Photo credit: www.tvinsider.com
Karla Mosley Reflects on Her Journey in Daytime Drama and Beyond
With her recent participation in the daytime drama Beyond the Gates, actress Karla Mosley takes a moment to reflect on her previous iconic role as Maya Avant in the long-running soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful.
From 2013 to 2019, Mosley brought Maya to life, captivating audiences across hundreds of episodes, and earning an NAACP Image Award nomination for her outstanding portrayal.
A pivotal moment in Mosley’s career came in 2015, when Maya’s character was revealed as transgender. Initially, Mosley expressed reservations about taking on this significant storyline, stating, “When my boss asked me if I would do this story, I first was going to say no because it felt inappropriate for me to play that role as a cis woman.” She acknowledged her identity as a queer individual but clarified, “I’m not transgender.” In a recent interview with People, she revealed the inner conflict she faced regarding the role.
After discussions with friends who encouraged her to embrace the narrative, Mosley decided to continue with the role. Following the airing of the coming-out episode, she engaged deeply with fans, answering their questions and sharing resources on social media. “I just fielded questions for hours,” she recounted, describing the experience as profoundly impactful. “It was such a powerful moment.”
Despite her initial concerns, Mosley appreciates the positive influence Maya had on viewers and families. “I am so grateful for that character because people who loved Maya and then had issues with what she said had to ask themselves, even with a family member, ‘Well, if I loved her yesterday, why don’t I love her today?’” she reflected. She noted the storyline fostered important conversations about acceptance and healing within families and communities.
Ultimately, however, Mosley came to recognize that her identity as a cisgender woman meant she needed to step away from portraying Maya. “At a certain point, it really became truly inappropriate for me to play that role,” she stated. “That’s why I stepped away from it.”
Looking ahead, Mosley has expressed a desire to expand her horizons in acting but has firmly stated her decision not to portray another transgender character. “I would love to play a role with the kind of gravitas and importance that Maya had for sure,” she shared, conveying her aspiration for future roles.
The Bold and the Beautiful, Weekdays, CBS
Source
www.tvinsider.com