Nickelodeon’s Danger Force casts Sasha A. Cohen as the first openly trans actor

Nickelodeon is making history by casting Sasha A. Cohen as the first openly trans actor for their live-action show Danger Force.

The casting comes after Danger Force star Michael D. Cohen, who plays Schwoz on the show, revealed he transitioned to male decades earlier and was female at birth.

Cohen launched the Trans Acting Youth Challenge in December to help trans and non-binary actors break into the business, with Variety reporting Sasha A. Cohen (no relation) has been cast in Danger Force.

History: Nickelodeon is making history by casting Sasha A. Cohen as the first openly trans actor for their live-action show Danger Force

Cast: Cohen (center right) launched the Trans Acting Youth Challenge in December to help trans and non-binary actors break into the business, with Variety reporting Sasha A. Cohen (no relation) has been cast in Danger Force

Cast: Cohen (center right) launched the Trans Acting Youth Challenge in December to help trans and non-binary actors break into the business, with Variety reporting Sasha A. Cohen (no relation) has been cast in Danger Force

Michael D. Cohen received over 200 applications for the 15 spots in the virtual master class he teaches, which Sasha one of the participants.

Sasha will star alongside his twin sister Natalie R. Cohen on the June 19 episode of Danger Force, which Michael co-wrote and directed.

‘I want Sasha to see his own power as an actor and as a human,’ Michael said in a statement.

Master class: Michael D. Cohen received over 200 applications for the 15 spots in the virtual master class he teaches, which Sasha one of the participants

Master class: Michael D. Cohen received over 200 applications for the 15 spots in the virtual master class he teaches, which Sasha one of the participants

‘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,’ Michael added.

‘I had never felt comfortable about who I am, and I always thought that I would never play a transgender role,’ Sasha said in her own statement.

‘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,’ she added.

Michael's statement: '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,' Michael added

Michael’s statement: ‘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,’ Michael added

Sasha's statement: 'I had never felt comfortable about who I am, and I always thought that I would never play a transgender role,' Sasha said in her own statement

Sasha’s statement: ‘I had never felt comfortable about who I am, and I always thought that I would never play a transgender role,’ Sasha said in her own statement

Nickelodeon’s executive vice president of programming and content strategy Paul DeBenedittis added, ‘It has long been Nickelodeon’s mission to be a home for all kids, and to authentically represent them in their full diversity.

‘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,’ the Nickelodeon exec added.

Cohen’s Trans Youth Acting Challenge has also lead to a private Facebook group for parents and kids, while casting directors are now coming to him for leads on trans actors.

Nickelodeon: Nickelodeon’s executive vice president of programming and content strategy Paul DeBenedittis added, 'It has long been Nickelodeon’s mission to be a home for all kids, and to authentically represent them in their full diversity

Nickelodeon: Nickelodeon’s executive vice president of programming and content strategy Paul DeBenedittis added, ‘It has long been Nickelodeon’s mission to be a home for all kids, and to authentically represent them in their full diversity

He is working on another program for trans writers as well, which will focus on, ‘university students and grads to find stellar writing talent of trans experience so that we can have a database for producers and networks to draw from.’

‘I have been in conversations with a number of places, including The Writers Guild Foundation, and they are excited to be involved in the initiative,’ he added.

Cohen first revealed he had transitioned back in May 2019, which happened nearly two decades prior. 

Program: He is working on another program for trans writers as well, which will focus on, 'university students and grads to find stellar writing talent of trans experience so that we can have a database for producers and networks to draw from.

Program: He is working on another program for trans writers as well, which will focus on, ‘university students and grads to find stellar writing talent of trans experience so that we can have a database for producers and networks to draw from.

Transition: Cohen first revealed he had transitioned back in May 2019, which happened nearly two decades prior

Transition: Cohen first revealed he had transitioned back in May 2019, which happened nearly two decades prior