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5 Powerful Facts About Josie Totah: The Transgender Actress Who Played Stuart On Jessie

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The character of Stuart Wooten from the Disney Channel series Jessie has become a topic of significant public curiosity, not for the fictional role itself, but for the inspiring, real-life journey of the actor who portrayed him. As of December 22, 2025, the actor, formerly known as J.J. Totah, is now celebrated transgender actress Josie Totah, a trailblazer whose career has flourished since she publicly shared her authentic self with the world. This article dives deep into her biography, her pivotal decision to transition, and her successful, high-profile career as one of Hollywood’s most prominent young talents.

The question "What is the gender of Stuart from Jessie?" is ultimately a question about the incredible personal story of Josie Totah. She played the male character, Stuart, early in her career, but has since embraced and championed her true identity as a transgender woman, moving on to star in major television series and films in roles that reflect who she is today. Her journey provides a powerful, updated perspective on the intersection of early fame and personal discovery.

Josie Totah: A Trailblazer's Complete Biography and Profile

Josie Totah is an American actress, producer, and advocate known for her versatile roles across comedy and drama, and for her powerful advocacy for transgender visibility in media. Her career trajectory from a child star to a leading lady is a testament to her talent and resilience.

  • Full Name: Josie Jay Totah (formerly J.J. Totah)
  • Date of Birth: August 5, 2001
  • Place of Birth: Sacramento, California, U.S.
  • Gender Identity: Transgender Woman
  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
  • Public Transition Announcement: August 2018 (via an essay in Time magazine)
  • Notable Early Roles (as J.J. Totah): Stuart Wooten on Jessie (2013–2015), Michael Patel on Champions (2018), and roles in films like Other People (2016) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).
  • Notable Recent Roles (as Josie Totah): Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio on the Saved by the Bell revival (2020–2021), and Mabel in the Apple TV+ series The Buccaneers.
  • Education: Graduated from Chapman University.

The Stuart Wooten Character: A Look Back at Her Disney Role

The character Stuart Wooten was a recurring role on the Disney Channel sitcom Jessie, which ran from 2011 to 2015. Stuart was portrayed as a quirky, socially awkward, and highly intelligent boy who had an intense, often comical, crush on Zuri Ross, played by Skai Jackson.

Josie Totah was only 12 years old when she first took on the role of Stuart. She was a phenomenal child actor, successfully embodying the character’s eccentricities and delivering strong comedic timing.

At the time, the world knew her as J.J. Totah, an actor playing a male character. This is a common experience for many transgender people who are assigned male at birth and later transition, often playing roles that do not align with their true gender identity early in their careers. The role of Stuart is now a historical footnote in Josie's career, overshadowed by her later, more authentic, and influential work.

It is important to note that the character Stuart Wooten himself was not written as transgender; he was written and portrayed as a male character. The curiosity about "Stuart from Jessie gender" stems entirely from the actor's subsequent, courageous public transition.

The Pivotal Transition: Finding Freedom as Josie Totah

In August 2018, Josie Totah authored a powerful, moving essay for Time magazine, where she officially came out as a transgender woman. This moment marked a monumental shift in her personal life and professional career, moving from J.J. Totah to Josie Totah.

In her essay, she wrote: "My pronouns are she, her and hers. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie Totah." She explained that she had always known who she was, even during her early roles playing young boys. She described feeling trapped and misunderstood, a common experience for transgender youth in the entertainment industry.

This public declaration was not just a personal coming out; it was a powerful act of advocacy. It immediately made her one of the most visible young transgender actresses in Hollywood, providing much-needed representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

Her decision to live authentically has had a profound impact on her career, allowing her to take on roles that truly resonate with her identity. This move was celebrated by her peers, industry professionals, and legions of fans who were inspired by her bravery and honesty.

From Disney Star to Trans Trailblazer: Josie’s Post-Transition Career Highlights

Josie Totah’s career did not slow down after her transition; in fact, it accelerated into more significant and groundbreaking roles. Her visibility has been a powerful force for change in how transgender characters and actors are represented on screen.

The Groundbreaking Role in Saved by the Bell

One of her most significant post-transition roles was starring as Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio in the 2020 revival of the classic sitcom Saved by the Bell on Peacock. Lexi was a beautiful, sharp-tongued, and wildly popular cheerleader at Bayside High.

Crucially, Lexi was written as a transgender character, making Josie Totah a lead actress playing a trans role in a major network revival. This was a huge step forward for transgender representation, moving beyond token roles to a main character who was complex, funny, and central to the show’s narrative.

Recent Success in The Buccaneers

Further solidifying her status as a leading actress, Josie Totah starred as Mabel in the Apple TV+ series The Buccaneers. This role showcases her dramatic range and her ability to anchor a period piece. The show, which premiered recently, has brought her to a new, global audience, demonstrating that her talent transcends any single genre or identity label. Her recent graduation from Chapman University also highlights her commitment to both her education and her booming professional career.

The Lasting Impact and Topical Authority of Josie Totah

Josie Totah has successfully navigated the challenging transition from child star to adult actress while undergoing a very public gender transition. Her story is a powerful narrative of self-acceptance and professional excellence.

Her work on shows like Saved by the Bell and The Buccaneers makes her a topical authority on the experience of being a young, successful transgender woman in Hollywood. She uses her platform to advocate for authenticity, visibility, and better representation for the entire LGBTQ+ community.

The legacy of the character Stuart Wooten from Jessie is no longer about a quirky boy with a crush; it is now a launchpad for a much more important story: the inspiring journey of Josie Totah. Her willingness to be vulnerable and authentic has made her a role model to countless young people who are grappling with their own identities, proving that living your truth is the most powerful and successful role an actor can ever take on. Her continued success ensures that the conversation around transgender talent remains current, positive, and firmly in the spotlight.

5 Powerful Facts About Josie Totah: The Transgender Actress Who Played Stuart on Jessie
stuart from jessie gender
stuart from jessie gender

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