The Bold and the Beautiful added authenticity to Maya’s transgender story by adding recurring cast member Scott Turner Schofield, a transgender man, to the program as Nick, who is also transgender. Nick supported Maya and officiated at her and Rick’s wedding. Now, the actor is a Daytime Emmy nominee in the category of Outstanding Guest Performer in a Digital Drama Series for his role as Max in Studio City.
Exclusive Interview — Scott Turner Schofield
Soap Hub chatted with Schofield about his nomination for Studio City, the Amazon Prime series that stars Sean Kanan (ex-Deacon) as Sam Stevens, a daytime actor on the soap Hearts on Fire, who is at a crossroads in life. Schofield also talks about his time at BB, and the strides he feels the trans community has made in daytime programming.
Soap Hub: Congratulations on your nomination! Where were you when you found out?
Scott Turner Schofield: I was at home with my wife. It was totally unexpected, but a great happy moment.
How did your involvement with Studio City come about?
I met Sean on BB back in 2015 when I was working on the show. He’s kept this sort of big brotherly eye out for me. He put me in his book Success Factor X. He’s a true ally and is aware of my story. He kept me in mind when he was putting Studio City together.
What’s Max’s story?
Inside the soap, Hearts on Fire, Max is Dr. Brantley and he and Sean play doctors on the soap. They each have their own issues with the show. Sean and [his wife] Michele asked me if I wanted to tell a trans storyline in Studio City and I said, ‘Yes, of course.’
What did you think of BB’s transgender story that culminated in Rick (Jacob Young) realizing he loved Maya (Karla Mosley)?
I was so delighted that they did the story and that it was told the way it was told. Like Rick, my wife married someone and it didn’t matter what sex was assigned at birth. With Rick, it didn’t change who he fell in love with. Maya living her truth was what he loved. That’s why he stayed with her.
The fact that she went through a journey made him love her more. Television teaches – that’s why it’s important to do stories of trans people today. Showing people in loving relationships is what helps people see and understand.
Which episode did you submit for the nomination?
Episode 3 is almost my entire monologue. Max goes in-depth with the struggle he’s gone through at a support group for transgender people. It’s modeled on all support groups where everyone goes around and shares.
What are you hoping your nomination means to other trans men?
It was a surprise to me to learn I’m the first trans man who’s been nominated for an Emmy — Daytime or Primetime. It shows that progress is being made. If the spotlight of this nomination can highlight my career, for sure, I’m excited about that. But I want it to highlight all of the other trans men who are working on TV.
What’s coming up next for you?
I have a film that is looking for distribution. It’s called Becoming a Man in 127 EASY Steps. It’s my one-man show. We turned it into a special. We have some final polishing to do and we’ve been getting great feedback.
There’s a two-hour Daytime Emmy telecast set for Friday, June 26 on CBS at 8 p.m. Do you know when your category will be announced?
I haven’t heard. It’s a cliché to say it’s an honor just to be nominated but that really is the truth. I’m reveling in this moment. I’m proud of myself for working this hard and for the performance to be recognized. This is the cake.
Studio City is available now on Amazon Prime. The Bold and the Beautiful (BB) airs weekdays on CBS. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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