Aahana Swrup
The Lifetime romance drama trilogy that begins with ‘Mary J. Blige’s Real Love,’ presents a delightful story about building one’s life around love. It centers around the story of Kendra Evans and Ben Baldwin, who cross each other’s paths in College. Nevertheless, their whirlwind romance only lasts so long before life sets them on different paths. Eventually, by the time the third installation, ‘Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair’ rolls around, the two lovers have found their way back to each other. Yet, in order to secure their future together, they must first learn how to deal with life’s complexities as a team.
The trilogy offers a well-rounded narrative about the work and effort that goes into sustaining even the purest of loves. Although the movies primarily revolve around Kendra’s relationship with Ben, it also features some other notable dynamics, such as the photographer’s friendship with Terry. The latter woman remains an intrinsic part of the movies as her storylines about topics such as single motherhood, infidelity, and terminal illness inform a crucial part of the film’s authenticity. Therefore, much like Ben, Terry also becomes a point of intrigue.
Terry’s Character Possesses Many Realistic Aspects
‘Mary J. Blige’s Real Love’ and the films from its trilogy have an engrossing relationship with reality. Although the story in itself is an original work of fiction penned by Rachel Ingram and Sonja Warfield, they have an origin in multi-talented artist Mary J. Blige’s discography. The films are inspired by the singer-songwriter’s songs, particularly ‘Real Love,’ Strength of a Woman,’ and ‘Family Affair.’ Since these songs themselves have varying levels of biographical resonance in Blige’s life, the Lifetime movies associated with them tend to have some real-life connections as well. For instance, even though the protagonist, Kendra, isn’t directly based on Blige, certain parallels persist between the two. Similarly, Terry is also a fictional character who has some parallels with potential real-life counterparts.
For the most part, Terry’s character finds her identity as Kendra’s best friend. The duo enters each other’s lives at College and go on to sport a decades-long friendship despite the occasional conflict. In that sense, Terry’s character can be compared to that of one of Blige’s real-life best friends, Misa Hylton. Hylton and Blige have been friends for a long time and continue professionally collaborating with each other, with the former as the singer’s stylist. While their shared New Yorkian origins and love for fashion are crucial aspects of their friendship, their bond runs deep.
In fact, Blige is the godmother to Hylton’s daughter, cementing their family-like relationship. This dynamic is reflected in Terry’s relationship with Kendra, who is also the godmother of her best friend’s son, Tyler. Therefore, even though the on-screen duo’s storylines often take them to fictionalized roads, there is some connection between them and Blige’s real-life friendship. As such, it’s possible some inspiration for Terry’s character—at least within the confines of her close friendship with Kendra—has inspirations in Hylton.
On the other hand, another part of Terry’s storyline seems to be close to home for Blige. In the third film, ‘Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair,’ Terry gets diagnosed with cancer, which becomes the driving force behind her narrative. In real life, Blige has been vocal in her campaign to spread cancer awareness. Reportedly, the singer has tragically lost many family members to cancer, including her aunts and grandmother. Consequently, the inclusion of Terry’s plotline revolving around cancer seems to be a subtle way of addressing this real-life issue that Blige holds close to her heart. As a result, Terry’s otherwise fictional character becomes a composite of various real-life elements.
Ben Does Not Seem to Be Based on Mary J. Blige’s Ex-Husband
While parallels can be easily drawn between Terry and Mary J. Blige’s real-life relationships, the same doesn’t hold true for Ben’s character. In the film, Ben is the lead love interest, who is devoted to Kendra from their first run-in with each other at Hammon College. Even though he makes mistakes along the way, he remains dedicated to his love for the woman and strives to build a life with her. However, Blige’s previous marriage to now-ex-husband Martin “Kendu” Isaacs wasn’t starkly similar to this dynamic. Even though the pair were married for around thirteen years and appeared to be a happy couple in their early days, their relationship ended in 2016.
During their divorce proceedings, Blige reportedly labeled Issacs a “con man” with accusations of infidelity and verbal abuse. Therefore, it remains clear that Issacs’ part in Blige’s life doesn’t line up with Ben’s on-screen character. Throughout the trilogy, Ben remains faithful to Kendra and holds family values close to his heart. Consequently, while it is possible that some inspiration was taken from Blige’s real life in shaping the romance between Ben and Kendra, it seems unlikely that there is a direct real-life counterpart for the man.
Even so, parts of Ben’s storyline remain rooted in reality. For instance, the third film prominently deals with the lawyer’s deteriorating mental health as anxiety and stress begin overwhelming him. In a conversation with Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, actor Da’Vinchi shared how he found this aspect of his character’s storyline to be incredibly relatable. As such, it’s possible that some inspiration for the complications between Ben and his family was taken from Da’Vinchi’s real life. Thus, regardless of off-screen inspirations, the character manages to sport a sense of realism and authenticity.
