As she fearlessly evolves her body of work with each new project, Totah is fast proving to be one of Hollywood's most engaging and sought after young talents. Totah will also serve as a Producer of the series.Josie can also be seen in the upcoming feature film MOXIE directed by Amy Poehler. We are on a journey of self-discovery throughout our lives. There will be a life where they can live their true self. I get reached out to by a lot of people who just thank me for representing them and their friends. Just showing people like them on TV. Josie Totah pictures, articles, and news. Over the interview, Josie Totah shared that she preferred the pronouns: she, her, and hers. — josie totah (@josietotah) January 7, 2020 That's one more reason why it's obvious that being transgender isn't a choice — it's only a choice to be open with it and embrace it. In 2018, she starred in the short-lived NBC comedy series Champions. I could wake up at any time of the day and be ready to party. Transition: Josie Totah family supported throughout her Teen Transgender journey. Nor will I ever wear a sweater vest. Josie is Talulah, the smart, brash Generation Z voice of social injustice. Similarly, her father is a Palestinian and his … Born: ( 2001-08-05) August 5, 2001 (age 19) Sacramento, California, U.S. Totah has been recognized by numerous prestigious publications including being named to The Hollywood Reporter's Top 30 Stars Under 18, Forbes 30 Under 30 (Hollywood), Teen Vogue's 21 Under 21, Out Magazine OUT100 and Seventeen Magazine's 6 Women Under 21 Who Are Changing the World.Josie will be starring as "Lexi", the most popular girl at Bayside High, in the reboot of the iconic series SAVED BY THE BELL from Universal Television and Peacock. Josie Totah US-amerikanische Schauspielerin, Sängerin und Komikerin – Josie Totah wurde am 05.08.2001 in Sacramento (Hauptstadt des US-Bundesstaats Kalifornien) geboren und ist heute 19 Jahre alt. Not only was I really, really depressed when I was not out to the world, but I just finished my NBC series, and I didn't think it was right to come out during that when I was playing a male character. She Acted On Shows Like ‘Jessie’ & ‘Glee’ Under the Name ‘J.J. [13][14] In February 2017 Totah was cast as Michael Patel, the son of Mindy Kaling's character, Priya Patel, in the new NBC comedy Champions,[15] which was picked up to series in May 2017,[16] and aired from March 8 to May 25, 2018 before being canceled. I can only imagine how much more fun it's going to be to play someone who shares my identity rather than having to contort myself to play a boy. She is known for her recurring role on the Disney Channel series Jessie and supporting role on the 2013 ABC comedy series Back in the Game. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Actor Josie Totah, who has featured in shows like 'Champions' and 'Jessie', has come out as transgender. If you see someone being hurt, if you see someone being harmed, and if you see someone that's not in a safe position, you need to definitely say something. 19-year-old actress Josie Totah spent the first seven years of her remarkable career playing male roles before she decided to take a break from the spotlight before returning, reinvented as her true self. Moxie, stylized as MOXiE! Totah is also a celebrity ambassador for GLAAD and GLSEN where she serves as a member of the GLSEN Game Change Council. Ever since I was little, it was implanted in my head - and my sister's and my brother's - that we could do anything our heart desired to do, and to not be afraid. I know what the audience is looking for and have the ability to deliver that content. I really hope that this show, 'Champions,' gives that to people. Getting to play a role that hasn't been played is such an honor. She watched the show with her mother when she was fourteen. |  I have never worn a sweater vest a day in my life. Josie Totah says she's ready to be free. November 22, 2020 | by Pedro Marrero. She is currently working on new scripts and original projects, all while attending Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media.Totah is also an LGBTQ activist who regularly appears on panels discussing LBGTQ rights and inclusion of LGBTQ characters in film and television. Josie Totah (born August 5, 2001), also known as J. J. Totah, is an American actress. Official Sites. Josie Totah is an immensely talented actor, writer and producer with a gift for bringing dynamic characters to life. Joseph Jacob Totah. Totah began her career playing male roles but publicly came out as transgender in TIME Magazine in August 2018 and changed her first name from Joseph to Josie. She was named by Out Magazine to Out100. Kaling, 39, shared her support for Totah in a tweet, writing, “I love you, Josie. ", "JJ Totah - Talented Newcomer on Disney's TV Series Jessie", "S.F. I want to tell everyone that no matter what's keeping them from being their authentic self to hold on to the hope that there will be an end to that road. “My pronouns are she, her and hers,” Totah wrote. If I were to have seen more people that looked like me - because I'm Palestinian and Lebanese - and talked like me and acted like me, I probably would have had a lot more hope knowing that I wasn't alone. I feel like we need to create more roles that give LGBTQ people the opportunity to be on screen. I was obsessed with carrara marble. Josie Jay Totah attends the Marie Claire honors Hollywood's Change Makers in Los Angeles on March 12, 2019. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. It's actually really fun to play a mean boy. In 2018, she starred in the short-lived NBC comedy series Champions. And I'm taking that into every aspect of my life. In 2016, Totah appeared in the film Other People, and received critical praise for her role with Variety, making her one of its Sundance Breakout Stars of the year. Personal Quotes (51) I think, almost, the film industry thinks that by making gay characters super masculine, it's an attempt at saying being gay is OK if you act like straight people. (She asked that a … Her mother is of one-half Lebanese, one-quarter Irish, and one-quarter Italian ancestry. Publicity Listings My pronouns are she, her, and hers. Having a conversation with them, you have to tread lightly. You can do whatever you wanna do. Imprint PR, Other Works The young adult comedy follows a former magician who returns to his youth camp to reignite his career. In Summer 2017 she was also seen in Columbia Pictures & Marvel Studios' SPIDERMAN:HOMECOMING as 'Seymour.' If you're a girl - girl, you get on the football team, okay? She also starred in ABC's comedy BACK IN THE GAME alongside James Caan and Maggie Lawson.In addition to her career in front of camera, Totah is a television and film writer and currently serves as a Producer on the Peacock series SAVED BY THE BELL. As of the year 2020, he is 19 years old. This follows her performance in Disney Channel's Kids' Choice nominated series JESSIE, for which Totah received a 2014 Young Artist nomination for Best Performance in a TV Series-Recurring Young Actor 10 & Under.She starred in several notable television series including: Comedy Central's The Other Two, CBS' Primetime Emmy nominated series 2 BROKE GIRLS, Fox's Golden Globe nominated comedy NEW GIRL, TV Land's Primetime Emmy nominated comedy THE EXES, Disney's Primetime Emmy nominated animation series SOFIA THE FIRST, as well as recurring in the Netflix series, No Good Nick. [7] Totah has guest starred on the TV shows, New Girl, 2 Broke Girls, and Liv and Maddie. is a 2021 American comedy-drama film directed by Amy Poehler.Tamara Chestna and Dylan Meyer adapted the screenplay from the 2015 novel of the same name by Jennifer Mathieu. Josie Totah Announces She Is Transgender. The Champions actress has recently said that she doesn't want to be labeled a 'gay boy' anymore. Josie Totah is an American transgender actress best known for playing the role of Michael Prashant Patel in the short-lived NBC series Champions (2018) and getting cast as Judd in Magic Camp (2018).. Born Name. Not everybody comes out when they're in their twenties, you know? I definitely pride myself on suffering through a real high school. [6] Beginning in 2013, she began appearing as Stuart Wooten, a boy with a crush on series regular Zuri Ross, in the Disney Channel Original Series Jessie. Josie Totah was born on August 5, 2001, in Sacramento, California, under the astrological sign of Leo. As Totah came out to her mother, she immediately gave a green signal for hormone replacement therapy. JJ, Josie Jaye Totah. You have to stand up and do what you know is true, despite what people are going to say.' At the age of 15, she sold her first television pitch to Universal Television/NBC. Josie Totah publicly came out as transgender through TIME Magazine in August 2018 then changed her first name from Joseph to Josie. I just think it's about that mix and creating more diverse gay characters. Wiki and Bio of Celebs "Moxie" star Josie Totah is praising the film's depiction of marginalized and disenfranchised groups.. In 2015, she was cast in 4 episodes of the sixth season Glee as the youngest member ever of the New Directions.[8]. I feel like I'm absolutely insane, and I don't think I could probably do anything else. I just don't like the idea of people looking at each other while they sweat. [17] Totah was cast in a Saved by the Bell reboot for NBC's streaming service Peacock, where she played the character of Lexi, a socially powerful cheerleader. The series focuses on a charismatic 15-year-old, 'Michael' (Totah), who is sent to live with his estranged father 'Vince' (Anders Holm) who is living the bachelor dream in New York City. The film is based on the novel of the same name written by Jennifer Mathieu about girls who start a feminist revolution in high school and will premiere on Netflix in 2021.Josie recently starred in Amazon's half hour pilot, GOOD PEOPLE, created by Whitney Cummings and Lee Daniels. A lot of my friends are homeschooled, and I love them for it, but I really wanted that high school experience. The film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival where Totah received rave reviews for her riveting performance and was included in Variety's 2016 Breakout Stars portfolio, InStyle Magazine's 10 Rising Stars to Watch and a Most Inspirational Person at Sundance.In 2015, Totah starred in the sixth and final season of Fox's hit series GLEE as 'Myron Muskovitz', a strong-armed prodigy and child tyrant in one. Totah received critical praise for her role in the 2016 film Other People. The series was created by Emmy winning writer Tracy Wigfleld and will feature several members of the original cast. Sep 12, 2019 - 231.6k Likes, 2,079 Comments - josie totah (@josietotah) on Instagram: “I photoshopped 6 tourists out of this photo skirt by @revolve” Those were like my first words; I was singing along to the songs. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, My Most Used Actors and Actresses in MyCast.io. I am an avid SoulCycler, so I feel like I get some credit for that. It stars Hadley Robinson, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Lauren Tsai, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nico Hiraga, Sydney Park, Josephine Langford, Clark Gregg, Ike Barinholtz, Poehler, and Marcia Gay Harden. Jane Lynch is the nicest person I've ever worked with. I saw my sister in this production of 'Whistle Down the Wind' - my sister was a really big theater kid - and when I saw her do that, I was so obsessed. I had a carrara marble phone case. While speaking with TooFab at the … [9][10][11] In October 2016, Deadline Hollywood reported that Totah would star in a new comedy for NBC that she helped develop where Totah was set to produce alongside executive producers Adam and Naomi Scott. The pilot focuses on three generations of women, played by Lisa Kudrow, Whitney Cummings and Totah, all working in the ombudsman's office of a college. She is known for her recurring role on the Disney Channel series Jessie and supporting role on the 2013 ABC comedy series Back in the Game. I think, almost, the film industry thinks that by making gay characters super masculine, it's an attempt at saying being gay is OK if you act like straight people. In January 2017, Totah joined Adam Devine in the Disney feature film Magic Camp. Rising star Josie Totah may be a new name to many watching the Peacock reboot of Saved by the Bell, but she’s been working on television since … Josie Totah, who starred in the NBC sitcom Champions and will appear in the reboot of Saved By The Bell, came out as transgender in a powerful op-ed for Time. Champions star Josie Totah has posted her first photo after coming out as transgender in August 2017. 13-year-old snags role on 'Glee' as it nears end", "Sundance: 19 Biggest Breakthrough Performances", "The Most Inspirational Person at Sundance (So Far) Is a 14-Year-Old", "One To Watch: J.J. Totah, The Breakout Star of 'Other People, "JJ Totah To Topline NBC Comedy Produced By Adam & Naomi Scott", "JJ Totah Cast In Mindy Kaling's NBC Comedy Pilot; Josh Kidd Joins CW's 'Searchers, "Meet Moxie Star Josie Totah –The Actor, Writer And Producer Redefining Trans Representation", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Josie_Totah&oldid=1016063570, Wikipedia indefinitely semi-protected biographies of living people, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Voice role, 3 episodes, credited as J. J. Totah, Episode: "Dance", credited as J. J. Totah, Episode: "Chase Goes to a High School Dance", credited as J. J. Totah, This page was last edited on 5 April 2021, at 05:40. I'm going to gun for those roles, be it a transgender female or a cisgender female. Josie Totah attends the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. As long as you've got pride, you're good. It only makes sense to include all types of funny people, whether or not they're gay or straight or what have you. At age 15, I sold a television series to NBC. The 17-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday to post an image of herself standing on a bridge with her hands causally tucked into the pockets of her black jeans. They just accept you for you. I go to a small Catholic school where we have mass every week and say a prayer every morning, but we also are in Los Angeles, where people are so progressive and open. It was really cool to be there every single day and just hang out. I'm happy to be a part of this new generation where people don't care where you come from, what your orientation is, or what your identity is. I definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. Josie Totah[1][2] (born August 5, 2001), formerly known as J. J. Totah,[3][4] is an American actress. But I'm not afraid to go in front of someone and twerk on them. Totah… The single camera sitcom with the working title AUNT NANCY, based on her real life aunt, had Totah set to produce alongside Adam and Naomi Scott, as well as star in it. Josie Totah, formerly known as JJ Totah, came out as transgender last month The 17-year-old has appeared on Glee, Disney Channel and NBC's Champions where she continually was cast as … The 17-year-old former Disney Channel and Champions star has revealed she identifies as a woman. Totah received critical praise for her role in the 2016 film Other People. My family is so loving and so encouraging. Totah also appeared in Chris Kelly's debut feature OTHER PEOPLE opposite Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon, Bradley Whitford and Zach Woods, which was released in September 2016. The pilot also co-stars Greg Kinnear, Martin Short and Ian Harding.Totah is most known for her starring role in NBC's comedy television series CHAMPIONS created by Mindy Kaling and Charlie Grandy. Totah’ Video Video related to josie … I was literally so different that I could not hide or be shy. Also in 2013, Totah was cast in a supporting role in the ABC comedy Back in the Game. When my friends and family call me Josie, it feels like I'm being seen. Brett Lemke Josie Totah Josie Totah is helping to transform the way trans people are seen on screen. 'Black Mirror' is definitely my favorite show. I like to think of myself as a confidently outgoing person. She also appeared in the last season of Glee, playing the role of “Myron Muskovitz,” and voiced the role of “Prince Jin” on the Disney Channel animated series Sofia the First. Josie Totah: We had such incredible conversations and discussions that were really reminiscent and reflective of the conversations that we were having in our movie and onscreen. The show ‘I am Jazz’ provisioned Totah’s insight into the transition. If you identify as a boy, you put on some makeup, and you work that stage! Nick Name. Josie Totah is an immensely talented actor, writer and producer with a gift for bringing dynamic characters to life. Emma McIntyre / Getty Images for Marie Claire file Jan. 6, … In … It helps me as an actor to always be on top of my stuff. Totah began her career playing male roles but publicly came out as transgender in TIME Magazine in August 2018 and changed her first name from Joseph to Josie. [18], On August 20, 2018, Totah wrote an article published in Time in which she came out as a transgender woman. I'm afraid of, like, creepy men in white vans and sidewalks with no streetlights. Occupation: Actress Years active: 2012–present We talked about race, socioeconomic status, class, gender identity - we got into it. All of the children need to know, all of the little kiddies and fetuses out there. I love a good pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt on my day-to-day. Josie Totah is an actress known for her role on the Disney Channel show Jessie, the series Back in the Game, and her old in the 2016 film Other People.In August 2018, Totah wrote an article published in Time coming out as a transgender female and changing her first name to Josie. The Saved By the Bell reboot has found one of its stars in Josie Totah!. Totah received critical acclaim for the role and was deemed the breakout star of the series, garnering instant affection from fans and critics.Totah can be seen starring alongside Adam Devine in Walt Disney Pictures' MAGIC CAMP. Josie Totah, the young star of Mindy Kaling’s NBC sitcom Champions, has written an emotional essay for Time in which she reveals she’s transgender. I love talking to people and entertaining people. 869.5k Followers, 405 Following, 59 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Josie Totah (@josietotah) [1], "My Name Is Josie Totah — And I'm Ready to Be Free", "Josie Totah Didn't "Come Out" — She's Always Been Here", "J.J. Totah Talks Jessie and Back In the Game! It allows me to gain perspective, to be more accepting of others, because I know what it feels like to know you're not like everyone else. |  Source. It's just really awesome to hear from them. Nowhere does this seem to be truer than during the turbulent times known as adolescence. When I was on 'The View,' I went backstage to Whoopi Goldberg's dressing room, and she told me, 'People are going to love what you do, and people are going to hate what you do, but you have to keep doing it. My entire family, we were obsessed with 'Glee,' so when I got an audition, I was freaking out. Totah starred in the Mindy Kaling-produced comedy Champions. I've always liked musical theater, and getting to do stuff like that where I can just dance around and just be crazy is just super fun. I don't think we should just have gay characters who are 100 percent femme, either. My Name Is Josie Totah — And I'm Ready to Be Free My Name Is Josie Totah — And I'm Ready to Be Free. Totah was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign who honored her with the prestigious Visibility Award in 2018 and the Upstander Award in 2019. On the playground, I was the type of kid who wanted to sing with the girls, not play soccer with the boys. All that young people have to look up to are older role models, and I think it's important to have people like myself show that it's OK to be who you are when you're young. But I knew exactly what to do, I had watched the show so many times. From that point on, I did theater, and then I got into acting in film and television. My sister, brother, and I are 180 degrees different. And my name is Josie Totah. I'm a pretty fearless person. There are funny gay people, and there are funny Indian people, and that's why we watch TV, to laugh. You see all those big singers like Ariana Grande, Beyonce: they're all recording at Capital. Josie Totah has come further into the limelight after she came out as transgender. It's something everyone wants, to feel understood. by Christina St-Jean 3 years ago in celebrities 'Champions,' 'Jessie' actress says she is "ready to be free." Her father is of Palestinian descent (from Ramallah). I want to continue to use my platform to tell my story to let young people that are struggling with their sexuality or identity know they are not alone, and it will get better. I’m so glad you’re able to speak your truth and live as your authentic self. Josie Totah in an Instagram selfie as seen in September 2018 (Josie Totah / Instagram) I am very aware of the boring life of Sacramento. We did not waste a minute on set; just talking about things that are uncomfortable. Josie Totah attends Out Magazine's OUT100 Awards Celebration Presented By Lexus at Quixote Studios on November 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The 19-year-old actor, known from the Saved By The Bell reboot and Disney Channel’s Jessie , is already an old hand in the business. This is going to sound bad, but it's not hard to be super mean. When I was five, long before I understood what the word 'gender' meant, I would always tell my mother that I wished I were a girl. Alter Totah began her acting career in 2012 when she was cast as the "Lil' Dictator" in the first production for AwesomenessTV. RELATED: Champions Star and Former Disney Actor Josie Totah, 17, Comes Out as Transgender In a personal essay published by Time on Aug. … Josie Totah Came Out as Transgender in 2018 — What to Know about the Young Actress . She has one sister and one brother, and is of Palestinian and Lebanese ancestry.[5]. Totah was born in Sacramento, California, the third child of Suheil and Christine Totah. Her father’s name is Suheil and her mother’s name is Christine Totah. Pretty much my dreams came true when I did a duet with Lea Michele. Totah began her career playing male roles but publicly came out as a trans woman in August 2018, changing her first name to Josie. I came to the conclusion - I had to at such a young age - if no one was going to be like me, then I just have to own it. [12] In 2017, she appeared in the Netflix detective comedy Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie and the Marvel Studios film Spider-Man: Homecoming. I just love entertaining, and I feel like pretending to be people... and having that as a job is crazy. I got to record at Capital Records, which was especially awesome. As she fearlessly evolves her body of work with each new project, Totah is fast proving to be one of Hollywood's most engaging and sought after young talents. Josie Totah is an actor, writer, and comedian who began her career at age 10, performing at the Hollywood Improv before landing a recurring role on the Disney Channel series, Jessie. If I can't be like everyone else, then I might as well just own who I am. Even if they're not out of the womb yet, they need to know that it's okay to be whoever the heck you are. I believe that I am transgender to help people understand differences.