‘Supergirl’ Star Nicole Maines Made TV History Playing the 1st Transgender Superhero
Through her acting career, Nicole Maines has received a lot of positive attention and praise over the years. In 2015, the actor made her debut playing the role of Anna on the popular television series Royal Pains. The star has come a long way since then, and more recently, Maines is even being recognized for making history on Supergirl.
‘Supergirl’ star Nicole Maines made TV history playing the first transgender superhero
In 2018, Maines was cast as Dreamer on the CW series Supergirl. As Insider highlighted, this made her the first actor to take on a transgender superhero role. The historical moment was also a meaningful one for Maines who has been very open and candid about her experience being transgender.
Maines, in many ways, was already a superhero. Her advocacy and representation for the trans community is both remarkable and inspiring.
Transgender roles in the television industry
It is no secret that representation is key when it comes to things like acceptance and education. Historically speaking, the trans community has had limited opportunities to watch characters they can truly identify with, but over the past few years, things have started to shift for the better.
Transparent was one of the first modern television series to shed light on trans experiences and stories. Fans and viewers probably fondly remember watching Alexandra Billings as Davina, a trans woman living with HIV. Pose from FX made history by having the largest cast of transgender actors with roles as series regulars on a scripted TV show, according to Teen Vogue.
IndieWire put together a list of titles worth checking out, and HBO’s High Maintenance, Work in Progress, and Vida are a few other productions that have been recognized for transgender awareness.
Though it is important to recognize Maines’ monumental moment, hopefully, moving forward, transgender roles will become even more prevalent. In addition, Maines hopes these roles will become even more in depth.
As the actor shared in an interview with TVMeg,
“I’m of the opinion that I don’t think we should limit these characters to their identity and limit their character arcs to that identity. I think it’s important that we’re showcasing trans people as three dimensional people, and that includes their flaws.”
Other noteworthy women celebrated for making history in the television industry
With March being Women’s History Month, it seems like the perfect time to reflect on some of the most influential and inspiring women in showbiz.
Though it has long come off the air, Star Trek is remembered as being one of the first television series to capture an interracial kiss. Nichelle Nichols, most recently seen in 12 to Midnight, was the leading lady behind the legendary lip lock that took place in 1967.
In 2006, Katie Couric received recognition as being the first woman to solo anchor an evening news broadcast. Of course, trailblazers like Barbara Walters, helped pave the way for Couric.
Walters, best remembered as the first female co-anchor on ABC, was a strong advocate for women, especially in the field of journalism. Walters wanted to create a platform for female voices and that is one of the main reasons she created the popular talk show The View.
Women have been paving the way and making history for generations. With so many talented, ambitious, and inspiring females in the industry, it will be exciting to find out what the future has in store.
