Alexia Garcia Talks Bringing Trans Representation to the Nash Bridges Franchise

Nash Bridges made an epic return to TV this year with a brand new film, streaming now on USA Network, and with it, a modern, brand-new, and inclusive characters have joined longtime fan-favorites Nash Bridges (Don Johnson) and Joe Dominguez (Cheech Marin) --including Pose alum Alexia Garcia, who plays badass, no-nonsense detective Chloe Zane!

Out got the chance to chat with Garcia, and we talked about bringing trans representation to a classic TV franchise, what it was like working alongside some TV legends, the future of LGBTQ+ representation in media, and more!

Out: Take us behind the genesis of your involvement with the Nash Bridges revival! How did you become aware of the project, and what made you want to sign on?

Alexia Garcia: I heard whispers about there being a reboot in the media. I always wanted to play a character like Chloe, so when my agent got me an audition I jumped at the opportunity. I read the breakdown of the role and I wasn't sure if I would fit the description, but she seemed like a great character to play so my intention was to just have fun with her!

Nash Bridges is a classic, beloved TV series. What was it like to be a part of the revival?

It was an exhilarating experience! I got to ride with Don and Cheech in the 'Cuda, that was such a blast! When I was wrapped that day, I was definitely on a high. And Don drives fast so it could have been the adrenaline coursing through me too. The synastry on set was electric.

And how excited were you to get to work with Don Johnson and Cheech Marin?

I was beyond excited! I have a cool, laid-back demeanor on the surface, but inside I was bubbling with excitement. These guys are Hollywood legends, so the fact that I got to work with both of them is an honor for me. They have amazing careers so I'm very humbled and grateful for the opportunity. Don also gave me tips from time to time. The scenes are shot in a way that are much quicker than anything I have filmed before. So it was not only fun, but also a learning experience for me. It's helped me as an actor.

Tell us more about your character, Chloe Zane? Were you excited to bring trans representation to a beloved and classic media franchise?

Chloe Zane is a bold, fearless, and tech-savvy SIU detective. She's pretty badass! I think it was wonderful that they created a trans character. I love to see trans representation in the media. San Francisco has a huge LGBTQ+ community, so it's only right for that to be reflected in the story somehow and it was incorporated in such a progressive way. She is definitely an asset to the team.

How cool was it knowing that the Nash Bridges writers and crew and producers wanted to bring representation to the franchise?

It was more than cool. I believe it's beautiful that they created a character that is trans but does not focus heavily on her trans identity. To me, Chloe can be described with many labels and trans just happens to be one of them. I think in that sense it humanizes trans individuals to people who may not be familiar with us. Bill Chaise, the writer, was open with discussing the character with me and willing to hear my input as a trans woman and extremely careful to avoid making her into a stereotype or being offensive to my community. The director, Greg Beeman, also made me feel like I could speak up about anything in regards to my character. I love and appreciate that so much!

And did you feel any kind of pressure when it came to playing a new character like Chloe, especially knowing how loyal the Nash Bridges fanbase is?

There was some pressure playing her because she is part of the new blood in SIU. I am anxious to see how people will receive her. I think it's always a bit of a challenge to introduce a new character to an already established franchise, but it's definitely heightened when the character might be something that the fanbase may not have experienced before. Trans representation in the '80s and '90s was not at all what it is today. I just hope they love her as much as I do!

What do you want to see more of when it comes to the future of LGBTQ+ storytelling? And are you hopeful for the future of representation and inclusion in mainstream media?

I would like to see stories where trans people are simply just people. I think it's needed to have stories about coming out and transitioning, highlighting the challenges we face in the process because it rings true, and we have seen that as viewers already. But we don't always have to be victimized in the media. We should also see stories showing what happens after the hurdle of transitioning is done, because life keeps moving forward. I think trans people are powerful, resilient, and lead colorful lives. I'd like to see more of that. And I'd especially like to see trans-identified characters accepted and embraced by the other characters with simplicity. I think this revival does just that. So I'm extremely hopeful of the direction we are headed in.

Nash Bridges is available to stream on USA Network's website.

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