

Josie Totah
Also known as: J.J. Totah, Josephine Totah, Josie J. Totah
Birthday
August 5, 2001
Birth Sign
Leo
Birthplace
Sacramento, California
Age
25 years old
Height
5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
About
Josie Totah is an American actress and writer known for her groundbreaking work in television and film as a transgender woman. Born Josephine Totah in Sacramento, California, she first gained attention as a child actor playing male roles before publicly coming out as transgender in August 2018. Her career shifted dramatically after that announcement, leading to iconic roles that mirror her own identity.
Today, Totah stands as one of the most prominent young voices in Hollywood for LGBTQ+ representation. She has transitioned from recurring guest spots on Disney Channel shows to starring in major network revivals like Saved by the Bell and high-profile horror adaptations such as Mike Flanagan's Carrie. Her work continues to bridge mainstream entertainment with authentic storytelling about gender identity.
Early Life & Background
Josie Totah was born Josephine Totah on August 5, 2001, in Sacramento, California. Raised in a supportive family environment, she discovered her passion for performance at a very young age. By the time she turned ten, she had already begun performing at the Hollywood Improv, showcasing a natural charisma that drew immediate attention from industry observers.
Her early professional life was defined by a unique challenge: casting directors frequently placed her in male roles due to her appearance and the limited options available for young actors who did not fit traditional molds. Between 2011 and 2015, she appeared regularly as a boy on the popular Disney Channel series Jessie, establishing herself as a reliable child actor. This period also included a supporting role in the ABC sitcom Back in the Game in 2013. During these years, she honed her craft while navigating the complexities of her own developing identity, eventually making the decision to come out as transgender in 2018.
Career Growth
The trajectory of Josie Totah's career changed fundamentally in 2018 following her public announcement of being a transgender woman. She adopted the name Josie and began using she/her pronouns, immediately stepping into roles that reflected her true self. That same year, she starred in the NBC comedy series Champions, marking her first significant credit as a female character.
In 2020, Totah landed the role of Lexi in the Peacock revival of Saved by the Bell. The production reimagined the character as a transgender teen, allowing Totah to bring a layer of personal authenticity to the part that resonated deeply with audiences. The show ran for two seasons, concluding in 2021, and cemented her status as a leading voice for trans representation in youth media. Her momentum continued into the horror genre, where she joined the cast of HBO's The Buccaneers in 2023 as Polly Tarrant. In 2026, she took on a major role in Mike Flanagan's adaptation of Stephen King's Carrie and appeared in the reboot of Faces of Death, further expanding her range beyond comedy and drama.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Josie Totah projects an image of authenticity and quiet confidence. She is known for her distinctive style, which often blends vintage aesthetics with modern streetwear, reflecting her individuality. On social media, she maintains a genuine presence, sharing behind-the-scenes moments and advocacy updates rather than curated perfection. Critics and peers alike praise her ability to bring depth to complex characters, particularly those dealing with themes of identity and belonging. Her public persona is defined by a willingness to be vulnerable and honest about her experiences as a transgender woman in Hollywood.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
Josie Totah is currently evaluated by the iFANN engine but has not yet been assigned a specific rank in the Global Fame Rankings as of October 2026. She is not featured on the August 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Despite the lack of a formal ranking, her cultural impact is undeniable among younger demographics and within the LGBTQ+ community.
Her fanbase, while lacking a single official name, is highly active across TikTok and Instagram, where they are often referred to simply as supporters of Josie or fans of her work. These fans have organized streaming campaigns to boost viewership for her projects and frequently create art and edits celebrating her portrayal of Lexi in Saved by the Bell. The community is known for its dedication to advocacy, often organizing charity drives in her name to support LGBTQ+ youth organizations. Fans appreciate her openness about her transition and view her as a symbol of hope and visibility in mainstream media.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Josie Totah began her career playing male characters, a fact that often surprises new fans who only know her recent work. She is also a trained singer who has performed in musical theater productions throughout her childhood. Before becoming a full-time actress, she attended local schools in California where she balanced academics with her growing acting schedule. Her 25th birthday celebration in London in 2026 featured close friends from the industry, including Noah Jupe and Freya Allan, highlighting the strong bonds she has formed with her peers. Totah is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and frequently uses her social media platforms to discuss the importance of self-acceptance.
Notable Quotes
“My pronouns are she, her and hers. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie Totah.”
“I am ready to be free.”
“Mike Flanagan gave me permission to explore the darker sides of my character.”
Family & Personal Life
Josie Totah comes from a close-knit family that played a pivotal role in her journey. Her parents have been publicly vocal about their unwavering support during her transition, creating a safe home environment that allowed her to explore her identity freely. While she keeps details about her siblings private, she has mentioned having a strong connection to her mother, who has spoken in interviews about the pride she feels watching her daughter's success. Totah currently lives in Los Angeles, maintaining a low-key lifestyle away from the constant spotlight despite her rising fame.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Josie Totah maintains a notably private approach to her romantic life, rarely discussing dating history in public forums. There are no confirmed reports of marriage or long-term engagements as of 2026. Rumors occasionally surface in tabloid outlets, but none have been substantiated by credible sources or confirmed by Totah herself. In August 2026, she celebrated her 25th birthday in London with a group of close friends from the industry, including Noah Jupe, Freya Allan, and Alisha Boe, suggesting a tight-knit social circle rather than a public romance.
Currently, Totah is single and has not publicly disclosed any children. Her focus remains on her career and advocacy efforts. While she values her friendships deeply, she has kept her personal relationships out of the spotlight, preferring to let her work speak for itself.
- SingleCurrentNo confirmed public relationships; single as of 2026.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$1.8 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Josie Totah's net worth at approximately $1.8 million. This figure reflects her steady earnings from over a decade of work in television and film, starting from her early days as a child actor. Her income streams include salaries from her recurring role on Jessie, her lead role in the Saved by the Bell revival, and recent high-profile projects like Carrie and Faces of Death.
While exact figures for her per-episode salary remain private, industry standards suggest she earned between $50,000 and $100,000 per episode during the peak of Saved by the Bell. Residuals from her earlier work continue to provide a baseline income, and she has secured endorsement deals that align with her brand as an advocate for diversity. As of 2026, she does not appear to hold major real estate holdings or operate independent business ventures, focusing instead on her acting career and advocacy work.
Awards & Accolades
Known For
Saved by the Bell
2020 · Lexi
The Buccaneers
2023 · Polly Tarrant
Carrie
2026 · Sue Snell
Jessie
2011 · Zuri's Friend
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- actress, writer, producer
- Born
- August 5, 2001
- Birthplace
- Sacramento, California
- Birth Sign
- Leo
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Josephine Josie Totah
- Height
- 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
- Children
- Education
- High School graduate, Sacramento area
Filmography
24
Total
8
Film
16
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Josie Totah transgender?
How old is Josie Totah in 2026?
What is Josie Totah's net worth?
Who is Josie Totah dating?
What shows has Josie Totah been in?
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