Leslie M. Greene, The Heartbeat Behind The Characters We Connect To, Inside The Intuitive Artistry Of Lifetime’s Newest Hit And The Woman Who Cast It With Purpose

Some people in this industry move loudly. Others move intentionally. Leslie M. Greene moves with heart—and that is what makes her one of the most respected casting directors working today. As Lovers and Friends premieres on Lifetime, Greene closes out 2025 with a project that felt deeply personal and profoundly purposeful.

From the moment she heard the title, she said yes. “I grew up reading Eric Jerome Dickey,” she says. “His storytelling shaped so much of our culture.” For many Black readers, Dickey wasn’t just a novelist—he narrated young adulthood, heartbreak, and the complicated nature of love. Bringing one of his stories to screen wasn’t just work. It was a tribute.

That emotional significance only deepened when her casting associate, Farrah, shared her own personal connection to Dickey. “It added such a tender layer to the process,” Greene reflects. Every casting choice became an act of honor.

The Magic of the Right Self-Tape

Greene doesn’t chase “big moments.” She recognizes them. For her, lightning strikes when an actor submits a self-tape so aligned with the story that it feels meant to be. “When an actor embodies the role so fully that you just know… that’s the magic,” she says.

The Role That Tested Her

Every project presents a challenge.
Here, it was an elderly French-speaking woman—an extremely specific profile rarely found in the Atlanta market. Greene widened the search, contacted agents directly, and refused to settle until the right actor appeared. “It was absolutely worth the pivot.”

Alignment With Lifetime

With Lifetime leaning into women-centered stories, Greene felt immediately connected. “This story is about love—and everyone relates to that,” she says. She also valued the opportunity to highlight Atlanta’s exceptional pool of women actors. Working with Executive Producer/Director D’Angela Proctor strengthened that alignment. “Our conversations kept us in sync,” she notes.

Veterans and New Faces

A hallmark of Greene’s work is her blend of seasoned actors and emerging talent. “It always comes down to the heartbeat of the character,” she says. Some roles require lived experience; others thrive with a fresh spark. For her, instinct guides the balance.

Clearing Misconceptions

Greene wants people to know: casting directors don’t always have steady work. “Unless you’re tied to a studio, you’re hustling just like actors,”she says.

Social Media Doesn’t Book Roles

Follower counts don’t influence her decisions. “I’ve never cast someone because of their online presence,” she says. Authentic talent always leads.

What Still Moves Her

The moment that keeps her inspired is telling an actor they booked the role—especially young actors experiencing itfor the first time. “Their joy… it stays
with you.”

Leslie M. Greene casts with empathy, instinct, and emotional intelligence. In an industry obsessed with noise, her quiet excellence is its own unmistakable power.