Marquita Goings Brings Hayley Hamilton to Life
Marquita Goings is turning heads with her role as Hayley Hamilton on CBS’s daytime drama Beyond the Gates. Hayley is a cunning and controversial character whose romance with her former best friend’s father shakes up the show’s central family. Viewers love to hate her, and Goings delivers every twist and revelation with precision.
“I feel like naturally, as Marquita, I’m chill. Hayley and I are the complete opposite,” Goings told ESSENCE. She explained that while Hayley is chaotic, she honors the real-life situations some viewers may relate to, making her portrayal both entertaining and grounded.
A Daytime Drama Demands Stamina
Filming a daily soap is grueling, and Beyond the Gates is no exception. Goings and the cast routinely shoot 40 to 50 script pages per day, far more than the 7–10 pages typical of primetime shows.
“Some days, we’re shooting half a movie,” Goings said. “That’s a lot of dialogue, a lot of scenes, wardrobe changes. It’s made me a stronger actor because you have to take direction very quickly.” Her theater experience, including stepping into a touring play on short notice, prepared her for this intense pace.
Playing a Villain Is Creative Freedom
Goings enjoys the freedom Hayley offers. “I like that she’s somebody who isn’t like me. She gets to do whatever she wants, and I get to step into that world,” she said. The role allows her to explore darker motives and complex relationships while staying distinct from her real-life personality.
Despite the intensity, Goings keeps her personal life grounded. Friends often warn her about being typecast as a villain, but she separates herself from the character. “Some people don’t separate the character and the person,” she laughs.
Wellness Keeps Her Strong On and Off Set
To manage long filming days, Goings relies on wellness routines including meditation, yoga, vegan-inspired nutrition, and sauna sessions. She explained, “Exercise gives me endurance and energy. Balance is always key for me.” Her wellness practices also influence friends and family, inspiring healthier lifestyles around her.
Outside of acting, Goings expresses herself through fashion. She occasionally wears pieces her character dons but also enjoys curating her own style for events. Her upbringing influenced her love for fashion, and she hopes to one day create her own line or skincare products.
Reflecting and Inspiring Through Hayley
Goings hopes her performance encourages viewers to reflect. “If someone watching Hayley is living that kind of lifestyle, maybe it might help them think a little differently,” she said. She also credits her current role with making her feel aligned with her career path, noting the camaraderie and supportive environment on set.
With Beyond the Gates gaining recognition, including nods from the NAACP Image Awards, Marquita Goings continues to prove herself as a dynamic actress capable of handling one of daytime television’s most challenging and exciting roles.
