Riverdale's Vanessa Morgan on Playing a Bisexual Character | Pretty Unfiltered

You guys know I'm a huge Riverdale fan, which is why I couldn't wait to chat up the show's newest star, Vanessa Morgan! Vanessa plays Toni Topaz on the show and discusses the impact of playing a bisexual character, her relationship with Madelaine, and what it was like stepping on set for the first time - in a Serpent jacket!
You can watch Vanessa and the entire cast of Riverdale Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Twitter: / vanessamorgan
IG: / vanessamorgan
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Twitter: / kirbiejohnson
IG: / kirbiejohnson
FB: / kirbiejohnsontv
Snapchat: Kirbie.Johnson
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[@murraytianne]

I'm so happy that Vanessa Morgan is part of this show

[@catarinabakker8405]

Choni

[@josep9016]

Catarina Bakker yas

[@Chloe-sz2ho]

Lol love it

[@rubyannas7282]

She is one of my favorite characters! 1.Cheryl 2.Toni 3.Jughead Also I ship Toni and Cheryl so hard!

[@abigailjoe1596]

Mine go 1. Jughead 2.Kevin (Cause the gay best friend who deserves everything in life, duh) 3.Cheryl

[@khairahahmed9087]

1.Toni 2.Cheryl 3. Jug 4. Sweet pea 5.Fangz

[@Unknown-js3fp]

CHONI😍😍😍🤗

[@lethicianasly6276]

Mine is 1.Toni 2.Cheryl 3.Veronica

[@chixism]

1.Cheryl 2.Toni 3.Jughead 4.Betty 5.Penelope (ik i‘m Stuuuuupid)

[@Amaandii1]

I'm so excited to see a bisexual character on Riverdale! The bi community needs representation so bad. Really hope the show does us justice.

[@ps.feelgood]

We're so pumped too! :D

[@KirbieJohnson]

Can't wait to see Toni/Vanessa tonight!!!

[@CR-ce5lf]

Amanda Storm they failed when it came to POC so don’t have too much faith

[@josep9016]

It doesn’t :(

[@skyycaplot6715]

Is she bi in real life

[@CR-ce5lf]

I hate that she got so much hate once certain Riverdale loser fans read that she may cause trouble for “Bughead” like really? ITS A SCRIPTED TV SHOW!

[@biancag2076]

MY BABY SITTERS A VAMPIRE ANYONE?!?

[@annabellemaimon8414]

Wannabe Sim yasss

[@nataliethomson1829]

Wannabe Sim every time she opens her mouth I expect to see fangs 🤔

[@zoemcguire8051]

Wannabe Sim yasssss

[@TheSongofaRhododobird]

Throwback

[@Diana-th6ju]

I KNEW I RECOGNIZED HER

[@wishingt0befam0us]

For the people who were sending her death threats because of her character stirring things up with jughead and Betty is just laughable. Sending her death threats over that really? Lol it’s just a tv show grow up. And it’s funny, in reality it’s the writers who you should be mad about!

[@KirbieJohnson]

haha preach it

[@CR-ce5lf]

wishingt0befam0us or don’t be mad at all.. it’s literally a tv show, it’s not real life, it’s not serious at all.

[@shakynaespinoza4850]

wishingt0befam0us ur right I would never do that just like u said it's just a show grow up like ppl are crazy litterly ppl are just so crazy over a small little thing

[@jazzolols]

Toni Topaz is gay tho

[@khairahahmed9087]

Jazz Salerno B I S E X U A L. omg

[@kamilam.961]

The interviewer here is so intelligent and can hold such a smooth conversation with Vanessa. Big props to her.

[@shipsandfanfics]

I'm really happy that bisexuality is getting more exposure. But this isn't her first role where her character likes more than one gender. If anyone remembers the show Finding Carter, she played Bird, who had relationships with both boys and a girl, thought she didn't label herself on the show (as far as I remember). So I'm proud Vanessa Morgan takes roles like these 😊💖💜💙

[@jessicaarmy-animegirl9454]

angelcreature13 yes I remember

[@alicehiggins6222]

angelcreature13 and in shanarra chronicles she plays lyric who loves a girl

[@Robin-bq4yr]

In a movie coming up she likes a girl too it's called pimp

[@ddlovatoismyhero8893]

She looked so familiar from first glance and than I realized she was the same person from the Disney channel show My Baby's Sister A Vampire that I watched when I was little.

[@reaganb6173]

Ddlovatoismyhero ikr same

[@michelleb8363]

I love her as Lyria in Shannara Chronicles 🙏🏻

[@marceladiaz2020]

Michelle Bhme Same ❤

[@wildfirerevenge5153]

Same! And as Sarah in My Babysitter's a Vampire ❤

[@kamrynedits7797]

I'm in love with Toni already and Vanessa is amazing ❤️ I'm so happy with this new addition for so many reasons

[@perfectfantasies]

Remember Vanessa on The Latest Buzz? Loved her since then, so excited for her to be on Riverdale.

[@CookieCreamCrumble]

This woman is a very good interviewer, she makes the conversation very comfortable.

[@bethrae1116]

Give us a duo vanessa-and-madelaine interview PLEASE!!!

[@biancag2076]

riverrae them to together that will be the funniest interview EVER

[@laravienings5884]

riverrae Yass

[@stefb95]

Love Vanessa! Really excited to see her on the show and hopefully maybe be with Cheryl! * fingers crossed *

[@miramirapumpkineater3101]

YES

[@gianna7513]

Going back and reading these comments is so funny bc it’s like basically confirmed that Toni is Cheryl’s love interest now fkjfjd

[@annix2570]

Choni is happening 😂💘

[@JackieWyers]

Love her!!!!

[@brightestmidnights]

I love vanessa i am bisexual and i love how she gonna speak out an "taboe"

[@brightestmidnights]

Raycapone The Art Designer niceee❤️❤️

[@angeldoll6218]

Me I am bisexual I have always had a crush on her when I was younger

[@brightestmidnights]

@@angeldoll6218 same i loved her in my babysitter is a vampire

[@Beeoog]

Her words about being biracial in Hollywood. 👌🏽🔥👌🏽👌🏽🔥🔥

[@itsyourgirltorres9858]

Every time I see Vanessa Morgan I say damn people why you got a problem with her just get over it

[@zara-rosemattel7117]

As a open bisexual. Venessa, I'm proud that your representing my sexuality on Riverdale. Xx

[@skitzoyt3831]

Zara Morgan-Glass not true she’s engaged with a guy so yeah

[@kylielabrant9201]

@@skitzoyt3831 yeah but she said "I'm proud that you're representing my sexuality on RIVERDALE not in real life"😅

[@EliF-oj5hq]

toni and cheryl are being hardcore shipped nd they’ve barely even spoken loool

[@elsamhangami3025]

The number of times she says “pumped” I love Vannessa Morgan

[@ddlovatoismyhero8893]

I really love this channel btw. Always such great interviews with many different people. Always trying to have some sort of inspiring message, and spread awareness and inspiration.

[@ps.feelgood]

Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@KB-qv1vu]

🎶Cause she’s the girl next door 🎵

[@sisvssis3375]

😂

[@babelynrainbow3203]

Obsessed with your jacket and THE HAIR COLOUR

[@shahidaislam6599]

Is she gonna end up with Cheryl c':

[@ellaschiavo5795]

shahida islam yes

[@Unknown-js3fp]

Yeaaah

[@woitsmiles3315]

Yup!

[@diegoalexandrino4211]

loved the interview

[@KirbieJohnson]

Thanks Diego!

[@redalls2542]

Vanessa is the main reason my mom told me that she wants to start Riverdale. We've been watching her since she was in my babysitters a vampire.

[@emilyashlyn6725]

I love Vanessa Morgans acting and I love her character on the show :) I love her bond with Cheryl. Cant wait to see what her character has instore.

[@BubbleCUPCAKES3366]

Choni is quaking

[@daddydevito3780]

Can we talk about the background and her jacket YAAAAAS

[@annax4393]

Everyone is predicting #Choni haha... you all guessed right!

[@beech5397]

Yaaas New Zealand represent!!!!

[@laylaparas7716]

I liked her as an actor in the last tv show she did where I saw her, still doesn’t change the fact that she is a great actress, if you have a problem with sexuality then you don’t deserve to be happy

[@jembrie1027]

The only show/movie that Vanessa wasn’t at least bi in was “My Babysitters A Vampire”

[@susi3808]

She's so humble. ❤

[@zebritah1]

I love Vanessa and this interview but don't you dare to call Riverdale diverse again, cause IT ISN'T! Having a poc character and a gay character doesn't make you diverse if you don't give them PROPER SCREEN TIME AND STORYLINE!

[@ethanl1225]

MCEdits not every show needs diversity. Black people aren't essential to make a character relatable. Gay people don't make shows better. Trans characters don't give your show depth.

[@zebritah1]

Ethan L okay... but at least don't praise it for being diverse!

[@ethanl1225]

MCEdits bisexual, gay, black people, white people, mixed race, Asian, male, female... how is the cast not diverse? Main character or not, the cast overall has diversity

[@reaganb6173]

MCEdits SOMEONES salty

[@joedorben3504]

The show actually is pretty diverse. Im a POC, and I have no problem with gay people, but realistically gay people only make up around 3% of the population, even just having Toni and Kevin, two gay people, is almost overrepresentation. White people also make up over 60% of the population, so Veronica and her family, Josie + The Pussycats (Josie's mom is the damn mayor), and Reggie (portrayed as Asian in this show) is definitely adequate representation of POCs. And honestly who gives a fuck if the show is "diverse" or not? All that matters is if the show is good or not, diversity doesnt add to or take away from that

[@kbstextingstories7210]

She was also in “My Babysitters a vampire!”😃🧛🏻‍♀️

[@thestonemasyn6932]

Vanessa playing a bi character helped me xplore my true self, also madelaine too. So far ive come out to a few friends a bisexual. Vanessa and madelaine have helped me so much through this tough time in my life. I just feel a wave of happiness whenever i see cheryl and toni on riverdale. It makes me so proud and happy that these two beautiful women are so supportive and inspiring. So I just wanted to thank vanessa and madelaine for helping me find my true self.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aida4784]

I can’t get over how much I love Vanessa. Because of her my life has become so much brighter. I’m so so happy that’s shes “a part of my life”

[@nashis2659]

Idk why but her voice is so nice

[@annap8001]

I love that even at her age she still calls her mum for support! ☺️

[@thechamp8685]

God shes hot

[@nteabioaticks__]

Your comment is kinda old but yeah she is.

[@Sarah-zw8ny]

Lol

[@user-qq8gm5pr5n]

Representation is great < 3

[@jmacfee4541]

Representation!!!

[@KirbieJohnson]

yes!

[@SCREAMILLUSION]

The problem is an actor is very limited on what and who their character will be. People need to ease up on them. The writers are who at the end of the day have the last say on what and who a character will be and where they will go.

[@tiffanilinde9048]

Love her she is amazing and beautiful and inspiring so proud queen

[@jiasone]

she so beautiful! And i love choni! so much

[@RainbowAdlina]

I do like Toni Topaz! She’s a very cool character to have in the Riverdale show.

[@marceladiaz2020]

I really loved "The Shanara Chronicles " I love her in Riverdale

[@commy741]

wow.. princess Lyria from shanaran chronicle...my favourite luv u Vanessa

[@doglover6742]

Who else is getting MBAV vibes ( my babysitter's a vampire)

[@abdul6514]

How is she Bi they never mentioned this on the show and everyone is going crazy about it

[@olayemifadahunsi5342]

Abdul Jaradat lol. They just haven't addressed that on the show. Lol she's only been in 2 episodes.

[@charliesawthat5668]

She says in an episode that she's more in to girls

[@lauren3449]

She's also kissed jughead and cheryl so that could tell ya

[@tiannablack7983]

I love this.

[@witchassbitch3]

I love that jacket does anybody know where it's from?

[@roselepin194]

She is so freaking gorgeous

[@sil12032]

choni in s3 is my life goal, i can't even 💕

[@briar7371]

OMG I LOVE HER SM

[@gayakaram277]

we stan

[@lukasloft6697]

Yussss representation 💖💜💙and like quick question. Does anyone know if there’s any show that has any other sexualities shown like pansexuality or asexuality? (No hate please)

[@newbalance3069]

She's a really good role model. I Love how she talked about being biracial & the struggles that come with it.. its really important to talk about this not enough mixed ppl talk about these issues.

[@RosieeDolan]

Shes so adorable wtf. Choni foreverrr

[@riiriii3578]

OMG WHAT'S HER HAIR COLOR ? I WANT THE SAME HAIR 😍😍

[@cat12345763]

I'm not entirely sure but it looks like a wig, you might be able to find the name of a similar colour if you look for pink lacefront wigs!

[@makenzieeroseee650]

rose gold

[@pottedplant7343]

I love both shows

[@johanna44]

She's so cute xD

[@malibubarbi01]

Cheri❤️

[@abigailjoe1596]

Correction THE SHIP NAME IS Choni!

[@addy9185]

what?

[@addy9185]

Choni*!!

[@RobinOpheliaRose]

I love her as Lyria 😍

[@arianachavarria2900]

3:17 me trying to talk to literally anyone 💀

[@littlelambinparadise]

Vanessa is great at playing a WLW character. Bird, Toni, Lyria all perfect.

[@KinqOfArt101]

she is gorgeous

[@jimmyjenkins6212]

Can't wait to see Vanessa again on tv

[@matijaivanov915]

Can't wait to see Vanessa tell more than two sentence.

[@lukedaikitoo]

she is adorableeeeeeeeeee

[@UneOmbredeGeek]

Beautiful

[@itsyourgirltorres9858]

Is this ezmerelda from Linda lion elamentry school because I'm Jesse Mari's friend

[@kaylamoreno2647]

Spoiler alert this episode that just came out had Toni and Cheryl kiss

[@daraudobong7195]

Leilanee Reyes the fact that you put this spoiler so visibly on this comment section is disappointing

[@candacebro9178]

I absolutely love Vanessa Morgan.

[@shakynaespinoza4850]

I don't get why the people who were sending her death threats did that like it's literally just a show it's not real ok so people who were sending her death threats are crazy because they did that over a show that is just to entertain people like bruh PEOPLE WHO WHERE SENDING HER DEATH THREATS ARE JUST SUPPER CRAZY OVER SHOW LIKE GROW UP PPL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jillian7454]

I'm just a little worried that... You know... Toni's bisexuality won't be shown and only talked about. She's flirting with Jughead, but hasn't had any scenes yet with another woman. I get it's only a few episodes in, but this has happened before.

[@kdkritin4123]

Jillian Burkitt she said "I M way into girls anyway"

[@ethanl1225]

Jillian Burkitt just because she's bisexual, she doesn't need to have a female love interest to validate her sexuality. Sort yourself out

[@joedorben3504]

Why does it matter if it's shown? The writers decided to even add that aspect to her character as a way to add depth to the character and for representation. They didn't have to do it. LGBQ people are 3% of the population so Kevin being gay alone (sorta Moose too) would've been enough representation for them to avoid backlash for being "heteronormative" or whatever. I have nothing against gay people or representation but you act like they need to force something when it wouldnt make sense in context with the story, just to appease some irrational SJWs like yourself

[@GiannaAragona]

Isn't she bi or lesbian in the shannara chronicles?

[@MagnoliaPoppy]

Why are they saying "bugheead" instead of "jughead?" Copyright issues?

[@happysmiles4339]

So long as Toni doesn't break up any of the current couples, go girl!

[@CR-ce5lf]

Esmerelda Amaya shut up. How lame are you? ITS A SHOW, ITS FAKE

[@carmenjohansen9746]

well she did that :(

[@Megan.louise]

No she didnt.

[@Okay-xw1yk]

She didn’t break them up but she kissed Jug after Betty and him broke up

[@julianxiv3584]

jesus, christal, it's an opinion

[@ricojose187]

my fave vampire

[@jembrie1027]

This was actually so inspiring because me being a mixed kid I deal with racist stuff all the time so Vanessa speaking out is really amazing

[@faydelrosario2059]

Cheroni 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@caitlynlayne3185]

Choni❤❤

[@rubysheehy1746]

Choni 💗

[@niamhcullen265]

Hannah Montana reference😂😍

[@yanelidajimenez5179]

She is bisexual in real life?

[@sooyoungfanclub]

Why does the blonde look like betty's mom

[@SuperChiko]

Riverdale is a good TV show

[@reaganb6173]

I think you spelled pansexual wrong.

[@christinaholliman2239]

Is Vanessa actually bi in real life?

[@neko_doll5122]

I'm a hard shipper of bughead so I didn't like toni coming into the picture. haha I got a lot of feelings with tv shows ^^

[@sofiacaroscio4365]

Choni for life ♥️♥️

[@qt4evagirl]

So no one remembers her from Finding Carter??

[@derrickquintero1489]

That biracial part I can relate with her about being called light skinned lol and white kids stare with suspension but you know wht two people came together to have us. Our moms and dads and that says that their love is wht matters

[@ashleyzapata3159]

Omg I love u I’m a big fan of u my babysitter is a vampire (Sarah)

[@yuliacoleman6586]

I wanna be apart of riverdale :/ that would be a DREAM

[@kaiciek31]

Now, speaking of necessary representation, asexual Jughead???

[@NeneSims21]

true. as much as I ship bughead, I'm sad that they didn't make jug asexual... I mean asexual people can perfectly have romantic relationships with other asexual or non-asexual people so he could still be with betty, and the writers could still address his sexuality. I guess this is why I prefer non-sexual scenes between jug and betty over the sexual ones... (p.s. I never read the original comics bc I don't think they sold them in my country tho)