Groundbreaking Disney program approaches finale
ANAHEIM, Calif. — During its three seasons, the groundbreaking Disney Channel series “Andi Mack” has been praised for tackling issues designed to spark social change, especially in the case of Joshua Rush. His character marked the first portrayal of an openly gay character on Disney Channel.
Facing the final episodes — the series ends Friday — created mixed emotions for the Houston native.
“I look at this show and everything about it as lightning in a bottle,” Rush said earlier this year during Disney Channel Fan Fest.
The series revolves around Andi Mack (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) who, on the eve of her 13th birthday, learns that her older sister, Bex (Lilan Bowden), is actually her mother. That realization sends the teen on a journey of discovery accompanied by her friends, Buffy Driscoll (Sofia Wylie), Jonah Beck (Asher Angel) and Cyrus Goodman (Rush).
Year to-date, “Andi Mack” is the mostwatched series overall on Disney Channel and it remains the highest-rated program with youngsters ages 6 to 14. Not only have the young viewers been supportive but the show also earned a Television Academy Honor, a GLAAD Media Award, the Common Sense Media Seal for Quality Family Programming and a Peabody Award nomination.
By the time Rush auditioned for the Disney Channel series, he had already worked on a long list of projects including being the voice of the honey badger, Bunga, on Disney Junior’s animated series “The Lion Guard.” His voice
work also includes “Family Guy” and “The Cleveland Show.”
One reason letting go of the series has been so tough, Rush said, is that no other acting work he has done has generated the same kind of response.
“One of the things I think about a lot when I am playing this character — and the influence and legacy of the character after the show ends — is that love and acceptance and tolerance is something that is native to everyone. Every child born has love in their heart for everyone out there,” Rush said. “Hate and intolerance is something that is taught.
“If we can get ahead of that negative learning being set in stone, then I am doing my job right. I am allowing that natural love that everyone has to take over.”
His work on “Andi Mack” is just one way Rush is looking to create more positivity in the world. He also pushes the importance of the youth voice in politics to the point that he stars in a self-produced current-affairs series on Instagram called @Newsinarush. The one-minute segments are used by Rush to break down important news topics into segments designed to educate and ignite an interest in current events in young people.
Rush’s interest in politics started with the 2012 elections and he has served as the Under 18 Ambassador for National Absentee Ballot Day. He also has worked as a congressional intern, and that gave him a first-hand look at the political system.