Mara Brock-Akil Proposed To Her Husband

Mara Brock Akil, husband Salim Akil

Mara Brock Akil Proposed To Her Husband

Coveted sitcom writer Mara Brock-Akil is known for celebrating life and love as it pertains to Black women. Some of her most famous examples have been in the sitcoms “The Game,” “Girlfriends,” and most recently, “Black Lightening.” Her latest television craze, “Love Is ___” is ironically based on the love of she and her husband of 20 years, director/producer, Salim Akil. In a recent interview, Mara opens up, revealing how she convinced her husband to agree to do the show. She also reveals that she proposed to him.

On how accurate the show is to their real life love story, and proposing to Salim:

“It’s 90% truthful and 70% factual…the essence is true and the facts are manipulated. Because, at the end of the day, we have to tell a story. And as unique and wonderful as our story is, it could get boring if you go literal. I can’t wait to get to the episode where I propose to him, because I did.”

Oprah Winfrey with ‘Love Is ___’ actor Will Catlett, show creator/executive producer Salim Akil, show creator/executive producer/showrunner Mara Brock Akil, and actress Michele Weaver

She says that her husband was hesitant to participate in “Love Is __”:

“He’s a very private person, he’s an introvert…I still don’t think he’s OK with it, but he’s supportive of me, and that’s what matters.”

She continued:

“I had a lot of anxiety while he was watching. I was so nervous, I remember shaking. He’s the person I wanted to impress the most. And when I got his sign-off, I knew everything was fine.”

Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil

On if it’s possible to have the perfect work/life/love balance:

“Love is achievable. Everything you want is achievable if you define it and design it for yourself based upon your values and what’s important to you. And that’s how Salim and I have done it, in both career and family.”

She adds,

“Whatever is of value to you is worth fighting for. And that’s relationships, career and love. It’s a daily leap, a daily commitment.”