Humanizing political and social issues is a Hollywood staple in today’s climate, and 21-year-old actress, Emily Tosta is making her mark on Freeform’s latest installment, Party of Five. The original series, which aired from 1994-2000, receives a 21st century political makeover in this reboot, which follows five siblings as they maneuver through life after their parents are deported. Tosta’s passion for arts and activism is her driving force, as the young actress strives to make waves in Hollywood and around the world.
Emily Tosta’s acting career began at 8 years old, shortly after discovering her love for singing, acting and dancing, at the age of 6. Originally hailing from Dominican Republic, Tosta’s talent and ambition eventually led her and her mother to Miami, Florida, where the star’s real journey began.
“My mom and I came to the US when I was 12 years old, from Dominican Republic,” Tosta says. However, the move was no easy feat for the pair, who both had to adjust to their new environment. “We definitely faced many obstacles,” she reveals. “It was a big culture shift—we had to deal with language barriers, different mindsets and perspectives.”
The introduction to a new culture initially took its toll on the young actress, who often felt judged because of a number of things, including her looks and her language.
“For many years, [the change in environment] affected me a lot—until I realized the importance of self-love and self-acceptance and radiating love and kindness for myself and others.”
After four years in Miami, Tosta’s acting pursuits moved her and her mother once again—but this time, to Los Angeles. Shortly after her arrival in the new city, Tosta signed with The Corsa Agency and went on to book roles in titles such as Rosewood, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Selfie Dad, to name a few.
While the actress has surely made great strides in terms of her own success, there are still many changes she hopes to see within the entertainment industry. Tosta is adamant about the need for more lead roles for Latinx actors, and expresses her desire to work in an industry that celebrates diversity.
“Sadly, we are underrepresented in both film and TV,” she says. “Even though there is progress that has been made, I still think we have a long way to go.”
Tosta’s latest role on the reboot of the 90s drama, Party of Five, pushes issues of diversity to the forefront. The Freeform series personalizes the political issue of immigration and shows the lasting effects these policies have on real people. This new subject matter is certainly a necessary update in today’s climate, where many families relate to the Acosta family’s story.
“There is no better time than now for this reboot,” Tosta states. “We are humanizing a political issue that is currently happening in this country. Families are being separated, kids are being taken from their parents. There is no better time to tell this story.”
Tosta plays 16-year-old, Lucia Acosta, who the actress says she relates to in several ways. “Lucia and I are very similar,” she notes. “We are both very purposeful and we aren’t afraid to speak our minds.”
Lucia also develops an interest in activism and charity, much like Tosta herself, who started a charity organization with her mother to help those in need in Venezuela. The show exemplifies the everyday struggles experienced by many Hispanic and Latinx families in the United States. Most importantly, Tosta hopes for Party of Five viewers to connect with the characters’ stories, while gaining a better understanding of the real-world issues.
“I want the audience to take away a message of hope, love, strength and kindness,” she says. “We want to shine light on an important topic and give people perspective and understanding.”
Tosta’s move to Los Angeles may have helped catapult her career to new heights, but it definitely came with its challenges. Since her arrival in Hollywood, the actress has felt a similar scorn toward her body type and language/accent as she did upon first moving to the United States.
“When I was younger, I always felt like there was something wrong with the way I looked,” Tosta reveals. “I thought maybe I had to lose enough weight to hide my curves, maybe I had to always straighten my hair so I could fit in more. But, eventually after a lot of self-discovery, I decided that I was going to embrace every part of me. This is who I am, and the industry can either take it or leave it.”
Despite all the changes and challenges Tosta has faced thus far, one aspect of her fast-paced life has always kept her grounded: her mom. Tosta’s family still resides in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, so her mom has been her “partner-in-crime” throughout her acting career. Tosta credits her mother’s unconditional love and support for her success today, and recalls her mom taking her on auditions and ultimately making the decision to move, so that she could follow her dreams.
“She is the biggest warrior I know,” Tosta gushes. “She was willing to sacrifice everything to come to this country and help me chase my dreams. She is my superhero!”
With such an amazing track record, one can only imagine the places this talented actress will go. Her three main goals for the future are simple: “I would love to volunteer abroad, get more involved in the film industry and buy my momma a house.”
One of Tosta’s more specific objectives is to volunteer with UNICEF and PETA, two organizations whose values align with hers.
“I have such a passion for both children and animals. I love that UNICEF focuses so much on providing education and help to children around the world. At the end of the day, these are our future generations,” she says. “I also love PETA and everything they stand for. I don’t eat meat and I will always try my best to fight for the rights of animals.”
When asked what gives her hope about the future, the actress responds; “the youth.”
“There are so many enlightened and intellectual kids,” Tosta says. “It gives me hope for the future that the younger generations are starting to have important conversations about the things that matter.”
Indeed, this new wave of young leaders are certainly prioritizing social matters and pushing important issues to the forefront—and whether she’s Lucia Acosta or Emily Tosta, this rising superstar is sure to be among the new generation of change-makers.
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