5 minute read
NIKKI CRAWFORD
by Tony Smith: Indie Incognito
I have had the pleasure of interviewing some amazing individuals and artists.. I must say one of the coolest was my "Drive By" call with Nikki Crawford It was a great 10 minute call as she was bundled up in her car, I think on the way to a gig
More in the Q&A on page 12
Nikki Crawford is a talented actress known for her work on Broadway, in film and television. She has showcased her versatility through various roles, often bringing strong characters to life with her dynamic performances In addition to her stage work, Nikki has appeared in several television series' and movies, further establishing her presence in the entertainment industry
Nikki has delivered memorable performances throughout her career across various mediums.
Nikki is a Tony-nominated and Obie Award winner for her iconic portrayal of Tedra in James Ijames, celebrated 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning Fat Ham, first at the Public and then at the American Airlines Theatre
Between the Public and Broadway iterations of Fat Ham, Crawford starred in James Ijames 'TheMost SpectacularlyLamentableTrial of Miz Martha Washington"at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Some of her guest star roles include a recurring role on Sony's Cruel Intentions;NCISLA;9-1-1; NCIS, United Statesof Al, Selena: TheSeries, Elsbeth and a starring role in Lifetime's "ACountryChristmas Harmony" In the theater world, she was handpicked by the legendary Mike Nichols to open the Vegas company of "Spamalot", for which she was named Vegas Showstopper of the Year.
Q &A
following is my Q & A with Nikki Crawford. It gives just a little insight into her world and how she became who she is today. A Rising Star!.
Q. Can you describe your childhood for our readers?
A. Tumultuous and chaotic, which taught me discipline I yearned for stability, so I threw myself into my art, which at that time was ballet.
Q. Who was the first and or most profound influence in your early years?
A. Bette Davis I studied all her movies; her mannerisms; the way she listened and responded to other actors To me, she was acting at its best!
Q. What teacher saw your potential, even before you did?
A. Ms. Viccellio at Springbrook High School in Silver Spring MD She taught me the love of theatre and encouraged me to pursue it professionally.
Q. What was your first performance and how nervous were you?
A. It was a production of the Hot l Baltimore by Lanford Wilson at Chautauqua Theatre I played the girl and had a million lines. Back then memorizing scared me and during rehearsals I would have a recurring dream that I would go up on my lines.
I think I dropped a few in a couple of performances but eventually did a decent job lol.
Q. When did you realize you were good enough and ready for acting-performance as a career path?
A. After I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University school of drama. In the 90?s it was probably one of the hardest programs to get accepted to and even harder to stay in I left knowing I was ready for the real world of entertainment.
Q. Describe your first professional experience?
A. I worked while I was at Carnegie Mellon I did a couple of tv shows and one actors equity show, but to me those don? t count, even though I earned all my union cards before graduating. My first starring role was at the age of 27 playing Lady Liv in a musical called, Play On! I replaced the fabulous Tonya Pinkins and KNEW I had some big shoes to fill On top of which, it was my first musical, so I was scared shitless I don? t believe I was very good at first, but I worked my ass off and eventually became quite good PBSGreat Performances picked it up, so it?s out there for the entire world to see. Like forever lol.
Q. What was your favorite performance on stage and on film?
A. I have 2 shows. First, when I played a young Lena Horne opposite Leslie Uggams I played her from 16 - 46 with 25 costume changes. It was a triple threat role for real for real I was honored when the late great Nancy Wilson told me I had truly captured Lena?s Horne The 2nd is the role I received a Tony nomination for: Tedra in Fat Ham This was my first time having the opportunity to create a role from the ground up. I did it off Broadway at the Public Theatre, and then when it transferred to Broadway, 6 months later. That role will always be near and dear to my heart.
Q. What did your Tony nominations mean to you?
A. Validation for all my years of hard work. It was a dream come true. God willing, I will win one in the next couple of years That's my intention at least.
Q. What is next for Nikki Crawford?
A. I recently guest starred on Elsbeth on CBS and have a recurring role (playing 2nd Lady Ellen Grover) on Amazon Prime's Cruel Intentions. In January, I will be workshopping a new play in New York, and then will head to Vancouver to shoot Tracker on CBS. I'm especially excited about the guest role on Tracker because I'm playing a part that's so opposite of who I am or how I'm normally cast. I won't say much more other than you'll have to tune in to see it! :)
Q. What would be your words of encouragement for those wanting into your industry?
A. Never give up! If you have a dream, give it everything you have until the wheels fall off! Work hard, stay humble, and learn from those who have come before you.
