'Hate to Love You' Cast: Learn More About the Stars Behind Kennedy, Shay, Gabe, and More

A secret sibling connection, a football rivalry, and an unexpected romance collide in ReelShort's "Hate to Love You." Get to know the actors behind Kennedy Clarke, Shay Coleman, Gage Clarke, and more.

Inspired by Tijan's popular novel, "Hate to Love You" brings a high school enemies-to-lovers romance to ReelShort. The series follows Kennedy Clarke as she starts over after a humiliating betrayal, only to find herself drawn to Shay Coleman, the charming football captain who happens to be her brother's biggest rival.

The "Hate to Love You" cast is led by Hannah Lowery and Blake Manning, alongside Carter Moczan and Jonah Walker. Here's a closer look at the story and the actors bringing the story's central characters to life.

The poster for "Hate to Love You" | Source: youtube/reelshortapp

What Is "Hate to Love You" About?

After a devastating senior year, Kennedy Clarke enters a new chapter with two strict rules: no one can know she's related to her brother, Gabe, and she will never fall for one of his rivals.

Those plans quickly unravel when Shay Coleman enters her life. The school's new football captain is confident, popular, and impossible to ignore. As their connection grows, Kennedy finds herself confronting painful memories from her past relationship while navigating the ongoing rivalry between Shay and Gabe.

Inspired by Tijan's novel of the same name, the ReelShort series combines romance, family drama, and second-chance trust as Kennedy learns whether she can open her heart again.

Blake Manning as Shay Coleman, Hannah Lowery as Kennedy Clarke, and Carter Moczan as Gabe Clarke in "Hate to Love You" | Source: instagram/reelshortapp

The story's emotional twists are brought to life by the talented "Hate to Love You" cast. Learn more about them below.

Hannah Lowery as Kennedy Clarke

Hannah Lowery stars as Kennedy Clarke, a smart and reserved student trying to rebuild her confidence after a painful betrayal.

Determined to avoid the spotlight and keep her family connections secret, Kennedy finds her carefully constructed plans challenged when Shay Coleman enters her life.

Hannah Lowery as Kennedy Clarke in "Hate to Love You" | Source: instagram/hannahloweryofficial

Lowery has become a familiar face to vertical drama audiences through roles in titles such as "Tell Me Not to Love You," "Heiress's Ballet Revenge," "Secretly Married to My Billionaire Boss," "Love at the End of Lies," and "Sleeping for 30 Years, My Brothers Kneel for Me." Her growing résumé includes dozens of vertical drama projects released across 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Lowery developed a passion for performing at a young age through dance competitions, musical theater, and choir. Her experience later expanded into on-camera acting, commercials, and digital content. Her credits include appearances in Dhar Mann productions, commercials for brands such as Blue Buffalo and Harbor Freight, and various independent film projects.

Outside acting, Lowery has also worked as a dancer, model, and social media creator. Her blend of performance experience and screen presence makes her a natural fit for Kennedy's emotional journey throughout the series.

Blake Manning as Shay Coleman

Blake Manning plays Shay Coleman, the charming football captain who unexpectedly turns Kennedy Clarke's carefully planned life upside down.

After Kennedy vows never to date one of her brother's rivals, Shay's persistence, confidence, and growing affection for her threaten to break that promise.

As the story unfolds, Shay proves he's more than the school's popular bad boy, showing a softer side as he supports Kennedy through the emotional fallout of her past relationship.

Blake Manning as Shay Coleman in "Hate to Love You" | Source: instagram/blakemanning

Before entering the acting world, Manning built a substantial following on social media. In a 2023 interview, he explained that he originally joined TikTok because he enjoyed entertaining people and expressing his creativity. What started as a hobby eventually grew into a platform with millions of followers and viral videos.

His success online led to modeling opportunities with brands including BOSS, DICK'S Sporting Goods, JCPenney, ROMWE, Curology, EyeBuyDirect, and Allen Edmonds. He later studied theater arts while continuing to grow his presence as a content creator.

"Hate to Love You" is among Manning's most notable vertical drama projects, alongside credits including "High School Heiress," "Step Into Speed," and "Sex Education with My Enemy Stepbrother."

Carter Moczan as Gabe Clarke

Carter Moczan plays Gabe Clarke, Kennedy's protective older brother and Shay's longtime rival. A former football captain, Gabe frequently clashes with Shay and struggles to accept his growing relationship with Kennedy.

While his actions sometimes create conflict, they stem from his desire to protect his sister from experiencing another heartbreak.

A native of Redwood City, California, Moczan trained at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and developed an acting style shaped by both athletic discipline and storytelling. He brings a strong physical presence to his work thanks to his sports background.

His credits include several vertical dramas, such as "Betrayed Alpha Queen Rises from the Ashes," "The Betrayed Mother Is the Divine Heiress," "When He Finally Looked Back," and "Bound to the Fae King." He has also appeared in independent films and stage productions.

Moczan's combination of athleticism and charisma makes him a natural fit for Gabe, a character who balances loyalty, competitiveness, and family devotion throughout the series.

Blake Manning and Carter Mozcan in "Hate to Love You" | Source: instagram/cartermoczan

Jonah Walker as Parker Stanson

Jonah Walker portrays Parker Stanson, Kennedy's former boyfriend whose betrayal continues to haunt her long after their relationship ends. Although Parker appears primarily through flashbacks, his actions set many of the story's events in motion. Kennedy's trust issues, reluctance to date, and determination to avoid another heartbreak can all be traced back to her experience with him.

Walker's performance reveals Parker's gradual transformation from seemingly caring boyfriend to one of the story's most disliked characters. His manipulation and dishonesty provide important context for Kennedy's emotional journey and help explain why she initially resists Shay's advances.

The Los Angeles-based actor has appeared in several vertical dramas, including "Cancel the Wedding, Queen Moves On," "She's Not Homeless, She's Healer Goddess!," "Vicious," "Bound by Honor," and "The Hockey Star's Remorse." He has trained in the Meisner technique and continues to build a growing body of work across digital and traditional productions.

Supporting Cast

Several additional actors help bring the world of "Hate to Love You" to life:

• Keiva Bradley as Casey
• Daniela Leon as Becca Lee
• Kimberly Crabb as Aby Martinez
• Chaz Lack as Carruthers
• Cailynn Knabenshue as Mina
• Krystal Pohaku as Cheerleader #2

Together, the ensemble helps create the high school environment where Kennedy and Shay's romance unfolds.