Michael D. Cohen dishes on meeting the VP, happy places, and protecting trans youth
[Editor’s Note: The below interview was conducted prior to the actors of SAG-AFTRA joining the WGA on strike.]On a show full of heroes, Danger Force‘s Michael D.
Cohen plays Schwoz, a comic-relief sidekick who doesn’t have any superpowers of his own.But the actor and activist has found a ways to be heroic in real life—without abilities like super-strength, flight, or telekinesis.In 2019, Cohen collaborated with GLAAD to pen a groundbreaking piece for TIME, in which he spoke openly about transitioning and his experiences in the industry as trans man.
Since then, he’s used his platform for trans talent in front of and behind the camera, and even worked with Nickelodeon to host the Michael D.
Cohen Trans Youth Acting Challenge, a showcase for young trans and non-binary performers.He’s also written and directed episodes of the family-focused series Danger Force, including the 2021 episode “Manlee Men,” which made history by featuring the first openly trans teen in a live-action Nickelodeon show, and went on to win a GLAAD Award.Beyond the Danger Force franchise (counting its predecessor Henry Danger, Cohen’s starred in over 150 episodes!), Cohen can also be seen in films like Whiplash and Sububicon, guest appearances on My Name Is Earl and 2 Broke Girls, and so much more.Fresh off a visit to D.C.
