There are a few words that come to mind when we think of Actress, Nicole Bessick… Fierce, Talented, Memorable and Powerful to name a few.
Better known for her dynamic roles on Binnelanders and Broken Vows, Nicole is currently playing Britney, a feisty go-getter who marches to the beat of her own drum, on a new series showcased exclusively on IGTV, called Lockdown Heights.
But beyond TV and the glitz and glam, there’s much more to Nicole that many don’t know… Our readers are fortunate to get a look into her life behind the cameras, in an all-exclusive interview with HEYBOO.
JOBURG
What do you love most about Joburg?
JHB is designed to make all your dreams come true. In this city, success belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their own dreams. It can get tough to keep up with the pace of it all… but when you do, a world of opportunity opens up. Personally, I’ve never felt more at home.
What makes Joburg “home”?
I’ve made friendships here that will last a lifetime!
Where do you like to spend most of your time?
At home! I lead a pretty fast paced career and lifestyle, but nothing beats unwinding in the comfort of your own home. So lockdown has been a dream!
Where is your favourite Sunday go-to lunch spot or somewhere you like going to hang out?
Mash!
What have you been doing to keep busy during the lockdown?
I’ve been working on a show called Lockdown Heights – it’s an episodic IGTV soap opera.
Originally from Cape Town, settle this argument… Cape Town OR Joburg?
I’m Joburg at hustle, but Cape Town at heart. My soul is at peace in the Mother City.
FASHION
How would you define your style?
Gladiator by day, goddess by night!
Best item of clothing you own?
My Freddy’s Jeans
Most cherished item of clothing or accessory you’ve ever received?
My Jenna Clifford diamond ring. It was a gift from the iconic Jenna Clifford herself. I’m a very lucky girl.
Who is your style icon and why?
My mom! She is the most chic woman on the planet. She could make a garbage bag look like haute couture!
Favourite clothing item you’ve recently bought?
Sassy Chic! I can’t choose just one item; each piece on their catalogue is a winner… Check them out here.
If you could raid anyone’s wardrobe for a day, who would it be and why?
Nicole English. Even when dressed completely down, she knows how to work a new fashion trend to the hilt!
NICOLE
What is one personal characteristic that you have that you wish more people knew about?
I’m quite a softy, which from an outsiders perspective, is a trait people wouldn’t expect me to have. Personally, I don’t mind that most don’t know that about me. It’s a good way to keep my circle small, safe and special.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I went to law school.
What is one goal you have set for yourself this year that you hope to achieve?
Applying for my MBA.
What motto or words do you live by?
Commitment means staying loyal to what you said you would do, long after the mood you said it in has left you.
In your acting career, you get to meet a wide variety of people. Who was your most memorable?
Tiraji P Henson. During the time we shared backstage, she dropped pearls of wisdom that will stick with me for the rest of my life.
How do you maintain a balanced lifestyle – between acting, friends, family etc?
The two keys to maintaining a balanced lifestyle are time-management and down-time. You have 24 hours to dominate a day, so you need to be making the most of each minute. What’s even more important is taking the time to rest and recenter yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
ACTING
What are you currently starring in?
I am currently working on Lockdown Heights, and am so proud to be part of such an incredible project. The show is an episodic IGTV soap opera, is the first of its kind and is truly breaking broadcast boundaries.
In your opinion, what does it take to be an actress?
Talent isn’t enough. In fact, out of all the qualities it takes to be an actress, talent checks in quite low-down on that list. You’ll hear ‘no’, more times than you’ll ever hear anything else. It’s here that attributes such as grit, determination, resilience, perseverance and of course, the X-factor- come into play. It’s tough… but if you’re willing to put in your 10 000 hours and put your passion and love for art above all else, all of it will pay off.
If you weren’t an actress, what profession would you like to go into?
I’d probably go into law – I studied it after all!
Which artists/actors/personalities have influenced you the most?
I think the actors that have inspired me and have influenced my work the most are the female action stars in modern cinema: Uma Thurman, Angelina Jolie, Rhona Mitra, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz to name a few. There’s a lot to be said about women who can kick your ass AND look like a million bucks whilst doing so. I also love that each of these women have done their bit to break the glass ceiling of the entertainment industry and have challenged stereotypes every step of the way.
What has been your most challenging decision in your career thus far? What made it so challenging?
Moving to Johannesburg was definitely the most challenging. My family and friends are all based in Cape Town. Moving to a city to pursue your dream can be very daunting at first, but with enough grit and determination, can prove to be very rewarding.
A cast member always pulling pranks on set is?
Me!
A fellow actor who always offers the best advice is?
Tony Kgoroge
Best on-screen memory?
One of my favourite on-screen moments was definitely shooting with Zane Meas who plays my dad on Binnelanders. While growing up, I watched him dominate the South African creative space… it was such an honour to, nearly two decades later, learn from and share some screen time and him.
Thank you Nicole! Follow her journey below ❤︎
