This Disney Child Star, 24, Looked Very Pretty as Her TikTok with Former Co-actor Went Viral
The ex-Disney Channel star has drawn attention again after a TikTok with her longtime friend went viral, stirring up a lot of chatter online. Here’s how she addressed the rumors.
Josie Totah gained widespread popularity when she posted a TikTok showcasing a lighthearted moment with Karan Brar, her former co-star. The clip led to speculation about their romantic involvement, which Totah, at 24, quickly dismissed as unfounded.
In the now-famous TikTok, Brar, who is 27, approached from behind and wrapped his arms around Totah’s waist. In response, Totah leaned in to kiss his lips. This close interaction between the two friends had viewers buzzing regarding their relationship.
Soon after, Totah released another video to clear the air, stating emphatically that ‘it was a joke’ and emphasizing that their interaction was purely platonic. In the caption of her follow-up video, she wrote, ‘We are just two best friends who danced a bit too closely to the sun.’
The TikTok video sparked immediate reactions from fans, who expressed their excitement and opinions about the duo’s moment. One commented, ‘YOU ARE VERY PRETTY,’ while another enthusiastically referenced their characters from ‘Jessie,’ saying, ‘Stuart and Ravi???’
Some fans realized who Totah was and commented in surprise, ‘wait that’s Josie???’ Many also complimented her looks, with one user exclaiming, ‘she look sooo pretty fr.’ Another user expressed shock, saying, ‘FVFGFDCBHTEDVG I DID NOT EXPECT.’
Others took it upon themselves to quell any dating rumors, highlighting their solid friendship instead. One user pointed out, ‘These two are literally just ride-or-die besties who know how to break the internet. Nice try, gossip mills.’
Totah’s viral moment comes after years of growth both personally and professionally. She gained recognition for her role as Stuart Wooten on ‘Jessie’ and has been in the public eye from a young age.
She appeared in seven episodes alongside Brar, who portrayed Ravi Ross in 98 episodes. Their chemistry on screen, combined with their off-screen friendship, has made their recent TikTok collaboration particularly special for their fans.
Totah has made her mark in the entertainment world through acting, writing, and producing, gaining praise from critics for her ability to bring vibrant characters to life.
In 2018, the ‘Saved by the Bell’ actress took a brave step in her personal journey by publicly coming out as transgender in an essay featured in Time magazine. Titled ‘My Name is Josie Totah — And I’m Ready to Be Free,’ she shared her experiences growing up and navigating her identity within the entertainment landscape.
In her essay, Totah expressed, ‘Acting has always been my passion. But I also feel like I let myself be shoved into a box: “J.J. Totah, gay boy.”’
She explained how others frequently made assumptions about her identity before she fully understood it. ‘Numerous reporters have asked me in interviews how it feels to be a young gay man. I was even introduced that way before receiving an award from an LGBTQ+ rights organization. I understand that they didn’t really know better. But that has never been the way I think of myself.’
Totah reflected on her early awareness of her gender identity, remembering that since childhood, she longed to be seen as a girl and wished to wear dresses.
At just five years old, before she even grasped the concept of ‘gender,’ she would tell her mother about her desire to be a girl and ask for a dress as soon as she could articulate full sentences.
Her journey toward self-acceptance was fraught with challenges. Totah shared how she dealt with anxiety while concealing her true self. ‘Like many trans people, I developed serious anxiety as I hid who I was. In some ways, I felt like I was lying by letting people believe I was that gay boy.’
A significant turning point for Totah came while she was watching the show ‘I Am Jazz’ with her mother, which chronicles the life of Jazz Jennings, a transgender girl undergoing her medical transition. As she learned more about hormone replacement therapy, she recognized that it was something she needed for herself.
During that viewing, she turned to her mother to plainly declare her transgender identity and that it was time for her to start her transition.
Totah mentioned that her mother provided unwavering support from the onset. Without hesitation, her mom replied, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’
Just three days later, Totah visited her pediatrician, who promptly referred her to a specialist. That was the moment she began hormone therapy with a blocker, and in her words, she ‘hit the ground running.’
After initiating hormone therapy, Totah described a sense of relief, noting that the blocker prevented testosterone activity and halted physical changes associated with male puberty. She no longer woke up daily in anxiety, worrying about facial hair or her voice deepening.
Aware that those changes can be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse, she felt comforted knowing she was taking essential steps toward being her true self without anxiety.
Though she felt a sense of freedom, Totah acknowledged the obstacles transgender individuals face, especially regarding documentation and societal perceptions.
‘Identity documents can be challenging for transgender people to amend. I’m fearful of the moment someone checks the ID, glances at the photo, examines the gender marker — looks back at you.’
Despite the challenges, Totah conveyed that she views her identity as a gift. ‘I have come to believe that God made me transgender. I don’t feel like I was placed in the wrong body. I don’t feel a mistake was made.’
‘I believe that I am transgender to help others understand differences. It allows me to gain perspective and be more open-minded, as I know what it’s like to feel different from everyone else.’
Reflecting on her experiences on set, Totah shared her struggle with portraying male roles while longing to showcase her true self. She recalled watching Lea Michele and other actresses perform in dresses and intricate musical numbers during her time on ‘Glee,’ admiring their performances.
While she enjoyed watching them, it was also difficult for her because she deeply wished she could be in their position.
Totah’s journey exemplifies courage and resilience, and she is dedicated to pursuing her career as her authentic self. ‘I plan to play roles I haven’t had the chance to explore. I’m excited to portray someone who shares my identity rather than having to transform myself to play a boy.’
Her essay wrapped up with a hopeful perspective, expressing her enthusiasm for what lies ahead. ‘I’m going to strive for those roles, whether they be transgender female or cisgender female. Because it’s a fresh start — and a new world.’
Here’s What She Looks Like Now at 24
Josie Totah’s evolution from a Disney child star to a prominent figure in Hollywood showcases her dedication to living authentically. Whether she’s creating viral moments on TikTok or advocating for self-expression through her work, Totah motivates her fans by embracing her true self and challenging stereotypes within the entertainment industry.
