Commitment to authenticity is the fuel behind Josie Totah’s trajectory. Every avenue in her life is energised by this force; whether it’s the screen plays she writes, the paths she delineates or the ways in which carries herself, truth remains at the crux of it all. As an actress, she knows this, her awareness of what she is capable of is what makes her a force to be reckoned with. She has rightfully secured a recognised place within her industry. A position that has come from her creative whirlpool of talent, tenacity and desire. A mission of safety within the spaces she is so gracefully carving out; Josie Totah is, undeniably, a trailblazer.
Her upcoming projects speak volumes of this essence, not only is she set to star in an Apple TV Drama- later this Autumn- she is also reeling with excitement from being involved in her first horror/ thriller film, set to start production very shortly.
We caught up with Josie to immerse ourselves in the beauty of her movements, the power in her projects and all the impressive interludes in between.
Read the interview below…
How did you first get into acting?
I started doing stand-up comedy as a 10-year-old and was discovered by a talent manger in the audience!
Who inspires you to succeed?
I’d say my family and also my community inspires me to succeed. As queer people we share so much pain and heart ache as we fight the same fight and celebrate the same wins. It’s such a unique experience that gives me the strength to continue and break barriers for all of us. That and the island I plan to buy by 30.
Was there a time where you decided you wanted to act as a career?
I’ve always acted. Whether it was in my kitchen pretending to fake fall or spit take or force my brother to stand at the top of the stairs and hold a flashlight pointed at me, I’ve never not acted. It just so happened that when I ended up being able to monetize it, it became a career.
What’s been the best moment/memory of your career to date?
There have been so many wonderful moments. One of the first that comes to mind is in 2016 when my dad nearly forced me to attend the Sundance Film Festival for a film where I was literally in two scenes. I’m so glad I went because that weekend changed the trajectory of my career. It was a small turn but one big enough to open so many doors. Not long after I sold my first show to NBC with the help of the producer of that film Naomi Scott and then subsequently landed my first lead role.
You’ve just graduated college – congratulations! How was it juggling career and education?
Thank you! It was insane. Sometimes I ask myself how I had the endurance to continue but I am so glad that I did. There were days where I would drive to and from set to class and sat in hours of traffic. My senior year I was in class Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-10pm doing 6 courses and then Monday, Wednesday and Friday I would be filming. Honestly, I think if I hadn’t been in GLEE, I probably wouldn’t have been able to compartmentalize, and time manage that well. That is the only thing I can equate to the level of hyper-stimulation while trying not to run your body to the ground. I did however get 7 flat tires in four years and received many, many parking tickets. But it was worth it!
How has your experience been being a trans woman in the media industry?
Trying my best to answer such a large question in the most succinct way possible, I would say, I have had to become an expert at course correcting. The game wasn’t built for us. So, we have to not only figure out how to play the game but also how to rig it. It’s why I’m so passionate about development. I just recently sold a script that came solely out of cold pitching to a friend at an award show. I’m constantly texting and emailing people I look up to asking for coffee, lunch, or ways we can work together. We have to do stuff like that. We can’t wait for things to be handed to us. And certainly, can’t expect people to see us in roles we don’t see for ourselves. I know that my greatest projects may only come from my own pursuit and I’m okay with that. These are my cards and I’m still going to win. Not for myself but for the thousands of queer people who fight everyday trying to live in a world that doesn’t accept them.
What is your dream role?
Randomly, I would love to be in a period war drama like 1917. But at the same time in a Big Mama’s House remake or a Julia Ducournau or Ruben Östlund film.
How was it to be part of the reboot of the hugely popular Saved By The Bell?
It was so cool to be part of something had such a large fan base to start off. I remember getting an IV in a hospital by a nurse who would not stop talking about Slater. She was a very bad nurse. But an incredible fan.
The reboot touched on issues that are very relevant with youth culture and wider society. Is it important to be a spokesman of your generation, a beacon of understanding?
I think so! I think at this juncture in our culture and society, it is almost necessary to speak out about things when you have a platform. But it’s also important to prioritize your own self needs and make sure you’re filling up your cup first.
How did those acting experiences growing up prepare you for moving into a bigger role?
I feel as though I’ve taken at least one thing from every project I worked on. But I think most of all having been on so many sets since I was a child, and mostly in small roles, I like to think I’ve gained a pretty good understanding of how many people it takes to run the machine. And how with one position missing it all falls apart. I’m grateful that I haven’t grown up being the lead or even the second lead on every project because it’s given me the opportunity to sit back and learn. Hopefully when I am in those positions, I’ll be able to be a more compassionate and thoughtful leader.
You also produced on Save By The Bell – why is that something you wanted to do and is that something that has sparked your interest in the long term?
I feel that every form of representation on screen should be matched off as well. It’s only truly equitable to make the positions in power just as diverse. Until we have executives, directors, writers and producers reflecting the identities of our world, we won’t be able to experience authentic and accurate representation.
You’re set to star in Apple TV show later this fall, what can you tell us about that upcoming series?
It is my first drama which I am very excited about! And I feel as though it subverts the narrative from the stories of the late 1800s that we’ve seen in the past. It’s definitely been one of the more challenging projects I’ve worked on and I’m looking forward to its release.
What else is to come from you this year?
I am starting production on my first horror/thriller in a few weeks which I am so excited about! I’ve always wanted to be in a fun gory horror film, and I couldn’t be happier with this project being my first one!
