Get ready to add another television series to your must-watch list (along with a new streaming service [1]) because Saved by the Bell [2] is coming back in the Spring! The reboot will follow along California Gov. Zack Morris (Mark Paul Gosselaar), who finds himself in a bit of trouble after shutting down several low-income high schools and tries to mend things over by sending those affected to the highest-performing schools, like Bayside High [3]. No fear, original characters like A.C. Slater [4] (Mario Lopez) and Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) will be back, but there's a new leading cast member and her name is Josie Totah.
Josie will be playing the role of Lexi, a cheerleader at Bayside High. Her character is described as the most popular girl "who is both admired and feared by her fellow students." [5] Josie will also be serving as a producer for the reboot. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the newest Saved by the Bell reboot addition!
Josie Totah Identified as LGTBQ First, Not Transgender
In a very personal essay with Time, Josie went in depth about how she hid her true self because she wasn't ready to be more specific [6] about it. She was afraid she would be embarrassed and not accepted. A major concern she shared was that fans who watched her star in Disney shows would be confused.
She wrote, "My pronouns are she, her and hers. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie Totah."
It Didn't "Crystalize" That Josie Totah Was a Girl Until Watching "I Am Jazz"
It wasn't until Josie was watching Jazz Jennings [7], a transgender woman, go through a medical transition and learning about hormone replacement therapy [8] on I Am Jazz that she knew that's what she had to do. In her essay, she opened up about how supportive and gracious her mom was toward her. It wasn't long after that she met with her pediatrician and got the ball rolling from there.
Josie Totah Is in a Sorority
When Josie found out she was going to be included in Forbes 30 Under 30 come the end of 2018, she took to Instagram [9] to not only thank her support system but give a a shoutout to the colleges that had denied her: "So here's to all the colleges that denied me last spring. believe in yourself." The shade!
It looks like Josie is doing just fine though as a student at Chapman University in Southern California. She is also part of the Alpha Phi sorority.
Josie Totah Sold Her First TV Show at Age 15
Before Josie could even celebrate her sweet 16, she was busy selling her first television series [10], Aunt Nancy, to NBC at just 15 years old!
Josie Totah's Dream Mentor Is Shonda Rhimes
With balancing a 60-hour work week, college, a social life, and already having sold a television series under her belt, it's no wonder Shonda Rhimes is Josie's dream mentor [11]. Could you imagine the dynamic duo they would be?
Josie Totah's Onscreen Mom Mindy Kaling Is Just as Supportive in Real Life
While we know Josie's mom has always been a rock of strength, her TV mom Mindy Kaling has been a huge support for her as well. Mindy played Josie's mom on Champions, which she created and produced. Their onscreen relationship has continued to spill over onto social media where both women have continued to support each other's accomplishments.
Mindy retweeted Josie's personal essay with a sentimental message [12], and this past Summer, Josie supported Mindy's new movie Late Night. Is there room for one more in this friendship, because the jealousy is getting real!
Josie Totah's First Recurring Role Was in Jessie
Josie has had her fair share of impressive television and film appearances, ranging from Glee and Spider-Man: Homecoming to No Good Nick, but what many may not know is that her first recurring role was in the Disney Channel Original Series Jessie. She played Stuart Wooten, a boy with a crush on Zuri Ross (Skai Jackson).