‘HSMTMS’: JoJo Siwa Shares How Her Role Made a Turning Point in Her Acting Career
Growing up in a generation of new Disney fans who enjoyed the era of iconic movies like "High School Musical," JoJo Siwa got excited when she was offered a role on the film's musical series spin-off. Today, she describes how significant her character is to her acting career.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the "Dance Moms" alum said she did not hesitate in accepting the offer and never asked any questions about her character as she wanted to become a part of the show.
The dancer said added that she immediately said yes and she didn't care about the capacity, schedule, and time as long as she was part of the show.
Speaking about her recent TV credit, Siwa commended the show for being "cool" and "iconic" because for her, it's a big honor to be one of the cast members and she felt grateful for the opportunity.
Upon finding out the background of her character in season 3, she noted how significant it was and made a breakthrough in her career.
Siwa will be portraying the role of Madison, a Camp Shallow Lake alum who will appear on Wednesday's episode to visit Saylor Bell Curda's character, Maddox.
JoJo Siwa on How Playing Madison Made a Turning Point in Her Career
Further explaining her character, who is gay, the "So You Think You Can Dance" judge said she never played a gay role before except for herself, but she clarified that she's not a character and she's being herself all the time.
Siwa added that Madison's addition to the characters is straightforward as she's being introduced as a queer human and for her, it feels special that kids who are watching the show will no longer have curious questions.
"They're going to be like, 'She's queer. Cool.' I love that the next generation just kind of [moves past] it vs. it being a weird thing," she said.
Elsewhere in the interview, the dancer wondered if seeing a queer character on TV would have helped her with her own sexuality as a kid.
"I think it would have made me realize that it's okay a lot younger. It's normal," she added.
Siwa also noted that playing a queer character on TV means a lot to her because of how representation could change other people's lives.
The new episode of "High School Musical: The Musical Series" will air this Wednesday on Disney+.
