Former Nickelodeon star Avan Jogia has made a startling revelation about his time on the hit series Victorious, claiming he was nearly fired during the show's first season. The actor, now 34 and starring in the new Amazon Prime series 56 Days, opened up about this career-threatening experience during a recent episode of The Zach Song Show.
Struggles with Comedy Rhythm and Performance
Jogia, who played teenage heartthrob Oliver Beck on Victorious, explained that his difficulties stemmed from adapting to the fast-paced working environment of a multi-camera comedy series. "For just not being good," he bluntly stated when asked why he faced potential dismissal.
The actor recalled specific criticisms he received, including trouble with "hitting his mark" and delivering lines with the required energy. "That old Hollywood thing, 'Like yeah kid, you better pick up your lines,'" he remembered hearing from producers.
Transition from Drama to Comedy
Jogia attributed much of his early struggle to his background in dramatic acting before joining Victorious. "I'd come from doing drama," he explained, referring to his film and television work prior to the Nickelodeon series. "I just didn't understand the rhythm of the medium of multi-camera."
He described his initial approach as overly internal, which clashed with the demands of the comedy format. "I'm in here doing all this internal work. And they're like, 'You gotta pick it up man. Louder and funnier,'" Jogia recounted.
Valuable Lessons and Lasting Impact
Despite these early challenges, Jogia emphasized that his four years on Victorious taught him crucial lessons about the entertainment industry. "I did learn valuable lessons on that show about the medium that you're in," he said. "And like, I've taken that into my life. Know what thing you're in, know the show that you're in."
He characterized his time on the series as "a very fertile and vital time of your life" and expressed ongoing support for his former castmates. Jogia specifically mentioned Leon Thomas, who recently won two Grammy awards, saying: "We're so proud, it's so heartwarming. This is a man who's like genuinely a musical genius. He's just amazing. He's that talented."
Complex Relationship with Nickelodeon Legacy
While Jogia maintains positive feelings about the show itself, he has previously expressed ambivalence about his Nickelodeon experience. In a 2023 interview with Teen Vogue, he noted: "It's hard to know what you're signing up for and how it's gonna shape you and the world around you."
He added: "I don't look back on [Nickelodeon] fondly. But I do think it's interesting to see just what it means to people. It's touching, but also it's out of your control."
Victorious aired from 2010 to 2013, following Tori Vega (played by Victoria Justice) and her friends at Hollywood Arts High School. The ensemble cast included Ariana Grande, Elizabeth Gilles, Daniella Monet, and Matt Bennett alongside Jogia and Justice.
Jogia's candid revelation provides a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by young actors transitioning to major television roles, highlighting both the pressures of network television production and the lasting impact of early career experiences.
