Nicky Whelan

Nicky Whelan, an actress and model, is from Mornington, Victoria, Australia. She currently stars in the thriller “Maneater,” opposite Shane West and Trace Atkins and filmed in Hawaii. She also stars  “The Flood,” “The Best Man, ” opposite Luke Wilson. Prior to her film debut in 2011, Nicky was featured in various roles in television series, with her breakthrough television debut as Pepper Steiger in the Australian drama series “Neighbours.” from 2006 to 2007. Prior to her feature film acting, she also starred in popular television shows, including HBO’s “Entourage,” the soap opera “Melrose Place,” and the iconic comedy series “Scrubs” with David Spade. Nicky  lives in Los Angeles.

Tell us about your professional evolution from modeling in Australia to acting in America?
I was signed by Vivian‘s, a great modeling agency in Australia, and then moved over to Chadwick’s. I did a handful of modeling, but I am 5 foot 4 so I am limited in a lot of areas. By the age of 24, I was on a television show called “Neighbours” and while shooting the show I was asked to do a film in the United States, which allowed me to make my transition to acting. I kept landing presenting shows, sports commentary, modeling, and even some dancing gigs, which I really enjoyed. I was so incredibly grateful when the audition for ‘Neighbours,” a long running soap opera in Australia, came. From there I continued to book acting roles in the United States and knew that this was the only thing I really wanted to focus on.

Left:
Marina Hoermanseder bodysuit
Gomez Garcia pants
Right:
Elaine Hersby dress
Jennifer Fisher earrings
Schutz shoes

What were some of the things you learned working on television shows and how does television differ from working in film?
I’ve done a great deal of both television and film. Both are quite a different experience. I love the consistency of television. As an actor there’s safety to that as well. Artistically you become so in tune with your character and you can take it so many places. There is stability in a community that’s created on television and that I love very much. As for movies, especially these days they are fast moving. Sometimes we shoot a whole movie in two weeks, which seems so crazy. But there is an excitement in the rush and I’ve been able to travel and spend time in some incredible locations. Strangely, I work well under pressure, and these fast-moving movies kick my ass in a great way.

How do you see yourself in the future as an actress?
I always find questions about the future interesting in our business. I’m not in a powerful enough position to be picking and choosing the exact kind of career that I would like. I’ve always consistently worked and moving forward. I would like that to be the same. I would love to go back into doing more comedy and at some stage I would love to get back on the TV show. But who knows what the universe has in store; half the excitement is the surprise of what’s coming next.

Outside of your career, what is the most fulfilling way to spend your time?
When I’m not working I enjoy time at home. I have a beautiful little dog and a great community of friends. I have a wonderful family in Australia and I try and get back to see them in the middle of the year, and I always go home at Christmas time. I like to travel but if I’ve been on the road, it’s nice to come home and get into a routine of boxing and literally cleaning my house. I know it sounds silly but I miss the basic things when I’m away.

Tell us more about “Maneater.”
“Maneater,” which came out last year, is a fun, popcorn, shark movie. It was tough to shoot even though the location was in Hawaii, lol. There is a crazy following for shark movies so when it was presented to me I kind of chuckled to myself and decided I’m going to be a part of a Shark Movie one time in my career.

What is one of your favorite projects you’ve done so far?
One of my favorite working experiences was with Terrence Malick in “Knight of Cups.” I’m such a fan of his work. The day that I worked I got to do scenes with Antonio Banderas and Christian Bale. The way Terrence shoots and his vision is so magical. It was an unforgettable time I wish I could make more movies like that.

If someone wants to expand his or her skill set in the world of acting coming from a modeling background, what advice would you share about this experience?
Everyone’s journey to acting career is different. I knew that I had to be in the United States. I was lucky to have neighbors as a starting place, especially with no acting experience. But I always say if you can get over here get into a great acting school start a community of friends. It’s a mixture of talent meeting people creating a community being in the right place at the time right time. It seems overwhelming. I remember getting on the plane and kind of throwing my hands in the air and strangely everything just slowly fell into place.

As you’ve been living and working here in America, what do you miss most about Australia?
The thing I miss most about Australia is my family and friends. You can’t replace that and there’s been so many times in my career where I wish I had my family next to me or be able to go home on a Sunday and have a roast dinner. These are some of the sacrifices you make when you move to another country. I miss the beaches in Australia and the simple lifestyle in the small town in which I grew up. I don’t find much peace living in Hollywood.

Left:
Marina Hoermanseder bodysuit
Gomez Garcia pants
Right:
MOTHER OF ALL dress
Victoria Hayes earrings
Schutz shoes

What can we look forward to seeing you in next?
I have a couple of movies coming out in the next 12 months One is a comedy, which I’m really excited to see, and there’s another action movie in there too.

Social Media.
Instagram: @nickywhelan  
Twitter: @NickyWhelan 

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Nicky Whelan
Fashion Stylist: Desiree Morales at Tomlinson Management Group
Hair: Richard Collins at Tomlinson Management Group
Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Camille Guidry, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Studio: FD Studios

SHOP THE LOOK: NICKY WHELAN

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