When actress Marquita Goings landed the role of Hayley Lawson Hamilton on the new daytime drama “Beyond the Gates,” it wasn’t just another booking—it was the realization of a childhood dream rooted in family, storytelling, and Southern tradition.
The series, produced by CBS Studios in partnership with the NAACP and Procter & Gamble Studios, premiered on February 24, and airs weekdays at 1 p.m. PT on CBS.
Set in a wealthy, Black enclave, “Beyond the Gates” follows the lives, secrets, and ambitions of a powerful family navigating love, loyalty, and legacy. Viewers can also stream it live and on-demand via Paramount+.
Goings said her earliest love for television came from the time she spent watching soaps with her elders. “I grew up watching the stories with my grandmother and great aunt,” Goings recalled. “That was our time together sitting on the couch, shoes off, just soaking it all in.”
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Now, Goings brings that same warmth and Southern authenticity to her role on “Beyond the Gates,” the first Black-led, hour-long daytime soap opera in over two decades.
“Hayley is complicated,” Goings explained. “She’s made mistakes, but she’s trying. I don’t think people hate her—they see themselves in her. That’s what I try to bring to the role.”
Goings said that landing the part felt like more than a professional win—it was personal and symbolic of a greater shift in representation on daytime television.
Before stepping in front of the camera, Goings said she first worked behind the scenes to gain a full understanding of the craft and the production process.
“I started behind the scenes,” Goings said. “I wanted to understand what everyone did. I needed that foundation before stepping in front of the camera.”
That behind-the-scenes insight has helped Goings navigate the fast-paced set of “Beyond the Gates,” where preparation and adaptability are key.
“We shoot a lot,” Goings said. “Sometimes I get my sides the night before. But I love the work. It’s a blessing to be this busy doing what I love.”
Despite the demanding schedule, Goings said the cast feels like a close-knit family, something that mirrors the generational spirit she felt growing up.
“There’s something beautiful about this show reaching across generations,” Goings said. “Fans will message me and say, ‘My grandma and I are watching this together,’ and that means everything.”
Goings emphasized that “Beyond the Gates” is part of a larger cultural shift—one that’s long overdue and deeply meaningful to Black audiences.
“We didn’t have that full representation back then,” Goings reflected. “Now, we’re putting ourselves out there, telling our stories. It’s our time.”
At the same time, Goings said the show delivers all the juicy, twist-filled elements fans expect from daytime dramas—plus a few surprises.
“We’ve got cheating, secrets, drama—all of it,” Goings said with a laugh. “But we also have heart. These characters are real.”
Goings finds herself relating to Hayley in unexpected ways, and she said that duality is one of the things she loves most about the character.
“Hayley is sweet, but she has sass,” Goings said. “She might seem like the Southern belle, but she’ll surprise you. I like that duality.”
Outside the role, Goings balances motherhood and artistry, and she said her son remains her biggest priority while she pursues her passion.
“I’m also a mom,” Goings said. “My son comes first. That’s always my priority. But I also want to build a legacy he can be proud of.”
Navigating Hollywood hasn’t always been smooth, but Goings said staying grounded and open to growth has been essential to her resilience.
“It’s not always glamorous,” Goings admitted. “There are gaps between gigs. But I’ve learned to stay present and enjoy the moment.”
Looking to the future, Goings said she aspires to create her own content, explore new genres, and open doors for other artists.
“I’ve got a few projects I’m developing,” Goings shared. “I want to create spaces for other actors like me. We need more doors to open.”
Even with her eyes on what’s next, Goings said she’s savoring every second of her time on “Beyond the Gates” and grateful for the platform it provides.
“This show is special,” Goings said. “And being part of it feels like a full-circle blessing. I hope people feel the love we’re putting into it.”
Reflecting on how far she’s come, Goings imagined what her younger self might say if she could see her now achieving what once felt like a distant dream.
“She’d be proud,” Goings said with a smile. “She’d probably say, ‘Girl, look at you. You made it to the stories.’”
