I Asked DANIEL CURTIS LEE About Being A Token Disney/Nick Actor | The Tokens Podcast

In this wide-ranging conversation, Daniel Curtis Lee (Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Zeke & Luther) opens up about his journey from a child star on Nickelodeon and Disney to a working actor in Hollywood. We dive into the behind-the-scenes stories of his most iconic roles, including his time as Cookie, Kojo, and his work producing the Ned's Declassified podcast. Daniel also shares insights on his transition into music and directing, offering a unique perspective on the entertainment industry.
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Giovonnie and Daniel dive into the unique world of child stardom, exploring the triumphs and tribulations of growing up in the Hollywood spotlight. In a career-spanning conversation, they'll discuss Daniel's unforgettable roles, including his iconic time as "Cookie" on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide and his turn as Kojo on *Zeke & Luther*. What was it like giving all that advice to your peers on screen, and how does it feel to have fans still quoting your lines decades later?

This episode goes beyond the nostalgia, aligning with *The Tokens Podcast* mission. Daniel and Giovonnie will discuss what it was like to be a young actor of color in the industry, navigating the pressures, expectations, and microaggressions. Daniel opens up about transitioning from acting to his new chapter as a rapper and producer, including his work on his music and his role as a co-host on the *Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide*.

Join us for an empowering dialogue that celebrates two beloved stars, and unpacks the real-life experiences behind the on-screen magic. Whether you're a fan of *Ned's Declassified*, *Zeke & Luther*, or just love a good story, this episode is a deep dive into legacy, identity, and the power of finding your own voice.
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Welcome to The Tokens, where Giovonnie Samuels (All That, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody) unpacks the unique experience of being "the only one" in Hollywood. Through intimate, fun conversations, she explores the triumphs and challenges of tokenism in entertainment—across race, gender, and identity. Join Giovonnie for honest, empowering dialogue that sparks change. Subscribe for untold stories and fresh perspectives!

Connect with The Tokens Podcast:
   • The Tokens Podcast With Giovonnie Samuels  
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
https://open.spotify.com/show/1KUedKb...
  / thetokenspod  
  / thetokenspod  
  / thetokenspod  
https://x.com/the_tokenspod
Connect with Daniel:   / daniel_curtis_lee  
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Chapters
00:00 Today's Guest
00:42 Welcome
01:36 Nothing But Love Between Gio and Dan
02:50 Daniel's Mississippi Origin Story
03:46 The First Step Into Hollywood
05:25 The First Audition
06:22 The "Ned's" Audition
10:13 Checking The Writers on Authentic Representation
13:42 "Quiet On Set"
14:42 The Line Between Inclusion and Creativity
15:50 Daniel's Experience as the "Token"
19:50 Daniel's Bad Experience with Hair & Makeup
21:35 SPONSOR: Ultimate-Wireless.com
23:00 Daniel's Bad Experience on the TV Lot
27:03 "It's A Hard Space To Occupy..."
27:53 "Ned's Declassified" vs. "Zeke & Luther"
29:01 Giving Daniel his Flowers
30:47 Daniel's Favorite Fan Moments
33:37 What Daniel Did After "Zeke & Luther"
37:11 Acting vs. Directing
38:54 The "Ned's Declassified" Podcast
40:46 The "Ned's" Reboot?
41:29 "Ned's" Wasn't a Dan Schneider Show But...
42:33 "Ned's" Podcast Focusing on the Good Times
43:01 Growing From a Child Star to an Adult
45:13 "As a Black Man in America..."
46:58 What Daniel Loves About His Fans
47:12 Daniel's New Podcast
47:46 The Part About Giovonnie's Lips