Interview by Stella Hofferman
It’s been a major past few years for Josie Totah. From acting to activism, podcasting to producing, she has shown her limitless potential–not only as an multi-talented entertainer, but as a voice for social change. At only seventeen-years old she made Forbes’ 2018 “30 Under 30” list and was the recipient of the HRC’s prestigious Visibility Award for influential and courageous figures in the LGBTQ+ community. Since then, the twenty-two year old actress has starred in and produced Peacock’s Saved by the Bell reboot (2020-2022), co-hosted podcast “Dare We Say,” and is an ambassador for GLAAD and GSLEN.
In her most recent role in Apple TV+’s The Buccaneers (adapted from Edith Wharton’s 1938 novel of the same name), Totah travels to an 19th-century London as Mabel Elmsworth, a young American socialite accompanying her older sister in her search for a wealthy English husband. As of December 16th, 2023, the series has been renewed for a second season.
Today, Josie Totah discusses her role in The Buccaneers, as well as self-care, creativity, and the future.
Are there any iconic characters you wanted to channel for your role in The Buccaneers?
Not so much a specific character but there were multiple films I watched that I felt aligned similarly with the energy of Mabel! Like Greta Gerwig’s Little Women and Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette!
What was it like being able to depict a sapphic love story on-screen?
It’s a great honor. Queer relationships and people have always existed, and we so rarely get to see them portrayed in the 19th century. To get to bring that love to the screen and center it around joy was a pleasure.
Have you ever had a “coming-of-age” movie moment, and what was it
Oh, so many. One that comes to mind is a trip I took to New York for the summer when I was 15. I really found myself there, and to this day a summer has not nearly affected me as profoundly.
How do you engage in self-care on your days off, physically and mentally?
I really recharge with my friends and family. I love having everyone over to play games and chat till our eyes are all closing shut. I’m working on having more solo self-care days since I know those are important, too. One of my best friends and castmate, Immy, calls them “rot days.” We’re big fans of the rot.
How do you balance being transparent and intentional with your platform while also taking care of yourself and your privacy?
I think by listening to my heart and letting that guide me. It’s an honor to have a community that cares what I have to say, and I don’t take that lightly. I think I have a duty to raise the voices of others and bring awareness to conversations that need to be had. I also recognize it’s important to set boundaries and protect myself. I balance it all with the help of my parents who are my primary sounding board.
Out of all the characters you’ve played, who do you think you’d most get along with, and why
Hmmm… I’m not sure, I’ve played some quite sparkly people. Lexi–from Saved by the Bell–and I would probably take over the world, but we may kill each other first. I’d like to think Myron–from Glee–and I would be pals. We’d just run around town wreaking havoc and listening to show tunes.
Top & Skirt: Collina Strada, T-Shirt: Sarah Aphrodite, Boots: Steve Madden, Earrings: Saf Safu
Is there anything you learned from your experience as a producer that you hope to take into the next stage of your career?
So much! Well, firstly, I really got a crash course on writing; being in the room every week, and gaining the courage to pitch on jokes and stories. From a producorial perspective, it sounds trivial, but listening is a big one. I used to think the producer’s role was more similar to that of a director, but after watching and learning I realize it’s much more foundational. They’re like the conductors you don’t see–solving problems, but making it so that it feels like nothing is to be worried about so the only space you have is to create.
How do you choose your projects, and what drew you to The Buccaneers?
I’m no Viola Davis (who I like to imagine hangs each protentional script on a wall like in a war room and meticulously decides which move is best to make next). I am lucky anytime a great audition or Zoom comes through my email. Though, with more years and financial security under my belt, I’ve gained more autonomy, which has been nice. I examine the three main factors: the material, the people, and the fun. If all three of those check out, it’s probably a project I should take. For The Buccaneers, it was the conversations I had with Katherine Jakeways, our show’s creator; the lore of exploring an entirely new genre; portraying a character that’s rarely been seen; and doing it all in Scotland.
Rugby Shirt: PRISCAVera, Skirt: Shushu/tong, Boots: Steve Madden, Silver necklace: Coperni
What inspires you creatively?
Sounds axiomatic, but people. I love meeting and talking to people. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve sat several minutes after getting to my destination with my Uber drivers just chatting, or how many waiters or baristas or bartenders or smoothie makers I’ve gotten close with. I love to gab and I love to learn about all the idiosyncrasies that make us who we are. That’s what inspires me the most.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?
Ooh, okay…Egotistically, I make resolutions around my birthday, not at the start of the calendar year. But, this past year I’ve felt like I’ve been in input mode; I think I’m ready to put into motion all that’s been brewing, so at the top of my head my resolution is just to get shit done.
Top: Acne Studios, Jeans: Maison Margiela, Shoes: Minty Mellon, Flower Earring: Prada