Joshua Rush, born Joshua Nisenson, began his acting career at a young age. By the tender age of eight, he had already landed roles in various television shows and films. From a recurring role as a young Sylar in the sci-fi series Heroes to appearances in shows like CSI: NY and Parenthood, Rush demonstrated a natural talent for portraying a wide range of characters.

His voice acting career took flight around the same time. He lent his voice to characters in popular animated series like Special Agent Oso and Family Guy. This versatility and early success paved the way for his involvement in a project that would become a defining part of his filmography: Star vs. the Forces of Evil.

Crash Landing on Mewni: Introducing Jeremy Birnbaum

Star vs. the Forces of Evil, created by Daron Nefcy, premiered on Disney XD in 2015. The show follows the adventures of Star Butterfly, a rebellious princess from the magical dimension of Mewni, who is sent to Earth as part of her interdimensional princess training. There, she befriends Marco Diaz, a normal human boy who becomes her guide and confidante through the chaos and hilarity of their intergalactic escapades.

Joshua Rush entered the world of Mewni by voicing Jeremy Birnbaum, a quirky and intelligent classmate of Star and Marco. Jeremy, initially introduced as a supporting character, quickly became a fan favorite with his deadpan humor, intellectual pursuits, and unexpected moments of heroism.

The Interdimensional Intrigue of Jeremy

Jeremy's role in Star vs. the Forces of Evil evolved throughout the series. Initially portrayed as a studious and somewhat awkward boy, he gradually developed more confidence and even displayed a surprising aptitude for magic. This unexpected talent was revealed when he managed to activate a powerful wand left behind by Star's ancestors.

Jeremy's fascination with the mysteries of Mewni and his willingness to help Star and Marco on their adventures added a unique dimension to the show's dynamic. He wasn't just the "straight man" to Star's wild antics; he was a curious and resourceful friend who played a crucial role in their interdimensional escapades.

Beyond Mewni: Joshua Rush's Voice Acting Galaxy

While Star vs. the Forces of Evil cemented Joshua Rush's place in the animation voice acting world, his talents extended far beyond the realm of Mewni. During his time on the show, he continued to showcase his versatility by voicing characters in other popular animated series.

One of his most notable roles was Bunga, the energetic honey badger from Disney's The Lion Guard, a spin-off of the beloved Lion King franchise. Bunga's playful and enthusiastic personality contrasted sharply with Jeremy's dry wit, demonstrating Rush's ability to embody a wide range of vocal characteristics.

He also lent his voice to Toby in DreamWorks Animation's The Adventures of Puss in Boots, a series based on the swashbuckling feline character from the Shrek films. Toby, Puss's loyal and tech-savvy sidekick, showcased Rush's knack for bringing comedic timing and heart to animated characters.

From Quirky Classmate to LGBTQ+ Icon: The Legacy of Jeremy

Jeremy Birnbaum's significance in Star vs. the Forces of Evil goes beyond his humor and magical potential. In later seasons, the show subtly hinted at Jeremy's attraction to Marco Diaz. While never explicitly stated, these hints resonated with a significant portion of the show's audience, particularly LGBTQ+ viewers who saw themselves reflected in Jeremy's character.

The creators of Star vs. the Forces of Evil later confirmed Jeremy's feelings for Marco, solidifying his place as a significant figure in LGBTQ+ representation within children's animation. This subtle yet meaningful portrayal reson resonated with a significant portion of the show's audience, particularly LGBTQ+ viewers who saw themselves reflected in Jeremy's character. The creators of Star vs. the Forces of Evil later confirmed Jeremy's feelings for Marco, solidifying his place as a significant figure in LGBTQ+ representation within children's animation. This subtle yet meaningful portrayal resonated for several reasons:

• Normalization of Same-Sex Attraction:  By portraying Jeremy's feelings for Marco in a genuine and non-stereotypical way, the show normalized the concept of same-sex attraction for a young audience. It presented a character who grappled with his feelings without resorting to clichés or comedic fodder.
• Importance of Allyship:  Despite his feelings for Marco, Jeremy remained a supportive and loyal friend. He never pressured Marco or made his feelings a burden. This portrayal highlighted the importance of allyship within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
• Respectful Representation: The creators' decision to confirm Jeremy's identity after the series' conclusion demonstrated respect for the audience's interpretation and avoided the pitfall of queerbaiting. This validation was crucial for viewers who identified with Jeremy's character.

Jeremy's legacy extends beyond the realm of LGBTQ+ representation. He remains a beloved character for his humor, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty.  His willingness to embrace the bizarre and the magical alongside Star and Marco resonated with viewers who appreciated his blend of normalcy and open-mindedness.

The Enduring Power of Star vs. the Forces of Evil

Star vs. the Forces of Evil concluded its four-season run in 2019. However, the show's influence continues to be felt within the animation industry. The series' blend of humor, action, and emotional storytelling paved the way for a new wave of serialized cartoons aimed at young audiences.

The show's commitment to inclusivity, particularly with its portrayal of Jeremy Birnbaum, also left a lasting impact. Star vs. the Forces of Evil helped to normalize LGBTQ+ representation in animation, opening doors for more diverse characters and storylines in future shows.

For Joshua Rush, Star vs. the Forces of Evil proved to be a pivotal project in his career. It allowed him to showcase his voice acting talents to a wider audience and establish himself as a rising star in the animation industry.  His portrayal of Jeremy Birnbaum continues to be celebrated for its humor, relatability, and contribution to LGBTQ+ representation in children's television.

In conclusion, Joshua Rush's journey as the voice of Jeremy Birnbaum in Star vs. the Forces of Evil is a testament to the power of voice acting and animation. It's a story that transcends the realm of cartoons, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, representation, and the enduring magic of finding your voice.