Josie Totah is a talented American actress who rose to fame for her roles in Disney Channel’s Jessie and the Saved by the Bell reboot. Known for her comedic timing and acting versatility, Totah has been a trailblazer in Hollywood, especially as a transgender woman since coming out in 2018. Her career spans television, film, and even podcasting, making her a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
Josie Totah Short Details
| Full Name | Josie Totah |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 5, 2001 |
| Age | 23 years |
| Birthplace | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Profession | Actress |
| Nationality | American |
| Years Active | 2012–present |
| Known For | Jessie, Saved by the Bell |
| Education | Chapman University, Class of 2022 |
Early Life and Education
Josie Totah was born on August 5, 2001, in Sacramento, California, to Suheil and Christine Totah. She grew up with her siblings in a family of Palestinian and Lebanese descent. From an early age, Totah demonstrated a love for performing, often making her family laugh with her comedic antics.
After completing her high school education, Totah attended Chapman University in Orange, California, where she graduated in 2022. During her college years, she joined a sorority and remained active in the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights
Early Career and Disney Channel Success
Josie Totah began her acting career in 2012, debuting in AwesomenessTV’s Lil’ Dictator. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Stuart Wooten, a recurring character in Disney Channel’s Jessie. Playing a boy with a humorous crush on Zuri Ross (Skai Jackson), Totah showcased her comedic talent and quickly became a fan favorite.
Transition to Mainstream Television and Film
After her Disney Channel success, Totah appeared in several notable TV shows, including New Girl, Glee, and Liv and Maddie. Her breakout film role came in the 2016 movie Other People, where critics praised her performance, earning her a spot as one of Variety’s “Sundance Breakout Stars.”
She later starred in NBC’s comedy series Champions (2018) as Michael Patel, the son of Mindy Kaling’s character. Despite the show being short-lived, Totah’s performance was widely appreciated.
Saved by the Bell Reboot
In 2020, Totah took on the role of Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio in the Saved by the Bell reboot. Her portrayal of a confident and socially powerful transgender cheerleader earned her acclaim, highlighting her ability to balance humor and heart in her performance.
Voice Acting and Podcasting
Totah has also lent her voice to animated projects like Big Mouth and Human Resources. In 2022, she launched the podcast Dare We Say with co-hosts Yasmine Hamady and Alycia Pascual-Peña, discussing topics ranging from pop culture to social issues.
Personal Life
In a heartfelt 2018 essay for Time magazine, Josie Totah came out as a transgender woman. She shared her journey of self-discovery and expressed her readiness to embrace her true identity. Her essay was widely celebrated as an empowering message for LGBTQ+ representation.
Totah identifies with the pronouns she/her and has become an advocate for inclusivity in Hollywood. She continues to challenge stereotypes by taking on diverse roles that extend beyond her identity.
Josie Totah’s Net Worth and Income Sources
Josie Totah’s career spans over a decade, contributing to her growing net worth. Her income streams include:
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $1–3 million |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Sources | Acting (TV, film), Voice Work |
| Additional Income Streams | Podcasting, Endorsements |
Lesser-Known Facts About Josie Totah
- Josie Totah’s first big break was on AwesomenessTV, where she played the “Lil’ Dictator.”
- She was originally cast in male roles before publicly transitioning in 2018.
- Totah was named one of Variety’s “Sundance Breakout Stars” for her performance in Other People.
- She voiced Prince Jin in Disney Junior’s Sofia the First.
- Totah was involved in developing a comedy for NBC in 2016, showcasing her skills as a producer.
- She appeared in Marvel’s Spider-Man: Homecoming as Seymour O’Reilly.
- Her podcast, Dare We Say, tackles serious topics with humor and wit.
- Josie attended Chapman University and graduated with honors.
- She has used her platform to promote LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
- Totah’s favorite role to date is Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio in Saved by the Bell.
FAQs About Josie Totah
Q: What is Josie Totah known for?
A: Josie Totah is best known for her roles in Jessie, Saved by the Bell, and Other People.
Q: When did Josie Totah come out as transgender?
A: She came out as transgender in August 2018.
Q: What are Josie Totah’s pronouns?
A: Her pronouns are she/her.
Q: Did Josie Totah attend college?
A: Yes, she graduated from Chapman University in 2022.
Q: What is Josie Totah’s podcast called?
A: Her podcast is titled Dare We Say.
Q: How old is Josie Totah?
A: Josie Totah is 23 years old as of 2025.
Q: Is Josie Totah dating Karan Brar?
A: No, their PDA-filled TikTok video was confirmed to be a joke.
Q: What awards has Josie Totah won?
A: While she hasn’t won major awards yet, her performance in Other People earned her critical acclaim.
Conclusion
Josie Totah has emerged as a talented actress and advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. From her Disney Channel days to her groundbreaking role in Saved by the Bell, she continues to inspire audiences with her talent and authenticity. With her rising career and advocacy efforts, Josie Totah is undoubtedly a star to watch.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only.
