'Party of Five' star Emily Tosta says her experience with legal issues helped her tell an 'authentic story'

Similar to her life on-screen, Emily has had her share of experience with legal issues in a foreign country in real life as well, having been born and raised in the Dominican Republic
Emily Tosta (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Emily Tosta (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

The reboot of Fox's hit series 'Party of Five' is all set to premiere on Freeform on January 8. The upcoming family drama has set a lot of expectations among fans, owing to the reputation of the original series.

The official trailer has already introduced us to the Acosta siblings, and we can't wait to watch in what ways the latest version of ‘Party of Five’ is going to enthrall us. 

Ahead of the series premiere, 21-year-old Emily Tosta, who essays Lucia Acosta on 'Party of Five', met with MEA Worldwide (MEAWW) for an exclusive interview. In conversation with us, the young actress discussed her upbringing and its influence on her character in the show. 

In the series, Emily's character is born to Mexican parents, who seek refuge in the US as immigrants. Similar to her life on-screen, Emily has had her share of experience with legal issues in a foreign country in real life as well, having been born and raised in the Dominican Republic.

"We came out here with obviously English not being our first language whatsoever, and obviously the whole legal situation and the struggles and all of that. Stuff that happened with my mom and me definitely helped me bring a lot of realism to my character, she shares.

She adds that she knows what it feels like to go through legal battles, which helped her bring it into her character. "I think it helps me create a more authentic story that we can tell people."

Emily is thrilled about being able to tell stories that deserve to be heard. Calling the experience "incredible", Emily says, "I wish that I could see more characters like these on-screen because I wish that I could see myself on screen more while I was growing up."

'Party of Five' reboot series has come to be known for its portrayal of diversity through the lives of the characters. Emily feels this aspect plays an important role in bringing awareness to people.

"I feel like as long as we can shine a light and bring understanding into a subject, we did our part, as long as we can portray that realism and we're humanizing a political issue, which is something that's so important to all of us," she shares.



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Oklahoma’s governor and Dwight’s love interest board a private jet in the first episode of Season 4
2026-10-16T09:30:07.000Z
'Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 23 Episode 1, titled 'Collide,' featured several surprises
2026-10-16T09:16:04.000Z
'Crystal Lake,' which serves as a prequel to 'Friday the 13th,' stars Linda Cardellini as Pamela
2026-10-16T07:12:15.000Z
Detective Vincent Riley was introduced during the 'Law & Order' Season 23 premiere
2026-10-16T05:35:28.000Z
The latest episodes uncover surprising family connection that could change everything for Constance
2026-10-16T05:25:45.000Z
Amazon's upcoming horror thriller 'Stillwater' will star Ben Hardy as Daniel West, whose arrival in the town sets the story in motion
2026-10-16T04:34:59.000Z
The album includes tracks such as ‘Guile’s Theme,’ ‘Hadoken!’ and ‘KEN VS RYU,’ plus a Dhalsim’s Cave Rave remix
2026-10-16T03:55:25.000Z
The fan-favorite show returned for Season 4 on October 15, with all episodes released simultaneously on Netflix
2026-10-16T03:24:12.000Z
The 'Victorious' spinoff 'Hollywood Arts' brings Daniella Monet back as Trina Vega, who returns to guide a new generation of aspiring artists
2026-10-16T02:55:26.000Z
The Basgiath War College adaptation has named the actors who will bond with Tairn and Sgaeyl
2026-10-16T01:54:00.000Z