Nichola Fynn | Actress & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nichola Fynn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nichola, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I hope I can say I am successful. I am just so grateful I have been able to work in jobs I love. I adore acting and entertaining so much. Comedy found me I always thought I would be a dramatic actress after admiring Kate Winslet in the blockbuster film ‘Titanic’. I seemed to play more comedic roles more then anything and I luckily found I had a good response. But in saying that I have also had the chance to play dramatic roles so am glad I have had a the chance to play a mixture of Comedy and Drama. As you can’t always pick auditions or roles they just seem to come to you. Personally I think as an entertainer you are constantly thinking about how successful you are. However, I try not to focus on that too much. If I can be considered a working actress and doing jobs I can be proud of then that will make me happy. I have been lucky enough in my career so far to have people believe in me but most importantly I also believe in myself. This is a really hard business to be in and it has been a constant up hill climb. But the only way I have survived so far is to believe in myself more and that I also have support from my family and a few close friends. Both factors have definitely been a huge part of my success. As a ‘brand‘ I feel that can sometimes be a very limiting word. I have heard many times and been asked ‘What is your ‘Brand?’ and I just say ‘I am me’. As an actress I personally feel we can play many different characters and roles. I cannot wait to play as many roles as I possibly can.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I watch films and TV Shows a lot. It’s a big part of my life so the fact that I am an actress I guess is no surprise as if I’m not on set, I am watching the screen. When I was a kid being among the arts seem to feel more comfortable to me then any other subject. I attended acting classes, private piano lessons, dance classes after school or on weekends. I would feel so happy. I was a very shy kid until I was put in the spotlight and then something magical always used to happen and I had all this confidence all of a sudden from no where. I never felt comfortable in maths or science class those subjects never came naturally to me and I would struggle. Once I got an education I auditioned and got into a prestigious Stage School in London called ‘Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. After 3 years I graduated with a ‘Performing Arts Diploma’. So thankful I studied there. It was like being in the TV show ‘Fame’ haha people dancing, singing and acting everywhere and in every room of the school. I knew acting was going to be my full focus but I also had singing and dancing skills incase I ever needed them for a role in the future. After graduating I wanted to keep my skills up and I had private Acting coaching from Zoe Nathenson. My first ever job was a ‘Stand-in/Body double’ for one of the lead actresses in a horror feature film. I learnt so much in 6 weeks. Those memories and skills I learnt on set, certainly set me up for my career. I filmed small featured roles on TV Shows for the BBC and also some extra roles on huge big budget blockbusters like ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger tides’. These were all super exciting and super fun to film. Although England was great and it was my home I was feeling I needed to broaden my horizons. If I was going to say ‘I’m an actress’ and dream big surely I need to try out ‘Hollywood’ aswell. Haha very cliche right! It was a struggle and many highs and lows but it was the best decision of my life. America welcomed me with open arms- Thank you! and I haven’t looked back since. I have had much bigger roles here then in England and I am so grateful I made the big move. I have been on a very successful Sitcom as ‘New Joy’ in CBS TV Show ‘Hot in Cleveland’ Starring legendary Betty White, Wendie Malick, Jane Leeves and Valerie Bertinelli. We filmed in front of a Live studio audience at CBS Radford. ‘April’ in Amazon’s TV show Transparent filmed at Paramount Studios, ‘Beth’ in Feature film ‘Altered Perception’ , ‘Elsie Janis’ in the feature film ‘Why Choose Love Love? A Mary Pickford Manifesto‘ . I recently this year did a Voiceover for ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ as a ‘News Anchor’. I have worked so hard mentally and physically to keep going. The rejection is hard and it never gets any easier. I have had to grow a thick skin. I have auditioned for huge projects and roles that I didn’t get and have been hugely disappointed. But somehow I still pick myself up, go to that next audition and then suddenly managed to book a great role and worked with incredible people. You just never know when that ‘Good day’ will come but it always does.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have been LA’s tourist guide for many family members and friends. It has been such a joy! I am a huge Disney Geek! As a family we grew up visiting Walt Disney World parks in Orlando, Florida twice a year for years and years. So of course I have to take them to Disneyland and California Adventures parks over here. It is my happy place!!! Also I love Universal Studios that another great day out! I always have to take them to LA’s beaches of course! Santa Monica and Malibu. I love taking them and showing them around those areas hang out at the beaches and drive along the coastline. Bubba Gump’s restaurant at Santa Monica beach is a fun spot. We are fan’s of ‘Forrest Gump’ film and also its great to look out onto the beach. Also a Walk along the Santa Monica Pier! Duke’s in Malibu to have a few drinks by the beach. Malibu wines is also a nice spot to visit! Beverly Hills is a great hot spot too! I have to take them to the famous hotels The Beverly Wilshire Hotel and the Beverly Hills Hotel for drinks or lunch at The Polo Lounge. In West Hollywood, I adore the Sunset Blvd area. I like to take them to the Chateau Marmont for Lunch or dinner. Stunning place you feel like you are in a magical castle. I like the atmosphere there. Also Skybar afterwards at The Mondrian Hotel. On Hollywood Blvd I have to show the Kodak Theatre where the Oscars are held -always a very exciting moment! The Grove and Farmers market is always a fun place to go and hang out. There’s a great atmosphere there aswell!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out to my family! Especially my parents. I couldn’t have possibly done anything in my life without my Mum and Dad’s full support. No one in my family is in the entertainment business so for them to believe in me and help me to fulfill my dreams has been a huge blessing in my life! I also need to shout out to one of my best friends Natasha Manu. She is also an actress and she understands more then anyone what I am constantly going through. She encourages and inspires me. This isn’t an easy career path to understand because of the constant rejection and so without my parents and Natasha’s support I’m not sure I would still have carried on. They keep me grounded, thankful and keep motivating me to carry on! Thank you so much for everything!