Vanessa Morgan Reflects on Riverdale’s End, Toni Topaz’s Legacy, and Embracing New Beginnings

As The CW’s long-running hit series Riverdale prepares to bid farewell after an eventful seven-season run, fans and cast members alike are grappling with the impending conclusion. Among them is star Vanessa Morgan, who has captivated audiences for years as the fierce and beloved Toni Topaz. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Morgan candidly opened up about her emotions surrounding the show’s end, her hopes for Toni’s character arc, and her exciting plans for life beyond the Archieverse, including a deeply personal advocacy campaign.

Vanessa Morgan’s portrayal of Toni Topaz has taken viewers on a tumultuous journey through the highs and lows of Riverdale. From her introduction as a formidable Southside Serpent to her evolving relationships, particularly with Cheryl Blossom, and her eventual role as a mother, Toni has undergone significant transformation. As the series approaches its finale, Morgan expressed a strong desire for her character to find a sense of “justice” that resonates with Toni’s origins. “I want to go back to where we started,” Morgan passionately told HollywoodLife. “I think that would give my character the most justice. For the Serpent members, for Toni and for Cheryl Blossom.” This sentiment highlights a common desire among fans to see characters return to their core identities, especially after a period of intense narrative shifts, providing a satisfying and earned conclusion to their stories.

The journey with Toni Topaz has been a profound six-year experience for Vanessa Morgan, making the show’s impending end a truly “bittersweet” moment. “I feel like that chapter in my life is closing, but it’s been a long time — six years — and I’m ready for something new,” she shared, acknowledging the natural progression of her career and personal life. Yet, the emotional bond with her character runs deep. “But, I love Toni as though she’s myself. She’s an alter ego. So, I know I’m just going to be bawling my eyes out when it’s actually coming close to the end.” To honor the indelible mark Toni Topaz has left on her life, Vanessa plans a permanent tribute: a commemorative tattoo. “I would probably get a snake if I’m being honest!” she revealed to HL. “A snake for the Serpents.” This symbolic gesture not only celebrates Toni’s strong ties to the Southside Serpents but also signifies the enduring legacy of a character who championed loyalty, strength, and unwavering spirit.

The penultimate sixth season of Riverdale took a significant narrative detour, embracing supernatural elements and alternate realities that diverged considerably from the show’s traditional mystery and drama roots. The season saw the beloved Archieverse characters immersed in a world of superpowers, parallel dimensions, and a looming comet threatening to destroy their town. The dramatic season 6 finale saw a fantastical resolution where Veronica (Camila Mendes) orchestrated a daring plan to absorb the collective powers of her friends through a blood transfer. These powers were then transferred to Cheryl (Madelaine Petsch) via a kiss, amplifying her already existing phoenix abilities. Armed with this immense power, Cheryl managed to melt the comet, effectively reversing time and resetting their reality. However, this act of heroism came with a shocking twist: Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) wakes up in the 1950s, a bewildered Jughead Jones (Cole Sprouse) reveals that Cheryl’s heroic feat indeed saved Riverdale, but at the cost of transporting the entire gang back to Riverdale High School in the year 1955. This unprecedented shift has set the stage for a seventh and final season that promises to be unlike any other.

With such a radical shift in setting and premise, the creative challenge for Riverdale‘s writers is immense. Vanessa Morgan admitted that she “doesn’t know how they’re going to tie things together for the finale.” The complex supernatural storylines of Season 6, culminating in the 1950s reset, have left many questions unanswered. “There’s so many things going on. There’s just so much that was so big,” Morgan mused, reflecting on the scale of recent plot developments. Despite the intricate web of narratives, she remains optimistic about the ultimate outcome. “But I have a feeling things will end in a very beautiful way.” Morgan believes the extended hiatus before filming the final season is a deliberate strategy by the show’s creative team. “That’s why our hiatus is so long right now we have a break. I think the writers are just going to really tune into giving our characters justice and how they want to wrap up such a big show.” This period allows the writers to meticulously craft a conclusion that honors the characters, their journeys, and the show’s unique history, ensuring a satisfying resolution for its dedicated fanbase who have followed the gang through mysteries, musical numbers, and now, time travel.

Beyond her iconic role on Riverdale, Vanessa Morgan is using her platform to champion an important cause. She partnered with Gold Bond to launch their inspiring #MyScarStory campaign, an initiative designed to encourage individuals globally to embrace their authentic skin and the unique stories etched onto it through scars. Morgan shared her personal connection to the campaign, revealing, “I had an emergency C-section, so I have a scar from that.” This experience profoundly shaped her perspective on body image and self-acceptance. Speaking to HL, the proud mom of 1-year-old River Kopech recounted her initial feelings. “At first, I was a little bit embarrassed of my scar when I saw it.” However, her mindset quickly shifted: “But then when I took off the bandages I was like, ‘I should be proud of this scar. I brought a human Earth side!’” This powerful realization underscores the campaign’s core message: scars are not imperfections to be hidden, but rather badges of honor, testaments to life’s journey, resilience, and strength. Morgan’s openness about her C-section scar serves as a beacon for many, fostering a community where real bodies and their authentic narratives are celebrated, promoting a much-needed dialogue around body positivity and self-love in an often-filtered world.

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To further symbolize her embrace of her scar and the powerful #MyScarStory message, Vanessa chose to get a commemorative tattoo. This new ink not only celebrates her personal journey but also highlights the importance of skin health during the healing process. Following her tattoo, she diligently used Gold Bond Advanced Healing Ointment to protect her skin and maintain essential moisture, ensuring optimal recovery. Once the tattoo had fully healed, Morgan transitioned to applying Gold Bond Pure Moisture Daily Body & Face Lotion and Gold Bond Healing Lotion, integrating these products into her regular skincare routine to nourish and soothe her skin. This practical application reinforces her commitment to the campaign’s message, showcasing how one can honor their body’s stories while also providing it with the care and attention it deserves. As Vanessa Morgan closes one significant chapter with Riverdale, she opens another, advocating for self-acceptance and celebrating the beauty in every unique life story, both on and off screen.