Sasha Cohen has just made history for Nickelodeon by being cast on the hit series Danger Force!
The 13-year-old actor is the first openly trans teen to be cast in a live-action Nickelodeon series, Variety reveals.
Sasha's casting was made possible by Danger Force star Michael D Cohen (no relation), who "launched the Trans Youth Acting Challenge in December to help trans and nonbinary youth break into the business."
Not only has Sasha been cast, but his twin sister Natalie will also be featured on the series. They will appear in the June 19th episode, which was also directed by Michael.
"I want Sasha to see his own power as an actor and as a human,†Michael told Variety. “I want him to feel proud of his work and feel real confident in himself in every aspect and to know that he will help change kids’ lives by being the first kid of trans experience on Nickelodeon in live action.â€
"I had never felt comfortable about who I am, and I always thought that I would never play a transgender role," Sasha said. "But there are so many kids out there who need to see someone like them — a role model who has the ability to put themselves out there.â€
“It has long been Nickelodeon’s mission to be a home for all kids, and to authentically represent them in their full diversity,†Nickelodeon's Executive Vice President of Programming and Content Strategy Paul DeBenedittis said in a statement. “This episode of Danger Force ultimately tells a relatable story of friendship, openness and trust, through the lens of sitcom. We’re incredibly proud of it and of everyone involved.â€
After the news was announced, Sasha shared a photo from the set, of him, Natalie and Danger Force stars Terrence Little Gardenhigh and Dana Heath.
If you didn't know, Michael himself is a trans actor, having come out as transgender in 2019.
Just a couple of weeks ago, we exclusively revealed that Danger Force will return with all new episodes NEXT Saturday (June 12)!
Get more info and check out a clip from the first new episode HERE.
