HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS: Nicole Whippy, Actress

NICOLE WHIPPY

Tell us a little bit about yourself... 

I was born in Suva where we lived with my grandmother for the first couple of years of my life until we moved to Botany Downs in East Auckland, NZ. I spent my schooling years in Halfmoon Bay where we were probably the only Fijian family in the neighbourhood although there were a few other Pasifika families with kids who we became good friends with. It was fun. Lots of war games on Pigeon Mountain, dancing to New Edition and eating too many Van Camp chocolates because our friends Dad worked at the Factory.

I always knew I wanted to be an actor. I took part in every speech, poetry and book reading competition at school because I loved talking. Probably a little too much if you asked my teachers but it's all helped me later in life. I starred in every school play from playing Delilah in "Samson and Delilah" the biblical musical at Primary School to Olivia in  "Twelfth Night " at Macleans College.

I graduated from UNITEC with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts in 1999 and got my first acting job on Jacksons Wharf shortly after. I've survived nearly 20 years in the NZ Acting Industry and am looking forward to 20 more! 

I have 2 daughters who talk more than I do now.  My Aunty says they are my karma. 

What inspired you to become an actor? 

I loved performing and creating performances for others. From putting on Christmas Shows with my sister in our lounge to dancing to and with Boney M to re-creating Micheal J Foxs Pepsi commercials on the school field with friends (but a waaay better version) I just loved performing. I think I inspired myself! Although we did grow up with the greatest performers as our Idols-Micheal, Madonna, Stevie, Pointer Sisters-ha! We were really lucky. 

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as an actor?

 Trying to figure out where I fit in with my look in the industry. Being told I wasn't Samoan, Maori, Tongan, American enough looking to audition for work but there were never Fijian roles. I didn't get a part in the only Fijian film made in NZ. In fact no Fijians did. 

The Mountaintop. How did you come to being casted as Camae?

Victor Rodgers asked me to do an FCC public play reading of The Mountaintop with Dave Fane playing Martin Luther King.  We had an amazing response from the audience. I knew then we had something special. In fact I knew we had something special from the moment Dave read the first line of the play in a rehearsal! We did a second public reading several months later to commemorate Martin Luther Kings birthday weekend and again it was received really well. From those we decided to put on the play as a Co-Op because no one else was daring to put on work like this. Like what? Pasifika actors taking on main African American roles. I know people on the industry still doubt whether we can pull this off or whether we should be at all. I'm looking forward to showing them we can and will do it with dignity. 

What makes this different to any of the work you’ve done in the past?

Everything. It is the most beautiful piece of work based on an extraordinary man who changed history. I've never had the chance to do anything that actually changed lives AND this play can change lives. For the better. It is the most beautiful and sad expression of love. Everyone should see it.

Tell us a little bit about your character? Are there any traits you feel you share with her? 

We are both a bit feisty. A bit naughty. A bit too clever at times and that gets us in trouble. She's lots of fun. I would like to have a night out with her. Although I don't think my husband would approve! 

When you wake up in the morning are you ‘Te Ka’ or ‘Te Fiti’? Why? 

Te Fiti mostly. Although things can quickly turn into Te Ka after trying to get my kids ready for school and daycare. 

‘The Rock’ or ‘Jason Mamoa’? 

The Rock. He's funny. I like funny men.

 Flower in ear or bun? 

Flower in the Ear.

FOOD! What is your favourite traditional Fijian dish?

Where do I start. 

Curry corn beef with coconut cream Dalo.

Nanas Mince. With Dalo.

Palausami with Fish...and Dalo.

What prides you most about being Fijian? 

 My family. 

How beautiful the country is when I'm there. Always takes my breath away.

The food!

Fiji Rugby.

If you weren’t an actor, what would you be? 

Lost but probably rich.

Any advice for young, up and coming New Zealand actors?

Don't give up because you didn't get the job or the other job or the other one! Create the work yourself. Took me 40 years to realise that one!

Don't let anyone abuse you in any way. Know your rights! Join Actors Equity!

Watch the news. Watch people. 

Be brave. Travel the world. Give Hollywood a go. I didn't. No regrets but if I was a young-er (lol) actor now I would be ALL over it. Young Pasifika actors are taking over the acting world. 

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By Hanalei Temese