Nava Mau has rapidly emerged as a standout talent in television, earning recognition for her roles in HBO Max’s Generation and Netflix’s British dark drama Baby Reindeer. Her portrayal of Teri in Baby Reindeer not only captured audiences worldwide but also earned her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award, making her the first transgender woman to be nominated in the category for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. While Mau prefers to call herself an “advocate” rather than an activist, she embraces the responsibility that comes with visibility, using her platform to uplift trans communities while making waves in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Born in 1992, Nava Mau was raised between Mexico City and San Antonio, Texas, growing up in a bilingual and bicultural household. She often describes her early years as a time of self-exploration, though moving to the U.S. at age eight brought an unexpected culture shock. What had once been a supportive, accepting family environment suddenly gave way to societal pressures and bullying. The experience left a lasting impression, making her more aware of the rigid expectations surrounding identity.
Despite these challenges, Mau held onto a strong sense of self. However, like many young people struggling with identity, she faced internal battles. At 19, she took a medical leave from college to seek treatment for an eating disorder, a difficult but life-saving decision. That period of self-recovery deepened her understanding of self-acceptance, something she continues to advocate for today.
Finding Her Path in Film and Television
Initially, Mau set her sights on television writing and producing, which led her to Los Angeles. But the move didn’t go as planned. Without a strong support system, she struggled with depression and soon realized that she needed a change. She relocated to the Bay Area, where she found purpose working as a legal assistant for immigrant survivors of violence. Later, she became a peer counselor and advocate for LGBTQ+ survivors, work that significantly shaped her perspective and storytelling approach.
Her passion for film never faded. She took part in Peacock Rebellion’s Brouhaha, a comedy storytelling program for trans women of color, which reignited her love for performance. By 2019, she had written, directed, and starred in Waking Hour, a short film exploring themes of identity and self-discovery. The project gained recognition at film festivals worldwide and solidified her belief that storytelling could be both personal and powerful.
The Breakthrough Role: Baby Reindeer
After debuting in Generation, Mau faced an all-too-common reality for actors: a period of uncertainty and waiting. That changed when she was cast as Teri in Baby Reindeer, a psychological drama based on Richard Gadd’s one-man stage show. Though the series premiered with little fanfare, it quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched English-language shows, propelling Mau into the spotlight.
Her portrayal of Teri, a confident and self-assured transgender therapist who becomes Donny’s love interest, resonated deeply with audiences. For Mau, the role was transformative. “I feel like I unlocked a channel within me that is not afraid of who I am,” she shared.
The impact of the show extended beyond Mau’s own journey. Trans youth and audiences worldwide reached out to express how much her character meant to them. That emotional connection, combined with her groundbreaking Emmy nomination, solidified her place as a rising star in the industry.
Trans Representation in Hollywood
Despite her success, Mau remains acutely aware of Hollywood’s shortcomings when it comes to trans representation. A 2023-24 GLAAD report found that only 5.1% of primetime scripted television series featured trans characters. While some claim progress is being made, Mau believes there is still a long way to go.
“Trans people should be considered and invited to be a part of projects that do not revolve around a trans narrative,” she has said. “We’re so much more than our gender identity. It’s about seeing trans people as human and valuing us for our humanity.”
She has also spoken candidly about the industry’s fixation on trans individuals and their relationships. Reflecting on Baby Reindeer, she emphasized how rare it is to see a trans woman portrayed with tenderness and respect. “Donny’s love for Teri is in the form of awe, and I had never seen a trans woman represented quite in that way. It was what I needed to see, and what it did to heal my own wounds.”
What’s Next for Mau?
With her career on an upward trajectory, Mau is set to star in The Dregs, a comedic thriller about a group of friends whose trip to Tuscany takes a bizarre turn after encountering a cursed bottle of wine. She will also appear in the highly anticipated final season of Netflix’s You, playing Detective Marquez, a role that showrunners have described as the “emotional anchor” of a major narrative arc.
Beyond acting, Mau is dedicated to filmmaking. Her second short film, All The Words But The One, is set for release, further showcasing her range as a director. She was also recently named in the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough cohort, an initiative recognizing rising stars in film and television.
Merging Art with Advocacy
Though Mau doesn’t call herself an activist, her work in both film and advocacy intertwine naturally. She has spent years working on cultural change and political education, focusing on issues like legal assistance, peer counseling, and curriculum development. Her involvement in these areas directly informs her storytelling, ensuring that her work remains deeply rooted in authenticity.
Her time as a production fellow on Netflix’s Disclosure, a documentary about trans representation in media, was a turning point. Watching interviews with industry pioneers like Laverne Cox and Lilly Wachowski gave her the courage to believe in her own journey. “It encouraged me to dream bigger than I thought I could,” she reflected.
Final Thoughts
Nava Mau’s rise in the entertainment industry is not just a story of talent but also one of perseverance, resilience, and purpose. From overcoming personal struggles to breaking industry barriers, she continues to shape the conversation around trans representation in Hollywood. As she takes on new projects, one thing is clear—her impact is just beginning, and she’s carving out a space that ensures others can follow in her footsteps.
