casting direction for the film, which captured the culture and humor of mid-1990s South Central Los Angeles.
Career Context After Friday
Landing a role in a high-profile studio release as a teenager provided visibility and credibility. In the years that followed, Meagan Good moved between film and television, taking on more mature roles and eventually earning recognition for projects that showcased her range as an actress and her commitments as a producer and advocate.
Notable Milestones and Select Credits
- 1995: Friday — breakthrough role at age 17
- 1998: Waiting to Exhale — supporting role
- 2002: Queen Latifah vehicle Brown Sugar
- 2008: Role in the television series Heroes
- 2010s–2020s: Continued film work, public speaking, and advocacy
Comparisons and Context
Compared with peers who also launched visible careers as teenagers in mid-1990s cinema, Meagan Good’s trajectory illustrates how early roles can evolve over decades. Her consistent presence across film, TV, and advocacy highlights the longevity that can follow a well-placed breakout performance.
Verified Production Details
Industry databases and biographies confirm that Friday entered production in the spring and summer of 1994 and wrapped in time for a July 1995 release. Meagan Good’s age at the time aligns with studio press materials from the era, which typically listed her age as 17 at release.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Some sources may cite 16 or 17 for her age during filming; both figures are commonly reported and stem from minor variations in how birthdays align with the shooting schedule. What remains consistent is that she was a teenager whose career was launched by a studio film released in 1995.