“My pronouns are she, her and hers,” Totah wrote. On the playground, I was the type of kid who wanted to sing with the girls, not play soccer with the boys. I got to record at Capital Records, which was especially awesome. My Name Is Josie Totah — And I'm Ready to Be Free My Name Is Josie Totah — And I'm Ready to Be Free. View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, My Most Used Actors and Actresses in MyCast.io. It was really cool to be there every single day and just hang out. I definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. 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. All of the children need to know, all of the little kiddies and fetuses out there. 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, 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. My sister, brother, and I are 180 degrees different. Josie Jay Totah attends the Marie Claire honors Hollywood's Change Makers in Los Angeles on March 12, 2019. The show ‘I am Jazz’ provisioned Totah’s insight into the transition. 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. Not everybody comes out when they're in their twenties, you know? [18], On August 20, 2018, Totah wrote an article published in Time in which she came out as a transgender woman. My family is so loving and so encouraging. The Champions actress has recently said that she doesn't want to be labeled a 'gay boy' anymore. 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. Kaling, 39, shared her support for Totah in a tweet, writing, “I love you, Josie. Totah received critical praise for her role in the 2016 film Other People. Official Sites. I get reached out to by a lot of people who just thank me for representing them and their friends. Nick Name. 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. Josie Totah pictures, articles, and news. We did not waste a minute on set; just talking about things that are uncomfortable. "Moxie" star Josie Totah is praising the film's depiction of marginalized and disenfranchised groups.. If you're a girl - girl, you get on the football team, okay? 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. It only makes sense to include all types of funny people, whether or not they're gay or straight or what have you. Publicity Listings Josie Totah attends Out Magazine's OUT100 Awards Celebration Presented By Lexus at Quixote Studios on November 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. I feel like I'm absolutely insane, and I don't think I could probably do anything else. I really hope that this show, 'Champions,' gives that to people. 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. She Acted On Shows Like ‘Jessie’ & ‘Glee’ Under the Name ‘J.J. 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. (She asked that a … 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. I was obsessed with carrara marble. 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. 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. At age 15, I sold a television series to NBC. I'm afraid of, like, creepy men in white vans and sidewalks with no streetlights. When my friends and family call me Josie, it feels like I'm being seen. Josie Totah is an immensely talented actor, writer and producer with a gift for bringing dynamic characters to life. But I knew exactly what to do, I had watched the show so many times. 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. I like to think of myself as a confidently outgoing person. 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 love a good pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt on my day-to-day. The Saved By the Bell reboot has found one of its stars in Josie Totah!. Totah is also a celebrity ambassador for GLAAD and GLSEN where she serves as a member of the GLSEN Game Change Council. I know what the audience is looking for and have the ability to deliver that content. I have never worn a sweater vest a day in my life. 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 is an immensely talented actor, writer and producer with a gift for bringing dynamic characters to life. Totah was born in Sacramento, California, the third child of Suheil and Christine Totah. In 2015, she was cast in 4 episodes of the sixth season Glee as the youngest member ever of the New Directions.[8]. Josie Totah[1][2] (born August 5, 2001), formerly known as J. J. Totah,[3][4] is an American actress. Totah was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign who honored her with the prestigious Visibility Award in 2018 and the Upstander Award in 2019. This is going to sound bad, but it's not hard to be super mean. Emma McIntyre / Getty Images for Marie Claire file Jan. 6, … 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. And my name is Josie Totah. The young adult comedy follows a former magician who returns to his youth camp to reignite his career. [12] In 2017, she appeared in the Netflix detective comedy Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie and the Marvel Studios film Spider-Man: Homecoming. But I'm not afraid to go in front of someone and twerk on them. It's just really awesome to hear from them. Nor will I ever wear a sweater vest. 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 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. I am an avid SoulCycler, so I feel like I get some credit for that. In … Totah… Pretty much my dreams came true when I did a duet with Lea Michele. 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. Actor Josie Totah, who has featured in shows like 'Champions' and 'Jessie', has come out as transgender. I love talking to people and entertaining people. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Jane Lynch is the nicest person I've ever worked with. 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. We are on a journey of self-discovery throughout our lives. A lot of my friends are homeschooled, and I love them for it, but I really wanted that high school experience. As long as you've got pride, you're good. 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. 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. 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. They just accept you for you. Josie Totah (born August 5, 2001), also known as J. J. Totah, is an American actress. 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. Born: ( 2001-08-05) August 5, 2001 (age 19) Sacramento, California, U.S. 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. I just think it's about that mix and creating more diverse gay characters. As Totah came out to her mother, she immediately gave a green signal for hormone replacement therapy. Brett Lemke Josie Totah Josie Totah is helping to transform the way trans people are seen on screen. Alter Nowhere does this seem to be truer than during the turbulent times known as adolescence. 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. Having a conversation with them, you have to tread lightly. Josie Totah publicly came out as transgender through TIME Magazine in August 2018 then changed her first name from Joseph to Josie. In 2018, she starred in the short-lived NBC comedy series Champions. [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. She watched the show with her mother when she was fourteen. I'm a pretty fearless person. 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. She has one sister and one brother, and is of Palestinian and Lebanese ancestry.[5]. While speaking with TooFab at the … 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. Josie Totah says she's ready to be free. 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. And I'm taking that into every aspect of my life. There will be a life where they can live their true self. I just don't like the idea of people looking at each other while they sweat. Josie Totah Came Out as Transgender in 2018 — What to Know about the Young Actress . [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. 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. 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. Josie Totah Announces She Is Transgender. 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. I’m so glad you’re able to speak your truth and live as your authentic self. You can do whatever you wanna do. I could wake up at any time of the day and be ready to party. 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. Wiki and Bio of Celebs Joseph Jacob Totah. — 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. by Christina St-Jean 3 years ago in celebrities 'Champions,' 'Jessie' actress says she is "ready to be free." I definitely pride myself on suffering through a real high school. 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. [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. Similarly, her father is a Palestinian and his … 869.5k Followers, 405 Following, 59 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Josie Totah (@josietotah) 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. Transition: Josie Totah family supported throughout her Teen Transgender journey. 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 … In 2018, she starred in the short-lived NBC comedy series Champions. Source. Imprint PR, Other Works 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. Moxie, stylized as MOXiE! It's actually really fun to play a mean boy. Her father’s name is Suheil and her mother’s name is Christine Totah. 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. 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 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. As of the year 2020, he is 19 years old. I was literally so different that I could not hide or be shy. I feel like we need to create more roles that give LGBTQ people the opportunity to be on screen. |  She was named by Out Magazine to Out100. Those were like my first words; I was singing along to the songs. Josie Totah was born on August 5, 2001, in Sacramento, California, under the astrological sign of Leo. Over the interview, Josie Totah shared that she preferred the pronouns: she, her, and hers. 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. 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. I just love entertaining, and I feel like pretending to be people... and having that as a job is crazy. Also in 2013, Totah was cast in a supporting role in the ABC comedy Back in the Game. JJ, Josie Jaye Totah. I don't think we should just have gay characters who are 100 percent femme, either. Josie Totah has come further into the limelight after she came out as transgender. In January 2017, Totah joined Adam Devine in the Disney feature film Magic Camp. Getting to play a role that hasn't been played is such an honor. |  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 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. From that point on, I did theater, and then I got into acting in film and television. I'm going to gun for those roles, be it a transgender female or a cisgender female. Totah starred in the Mindy Kaling-produced comedy Champions. At the age of 15, she sold her first television pitch to Universal Television/NBC. You see all those big singers like Ariana Grande, Beyonce: they're all recording at Capital. 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. November 22, 2020 | by Pedro Marrero. Occupation: Actress Years active: 2012–present The series was created by Emmy winning writer Tracy Wigfleld and will feature several members of the original cast. Totah’ Video Video related to josie … Her mother is of one-half Lebanese, one-quarter Irish, and one-quarter Italian ancestry. Her father is of Palestinian descent (from Ramallah). 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 … My pronouns are she, her, and hers. 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. 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. Champions star Josie Totah has posted her first photo after coming out as transgender in August 2017. You have to stand up and do what you know is true, despite what people are going to say.' It helps me as an actor to always be on top of my stuff. ", "JJ Totah - Talented Newcomer on Disney's TV Series Jessie", "S.F. I had a carrara marble phone case. Totah began her career playing male roles but publicly came out as a trans woman in August 2018, changing her first name to Josie. [7] Totah has guest starred on the TV shows, New Girl, 2 Broke Girls, and Liv and Maddie. If you identify as a boy, you put on some makeup, and you work that stage! I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. 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. 'Black Mirror' is definitely my favorite show. 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 in an Instagram selfie as seen in September 2018 (Josie Totah / Instagram) 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” 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 attends the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. In Summer 2017 she was also seen in Columbia Pictures & Marvel Studios' SPIDERMAN:HOMECOMING as 'Seymour.' Just showing people like them on TV. Josie is Talulah, the smart, brash Generation Z voice of social injustice. 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. 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. It's something everyone wants, to feel understood. There are funny gay people, and there are funny Indian people, and that's why we watch TV, to laugh. 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. 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. Totah began her acting career in 2012 when she was cast as the "Lil' Dictator" in the first production for AwesomenessTV. I am very aware of the boring life of Sacramento. 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. I believe that I am transgender to help people understand differences. We talked about race, socioeconomic status, class, gender identity - we got into it. [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! [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 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.