2025 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Things to Know About Trailblazing Actress Karla Mosley
Actress Karla Cheatham Mosley, star of CBS’ newest Black daytime soap opera “Beyond the Gates,” is no stranger to the spotlight. At the 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards, she took the stage as a presenter, honoring the achievements of Black excellence in entertainment.
With a career spanning over two decades, Mosley has appeared in several projects across television, film, and theater, proving her versatility as an actress, singer, and advocate.
Many fans know her from her groundbreaking role as Maya Avant on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” where she made history by becoming the first transgender bride to be married on daytime television. But her influence goes beyond daytime TV. She’s been a familiar face on beloved series like Guiding Light, General Hospital, and The Young and the Restless, and she starred on PBS Kids’ Hi-5 early in her career.
Whether she’s delivering powerful performances on screen, making strides in entertainment, or presenting at one of Hollywood’s biggest nights, Mosley’s career proves that talent and purpose go hand in hand. Here are five things you should know about this multi-talented star.
She’s a talented singer and performer
Mosley isn’t just an actress—she’s a gifted vocalist and performer. After graduating with honors from NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, receiving a BFA in drama, she trained in France at the Roy Hart Vocal Institute. The star has showcased her vocal talents on multiple platforms, including musical theater and special TV performances.
She got her start in children’s TV
In 2003, while still in college, Mosley joined the American counterpart of the Australian children's TV show “Hi-5,” where she became the youngest member of the group. Her segment was called “Body Move,” where she led viewers in stretching, exercising, and funny dancing. She was usually the transitional member of the group, performing her skits in between other cast members' acts. She also provided the voice of Chatterbox on the show.
She’s a soap opera star with an extensive resume
Before “Beyond the Gates,” Mosley was a soap opera staple, starring as Christina Moore on “Guiding Light.” She also had recurring roles on “General Hospital” and “The Young and the Restless,” showcasing her versatility and staying power in the industry. Still, she’s arguably best known for her groundbreaking role as Maya Avant on “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
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She made history on “The Bold and the Beautiful”
Mosley broke barriers when she portrayed Maya Avant on CBS’s “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Her character made history as the first regular transgender character to tie the knot on a daytime soap opera, bringing much-needed visibility and representation to daytime television. Her performance earned her 3 GLAAD Awards.
She’s an advocate for social causes
Beyond her work in entertainment, Mosley is deeply involved in advocacy and philanthropy. She sits on the board of Covenant House, the largest privately funded agency in the Americas, which provides shelter and services to homeless, runaway, and throwaway youth. She is also a celebrity ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association and is active in various other charities.
