Nikki Blonsky is a movie star, but it seems like she hasn’t been told yet.
The talented “Hairspray” star, who turns 19 next week, is one of the most unassuming and friendly actresses I’ve ever encountered on a red carpet and her talent should take her far in films.
But to go from unknown high school student to singing and dancing on the big screen opposite the likes of John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken is enough to make anybody’s head spin.
“It’s really interesting to me,” Nikki told me when we chatted at last week’s Hollywood Film Festival. “I feel like I’m just kind of watching myself do it from across the street. It’s a very surreal experience but, it’s wonderful.”
She was working at a Cold Stone Creamery store when she learned that she had been cast as Tracy and her acting experience consisted of the many roles she played in productions at Great Neck South Senior High School which included Madame Thenardier in “Les Misérables” and Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd.”
She dreamed of playing Tracy ever since seeing the Broadway production of “Hairpsray” a few years ago. Her spirited performance in the movie got raves and she already completed a role in the film “Harold.”
“I’m just honored that I’m getting to make movies and that I’m a working actress,” she says. “That’s all that’s important to me. The fame is fun but at the end of the day, the fact that I’m working and supporting myself and, hopefully my family someday, that’s all that matters to me.”
So, I had to know: does she ever just wanna jump onto a garbage truck - the way she did in “Hairspray” - and just belt out a tune as she rides down the street?
“Absolutely! I’m gonna go to the fire department next, I’m gonna sing on the tow truck. Wherever. I’m gonna hit every truck in town!”