Nicolas Coster 35th Anniversary of Santa Barbara what I wanted to be and I told him I want to become an actor. Despite being very strict and critical, he supported me and offered to come to London and meet some people. I entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was a great experience, I had a wonderful time and met many outstanding people.
By: Victor Migalchan Victor Migalchan: Mr. Nicolas, let’s start with the beginning of your story. How did you become interested and involved in acting? Nicolas Coster: When I was a highschool student, I went to defend this Mexican kid, who was beaten up by a fascist kid. I wasn’t very successful, because the principal of the school was very right-wing. but the public speaking teacher heard me. She said, “Come here, I’ll put your big mouth to work”and I joined the “Lions Club” which is a worldwide, charitable organization and won basically all their public speaking contests. I was living here in Los Angeles, with my father, who was a military servant, he lived in England. He asked me 28 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY
VM: What was your next step, after you graduated? NC: After I finished my studies, I returned back to Los Angeles. At that time nobody was interested in working with me. I had to do part time jobs, cooking hamburgers. After I did a couple of movies I decided to join the army. I served in the Presidential Guard in Washington DC. I had a chance to go to New York and see the best plays. After that I decided to become a theatre actor. I did many classical theatre plays and finally started working on Broadway with Laurence Olivier as his stand by. After some events in my life, I decided to move back to Los Angeles. I did many successful movies such as “ All the President’s Man”, and then I got a lead role in Santa Barbara. VM: Besides being an actor, what other passion or hobbies do you have? NC: Yes, of course, I love scuba diving. I became a professional scuba diver and licensed scuba diving instructor. Even today I maintain a very active lifestyle. I also love my craft and besides working
on it, I love to contribute. I am a member and judge at the Foreign Language Films at Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and this year I was chosen to be the Award presenter at the 14th China American Film festival. I love teaching. I became a professor at Georgia University, located in Athens (GA). I do many things to keep my active lifestyle. VM: Do you still keep in touch with all the Santa Barbara cast and Crew? NC: Oh, yes we do and I love them. Marcy Walker, A Martinez Jed Alan and everyone. We keep very good relations. We always meet to celebrate Santa Barbara anniversary. I had such a blessing to work with them, we had a very beautiful time. VM: When is the next anniversary coming? NC: I believe the 35th anniversary is coming next year, in 2019. VM: Do you have anything planned? NC: Not at the moment, but we will definitely have a celebration. Maybe on a boat, and by the way you are invited! VM: Thank you Mr. Nicolas for the invitation, we will definitely be there! And thank you so much for your time and interview. NC: It is my pleasure! Thank you for inviting me.