The multi-talented actress made her Tribeca Film Festival debut this week!
At just six years old, Nicole Berger began modeling in New York City, and she hasn’t looked back since! Whether she’s gracing the big screen in films like The Place of No Words, or belting out showtunes onstage, Nicole is surely one to watch. In this exclusive interview, she tells us more about her life, inspirations, and so much more. Check it out!
Q: Your career began as a child model – how did you get started doing that?
A: I started off modeling at around age 6 and did print/online advertising for Saks Fifth Avenue, Toys R Us, IScream and Swarovski Elements. I participated in the Vogue Bambini Petite Parade as part of NYC Kids Fashion Week. Most importantly, I was cast as a young school girl by Spike Lee for one of his personal favorites, a public-service announcement against second-hand smoke in New York City buildings. I used child modeling to gain experience and confidence that have paid off as I moved on to acting and singing on stage or in front of the camera.
Q: When did you discover your love of acting and start auditioning for TV and film roles?
A: Soon after I began modeling, my manager encouraged me to start training in acting and dance. I began small group lessons in scene study and improvisation and increasing levels of ballet through pointe. I had to fit all of this in while balancing my school work and auditions. As soon as I was on stage with other actors, I realized that this was my true passion. I loved the challenges of conveying my character and interacting with others through a script and ad lib dialogue. By age ten, I was hooked.
Q: You also have a musical side. Can we expect any original music coming soon?
A: Yes, that is a possibility. I just was able to attend Coachella 2019 and loved the music festival. My favorite performers at the festival were Billie Eilish, Lizzo and Ariana Grande – all quite different but great entertainers. Whenever I am in New York, I try to see Broadway musicals, as I enjoy musical theater like Dear Evan Hansen. I love singing and have been working with several people to record some original songs, but right now, I am focusing on my acting. I see this as part of my future plans.
Q: Congrats on The Place of No Words premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival! Can you tell us a little more about the movie and your character?
A: The Place of No Words is a story of a young man who is dying of cancer and how his impending death affects his family, closest friends, and especially his young son, Bodhi. The film is seen and interpreted through the eyes of Bodhi and switches between the real world and Bodhi’s imagination.
I play the character of Esmeralda. In the real world, I am the daughter of one of their family’s closest friends, played by Phoebe Tonkin, and I often take care of Bodhi. He looks up to me and sees me as a source of love and comfort, who brings magic and playfulness into his life. In his imagination, I am the guardian angel, who guides Mark and Bodhi on their journey towards death – the place of no words – not in a sad or fearful way, but in a way that reminds us to cherish each moment we have with the ones we love, as we are just visiting here.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring young actors/musicians?
A: The most important advice that I can provide is to pursue your passion. Decide what makes you happy and what challenges you and then do everything you can to make this happen. While in school, finding the right balance between your artistic and academic interests is very important, especially to me, and I urge young actors and musicians to set priorities and go after them aggressively. Audition for everything you can. It is virtually impossible to predict when you will be cast for a role, but without dedication to your pursuits, you will never get there.
Current musical obsessions – Queen, Billie Eilish, The Cranberries, Ariana Grande.
Dream role – Zoe Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen, originally played by Laura Dreyfuss
Favorite food – Avocado toast with lemon and olive oil
Go-to NYC hangout – The Black Tap Downtown – great craft burgers and crazyshakes.
Biggest fangirl moments – I worked closely with Jennifer Beals in the movie, Ali’s Realm, and look up to her as a role model. She is an brilliant actress, writer and producer and a Yale graduate. I also spent time with Jennifer Hudson when she performed at a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute fundraising event in South Florida. She walked around the room and had everyone singing with her. When she got to our table, she said, pointing to me, “this girl can sing!” I thought I was going to faint! I love everything she stands for.
Favorite Quote – The following quote from poet, Maya Angelou, captures my personal views: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
